Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls

Great, delicious food and nice staff.
Ordered the Maine Classic Lobster Roll and a bowl of clam chowder. Both were very delicious and one of the best lobster places I have eaten at. Lobster was fresh. They give you a lot of lobster and also toast the roll. Glad they don’t skimp on the lobster. They do serve the lobster cold but that doesn’t bother me and I like it this way. Some people though may prefer warm lobster. The clam chowder was perfect. I’ve had really bad clam chowder that was either too salty or too watery at other places. Prices aren’t bad either. Maine Classic Lobster Roll was $ 12.95 and a bowl of clam chowder was $ 6. Cheaper than other places I have eaten at where the lobster roll is $ 18.
The place is small but we didn’t have any trouble finding a table when we went today on Valentine’s Day for lunch and with the weather being very cold.
Definitely will come back next time I’m in Annapolis.

After drooling over pictures of lobster rolls on the internet for a week, I was very happy to run into this place while visiting Annapolis. It was my first experience eating a lobster roll and it was everything I dreamed it would be. I got the Connecticut Roll which is simply just warm, buttery lobster on a toasted bun. I didn’t want anything fancy for my first time, and honestly I don’t know if I could try anything else because the Connecticut was just so good.
As many other reviews will point out, yes, there exists places where you can get bigger, cheaper, and/​or fresher lobster rolls. If that’s really what you want, feel free to go find those. To me, Mason’s had fresh lobster with good portions at a fair price. My only complaint is that they can be a bit slow making them. Their menu only has a few choices, so since every order is pretty much the same thing (a lobster roll), it surprising that they take ~10 minutes to make. But the wait is worth it!

A clean little restaurant located on Annapolis’ Main Street. Very simple, straight-​forward menu. I got the lobster roll and chowder, which were pretty good. Though it’s a nice quick fix for a lobster roll, there’s definitely better options around.

Great lobster rolls… I lived in Maine and these are the real deal!!! However… in Maine, a classic lobster roll always has mayo… so if you want that… make sure you order the one with the mayo!!! You will not be disappointed!!! Lobster bisque is so tasty!!!

The connecticut style lobster roll here was lifechanging. Warm, buttery, SO meaty. Don’t expect a HUGE roll but that’s fine with me.
The interior was cute and cozy, and the workers were very patient with my indecisive self. We got our food quickly, and left with happy thoughts.
This is what a lobster roll should taste like. We need this in the south!

Just the finest quick bite around! Outstanding flavor on these lobster packed sandwiches. We had the Classic and the BLT. So filled with lobster meat with perfectly executed roll and toppings. But wait! The clam chowder was DIVINE! I imagine everything they make is top notch. Don’t miss it. Good price. Nice spot to people watch as Annapolis walks by.

About as solid of a lobster roll you’ll find anywhere. Warm, toasted, buttery soft bread, cold lobster… very very tasty. Great little spot right on Main Street in downtown Annapolis. Fast, friendly service… great little find!

Bottom Line: A cute little spot on Main Street serving New England style lobster rolls and a few other goodies.
Lobstaaaaaaah! Although lobster rolls are certainly best enjoyed in places like Maine, Rhode Island and Connecticut, I was certainly more than willing to give the traditional New England lobster sandwich a try in Crab Town. While the rolls were smaller than other places I’ve tried I was ok with that given the commensurate price — around $ 13. We tried the Maine Classic Lobstah Roll and the Maine Lobstah Salad Roll. Both were full of huge chunks of lobster and delicious but I preferred the creaminess of the mayo incorporated into the Lobster Salad Roll. Mason’s offers a few sides and some bottled drinks but really they specialize in lobster rolls here.
Mason’s has some seating inside but on a nice day you could get it to go and watch the boats putter around Ego Alley. In addition to enjoying a delicious meal, there is just something fun about going to get lobster rolls — exclaiming lobstaaaah as you approach the store while giving your best bud a playful lobster like pinch.

