First time to Old Port Lobster Shack (Redwood City) - Good!
I was in Redwood City today about "late lunch" time so I made a point to go there. I had the naked Lobster Roll (melted butter and mayo on the side; I didn't use the mayo). I've never had a lobster roll in New England or any other place, so this is one of those "I know what I like" reviews and I liked it a lot. I don't see how it could be much better. I read in another thread here that the lobster in this is finely diced or shredded, but I didn't find it that way at all. Mostly good sized pieces to my eyes, if not large chunks. The potato chips that came with it may be the best I've ever had. Toward the end I thought to add some of the "hot lime" sauce (green label, the moderately-hot one) to the butter. Wow, that went perfectly with the lobster (and chips!). Now for an added plus. They somehow lost my order so I had to wait a while as they figured that out and then made a new order for me. About five minutes later someone came over and apologized for the wait and gave me a gift card with a $20 credit on it. Very nice young people working there.
Mick Ruthven
Nov 17, 2006 02:09AM
On Friday, my dad and I had our first visit to Old Port Lobster Shack (OPLS) at early dinner time. We shared a bowl of lobster bisque and a naked lobster roll.
The lobster roll wasn't at all skimpy, as you can see by the overflowing lobster meat in the photo. But I would criticize it for being a bit overcooked and too dry as well as being all claw meat, which is stringier in texture. What happened to the tails?
Image of Naked lobster roll -
http://static.flickr.com/113/31173989...
We liked the lobster bisque ($9) very much. Moderately thick with a cream base, bits of lobster meat, and fairly rich flavor. Not as good as my sister's (nor flamed with cognac), but a good commercial version.
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I really wanted to love this place but ended up feeling gypped. The lobster roll had about 3/4-cup of too-dry lobster salad on it, and took five bites to eat. I felt chumped paying $18 for that. The fries were more oil-braised than fried. The coleslaw side weighed in at about 1.5 ounces, in one of those mini-Dixie cups you get ketchup in at a fast food joint. Tail meat was nowhere to be seen - this was all small leg and claw stuff (including a piece of shell, dammit).
Based on other reviews it seems their greatest inconsistency is in quantity. The few bites I had ($4/each, with tax) were tasty, and the roll was a thing of greaseless, yet buttered, perfection, but for $18 I I would never order another (I've had these rolls from Boston to Rockland, and know how they ought to be packed). Their fish and chips are only $10 - and that's what I'll get next time.
Good draft beer selection.
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