Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough is a beloved waterfront seafood spot located in Noank, Connecticut, known for its classic New England charm and laid-back atmosphere.
Established in 1947, the restaurant overlooks the Mystic Harbor, offering stunning seaside views that perfectly complement its fresh, no-frills seafood menu. The star of the show is, of course, the hot lobster roll — a generous portion of tender lobster meat served warm and drenched in butter on a toasted bun, a regional favorite that has earned national acclaim.
A Connecticut-style lobster roll is served warm, featuring chunks of lobster meat sautéed in melted butter and placed on a toasted, split-top hot dog bun. It’s simple, rich, and buttery — meant to highlight the sweet flavor of the lobster itself.
Abbott’s serves a lobster roll that stands apart from the traditional versions found elsewhere in New England. Instead of the usual split-top hot dog bun, they use a soft, round, toasted hamburger-style roll that cradles a heaping portion of warm, buttered lobster meat. The lobster is served Connecticut-style — pure, simple, and drenched in melted butter, allowing the sweetness of the meat to shine without any mayo or filler. The roll itself is lightly toasted to provide just enough structure to hold the warm, tender chunks of lobster, but it remains soft enough to soak up the butter.
Grade: A
