Hot vs Cold Lobster Rolls: The New England Food Debate I Was Not Ready For (But I Picked a Side)

I moved to New England thinking I had a decent handle on the culture from my research. Snow. Flannel. Layers. I picked the coldest winter to move here, and summers and fall are amazing.

Saying things like “yeah, that makes sense” while secretly Googling later and making sure my “R’s” are silent. I think I have this figured out.

What I was not ready for was learning that a lobster roll isn’t just a lobster roll. No. That would be too easy.

I went to breakfast with a friend at The Friendly Toast in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. She is from Connecticut and told me there IS a difference. There’s hot, and there’s cold.

So let’s break this down, if you are new here and don’t want to panic at the counter.

The Cold Lobster Roll (aka the Maine Way)

The cold lobster roll is a Maine thing. Chilled lobster meat lightly dressed in mayonnaise, served on a split-top, toasted bun. It’s clean, refreshing, and very much about letting the lobster speak for itself.

Cold lobster roll fans will tell you this is the pure way to do it. Just lobster, mayo, and tradition.

The Hot Lobster Roll (aka Butter or Bust)

Now let’s talk about the hot lobster roll, a connection to Connecticut. Skip the mayo entirely. This is warm lobster meat tossed in melted butter, piled into that same glorious toasted bun.

This is comfort food. This is lobster saying, “Relax, I’ve got you.”

READ MORE: Spring & Summer Calls for Trying the 16 Must-Have Lobster Rolls From New Hampshire

So… Which Lobster Roll Is Better?

To each their own is what I’ve learned after posting TikTok and reading the comments from New Englanders:

If you want something refreshing, go cold. Best in summer. If you want something unforgettable, go hot. It's the go-to in the winter.

Final Thoughts From the New Guy

I came to New England for the scenery, the seasons, and the vibe. I stayed because food here comes with opinions, and I kind of love that.

What's your favorite way to eat a lobster roll?