Rye Harbor Lobster Pound

When you can’t get something out of your head, when it’s got your grey matter in a chokehold, you find a way to have it again at all costs. Tasting perfection changes a person, wouldn’t you agree? Now, the above is applicable to many things in life. In this case, my brain was at a standstill last weekend after having one of the most balanced lobster rolls and lobster bisques that I’ve had in recent months. So much so that I scrambled to catch them again this weekend before they closed for the season. Kudos to the Ladies at the Rye Harbor Lobster Pound for continuously churning out well-seasoned generously stuffed rolls, unctuous bisques and loaded chowders. Get your roll hot (Sherry Butter, what? Take my money) or cold (crunch of celery, perfect amt of mayo, hint of citrus…come on); cannot go wrong w/ either. And please, no skipping their trademarked Fluffy Chowder — your stomach, your soul, and yes, even your brain will thank you for pampering them w/ the riches of the sea. Extra: They currently have some of the better prices for lobsters/lb that I’ve seen, for ex. Select Lobsters at 2+ lbs for ~$12.00/lb. Check their socials for when they’ll be open again; however, I did just see that they have a baby sister location a short distance away at 919 Washington Rd, Rye, called “The Hungry Lobster” with an even larger menu…Oh, that’s dangerous.

The staff at the Rye Lobster Pound were very friendly and inviting. We enjoyed ordering from a place supporting local fisherman with local catch. The steamers were cooked to order and very tasty, with plenty of butter. The Fluffy Chowder is packed with both lobster and clams and is delicious. This is a takeout shack, but there is seating available in the area. Be prepared to pay $10 to park in the commercial wharf, or take advantage of the limited free 30-min parking and get your order to go. Highly recommend!

Not much to say except that this is worth the stop! Everything was delicious. Both the hot and cold lobster rolls are must try. The lobster rolls are stuffed so make sure you go hungry. The lobster bisque, chefs kiss! And the chowder- an excellent dish. Can’t wait to go back next year. Best lobster rolls around.

The lobster roll ($30) was loaded with lobster, no mayo, just lobster in a buttered and toasted hot dog roll. I got it hot so I was eating fresh cooked lobster meat. The fluffy chowda ($20 for 16 oz container) was clam chowder with a twist (lobster included). It was excellent. Definitely go if you haven’t been.

Our 1st time at the Rye Lobster Pound today & it was well worth the trip. The fluffy chowder exceeded expectations. Buttery chunks of lobster over the best chowder I've ever had- & there's been A LOT of chowder.... We shared a hot lobster roll and the small fluffy- perfect amount of food for a light breakfast 🙂🌞

The lobster bisque is amongst the very best in New England, 10/10. Lobster & clams were fresh & cooked well. Warning: This is not a restaurant per se, just a take out shack with a few picnic tables nearby. No shell cracker utensils, no small implement to get lobster out of the shell. I literally had to use 2 rocks on the ground to crack into our lobsters & im from Maine & have been eating lobster for 4+ decades. Just know what you’re getting into if you buy a steamed lobster here for eating here. I would probably opt for a lobster roll as a good 2nd option. Great place for getting takeout if staying nearby where you had table, utensils, plates, paper towels & soap/water to wash your hands after eating shellfish by hand

I loved loved loved this place! It’s one of those hidden gem lobster shacks. One of the my favorite lobster rolls I’ve ever had. We got the cold lobster roll ($30) and a cup of bisque ($9). The roll isn’t anything crazy just your typical hot dog roll toasted but the lobster out of this world it was super tender and a little sweet. Also the perfect amount of mayo enough the lobster isn’t getting dry but not so much it’s taking away the flavor of the lobster. They also put some fresh greens in there which I liked. The lobster bisque was insanely good super creamy and buttery with huge chunks of lobster, we almost went back for a second cup. Also it has a really nice view of the ocean. Some seating over to the left of the building nice for a quick lunch with a small group. Overall if you’re within 45 minutes of this place I’d make the drive.

This little hidden gem was suggested to me by a friend and let me tell you! It’s the best clam chowder I ever had! It’s called a fluffy clam chowder and it’s worth every penny! Loaded with lobster meat! Also got the lobster Mac and cheese! Also so good! Basically a little stand order your food to go and sit on the wall or at one of the picnic tables provided. Great food and great views of the harbor. I really enjoy coming here.

Rich, buttery, creamy lobster bisque with fresh, perfectly cooked lobster. Definitely recommend. Fast and friendly service in a no frills setting. I'll be back for a lobster roll (hot butter of course) soon.

