Morgan C.
Yelp
True confession: I had very low expectations for the Lobster Pot, as it looks like a nondescript roadside eatery at first pass. When we stepped inside, there were very few people sitting at the tables and at the bar, which is a mixed bag in and of itself. On one hand, I was starving, and happy to see there would be no wait for a table. On the other hand, if there's no one there, maybe it's because the restaurant is terrible? Hope not!
However, my worries were quickly assuaged when we were escorted out to the lovely patio seating, which features a gorgeous view of the waterfront and the boats bobbing in the harbor. It was a wonderful and warm late summer day, and I was suddenly grateful for the lack of company outside - we could simply sit and enjoy nature. Sigh. I wasn't too distracted to check out the menu, though! The Lobster Pot, as the name suggests, is known for their lobster (duh), but if you aren't a fan, there's plenty more options, including Calf's Liver, if that's what you're into. I didn't go that route, thankfully, and opted for a Shrimp Cocktail as a starter and the Grilled Salmon Salad as an entree.
The Shrimp Cocktail came out first, along with some fresh Italian bread that was soft and pillowy. Our awesome server, Matthew, told us that they get it in daily from a local bakery down the road in neighboring Barrington. I am embarrassed to say how many slices I had! The shrimp was also impressive. The pieces were sizable, and very fresh. I also liked the presentation of the dish, on a rustic looking iron tray. I was so hungry that I forgot to snap a photo!
The entrees followed shortly after. While my Grilled Salmon Salad looked simple and small, it was quite tasty and filling! The aforementioned salmon was tender and cooked perfectly, and the grilled peppers, asparagus, and tomatoes were nice additions. It made for a refreshing lunch. My grandparents, who I was dining with, enjoyed their Baked Stuffed Lobsters, and I snuck a piece of the lobster tail, which was meaty and flavorful. The only bummer of the entree course was the disappointing side dish selection. They didn't have the option for steamed veggies as a side, and I was kind of miffed about that. We got pickled beets on the side, and I saw the servers preparing the dish from an industrial bucket of beets. Eek. We passed on those. Everything else was great, though!
The Lobster Pot is a nice place to visit on a sunny day whilst driving through Bristol. We had a fantastic lunch, and I am glad I didn't judge a book by its cover to find this great hidden restaurant!