Red Hook Lobster Pound

- 97-01 Shore Front Pkwy, Rockaway Park, NY 11694

Introduction / Overview

For New York City locals craving a true taste of coastal New England without leaving the five boroughs, Red Hook Lobster Pound is the undisputed destination. While the brand originated in Brooklyn, its presence in Rockaway Park, Queens, particularly at the 97th Street location, serves as a quintessential beachside seafood shack that perfectly complements the salty air and casual Rockaway vibe. It is known for its uncompromising dedication to sourcing fresh, high-quality lobster, brought straight from the waters off the coast of Maine.

This establishment, proudly identifying as Women-Owned, has built a cult following based almost entirely on its authentic lobster rolls. Patrons journey from across the city specifically for the choice between the classic "Maine Style" (cold, tossed with a touch of mayonnaise and seasoning) and the "Connecticut Style" (warm, drenched in clarified butter and lemon). The menu offers more than just rolls, however, expanding into full-service beach food that covers all the classics, from fried seafood to New England-style favorites.

Located right on the Shore Front Parkway, the atmosphere at the Rockaway Park location is exactly what New Yorkers dream of for a summer seaside meal: relaxed, family-friendly, and centered around expansive outdoor seating. It’s the perfect spot to kick back after a day at the beach, where you can literally feel the sand between your toes and hear the surf—the quintessential Rockaway experience. The dining service is built for efficiency and ease, primarily operating with counter service to ensure a quick and casual experience, yet still offers a range of services from takeout to dine-in. Whether you’re stopping for a quick Fish & Chips ($20.00) or settling in for the decadent Lobster Blt ($31.00), the Pound is dedicated to providing high-quality coastal cuisine in a wonderfully accessible beach setting.

While the pricing reflects the premium cost of fresh Maine lobster—a common topic of local conversation—the commitment to generous portions of claw and knuckle meat and a genuine New England preparation style is what keeps the crowds coming back. The Pound understands that when you pay for lobster, you expect a memorable, high-quality experience, and its popularity across multiple New York City locations attests to its success in meeting this expectation for countless diners.

Location and Accessibility

Red Hook Lobster Pound’s Rockaway Park location is ideally situated for easy beach access and seaside dining.

Address: 97-01 Shore Front Pkwy, Rockaway Park, NY 11694, USA.

This specific address places it directly along the oceanfront, allowing diners to enjoy their meals with a sublime view of the Atlantic. It is designed to be a grab-and-go beach concession with ample outdoor seating, perfectly capturing the spirit of a true New England seafood shack right here in Queens.

Accessibility is a priority for the establishment, ensuring a welcoming environment for all New Yorkers:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Wheelchair accessible seating

For those traveling by car, free street parking is available, a major convenience for a beach destination in New York City. The restaurant is highly family-friendly and also welcoming to pets, with dogs allowed outside in the outdoor seating area, making it a complete stop for a day out at the beach.

Services Offered

The services at Red Hook Lobster Pound in Rockaway Park are designed to maximize the casual, beachside dining experience.

• Dine-in and Takeout: Primarily offering counter service for quick ordering, with an emphasis on immediate enjoyment at their scenic location or on the go.
• Outdoor Seating: Extensive seating is available outside, allowing patrons to dine while enjoying the fresh ocean air and beach views.
• Full Bar Service: Alcohol is offered, with a bar onsite providing a selection of beverages to perfectly complement the seafood menu, such as a cold beer or a summer cocktail.
• Counter Service: The main service model is counter service, ensuring efficiency and a quick transition from ordering to enjoying your meal.
• Payment Options: Accepts modern payment methods including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: Explicitly designed to be Good for Kids and Family-Friendly.

Features and Highlights

Red Hook Lobster Pound has cultivated a reputation based on several key features that set it apart from other New York seafood options.

• Authentic Maine Lobster Sourcing: The primary highlight is the dedication to sourcing fresh lobster directly from Maine, which ensures a quality and flavor that rivals the best seafood shacks in New England.
• Signature Lobster Rolls: The menu offers four unique styles of its famous rolls—the classic Maine (cold salad) and Connecticut (hot, buttered), plus creative variations like the Lobster BLT With Chipotle Mayo and the Lobster Citrus Salad.
• Prime Beach Location: Situated right on the Shore Front Parkway, the restaurant provides a quintessential Rockaway beach dining experience with a sublime setting and proximity to the ocean.
• Variety Beyond Lobster: While famous for its rolls, the menu includes satisfying beach fare such as Fish & Chips ($20.00), Shrimp Po' Boy ($18.00), and classic burgers and hot dogs, ensuring options for every member of the family.
• Women-Owned Business: The restaurant proudly identifies as a Women-Owned establishment, adding a layer of community support and entrepreneurial spirit to its profile.
• Casual and Welcoming Atmosphere: The vibe is deliberately casual, family-friendly, and LGBTQ+ friendly, focusing on creating a fun, no-frills environment that captures the true spirit of a summer seafood shack.

Contact Information

For New York residents planning a trip to the Rockaway shoreline, here is the essential contact information for the Red Hook Lobster Pound at Rockaway Park:

Address: 97-01 Shore Front Pkwy, Rockaway Park, NY 11694, USA

While no specific public phone number for this seasonal location is provided in the available data, general inquiries are often directed through their main channels. It's recommended to check their website for seasonal hours of operation, as beach concessions often operate on a weather-dependent schedule, typically from Thursday through Sunday during the summer season.

What is Worth Choosing

For New Yorkers, Red Hook Lobster Pound is worth choosing because it delivers an authentic, high-quality Maine lobster experience without the need to travel out of state. The central promise—fresh, generously portioned lobster—is what makes it a celebrated name in New York City's dining scene. If you are seeking the ultimate beach-day meal, this is where you go.

The most worthwhile choice on the menu is, without a doubt, one of their signature lobster rolls. The Maine Style ($29.00) is the purist's favorite, showcasing the sweet, tender claw and knuckle meat with just a light dressing, served on a buttery, toasted New England split-top bun—a specific detail that sets the standard for quality. While the price point is a factor, the generous amount of prized lobster meat justifies the cost for many, as confirmed by positive customer reviews praising the "super cold lobster on a nice toasted bun" and the quality being "damn good."

Furthermore, choosing this location means embracing the entire Rockaway beach culture. It's an opportunity to enjoy fantastic seafood in a casual, highly accessible setting right by the water, perfect for families and groups looking for a fun, seaside atmosphere. The availability of outdoor seating and a full bar rounds out the experience, offering the quintessential summer escape within the limits of New York City. For those who prioritize fresh, real lobster and a lively beach shack setting, Red Hook Lobster Pound remains a highly recommended stop on the Queens coastline.

Red Hook Lobster Pound

97-01 Shore Front Pkwy, Rockaway Park, NY 11694, USA