Lobster Shop South

Name: Lobster Shop South
Address: 4015 Ruston Way, Tacoma, WA, United States, 98402
Telephone: (253) 759-2165
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.5

4.5

3564 Reviews

$31 to $50

Seafood

Top Tags:

Tacoma’s premier waterfront restaurant, the Lobster Shop, located on Commencement Bay, is a decades-long mainstay of the local dining scene. Since opening in 1981, loyal guests return year after year for the friendly, knowledgeable service and the unbeatable views of Mount Rainier and the Olympics from every table. The seaside restaurant serves patrons fresh Pacific Northwest seafood, Prime Dry-Aged Steaks, and iconic lobster dishes alongside incredible wines and cocktails.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 1, 2023

7:00 PM

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Seafood, American, Northwest
Hours of operation
Lunch Daily 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Fri 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat, Sun 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 3:00 pm–6:00 pm
Phone number
(253) 759-2165
Website
http://www.lobstershop.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Rena Bailey
Private party facilities
We have two excellent rooms for private parties. Each room can hold up to 40 persons, great for company or family functions. Rooms are available most days and nights of the week. Please call us directly for additional information. (Due due to COVID restrictions, all private dining is currently suspended).
Private party contact
Ann Marie Myers: (253) 759-2165

Location
4015 Ruston Way, Tacoma, WA 98402
Neighborhood
Tacoma
Parking details
The Lobster Shop has ample parking available in its own lot with no charge to our guests.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

100 Seattle / Eastern Washington Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Popular dishes

Beef Carpaccio*$26.00
Wagyu New York Striploin, herbed aïoli, marinated mushrooms, radish, fennel, green onion curls, crostini
Quinoa Cakes$16.00
Chickpea purée, olive and tomato tapenade, cucumber yogurt, parsley
Shrimp & Grits Skewers$18.00
Cornmeal battered, Creole ketchup, remoulade mustard
Steamed Clams$22.00
Manila clams, white wine, garlic, sea beans, baby carrot, parsley
Crab Cakes$24.00
Lemon pepper aïoli, corn relish, chives

Soups & Salads

French Onion Soup$14.00
Veal broth, vermouth, Swiss Emmentaler cheese, crouton
Lobster Bisque$13.00
Lobster stock, sweet vermouth, sherry cream
Caesar Salad*$13.00
Romaine, herbed croutons, Parmesan crisp, Spanish anchovies, crispy capers, Caesar dressing
Kale Salad$14.00
Lacinato kale, Serrano ham, Castelvetrano olives, crispy quinoa, lemon herb vinaigrette, shaved Parmesan
Pork Belly Wedge$15.00
Baby iceberg, heirloom tomato, blue cheese crumbles, candied pecans, maple balsamic vinaigrette

Seafood

Grilled Lobster
Zucchini, onion, tomato, pave potato, lemon tarragon garlic butter
- Market Price
Lobster Ravioli$36.00
Lobster claw meat, cream sauce, guanciale, egg yolk, Parmesan, black pepper
King Salmon*$49.00
Grilled, vegetable succotash, blistered tomatoes, smoked tomato butter
Halibut*$45.00
Pan seared, zucchini cake, lemon berry reduction
Scallops*$47.00
Seared, braised pork belly, spring pea risotto, sugar snap peas, pea shoots, garlic herb oil
Prawn Scampi$41.00
Roasted prawns, garlic, white wine, butter, grilled zucchini, onion, tomato, potato

Specialties

Chicken Panzanella$34.00
Pan seared, panzanella salad, lemon herb vinaigrette
Bone-In Veal Chop*$57.00
Grilled zucchini, onion, tomato, potato, roasted garlic onion chop sauce
Vegan Scallops$33.00
Pan seared King Oyster mushroom "scallops", maple glazed mushroom tops, spring pea risotto, sugar snap peas, garlic herb oil
American Wagyu Skirt Steak*$48.00
Southwest marinated, heirloom tomato relish, roasted poblano polenta
Tenderloin Medallions*$43.00
Bacon wrapped, blue cheese, shredded potato cake, asparagus, fig demi-glaze

Prime Steaks

8 oz. Filet Mignon*$68.00
Pave potato, rainbow baby carrots, pearl onions
20 oz. Bone-In Ribeye*$88.00
Shredded potato cake, rainbow baby carrots, pearl onions
12 oz. New York Striploin*$70.00
Pave potato, rainbow baby carrots, pearl onions
Steak Additions
- Oscar Style$25.00
- Prawn Scampi (3)$27.00
- 5 oz. Lobster Tail$30.00

Sides

Wild Mushrooms$12.00
Brussels Sprouts$12.00
Creamed Spinach$12.00
Mac & Cheese$12.00

What 3,564 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5

4.5 based on all time ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.6Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

