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Tuesday, March 18th
Legal Sea Foods, a family-owned business with roots dating back to 1950, brings the taste of their renowned seafood restaurant right to your home. When browsing their website, you'll be faced with the enticing choice between "out of the shell" or "in the shell" lobster options.
Pre-cooked or hands-on
For the ultimate convenience, go for pre-cooked lobster meat, lobster tails, or lobster roll kits. If you prefer the hands-on experience, their in-the-shell choices include whole lobsters, live or pre-cooked, as well as lobster tails and complete dinners with delectable additions like chowder, filet mignon, and shrimp.
Side dishes available
If you want more than just lobster, Legal Sea Foods excels at that. Legal Sea Foods has curated a range of delectable New England dishes, directly inspired by their renowned restaurant menu, to bring you the convenience of prepared foods without compromising on the quality and freshness you've come to expect. Indulge in mouthwatering options such as Lobster Mac & Cheese, Nut Encrusted Salmon, and New England Baked Haddock. However, while there are plenty of different things you can buy, there aren't many choices for each item. For example, there are only two types of fish as well as only two types of lobster.
Higher-than average prices
To conduct a price comparison among different retailers, we examined three specific products at Legal Sea Foods to see how they stack up against other lobster stores. At Legal Sea Foods, we checked out prices for lobster, a non-lobster item, and any available package or bundles. In general, Legal Sea Foods had a small selection. All of their listings are able to be easily browsed on one page. The lobster and shellfish are contained in the same section, and there were only 5 total products with only 2 of those being lobster. The prices range from $70 to $140 for lobster. In addition to lobster, Legal Sea Foods is known for its soups and sides. We looked at the prices for their "prepared foods” which include chowders, mac and cheese, and crab cakes. The prices ranged from $28 to $45. Finally, we checked out their "experiences” which are full meals. The pricing ranged from $80 to $250. While most of these prices are higher than other competitors, the meal packages are competitive.
Bargain hunters beware
When exploring the add-ons at Legal Sea Foods it becomes evident that the company is not the go-to lobster store for bargain hunters. Prices for additional items, such as a 12-oz. container of shrimp mac and cheese for $19 or a two-pack of individual Boston cream pies for $16, can quickly add up. If you're looking for more affordable options, you may want to consider other retailers.
Sustainability
Legal Sea Foods has upheld a steadfast commitment to sustainability for over three decades, ensuring that its menu showcases not only fresh and seasonal seafood but also safe and sustainable options. By strictly adhering to the guidelines set by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Legal Sea Foods exclusively serves fish and shellfish that are recognized as sustainable species by the federal government. This dedication to environmental stewardship reflects their unwavering mission to preserve marine ecosystems and promote responsible fishing practices. For individuals seeking comprehensive information on sustainable seafood choices, Legal Sea Foods directs them to FishWatch.gov, a valuable resource that provides factual insights and knowledge about sustainable seafood selections. Through its sustainable practices, Legal Sea Foods sets a commendable example in the industry, combining culinary excellence with ecological responsibility to provide exceptional dining experiences while safeguarding the environment.
Gift options
In terms of gifting, Legal Sea Foods offers gift cards, like many other companies in our review. The gift cards range from $25 to $200 and are considered eGift cards. So, when you purchase the card, it will be sent to your email instead of a physical card in the mail. Additionally, you can buy one of the "Legal Experiences” if you want to send a loved one a full meal with sides and even a surf-and-turf option.
Free shipping on orders $150+
Legal Sea Foods takes great care in shipping and delivering fresh seafood to ensure customers receive the highest quality products. They offer Free Express Shipping on orders of $150 or more, while shipping costs vary for orders below that threshold. Whether it's live lobsters from Maine, fresh-frozen fish, or expertly prepared seafood dishes and accompaniments, Legal Sea Foods follows strict overnight shipping for orders containing live lobsters, and separates them from other frozen products to maintain freshness. Their meticulous approach guarantees that each item arrives in excellent condition, reflecting their commitment to delivering seafood of exceptional quality.
100% satisfaction guarantee
In the event that any issues arise with an order, Legal Sea Foods encourages customers to promptly contact their customer service team. The company promises 100% satisfaction with both the quality of its products and the service provided. While their return policy doesn't specifically state what conditions might be involved in getting your money back, we love that 100% guarantee and commitment to customer service.
Good reputation overall
Legal Sea Foods has built a decent reputation over the years, exemplified by its "A-" rating from the Better Business Bureau. While most customer feedback revolves around their in-person locations, the few complaints registered with the BBB indicate the company's commitment to resolving issues promptly. Customer reviews on the website also reflect the positive experiences of satisfied customers.
Good quality, but not enough options
With its long history of providing restaurant-quality seafood, Legal Sea Foods brings its expertise and dedication to your doorstep. However, it has a couple of drawbacks. Most of the prices are high compared to other competitors online. Also, for a company specializing in seafood, there aren't a lot of products available on the website. With only two different lobster-focused listings, this option doesn't stand out as one of the most competitive in our review. On the other hand, with excellent sustainability practices and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and a good reputation, there are definitely some perks that balance everything out. For this reason, Legal Sea Foods has earned a 3.5-star rating here.
Whether you're a lobster aficionado, or someone who simply relishes a delectable shellfish feast, finding a trustworthy online lobster store can feel hard to do. Modern lobster catchers offer tons of options, including live lobster, lobster tails and meat, lobster rolls, and even fun extras like chowder, bisques, or steaks for a surf and turf dinner.
Exploring the diverse array of lobster stores is made easy with the convenience of online shopping, enabling you to peruse and select from the comfort of your own home. While some people worry about buying something like lobster online, with next-day shipping practices it's now much easier to get lobsters from the ocean to your table with no risk of spoiling.
Shopping for seafood online offers distinct advantages in terms of freshness and quality. Reputable vendors prioritize the freshness of their products through rigorous quality control measures, often sourcing their shellfish directly from fishermen or sustainable fisheries, thereby embracing a farm-to-table ethos. Moreover, online lobster stores frequently provide access to rare or specialty dishes that may not be readily available locally, granting you the opportunity to indulge in exceptional culinary experiences.
Lobster holds a special place in the hearts of many. Considered a high-end meal with tons of options out there for species and preparation, lobster is a culinary masterpiece. With a vast assortment of products, online lobster stores enable you to explore a diverse range of species and savor novel flavors or combinations. And not only can you enjoy lobster in your home regardless of where you live, but most stores also allow you to send gifts of lobster treats to your loved ones too.
For those who are thinking about sustainability, don't worry. Sustainability plays a crucial role in the lobster industry, ensuring the long-term viability of this beloved seafood. Lobsters are a valuable marine resource, and responsible practices are essential to maintain healthy populations and protect the ecosystem. The industry has implemented various sustainability measures, such as size limits and trap limits, to prevent overfishing and promote the growth and reproduction of lobsters. Additionally, the best lobster stores online are making efforts to minimize bycatch and protect sensitive habitats.
With an abundance of online lobster stores to choose from, making a decision can be overwhelming. If you're unsure where to begin, fret not. We're here to assist. Here are some factors to consider that will help you select the best online lobster store to meet your specific needs:
To make your next gourmet meal a real catch, Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and rated the best options for lobster stores on the market today. Hopefully, this helps you enjoy your shellfish fix and focus on deciding just how many lobster rolls to buy for your next family cookout!
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