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    The Lobster Trap

    4.2 (762 reviews)
    PriceySeafood
    Open 5:00 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

    The Lobster Trap Photos

    Business Info

    THE LOBSTER TRAP ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - The Lobster Trap

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    Helen T.

    The atmosphere is really nice. Staff is super nice. I love seafood and for the price I was expecting the best seafood I can get in Asheville. The only thing I liked was the mushrooms . The lobster bisque and the lobster Mac and cheese was a little bland to my liking. Honestly probably needed a little kick and more cheese.

    Steam Bowl-Large Shrimp
    Nichole E.

    Cozy, casual restaurant in downtown Asheville with killer seafood We went to The Lobster Trap for the first time, for our anniversary. I was expecting it the atmosphere to be a little fancier -- I would've been a-ok staying in my sweatshirt and jeans. (This is not a complaint.) We started with the steamed shrimp. It came with drawn butter and cocktail sauce and was really well seasoned and delicious. All it needed was an extra wet-wipe or two, because I made a mess tearing into the shrimp. For our entrees, I had the crab cakes and my husband had the lobster roll. The crab cakes were outstanding -- all crab, hardly any filler, really nice crisp outside. They came with a corn pudding and coleslaw, both of which were lackluster. The corn pudding was excessively sweet and the coleslaw lacked flavor and looked pretty anemic. The lobster roll was terrific. The lobster was lightly dressed and had a great flavor, and the bread was perfect. He subbed out the chips for grilled broccolini, which was tender and tasty. Next time I'll skip the sides, but overall we really enjoyed our meal. I'm glad we finally tried The Lobster Trap!

    Lobster Stuffed Mushrooms
    Joanne H.

    Excellent food: this is why we returned. This place never fails. Great music for a wonderful upbeat atmosphere. This service from Janie was superb. We had the lobster roll and the oysters Rockefeller. The last time we had the lobster and it was the best. The LAVENDER MULE was my favorite. Best drink of the trip.

    Melissa M.

    Seafood in the mountains!! We tried the lobster roll and the steam bowl with mussels and clams. The bowl was a large portion for the price/ definitely comfort food in a bowl. White wine butter broth, served with a fresh baguette. Love the ambiance. Bar seating- we were served by the best bartender! Proving us a little high for some dishes. However food is delicious!!

    Maple Bacon Scallops City Bakery Barley Baguette
    Aaron C.

    Amazing seafood! This place is a gem! Everything was great and fresh the smoked trout dip was amazing! Definitely a must try

    Steam Bowl-Mussels
    Lauren W.

    Came here on a random Tuesday after finding it on yelp. I was by myself so I took a seat at the bar. The bartender was friendly and made me a sangria. Surprisingly it was $1 oyster night, so I started off with 6 oysters. They were good for being only $1! The restaurant was quite busy but everything came out quickly. I got the steamed mussels as my meal, the broth could have been more flavorful, but overall a good meal.

    Lobster
    Jennifer H.

    Perfect Birthday Dinner! We had an absolutely wonderful experience here for a birthday celebration. Everything--from the service to the food--was spot on. It felt special without being stuffy, and the staff made us feel truly welcome. We hope to return the next time we're in Asheville

    Crab Cakes
    Darrin R.

    Table for 2 for Dinner We had just wrapped up our tour and took a short stroll over to the restaurant. As we walked in, I let the host know we had a reservation. Within minutes, we were seated in a spacious booth--perfectly situated near the live band with a clear view of the open kitchen. Our server came by promptly to take our drink orders. I went with a Voodoo Ranger IPA, while wifey ordered a lemonade. We took a few moments to browse the menu before placing our entrée orders. I chose the crab cakes with a side of broccolini, and Wifey went with the lobster roll. Our server gave the option for a hot or chilled lobster preparation and she quickly chose the hot version--definitely the right call. While we waited, we soaked in the atmosphere. The live music was on point, the dining room was buzzing, and the open kitchen added a nice touch of energy. Our food came out soon after. My crab cakes were spot-on--crispy outside, flavorful inside--and Wifey really enjoyed her lobster roll. From start to finish, the experience was excellent. Great ambiance, quality service, live music--it all came together seamlessly. No doubt about it, we'll be coming back the next time we're in town.

