Welcome to the second week of restaurant rush! Today’s tour takes us to the Cambridge classic Alive and Kicking Lobster.
I LOVE seafood and haven’t had lobster (or good seafood) in over a year, so I was more than excited.
Alive and Kicking Lobsters
Alive and Kicking Lobsters is a small market/restaurant tucked in a residential neighbourhood on Putnam Avenue. Since opening in the late 1980’s it’s been a favourite of locals and tourists alike. I arrived RIGHT at opening time, but within 10 minutes, 20 more people had lined up at the door. I couldn’t wait
Food
yep, that’s the entire menu.
They are famous for their lobster sandwich. Well…. mayo isn’t my thing, so I opted for some simpler fare: A steamed lobster, garlic butter mussels, and some fresh salmon.
I must say I was quite disappointed. The seafood itself was incredible- alive and kicking was no overstatement. However, both were overcooked….. and overpriced……. The bill came to $50 for a 24oz lobster, 1lb of mussels and 3oz salmon.
It’s not just me. I sat next to a family of Boston natives and they seemed to agree. Funnily enough, they actually ordered lobster rolls from a “better place” WHILE we were dining.
Service and Atmosphere
If you’re looking for “comfortable” dining, this is not the place to go. The dining area consists of picnic tables and a small adjacent room outfitted with plastic tables, no table cloth. Food is served in plastic trays and brown bags. This made me very nostalgic for the market restaurants (农家乐) back in China. They really play up the gruff attitude in a very very endearing way.
The staff was surprisingly cordial and there does seem to be rapport among the regulars. The food also came out at a reasonable time, despite how busy it got.
Overall Impression
Overall, I must say Alive and Kicking Lobster is overrated. The seafood and atmosphere are fresh, but not worth the price. With that said, at $1.50 each, I might have to come back for the oysters, and try out the clams while I’m at there.
See everyone next week!
The Red-braised Twinkie 
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