James Hook & Co

James Hook & Co

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What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
James Hook & Co
Review
At a glance
Closed now
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About
Travellers' Choice
2024
For 99 years, James Hook has been providing the best lobsters and seafood from our family-owned fishery on Boston’s historic waterfront to restaurants, wholesale distributors and dinner tables across the continental United States. Many things have changed since 1925, but our commitment and dedication to delivering Maine lobster and fresh seafood to our guests remains the same. We are more than happy to welcome you to our restaurant and retail showroom where you can enjoy one of Boston’s best Lobster Rolls and other New England classics.
Features
CUISINES
American, Seafood
Meal types
Lunch, Drinks
PRICE
$$ - $$$
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
BYOB
Delivery
Digital Payments
Dog Friendly
Family style
Free off-street parking
Gift Cards Available
Outdoor Seating
Parking Available
Seating
Takeout
Waterfront
Wheelchair Accessible
Wine and Beer
Location
Downtown
Free off-street parking, Parking Available
Does this restaurants allow you to bring your own alcoholic beverages to drink?
Order delivery

Save this restaurant
Closed now
• Opens at 10:00 AM
Sunday
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Monday
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tuesday
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Wednesday
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Thursday
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles1,809 reviews
Excellent
1,214
Very good
431
Average
112
Poor
27
Terrible
25

Dave M
6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 solo
Every time I’m in Boston I stop by for the large lobster roll, chips and a Harpoon or two. Their patio is very quaint and the heaters will be going if the weather is chilly. On many occasions I’ve taken jumbos home and they’re packaged to perfection for flying. They never disappoint. Anybody who complains about the price of their lobster roll, all you have to do is order one at another restaurant and you’ll see the difference. You will be glad you came here!
Written 4 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beatriz M
This is absolutely what delights us to continue serving our great customers! We appreciate you appreciating the quality of our lobster rolls.
Written 7 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Bogdan2005
Bucharest508 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Favourite Review
Aug 2023 family
This is a very popular place for chowder, bisque and other reated lobster dishes. All fresh and very tasty. One of the best places in Boston for lobster.
Written 29 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beatriz M
Thank you, Bogdan2005, for your favorite review! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our lobster dishes, chowder, and bisque during your visit. It's wonderful to know that you found our offerings fresh and tasty, and we're honored to be considered one of the best places in Boston for lobster. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to have the pleasure of serving you again soon!
Written 8 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

