The Lobster Shack
San Clemente
by Dina Scaglione
Once upon a time, a ten-year-old boy from Venice Beach set out on a bonding trip with his father to the East Coast. This innocuous road trip became the stuff dreams are made of, a jaunt that introduced a young boy to lobster rolls, and planted a seed that grew into what is now The Lobster Shack. Most of us can recall those palpable moments that define our life’s calling. Moments frozen in time where we remember every smell, every taste. That’s the impetus for The Lobster Shack, the newest eatery in Old Town San Clemente that adds west coast flair to quintessential east coast fare.
New England transplants will be pleasantly surprised by brioche so light and lobster so sweet, they’ll swear they’re back in Cape Cod. The Lobster Shack’s brioche rolls are baked fresh daily with flour imported from back east to give it a light, airy texture. Fresh fish is flown in daily, mostly from the East Coast; nothing is ever frozen or reheated. Seafood is generously layered, without heavy, fussy dressing to over-complicate the experience. Your choice of chunky lobster, succulent crab or flavorful shrimp is piled high and held together with a light lemon butter aioli sauce. Share the ‘Trio for Two” where you can experience all three savory staples in a marriage of perfection — served with your choice of two sides: Blue Cheese Cole Slaw, New England Baked Beans, or Cape Cod Kettle Chips. Start your meal off with a cup of house-made Clam Chowder or Lobster Bisque, piping hot and richly flavored.
“Think globally and support locally” is owner Dan Naughton’s mission for The Lobster Shack. As a big believer in supporting the local community and preserving our oceans, anything left over at the end of the day is donated to a local food bank that feeds those in need. In his commitment to sustainable cooking methods, Dan abides by the United Nation’s sustainable development plan to reduce his global footprint and only sources from fisheries that adhere to the FAO’s Code of Conduct for Responsible Fishing.
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Lobster Shack delivers an experience you don’t often find in South OC and gladly one you won’t soon forget. Mention The Local DISH Magazine when you stop in and take $2.00 off your lobster roll.
The Lobster Shack
111 W Avenida Palizada #104, San Clemente
949.503.1119 • TheLobsterShack.us