The North End's tiny, top-tier seafood raw bar, famous for its warm-buttered and cold-mayo lobster rolls and pristine oysters. No reservations, long waits, and steep prices, but the quality is genuinely excellent. Come at an off hour and be patient.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon-Fri 11am-9:30pm (raw bar until 10pm) Sat-Sun 11am-10:30pm (raw bar until 11pm) |
|---|---|
| Price | $$$$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Haymarket (Orange/Green Line), ~7 min walk; North Station ~9 min |
| Time needed | 1.5-2.5 hours including wait |
| Best time to go | Right at 11am opening or mid-afternoon weekday to cut the wait |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.9/10- Value6.5
- iconic8.0
- Freshness9.3
- excellence8.5
- Crowd level3.0
- Authenticity8.5
- Accessibility7.0
Frequently asked questions
- Is Neptune Oyster expensive?
- Yes. The lobster roll and oysters are premium-priced, and a full meal adds up fast. The quality justifies it for a special occasion, but this is not a cheap casual lunch.
- How long is the wait at Neptune Oyster?
- At peak dinner and weekend times, an hour to two hours is common. To minimize it, arrive right at the 11am opening or come mid-afternoon on a weekday, and put your name in early.
- How do I get on the list to minimize waiting?
- Go in person as early as you can, put your name and number down, then explore the North End while you wait for the text or call. There's no online waitlist, so being there early is the only lever.
- What else should I order besides the lobster roll?
- The oyster selection is superb, and the crudo, clams, and seasonal specials are excellent. A dozen oysters plus a lobster roll to split is a classic Neptune order.
- Is it worth the wait and the price?
- For seafood lovers, generally yes, the raw bar and lobster roll are among the best in Boston. If you're on a budget or short on patience, there are good alternatives, but Neptune is a genuine standout.
- Does Neptune Oyster take reservations?
- No, it's walk-in only, and the dining room is tiny. Expect a real wait, often an hour or more at peak times. They take your name and phone number and you wait nearby.
- Should I get the hot or cold lobster roll?
- That's the eternal question. The hot roll comes with warm drawn butter, the cold with light mayo. Both are excellent, ask for it 'with fries.' Many regulars lean hot-buttered, but you can't go wrong.
- How do I get to Neptune Oyster on the T?
- Take the Orange or Green Line to Haymarket and walk about seven minutes into the North End; Neptune is on Salem St just off the main Hanover St drag.
Nearby in Ask Boston
- Modern PastryCafé0.08 km · 1 min walk
- Rose Kennedy GreenwayAttraction0.12 km · 1 min walk
- Caffe VittoriaCafé0.18 km · 2 min walk
- North EndNeighborhood0.19 km · 2 min walk
- Regina Pizzeria (North End)Restaurant0.23 km · 3 min walk
Where to stay near Neptune Oyster
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