By Steve Fiske
No, the title of this article is not a typo,
but it could be as this shanty style
seafood and lobster market could
easily be called
LOBSTER H EA V E N!
I knew that I was in the right place
the minute I heard the owners
“Down East” Maine accent. Dan Hall
is the real deal. His family roots in
Maine go back generations. This man
knows lobsters as well as anyone and
he is willing to share his knowledge
with anyone willing to ask or listen.
Dan says that, “the biggest
mistake customers
can make is
not getting
advice
from their
lobster source”,
adding, “lobster
conditions change
every month”.
LOBSTER HAVEN
is located
at 12807 W. Hillsborough, just East of
Racetrack Rd. It is conveniently accessible
from all parts of North Pinellas County as
well as Tampa.
Upon entering, I was reminded of the
dozens of seafood shanties I have enjoyed
along the New England coastline from
Massachusetts to Maine. It is all there, the
immense lobster tanks where live Maine
lobsters are sorted by size and sold by their
weight. This is where clams and mussels
are sold by the pound and prepared to
order, then there’s smoked fish spread, crab
cakes and fresh oysters. Everything is seasonal
and fresh, so some things may not be
available when you arrive. I suggest that
you call ahead to make certain that they
have what you want. That said, there will
always be live lobsters, fresh fish, clam
and lobster chowder to please customers.
Mussels are prepared three different ways,
the garlic mussels are the most popular.
Smothered in white wine and garlic sauce
a whole order is only $8.99. The oysters
change with the season and by the time
this article hits the streets they should have
fresh sweet and salty Pemaquid Point oysters
on hand. Dan is also bringing in some
fresh oysters from the state of Washington.
Iconic Ipswich Clams are sold by
the pound and steamed to perfection on
request.
Some prices change as the market
changes on some items. One thing that
is constant and that is the freshness of its
inventory.
Beer and wine are also sold. They offer
Boylan soda (POP) in bottles with flavors
like Black Cherry, Birch Beer, Grape and
Cream Soda, to name a few.
If you have a craving for real fresh
seafood, especially Maine Lobster, don’t
miss this one! LOBSTER HAVEN is also
available for large parties and off premise
food service. Phone 813-855-2888
I GET MY
LOBSTER AT
LOBSTER
HAVEN!
www.lobsterhaven.com aste of
North Pinellas 7
/www.lobsterhaven.com
