It was 5 p.m. on a sunny August afternoon, and Rhonda Ramph of Webster had been patiently waiting for her food order since 3:30 p.m.
She had happened to pass by the Cousins Maine Lobster food truck, which was parked that day behind Abbott’s Frozen Custard on Empire Boulevard in Webster, and turned around to get in line. She had heard her aunt sing the praises of the truck, which got its big break on the television show “Shark Tank.” Its main attraction is two kinds of lobster rolls, but it also offers lobster quesadillas, grilled cheese, tacos and more. The Rochester-based truck hit the streets in June; nearly two months later, the crowds are still there.
Ramph was looking forward to trying the lobster rolls and blueberry soda she enjoyed on a visit to Maine and took the long wait in her stride. “It’s a beautiful day,” she said with a smile.
Next to her, Stephanie Lambe of Penfield was confident her wait would be relatively short. It was her fourth visit to the truck – “because it’s delicious” – and she knew how it goes. “The lines are always like this,” she said.
How was it?
I, too, ordered from Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck that day; it was my first visit. I logged into the app at 11:35 a.m., five minutes after it went live. The earliest available pickup time was 1:42 p.m., two hours later. I chose 5 p.m.
I chose the Connecticut Lobster Roll; the lobster is mixed with butter and lemon and served warm on a grilled New England roll. It costs $20.95 and there are various combinations available.
My name was called at 5:15 and I tucked in at home. The butter-toasted bun contained a generous amount of large chunks of lobster. For my taste, the lobster wasn’t as juicy and sweet as some I’ve had, but for a lobster roll that cost $21 and came from a food truck serving hordes of people, it was commendable. I’d say the same about the bisque.
And if you think $21 for a lobster roll is expensive, here are some other prices in town:
∎ Lila’s at the Hampton Inn & Suites Rochester Downtown has a “market price” for its Connecticut-style lobster roll; when I called last week, it was about $35.
∎ The fine-dining restaurant Velvet Belly serves a similar lobster roll for $34, including fries.
∎ Captain Jim’s, the excellent fish market on East Main Street, usually serves its lobster roll cold, but will make a hot one with butter if you want it. It costs about $27-$30 if you want fries.
∎ Founders Cafe in downtown Rochester serves its lobster roll cold on a bed of romaine lettuce, with celery salt and a slice of lemon, on a toasted, buttered hot dog bun for $18.95.
What you should know when you go
If you’re going there, here’s how to make your trip to Cousins Maine Lobster relatively quick:
∎ Download the Cousins Maine Lobster app.
∎ Order your food as soon as the truck opens; the app only accepts orders during opening hours. You can also choose a later pickup time during the day if you prefer.
∎ When you arrive at the truck to pick up an app order, you do not need to check in at the pickup window, but you must be within earshot for your name to be called.
∎ Look for offers in the app. I got a free lobster bisque for my birthday.
∎ Cash and major credit cards are accepted.
∎ Unless you change it, a 15% tip will be added automatically.
Where to find Cousins Maine Lobster food truck in the Rochester area
Here are several locations where you can find the Cousins Maine Lobster Truck in the Rochester area during August and September. Check Facebook events or the Cousins Maine Lobster app to confirm details.
∎ LandMax4875 Lake Road South, Brockport: August 15, 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
∎ Finger Lakes Premium Outlets655 Route 318, Waterloo: August 21, 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
∎ Fairport Brewery99 S. Main St., Fairport: 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., August 23.
∎ Frequent Brewery254 S. Main St., Canandaigua: August 25, noon to 8 p.m.
∎ East Ave. Community Market Days1050 East Ave., Rochester: August 28, 4 to 7 p.m.
∎ LandMax4160 Veterans Memorial Dr, Batavia: August 29, 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
∎ 24th Annual Operation Patriot Ride & Concert50 Beach Ave., Rochester: noon to 5 p.m., September 7.
∎ 20 Deep Winery187 Mendon Ionia Road, Mendon: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sept. 8.
∎ The restaurant by the lake4135 Lake Road, Williamson: noon to 7 p.m., September 15.
∎ Blue Toad Apple Wine900 Jefferson Road, Building 9, Henrietta: September 20, 4 to 9 p.m.
∎ LandMax4101 Lakeville Road, Geneseo: September 25, 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Tracy Schuhmacher covers the Rochester dining scene. Notice something opening or closing in your neighborhood? Send tips to [email protected].
