Neptune Oyster

After blogging regularly for a year and a half now, I've come to realize certain content becomes repetitive. Annual trips, new dinners at previously reviewed favorites, North End Festivals, and in this very instance the Hot Lobster Roll from Neptune Oyster. I dined here last Summer and I came back again this summer because it is simply that good. And because Megan has been encouraging a visit together ever since! Two Friday's ago (I'm just a little behind with posting!) We endured a short (half hour) wait after putting our names in around noon. This is typical of the always packed Salem Street bistro meets raw bar.
The hostess will take your name and cell phone number, allowing you to wander around the North End until your table is ready. We browsed some local boutiques and relaxed on a Greenway bench before returning promptly 30 minutes later. We slid into comfy red leather banquets surrounded by glossy white subway tiles, large globe sconces, and handsome menu mirrors framed in a heavy dark wood. The food and drink specials handwritten on the mirrors add a simple sophistication to the ambiance.  Globe pendants dangle from pressed ceilings overhead. 

With a glass of Prosecco ($10) each we surveyed a large index card of the namesake signature offerings. Oysters! I recommend taking advantage of the varietals from both coasts, comparing and contrasting versions of these freshly shucked sea creatures never ceases to delight. Working our way from east coast to west, first we enjoyed the local Wellfleet ($2.60) which are extremely briny with a sweet buttery finish. Next a Kumamoto ($2.90) from Willapa Bay, Washington which are sweet, plump and creamy with hints of honeydew melon. Last we slurped the Kusshi ($2.90) from Deep Bay, British Columbia. These are tiny in size, pleasantly sweet and mildly salty with a crisp cucumber finish. The Hot Lobster Roll ($25) is everything to me. We decided to split one! There is easily enough lobster meat on their to satisfy a duo, not to mention this option is a little lighter on the wallet.

Don't mistake that to mean the $25 isn't worth the splurge. Piled into a soft griddled brioche bun is a mountain of the fresh, warm, butter-drenched lobster chunks and nothing else. Velvety smooth claws and sweet succulent tail meat grace every bite. Intensely seasoned crispy fries also in enormous proportion seal the deal. How many different ways can I explain how good it is? (Even when I know you have read it all before!) Add to the best lobster roll ever a lively atmosphere drenched in character, Neptune Oyster enchants and charms all who dine here. Add it to your list of must visit restaurants in Boston for sure.

Neptune Oyster

63 Salem Street

Boston, MA 02113