Red Hook Lobster Pound Review: Are These Brooklyn Lobster Rolls Worth It?

If you're craving a lobster roll in Brooklyn, Red Hook Lobster Pound is one place worth checking out. I celebrated my birthday here with two of my friends, which gave us the perfect chance to order three different lobster rolls and compare them: the Maine Lobster Roll, Connecticut Lobster Roll, and Fried Lobster Roll. All three were good in their own way, but the Connecticut Lobster Roll was my personal favorite. We also tried the Crab Dip and finished dinner with Banana Mousse Pudding, which ended up being one of the best desserts I've had in a while. Here is my full breakdown of the experience, including the food, atmosphere, location, and overall value.

Jump to:

• Watch My Experience
• Celebrating My Birthday With Lobster Rolls
• A Casual Coastal Seafood Atmosphere
• How Was the Service?
• Getting to Red Hook Lobster Pound
• Starting With the Crab Dip
• Three Lobster Rolls, Three Different Styles
• Banana Mousse Pudding Dessert
• Is Red Hook Lobster Pound Expensive?
• Would I Come Back?
• Final Verdict
• Frequently Asked Questions

Watch My Experience

Check out my quick video recap showing the lobster rolls, crab dip, and restaurant setup at Red Hook Lobster Pound:

Celebrating My Birthday With Lobster Rolls

For my birthday, I wanted to have dinner somewhere a little different with my friends. We decided to head over to Red Hook Lobster Pound, a well-known seafood spot in Red Hook, Brooklyn famous for its lobster rolls.

Since there were three of us, we decided not to order the same thing. Instead, we ordered three completely different styles of lobster rolls so we could try each one and compare notes: the Maine, Connecticut, and Fried Lobster Rolls. That ended up being a great decision because each version brought something unique to the table.

A Casual Coastal Seafood Atmosphere

Red Hook Lobster Pound isn't a formal seafood restaurant. Instead, it has a relaxed, coastal vibe with warm wood paneling, hanging lights, and subtle nautical details. It feels like a neighborhood seafood shack rather than a stiff dining room.

The interior space is cozy and seating can feel a little snug when it gets busy, but the overall energy is lively and welcoming. They also offer outdoor seating, which is a great option on warmer days.

How Was the Service?

The service was smooth and friendly. Our server kept our drinks filled, answered our questions about the menu, and ensured our food arrived promptly. Since there were three of us visiting during a prime dinner hour, we made a reservation in advance—something I definitely recommend doing if you plan to visit on a busy weekend.

Getting to Red Hook Lobster Pound

Location is one key factor to plan for before visiting. Red Hook is one of those Brooklyn neighborhoods that isn't directly connected to a subway line, making transit a bit more multi-step if you rely on the train.

The restaurant is located at: 284 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

If you take public transit, you'll need to hop on the B61 bus. Alternatively, driving or using rideshare options like Uber or Lyft might be more straightforward depending on where you're coming from. For drivers, there is no private parking lot, so you will need to look for street parking around Van Brunt Street.

Starting With the Crab Dip

Before diving into the main courses, we started off with the Crab Dip appetizer. This was served warm in a baking dish topped with seasoned breadcrumbs and scallions, accompanied by a generous pile of crispy house-made chips.

The dip was rich and creamy, offering a great contrast against the crunchy chips. It’s an easy dish to share among a small group, and I’d happily order it again on a return trip.

Three Lobster Rolls, Three Different Styles

Now for the main attraction. Comparing three distinct lobster roll preparations side-by-side made the meal a lot of fun, especially since the textures and temperatures were completely different across the board.

Maine Lobster Roll

The Maine Lobster Roll is the traditional preparation most people picture when they think of seafood shacks. It is served chilled, lightly tossed with mayo, and packed into a split-top toasted bun.

The lobster tasted clean and sweet, and the light dressing let the quality of the seafood shine without feeling overly heavy. If you prefer a refreshing, cold lobster salad style, this is the version for you.

Fried Lobster Roll

Next up was the Fried Lobster Roll, which is easily the most unique option on the menu. Here, the lobster meat is beer-battered, fried until golden and crisp, and finished with a drizzle of sweet lobster caramel.

The crispy outer batter adds a satisfying crunch, while the lobster caramel gives it a richer, slightly sweet flavor profile. If you enjoy fried seafood creations and want something outside the box, it's definitely worth considering.

Connecticut Lobster Roll (My Favorite)

Out of all three versions, the Connecticut Lobster Roll was the clear favorite at our table. Unlike the Maine style, this one is served warm, with generous chunks of lobster poached in warm butter.

The simplicity is what makes it work so well. The warm butter enhances the tenderness of the lobster without masking its flavor, all soaked up by the griddled bun. If I could only pick one roll to order here, this would be it every time.

Banana Mousse Pudding Dessert

To wrap up the birthday celebration, we ordered the Banana Mousse Pudding for dessert. I wasn't expecting a dessert at a seafood-focused restaurant to be one of the main highlights, but this pleasantly surprised us.

It was light, velvety, and packed with natural banana flavor, topped with fresh whipped cream and a cookie wafer. It made for a great sweet finish after a heavy, seafood-centric meal.

Is Red Hook Lobster Pound Expensive?

Yes, there's no way around it—lobster is a premium item, and the pricing reflects that. Our bill came out to $168.23 before tip for three people, putting it at over $50 per person before tax and gratuity.

Because of the price point, this is more of a treat or special occasion spot rather than a casual weekly spot. For a birthday celebration, the quality of the seafood and portion sizes justified the cost for us, but budget-conscious diners should check the current menu prices in advance.

Would I Come Back?

Yes. While the transit to Red Hook takes a bit of extra planning, the quality of the seafood makes it worth returning when a specific craving hits. On my next visit, my order is already set: the Crab Dip, the warm Connecticut Lobster Roll, and a glass of Banana Mousse Pudding.

Final Verdict

Red Hook Lobster Pound delivers a solid coastal seafood experience right in Brooklyn. Trying the Maine, Fried, and Connecticut rolls together made for a memorable birthday meal, with the warm, butter-poached Connecticut roll taking the top spot. Combined with the creamy Crab Dip and excellent Banana Mousse Pudding, it’s a strong recommendation for seafood lovers willing to splurge a bit for quality lobster rolls.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which lobster roll is best at Red Hook Lobster Pound?
The Connecticut Lobster Roll is the standout choice. It is served warm with butter-poached lobster and offers the best overall flavor profile.

What's the difference between Maine and Connecticut lobster rolls?
Maine lobster rolls are served chilled tossed lightly with mayonnaise, while Connecticut lobster rolls are served warm with melted butter.

Is Red Hook Lobster Pound expensive?
Yes. Expect to spend around $50 to $60 per person for a full meal including a roll, side, and drink.

How do you get to Red Hook Lobster Pound without a car?
You can take the B61 bus directly into Red Hook or take a rideshare service from nearby subway stations like Smith-9th Streets or Jay St-MetroTech.