It was my first time trying a new place lobster rolls in New Hampshire. I have my usual go-to places when I visit but stumbled upon Rye Harbor Lobster Pound on TikTok and thought I'd give it a try! I had the hot butter lobster roll (only way to have a lobster roll) I also had the lobster bisque which had lobster meat chunks in it as well as the fluffy chowder which was clam chowder with lobster meat chunks. The hot butter lobster roll was chefs kiss. Perfectly cooked and perfectly buttered. Not too oily/buttery. And the lobster meat was tender. The bisque and chowder were definitely a game changer with the lobster bits in it. I definitely will make this a regular spot when I visit in the summers. On top of the great food, service was quick and friendly! Appreciate the staffs help when we had questions. It's a to-go only place but they have picnic benches along the shore of Rye where you enjoy the ambiance of the coast with your meal. Only down side is you have to pay for parking, buuuuuut, it's definitely worth it!

Classic lobster rolls, the wife had the hot, I had the cold. Roll grilled nicely, lobster done to perfection- both were delicious. We also split a fluffy clams chowder, which we had never tried- delicious. Not the best clam chowder we've ever had. We are very partial to the Sail Loft in Boston. The last few bites of this one was very watery- the first bites with the lobster, like I said delicious. The service was good for a little take out place- the freshness is what we were after more than anything. We took it away to the beach around the corner- the parking lot - where it's located is a drag. The food was good but it better be for 85$ for 2 lobster rolls and 16 ozs of fluffy chowder.

We drive about 45 minutes to try the fluffy lobster chowder. We ended up getting the clam chowder and the lobster both were great and just so you all know this place has not seating but a long line lol... would definitely go again

Just had a most delicious lunch from Rye Harbor Lobster Pound. Went with my daughter and her baby. We each got Cold Rolls. These sandwiches were packed with lobster meat and served on a buttered toasted roll. Amanda also got a bowl of Fluffy Chowder. We're not really sure what made it fluffy, but she said it was nice and creamy and had a bunch of lobster in it. I got a bowl of Cole Slaw that was very good (I'm pretty picky when it comes to slaw). The roll comes with a small bag of Lays potato chips. Ordering is easy. Go into the shack, tell the friendly staff member what you'd like. Pay. Then go outside and wait for them to call your name. We sat at a picnic table overlooking the harbor with other folks doing the same. Nothing fancy, but oh my goodness! The Lobster Roll was SO GOOD! I recommend coming here without hesitation and will return in the future.

This was our last stop after driving up north in NH seeing the colors of Fall. I really wanted to like this place, but is just fell a little short for me. Paying $10 to park seemed excessive to start. The lobster roll was good, but it just did not have a lot of lobster for $30. It seemed like 4-5 oz at best. The fluffy chowder and lobster bisque were the best items we had here. Steamers were good, but smaller long necks. Service was friendly.

Love it! This wonderful place puts out absolutely delicious, quality seafood, and the harbor view adds to the ambiance. The staff is friendly and they move it! The warm lobster roll is heavenly as is the patented "Fluffy Chowder". Other items are available. The Hungry Lobster is their second, year round location. Go there for the best!

The lobster is so fresh, I literally saw the lobsterman walking in with them. The roll is packed with meat for a good price and a nice add on to any meal is their "fluffy" clam chowder. On a beautiful day, you can sit sea side to take in the sights and breathe in the fresh air.

Wish we could give more than 5 starts. We had the hot lobster roll, fluffy chowder, and garlic butter mussels (mussels were $3.59/lb!). Everything was amazing. The lobster was perfectly cooked, everything tasted fresh. There's free 30 minute parking for pick up. Grab soemthing here and you won't regret it! It's also a great example of a place run by young teenage staff who do it well.

