Cousins Maine Lobster

Cousins Maine Lobster, Restaurant Review: A must try spot in Asbury Park, NJ

Cousins Maine Lobster
Asbury Park Boardwalk
800 Ocean Ave N
Asbury Park, NJ

Cousins Maine Lobster brings an authentic taste of coastal Maine to the Jersey Shore. This casual seafood spot is best known for its fresh, wild-caught Maine lobster sourced directly from Maine.

With indoor and outdoor seating, and ocean views just steps from the beach, it offers a relaxed boardwalk dining experience that appeals to both locals and visitors seeking high-quality seafood in a laid-back setting.

Fare and Price

Cuisine: Classic New England–style seafood

Price: Moderate

The Kitchen philosophy

    The brand gained national attention after appearing on Shark Tank, building a reputation for consistent, high-quality lobster rolls across its trucks and restaurants.

  • Style of cooking:
    • New England coastal comfort: simple, technique-driven preparations that let the sweetness of Maine lobster and North Atlantic seafood shine.
    • Warm vs. chilled presentations: buttered Connecticut-style rolls, chilled Maine-style rolls with a light touch of mayo, plus fried and grilled options for clams and haddock.
  • Ingredients & preparation:
    • Focus on Maine-sourced lobster and North Atlantic seafood, prepared to order.
    • Bisques and chowders use roux-thickened stocks, tempered cream, and classic aromatics for depth and richness.
  • Sourcing:
    • The menu emphasizes freshness and origin (Maine lobster, North Atlantic seafood) more than formal organic certification; expect quality, traceable seafood rather than a fully organic program.

Menu highlights:

    • Maine Lobster Roll / Connecticut Lobster Roll
    • Garlic Butter Lobster Roll
    • Maine Fried Clams, Lobster Tacos, Lobster Quesadilla, Lobster Tots
    • Lobster Bisque, NE Clam Chowder
    • Maine Harvest Salad for a lighter, more vegetable-forward option.

Ambiance

  • Décor & vibe: Casual, coastal, and unfussy—think boardwalk seafood spot rather than white-tablecloth dining. It’s designed for quick bites, relaxed meals, and easygoing gatherings.
  • Scenic views:
    • On the Asbury Park boardwalk and ocean, making it a natural stop during beach days or evening strolls.
    • Depending on your seat, you can catch glimpses of the ocean and boardwalk energy, especially if you opt for outdoor seating when available.
  • Table spacing & noise level:
    • Tables are relatively close, in line with a casual, high-traffic boardwalk restaurant. Expect a lively but not overwhelming atmosphere, with peak-season crowds raising the energy.
  • Background music:
    • Music and ambient boardwalk sounds contribute to a laid-back, beach-town feel rather than a hushed, fine-dining environment.

Service

Service is streamlined and efficient, geared toward quick bites, takeout, and casual dine-in rather than elaborate tableside rituals.

Other factors

  • Unusual policies:
    • Expect standard fast-casual policies: counter ordering, quick service, and straightforward menu options.
  • Alcohol / bar service:
    • Beer and cocktails are available, making it easy to pair seafood with a casual drink.
  • Child-friendly:
    • Kids’ menu items (grilled cheese, quesadillas) and a relaxed atmosphere make it family-friendly, though it’s more about quick, casual meals than long, sit-down family occasions.
  • Best for:
    • Seafood lovers craving authentic Maine lobster rolls
    • Boardwalk days and beach trips
    • Casual date nights or small groups looking for a quick, satisfying meal
    • Tourists wanting a “taste of Maine” on the Jersey Shore.
  • Not ideal for:
    • Those seeking formal fine dining, multi-course tasting menus, or very quiet, intimate conversation.
    • Guests expecting extensive non-seafood options or elaborate vegetarian/vegan menus.
  • Parking:
    • Standard Asbury Park options: nearby street parking and local lots; availability varies with season and time of day.

What you’re likely to like about this restaurant

  • Consistently good lobster rolls: The core product is strong—sweet lobster, well-balanced butter or mayo, and properly toasted rolls.
  • Straightforward, craveable menu: You don’t have to overthink your order; the menu is tight, focused, and built around proven favorites.
  • Boardwalk convenience: It’s easy to fold into a day in Asbury Park—grab a roll, chowder, or tacos and keep exploring.
  • Brand reliability: If you’ve tried Cousins Maine Lobster elsewhere, you’ll appreciate the familiar flavors and quality at this location.

What sets them apart from the competition

  • Authentic Maine focus: Many shore spots serve “lobster,” but Cousins leans hard into Maine-sourced lobster and North Atlantic seafood, which is central to their identity.
  • Nationally recognized brand: The Shark Tank story and multi-location presence give it a level of trust and consistency that smaller, one-off stands may not match.
  • Signature specialties beyond rolls: Lobster tots, lobster tacos, lobster quesadillas, and rich bisques/chowders create a broader lobster-centric experience than “just a roll.”

Managing expectations: a balanced look at your visit

To really enjoy Cousins Maine Lobster, it helps to align your expectations with what the restaurant is designed to be:

  • Food quality:
    • Expect very good lobster rolls and seafood staples, prepared in a classic New England style. If your benchmark is fine-dining plating and complex sauces, this will feel more like elevated street food—on purpose.
  • Price vs. setting:
    • Prices reflect the cost of quality lobster and seafood, even though the setting is casual. You’re paying for the ingredients and brand consistency more than for elaborate décor or service rituals.
  • Ambiance:
    • Think busy boardwalk seafood joint, not a hushed, candlelit room. In peak season, expect crowds, energy, and some noise; in quieter times, it can feel pleasantly relaxed and low-key.
  • Menu breadth:
    • The menu is focused—great if you love lobster and seafood, less ideal if your group needs extensive non-seafood or plant-based options.

If you arrive wanting authentic, well-executed lobster rolls and coastal comfort food in a casual, boardwalk setting, Cousins Maine Lobster Restaurant in Asbury Park is likely to hit exactly the notes you’re hoping for.

Updated June 7, 2026