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: 4.7

4.7

3562 Reviews

$31 to $50

Seafood

Top Tags:

Welcome to Lobster Shop, located on Ruston Way on the waterfront in Tacoma. The Lobster Shop restaurants have been operating since 1977, offering some of the Pacific Northwest’s favorite seafood dishes. The restaurant sits over the waters of Commencement Bay, offering breathtaking views of both Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountain Range.
During the summer months the restaurant offers outdoor dining and with a dock available for boaters, makes for an excellent day getaway. Lobster Shop has always been the place where the South Sound loves to celebrate; whether a birthday, anniversary or promotion you just can't beat the atmosphere. Annually rated by the well known Zagat Survey, Lobster Shop takes a great deal of pride in making sure that every experience is a memorable one. We look forward to serving you soon.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jan 27, 2023

7:00 PM

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Seafood, American, Northwest
Hours of operation
Lunch Daily 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Fri 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–9:00 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

Crispy Calamari$15.00
Mini sweet peppers, lemon, sweet and spicy aioli
Crab Cakes$25.00
Mustard beurre blanc, fennel, orange, arugula
Sweet Chili Prawns$17.00
Crispy gulf prawns, sweet chili sauce, pickled vegetable salad, cilantro, lime
Fresh Oysters*
Local selection, served on the half shell
- each$4.25
- Half Dozen$25.00
- Dozen$48.00
Lobster Crostini$16.00
Maine lobster, bruschetta, pistachio pesto
Steamed Clams$18.00
White wine, lemon-herb garlic butter, crostini
Lobster Dip$18.00
Maine lobster, parmesan, artichoke hearts, onion, crostini
Seafood Sampler$42.00
Lobster dip, calamari, sweet chili prawns, toasted baguette

Starter Soup & Salad

Lobster Bisque$11.00
Rich lobster stock, sweet vermouth, cream
Pear Salad$10.00
Bartlett pear, Pt. Reyes blue cheese, candied pecans, baby mixed greens, citrus vinaigrette
New England Clam Chowder$10.00
Ocean clams, bacon, potato, onion, celery, cream
Caesar Salad$11.00
Crisp romaine, garlic croutons, parmesan, anchovy
Citrus Beet Salad$12.00
Red and gold beets, arugula, orange, grapefruit, red onion, walnut, parsley, feta, citrus vinaigrette

Entrée Salads

Shellfish Louie Salad$28.00
Dungeness crab and bay shrimp, crisp greens, citrus vinaigrette, egg, grape tomatoes, cucumber, louie dressing
Warm Seafood Salad*$22.00
King salmon, gulf prawns, seasonal fish, baby spinach, kalamata olives, tomatoes, bacon, parmesan, honey mustard dressing

Sandwiches

Served with your choice of hand cut russet fries, or 'simple' greens

Crispy Fish$16.00
Craft beer battered Alaskan cod, lemon caper aioli, tomato, lettuce, toasted pub bun
Angus Beef$18.00
white cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato
Lobster Melt$19.00
Maine lobster, artichoke hearts, parmesan, cheddar, onion, tomato, toasted croissant

House Specialties

Maine Lobster Tail
Butter whipped potatoes, asparagus
- Market Price
Aglio Prawns$25.00
Gulf prawns sauteed in olive oil, garlic, basil, and red pepper flake, served with citrus arugula salad and whipped potatoes
King Salmon*$30.00
House dry rub, herbed wild rice, candied beets, broccolini, lemon beurre blanc
Cedar Plank Seafood Trio*$60.00
5 oz. Maine lobster tail, king salmon fillet, garlic prawns, butter whipped potatoes, broccolini, beurre blanc
Fish and Chips
Beer battered Alaskan cod or gulf prawns, hand cut fries, slaw, lemon caper aioli
- 3 Piece Cod$23.00
- 2 Piece Cod$19.00
- Gulf Prawns$20.00
Miso Sake Black Cod$38.00
Marinated and pan-seared, black and purple rice cake, sugar snap peas, shiitake mushroom broth
Blackened Salmon Tacos*$19.00
Cilantro-lime slaw, jalapeno crema, salsa roja. Served with a salad of mixed greens, onion, tomatoes, corn tortilla strips, citrus vinaigrette
Cremini Mushroom Chicken$25.00
Frenched chicken breast, marsala cream sauce, butter whipped potatoes, sautéed spinach, herb roasted carrots
New York Strip Steak*$48.00
12oz Double R Ranch northwest beef, rosemary butter, truffle dusted fingerling potatoes, Pernod scented spinach, charred grape tomatoes
Lobster Carbonara$32.00
Maine lobster, bacon, sweet peas, lobster cream sauce, sherry, garlic, shallots, linguini
Vegetarian Linguine Pomodoro$20.00
Grilled seasonal vegetables, sweet and spicy pomodoro sauce, balsamic drizzle

Additions

Grilled Chicken Breast$8.00
Grilled King Salmon*$20.00
Gulf Prawns (3)$10.00
Maine Lobster
- Market Price
Sauteed Mushrooms$5.00
Crab Cake (1)$8.00

