Holiday Happenings - Salem, MA

Lobster Rolls & Seafood Salem MA | The Lobster Shanty 

Experience Salem’s beloved dive bar with surprisingly exceptional seafood at The Lobster Shanty, a downtown Salem institution serving fresh lobster rolls, award-winning clam chowder, and creative seafood dishes since 1979. Located in historic Derby Square on Artists Row, this casual waterfront eatery combines a relaxed dive bar atmosphere with high-quality comfort food that has earned features on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives and the Cooking Channel’s Man vs. Food. Open seasonally through mid-January, The Lobster Shanty welcomes holiday visitors with authentic New England seafood, craft cocktails, and a dog-friendly patio perfect for post-shopping refreshments.

Legendary Lobster Rolls & Fresh Seafood in Downtown Salem

The Lobster Shanty specializes in authentic New England lobster rolls featuring six ounces of fresh lobster meat served on buttered toasted rolls. Choose between traditional New England style—chilled lobster lightly tossed with house-made lemon mayo and diced celery—or Connecticut style with warm lobster tossed in sweet butter. Beyond the signature lobster rolls, Chef-Owner Diane Wolf’s menu showcases creative lobster preparations including rich lobster mac and cheese served in cast iron skillets, creamy lobster risotto, and the famous Lobstertini—a lobster martini garnished with a whole lobster claw that Guy Fieri called “absolutely lobster martini.”

The menu extends beyond lobster with homemade clam chowder, fresh fish and chips, Guinness-marinated steak tips, and the Super Nova Scotia seafood platter that Casey Webb conquered on Man vs. Food. The Shanty’s commitment to quality includes scratch-made ingredients, locally-sourced seafood when possible, and sustainable practices including composting organic waste and using compostable takeout containers.

A Local Institution with Heart & Character

Since opening in the 1970s, The Lobster Shanty has served Salem’s community as what locals call an “OG dive bar that likes to surprise you with really good food.” The casual atmosphere welcomes everyone from tourists seeking authentic New England seafood to “Rowdy Regulars” who’ve earned family status. The covered outdoor patio offers seasonal dining with Salem Harbor breezes, and four-legged friends are welcome to join their humans at outdoor tables. Weekend visitors can enjoy the relaxed vibe enhanced by occasional live music performances.

The Shanty’s modest interior seats about 30 diners, creating an intimate neighborhood feel that reflects over four decades of community connections. While the restaurant doesn’t take reservations and wait times can occur during busy holiday weekends, regulars insist the fresh seafood and generous portions make any wait worthwhile.

Visit During Holiday Season in Salem

Address: 25 Front Street, Salem, MA 01970
Located in Derby Square, Artists Row neighborhood

Holiday Season Hours (November through January 15):
Friday-Sunday: Noon to Midnight
Monday-Thursday: 5:00 PM to Midnight
Kitchen closes at 9:00 PM nightly

Contact:
Phone: (978) 745-5449
Email: lobstershanty@gmail.com
Website: lobstershantysalem.com

Dining Options:

• Dine-in (indoor and outdoor patio)
• Online ordering available via website
• No reservations accepted (walk-ins welcome)

Important Notes:

• Seasonal restaurant: Open April 1 through January 15 (closed mid-January through March)
• Online ordering may be limited during peak times and holidays
• Dog-friendly outdoor patio (weather permitting)
• Automatic gratuity for parties of four or more
• 21+ only after kitchen closes
• Hours vary seasonally—check website or social media for current schedule

Location Highlights:

• Heart of downtown Salem’s Derby Square
• Walking distance from Salem Common, Essex Street Pedestrian Mall
• Near House of the Seven Gables and Salem Maritime National Historic Site
• Street parking and public parking lots nearby

Holiday Happenings Supporting Sponsor

The Lobster Shanty is proud to support Holiday Happenings as a Supporting Sponsor, helping to showcase Salem’s vibrant dining scene and local businesses throughout the holiday season.