My Suitcase Subscribe Now for Insider Info

You'll be hard pressed to find anyone who will disagree-lobster should be a part of your Cape Cod vacation. It doesn't matter how you taste it--boiled in a clambake, on your Eggs Benedict or in a buttery, toasted roll, at least one meal during your vacation must consist of this succulent treat for the sea.

Restaurants and fish markets are, of course, a perfect place to start, but consider a lobster roll luncheon. Several are held weekly during the summer, all are affordable and most are run by local churches across the Cape--making that first bite all the more divine.

It's lobster roll Thursday in West Yarmouth

In West Yarmouth, at the West Yarmouth Congregational Church (WYCC), the lobster rolls are served up fresh on Thursday. According to Susan Holmes, who has been chairing the operation for the past six years, the church has been dishing up fresh lobster rolls for more than three decades. Back when Susan's mother was involved, it was run by the Weyar Matrons Club and held once a summer. About twelve years ago they went to two luncheons a summer and in the most recent years, the WYCC puts on one Memorial Day Weekend, then weekly throughout the summer.

According to Susan, its still run by a women's fellowship, but the whole church answers when called to roll up their sleeves and help out. Even Pastor Chuck Soule has been known to make deliveries. About nine ladies work on the day of the luncheon--some in the kitchen, some at the register and Jan Pulit can be seen waving folks in from busy Route 28 (she's the one in the lobster hat). 

That's a lot of lobster rolls

As with most weekly lobster roll luncheons, you have the option or eating in or taking it to go. Susan said about 60 to 70% of the patrons are visitors to Cape Cod. A good percentage take their lobster roll to go--to the beach, to a park or back to their hotel room or rental home for dinner that night. The luncheon opens at 11 a.m. and by 11:30  a.m. to 11:45 a.m., about half of the day's rolls--between 50 and 60--have been sold. The luncheons are popular and there are a lot of patrons who return year after year. Susan enjoys the community atmosphere and the chance to chat with people she wouldn't typically meet.

Sightseeing advice from a pro

"We're kind of like a little Chamber of Commerce right there," Susan said. Visitors ask all kinds of questions and Susan and the other ladies are happy to offer sightseeing advice. "I always tell people to take a ride down Route 6A--it's beautiful--and to make sure they visit Main Street in Hyannis."

Susan also suggests taking in a show at the Cape Playhouse in Dennis or making reservations on the Cape Cod Central Railroad's dinner train. If it's raining, Susan lets people know it is best to avoid Route 28 heading into Hyannis. 

What's in the box?

Each boxed lunch includes a fresh lobster roll, chips, Cole slaw a beverage and dessert (always baked fresh by members of the church) for $16.

Hot dog plates are available for $4 for the little ones who haven't yet discovered the divinity of lobster. 

Is there a secret ingredient?

When asked if there is a secret ingredient aside from the lobster, Susan said there is. There's a little mayo and lemon (that's not the secret) and a little something else, but only Anita Daggett knows what that is. Susan chuckled when she divulged, "Anita's daughter doesn't even know!"

Down the road on Fridays

Over in Hyannis at the Federated Church of Hyannis, they serve up their lobster rolls on Fridays between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. This year the church is celebrating its 59th year of lobster roll luncheons. Geri Brown, who has been chairing the operation with Betsy Hendricks for several years, said their mix is about 60-40, locals to visitors. The tilt towards locals is likely do to the church's location on Main Street in Hyannis's bustling downtown. 

On Friday at lunch time, the church offers respite from the summer sun and a break from strolling the shops along Main Street. "We are air-conditioned and people enjoy the live piano music and the no rush atmosphere," Geri said.

The women's fellowship used to run the luncheons, but now members of the entire congregation pitch in. "It's a good mix of people, from young folks to nonagenarians," Geri said. 

What's in the box?

According to Geri, there is no secret ingredient, just delicious, fresh lobster from the Lobster Trap in Bourne. The Federated Church's lobster rolls are $14 and include chips, pickles, a beverage and a homemade dessert. For those who don't like lobster rolls, their menu also includes a chicken salad roll, a chicken Caesar salad, an egg salad roll and hot dogs. All meals are also available to go.

The lobster rolls at the Federated Church have been recognized from Cape Cod Life (Best of Cape Cod) and the Boston Globe in the past. 

