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.

Maine Lobster House Review for May 2026

Item: Maine Lobster House Review
Rating: 3
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Tuesday, May 19th 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.

3.0

AVERAGE

Average

Maine Lobster House

1.5 lb Maine Lobsters start at $79.95, with other sizes ranging from $69.95 to $89.95
Wide variety of seafood products including live lobster, lobster tails, fish, shellfish, and more
Follows basic sustainability practices including proper lobster size regulations
Clean, straightforward website navigation
Easy product sorting by price
Guaranteed overnight shipping available Tuesday-Saturday
Satisfaction guarantee with refund or replacement options
Sister company (Chicago Steak Company) has strong reputation with 4.7-star average rating

AVERAGE

3.0

On the Maine Lobster House website

If you're looking to support a small mom-and-pop lobster fishery, it won't be Maine Lobster House. Their "About" page is rather bland - they pride themselves on being "part of an industry that's been growing for 150 years", which is basically an admission that there's nothing interesting about who they are or about their own contributions to the lobster industry. It's not surprising, then, that Maine Lobster House is an offshoot of Chicago Steak Company - it seems like it exists mainly to supply the "surf" for surf ‘n turf orders on that site.

Follows basic sustainability guidelines for lobster fishing

Maine Lobster House's sustainability statement is just as bland as their "About" page. They say they catch their lobsters "the old-fashioned way" (which has more about it of branding than of substance) and that they try not to harm the natural habitat of the lobsters they catch (the bare minimum, we would think). They throw back female lobsters after giving them tail notches and any lobsters not within the proper size range.

Website works as it should

Maine Lobster House's website won't win any awards, but it's fairly straightforward to shop. You'll find lobster products divided into two categories: "Live Lobster" and "Lobster Tails". Beyond that, you can shop for fish, shellfish, shrimp, crab oysters, mussels, and clams. It's easy to sort products by price.

More expensive than top rivals

There are just 3 lobster products in the "Live Lobster" category: 1lb Live Maine Lobsters (from $69.95), 1.5 lb Maine Lobsters (from $79.95), and 2 lb Maine Lobsters (from $89.95). These prices aren't anything special - for reference, one of our top-rated lobster stores offers 1.25-pound lobsters for just $23 and 5- to 5.5-pound specimens from $103. If you're here for the lobster tails, those start at $134.95 for a quantity of four 6 oz tails.

No possibility of free shipping

The last time we reviewed Maine Lobster House, their website was lacking both an FAQ and a shipping policy. Now, you'll find both pages under "Customer Support". No matter your circumstances, your order will be shipped overnight - which is exactly what you want when you're dealing with live lobsters. Standard overnight shipping costs $39.99 for orders delivered Tuesday-Friday. If you need Saturday shipping, expect to pay an additional $10. Unfortunately, if there's a dollar amount you could spend on lobster that would qualify you for free shipping, Maine Lobster House doesn't name it.

They say they'll refund you if you're unhappy

What happens if something goes wrong with your order - for example, your lobster isn't alive upon arrival? You'll find a couple of sentences buried in their Terms and Conditions: if you're not happy with your order, you can contact their Customer Service team and they'll work with you to replace it or refund it according to your preference.

No customer reviews

It's all well and good to make promises about satisfaction and refunds, but does Maine Lobster House keep them? We can't say. Hard as we looked, we didn't find any customer reviews for this company - no Trustpilot, Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, or even a Yelp listing for Maine Lobster House surfaced. However, if for some reason you're determined to order your lobster here, we suppose you could take comfort in the positive reviews for their sister site, Chicago Steak Company. They've earned a 4.7-star average rating from 1,100 customer reviews and an "A+" from the Better Business Bureau.

Just "meh"

Maine Lobster House doesn't leave much of an impression. While it's possible that you'd have a good experience if you ordered lobster here, you'd definitely be paying more than you need to. We'd recommend checking out one of our higher-rated lobster stores instead.

On the Maine Lobster House 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.

Maine Lobster House Review: Lobster Stores

2026 Lobster Store Reviews

Maine Lobster House

What is the Best Online Lobster Store?

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