The Lobster Trap

Name: The Lobster Trap
Address: 35 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC, United States, 28801
Telephone: (828) 350-0505
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

1508 Reviews

$30 and under

Seafood

Top Tags:

Discover Ashville's freshest seafood at The Lobster Trap. This casual eatery, located in historic downtown Ashville, specializes in seafood, delighting locals and tourists alike with a tantalizing array of dishes. The Lobster Trap's seafood is incredibly fresh and sourced from trusted, domestic providers, using sustainable techniques. Salads feature fresh, seasonal produce, served with homemade dressings. The Lobster Trap's menu showcases dozens of seafood specialties, including oysters, fresh fish, shrimp, scallops, mussels and, of course, lobster. Instead of traditional entrees, the inventive menu features "Maine courses", featuring everything from lobster rolls to clambakes and Lobster Newburg, as well as regional seafood dishes like cioppino and shrimp and grits, plus steak and surf and turf entrees. Large and small bite dishes, including an award-winning Sunburst Trout dish, are available for sharing.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 26, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(828) 350-0505

Delivery

Order online

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Seafood
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
Phone number
(828) 350-0505
Website
http://www.thelobstertrap.biz/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Mike McCarty

Location
35 Patton Ave Asheville, NC 28801
Neighborhood
Asheville
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

The Best Restaurants in Asheville

Popular dishes

Oyster Rockefeller$14.00
Eight gulf oysters on the half shell topped with a mixture of fresh watercress, garlic, parsley and Pernod. Baked in the oven and topped with Hollandaise and bread crumbs. (contains raw egg)
Baked Oysters$14.00
Eight gulf oysters baked with Swiss chard topped with remoulade and crispy smoked bacon. (GF)
Grilled Oysters$15.00
Eight gulf oysters grilled with parmesan, butter and grilled lemon

Appetizers

Lobster Stuffed Mushrooms$10.00
Button Mushrooms stuffed with lobster, cheese and herbs.
Trap Corn Bread$7.00
Sweet corn bread made with local corn meal, honey and eggs.
City Bakery Barley Baguette
City Bakery French Baguette served with whole butter. (V)
- 1/2 loaf$3.00
- loaf$6.00
Maple Bacon Scallops$12.00
Half dozen bacon-wrapped scallops with Maine maple syrup.
Steam Bowl-Clams$14.00
Clams (12) served with broth and a slice of baguette. (GF)
Steam Bowl-Mussels$12.00
Mussels (24) served with broth and slice of baguette. (GF) Variations: French style, Mediterranean style, Creole style- all $14
Steam Bowl-Clams and Mussels$16.00
Mixed Clams (8) and Mussels (16) with broth and slice of baguette. (GF)
Steam Bowl-Large Shrimp$13.00
Large Shrimp (1/2 lb) steamed with Old Bay seasoning and served with drawn butter and cocktail sauce. (GF)
Crab Dip$19.00
Crab, pimentos, cream cheese, tabasco and old bay. Served with toast points

Soup & Salad

Lobster Bisque
A Maine classic prepared in the traditional manner.
- Cup$8.00
- Bowl$12.00
Bibb Salad$9.00
Crisp bibb lettuce with peaches, green chickpeas, pickled onion, almonds, goat cheese and champagne vinaigrette.
Trap House Salad$8.00
Fresh seasonal vegetables. (V) (GF) Choice of: housemade cranberry vinaigrette (V) (GF), caesar, toasted sesame vinaigrette (V), bleu cheese (V), ranch dressing(V)
Ceasar Salad$8.00
Crisp romaine, creamy Caesar dressing, parmesan, croutons, and cheese.
- Add Grilled Salmon$21.00
- Add Shrimp$13.00
- Add Lobster$23.00

Chilled Seafood Towers

TRIPLE TOWER$110.00
A three tiered tower with a pound of snow crab legs, one Chick lobster, half a pound of shrimp, eight Little Neck clams, Jonah Crab with chipotle mustard ailoli and a dozen Gulf Coast oysters.
DOUBLE TOWER
A two tiered tower with your choice of a pound of snow crab legs or a Chick Lobster with six Little Neck clams, half a pound of shrimp, Jonah Crab with chipotle mustard aioli and a dozen Gulf Coast oysters.
- Lobster$75.00
- Crab$89.00