How to get to WYCC, FCoH and a few others

  • The West Yarmouth Congregational Church is at 383 Route 28 in West Yarmouth. You may pre-order by calling 508-775-0891, or purchase tickets at the door. They open at 11 a.m. and remain open until they sell out. Lobster roll luncheons are held on Thursdays through August 18.
  • The Federated Church of Hyannis is at 320 Main Street in Hyannis. You may pre-order by calling 508-775-0298. They are open from 11:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. The luncheons take place every Friday through September 2.
  • The First United Methodist Church of Chatham is at 16 Cross Street in Chatham. They put on a Friday Night Lobster Roll Supper from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. through September 2. Eat in, at the picnic tables or take out. Includes lobster roll, Cole slaw, potato chips, beverage and homemade brownie. Hot dogs are also available.
  • St. Barnabas Episcopal Church is at 91 Main Street in Falmouth. They host Lobster-on-the-Lawn on Monday nights from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. through August 22. Eat in, on the lawn or take it to go. A lobster roll meal is $17 and they take credit cards. 

Photo courtesy of West Yarmouth Congregational Church.

FUN IDEAS & TRAVEL TIPS

Plan An Aquatic Adventure on Cape Cod Ponds Discover The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum Cape Cod Thrifting 5 Instagram Worthy Locations in Boston The Top Three Spots for Brunch in Provincetown
Explore the Ice Castles of New Hampshire 5 Interesting Facts About the Lizzie Borden House Stay Cozy at Boston's Rooftop Igloo Bar Witness The History Of Boston Sports Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth Hyannis’ Artist Shanties by the Sea See the Perseid Meteor Shower on Cape Cod Seashells on the Seashore Cape Cod Clam Shacks Cape Cod Water Sports Explore the Cape Cod National Seashore Get Outdoors on the Upper Cape Your Weekend Surfing Paradise An Upper Cape Weekend for Dog Owners A Weekend for Foodies Choose Your Own Nature Adventure Explore Provincetown by Bike A Weekend in Upper Cape Cod for History Buffs Winter Wildlife on Cape Cod Town Spotlight: Brewster Choosing a Church for Your Cape Cod Wedding Giving Tree : "Our Own Garden of Eden" Places for Guests to Stay on Your Special Day Men's Formal Wear Fashion Honeymoon on Cape Cod Five Great Spots to Tie the Knot in Provincetown How to Get a Marriage License in Massachusetts Green Wedding Ideas Cheesecake: Delicious and Underrated Phresh Act Brings a Unique Style to Every Wedding Stage Door Canteen Brings a Fun, Big Band Sound to Weddings Accent Entertainment Livens Up Wedding Receptions Making the Most of Your Bachelorette Party Incorporating Furry Friends on your Special Day Where to Hold the Rehearsal Dinner Fun Ideas for a Bachelor Party Where to Register for your Wedding Cool Ideas for Drinks on your Wedding Day Three Perfect Places for Pampering Reception at Sea on Cape Cod Eight Ways to Add Nautical Nuances to Your Wedding How to Dress a Cape Cod Bridesmaid Cape Cod's Non-Traditional Wedding Cake Trends Nice Day for a Green Wedding Using Ice to Add a Personal Touch 5 Ways to Make Your Cape Cod Beach Wedding a Success Weddings Down By The Sea Say "I do" at the Cape Cod National Seashore Five Stunning Settings for Your Outer Cape Wedding Six Lovely Locales for Your Lower Cape Wedding Eight Magicial Venues for Your Mid Cape Wedding Twelve Stunning Upper Cape Settings for Your Wedding Reception Nine Tips for Trimming Your Cape Cod Summer Wedding Costs A Dozen Fun Things to Do on Your Cape Cod Honeymoon Eight Cape Cod Gardens Perfect For Your Wedding Cranberry Cocktails for Cape Cod Summertime Food Mashups in the Ocean State. Nauticon is Not Your Average Con Town Spotlight: