I've never eaten lobster. Does it taste the same as crab?

Crab meat tends to have a sweeter taste than lobster. Crab is usually flaky, while lobster meat is dense.

How do you prepare lobster?

That depends on if you're cooking a live whole lobster or a precut tail. Most stores that sell lobster will give you instructions for cooking it in several different ways, but most involve putting the live lobster into boiling water, headfirst. (If you prefer a more humane approach, put the live lobster in a freezer for two hours just prior to cooking.)

Does it really "scream" when you cook it?

Yes and no. When you cook a whole lobster, you'll hear a high-pitched sound like a whistle being blown or a scream. That's the sound made as a cooking lobster overheats: it's the air rushing out of the holes in the body. But, that sound happens whether the lobster is alive or dead, so it's not actually screaming.

My lobster looks blue. Why isn't it the red color I was expecting?

That's an easy one: it only turns red after you cook it! Most live Maine lobsters are a black-green color, but other varieties can be yellow, calico, blue and white.

I ordered a live lobster, but I think it's dead. Can I still eat it?

The first question is, "Is it really dead?" It might just be sluggish after being shipped, so try touching its eye and see if it responds (weird, right?). But yes, you can cook lobster within 8 hours of when it likely died. After you prepare it, check the tail meat: if it's firm, you're good to go. If it's watery, mushy or loose, you should probably throw it out (and request a refund!).

How do I eat lobster?

The most traditional way is to dip the meat in melted butter. Other popular options are soups and chowders, pasta (especially ravioli and macaroni), or with steak as a surf-and-turf combo.

Is it safe to buy lobster online?

Absolutely! Many online retailers have been successfully delivering lobster around the nation for decades. They know exactly how to package your lobster so that it arrives in perfect condition - and most of them have rock-solid satisfaction guarantees if anything happens in transit.

Is lobster a good gift-giving idea?

Yes! Some lobster companies specialize in gift-giving options, like surf-and-turf packages or complete dinners with appetizer, main lobster course, and dessert. Almost every online lobster business has gift certificates, so that your lucky recipient can choose their own lobster package and delivery date.

Legal Sea Foods Review for July 2026

Item: Legal Sea Foods Review
Rating: 2
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Monday, July 20th We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

2026 Lobster Store Reviews

What is the Best Online Lobster Store? If you're craving the sweet, succulent taste of fresh Maine lobster but don't live near the coast, online lobster delivery services can bring the ocean's bounty right to your door.

1.9

SUBPAR

Subpar

Legal Sea Foods

Price range: Lobster tails $50 to $175, prepared dishes $35 to $225 (lobster mac & cheese $60, lobster bisque $35/quart)
70+ years of experience in seafood industry
Nationwide delivery service available
Restaurant favorites available for home delivery
Premium quality Gulf of Maine seafood
Option for advance shipment scheduling
Various gift boxes and combinations available
Prepared meals require minimal cooking effort
Specialized packaging for maintaining freshness

SUBPAR

1.9

On the Legal Sea Foods website

Legal Sea Foods, a long-standing New England restaurant brand, now offers prepared seafood dishes and frozen fish for delivery across the US. You'll find restaurant favorites like Lobster Mac & Cheese and New England Clam Chowder (though curiously, despite their mentioning live lobsters in a few different places, you won't find any available on their site). The company claims over 70 years of experience delivering fresh, quality seafood to customers.

Product range is limited but expensive

Legal Sea Foods offers a small but upscale selection of lobster products. You'll find prepared items like lobster mac and cheese ($60), lobster bisque ($35/quart), and pre-cooked lobster meat. They also sell lobster tails and various gift boxes, with their "Lobstah Lovers Box" featuring four 5oz tails and mac and cheese for $155.

Website organization needs work

The shopping experience at Legal Sea Foods could be more streamlined. Blog posts are mixed in with product listings, which can be confusing when browsing - you might click what appears to be a purchasable surf and turf dinner only to find yourself reading a recipe instead.

Pricing runs higher than rivals

When comparing prices to other online seafood retailers, Legal Sea Foods tends to be significantly more expensive. Their 2lb package of cooked lobster meat costs $195, while top competitors offer the same amount for $139. Similarly, their lobster tail box ($175 for eight 5oz tails) is notably pricier than competitors who offer the same amount for $143.