karen19020
Bensalem1874 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2024 solo
Delicious Lobster Roll…. I had the Massachusetts staple with mayo. Was fresh and delicious. Reasonably priced. The only downside was they had tanks with live crabs and lobsters. One of the tanks had lobsters clearly larger than legally able to sell. When I questioned the girl and told her I saw a Maine lobsterman on TikTok who measures them and shows what has to be thrown back she told me “don’t believe everything you see on the internet”.. Just google Maine lobster laws… … (1‑A and 1‑B, a person may not buy, sell, give away, transport, ship or possess any lobster that is less than 3 1/4 inches or more than 5 inches in length). Those lobsters are clearly over 5 inches and have to be 75 years old… They don’t even taste good at that size. Disappointing that they would buy them from someone.
Written 6 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott Vance
Thank you for your feedback! We're thrilled you enjoyed our Lobster Roll – it’s always great to hear that our fresh ingredients and authentic recipes hit the mark. Regarding the lobster size, we want to clarify that our seafood is sourced responsibly and within the legal requirements for our region. While Maine has specific regulations, other areas, including offshore waters, have different rules that allow for larger lobsters. Our team has been in this business for over a century, and we take pride in ensuring all our practices meet legal standards. We appreciate your concern and encourage everyone to ask questions. It's important to us that our customers feel confident in the quality and sustainability of the seafood we serve. Thanks again for visiting, and we hope to see you back soon!
Written 7 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Zhenek
London113 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2025 friends
Tasty lobster but after spending over 150IUsd on two rolls and a wine in plastic cups we were denied a cup of tap water which I thought was outrageous and very cheeky from their side !!! They wanted us to spend more on bottled water saying they don’t have tap water !!! Ruined the whole experience and not sure I want to go back to the place I take all my friends every time I come to Boston ! Greed is never a good thing and a great way to Loose your customers !
Written 25 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James Hook
Hi Zhenek, I want to thank you for dining with us and happy you enjoyed the lobster! To clarify with the tap water, we used to offer tap water but stopped because it caused too many complications. That is why we changed our policy to Poland spring water in the bottles to keep the high quality and consistency that pairs perfectly with our food. I apologize that the experience upset you and hope you come back in the future. All the best. -The Hooks
Written 26 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lori S
2 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 solo
I came here roughly 9-10 years ago, before they were on every list, and had a wonderful experience.! They had not expanded to a patio area nor a food truck outside. Though I am in tourism, and I always try to dine or experience something new each time I return to a city, because of that past experience, I decided to return for lunch on a Saturday in July. I was extremely disappointed, and also did not feel comfortable eating what I had. After paying a very large amount for a 1.5 lb. libster and a double stuffed clam I was saddened by what I received 25 minutes later. Now keep in mind that when you order from inside you get a number, and you need to wait until the food is prepared. The food is fresh, the staff comes from behind the counter and retrieves the lobster from the live well so I have no doubt in its freshness. However, what I received made me question whether I should even eat it. The stuffed clam came out warm on the bottom and ice cold on the top and room temperature in the center. After taking one bite, I was immediately disgusted as having worked in restaurants I know with uncooked seafood, you need to worry. I attempted to try the lobster which surprisingly I could easily pick up with both hands as it was cold. The lobster was to be boiled and hot. I had to find someone as there is no service at tables, which is their concept and it took a moment to get someone’s assistance. A young lady was kind enough to assist and brought back the same food seven minutes later just warmed up. Needless to say I did not eat the clam and only had a portion of the lobster. To be perfectly honest, I believe there are many other establishments in Boston that you should discover. I will not be returning to James Hook in the future which is saddening as it appears their popularity and need to herd people in and out took a toll on their quality.
Written 27 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James Hook
Hi, We apologize for your recent visit with us. This is a complete outlier to the normal experience our customers have. Our quality of food is what we pride ourselves in the most and we assure you that has never wavered. We were just awarded best of Boston 2024. We hope you change your mind and give us another try. All the best, enjoy the rest of your summer! -The Hooks.
Written 28 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Stephen
Manchester1 contribution
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 family
Arrived at 1545 hrs to sample their fantastic lobster roll, after arriving and being ignored at the door for 5 minutes my wife went to the counter where she gave our order. We went to sit down to wait for our food when another member of staff came over to inform us to order our food soon as they were closing at 4pm. We explained that we’d ordered our food. Within a couple of minutes the food had arrived, the food was delicious but the staff weren’t, we were felt like we had to rush so they could close, the staff kept looking at their watches, surely after spending $100 we could be treated accordingly. We rushed our food and got out of there, we travelled 3500 miles to savour what was deemed the best lobster roll in Boston only to be let down by their service.
Written 6 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James Hook
Hi, I would like to say thank you for coming in and happy you enjoyed the roll. I am not sure what you mean by waiting at the door for five minutes? We are an order at the counter first type of restaurant and then you sit at whatever table you like. We have people stay past closing every single day and never say anything. We clean the whole place every night so it is not like we are leaving immediately once you finish your meal. Our staff does not even have watches. If you would like to discuss further you can email us at info@jameshooklobster.com
Written 7 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Sarrals
Reading152 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 couples
We were excited to try Lobster in Boston and especially in a really informal “shack” type place. The food was delicious, if a bit expensive. Smallest whole lobster was $55. We weren’t given any wet wipes or extra napkins. The lobster doesn’t come with melted butter so make sure to ask for it. The service was a bit flat which was disappointing.
Written 13 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beatriz M
Hello Sarrals, we apologize your experience did not go as expected. We will make sure next time we accomodate you for this! Please make sure to bring this up on your next visit. As to the price, lobster prices are on the rise and fluctuate a lot specially off season.
Written 30 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Voyage00634298556
Boulder1 contribution
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 family
Wow Nearly 40 dollar large butter lobster roll (4x with family)and you would be surprised how that small hot dog bun could be so much. Unless if you are different, you get half the meat on your roll vs someone at the next table. If you are going to charge that much, you should do some control of providing similar amounts for the same roll. Suspicious or incompetent.
Written 4 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

