Clawdaddy’s

Let’s be clear, if you are looking for southern-​gorge-​yourself cheap seafood this place might not be for you. If you want QUALITY fresh seafood treats this is the best place in Lexington. The lobster roll was the best I’ve ever had; it had deliciously fresh lightly buttered lobster and a super soft and toasted to perfection brioche roll. The lobster bisque is my wife’s new favorite. We also had the lobster Mac and cheese and had no complaints. Very kind and friendly staff as well. We will be coming back. AND MY WIFE BETTER ORDER HER OWN ROLL NEXT TIME!

It’s been a slow road to get to where I actually come here on a regular basis but they have certainly improved upon many of my old gripes.
The food quality has certainly increased over the past several months. The lobster rolls have still remained small but the meat certainly is fresher than before.
The service has improved as the staff seems to be a little older now. I like that they have some booze now.
All in, I want the place to stay around to please give it a shot again. Smithtown is really the only other place to find a decent seafood lunch that isn’t dipped in concrete and deep fat fried.

My first experience was worth the $$$. My lobster roll earlier today was delicious. The roll itself was obviously freshly cooked bread and was stuffed with whole pieces of lobster, no fillers used. I should have taken a picture of it the roll was just that beautiful. I can’t wait to go back and sample the rest of the menu.

Stopped by this cute restaurant while in town for work. I was pleasantly surprised to see a seafood restaurant with fresh quality dishes in Lexington, especially in a land-​locked location. The owner and my waiter were very welcoming and were gracious to give me a run down of the menu. I had the lobster mac n cheese with a Maine Root ginger beer – DELICIOUS. It is a seafood restaurant that does not carry fried food, BUT do not hesitate to stop in to try a taste of Maine – you won’t be disappointed. They also get their bread for their lobster rolls from a local bakery and all seafood from Maine.

Stop and do NOT pass go! This place is delicious! The food is fresh, the service is kind and down to earth.
The owner clearly prides himself in quality vs. quantity. If you’re looking to have a quick lunch with delicious and fresh seafood, stop in! It will be worth your time. The Bloody Mary is Killer!

My fiancé and I tried this place on a whim this week while he was here for a conference. WE LOVED IT. One or both of us have eaten here everyday for 4 days. The sandwiches are amazing, the staff and owner are very friendly and personable, and the shellfish they serve is fresh and delicious! We also indulged in nowsome imported drinks and whoopie pies. We recommend this to anyone and we will definitely be returning next time we’re in the area!
And now after reading other people’s reviews of this place, I feel like I need to clarify a few things.
1. Shellfish is NOT cheap when you’re this far from water. Whatever the juveniles who wrote terrible reviews are expecting, clearly isn’t quality seafood. Clawdaddy’s is absolutely quality seafood and if you think the price is too high, you’re too cheap.
2. This place isn’t McDonald’s. You’re not gonna get a biggie size fry and a big Mac for$ 6. If your’re looking for a big meal, go somewhere else. Don’t eat here then trash it because you’re used to fast food. With that said, this place is very elegant with elegant and sophisticated portion sizes. If you’re not full on what you get, you’re overeating.
3. This restaurant is quality over quantity. Their menu isn’t very expansive, but what they serve is quality and fresh, and you’re not going to find better seafood for the price.
I don’t normally write reviews but I feel like I need to start when wonderful places are being dogged because people have different expectations. The owner is so personable. You really feel like you’re over for dinner in his kitchen and like you’ve been friends for years. I am not from Lexington, which I consider to be a sizeable city. I’m from a small town and when someone takes the time to be so friendly, that means a lot. I don’t particularly enjoy the typical rudeness and fast pace of the city, and this was a refreshing stop. And we also don’t normally eat at the same place for four days in a row when we’re out of town. That should say a lot in itself.
Trust me, if you don’t eat here, you’re missing out on an epic experience.

My husband and I went here for lunch, and there was no one there. I thought this was a bad sign. The man at the register told us about the way everything is prepared and then we ordered.
I got the crab roll and my husband got the lobster roll. When I tell you that this food was amazing, I am not kidding! When we got back home, we tried to make our own.
I only have one bad thing to say. The prices were a little high for what you get, but you have to remember that the nearest ocean is pretty far away from Lexington. It’s definitely worth trying if you want a guilt free lunch.