Maine Courses

Wicked Good Maine Lobster
From Tom's trap to our trap to your trap. Steamed and served in the shell with corn and new potatoes. (GF)
- Single$43.00
- Double$85.00
- Lobster & Crab$90.00
Snow Crab$44.00
One pound of snow crab legs served with corn and new potatoes. (GF)
Lobster Newburg$42.00
A whole stripped Maine Lobster sauteed in a sherry cream sauce and served over a puff pastry with sauteed haricot vert and crushed pecans.
Maine Lobster Roll$31.00
Fresh sweet Maine Lobster (4oz's) chilled and served on a locally made brioche bun. Also available lightly dressed with mayo based sauce on request.
Trap Crab Cakes$33.00
Two fresh lump crab cakes over house tarter sauce and served with vinegar slaw and corn pudding.
Cioppino$27.00
Mussels, clams, linguica sausage, pieces of Crab legs and smoked fish simmered in a herb tomato broth. (GF)
Blue Ridge Shrimp and Grits$25.00
Sauteed sweet shrimp and creamy white heirloom grits from Peaceful Valley Farms with a bit of cheddar cheese and topped with Benton's bacon. (GF)
NY Strip$28.00
11 oz. cut of Prime NY strip cooked to order with grilled broccolini, fingerling potato and demi glace. (GF)
Surf and Turf$67.00
Grilled Prime NY Strip cooked to order with choice of whole Maine Lobster or up charge for snow crab, with grilled broccolini and fingerling pototoes. (GF)
The Lobster Trap Clam Bake
Lobster, shrimp, mussels, littleneck clams, new potatoes and corn on the cob. (GF)
- Clam Bake for one$60.00
- Clam Bake for two$89.00
- Lobster and Legs$100.00
- Double Legs$109.00
Poseidon's Platter$82.00
Jumbo stuffed lobster tail, 6 oz New York strip, whipped mashed potatoes, shaved brussels sprouts, tarragon beurre blanc
Parmesan Crusted Lobster Tail$65.00
Panko and parmesan crusted Maine lobster tail served with sour cream and chive mashed potatoes, broccolini and topped with a dijon cream sauce.
The Lobster Trap Feast$189.00
24 Oysters, 2 Crab Cakes, Maple Bacon Scallops, 1 lb. Shrimp, 2 Lobsters, 1 lb. snow crab, 24 Mussels, 12 Clams, Corn and new potatoes and a Whole Baguette.

Specials Large Bites

Grilled Maine Lobster$48.00
Lobster off the grill with charred lemon and comeback sauce. Served with corn and new potatoes
Verlasso Salmon$29.00
Grilled salmon, salted edamame, quinoa, honey roasted baby carrots and korean bbq sauce.
Sunburst Trout$29.00
Almond crusted grilled trout with apple chutney cauliflower puree, sautéed brussel sprouts and lardons

Sides For Sharing

Grilled Broccolini$7.00
Rosemary-Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes$7.00
Collard Greens w/ smoked ham$7.00
Award Winning Lobster Macaroni and Cheese$10.00

Beers on Draught

Boojum 'Galaxy Far Far Away' N.E. IPA
Bold Rock Dry
NoDa Pale
Westbrook Boysenberry Plum Sour
Pisgah Brown Ale
French Broad Kolsch
French Broad Cherry Nitro Stout

Kid's Menu

Fish Sticks with One Side$7.00
Cheese Quesadilla$5.00
Lobster Macaroni & Cheese$7.00
Grilled Hot Dog with One Side$5.00
Shrimp Scampi with Linguini$7.00
White Cheese Pizza$6.00

What 1,508 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.4Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Asheville / Western North Carolina
Hot Spot
Asheville
Hot Spot
Asheville
Neighborhood Gem

