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Red's Best Fish MarketB+Worth Trying

Name: Red's Best Fish Market
Address: 100 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02108, Boston, United States
Rating: 4.8

100 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02108 · Seafood market, Seafood restaurant · 4.8/5 Google (825 reviews)

Delivery · Takeout

Excellent seafood counter inside Boston Public Market with standout cold lobster rolls and reliably fresh fish; occasional rude service and value gripes at peak prices.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Red's Best Fish Market delivers excellent food quality anchored by generous, fresh lobster rolls and crispy fish and chips that justify its reputation as a must-stop Boston market counter. Service attentiveness varies noticeably—friendly and fast when it clicks, occasionally brusque—while consistency shows some variability in chowder and lobster texture. The casual, crowded market setting suits quick grazing but lacks the polish or comfort for a higher grade.

Restaurant Summary

Inside Boston Public Market, this counter serves heaping cold lobster rolls and fryer-fresh plates to a steady stream of shoppers and tour groups. The vibe is casual and bustling, and when it clicks, staff feel friendly and fast. One diner put it simply: "The roll was packed and tasted like it just came off the boat." However, expect a queue at busy times and no table service. The cooking leans classic New England seafood with minimal fuss—think cold mayo-and-celery lobster on brioche, crisp fish and chips, and chowder. It is a traditional counter approach: ingredient-driven, portion-forward, and light on theatrics. Fans praise freshness and overflow portions; detractors sometimes find the roll bland or too lemony, and chowder consistency varies. If you want warm buttered rolls or bespoke tweaks, this is not the spot. Families do well here thanks to kid-pleasing sides like big fries and onion rings, plus approachable fried fish. Seating is first-come in the market, so plan for a casual, sometimes crowded perch. Picky eaters should stick to simple fried items and lemonade; adventurous seafood fans will find plenty to enjoy.

At a Glance

Huge lobster roll portions with very fresh meat
Fast counter service ideal for market grazing
Occasional rude or brusque counter interactions
Chowder and bisque quality can vary
Parking is difficult; use transit or walk

What Sets It Apart

Overflowing cold lobster rolls
Market-fresh seafood case alongside hot counter
Fast counter service inside public market

What People Love

Overflowing lobster meat on a toasted bun
Crisp, generous fish and chips
Clean, efficient market setup
Knowledgeable staff who offer helpful recs

Points of Concern

Counter service can feel curt during rushes; a few reviews cite rudeness
Chowder and bisque fluctuate in richness and clam content
Lobster roll served only cold with mayo and celery—no warm butter option
Review patterns show honest tourist-local mix; mostly authentic with some hype language

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleCounter With Seating Average Cost$32-45 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

Choose the cold lobster roll if you enjoy classic mayo-celery style; pair with fries or chowder for a filling meal under $45.

Perfect For

Grabbing a top-tier cold lobster roll while exploring the market
Quick, satisfying seafood lunch with generous portions
Out-of-towners seeking a classic New England bite
Solo diners who want counter-speed and shared seating

Location Insights

Area: Busy indoor market hub popular with locals and tourists; casual, fast-moving, lunch-friendly.

Safety: Well-trafficked, well-lit public venue; generally safe with steady foot traffic.

Nearby: Inside Boston Public Market near downtown offices, Greenway, Faneuil Hall; many stalls and shared seating.

North EndThe North End is Boston's oldest residential neighborhood, famous for its Italian-American heritage and vibrant dining scene centered around authentic Italian restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. It has a lively, pedestrian-friendly atmosphere with a mix of casual and upscale dining options, attracting both locals and visitors seeking traditional cuisine.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday10:00–18:00 Tuesday10:00–18:00 Wednesday10:00–20:00 Thursday10:00–20:00 Friday10:00–20:00 Saturday10:00–20:00 Sunday10:00–18:00

Available: Delivery, Takeout

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