The Best of the Best Places for Enjoying Lobster on the East End

What would East End summer dining be without lobster? That’s why Dan’s Papers asked readers to identify the Best of the Best restaurants in the Hamptons and on the North Fork to feast on the premier seafood dish

On the South Fork, Dan’s Papers readers voted Shuckers Lobster & Clam Bar (58 Foster Avenue, Hampton Bays, 631-905-8292) the best place to have a lobster dinner. Shuckers is just north of the Ponquogue Bridge, making it the perfect stop after swimming at Ponquogue Beach or sunbathing at Tiana beach.

Chef John Heaney offers a 1-and-1/4-pound lobster special, with red bliss potatoes and corn, for $19.95 every Sunday in season. Shuckers also holds the distinction of having the best raw bar.

Shuckers has a DJ on Fridays and live music every Saturday and Sunday. After 10 p.m., the venue changes identities. On Fridays, Shuckers becomes the nightclub Beach Bar, and Saturday night it becomes The Drift Inn. For Memorial Day and Fourth of July weekends, The Drift Inn will also open Sunday night, and Shuckers will open Mondays.

For the best lobster roll—that delicacy of lobster meat and drawn butter on a bun—Dan’s Best of the Best voters point to Canal Cafe (44 Newtown Road, Hampton Bays, 631-723-2155) inside the Hampton Watercraft Marina. Sit on the deck overlooking the Shinnecock Canal and marina while enjoying lobster and other seafood by chef-owners Parker and Paul Hodges.

If looking for the best lobster dinner on the North Fork, hands down, head to Orient by the Sea (40200 Main Road, Orient, 631-323-2424). Enjoy the “lazy lobster,” an entree of chunks of lobster in drawn better, or have a whole lobster with crab meat stuffing. Bob Haase’s family-owned and -operated restaurant—which was also voted Gold for best raw bar—has fresh lobster delivered to its docks daily.

Modern Snack Bar (628 Main Road, Aquebogue, 631-722-3655) is voted the place with the best lobster roll. Patrons may enjoy the Snack Bar’s famous lobster salad on the roll of their choice. Follow the roll with a fresh baked pie from the dessert menu—the North Fork’s best.

To find more Dan’s Best of the Best winners in Food & Drink—and to find the best of the best of everything in the Hamptons and on the North Fork, write your own reviews of businesses and more—check out the all-new Dan’s Best of the Best List.