Bourne Town Spotlight: Nantucket Town Spotlight: Mashpee Town Spotlight: Provincetown Town Spotlight: Orleans Town Spotlight: Yarmouth The Viking 200 Cardboard Boat Challenge Cape Cod Restaurant Week Beekeeping Keeps Cape Cod Sweet Celebrate Spring with Nantucket's Daffodil Festival 12,000 Years of Wampanoag History Five Sweet Spots on Route 6A 5 Spots for Shopping Along Route 6A A Cabinet of Wonders: Inside the Edward Gorey House Sharks: Cape Cod's Other Summer Visitors Romantic Spots in Falmouth Gods & Goddesses at the Provincetown Carnival Cape Cod’s Hydrangeas Yappy Hour at Cape Cod Beer Sweet Caroline's Ice Cream Is So Good The Ultimate Guide to Cape Cod Summer Theater A 90-Year Recipe for Saltwater Taffy Cape Cod Donut Shop Gets Creative A Festival for the Dogs on Cape Cod Spend a Day at the Ballgame A Dog’s Day on the Cape in Eastham Let them Eat Cake 4 Breakfast How to Run a Cape Cod Marathon What Makes Great Mini-Golf? Five Family-Friendly Stops along Route 6A Bowling and Games at Ryan's Amusements Hidden Hollow and Family Fun Fridays at Heritage Family Fun at Wackenhammer's Shipwreck! Navy Submarine, S-19 Runs Aground on Nauset Bar in Eastham Shipwreck! Stockholm sinks Andrea Doria off Chatham Shipwreck! The Competitor Cape Cod Houses The Cape Cod Canal Mooncussers of Cape Cod What's Your Cape Cod IQ? Shipwreck! The Argo Merchant Six Fun History Stops on Cape Cod Glimpse the Nineteenth Century at Pairpoint Glass Four Tips for First-Time Birders Six Spots for Spectacular Cape Cod Birding P-Town Dune Shack Applications Available Gardens Aglow Lights up Cape Cod for the Holidays Four places to catch a ferry to the islands Head to Woods Hole for a Day of Ocean Discovery Writers on the Nature of Cape Cod Five Fun Things to do in October on Cape Cod Cranberries & Blueberries: Berry Interesting Cape Cod Shines September Festivals: Come Celebrate Cape Cod Lobster Roll Luncheons A Day at Hyannis Harbor: Summertime at the Artist Shanties Fishing for Flounder with Captain Chip Chatham goes "Back to the Future" in June Veg Out (and More) at One of Cape Cod's Farmers Markets An afternoon in South Yarmouth: Mini golf, ice cream & more Five Reasons to Add a Melody Tent Show to Your Cape Cod Vacation Itinerary Cape Cod Shipwreck: Elsie G. Silva In a Jam in Sandwich: Strawberry, Cranberry Apricot & More Paint the Cape green: Three ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day Walk in the footsteps of the Kennedys on Cape Cod Go green in Yarmouth at the Cape Cod St. Pat's Parade Siobhan Magnus to sing like a Brit in Yarmouth Local & luscious: Three Cod Cod-inspired Valentine's Day treats Brewing up knowledge--an evening out at a local "on tap" event Five fun things to do with the kids during February school vacation Digging for delights--Cape Cod clamming Three unique spots to catch a flick on Cape Cod Nantucket makes Nat Geo's best fall trips list Sunbathe, Swim & Explore: Sixteen Beaches in Dennis Swim, Surf & Sunbathe: Nine Beautiful Beaches in Barnstable Eleven Heavenly Beaches in Harwich The Shores of Falmouth: Nine Beautiful Beaches to Explore Dive into Bourne with a Visit to These Six Beaches If You Hear The Chatham Band Playing, That Means It's Friday Make Jam and Meet Peter Rabbit at the Green Briar Nature Center in East Sandwich 23 Top Fresh Water Swimming Spots on Cape Cod Four Fantastic Beaches to Explore in Sandwich Explore Music, Theater, Film & More at Cotuit Center For the Arts Take a dip at Mashpee's South Cape Beach Dining With Dad: Four Cape Restaurants for Father's Day Guided Kayak Tours: A Great Way to See Cape Cod Seafood Dinner: Three Essential Condiments for Your Cupboard Chatham Railroad Museum is a Treat for Train Lovers of All Ages Four Tips for Skipping Memorial Day Weekend Traffic on Cape Cod Sip the Cape's