I’m not changing my mind but I am changing my review of Clawdaddy. This is the best lobster roll you will get anywhere near Kentucky. Quality is paramount here, and the food is reliably delicious. The lobster rolls, shrimp rolls, lobster mac & cheese, lobster bisque, lobster BLT… all fabulous, all fresh, and all made with care to emphasize the ingredients, not stretch or hide the good bits.
My previous 3-​star review was written with the idea that, yes, I’ve had better, and bigger, lobster rolls in Maine. But since this ISN’T Maine, and Lexington is nowhere near where lobster is plentiful, I am changing my review to reflect that THIS restaurant, in Lexington, is doing things right. Beautiful restaurant, clean and unpretentious, where lobster is the star.
To my friends who won’t eat here because it is too expensive for what you get, I say this: you won’t get lobster this good for a lower price anywhere near Lexington. If you’re after a big plate of food at a low price, there are a number of places I could highly recommend, but don’t expect lobster to be on their menu.

My daughter, a huge lobster fan, enjoyed the lobster roll from here. It is modest in size, and expensive, but she appreciated that it was all lobster meat with no filler. The bun was very good. Slaw is so-​so. And don’t get the lemonaide. But the main feature — lobster — rocked.

We stopped by yesterday to grab dinner to go. When we walked in we were the only ones there. The young lady amd man at the counter greeted us as soon as we walked in the door. The lobster rolls were phenomenal. Chunks of fresh lobster on a lightly toasted bun. I’m going to try the shrimp and crab! The mini blueberry homemade pies are definitely big enough for two. We will be back to have a Maine craft beer next time!

Pricey, yes, but the crab roll is worth every penny. The most delicious seafood I have ever had in central Kentucky.
The owner greets every customer, making you feel like you’re a guest in his own kitchen.
A Lexington treasure. Don’t miss it.

Excellent place really enjoyed the food and got to meet the owner a really nice guy! Fresh seafood!

The Lobster Roll, crab and shrimp rolls were AMAZING! However. I felt deceived by the online menu I read at
. I had no idea how small these rolls would be. And were it not for spending nearly 30 bucks for 4 half rolls (expecting that they would be much larger than they were) I would give them 5 stars. ($ 19 for the sampler of a half roll of lobster, shrimp crab, $ 8 for an extra half lobster roll)
The half rolls were about the size of a White Castle slider. Yes. They were all beyond delicious. The bread was so buttery and flaky. But not sure I’d be willing to spend that much again for it.
What a shame. They were really. Really. Really good.

Positives: Lobster Mac N Cheese makes you want to cry it’s so creamy and rich. There is a buttery chunk of lobster in every bite and is baked with a super crispy topping, makes for a hearty meal. Bread they use for their rolls are from a local bakery and you can tell! It’s not the normal creamy lobster roll so for those of you that aren’t big mayo lovers, this will be perfect for you.
Negatives: Price point is a bit steep for grabbing lunch but it’s not a burger you’re ordering, it’s fresh LOBSTER! Keep that in mind when looking at prices. Shrimp roll wasn’t the best but I generally spring for crab or lobster before shrimp (unless it’s fried). No backs on chairs can be a little uncomfy.
The Vibe: Well we got to meet the owner and he said’ «There are two rules we live by here, 1. The customer is always right and 2. If they happen to be wrong, refer to #1.» That kind of service can be hard to find, especially downtown. It’s a unique type of food that you don’t normally get in Lexington and is definitely worth a try. We are coming back for that Mac n Cheese!

The Good: the interior and outdoor seating, the music, the food, the lobster Mac and cheese, drink selection, fresh bread from Sunshine Bakery.
The Bad: lack of variety in style with the menu.
The Rundown: before I write this I need you to be aware I have never had a lobster roll before today. That being said I really enjoyed their food. It tasted really fresh, they have decent portion sizes, and it has a nice buttery taste. Their menu is very simple, shrimp, crab, or lobster on a roll. There you have it. While I can appreciate this straight forward approach to what I would perceive as being a classic lobster roll, it would be nice to have a few flavoring options. Maybe some coleslaw on the roll, or peppers, some melted cheese and have like a lobster thermadore roll. Another thing that would be nice is some type of hot sauce for the table, that could just be me though, I love hot sauce on everything. Their lobster Mac and cheese has a lot of huge pieces of lobster and it was amazing.
The Impression: I will definitely come back. The food is great but lacks a little sophistication, maybe adding some truffle oil as an option. If you want straight forward lobster rolls here is where you should go.