While this is called a lobster "shack" it's more like a "portable storage unit" for the backyard! The only let down for this travelin' Texan. I was on Star Island, NH for 5 nights. Most there were from NH or NE. I often asked where's the best place to get a lobster roll. This place was mentioned time and time again. So I went... being from Austin where one can wait 4 hours to get Franklin's BBQ, the one and a half hour wait to get a good lobster roll is ok. So I waited and items in the menu would get crossed off the list but what I wanted was not. Everyone said get the hot roll with sherry butter sauce and the fluffy chowder. I ordered the hot and the cold roll (Mayo mix) and the fluffy chowder AND the lobster bisque. To be fair I had not had a roll or chowder since getting to NE. No opportunity. But I did this day and one other day when I was a bit further inland.... The lobster rolls and soups did not disappoint! I am glad I ordered ALL that. I was told to order 2 rolls because they are small. One was perfectly adequate for a meal. Adding a soup to it was over filling. Funny thing- I like the opposite of the top recommendations. I could not discern the sherry flavor in the butter "sauce" and the sauce made the bun soggy. But all that lobster!!!! Omg! The Mayo based roll was much more to my liking. As for the soups--- the fluffy chowder. What's the big deal? It wasn't fluffy. It was creamy but not fluffy. And the lobster bisque was TO DIE FOR! I've never had better. And what was nice about both - lobster dropped in for a substantial garnish. While I definitely had my faves of the 4 items they were all so good and worth the wait. Given the opportunity I'd probably order everything I did again and hope I have someone to share it with. My vegetarian friend who was kind enough to wait with had none. But she supported my desire for a really good lobster roll and did not rush me. Thank you friend!

This was the exact seafood experience I was craving. This is a little seafood shack at the harbor, the line is long and so is the wait, but the prices and food are well worth it! I got the fluffy and the lobster bisque (my fav).

Eureka!!! For about 50 years, I have been on a dedicated consummate search for the absolute best chowder in the world. I can now honestly report such has been found today at Rye Beach, NH. I hands down declare the "FLUFFY CHOWDER" to be found at the Rye Harbor Seafood Pound as #1, finest in the land!!! My Nanna's Conch chowder (Key Largo, Fl) is now moved to #2 (sorry gram); Bethany's clam chowder at Block Island Airport in R.I. is #3; and #4 is the seafood chowder at Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia. This place is a short 10 minute detour off I-95 just south of Portsmouth,NH. I am now officially an addict!

The lobster roll and the fluffy clam chowder were amazing. I can't wait to go back! The young ladies working there were very friendly and helpful in answering my questions.

Delicious lobster roll! Ordered it hot with fluffy clam chowder (it's made "fluffy" by adding chunks of lobster). Outdoor seating by the water. No indoor options so plan accordingly. Yummy! No mayo for those that are mayo adverse.

Cute little place! Delicious food right near the water The fluffy chowder was awesome

We got a clam chowder, fluffy chowder and 2 lbs of steamers all were fantastic! The steamers were clean no grit at all and delicious the fluffy chowder and clam chowderis something I'm already addicted too lol. Very reasonable prices can't wait to get back there

Adorable little shack with the freshest lobster!! I try a lot of lobster rolls( over 30 places all over Maine, NH and MA) .. this is in my top 10!! If you are coming you must also get the fluffy clam chowder, it's creamy and delicious. You can order at the shack and then there is panic tables and bathrooms if you walk a little towards the water.

Just as good as the first time. We had to spot here on our way back from ME. It is still the best lobster roll we ever ate. And you can't say no to the lobster bisque as well. Always on our list when we are in the area. It is worth the side trip!!!

We visit Hampton Beach every year and are always on the lookout for lobster rolls and seafood. This place was rated well so we gave it a try for lunch. The hot lobster roll was stuffed with warm butter lobster meat. The roll was perfectly toasted, wasn't too dry, wasn't soggy. You can taste the butter but not too much to overwhelm the lobster. The lobster bisque was rich and creamy with large chunks of lobster. The fluff chowder also had a ton of lobster meat. Everything was super hot, fresh and delicious. The staff were friendly, service was quick. The inside of the hut was clean and organized. Would highly recommend.

Never disappoints...you want fresh, can't get any fresher! Don't forget to tip! The team works very hard! I'm a repeater!!!!!

Super friendly and speedy service! Everything was phenomenal from the fluffy clam chowder to the lobster roll!

The lobster bisque is the best I have had ANYWHERE. PERIOD. Better than any fine dining establishment could pull off. Lots of fresh lobster included in this velvety smooth bisque. Worth stopping in to try. They also have shrimp cocktail and other lobster items.

Found this place on Yelp.... And I'm so glad I did. I usually go to another local place for lobster rolls but this time wanted to venture out see what else is out there. This is now my favorite place for a lobster roll and chowder. I love hot lobster rolls and this is hands down the best one I ever had, I'm having dreams about it haha. Also the drive to this location is really pretty, if you don't plan on staying more than 30 mins the parking is free which is nice. But it's a great place if you wanna grab food, grab a table and watch some boats. The fluffy chowder was 100000/10. I could bathe in it. Bury me with a hot lobster roll and their fluffy chowder. Point made? I hope so.