Sort by

Filters

E
Ella
Raleigh
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall4food4service4ambience3
Very good food, The crabcakes are excellent but very small portions. The collards were Fantastic. the seats were uncomfortable and the restaurant was a bit noisy. Thank you very much
DF
DonnaF
San Francisco
31 reviews
5.0
31 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Lobster Trap is always delicious and their staff is kind, friendly and efficient! Highly recommend!
DR
DavidR
Western NC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Another fabulous experience at Lobster Trap. Every course was amazing, our waitress was very knowledgeable and helpful, the beer and cider were first-rate. We had such a great time.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charleston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Good great, service awesome !
M
Maggie
Cincinnati
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was excellent. Service was great, and had a wonderful guitar/singer.
t
tonys
Western NC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great atmosphere food and service restaurant was clean live music was cool
PZ
PeterZ
New York Area
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Jordan at the bar was amazing and we loved our Lobsters and you must try the house Bloody Mary! A must go to dining experience
MH
MarcH
Western NC
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Birthday dinner, my favorite place to celebrate my birthday
WM
WarrenM
Cleveland
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love the Lobster Trap! Glad to see they are still in downtown Asheville and just as great as I remembered!
k
kansashighdriver
Kansas City
68 reviews
vip
5.0
68 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service4ambience5
This seafood place also knows how to do steak! We had the grilled oysters (8 large Gulf oysters with butter & cheese) and then shared an 11-oz strip steak. The steak was prepared at our requested rare+ temperature and was perfect. A bonus was the live music. Our waiter took very good care of us and wish me a happy birthday.
P
Pharoah
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall4food5service4ambience4
We arrived at 9:05 for a 9:00 reservation. They close at 9:30, but they never made us feel rushed and the food was delicious.
LG
LGWvirginia
Richmond
54 reviews
vip
5.0
54 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
We had a fabulous dinner with friends at Lobster Trap last weekend. Love the menu and fact that they have (excellent!) live music. Our server Brandon was very helpful and did a great job even tho he was super busy. Would definitely recommend!
H
Hmoss
Charleston
53 reviews
5.0
53 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time to eat here! We loved it! First of all, from the moment we met our server, Quinn, we were in great hands. He guided us through choosing all of our meals, and we were very happy from the starting seafood tower to the ending chocolate ganache cake and key lime pie! Loved the cheerful vibe there. We will be back!
MG
MichaelG
Western NC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of our Asheville faves, and the best option for fresh seafood. Wonderful...
R
Reno
Dallas
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall3food2service4ambience3
I had the lobster Newburg and found it to be very disappointing. First the lobster wasn't very tender or tasty, secondly there was surprisingly very little in quantity. It was advertised as a whole Maine lobster and the total quantity of meat was at best a few forks of meat. My wife had the shrimp and grits and was well pleased with her meal. The service was good and the atmosphere was good but nothing remarkable. Given the cost, quantity and then quality of the meal I cannot recommend the Lobster Trap.
JJ
JonJoli
Indiana
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall1food1service1ambience1
I do not recommend the place to anyone. Food: mussels were not cleaned; they were not checked prior to cooking, so they had sand and debris, unpleasant to eat, so we did not. The Large Shrimp dish bowl is a regular small 41/50 size shrimp. Nothing to say about it, really; it was edible, although half of them were not fully deveined, so we had to do it ourselves. The snow crab legs were so salty we could only eat some shells, which were somewhat protected from whatever oversalted brine they cooked them in. The crab meat was inedible. Service: Not sure if it was the end of his shift or if our waiter had too many tables, but service was slow, and he provided wrong information about the dish we asked about.
SE
StephenE
Western NC
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience3
The Lobster Trap offers consistently good seafood. I can recommend the lobster bisque as well as the crab cakes which appear small when you first see them but are absolutely delicious and fill you up quickly. The servers are attentive and helpful. Make a reservation and then sit back for some great seafood.
F
Flotown
Chicago
52 reviews
vip
4.0
52 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience3
Enjoyable relaxed meal. My wife enjoyed the steamed Maine lobster, and the cioppino was very good as well. Loved the huge fat mussels! Service was friendly and efficient, even on a busy night.
BH
BobH
Portland
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience4
Our server, Maggie, was outstanding! Helped us select a wine, with lobster, was just the right amount of attentive, even when very busy. A fun evening and truly enjoyed our anniversary dinner!
C
Crystal
West Palm Beach
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food & service was absolutely amazing! You must go!
IW
ImeldaW
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 16, 2022
overall3food3service4ambience2
Totally disappointed with the food . The lobster was probably overcooked so it was tough and hard to chew . Not what I expected. The lobster bisque was just so so . I’ve had better .
The Lobster TrapResponded 6 days ago
Thank you for your feedback, we'll look into the matter.
HH
HiltonHeadEd
Savannah
28 reviews
vip
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on May 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Wonderful food. Never had anything other than great meals here.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent seafood! We ate there 2 times in 1 week!
CS
CraigS
San Francisco
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on May 16, 2022
overall2food1service5ambience3
May 15th, 2022 We ate there last night and I ordered a dozen gulf oysters 25 minutes later I had to go the bathroom several times. I was lucky to make to are hotel that was close. Off my list when I come back to Asheville in the summer and fall. Don’t buy oysters or wear depends!
The Lobster TrapResponded on May 18, 2022
Sounds like you may be allergic.
JL
JamesL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is the second time that my wife and I have eaten there when we visit Asheville. It does not disappoint. Our server was very good and so friendly. Our food was top notch and served perfectly. We will keep the Lobster Trap on our must do's list when we visit.
TD
TheDon
Charlotte
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our first visit to the lobster trap last month had us wanting to return When we returned last night (after a 1.5 hour drive from our home) we were not disappointed. Once again the food and service were excellent. We arrived 30 minutes early for our reservation but were seated immediately which was very nice. Our server Brandon did a good job and we enjoyed everything about our meal. And the live music was a bonus. Can’t wait to return.
G
Goddess
Detroit
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We are visitors from out of town. Lobster Trap came highly recommended. You did not disappoint
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome cioppino!!!!
MR
MikeR
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time in Asheville and suggested from Biltmore tour employee. Glad to get heads up on reservations needed
M
Mick
Chicago
51 reviews
vip
5.0
51 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fun restaurant with a delicious menu and we were waited on by a lovely young lady.
GW
GeoffW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Incredible food and service every single time we come, we love this place, it’s our go to!
SA
StephenA
Western NC
64 reviews
vip
4.0
64 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience3
Food (oysters, lobster rolls) generally fine, but house salad lacked the advertised assorted vegetables. Wrong wine served, but quickly corrected. Service somewhat spotty, but adequate. The place is extremely noisy, and you shouldn’t go there expecting to be able to have a conversation with your table mate.
l
lowcountrync
Western NC
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fresh fresh fresh oysters and the best service!
G
Gilbow
Naples
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 12, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience3
If you are looking for a New England seafood meal, this is definitely a good choice.
BG
BobG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
This was a spur of the moment dinner decision. We made our reservation 20 minutes before we were seated. Our server was great! He chatted us up and we discussed oysters at length! It was a really enjoyable evening and we will definitely go back.
MH
MargaretH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I live in Charlotte. When we have out of town guests we visit Biltmore and finish the day at The Lobster Trap. There are many nearby parking options and nice shops if you have extra time. The food is always very good, service is helpful with lobster newbies. Always a hit.
JB
JenniferB
Richmond
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Visiting Asheville. Good food. Appetizers of clams and bacon wrapped scallops were delicious. For the main course, I had shrimp and grits, husband had one of the platters that included mussels, lobster, shrimp and clams. Large portions, and server helped crack the lobster.
N
Nicole
Vancouver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is always great and the servers are very courteous. One of our favorite places to eat. eb
SS
SallyS
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience2
This place was ok. But for what they charge, I would expect better than ok. I don't drop $150 on dinner for 2 (1 drink each, no salads, desserts, or appetizers) very often, so I would expect a little more. Food was ok, portions small, and waiters in t-shirts with their bellies hanging out.
The Lobster TrapResponded on May 18, 2022
Our prices reflect the current market.
SS
SarahS
Las Vegas
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Exceptional service and outstanding support staff. Always the best experience.