It’s taken me a long time to think about what I want to write in my review of Clawdaddy’s, as it should with any 1-​star review I write.
A meal here is the biggest ripoff I have ever experienced at a restuarant in Lexington. The worst part was the disappointment in quality of the food. After reading their website and advertisement, and even a few other Unilocal reviews, I came here expecting a treat. I LOVE lobster rolls and I have been to Maine to experience a real lobster roll. What they serve here is FAR from anything you would get in Maine. Not only is the lobster meat definitely not as fresh as they advertise on their menu, but the rolls are MINUSCULE. A real lobster half-​roll is about 4 times the size of what you get here. As you can see in my photos, the size of the half-​roll is not much bigger than the length of a slice of lemon.
The second worse part of the experience was the price. I ordered the sampler roll which was 3 half-​rolls, and a lobster bisque soup. I didn’t even get a drink, and that was just under $ 30, for one person.
Oh, and how was the bisque? Terrible. It wasn’t even hot! My date ordered the same soup and since they were at the end of the pot they had to microwave his bowl. We ordered the same size, but were served in two different looking bowls. There was a tiny pinch of lobster meat on top on the bisque, next to none in it.
It’s disappointing, this place has a lot of potential because of its location and super cute and trendy interior, but I absolutely won’t be back.
I’m actually quite shocked they are still in business.

Yes, the servings are small but the lobster is delicious. Yes, the price point is a little higher than one would expect compared with the serving size but it’s lobster, people!
I visited here during a work trip to the area. A colleague and I grabbed the original lobster roll and really enjoyed it. It was a delicious treat and we didn’t regret our decisions.
Its probably not the type of place that you would go to every day but its a good treat and super cute place.

I have to say I was very disappointed. I had the lobster bisque and the lobster roll. The bisque was just a cream that was on a hot plate with a tiny portion of lobster in it, really really tiny. The lobster roll was not terrible but again was a small portion for the price.
My meal came to around $ 30 and I left somewhat hungry still. I’ve had lobster roll in Maine which I loved and thought was very much worth the price; this, however, was a very poor imitation.

We walked in 15 minutes to closing. Both guys behind the counter were very friendly and helpful anyway.
They made the sandwiches with care. It was cool to see someone treat their job like they care about it.
The portions are small and the food is pricey. Bit it is shellfish so you shouldn’t be too surprised.
We got the shell fish extravaganza. Two half sandwiches of each that we shared. Shrimp, crab and lobster.
All tasted fresh and the bread was awesome. Locally baked.
Could have used a bit more old bay but I just like spicy stuff.
Sharp looking décor. Worth a try for sure. We will be back.

4-​stars Unilocal?Really? Oh man… I sure hope I just went on a really, really … REALLY … off day… The store was clean, but no one there on a weekday evening. Probably should have taken it as a sign…
Ordered two items:
1) Shellfish Sample — consists of a half lobster, half crab, and half shrimp roll In additional, they provide a side of either chips or coleslaw. ($ 18)
2) Lobster Bisque — supposedly what they are ‘well known’ for. ($ 8)
First off, I have to admit that I lowered my expectations going into this place already. As other Unilocalers have noted, Kentucky is landlocked so getting seafood here takes a bit more work. For the close to the $ 30 that they charged, I definitely expected ‘fresh’ seafood … which, of course, was their claim. I was honestly looking forward to a delicious meal, even if the portions are small.
Lobster bisque was nothing more than some pre-​cooked cream that sits on a hot plate. Upon order, the staff take a small piece of lobster (about the size comparable to your index finger), cuts it up into tiny pieces and adds this to the cream. For $ 8, I would at least expect a full claw, much less a lot more flavor instead of just sludge. (Score: ²⁄₅)
Now for the rolls… I can’t knock them for EVERYTHING… the BREAD was fresh and pretty good! That’s about it though…
Shrimp roll had the most flavor, however it was not of shrimp — the seasoning that they sprinkled on top of the roll was what I was tasting. (Score: ²⁄₅)
Crab roll was the least fresh; now crab has a very distinct flavor to it, and none of it was present. Crab was clearly not fresh, and likely to have been frozen and defrosted in a bucket of water, which would sap all the flavor out of the meat. (Score: ²⁄₅)
Lobster roll, ah the claim to fame of this place! I will give them this: at least I could taste the lobster on this one. However, the lobster was FAR from fresh, which is what they claim and are able to charge extraordinary prices for tiny portions (I’m not opposed to the small portions, just wanted they to claim something that was true). (Score: ²⁄₅)
Sad to say, Clawdaddy’s OVERWHELMINGLY disappointed. As a visitor of Lexington, I have to say that this place is definitely not worth the visit if you happen to be in the area. This may be one of the few locations a local may get «fresh» (and I must explicitly emphasize the quotes) Maine seafood.
Last note, this place had so much potential, charges the high prices, but fails to deliver on their claims. I cannot, in good faith, give this place more than 2-​stars: Meh! I’ve experienced better. MUCH better.