Went there with my daughter this past LaborDay weekend. It was better than advertised as the lobster bisque was better than anything I've ever had, stuffed with real lobster...amazing...best on the north coast Portsmouth!!!

The food was delicious. Odd arrangement to eat. You have 30 minutes to eat, in car or not attractive picnic tables. Of course you can always drive off to another place, while your food gets cold.

The lobster roll was pretty good. My only complaint was the attitude of the workers. They open at 10am, we got there at 9.57am. The door open and we saw people inside so I walked in and asked if they were open yet, they asked what we wanted and we said 2 hot lobster rolls, they told us it would be 10mins. Cool. We left and went to the pier, came back at 10.10am. As we approached one boy said "here come those two again, great." Sorry we wanted to spend money in your open store and came back at the time you told us to. I know working early mornings during the summer is a bummer but maybe just don't be a dick. Also just bc it is loud inside doesn't mean people can't hear you outside

Simple lobster shack on water. Very nice. Lobster roll, lobster bisque, and tea. Parking can be tough, but attendant is accommodating.

Yeah wtf. Stood in line first . There was like 10 people after me. One by one they got their food. Surely they order the same thing. The kid had the nerve to ask for me after waiting a long time but said I kept disappearing on him. I stood there and he walked past by me several times, wtf. Yet I tipped. I never would tip on takeout. It's their damn job to make the food. I already paid a lot for the food. Why would I tip? After this I'm done going to this place. What have they never seen an Asian person before? So rigging rude. There is definitely way better place than this place and better service. I stood outside because there is no lobby to stand inside. Can on fit like 2-3 people before the register. I should get my tip back. I just was not impressed.

We stopped by for the third time during our vacation -- that's how much we love this shack! The lobster bisque, lobster roll, and their trademark Fluffy Chowder™ are all incredible. This place stands out -- the chowder and bisque are truly unique, unlike anything we've had elsewhere. Everything is loaded with chunky, fresh seafood and packed with flavor. Totally mind-blowing every time!

Fresh seafood, great service, customer driven, pricing is average but fair, always a variety of fish, shell fish and of course lobsters.

We went here and got the Fluffy chowder! To die for!! We also got the lobster rolls and they were delicious and huge!! Great prices and the service was outstanding!! Definitely don't want to miss this casual, friendly restaurant! We will be going back this week!

A friend who is from New Hampshire highly recommended this place. She was absolutely right! For starters Rye is a very cute area right on the water and very scenic. My friend and I shared the hot lobster roll and we each got out own fluffy chowder soup. I couldn't wait to try the chowder based on all the amazing Yelp reviews. The Chowder is amazing with lots of Lobster on top and Sherry. I would drive back there just for that chowder. The Lobster roll was also very good, a little small but that seems to be the case at most places here in New Hampshire and Maine. There are benches near the water to sit and eat. There is no indoor seating.

The best lobster roll and lobster bisque ever. Better than anything in Maine. Could easily eat this everyday.

This is one of those hidden places that is worth the visit. Many know about the "Fluffy Chowder", see my previous review of "The Hungry Lobster", but they also have a chunky lobster bisque. This was just as good! Delicious and rich bisque with a generous topping of warm sherry/butter lobster meat. While this location is difficult to park at, I think it is worth the trouble as you can eat watching the boats come and go in and out of Rye Harbor. When your done, you can pick up some lobsters to take home.

The absolute best lobster bisque and fluffy chowder! We also had a delicious lobster roll. Friendly staff and quick service.

Is this place still in business ? Open for summer yet ?? Reviews look great. Anyone know ? Saw a tick tock video today that looked fantastic 6/2/24

Looking for lobster in the New Hampshire coast? Look no further. This place is the real deal. Super fresh lobster and quick service. The parking lot is a paid parking lot for $5 for a day pass. But if you tell the cashier that you paid for parking, they will take $5 off your order. Only downside to this place is that there's no seating, so you're left with having to sit near the harbor on one of the few benches they have there. Not a big deal though, and probably not their fault as the place is very small. When I got there on a Sunday afternoon, the line wasn't too long. Took maybe 10 minutes to get to the front to order. I had the small fluffy chowder which is clam chowder topped with lobster in their sherry butter. I also ordered a small Montauk seafood salad, and a warm lobster roll. The chowder is a very good one, and especially delicious when you add the lobster. They definitely don't skimp on the lobster. The Montauk seafood salad was much better than I was expecting. Consisted of mussels, shrimp and scallops. All of it was very fresh and seasoned well. The lobster roll was filled with fresh lobster and the sherry butter was fantastic. No shells in the lobster at all which can sometimes ruin the sandwich. 10/10 would recommend! And will definitely be back.

