Here are the top 5 places to get a lobster roll near Bradenton, according to locals

We’ve been on a roll when it comes to finding the best places to eat in Manatee County.

Bradenton Herald online readers have voted on where to find the best coffee, frozen treats and brunch spots.

Now, while summer heat and Maine lobster meat are at their peak, we asked readers which local business serves up the best lobster rolls in Bradenton.

A total of 70 readers participated in our poll, and based on their opinion, Lobster Pound has the best lobster roll in the area.

Here are the top five results and how many votes each received:

1. Lobster Pound - 19

2. Mermaid Pies - 11

3. Speaks Clam Bar - 7

4. O’Bricks Irish Pub & Martini Bar - 5

5. Detwiler’s Farm Market - 4

Our readers also chimed in on a timeless debate, which style is the tastiest — New England or Connecticut? The results are:

• New England - 41
• Connecticut - 19

Not sure of the difference between the two? Here’s a description of the two iconic styles, the New England-style roll is prepared with cold lobster meat, tossed in mayo, tarragon and celery or scallions on top of a buttered roll lightly toasted on its sides. Connecticut-style rolls are made with hot lobster meat and topped with warm butter.

A survey on seafood would be remiss if we did not include local catches, so we asked readers if they would try lobster rolls made with Florida spiny lobster instead of the classic Maine lobster.

Quite a few —31 — people told us they would and ten said they wouldn’t. Either people weren’t sure.

Lobster roll recipe

For those interested in trying Florida’s take on lobster rolls, try this recipe from Fresh from Florida:

• 1 pound Florida spiny lobster meat, grilled and chopped
• Florida Romaine or Butter lettuce, shredded (or your favorite lettuce)
• ½ cup Florida celery, chopped
• Rolls, split in half
• 2 green onions, chopped
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon prepared Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

Prepare a Florida spiny lobster roll following these five steps:

1. Heat grill to medium-high.
2. Cut the lobster tail in half, leaving the lobster meat in the shell.
3. Season with salt and pepper and grill for 2-3 minutes per side or until meat are no longer translucent.
4. Remove from shell to cool and cut into bite-size pieces. Combine the mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire, celery, salt and pepper, mix thoroughly.
5. Gently fold in lobster meat. Fill rolls with lobster mixture and garnish with green onions. Serve chilled.

This story was originally published August 26, 2022 at 3:30 PM.

Robyn Murrell

Bradenton Herald

941-708-7996