    We opted for three of the four fresh oyster options; the Frosties and Moon Shoal were best. Mild, sweet, a perfect size.
    Heather J.

    Man, what a great find! Fair pricing for high quality meals. We found it by searching for live music at livemusicasheville.com, hoping for good food and a show. We were not disappointed. After a pleasant greeting from the hostess, you walk into a logistically well-designed space, long and narrow (shaped like a lobster trap), with tasteful sea photos and a lovely vibe. The appetizer menu is extensive. For us, incredible oysters came first - displayed well on an ice tray with labels for each variety, shucked expertly (not a single piece of shell; all feet cleanly dislodged; brine intact). We've been out of the South for a minute, so we nearly wept with appreciation when crackers were served along with. The one-man band was sweet, talented. His volume was perfect, and he really added to the experience. The only stumble was really our fault; we tried to get one of the cocktails made wine-spritzer style, and failed. Stick to the cocktail menu and you'll be fine. Or the wine list, which is well-planned for the restaurant's offerings. We had the Double with lobster and crab and found both perfectly -- PERFECTLY -- cooked. A luscious blend of sweet and salty; nice and warm, juicy, tender. Ditto the corn and potato accompaniments. Service was excellent: our server was prompt, friendly, even genuinely connected to us and our experience. A treat on every level.

    The Key Lime Pie
    Brian T.

    The Lobster Trap should be featured on a Best Thing I Ever Ate episode. Absolutely nailed it.

    Decor .
    Steve M.

    We came here for my birthday with my in laws, looking for some good seafood action . Thanks to Emily for making sure my wife got a table (we made the reservation with her a week in advance. It was busy but our server Jordan was a ROCK STAR. He works the bar but was a server that night as well. He was everywhere, running back & forth from floor to bar . When he had to mix drinks the other servers would check on our table. We never wanted for a thing! The restaurant has an open case area where you can see the chefs making the food and where the lobsters are. We started with the seared scallops in a pesto sauce & bowl of steamed mussels which was wonderful. My main was Cioppino which was a selection of crab/mussels/clams in a seasoned broth & came with toasted baguette for dipping. Was fantastic. Wife had grilled salmon with gnocchi in a mouth watering sage butter sauce & fresh asparagus. Sister in law had shrimp & grits. Bro in law had the surf & turf platter, which turned out to be a really generous portion. Everything cooked PERFECTLY. The food was phenomenal and the cocktails were delicious! The atmosphere is casual & had two guitarists playing an acoustic set of light tunes. Hands down the BEST restaurant experience we've had since moving south. Don't pass up a chance to eat at the Lobster Trap.

    Ketta M.

    Solid food in downtown Asheville. Was in town for a girls weekend and this place was suggested by a local. Parking was easy to find for across the street. Upon arrival we were immediately sat for our reservations. The drinks came out promptly. Everything was tasty and portion sizes were great. My only complaint is my lobster bisque had no visible lobster in it. That was a little disappointing. The live music was the perfect background. It wasn't too loud and we could still have a normal conversation. Next time in Asheville, I'll be back to try something new.

    Trout, risotto, chorizo, wilted spinach.

    Such a cute place. We LOVED the trout & risotto dish. I personally don't care for risotto but this dish was AMAZING! If you like risotto this dish is a must!

    Restaurant Facade

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    2 months ago

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    Thank you and hope to see you again soon!

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    Thank you very much and so glad you enjoyed your experience with us!

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    3 months ago

    Everything was Awesome. From the food to the service. Atmosphere is Great! Loved the live Lobster Tank..

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    8 months ago

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    Thank you Brian and glad you enjoyed your experience with us!

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    Thank you for the kind words! Hope to see you again soon!

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    Page 1 of 20

    Ask the Community - The Lobster Trap

    Do you have a live lobster tank?

    Hello Richard, Yes, we sure do! Our lobsters arrive daily, and we cook them to order. Hope to see you soon!

    Are dogs allowed ourside?

    Yes, it's not a problem outside. Be sure to give us a call to make sure we have the patio open. Thanks and hope to see you soon!

    Are you open yet after your remodel?

    Hi Lori, Thanks for your inquiry! Yes, we re-opened last week. We are open every night at 5pm. Hope to see you soon!

    View All 7 Questions

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    The Lobster Trap - seafood - Updated May 2026

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