Shipping times aren't exactly speedy

Legal Sea Foods' delivery schedule is surprisingly slow for a seafood company. While live lobsters would ship overnight Monday through Thursday (if Legal Seafood was currently carrying them, that is), other orders can take quite a while to arrive - for instance, if you order on Wednesday, you won't see your seafood until the following Wednesday. Plus, shipping isn't free (a $155 order incurs an additional $20 shipping fee). At least you can arrange advance shipments by emailing their support team by 3 PM EST on the day you place your order.

Their satisfaction guarantee feels a bit fishy

Legal Sea Foods gives you 48 hours after the expected delivery time to report problems with quality, damage, or shipping delays. Their return and satisfaction policy is notably vague, only promising to "investigate and help resolve any issues"(which doesn't exactly inspire confidence when you're dropping $150+ on lobster tails and mac and cheese).

Reviews and reputation raise red flags

Legal Sea Foods' online reputation should give you pause before placing an order. The company currently holds an "F" rating from the Better Business Bureau due to failing to respond to all five customer complaints filed against them. Adding to these concerns, they have no reviews on Trustpilot, which is unusual for an established seafood retailer. Given the high prices, slow shipping times, and concerning reputation (not to mention that vague satisfaction guarantee), we recommend exploring other online seafood retailers for your lobster needs.

On the Legal Sea Foods website

Continued from above...

What is the Best Online Lobster Store?

If you're craving the sweet, succulent taste of fresh Maine lobster but don't live near the coast, online lobster delivery services can bring the ocean's bounty right to your door.

Whether you're planning a special dinner, hosting an event, or just craving seafood, online lobster stores offer something for everyone. Beyond just live lobsters, you'll find pre-cooked lobster meat, ready-to-heat tails, gourmet lobster roll kits, and chef-prepared meals like lobster mac & cheese and bisque. Many stores also offer complete dinner packages that include appetizers, sides, and even desserts. These services are especially valuable for inland residents without access to fresh seafood, busy professionals seeking convenience, and restaurants or caterers needing reliable suppliers.

However, not all online lobster retailers are created equal. One subtle distinction lies between corporate operations disguised as small fisheries and genuine small-scale operations. Corporate sellers often prioritize volume and profit margins, potentially compromising on freshness, quality, and customer service. In contrast, authentic small fisheries typically maintain direct relationships with local lobstermen, ensuring fresher products and supporting coastal communities.

For example, some corporate retailers may store lobsters for weeks in holding facilities, while small fisheries often ship lobsters that were in the ocean just days before. Small, family-owned lobster fisheries are also more likely to care about resolving issues with your order if something goes wrong.

With so many options out there, how do you make the best choice? Here are a few things to keep in mind when ordering lobsters online for delivery:

Sourcing transparency. Look for lobster stores who are upfront about their relationships with fishermen and their lobster sourcing practices. The best providers work directly with local lobstermen and maintain sophisticated holding systems for maximum freshness.
Price and value. Compare prices across different providers, but remember that the cheapest option isn't always the best value. Quality lobster retailers typically offer competitive pricing while maintaining high standards for freshness and service. Also be aware that high shipping costs can negate what you might save on low-priced lobster, so look for a lobster store with free shipping on orders over a certain dollar amount.
Shipping practices. Consider how quickly the lobster store can deliver to your location and what measures they take to ensure lobsters arrive alive and fresh. Overnight shipping is standard for live lobsters, while some providers may take longer for frozen products.
Customer service and guarantees. Look for clear policies regarding delivery issues, returns, and customer satisfaction. The best lobster providers typically offer specific guarantees and responsive customer service to address any concerns.
Product range. Consider whether the retailer offers the specific products you're looking for, whether that's live lobsters, frozen tails, prepared meals, or companion items like seafood tools and seasonings.

Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the best lobster delivery services available online. We hope our reviews help you find the perfect lobster provider to satisfy your lobster cravings with confidence.

Legal Sea Foods Review: Lobster Stores

2026 Lobster Store Reviews

Legal Sea Foods

What is the Best Online Lobster Store?

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