Featured Cocktails

Belle of the Bay$13.00
Pear infused vodka, Brovo "pretty" vermouth, chamomile, lemon, sparkling wine
Garden in a Glass$15.00
Gin, yellow Chartreuse, cucumber, lime, Scrappy's celery bitters, soda water
Pineapple-Basil Daiquiri$13.00
Plantation 3 star rum, Lillet Blanc, pineapple, basil, lime
Golden Sour$15.00
Bourbon, banane du brésil, honey, lemon, whiskey barrel-aged bitters

What 3,562 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Seattle / Eastern Washington
Seafood
Tacoma
Best Overall
Tacoma
Best Service
Tacoma
Best Ambiance
Tacoma
Romantic
Tacoma
Most Booked

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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.
TD
TomD
Seattle
1 review
2.0
1 review
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.
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.
PT
PaulT
Seattle
5 reviews
5.0
5 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.
DT
DaveTrochim37
Seattle
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
ALWAYS THE BEST!!
TG
TerryG
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.
GF
GeorgeF
Seattle
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and service; a perfect New Year's Eve lunch!
CW
CatherineW
Seattle
2 reviews
4.0
2 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.
PS
PeteS
Seattle
1 review
5.0
1 review
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.
S
Ski2sky
Seattle
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lobster Shop is always great! If you need lobster this is the place to go.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
3.0
1 review
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.
MW
MichelleW
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
OT
OpenTable Diner
Seattle
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Christmas Eve dinner
OT
OpenTable Diner
Seattle
5 reviews
4.0
5 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.
JB
JaniceB
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.
R
Rbh1sg
Seattle
17 reviews
5.0
17 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!
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.
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.
k
kimt
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.
HH
HappyHour
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 22, 2022
overall3food4service4ambience1
Their prices have exceeded our budget. We will stick to happy hour.
MG
MelissaG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful food and service. Love the view. Was a great evening.
NY
NYLynnie
Houston
12 reviews
5.0
12 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.
KP
KarlaP
Chicago
5 reviews
5.0
5 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
MW
MichaelW
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.
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.
GA
GaryA
Seattle
2 reviews
5.0
2 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.
SC
SusanC
Seattle
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Never disappointed when I meet friends at the lobster shop. Server was top notch and food delicious.
ST
SueT
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.
C
Camps
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!
MK
MarK
Seattle
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful attentive service. Food was incredible and the setting lovely.
S
Scott
Seattle
44 reviews
vip
5.0
44 reviews
Dined on December 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent service, wonderfully delicious food, beautiful evening!
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.
SC
SamC
Seattle
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was a great dinner, with excellent service and food! Superb!
A
Aurora
London
12 reviews
4.0
12 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.
SC
SandiC
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.
KH
KatherineH
Seattle
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on November 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful as usual. Staff, ambience, gourmet food and view all superb! Thank you for this wonderful experience!
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!
RS
ReneS
Seattle
125 reviews
vip
5.0
125 reviews
Dined on November 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was absolutely wonderful and the service was exceptional. Truly something to enjoy!!!
C
Cherie
Seattle
1 review
5.0
1 review
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!
CH
ChristiH
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!!

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
- Staff temperature check required

FAQs

Lobster Shop South is rated 4.7 stars by 3562 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

Jan 27, 2023

7:00 PM

4015 Ruston Way, Tacoma, WA 98402

Additional information

Neighborhood
Tacoma
Hours of operation
Lunch Daily 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Fri 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–9:00 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

Lobster Dip

Lobster Bisque

Lobster Crostini

Appetizers

Crispy Calamari$15.00

Crab Cakes$25.00

Sweet Chili Prawns$17.00

Fresh Oysters*

Lobster Crostini$16.00

Steamed Clams$18.00

Lobster Dip$18.00

Seafood Sampler$42.00

Starter Soup & Salad

Lobster Bisque$11.00

Pear Salad$10.00

New England Clam Chowder$10.00

Caesar Salad$11.00

Citrus Beet Salad$12.00

Entrée Salads

Shellfish Louie Salad$28.00

Warm Seafood Salad*$22.00

Sandwiches

Crispy Fish$16.00

Angus Beef$18.00

Lobster Melt$19.00

House Specialties

Maine Lobster Tail

Aglio Prawns$25.00

King Salmon*$30.00

Cedar Plank Seafood Trio*$60.00

Fish and Chips

Miso Sake Black Cod$38.00

Blackened Salmon Tacos*$19.00

Cremini Mushroom Chicken$25.00

New York Strip Steak*$48.00

Lobster Carbonara$32.00

Vegetarian Linguine Pomodoro$20.00

Additions

Grilled Chicken Breast$8.00

Grilled King Salmon*$20.00

Gulf Prawns (3)$10.00

Maine Lobster

Sauteed Mushrooms$5.00

Crab Cake (1)$8.00

Featured Cocktails

Belle of the Bay$13.00

Garden in a Glass$15.00

Pineapple-Basil Daiquiri$13.00

Golden Sour$15.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

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