Rockin' rolls: NYC's top lobster rolls

Ditch Plains

Marc Murphy’s industrial-looking spot is one of the few to serve its lobster roll the good old-fashioned way: piled inside a hot dog bun (in this case, a sweeter, chewier Morton’s potato roll). “People tend to make things a little too fancy,” says chef de cuisine Frank Proto. “We didn’t create the lobster roll and we’re not going to be the last ones to make it, so we just keep ours really simple.” Simple in this case doesn’t mean boring: An aioli of mayonnaise, roasted garlic and Dijon mustard is tossed with scallions, celery, tarragon, parsley and a dash of Old Bay seasoning. The roll is then placed atop a bed of crispy sweet potato chips in a wire-frame basket lined with deli paper. (Price: $29)

Rockin' roll rating: 3 stars
The interesting mix of spices and seasonings pack a one-two punch but also overwhelm the simple, sweet flavor of the lobster meat.

Ditch Plains (29 Bedford St., 212-633-0202)