Restaurant review: Believe the delicious rumors about East Hampton Sandwich Co.

Fifteen lobster rolls in 30 minutes? Now that's a hot ticket.

Photo by Ashli Michelle

East Hampton Sandwich Co. in Snider Plaza.

HIGHLAND PARK — Eaters everywhere maintain East Hampton Sandwich Company’s lobster roll (knuckle & claw meat, split lobster tail) is better than Rex’s Seafood Market. While waiting for this highly anticipated lobster roll to arrive, smoke began rising from beneath the bar. A manager rushed over to calm the cashiers. “It’s just butter. The butter smells like it is burning and the smoke is just a part of it. I’ll open the front door for a few minutes.” No one could stop one cashier from staying behind— quickly taking her apron off to fan the smoke before it reached patrons.

Smoke began to fade as the lobster roll arrived. I noticed a wiggly looking piece of hair resting on top of the homemade potato chips. Before returning this gift, a lobster roll investigation began. I’m sorry. This looks nothing like the lobster roll picture on your website. It’s kind of like one of those McDonald’s commercials where the burger is fluffy fresh with plump tomatoes and crispy lettuce. McDonald’s real life version burger: Not so much.

Photo by Ashli Michelle

Lobster Roll #2 was much more picturesque then the first.

How could this be happening? Everyone in Dallas is head over heels in love with East Hampton. I’ve experienced burning butter smoke, hair on my chips, and a lack of lobster let down. Insanity. This has to be a fluke — some kind of temporary lobster roll curse.

The manager was incredibly apologetic as she headed to the kitchen with the hair-tainted plate. Anyone that’s worked in a restaurant long enough knows that an accidental employee hair will probably appear at some point. Hair in a customer’s food does not mean a place is dirty or unworthy.

As for lack of lobster, well, the second lobster roll is what the first should have been. Did the guilt of an accidental chip hair result in an adequate website-looking portion of lobster? With the glowing reputation East Hampton’s achieved in such a short amount of time, it’s not likely. Maybe this kitchen needs a lobster roll break. I saw them make at least fifteen in less than thirty minutes.

Photo by Ashli Michelle

Roasted Corn Chowder: spiced corn, micro greens, minus cured bacon.

East Hampton’s roasted corn chowder will not disappoint. Its spicy kick is just enough to seal the deal. Cured bacon is a listed ingredient, but the chef said leaving it out wouldn’t be a problem.

This place is definitely in the same league as Rex’s Seafood Market. Fantastic. Fabulous. Mouth wateringly delicious. It may be like a trip to Maine and yada, but this lobster roll is not better than Rex’s. If this were an East Hampton vs. Rex’s website competition, East Hampton has a clear win due to lack of screaming seagulls. Everyone is a winner.

Fact: (1) This visit is a full blown fluke. (2) Lobster rolls of this quality are not the norm. I bow down to lobster roll #2 and would recommend East Hampton Sandwich Company to anyone living. The quest for the best lobster roll in Dallas continues this week at Sea Breeze Fish Market & Grill.