The Lobster House in Sunrise, Florida is a huge Chinese restaurant. They have all of the basic entrees that you would expect to find at a Chinese restaurant. The prices are reasonable. But trust me when I say that no one (well, except for my husband) goes there for the Chinese food. They come to this place for one reason only - the lobsters. This is the place to go if you love lobster. Especially if enjoy LARGE lobsters, at fair prices.

The Lobster Experience

These are Maine lobsters - you know - "real" lobsters!

The lobster meals all come with a house salad and a baked potato. You can substitute a vegetable or fried rice. Soups are available for an additional cost. Don't ask if you may substitute the soup for the salad, the answer is always "no". Other side items are available if you choose to add them.

The lobsters can be prepared any of several ways. Steamed, broiled, or stuffed (for an extra charge).

If you're not too adventurous, and you want a normal, everyday lobster, you can order any size from 1.25 to 3 pounds. The prices range from $12 up to $27.95. But if you're feeling very adventurous, or if two (or more) people want to share a lobster (with a "sharing charge"), then go for the "biggies".

The "biggies" go up to 15 pounds. Yes, you read that correctly; they carry lobsters up to 15 pounds. If you're not quite THAT adventurous, there's a 7 pounder and a 10 pounder. The "biggies" cost $8 per pound. That's actually very reasonable, in my book. Now I, personally, have never ordered a "biggie", but I've eaten dinner with another couple who opted to share the 7 pounder. And I've watched as other diners received their "biggies" to their table.

How, exactly, are these monsters delivered? On a rolling cart, of course. They'll be rolled to your table, so that you can gawk at them, and perhaps take a picture. Yes, people really do that. In fact, the walls of this restaurant are covered with pictures of diners sitting at a table with a "biggie" on a platter that covers the entire table. After you're finished gawking, you can have them take the lobster back to the kitchen where they will crack it open for you, and bring it back in a couple minutes in a more edible format. Or, you can attack it yourself, but at those sizes, the attacking can be quite a task.

How do they taste? Well, the smaller sized lobsters that I order have always been delicious. The 7 pounder that my friends shared was also delicious. I've heard people claim that above 3 pounds, the meat gets tough. Not in the case of this 7 pounder. The meat was soft, sweet, and absolutely delicious. I've never tried any of the larger lobsters, but I see people ordering them, and they appear to be enjoying them. I've never heard anyone complain about the meat.

How long do they take to cook? A LONG time. It's not posted on the menu anywhere, but a wise person realizes that these "biggies" are going to take a long time to cook. So, a wise person asks. A nice person shares: A 10 pounder takes 30 to 45 minutes. A 15 pounder takes about an hour. So - make sure you build the wait time into your plans!

So, what do I order?

I've been to this restaurant several times, and each time I've ordered the same thing. Because it's such a bargain, I just can't see ordering anything else. I order their "clam bake". This is a platter that includes a 2 pound lobster. Surrounding the lobster are steamed clams, oysters, shrimp, and king crab legs. With all of the normal condiments - tarter sauce, cocktail sauce, and drawn butter. I eat all of the surrounding seafood, and take home the lobster to enjoy the next day. Yes, lobster is just as delicious the next day. The only problem is that when I eat it at home, I have to fend off the cat. He goes absolutely nuts from the smell of lobster! This meal, which is really two meals, costs $34.95. A terrific value, in my book.

OK - but what if you're not a lobster fan?

Well, this really isn't the restaurant for you. But if you're dragged here against your will by your lobster-loving friends (like my poor husband has been), then you have an entire page of Chinese entrees to choose from. My husband has enjoyed the shrimp with lobster sauce (ironic, since he doesn't eat lobster), and the chicken with cashews. The Chinese entrees range from $13 to $18 and include soup and fried or white rice.

They also have a small selection of grilled chicken, shrimp, fish, and steak entrees. My husband says that these other options are "good". Nothing special, but not bad, either.


Look and feel

Located in a shopping center, this place is absolutely nothing to look at from the outside. There is no outdoor seating. Inside, you find that the place is quite spacious. There are several rooms, and the tables are quite large (as they have to be to accommodate the "biggies"). We have never seen this place crowded, and we've never needed a reservation. Even on a Saturday night, which is a real miracle.

Service

Here's the only part of the experience that I have a complaint. On a few occasions, we've had less than stellar service. The waitresses have been a little bit "snippy", drinks aren't always refilled so quickly, and as mentioned above, don't even ask about substituting a soup for a salad! Basically, they don't look favorably upon any substitutions. And one time it took forever to get our credit card back, after we gave it to the waitress for payment.

Do I let these things stop me from eating here? Nope. When I crave lobster, this is still one of my first choices.

Recommended: Yes

Kid Friendliness: Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: No