James Hook & Co

"Family-owned since 1925, James Hook & Company has become a giant and well-loved lobster purveyor. The business experienced a major fire back in 2008 but has since rebuilt, and maintains its status as a go-to for a respectable New England lobster roll." - Erika Adams, Katie Chudy

"James Hook & Co., which has been around since 1925, is definitely known for its lobster rolls, and it winds up on just about every “best lobster roll in Boston” list for good reason. It’s simple — lobster meat, mayo, buttered roll — but simple is best when it comes to lobster rolls. Let that claw meat sing. James Hook is in the heart of the city, but it feels as though it’s in some small town in mid-coastal Maine. Grab a bit of outdoor seating or stroll along the Harborwalk or Seaport Boulevard for water views." - Celina Colby, Eater Staff

"Less of a full-fledged restaurant and more of an urban lobster shack, this family-owned institution has brought lobster to downtown Boston since 1925. The menu is an essentials-only selection of lobster rolls, shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, whole-cooked lobsters, and clam chowders—everything here is so good you won't need many more options. This is Bostonian seafood in its purest expression." - Todd Plummer, Shannon McMahon

"It’s not all lobsters at James Hook & Co. (though you should try the lobster roll, too)." - Nathan Tavares, Erika Adams, Terrence Doyle

"Recent Boston transplant Keonte Henson, @wannabestayathomedad, highlighted a good spread of new and classic spots in his reviews. One notable review was of the $27.99 cold lobster roll at James Hook + Co., where he questioned the value, stating, "$30 for this? I just don’t get it." - Erika Adams