I was actually heading down to Pip’s when I stumbled upon this place. Like a moth to a flame, I just about flew into oncoming traffic when I saw the neon «lobster rolls» sign.
Simple menu, which I liked. If you’re doing one thing, and doing it well, you don’t need anything else. Cute décor and clean inside. Prices were definitely fair. Counter staff were energetic and friendly, and they brought my food to my table so quickly!
I ordered the Maine Lobster Salad Roll combo with cole slaw, and a Maine Root soda. The $ 1 upcharge for this spicy ginger beer was worth every penny — SO spicy and refreshing!
Okay, okay, onto the food … The lobster roll was DELICIOUS! The meat was sweet and juicy and the simple celery, mayo, and lemon dressing was perfect for letting the lobster flavor really come through. The roll was perfectly toasted — it didn’t get soggy or rip apart — and perfectly buttered. The rich, warm bun with the cool, creamy salad was a match made in heaven. Also, I thought it was just the right size, as I have never been able to finish a whole lobster roll when visiting New England. The cole slaw was, well, cole slaw. It definitely wasn’t bad, but that lobster roll was a tough act to follow. A sprinkle of pepper and Old Bay (in the tiniest, cutest shaker on the table) stepped it up. There was also a small piece of shell in my salad, but it didn’t put me off at all.
Definitely worth spending my whole jury duty stipend — plus the $ 1 for the amazing soda — on this lunch. It’s good to know I can get a legit LOBSTAH (I almost made it through the whole post without saying it) roll this close to home.

Lobster fresh out of the sea! (at least that’s what they tell you. Neat little fast food lobster place on main st. Service is very friendly and everything is made to order. The lobster rolls are kind of small so I would get two rolls if you have an appetite. I did.
Main lobster roll is served cold with some lemon butter. Connecticut roll is warm with melted butter. Both were good and had plenty of lobster meat for its size.
The lobster bisque was kind of bland and watery. I added chunks of lobster meat (extra $ 4) which made it more appealing.
Nice place to stop by if you’re in the area but I wouldn’t go out of my way for it since they only serve like 4 kind of lobster rolls, a shrimp roll, a crab roll, and 2 kind of soups.

I thought this place was actually pretty mediocre. I wonder if all the rave reviews are due the the novelty of lobster rolls in the mid-​atlantic area. I ordered the Connecticut roll, and for the price, the lobster roll was paltry! Maybe the skimped on the day that i came, but it certainly did not look as full as some of the other pictures. In fact, when I opened it up (I got it to go), I noticed that there was a gap at one end of the roll… no lobster, nothing.
As for the lobster itself, I felt like it was a bit bland and dry, and had a weird fishy taste to it. Maybe it could have benefited from a little bit more butter and a dash of seasoning or something. The lobster chunks seemed a bit «deflated» or «shriveled»…

This place doesn’t look impressive, but their lobster rolls will blow you away. They’re loaded with lobster meat, and cooked as describe on the menu. They don’t have great sides or drinks available for purchases, but they really do deliver a great lobster roll. This is a great spot to stop into if you are looking for a quicker but high quality meal while in Annapolis.

Stopped by here on our annual Annapolis trip and didn’t want to leave without trying the Lobster Salad Roll.
The roll was small but delicious. I would return!

Mixed feelings on this place.
First, I LOVED my lobster roll. It was a great value, considering it was a generous portion of lobster. I’d give it 5 stars for the roll alone, but I almost didn’t eat here after heading to the restroom to wash my hands. It was filthy. The waste can was overflowing onto the floor, and the entire space needed bleach. Additionally, the workers were eating burritos behind the counter. I totally understand they need a break (and food), but it seemed untidy to eat in the main food prep area. Also, I had the cole slaw as my side, and it was the worst slaw I’ve ever had (that’s saying a lot… I come from a long line of enthusiastic and terrible cooks). It was basically mayo with cabbage, no vinegar or seasoning.