Newest Small Craft Beer from Devil's Purse Brewing Gray Gables and Bourne's Connection to President Grover Cleveland Love Butterflies? Check Out Butterflies of Cape Cod in Bourne Scargo Tower Offers A Stunning View of Cape Cod Seven Ways to Enjoy Seafood on Cape Cod Five Tips for Hiking Cape Cod Trails Beach Stickers: A Must Have for Summer Vacation Fun Packing for a Day at the Shore: What's In Your Beach Bag? Taste Your Way Through Cape Cod: Eleven Awesome Ice Cream Shops Pets Welcome: Five Places to Stay with Your Furry Friend The Herring Are Running, The Herring Are Running! Daffodil Alert: Spring Has Sprung on Cape Cod Scuba Diving to Stand Up Paddleboarding The Great Fried Clam Roll Debate: Strips or Whole-Belly Cape Cod Vacation Must: Tantalizing Treats from the Raw Bar Three Tips for a Green Cape Cod Vacation A New Way to Explore: Rock Hunting on Cape Cod An Early Morning Walk--Cape Cod All to Yourself Ten Reasons Cape Cod is THE Destination for Your Next Vacation Kids: Catch Some Air at a Cape Cod Skatepark Grab Your Binoculars--It's Time to Go Birdwatching on Cape Cod Cape Cod Beachcombing: A Dozen Sea Shells You Will Surely Find The Delicate Art of Glass Blowing: Six Cape Cod Studios & a Museum to Visit Bowling, Burgers & Brew--the Lanes in Mashpee has it all All Things Aquatic: Five Cool Cape Cod Aquariums The Brazilian Grill in Hyannis: Not Just For Meat-Lovers Seven Sure Ways to Make Your Cape Cod Valentine's Day Romantic Brilliant Beacons: Take a Tour of the Cape's Many Lighthouses Brrr....Warm Up on Cape Cod with a Spicy Burrito Nine Cape Cod Courses Perfect "Fore" a Round of Golf Celebrate Cape Cod: Buy Fresh, Buy Local Say Cheese: Five Places to Take the Perfect Cape Cod Picture Go Back in Time at These Five Historic Cape Cod Homes Thick & Creamy, Loaded with Clams, How Do You Like Your Chowder? Stand-Up Paddleboarding--a Fun Way to Hit the Waves Farmer for a Day: Seven Cape Cod Farms You Won't Want to Miss Seven Fun Ways to Spend a Rainy Cape Cod Day A Touch Tank Teeming with Cool Sea Creatures Mid & Lower Cape Dining: Ten Top Take-Out Places on Cape Cod Eight Cape Cod Eateries Offering a Twist on Traditional Seafood Arts & Artists: A Dozen Galleries to Visit on Cape Cod Eight Types of Tours That Will Make Your Cape Cod Vacation November 2017 Fun in Boston October 2017 Fun in Boston September 2017 Fun in Boston Top Five Kid-Friendly Stops in Boston Escape to Boston's Islands Boston's Very Own Oasis The Ocean's Most Misunderstood Creature The Regulars are Coming Step Back into the Nineteenth Century Top Five Boston Breweries A Football Fan's Dream Mrs. Mallard Returns to Boston Take a Peek at a 14 Foot Tall PEZ Dispenser Real-life Ghost of Christmas Past An Arctic Sojourn at Mt. Washington Vintage Christmas at Strawbery Banke Nineteenth Century New England Christmas Mexican Chocolate in Somerville Life of a Sailor on Old Ironsides An In-Depth Look at Boston Duck Tours Citi Performing Arts Center Shapes the Boston Art Scene Inside Look at Cape Ann Whale Watch Touring the Dark Side of Boston Meet the Wolfman The Up and Coming Eateries of East Boston Three Top Maine Campsites Behind the Scenes of the Boston Tea Party Springtime Fun in Boston Itinerary for a Single Day in Salem Discover the best hiking trails in Massachusetts In a Jam in Sandwich Trains Trains Trains Zip Into Summer Ski Across New England Massachusetts Movie Moments Visit Historic Salem in Massachusetts Historical Fun in Connecticut Make it Count in Massachusetts History on Cape Cod Inspired Fun in New Hampshire Top Things to Do In Rhode Island See the Beautiful Berkshires Ship Up to Boston for Historical Fun
View More

WHAT'S NEARBY?

You have now added this profile to your suitcase

You are not logged in. To login or create an account please click here