MERRIMACK – Seafood is a major food group for New Englanders; we savor it year-round and rely on it not only for satisfying meals as consumers, but also as a major source of income, shipping it to restaurants, distributors, and markets worldwide. The Lobster Boat in Merrimack procures the best seafood and is a treasure chest overflowing with golden-fried morsels, buttery fillets, and so much more.

Before purchasing The Lobster Boat in September of 2019, owner John Thistle worked there for 20 years. He always dreamed of being able to take over the restaurant when the time was right, and he is keeping the menu, esthetic and charm alive and well. After all, if it isn’t broken, why fix it?

Portion sizes of the appetizers at The Lobster Boat could easily be meal-worthy (but you should not stop there). From fried whole belly clams to authentic Maryland blue crab cakes, the spread ranges greatly and perfectly. Classics like mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers and their homemade shoestring onion rings round it all out to make sure there is a pre-meal treat for every diner. It should also be mentioned that a cup of chowder (fish, clam or corn) or lobster bisque would be a very wise starter.

We all flock to certain menu sections: deep fried, baked, steamed or grilled; The Lobster Boat does them all masterfully, with down-home style and grace. From Golden Fried Dinners, we find plates piled high with classics like the Seafood Platter (whole clams, baby shrimp, sea scallops and haddock), Fish and Chips (haddock and fries), and two and three-way combos with fries or onion rings. From the Baked Dinner section, we’re offered Lazy Lobsters, Maple Glazed Salmon, and Sweet Bay Scallops, among others. If something from the grill is more your style, they have you covered: savory Lobster Tail is paired with Sirloin Tips; Center Cut Swordfish dominates, and scallops with tips are a delight, as are other combinations. And of course, we need to mention some of your options from the steamers: mountains of King Crab legs, mussels, lobsters and clams await your focused pondering. Additionally, Lobster Rolls and Haddock Sandwiches are perfect for a quick lunch. If you prefer “turf” over “surf”, burgers, chicken, steak, and a kids’ menu are available.

For 25 years now, The Lobster Boat in Merrimack has been a local favorite and landmark. We bring family and friends visiting from out of state; we crowd the dining room to celebrate milestones and birthdays; we look out our car windows longingly when driving by if we can’t stop, and vow to get in there soon. When these trying and uncertain times are behind us, the Lobster Boat will fill its dining room again. Until then, give them a call for “Take Out At a Safe Distance” or find their menu on Door Dash and Post Mates.

Contributing Staff Member Emily Vassar. Email suggestions for the Restaurant Spotlight to mburdette@nashuatelegraph.com.

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