Nothing says summer like a succulent lobster roll. It’s quite a long drive to New England from here, but you can still get a taste of this beachy favorite close to home, served Maine-style (cold with mayo and herbs) or Connecticut-style (warm with melted butter).
Haute Dogs
You’ll find chilled Maine lobster, lightly-dressed in lemon juice, mayo, chopped celery and a sprinkle of black pepper, year-round at this family business in Williamsburg Village, but get there early, as this popular menu item ($24.95) often sells out. Haute Dogs gets its split-top brioche buns fresh daily from a local artisan bakery and serves its lobster roll with hand-cut fries, which can be upgraded to other options including garlic parmesan fries, chili-cheese tots or a garden salad. “My grandmother was from Beacon Hill in Boston,” says co-founder Chloé Swanson. “Her sister has lived in Cape Cod since the ‘60s and we’ve grown up eating lobster rolls up the coast on our road trips to visit.” 2910 N. Sycamore St., Arlington (Williamsburg Village)
Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls
This lobster-centric chain sources its shellfish straight from the chilly waters of Maine. Go for the classic dressed with chilled mayo and lemon butter; the Connecticut Roll, which is just lobster meat and warm butter on a bun; or the lobster salad roll—lobster tossed with mayo, celery and lemon. Better yet, guild the lily with a lobster BLT roll (because bacon makes everything better-right?). If you’re extra hungry, the Bar Harbor packs a bun with 50% more lobster meat, including lobster tail. 243 W. Falls Station Blvd., Falls Church, and 4017 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Patsy’s American
Lobster rolls are on the menu year-round during lunch and dinner at this easygoing eatery from Great American Restaurants in Tysons. Enjoy lobster salad piled high on a house-baked, buttery grilled roll, accompanied by roasted corn on the cob and fresh, hand-cut fries. 8051 Leesburg Pike, Vienna (Tysons)
Quarterdeck
Arlington’s go-to spot for steamed crabs since 1979, this casual eatery also has a Maine-style lobster roll on offer. It comes with about 6 ounces of lobster meat served on a warm, split top bun with a side of fries and cole slaw. You’ll find oysters, shrimp, burgers and gluten-free crab cakes on the menu too, but the biggest draw here is Chesapeake blue crabs. 1200 Fort Myer Drive, Arlington (Rosslyn)
Randy’s Prime Seafood and Steaks
Find lobster rolls in two styles on the lunch menu at this Tysons steakhouse. Randy’s Traditional Lobster Roll is served warm with fresh lobster and drawn garlic butter. The Lobster-Crab Cake Roll features lobster and jumbo lump crab drizzled with lobster beurre blanc on a grilled roll. Both options come with duck fat fries. 8051 Leesburg Pike, Vienna (Tysons)
The Salt Line
Try one lobster roll, then come back later and try another at The Salt Line, where they offer the summer delicacy two ways. Choose the warm Connecticut-style roll with rich, drawn butter, or the chilled Maine-style roll dressed in mayo, shallots, tarragon and lemon. Both are served in a traditional top-split bun with fresh steamed Maine lobsters. Enjoy them with a side of crispy fries or simply dressed greens for a lighter option. 4040 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
Water Bar
Get your hands on a classic roll here while you can. It’s only available in spring and summer at this eatery perched atop a waterfall at National Landing’s Water Park. The classic-style roll comes with a butter-toasted brioche roll, garlic aioli, celery salt and a side of fries. For more crustacean goodness, try out the Lobster Mac & Cheese. 1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)