Abbott's Lobster in the Rough named as best waterfront seafood spot by Thrillist - CT Insider

The iconic Noank restaurant was named as one of the website's "29 waterfront seafood spots you need to try right now," joining other New England destinations in Maine, Cape Cod and Newport, R.I., and other coastal favorites around the United States.

"Currently, there's no better (or safer!) way to consume the fruits of the ocean than with a paper plate on your lap, the wind in your hair, and creaky floorboards beneath your feet," Thrillist editors wrote. "What the following fresh seafood joints lack in ritz they more than make up for in character, legend, and, of course, fresh lobsters, shrimp, crabs, and various other delicious sea creatures."

Thrillist noted Abbotts' famous annual countdown to its opening day, writing that the BYOB restaurant's "steamers, stuffed clams, and chowder are also not to be missed" and that its "picnic-style lobster by the shore, or 'in the rough,' is an essential life experience for anyone who loves crustaceans."

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Abbott's, open since 1947, frequently earns national accolades for its food and experience. Most recently, in January, its hot lobster roll was named Connecticut's best sandwich by Food & Wine magazine. Author David Landsel called Abbott's "the finest Connecticut-style lobster rolls in the land: meat (here, a quarter pound, though you can get more), melted butter, toasted bun, end of story."

Abbott's was also featured in Esquire magazine at the end of December, as one of "100 Restaurants America Can't Afford to Lose." Writer Ryan D'Agostino summed up the restaurant's simple pleasures in a few short and sweet sentences. "Picnic tables on the grass by the water. Steamed lobsters, caught that day, with drawn butter in paper cups. A beer."

Abbott's lobster rolls start with a standard quarter-pound of lobster meat, but offers splurge-worthy upgrades: the "OMG" hot lobster roll has nearly twice the amount of the original, and an "LOL" roll packs a full pound of meat on a freshly baked bun — "with all the butter you need," Abbott's promises.

Mother and daughter owners Deirdre Mears and Chelsea Leonard, who also own and operate Costello's Clam Shack just down the street from Abbott's, opened a third restaurant this summer. Abbott's Outpost in downtown Mystic combines classic dishes from the Noank originals like lobster rolls and clam strips, along with new items: sweet and savory crepes, lobster-loaded "tater bombs" and hand-cut crispy chips with dips. The new restaurant also has beer, wine and a cocktail list.

Abbott's Lobster in the Rough is at 117 Pearl St. in Noank. 860-536-7719, abbottslobster.com.

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