Rant: How Much Would You Pay For a Lobster Roll?

Summer is the time when many people in New England, from residents to tourists, will enjoy Lobster Rolls, whether a cold lobster roll (commonly called a Maine-style roll) or a warm buttered lobster roll (commonly called a Connecticut-style roll). My personal preference is for a warm buttered lobster roll and I enjoyed my first one of the summer season last Friday.   

However, how much would you pay for a Lobster Roll?

This season, Lobster Rolls are pricier than other years, especially due to a smaller lobster catch in Maine, the fourth year of continual decline. Plus, restaurant prices have been rising, due to many factors, from higher ingredient costs to higher labor costs. If you try to purchase live lobsters at your local market, you'll see how pricey they can be, commonly $10-$20 a pound. 

At many local restaurants, lobster rolls are now selling for $30-$60, usually accompanied by French fries or chips. On the menu, lobsters rolls are usually listed as "Market Price," so you should ask about the price before ordering, to prevent sticker shock later. Some consumers draw a line at how much they are willing to pay for a lobster roll, while others will pay nearly any price for such an iconic sandwich.

Last Friday, for lunch, I dined at Row 34 in Burlington, and I had an urge for a Lobster Roll. Their Warm Buttered Lobster Roll, with slaw and home-made chips was listed at Market Price, and the actual price that day was $48. Considering everything, I thought this was a reasonable price, especially as I've enjoyed their Lobster Rolls before and understood their quality. 

There was plenty of sweet, tender lobster, covered with a rich butter, and within a thicker hot-dog style bun. The bun was grilled perfectly, and its thicker bread helped keep the sandwich from falling apart. With thin buns, the bread can get too moist from the butter and fall apart, so it becomes much harder to eat it. Fortunately, I didn't have this issue at Row 34. The lobster roll sated my urges, was quite delicious, and it was everything I wanted. I felt I got my money's worth. 

I'll also mention that I love their homemade chips as well, a nice companion to the lobster roll. 

In addition, as an appetizer, I was also impressed with their Salt & Pepper Fried Shrimp, accompanied by a peanut sauce and nuoc cham. A crunchy, clean coating on plump, tender shrimp, and both sauces were very tasty. 

How much would you pay for a Lobster Roll?