3,564 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Seattle
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Food was good but portions are small for the price. Ex. I got the king crab legs for $75. Instead of getting 2 legs like the menu says, I got one leg cut in 2 pieces.
Is this helpful?
TD
TomD
Seattle
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall2food1service2ambience4
Although we've dined & enjoyed The Lobster Shop South for many years, the kitchen staff let us down on 2023 New Year's eve. Overall the food was underwhelming. I had the King Salmon but the butternut squash was served cold. I asked the waitress if it was supposed to be cold, she said no & took the plate to the kitchen, then returned saying the chef yelled at her and replied the squash was supposed to be cold & returned the plate to me as it was. My wife had the oven roasted sturgeon. We both tasted it & neither of us liked it. She didn't take another bite. The wait staff recommended the sturgeon to us but it wasn't very good. After approx. 10 min. the waitress returned with a scoop of warm butternut squash on a small bread plate for me. By that time my salmon was also cold. Our bill was $317 including tip. For the price, we expected delicious seafood and side dishes that complimented the meal. Unfortunately, our expectations weren't met & ruined our New Year's dining experience.
Is this helpful?
M
Marg
Seattle
10 reviews
3.0
10 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall3food1service4ambience4
Would wait for remodel to be completed before visiting this restaurant. Felt as if they were using up odds and end but we are still playing premium prices. I sent back my Crimini Mushroom Chicken. It has always been one of my favorite entrees. Not this time.
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PT
PaulT
Seattle
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We have been to the Lobster Shop several times and it has been outstanding every time. We are looking forward to our next visit.
Is this helpful?
DT
DaveTrochim37
Seattle
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
ALWAYS THE BEST!!
Is this helpful?
TG
TerryG
Seattle
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was great! Service was the best I've ever had. The food was the best I've ever had. We tried somethings new to us and it was not a disappointment. They did not rush us which was a nice service.
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GF
GeorgeF
Seattle
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and service; a perfect New Year's Eve lunch!
Is this helpful?
CW
CatherineW
Seattle
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 30, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
Great food and excellent service. Honor, our server, was fabulous. Too noisy with big parties on either side of us.
Is this helpful?
PS
PeteS
Seattle
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Reliable as always. Amazing wait staff, food was great even though the kitchen was impacted by the King tide. We'll be anxious to visit once the remodel is completed.
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S
Ski2sky
Seattle
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lobster Shop is always great! If you need lobster this is the place to go.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Portland
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 25, 2022
overall3food2service4ambience3
View and surrounding area was beautiful. Ordered chicken dis, potatoes were cold and way too much gravy. Sent back twice. Scallops were tough and cold again.
Is this helpful?
MW
MichelleW
Seattle
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was great and customer service was excellent. Me and my family will be coming back
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Seattle
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Christmas Eve dinner
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Seattle
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 24, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
Mom said the veg was always under cooked. I get the blanching but even my asparagus were not edible. Mom substituted brocolini and it still was too raw. I left most of asparagus other than my tips. Please consider a minute longer in blanching at least.
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JB
JaniceB
Seattle
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 24, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
As usual the Lobster Shop was outstanding. Christmas Eve lunch wasn’t crowded, the tables were nicely separated, and the service was excellent. One of my party splurged on the roast sturgeon, and all of us who took a bite agreed it was superb. Another had the vegetable pomodoro and crab cake, also good. Two of us ordered prawns in linguini, the first dish I’ve had there that wasn’t up to their usual standard: too lightly sauced and the large prawns were meaty and slightly tough. I still think this is among the very top tier of restaurants in Tacoma, maybe the best when you consider ambience and ease of parking. It is closing for renovations from Jan 3 till April 30, so hope it comes back better than ever.
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R
Rbh1sg
Seattle
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on December 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The extra space afforded each table made our Christmas dinner a far more intimate experience for opening gifts and small talk of family events! Our waitress was top notch, knowledgeable on all aspects of dinner and making our experience perfect! The salmon was amazing, so juicy and succulent! The crab cakes are always the best in Tacoma and so enjoyable!
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FK
FloydK
Seattle
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 23, 2022
overall3food5service5ambience5
staff was very good in all areas!!It was so cold not one patron took off their winter coats.My wife had to warm her hands all through our dining on the tealight on the table.
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NP
NancyP
Seattle
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 22, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience3
Though the restaurant was not full, many parties were noisy, which caused our table some peace.
Is this helpful?
k
kimt
Seattle
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 22, 2022
overall3food5service2ambience2
Restaurant was very cold. Most patrons eating with jackets on inside. Know that pandemic hit restaurants hard, but tired of the mediocre excuses for lack of service. You pay good money to dine here, expect better treatment. Will not return soon. The value just wasn’t there.
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HH
HappyHour
Seattle
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 22, 2022
overall3food4service4ambience1
Their prices have exceeded our budget. We will stick to happy hour.
Is this helpful?
MG
MelissaG
Seattle
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful food and service. Love the view. Was a great evening.
Is this helpful?
NY
NYLynnie
Houston
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on December 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent dinner and got to watch the boat parade! The sturgeon was amazing, definitely try it if you've not had it before.
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KP
KarlaP
Chicago
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and the service were superb, coupled with the lighted boat parade, it was a wonderful experience
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MW
MichaelW
Seattle
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 17, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
The food was excellent. The staff was friendly and pro active. Noise was a little high but expected on a Friday night. Parking was very difficult.
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m
mbtacoma
Seattle
23 reviews
4.0
23 reviews
Dined on December 17, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
We’ve been to The Lobster Shop many times over the years. Food is good. Service is great. But WOW… prices have skyrocketed recently. We’ll continue to go, but definitely not often.
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GA
GaryA
Seattle
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
My friend and I were greeted by a very nice and helpful waitress. We asked for her recommendation and were not disappointed. We have eaten there over the years and have always enjoyed the food, service and view.
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SC
SusanC
Seattle
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Never disappointed when I meet friends at the lobster shop. Server was top notch and food delicious.
Is this helpful?
ST
SueT
Seattle
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 10, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
The Salmon Sliders are great, but preferred them better last time -slightly overdone this time. Lobster melt was great too. Really nice staff.
1 person found this helpful
C
Camps
Seattle
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
absolutely delicious food!! Everything was very good! only thing i didn't like was the bathroom toilet handle leaked when flushing and the sink faucet was cold water, like very cold and the bathroom it self was cold. outside of that everything else was fantastic! I will go there again!
Is this helpful?
MK
MarK
Seattle
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful attentive service. Food was incredible and the setting lovely.
Is this helpful?
S
Scott
Seattle
45 reviews
vip
5.0
45 reviews
Dined on December 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent service, wonderfully delicious food, beautiful evening!
Is this helpful?
MT
MikeT
Seattle
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Vanessa was an outstanding server. We enjoyed our dinner very much. Thank you.
Is this helpful?
SC
SamC
Seattle
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was a great dinner, with excellent service and food! Superb!
Is this helpful?
A
Aurora
London
14 reviews
vip
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on November 26, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
Very good service. Beautiful view of the water. The ceviche and cocktails weren't that good. Everything else that we've ordered was really nice.
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SC
SandiC
Seattle
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We like the restaurant look a lot and got window seating. Food & drink was presented well and very good. We enjoyed it and will go again.
Is this helpful?
KH
KatherineH
Seattle
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on November 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful as usual. Staff, ambience, gourmet food and view all superb! Thank you for this wonderful experience!
Is this helpful?
JM
JMCLRC
Seattle
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful meal and very attentive service. Even a nice sundae to celebrate our 50th anniversary. Food well prepared and appropriate size portions. Highly recommend!
Is this helpful?
RS
ReneS
Seattle
134 reviews
vip
5.0
134 reviews
Dined on November 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was absolutely wonderful and the service was exceptional. Truly something to enjoy!!!
Is this helpful?
C
Cherie
Seattle
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Ruston Way Lobster Shop Restaurant is definitely the best restaurant in the multi city area! All tables have a wonderful view of the water, the food is always delicious & in the summer there’s a lot of seating on the covered outdoor deck!
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CH
ChristiH
Seattle
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went for my daughters 21st Birthday. The people, service, food & atmosphere, was ABSOLUTELY what we were looking for!! Had an Amazing experience!!
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Lobster Shop South is rated 4.5 stars by 3564 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

