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ZipPicks Awards
Best American in Palms-Cheviot Hills
Best Seafood in Palms-Cheviot Hills
Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Palms-Cheviot Hills
Master Critic Review
Lobster & Beer
8.0
A single-ingredient concept that actually delivers—ten years of building an entire menu around Maine lobster, from butter-drenched Connecticut-style rolls to a grilled cheese and tomato bisque combo that regulars treat as a standing order. The all-day happy hour and craft beer list turn it into a low-key game-day hangout where the lobster-to-bun ratio stays honest and the price stays below most LA competitors. Loud, compact, and unapologetically casual—show up for the lobster, not the ambiance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Roll, Lobster Tacos, Lobster Grilled Cheese
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A lobster-focused casual spot that builds its entire menu around one ingredient, from rolls to quesadillas to grilled cheese
Who should go: Sports fans and groups wanting lobster without the white-tablecloth price
When to visit: Happy hour for deals on lobster and beer pairings
What to order: Start with the tomato bisque, commit to the lobster roll as your main, and split a lobster grilled cheese for the table
Insider tip: The patio is dog-friendly — grab an outdoor seat during a game
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free dedicated lot in the parking garage—entrance off Palms Blvd behind the building. A few free street spots on Motor Ave one block north. Palms neighborhood parking can be tight on weekends so arrive early or use the garage.
Dress code: Very casual counter-serve spot with a dive-bar-meets-sports-bar feel—shorts, flip-flops, and jerseys all fit right in. You order at a tiny counter.
Noise level: Lively inside with a rock-music vibe, multiple TVs tuned to games, and buzzy conversation. Patio seating gets Motor Ave traffic noise. Not a quiet-conversation spot, especially on game days.
Weekend wait: Food comes out fast even when busy, but expect a crowd and possible wait for seating on game days and weekend evenings.
Weekday lunch: Quick turnaround—order at the counter and food typically arrives within minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—the menu is almost entirely seafood-focused. Sides like tater tots and fries are available, but reviewers note it is not particularly vegetarian-friendly.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional first date. This is a counter-service spot with a sports bar vibe — multiple TVs playing games, a pool table, and a casual hole-in-the-wall aesthetic. The noise level runs moderate to loud. That said, some couples swear by it for low-key, no-pressure dates where the focus is on great lobster rolls and cold beer rather than white tablecloths. If your date values good food and chill energy over ambiance, it works. For a more intimate setting, look elsewhere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, most of the time. It's counter-service — you order at the counter and grab a seat — so there's no formal reservation process for walk-ins. The space is small (roughly 10 tables inside plus 3 on the patio), so weekday lunches and early evenings are easy. Weekend dinner hours can fill up, especially the patio. They are listed on OpenTable if you want to guarantee a spot, but walk-ins are the norm here.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the casual counter-service format and laid-back atmosphere make it easy with kids. Mac and cheese is available as a kid-friendly option, and the noise level is forgiving enough that children won't disturb anyone. Families with small children are a common sight. The quick ordering format means you're not locked into a long sit-down meal. Best for kids who are comfortable in a lively, casual environment. High chair availability not confirmed — call (424) 298-8106 to check.
Is it good for groups? Manageable for small groups of 4-6, but limited for larger parties. The space is compact with roughly 10 indoor tables and 3 patio tables, so seating a group of 8+ would be difficult. No private dining room. Counter service does make it easy to order separately. For groups of 6 or fewer on a weeknight, you should be fine walking in. Larger groups should call ahead to see what can be arranged.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — a small patio with approximately 3 tables out front. The patio is heated, dog-friendly, and has a wall to help block Motor Ave traffic noise plus trees providing shade. It's a pleasant spot in good weather, though it fills up fast given the limited capacity. If outdoor seating is important, arrive early or visit on a weeknight.
Best For
Better for: Casual hangouts with friends over lobster rolls and cold beers, catching a game on the TVs, or grabbing a quick affordable seafood lunch. Daily happy hour (11 AM–7 PM) with $2–$3 off bites and beers is a standout.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a quiet, sit-down dinner atmosphere or need substantial vegetarian options. This is counter-service with a sports-bar energy, not a date-night seafood spot.
Hours
Monday11am - 10pm
Tuesday11am - 10pm
Wednesday11am - 10pm
Thursday10am - 10pm
Friday11am - 10pm
Saturday11am - 10pm
Sunday11am - 9pm