siochain
36 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 couples
This is my favorite clam chowder anywhere. I always come here when in Boston and this time I got to share it with my husband who also loved it. They give you a lot of food. My husband got both the clam chowder and a lobster roll and he said this was the first time he had more lobster than roll! I'll be back.
Written 8 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott Vance
Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that our clam chowder is your favorite in Boston. It's wonderful that you and your husband enjoyed the generous portions and delicious lobster roll. Can't wait to welcome you both back for more memorable dining experiences. - The Hooks
Written 9 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

diane p
Newburyport3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 family
Lived in Newburyport and worked in Boston for 12 years and for many board lunches and every party thrown at home, I served J Hook lobster rolls, often buying a large container of the lobster salad and putting it in the middle of a table, much to my guests' delight. Now that I am no longer in the area,I order it for delivery at family gatherings and it is always the first thing to go when the eating begins. I also shopped for other seafood there, always fresh and delicious. The staff are always so busy because the place is so popular - as it should be- but they have always been responsive to a smile and willing to help. Love this place!
Written 28 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott Vance
Diane, we're thrilled to hear that our lobster rolls hold a special place in your heart and at your gatherings. Thank you for sharing such wonderful memories with us! We truly appreciate your continued support and look forward to providing you with more fresh and delicious seafood for all your future family gatherings. Can't wait to serve you again soon!
Written 30 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Cecilia R
8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 family
We came here on vacation from Wisconsin and had the most amazing experience!! Best lobster BY FAR and for a good price!! I would recommend anybody visiting to come here for true and fresh lobster! The staff was some of the sweetest people, especially Caroline who made sure that the food was good exactly how we wanted it and that everything was perfect!!
Written 10 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

AmethystScarab
North Attleboro13 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 solo
I used to love this place, been a customer for decades. I won't deny I have never liked the "temporary" trailer they were "forced" to use. And not just because they have been over stuffing it more and more each year with more random junk to sell, to the point it can feel unsafe inside due to the tight spaces made worse by too many people, tables, and displays/racks, to the point where if there was a fire or a shooting there isn't space to move let alone run (defiantly breaking some fire/safety codes, and not just with the padlock on the emergency exit). Then again there is basically no parking, with what used to be the limited parking area is now an outside dining area (great for those New England winters). I could overlook these issues, but the service has gotten worse too. I always feel rushed, and never really get what I am looking for. Which again, could be overlooked if I didn't feel I was ripped off when I leave. They weigh lobsters ($14.99/lbs) behind the counter and don't show you weight, and I have noticed they tend to round the weight up for easier math (today got a ~2.5lbs lobster but was charged for a 3lbs lobster (~$7.50 over charged), same for the 9.34lbs lobster I received, though that one I walked around the counter to see the weight). I also order 4lbs of steamers (wanted 5lbs but they were already bagged and couldn't be bothered). They didn't weight the steamers and just range them up at $10.99 a pound. I weighed them when I got home and only received 3lbs 12 oz (or 3.75lbs) or $2.75 over charged (not a lot but annoying. This is probably going to my last visit, with an hour drive to feel cheated it just isn't worth it given the prices are already high before rounding up. Of course then the receipt I received simply says $232 for Live Lobsters (no mention of Steamers at all). Normally I would think for record keeping they would want to know what times they are actually selling. But if you need more proof of the rounding (errors), just look at the labeled prices. Every price per pound ends in 99 cents, yet all transactions contain no change for these purchases. Given my own experiences and history in the New England fish market industry, I suspect they need an audit of their inventory and books, or at least be fined for cheating customers (and for safety violations).
Written 22 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James Hook
Firstly, I was personally right there when your order was being weighed and packed. No one was rushing you and we were doing exactly what you asked. You asked for a jumbo and a 3lb lobster not a 2.5lb lobster and that is exactly what you got. When you asked about the itemized receipt, I told you exactly what the prices were for everything and offered to write it out for you, but you declined. Nothing else was said from your side. As for your safety concerns we are up to code and there are no violations. We are checked yearly and pass all the necessary requirements. We have two easily accessible exits always available for use in the extremely rare case of emergency. In terms of parking there are not many locations in Boston that offer spaces at all let alone have a parking lot like we have. When it comes to the weight of the lobster you are more than welcome to look at the scale yourself. That being said the lobster you purchased was pretty exact to what you asked for which was a 3lber (again feel free to look at the scale yourself). The lobster was $46 dollars, which was scaled down from $46 and change.We have never rounded up in weight in order to increase the price, if anything we would round down in benefit of the customer like explained. In regard to the steamers they are weighted out right when we receive them to an exact 2lb per lb. The steamers will lose some water weight after the fact. We assure you, you are not being “ripped off”. I do not appreciate false narratives being spread about my building and business. These issues and concerns could have been easily explained and avoided had you spoken up for yourself instead of waiting till you got home to type this completely inaccurate review. We are running a business. I would love to discuss this over email me or a call jameshookjr3@gmail.com
Written 23 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

