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 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)
Stratford Garden
This new summer arrival is rich, vibrant and just a little spicy. Lightly dressed lobster is piled high on a decadent, buttery brioche roll and finished with Calabrian chili butter, diced celery and sprinkled with chives. Enjoy it on a summer night in the restaurant’s new outdoor dining garden. Pro tip: pair it with Rothaus Pilsner. 300 W. Broad St., Falls Church
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, gild the lily with a lobster BLT roll (because bacon makes everything better, right?). If you’re extra hungry, the supersize 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)
Lyon Hall
Just want a taste? You can have your lobster roll as a starter at this Clarendon brasserie. The mini lobster roll comes with lettuce, brown butter, dill mayo and lemon with a side of french fries. It’s available during the dinner hour in the hors d’oeuvres section of the menu. 3100 N. Washington Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
The Salt Line
Try one lobster roll, then come back later and try another at The Salt Line, which offers the summer delicacy two ways. The Connecticut-style roll is served warm with rich, drawn butter, while the chilled Maine-style roll is dressed in mayo, shallots, tarragon and lemon. Both feature 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)
Patsy’s American
You’ll find lobster rolls 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, for those who don’t like getting Old Bay under their fingernails. The lobster roll comes with about 6 ounces of lobster meat served on a warm, split top bun with a side of fries and coleslaw. You’ll find oysters, shrimp, burgers and gluten-free crab cakes on the menu, too. 1200 Fort Myer Drive, Arlington (Rosslyn)
Randy’s Prime Seafood and Steaks
Hit this Tysons steakhouse (and sibling restaurant to Patsy’s American next door) during lunchtime for a traditional style lobster roll served warm with drawn garlic butter and a side of duck fat fries. The dinner menu offers the delectable crustacean in other forms, including lobster bisque and lobster crab cakes. 8051 Leesburg Pike, Vienna (Tysons)
