Local lore says it was Harry Perry ( he owned Perry’s Meat/Fish Market in Milford, CT, now long closed ) who first introduced the world to the lobster roll in 1929 when a regular customer came in asking for a quick lobster sandwich. Harry nestled warm bits of lobster on a soft french roll and the rest is…you know.

Johnny Ads In 1957, John Adinolfo, better known by his friends as Johnny Ad, opened a weekend seafood shack. One of the oldest restaurants in Old Saybrook , their motto is: good seafood, good friends, and good vibes. Replace nautical nostalgia with 50’s love (and music to match). The ‘view’ is a parking lot. But they do have a nice shaded picnic table area. (5 min. from The James Pharmacy)

Abbot’s Lobster in The Rough Located at the mouth of the Mystic River in Noank.  Housed in a massive, low-slung building with outdoor picnic tables. Lobsters are slow-steamed in 50-year-old cast iron vaults. A quarter pound meat is mounded onto a sesame seeded hamburger bun.  Served with a bag of Abbott's own branded chips, a cup of slaw, and two sweet pickle slices. The vibe is festive summer in full swing. Expect people and a bit of waiting in line. It’s BYOB; some people do it up, complete with flatware, tablecloths, and candles. Dockside views of Noank harbor…and people watching. (34 minutes from James Pharmacy)

Guilford Lobster Pound, Guilford Located on the back deck and dock of a small lobster pound, this mom-and-pop operation is owned by one of the last active lobstermen on Long Island Sound. The lobster roll is served at picnic tables. Captures the whole nautical scene well. The view is surrounding marsh, harbor, and nearby Grass Island. (26 minutes from The James Pharmacy)

Liv's Shack, Old Saybrook Despite it’s name, this place is NOT a shack. Choose from one of several outdoor picnic tables and dig into one their hot buttered lobster rolls. Laid-back. Great when you don’t feel like a crowd. Views of Long Island Sound from their deck, sort of; you look over a parking lot to boats docked in a marina. (2 minutes from The James Pharmacy)

Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale, Madison and Westbrook Who says brothers can’t get along? Established by brothers Lenny and Joe Goldberg, this eatery started in Madison as a drive-in clam stand in 1979. They’ve also been running a second location in Westbrook since May 1986. (Madison location 15 min from The James; Westbrook location 18 min from The James Pharmacy)

Their hot buttered lobster roll is nicely placed in a toasty buttered New England-style hot dog bun. Other menu choices involve broiled shellfish or fresh fish meals, fried seafood orders (clam strips, whole clams and sea scallops, among other selections) and fish and chips.

Lenny & Joe’s in Madison also has a Charity Carousel. Adorned with wooden carved animals, including a double lobster chariot, hippopotamus, lion and seal, ticket sales from rides go to local charities. The vibe: they have a Carousel. The view: other people. (Madison - 15 minutes from James Pharmacy; Westbrook - 18 minutes from James Pharmacy)

Captain Scott's Lobster Dock, New London Their hot lobster roll is available as a small or large portion with coleslaw. Order at counter and sit at picnic tables in pavilion or open air.  A New London institution. The place is wedged between the Amtrak Acela train tracks and a charter fishing boat harbor. Use GPS or experience an unplanned tour of New London. Festive summer.  This place is busy; expect lines and a wait. Looks out over charter fishing boat harbor. (25 minutes from James Pharmacy)

Lobster Landing, Clinton 100 year old sea-worn ( in a good way ) shack is authentic and nautical. The landing perches on pilings directly over the water and picnic tables sit outdoors atop a floor of broken sea shells. The food is actually prepared in a structure adjacent to the picnic tables.

Owned for the past 20 years by Enea and Cathie Bacci, the Mom and Pop operation is efficient. While you may wait in line to order, once you do you’ll get your food very quickly. The Baccis commission a fleet of 9 boats to bring them fresh lobster from the Sound. They even get their special gluten-free long buns from a gourmet bakery in Vermont.

The lobster meat is served on a toasted Italian grinder roll that’s wrapped in tin foil. This place is popular (read: crowds). Get there early (they open at 11:00 am). The view is Long Island Sound and…people. (18 minutes from The James Pharmacy)