In an attempt to avoid the more touristy joints in Annapolis, we stumbled upon Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls. They really should change the name to LOBSTAH! though as it’s catchier and I may have been overly enthusiastic when ordering.
We ordered the seafood sampler each (~$ 12 for three mini rolls). With this option you get one each of the Maryland crab cake, shrimp and lobster rolls.
Best part: the buttery brioche roll, toasted well on the outside and soft on the inside. A perfect vehicle for the filling.
I enjoyed the trio of fillings, most of all the creamy crab. While the lobster was sweet, it was also unfortunately quite dry. I think a drizzle of butter would have improved it immensely.
The sampler is served with a crunchy pickle, and you can add a side if you wish as extra. I was curious about the coleslaw, but it was a let down (huge chunks of cabbage and watery dressing).
Overall, the rolls were enjoyable, but the price makes me pause. If you’re looking for value I’m sure you’ll find a suitable option elsewhere. If you’re craving lobstah however, Mason’s seems to be the best game in town.

Lobstah rolllllssss lol. We tried the lobstah BLT and the Connecticut roll combo and also added a Maryland Crab roll to share. The inside was a bit small but not too over crowded. I wished they had more of a drink selection to choose from. The cooking set up is very simple, soup coolers, a mini flat top grill and a hot plate. Only one concern (not for me) but they were cooking bacon on the mini flat top and toasting the buns there as well. For those who don’t eat pork that may pose a problem. Either way I’m not offended lol. It took about 10 mins for us to get our rolls and I can say I am not disappointed. Yummy yummy in my tummy lol. I wish there was an option for a reg or a large roll.

The food was boring and slightly disappointing for the higher seafood premium I am paying to dine here. When I entered three children were running throughout the shop while the employee’s just watched in shock at their actions. First, one boy ran behind the counter; second, stole a shirt and began running for the door; finally, the third kid was skillfully riding his skateboard throughout the sop — I was greeted with a unique experience that is for sure!
After the chaos I was able to order and though my food was prepared slightly fast the room was still talking about what they just saw and one employee walked outside to see if he could track down the kids; but, it looked like a good time for a cigarette. As for the food: a) bisque was okay at best, not flavorful at all, slightly runny and the clerk did not fully inquire if I wanted the extra lobster chunks (which is what I wanted) b) the Maine roll is average, needs a little more butter and I am unsure why but I felt like my roll was on the smaller side compared to some of the others I saw coming out and was missing the listed mayonnaise.
Conceptually I love the idea of lobster rolls in Maryland and Annapolis — it just fits in the small seafood port town — but, the cost and whatever that was I walked in on was sort of unsettling and may have impacted my meal — 3 stars average.

Named a 2015 Best Cheap Eats by Washingtonian Magazine, and well-​deserved.
Completely agree with previous reviewers: small portion especially compared to lobster rolls in Maine, but lobster was fresh, delicious, and not stringy. A bit pricey for the size. I had the Connecticut Roll, which was just lobster meat (no mayo) served warm on the toasted, buttered bun. Cole slaw was fresh and not overloaded with mayo.
Bonus points for offering Maine Root sodas.

It’s delicious.
But it’s nowhere near as delicious as a real Maine lobster roll.
And the price/​size ratio is pretty disappointing. But if I can’t be in Maine, this is the next best place (within a much shorter driving distance).
Oh, and beware of the Rootbeer in a bottle. It’s insanely pricey.

We had the opportunity to chat with the owner while we waited for our order. He was very knowledgeable about the shellfish industry and passionate about his restaurant. We spent many years in the Boston area, so we have sampled a great many lobster rolls.
We ordered one classic, which was cold lobster meat on a warm buttery bun with just a touch of mayo and lemon. For the $ 12 price tag, I think the sandwich was a good value and it thoroughly satisfied my appetite. Some of the rolls we have tried in this area had too many faults… watery lobster, added ingredients like celery and peppers, too large of chunks and tasteless meat. The lobster here was super tender and every bite was clean. No stringiness or dropped meat. Next time, I may get an extra schmear of mayo and ask for a lemon slice to add a bit more acid. Otherwise, it was a very good roll.
We also ordered the lobster bisque with chunks and the clam chowder to go so we could have it later for dinner. We tasted a spoonful and enjoyed both soups though the bisque had much more punch and flavor. No problem, as we will just add some salt, pepper and a splash of sherry to the chowdah and we will be transported back to the Cape. We will certainly return, and we were very happy to find this tiny slice of New England on Main Street in Annapolis.