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.

Lobster Order Review for June 2026

Item: Lobster Order Review
Rating: 2.5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Thursday, June 11th 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.

2.5

FAIR

Fair

Lobster Order

Live Maine lobster starts at $19.99 for 1.0-1.15 lb chix, with various size options available
Free overnight shipping available on most orders to all 50 US states
Next-day delivery for orders placed before 2 PM EST
Packaging keeps lobsters fresh for up to 48 hours with Styrofoam coolers and gel packs
Extensive product selection including lobster rolls, meat, tails, and shellfish
Maine specialty items available (whoopie pies, red hot dogs)
Operating since 2008
4.8-star average rating from over 100 Google reviews
Responsive customer service team
Alternative pickup options at Walgreens and Dollar General stores

FAIR

2.5

On the Lobster Order website

Lobster Order offers up very little information about their background or history in the lobster industry. They claim to be "delivering fresh seafood since 2008", but we can't tell you anything about their sustainability initiatives, their sourcing, or even where they're based (although we would assume somewhere in the Northeast, if not specifically Maine).

First impressions need work

When you land on Lobster Order's website, you're immediately hit with aggressive marketing tactics. Flashing "sale ending soon!" banners create artificial urgency (and frankly, we're not buying it). The dated website design doesn't inspire confidence either - with a pixelated logo and AI-generated product images that look more synthetic than appetizing.

Navigation is difficult

Want to browse their live lobster selection? You'll need patience. The category features endless pages of different sizes and multipacks, all using the same AI-generated image, with no sorting options available. The product images for dinner packages are confusing, too - the individual components (mussels, chowder, oysters) are oddly presented in iPhone-shaped frames (because nothing says "fresh seafood" quite like a smartphone border, right?).

Live lobster from $19.99

After much clicking around, we were able to determine that the lowest price you'll pay for live lobster is $19.99 for 1.0-1.15 lb chix, which is not bad. Looking for prepared options? Lobster Order also offers lobster rolls, meat, and tails. Beyond lobster, you can explore shellfish, soups, fish, and even Maine specialties like whoopie pies and red hot dogs in their "Bakery/Other" section.

Free overnight shipping on most orders

Lobster Order delivers to all 50 US states via overnight air shipping, including parts of Hawaii and Alaska (wherever FedEx and UPS serve). Need your lobsters fast? Place your order by 2 PM EST for next-day delivery. If you live outside a delivery zone, oddly, you can arrange pickup at local Walgreens or Dollar General stores - though you'll want to plan ahead since live lobsters are only delivered Tuesday through Saturday. Lobster Order's shipping policy page states you can get free shipping on "most orders", and they don't elaborate on which scenarios wouldn't qualify for free shipping.

Lobster stays cool for 48 hours

Your live Maine lobsters arrive in a Styrofoam cooler with individual partitions (because nobody wants their lobsters sparring while en route). The package includes wet newspaper and frozen gel packs to keep everything refrigerated for up to 48 hours. While most packages ship free, do note their date picker isn't perfect - it might let you select major holidays when they don't deliver, so they'll need to contact you if that happens.

Refund policy has concerning loopholes

Wondering what happens if your lobsters arrive dead or spoiled? We're a bit disappointed by Lobster Order's refund policy. They don't accept returns on live lobster, which is normal, but they only issue credits for shipping delays causing "abnormal loss" - after explicitly stating that a 5% death rate is normal (yes, you read that right). While they suggest cooking dead lobsters if the box is still cold, there's no mention of satisfaction guarantees or what qualifies as spoiled. Most competitors offer more customer-friendly policies with clear recourse for DOA lobsters.

Unexpectedly, customers are happy

We couldn't blame you if, from looking at Lobster Order's outdated website design and AI-generated product images, you concluded that this lobster store was a scam site. We were surprised, however, to learn that they've earned a 4.8-star average rating from over 100 Google reviews and several positive Trustpilot ratings. Among these, you'll find rave reviews about their responsive customer service (one customer got their shipping date quickly fixed after a mistake) and their ability to deliver authentic Maine specialties nationwide (Mainers living elsewhere especially appreciate access to regional favorites like red hot dogs and whoopie pies).

Far from our first choice, but not totally discouraged

Overall, we think the Lobster Order is perplexing and in desperate need of a professional website redesign. Although it looks like a scam site and is frustrating to navigate, you apparently have decent odds of getting quality live lobster here. We think you should try one of their easier-to-shop rivals first.

On the Lobster Order 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.

Lobster Order Review: Lobster Stores

2026 Lobster Store Reviews

Lobster Order

What is the Best Online Lobster Store?

Lobster Store FAQ