John D
San Francisco44 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022 none
I've had various lobster rolls around NE and I honestly don't get the hype behind the chilled ones saturated with mayo. A friend recommended I try the large warm with butter and I took their word for it and was blown away at the quality and taste. It was absolutely heaping with warm chunks of delectable lobster and doused it with drawn butter and put a little salt and pepper and it was absolute perfection. At $36, it definitely wasn't cheap, but it plenty to share with another person and we're even considering going back and having another. DO IT.
Written 6 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Susana D
Toledo201 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 couples
Good food and convenient location, but not quite worth the price. I had seen lower prices published, but yesterday, the regular lobster roll was $34.99, and the large lobster roll was $39.99, FYI. The shell with stuffed scallops was very good. The patio/deck looked great for warmer weather.
Written 6 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beatriz M
Hi Susana, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the stuffed scallops and found our location convenient. We take pride in offering quality dishes that our guests can enjoy. We understand your concern about the pricing of our lobster roll and apologize if it did not meet your expectations. We continually evaluate our menu offerings and pricing to ensure they align with the value we aim to provide to our customers. We appreciate your feedback and hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back again in the future. Best regards,
Written 12 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

07Seven
Ocean City138 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 family
The lobster roll was very good. The stuffed clams were terrible ... so bad that we threw them away rather than eat them. We found the prices quite high (especially for the stuffed clams which were beyond bad and, therefore, extremely disappointing.
Written 5 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James Hook
Hi, Thanks for coming in, always appreciate it! Our prices are competitive with the market, especially compared to other restaurants. If you don't mind emailing me about the stuffed clam because thats the first complaint that we have had on them. My email is jameshookjr3@gmail.com. Thank you!
Written 6 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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Downtown
The largest area of the city, Downtown is rich with historical and iconic sites in Boston. Stroll through one of Boston’s most famous green spaces, the Boston Public Gardens, check out and make way for duckling statues, picnic under a beautiful tree overlooking the pond, and walk over the iconic footbridge where, during summer time, you will catch a swan boat toting children and eager tourists through the pond. Have your camera ready to capture its peaceful beauty in the middle of a bustling city. Continue on through the Gardens and take in some open green space at the Boston Common, where you can spend time throwing a frisbee, sitting on a park bench, or, in the winter time, skating on the frog pond. Head north from the end of the Common to see the golden dome of the State House, and travel through government center to Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall, both a historic and popular destination worth a quick visit for a first time to Boston. Head to Long Wharf to visit the Aquarium, or catch a boat to Charlestown or even Cape Cod.
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JAMES HOOK & CO, Boston - Downtown - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews

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