The Best Lobster Roll we have ever had. Hands down. The lobster was the most luscious, juicy, sweet, flavorful lobster meat we've ever had in a lobster roll. And, they give you plenty of lobster meat. Out of this world. Staff was super nice. We will come back every time we are in town.

There were no clams in the clam chowder but since we ordered the extra lobster on top that was fair The steamers were just OK no flavor Nice view overlooking the water

Lobster bisque is the best! 10/10 and 30 minute free parking. We go here every year and love it

The portions are exceptional and the lobster is perfect! I highly recommend the lobster mac and cheese.

My first visit to Rye Harbor and the lobster roll was delicious! I am looking forward to coming back again.

Still GREAT seafood! We had lobsters, steamers and clam chowder. All were the pinnacle of freshness and flavor. You can taste the Atlantic Ocean in each and every bite. Staff are super friendly, efficient and competent. This meal was literally the best seafood meal I've had--ever! Thank you Rye Harbor Lobster Pound for a great seafood experience.

How did I live my whole life without knowing about fluffy chowder?!! Rye harbor is a little off the beaten path and there is a $5 parking charge, but it is validated back as a discount on your food order. The girls inside were super sweet and working hard - don't forget to tip them! This is a walk up, togo only type spot, but there are benches around the marina to eat and watch the boats. I had the small fluffy chowder and a lobster roll. OMG, so good - lobster roll wasn't overly wet and I'll be dreaming about the fluffy chowder. Take the time to head over to Rye Harbor - you won't regret it!

This is one of those times that admittedly Yelp comes through with the hidden gems/quality eats. After hanging out with a friend in Portsmouth, I definitely wanted to make a seafood stop to-go for dinner. I have always seen signs for The Beach Plum, and have been curious about it, but was wary after reading a number of recent reviews. If I was going to get a lobster roll, I wanted to ensure that it was done well! I was glad with my choice of checking out Rye Harbor Lobster Pound driving south back to MA. It's definitely hidden; I honestly would not have found it if it wasn't for folks giving a heads up here. I ordered the hot lobster roll (the sherry butter/lobster/all of it! were delicious), and had the clam chowder which was also excellent. I didn't realize fluffy chowder was actually a scoop of the sherry buttered lobster into the chowder (!) but it just gives me another reason to stop by another time! As with all my experiences, if the service is kind/on point, then it truly deserves 5 stars, and I appreciated those who helped out today. Looking fwd to coming back!

Lobster bisque. Eat all the bisque. Actually, no then if you do there is nothing left for me. This is the best, creamiest, fluffiest and decadent chowder I have had in my entire life. I have also dipped my steamers in the bisque in lieu of butter. Do it, try it. It's amazing. I prefer the lobster bisque over the fluffy chowder. The flavor profile if you have both the chowder and bisque together for me, the stand out is the lobster bisque. Great lobster and steamer prices. They oblige when I ask for specific lobsters, and larger size steamers.

If you're a lobster lover like me, this is the place to go! This is a small shop, but they certainly don't skimp out on the lobster meat. I got the cold lobster roll and small fluffy chowder. The lobster roll was stuffed with lobster chunks and smothered in mayo. They're so generous with the lobster that you wouldn't realize that you're eating out of a regular sized hot dog bun! I've had many lobster rolls across the New England area and this is probably one of the best lobster rolls I've ever had. As for the fluffy chowder, I originally got it because it was something I've never had before. It was a combination of two foods I love: clam chowder and lobster. The chowder was smooth and creamy and loaded with large chunks of buttered lobster. So you get the best of both worlds! Overall, great food at reasonable prices!

One of the best places around to fulfill your lobster craving. Get the "fluffy chowder" and thank me later!

One of the best if not the best lobster rolls I've had! Both the bread and the lobster were super buttery. Lobster tasted so fresh, tender. They also have this amazing fluffy clam chowder. It includes lobster and clam with a buttery topping. It is actually SO good - this one is definitely the best clam chowder I've ever had. Staff were super friendly, and we were served quickly. They have a cute dog greeting people at the door. Parking is free for 30 minutes, and there are a couple of outdoor tables.