James Hook & Co is a waterfront shack serving fresh seafood in Boston, located in the downtown district and overlooking the Fort Point channel. Here you can find their famous lobster rolls as well as purchase fresh seafood from their market section.
James Hook & Co
Overall Rating: ★★★★ out of 5 stars
Address: 440 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110
Neighborhood: Downtown Waterfront
Perfect For: Takeout or outdoor patio seating in the summer
Hours: Mon – Tue 10am – 3pm, Wed – Thu 10am – 4pm, Fri – Sat 10am – 5pm, Sun 10am – 4pm
Reservations: No
Parking: Tiny parking lot in the back, International Place Garage
Links: Website, Menu
Cost: $35 per person (food only)
I visited James Hook & Co on a weekday for lunch. The building itself is a shack with minimal seating, but they offer a large outdoor patio for dining when the weather is warmer.
Inside, space is very limited and there are about seven small tables for indoor dining. There are also retail sections around the edges of the dining area, selling fresh seafood and branded apparel.
Food is ordered at the counter, and patrons seat themselves at their preferred table. After eating, there is a trash can near the ordering counter where the food containers can be disposed of.
The menu includes their famous lobster rolls, which can be mayo-based or with butter, and either regular or large size. You can also purchase whole cooked lobsters and New England clam chowder. I would have liked to see french fries on the menu’s list of sides to go along with my lobster roll. They also offer beverages such as beer and wine.
I ordered the classic mayo-based lobster roll, regular size. The lobster roll tasted very fresh, featuring large chunks of meat slathered with mayonnaise. There are no bells-and-whistles here; I didn’t detect any diced celery or herbs that are often added to lobster rolls. Instead, this one showcased the fresh flavor of lobster at its purest without frills, and tasted a bit plain. I was glad to note that the mayo did not taste too heavy.
The bread part of the lobster roll was OK. The roll was sturdy without falling apart, which was great, but the bread itself was too firm and dry. The ideal bread should be buttery with a soft crunch and a light fluffy texture.
Overall, James Hook & Co is a fantastic place to pick up a lobster roll if you value a simple, plain no-frills lobster roll with very fresh tasting ingredients. Service was friendly and quick. I may be tempted to return to try their clam chowder or lobster bisque.
