Abbott's Lobster In The Rough In Noank Among The Best In America

NOANK, CT—Lobster, or lobsta, as some New Englander's say, is the quintessential summer seafood indulgence. And for locals and visitors alike, it's all about Abbott's. Home of the steamed lobster since the late 1940s, Abbott's Lobster in the Rough draws people from, well, across America.

In a Thrillist list of summertime seafood shacks, Abbott's was among the 21 best in the entire country, joining seafood eateries from Maine to the Florida Keys, Alaska to Southern California.

The famous Noank restaurant's menu includes fresh seafood, and shellfish like oysters, clams, and crab. But it's the hot buttery lobster roll served on a seeded bun that's the go-to.

With a lovely harbor view, and on a clear day far beyond, Abbott's enjoys a steady stream of customers from its early May opening until October closing.

One of its traditions is the first customer of the season, who gets their picture taken, goes down in the Abbott's hall of fame, and receives a pretty cool Abbott's Lobster in the Rough t-shirt.

And likely, melted butter dripping down the chin: "We're going to need a bigger bib."