Check out these seafood-focused restaurants for lobster rolls, lobster pasta, and whole lobster dinners.
Nothing beats a lobster dinner. Luckily, the Hudson Valley has an abundance of delicious and high-quality seafood restaurants. Whether it’s a butter-drenched roll or a whole lobster served on the riverfront, local eateries bring their Hudson Valley charm to coastal classics. From casual seafood to upscale dining rooms with scenic Hudson River views, here’s where to find some of the region’s standout lobster meals.
Blu Pointe
Newburgh
View this post on Instagram
Blu Pointe brings upscale seafood dining to the Hudson Valley with scenic river views from every table. Serving locally influenced and seasonal dishes, the restaurant is one of the Hudson Valley’s premier fine dining experiences specializing in seafood. Highlights include the raw bar with oysters, littleneck clams, whole Maine lobster cocktail, and inventive small plates like the lobster roll with truffle crunch and black truffle mayo. Try out the tiered shellfish towers, such as the Tower of Shells and Signature Tower, which include whole Maine lobster, colossal shrimp, oysters, clams, mussels, and tuna tartare.
The Boil Shack
Albany
View this post on Instagram
The Boil Shack brings fresh Louisiana-style seafood to the Capital region — serving up bold spices, bubbling bags of crawfish, shrimp, and crab legs for a messy yet delicious dining experience. Pick out a seafood boil with whole live lobster, which includes two potato halves, one piece of corn, and two beef sausage slices. If you’re feeling extra hungry, add boiled eggs and ramen to your boil. Whole lobster is also served at the Shack’s cold seafood bar. If you’re looking for Louisiana-style comfort food, try out the Creole seafood pasta, which includes lobster, baby shrimp, crawfish, creole cream sauce, and cavatappi pasta.
Bowery Dugout
Kingston
Opened in 1947, Bowery Dugout has maintained its reputation as a go-to spot, blending fresh food with history as Kingston’s oldest and finest seafood restaurant. Step inside its warm and welcoming dining rooms to find a raw bar alongside hearty entrees like Seafood Newburgh, broiled scallops, fried oysters, and other classics, all served in generous portions. The restaurant offers live Maine lobsters in a variety of sizes — making for some of the freshest seafood available in the region. Lobster tail can be enjoyed on its own, with crabmeat added, or paired with dishes such as surf and turf and combo platters.
Captain Jake’s Restaurant
Newburgh
View this post on Instagram
A lobster dinner at Captain Jake’s feels like a true New England treat. Settled on Newburgh’s waterfront, the establishment’s patio offers a panoramic view of the Hudson River. The menu offers four lobster options, including Lazy Man’s lobster, New England-style lobster rolls, and lobster mac and cheese. However, the real star of the show is the whole lobster — available broiled, steamed, or stuffed — which makes for a hearty meal as the portion can clock in at about 1.25 to two pounds.
Frank Guido’s Port of Call
Catskill
View this post on Instagram
Nestled on the scenic waterfront, Frank Guido’s Port of Call blends maritime charm with Hudson Valley hospitality. This riverside gem is a true destination for seafood enthusiasts, offering views of the Catskill Creek and the Hudson River, with a myriad of lobster options from which to choose. The menu is a celebration of the sea, with lobster taking a starring role. For a traditional meal, try out the whole lobster, which is available broiled or steamed and served with potatoes. If you’re feeling indulgent, you can even add crabmeat stuffing. The restaurant’s lobster ravioli offers a delicious and comforting meal, and you can never go wrong with a classic lobster roll — served with mayo, celery, and spices on a New England butter roll. Whether you’re arriving by boat or car, savor some of the freshest seafood in the Hudson Valley at this Catskill hotspot.
Red’s Restaurant
West Coxsackie
View this post on Instagram
Serving the Hudson Valley for over 80 years, Red’s Restaurant has built a reputation around exceptional seafood. With a cozy retro vibe, this eatery is both nostalgic and inviting. Try out the whole lobsters, which come in a variety of sizes, and add shellfish stuffing for five extra bucks, or chow down on the fan-favorite Maine lobster roll that comes with diced fresh cucumber, chopped scallion, and tarragon mayonnaise on a brioche roll. Red’s seven-ounce Canadian cold water tails are a unique find, as these sweet and flavorful dishes are offered at only a few seafood spots in the region.
Shadows on the Hudson
Poughkeepsie
View this post on Instagram
If you’re looking for fine dining in the Hudson Valley, Shadows on the Hudson is a go-to. While the restaurant is not a traditional seafood joint, its extensive menu features quite a few surf-centric options. The chilled lobster roll is a standout, packed with fresh lobster meat, light lemon tarragon aioli, and celery. For something more substantial, try out the grilled lobster, which includes asparagus, cracked Yukon potatoes, salmoriglio, and drawn butter. Raw bar fans can opt for the Maine lobster cocktail or go big with the shellfish platter, which includes lobster, oysters, clams, and shrimp.
Related: 9 Hot Dog Joints for Classic Eats in the Hudson Valley
