Debates have raged for years about the “proper” way to prepare a New England lobster roll —cold or hot? Mayo or butter? Garlic or chives? But one thing is for certain: there’s something undeniably summery about biting into fresh, succulent lobster meat piled atop a soft, buttery bun.
If Michigan’s summer heat has you craving this delicacy, you don’t have to travel to the East Coast to get one. Here are six local places to get your lobster roll fix this summer.
Hazel’s
Since 2019, this eclectic downtown Birmingham eatery has taken advantage of summer’s quieter weeks by experimenting with a lobster-focused menu called Hazel’s Lobster Pound. This special menu is served from July until September and features a Maine-style lobster roll, which is served cold with a mayonnaise dressing; or a Connecticut-style roll, served with hot drawn butter. The menu also offers whole lobsters, lobster cobb salad, lobster bisque, and other classic New England-style shellfish dishes. Visiting outside of the summer months? Hot and cold lobster rolls are on the spring “Eastern Shore Menu,” which is available April through June. Hazel’s, 1 Peabody St., Birmingham; eatathazels.com.
Ostrea Detroit
This seafood forward restaurant in Detroit’s Financial District features a menu primarily focused on oysters and fresh fish, but you’ll also find a Maine lobster roll, made with knuckle and claw meat, celery salt mayo, and a celery leaf on a buttered brioche roll. Ostrea Detroit, 536 Shelby, St., Detroit; ostreadetroit.com.
The Lobster Food Truck
The Best of Detroit winner for Best Food Truck in 2020, 2021, and 2022, serves up a lobster-centric menu all year long. The hot lobster butter roll is a favorite. Other menu features include seafood mac and cheese, and lobster tacos. Watch for the truck at Comerica Park and around town, or stop at their brick-and-mortar location. The Lobster Pitstop, 10405 Ford Road, Dearborn; thelobsterfoodtruck.com.
Joe Muer Seafood (Detroit)
Visit this local seafood institution (and the 2025 Best of Detroit winner for Best Seafood Restaurant) Detroit location at lunchtime for a chance to try its gourmet take on the lobster roll. Fresh Maine lobster meat is tossed in a creamy, mayonnaise-based Louis dressing and infused with brandy. Joe Muer Seafood, 400 Renaissance Center #1401, Detroit; joemuer.com.
Tom’s Oyster Bar
In addition to its signature oyster towers, the menu at this downtown Royal Oak seafood spot includes a New England-style Lobster roll, which features coldwater lobster tossed in a light house dressing. It’s served with kettle chips or fries, and comes in two sizes: small for $21 and large for $31. Not in the mood for a whole meal? Try their spicy lobster roll sushi made with lobster salad, spicy mayo, cucumber, avocado, eel sauce, spicy mayo, and sesame seeds. Tom’s Oyster Bar, 318 S. Main St., Royal Oak; tomsoysterbar.com.
Cousins Maine Lobster
This food truck serves four options of lobster rolls. Their newest option is the Garlic Butter Lobster Roll, which is made with Maine Lobster and is served on a New England roll with warm butter, garlic, parmesan, and herbs. Other options include the Maine, which features Maine lobster, served chilled, with a touch of mayo on a New England roll, and the Connecticut, made with Maine lobster, served warm with butter and lemon, on a New England roll. If you’re not feeling lobster, The Crab offers North Atlantic crab either served chilled with mayo or warm with butter and lemon. Other menu options include lobster tots, lobster grilled cheese, and more. Cousins Maine Lobster, cousinsmainelobster.com.
This post has been updated for 2025.
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