Oct 1, 2023

7:00 PM

4015 Ruston Way, Tacoma, WA 98402

Additional information

Neighborhood
Tacoma
Hours of operation
Lunch Daily 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Fri 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat, Sun 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 3:00 pm–6:00 pm
Cuisines
Seafood, American, Northwest
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
The Lobster Shop has ample parking available in its own lot with no charge to our guests.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Rena Bailey
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.lobstershop.com/
Phone number
(253) 759-2165
Private party facilities
We have two excellent rooms for private parties. Each room can hold up to 40 persons, great for company or family functions. Rooms are available most days and nights of the week. Please call us directly for additional information. (Due due to COVID restrictions, all private dining is currently suspended).
Private party contact
Ann Marie Myers: (253) 759-2165

Featured in

100 Seattle / Eastern Washington Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Lobster Shop South

Make a reservation

Additional information

100 Seattle / Eastern Washington Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Crab Cakes

King Salmon

Lobster Bisque

Appetizers

Beef Carpaccio*$26.00

Quinoa Cakes$16.00

Shrimp & Grits Skewers$18.00

Steamed Clams$22.00

Crab Cakes$24.00

Soups & Salads

French Onion Soup$14.00

Lobster Bisque$13.00

Caesar Salad*$13.00

Kale Salad$14.00

Pork Belly Wedge$15.00

Seafood

Grilled Lobster

Lobster Ravioli$36.00

King Salmon*$49.00

Halibut*$45.00

Scallops*$47.00

Prawn Scampi$41.00

Specialties

Chicken Panzanella$34.00

Bone-In Veal Chop*$57.00

Vegan Scallops$33.00

American Wagyu Skirt Steak*$48.00

Tenderloin Medallions*$43.00

Prime Steaks

8 oz. Filet Mignon*$68.00

20 oz. Bone-In Ribeye*$88.00

12 oz. New York Striploin*$70.00

Steak Additions

Sides

Wild Mushrooms$12.00

Brussels Sprouts$12.00

Creamed Spinach$12.00

Mac & Cheese$12.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

How is Lobster Shop South restaurant rated?

Is Lobster Shop South currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information

Featured in

100 Seattle / Eastern Washington Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day