Review: Lobster on the River- New London, Conn. (20 out of 25)

To begin as I did with an earlier review...After eagerly awaiting the opening of two new restaurants on the rising Bank Street for nearly 2 years the wait is over. Crosby Restaurant Group of New London has opened two new restaurants on Bank Street in New London showing the continued change (for the better) on one of the areas most important historic streets.

Located on the Up and Coming Bank Street in New London, Connecticut, Lobster on the River is located on the street level while Little Havana is at the water level or "basement" each having their very own private deck for dining area and bar filled with warm nautical colors and views of Ft.Trumbull and the Thames River. 

I decided to check out Lobster on The River after having enjoyed Lobster at other old haunts including Abbotts in Noank, Capt. Scotts in New London and so on... After a long day of work and a car ride from New York that took less than forever but long enough to remember I fell upon Lobster on the River at around 1:45 pm.

Entering and having been told by a friendly waiter to sit where I would like I opted to sit outside even in the heat and humidity of this hot summer day. Surrounded by handsome railing and a number of other guests enjoying salads, pasta and of couse Lobster I took a quick look at the menu... lobster this, lobster that etc... a nearby table raved about the Lobster Thermador while others raved about non-lobster dishes. Well... when in Rome do as the Romans and order what they are known or soon to be known for... A warm Lobster Roll with drawn butter, chips and a Samuel Adams Summer Ale.

Enjoying the sounds of the area, the smell of the sea and just the excitement of being someplace new in an old city that was more "modern" than a traditional clam or fish shack. My Ale arrived quickly and was nice and ice cold, the Lobster Roll arrived about two minutes later and looked of a healthy portion. On a hot dog roll with a lemon wedge and large amount of chips with some flavored crust and some cole slaw I dug in.

The lobster roll priced at about 13.00 was about average for Southern New England and carried as much lobster meat as expected which for some reason is always more than appears but never enough to give you that second thought of... "humm should I order another?". The lobster roll was fresh while the fries were tasty, my only complaint was that the Lobster Meat was a bit tough almost as though it was overcooked or twice cooked (cooked and warmed again) so it did not have that classic "ummm" taste. I had mentioned this to the waiter who responded..."it is fresh"... fair enough.

After completing my Lobster and thinking...hummm should I head to Captain Scott's again for a second?
All in all Lobster on the River has a good thing going! A unique but common place, unique that it is new, it is a bit more modern than the traditional and common that it is another "Lobster" place in New England... however with some fine tweaking I am sure they will only build upon this "good thing going". Definitely worth a return visit for perhaps that Lobster Thermador or Pasta... and another Sammies Summer Ale or even Coke Zero!


RATINGS KEY:

SCALE:1-POOR/Check out other places, 3 "Ok" to 5-Highly Recommended

Price: (1)up to 15.00 person, (2) 15.01 - 25.00 person, (3) 25.01-35.00 person, (4)- 35.01-50.00 person
(5) Over 50.00 person

Price: Includes Main Course, tax & tip. (drinks, appetizers, deserts not included).

Dining  (20 out 0f 25)