By Boardwalk Standard
From Atlantic City to Ventnor, Margate, Brigantine, Longport and Somers Point, the Jersey Shore has no shortage of great seafood. But when it comes to one of summer’s most recognizable sandwiches—the lobster roll—a handful of places rise above the rest.
Boardwalk Standard looked at the quality of the lobster, portion size, bread, preparation, flavor and overall experience to determine our picks for the best lobster rolls in the Atlantic City area.
1\. PJ Buckets — Ventnor
Boardwalk Standard’s Number One Lobster Roll
PJ Buckets takes the crown.
The combination of cold-water lobster and a butter-toasted brioche roll delivers exactly what we want from a great lobster roll: plenty of lobster flavor, buttery richness and bread that complements rather than overwhelms the seafood.
PJ Buckets also gives lobster-roll fans a choice between a warm, buttery preparation and a traditional cold preparation, making it a destination for fans on either side of the great lobster-roll debate.
For the quality of the lobster, flavor, portion and overall experience, PJ Buckets earns Boardwalk Standard’s number one lobster roll ranking.
2\. Betty’s Seafood Shack — Margate
Betty’s has established itself as one of Downbeach’s notable casual seafood destinations, and its lobster roll earns the second position on our list.
The combination of lobster and a casual Shore seafood-shack atmosphere makes Betty’s a natural stop when you’re in Margate.
It’s the kind of place that fits the experience: good seafood, a relaxed environment and a lobster roll worth seeking out.
3\. Dock’s Oyster House — Atlantic City
Dock’s brings a completely different experience to our Top 3.
One of Atlantic City’s longtime seafood institutions, Dock’s represents the upscale side of the area’s seafood scene. It’s considerably different from grabbing a lobster roll at a casual Shore seafood shack, and that’s part of its appeal.
The combination of seafood tradition, atmosphere and an elevated dining experience earns Dock’s Oyster House the third position in our rankings.
4\. Crab Shack Seafood Market & Restaurant — Brigantine
If quantity matters, Crab Shack deserves a spot on the list.
Its generously sized lobster offerings make it an appealing Brigantine destination for diners who want plenty of lobster rather than a smaller, more refined presentation.
For lobster lovers with a serious appetite, Crab Shack is worth knowing.
5\. Mystic Lobster Roll Co. — Brigantine
A restaurant centered around lobster rolls naturally belongs in the conversation.
Mystic stands out because lobster rolls aren’t simply another seafood item on the menu—they’re the attraction.
With different preparations available, it’s particularly appealing to lobster-roll fans with strong preferences between the traditional cold Maine-style roll and the warm, buttery Connecticut-style approach.
6\. Seaview Bar & Grille — Longport
Lobster and waterfront dining are a natural combination.
Seaview pairs its lobster-roll offering with a marina setting, giving Longport representation in our rankings while delivering the type of atmosphere people picture when they think about a summer meal at the Jersey Shore.
Sometimes the surroundings are part of the meal, and Seaview has that advantage.
7\. Crabby Jack’s — Somers Point
Crabby Jack’s gives Somers Point a place on our list.
Its casual waterfront atmosphere and seafood-focused menu make it a worthwhile stop for anyone exploring restaurants around the Great Egg Harbor Bay area.
It’s another example of why some of the Atlantic City area’s best summer seafood experiences are found outside the casinos.
8\. Chickie’s & Pete’s — Atlantic City
Chickie’s & Pete’s rounds out our lobster-roll rankings.
Its Atlantic City location makes it a convenient option for casino and Boardwalk visitors looking to satisfy a lobster-roll craving without traveling farther down the island or across to one of the surrounding Shore towns.
Boardwalk Standard’s Top 3 Lobster Rolls
1\. PJ Buckets — Ventnor
2\. Betty’s Seafood Shack — Margate
3\. Dock’s Oyster House — Atlantic City
From the Boardwalk to Downbeach, the Shore Serves It Best
The Atlantic City area’s seafood scene isn’t limited to expensive casino dining rooms. From neighborhood seafood shacks and waterfront restaurants to longtime Atlantic City institutions, there’s a lobster-roll experience for almost every kind of Shore visitor.
And the variety is part of what makes the search worthwhile. You can go casual in Ventnor or Margate, enjoy waterfront dining in Longport or Somers Point, head to Brigantine for a lobster-focused meal, or stay in Atlantic City for a more traditional dining experience.
But after comparing the field, Boardwalk Standard has a clear winner: PJ Buckets in Ventnor currently holds the crown for the best lobster roll in the Atlantic City area.
Boardwalk Standard — Your Ultimate Guide to Atlantic City & the Jersey Shore
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