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from The Lobster Trap using the Order Online button. The Lobster Trap also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (828) 350-0505.

The Lobster Trap is rated 4.6 stars by 1508 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 26, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(828) 350-0505

Delivery

Order online

35 Patton Ave Asheville, NC 28801

Dining areas

Additional information

Neighborhood
Asheville
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
Cuisines
Seafood
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Mike McCarty
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.thelobstertrap.biz/
Phone number
(828) 350-0505

Featured in

The Best Restaurants in Asheville

The Lobster Trap

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Delivery

Dining areas

Additional information

The Best Restaurants in Asheville

Lobster Bisque

Maine Lobster Roll

Lobster Newburg

Oysters on the Half Shell

Gulf Coast

Cold Water Oysters

Specials Small Bites

Oyster Rockefeller$14.00

Baked Oysters$14.00

Grilled Oysters$15.00

Appetizers

Lobster Stuffed Mushrooms$10.00

Trap Corn Bread$7.00

City Bakery Barley Baguette

Maple Bacon Scallops$12.00

Steam Bowl-Clams$14.00

Steam Bowl-Mussels$12.00

Steam Bowl-Clams and Mussels$16.00

Steam Bowl-Large Shrimp$13.00

Crab Dip$19.00

Soup & Salad

Lobster Bisque

Bibb Salad$9.00

Trap House Salad$8.00

Ceasar Salad$8.00

Chilled Seafood Towers

TRIPLE TOWER$110.00

DOUBLE TOWER

Maine Courses

Wicked Good Maine Lobster

Snow Crab$44.00

Lobster Newburg$42.00

Maine Lobster Roll$31.00

Trap Crab Cakes$33.00

Cioppino$27.00

Blue Ridge Shrimp and Grits$25.00

NY Strip$28.00

Surf and Turf$67.00

The Lobster Trap Clam Bake

Poseidon's Platter$82.00

Parmesan Crusted Lobster Tail$65.00

The Lobster Trap Feast$189.00

Specials Large Bites

Grilled Maine Lobster$48.00

Verlasso Salmon$29.00

Sunburst Trout$29.00

Sides For Sharing

Grilled Broccolini$7.00

Rosemary-Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes$7.00

Collard Greens w/ smoked ham$7.00

Award Winning Lobster Macaroni and Cheese$10.00

Beers on Draught

Boojum 'Galaxy Far Far Away' N.E. IPA

Bold Rock Dry

NoDa Pale

Westbrook Boysenberry Plum Sour

Pisgah Brown Ale

French Broad Kolsch

French Broad Cherry Nitro Stout

Kid's Menu

Fish Sticks with One Side$7.00

Cheese Quesadilla$5.00

Lobster Macaroni & Cheese$7.00

Grilled Hot Dog with One Side$5.00

Shrimp Scampi with Linguini$7.00

White Cheese Pizza$6.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

FAQs

Does The Lobster Trap offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?