OpenSalty Dog Seafood Grille & Bar
206 Faneuil Hall Market Pl, Boston, MA 02109
Welcome to Alive & Kicking Lobsters
Alive & Kicking Lobsters is a casual yet trendy seafood spot nestled at 269 Putnam Ave, Cambridge. Known for its no-frills approach, this counter serves up some of the freshest lobster sandwiches in town. Outdoor seating with ample picnic tables invites patrons to enjoy their meals in a relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant embraces a vibrant local community feel, making it a go-to for families, groups, and anyone eager to savor the unmistakable taste of New England seafood. Enjoy a quick bite or linger for longer while dining al fresco, all within a short distance from Harvard Square.
Welcome to Alive & Kicking Lobsters, your go-to destination for the freshest seafood in Cambridge, MA! Nestled at 269 Putnam Ave, our casual, no-frills seafood counter specializes in succulent lobster sandwiches and local favorites like clam chowder and steamed clams. Enjoy our outdoor seating under the sun or grab a quick bite to go. With fast service, a vibrant atmosphere, and family-friendly amenities, we ensure everyone leaves satisfied. Whether you're dining in or taking away, our delicious offerings are crafted with real ingredients for an authentic taste of New England. Join us for lunch or dinner and experience lobster heaven!Services, Amenities and More
Service options
Outdoor seating
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service
Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Comfort food
Quick bite
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Seating
Table service
Photo Gallery
View Menu Photos
Reviews Overview
Most Liked
The lobster sandwiches receive consistent praise for their generous portions of fresh lobster meat, served in a simple yet delicious manner on white bread. Diners often rave about the clam chowder and lobster bisque, noting the hearty flavors and quality ingredients used. The affordability of the dishes, especially for fresh seafood, makes it a standout. Many appreciate the casual outdoor seating that fosters a community atmosphere. The quick service means you won’t be left waiting long to enjoy your meal, perfect for weekday lunches. Additionally, the laid-back feel of the place encourages patrons to enjoy their food leisurely, making it a relaxed dining experience.
Most Disliked
Though the casual atmosphere draws many, some guests might find the limited indoor seating a drawback, particularly during peak hours. The lack of elaborate dining decor means the focus is solely on the food, which might disappoint those seeking a fine dining experience. A few patrons mention that the outdoor seating can become crowded on busy weekends, impacting the overall experience. Additionally, some prefer a lobster roll over the sandwich format, lamenting the bread choice. Parking can also be a challenge, with limited on-site options and paid street parking available nearby.
User Reviews
DD
Derek D.
This is the SPOT! If you like fresh steamed Lobster, Steamers, etc. It’s a must that you try it. It has a small window to order, and some inside seating,( Maybe 7 Tables) And Outside has about 6 Huge Picnic Tables with Shades! It’s the Ultimate No Frills New England Style! I’d Recommend this spot To Anyone And Everyone! Enjoy
RL
Ravi L.
Lobster heaven !! The steamed lobster is so reasonably priced The lobster sandwich is stuffed with real Lobster Lobster. Bisque and clam chowder are exceptional Can’t miss this for fresh seafood at very reasonable prices Very very healthy , it’s all steamed and the soups are made with real butter and cream None of that fake flour thickening Food is absolutely fantastic and service is fast The birds also like the breads
CF
Combat F.
We went to this little restaurant with our friends. The food is delicious. The lobster sandwiches is good although I still have think I like rolls more than sandwich bread. The steamers and mussels are REALLY good. Will I go there again ? Absolutely ! Next time we want to try the steam lobster and I will get more mussels again :)
KG
K G.
A serendipitous find by searching "lobster near me"! A&K is the BEST! A "hole-in-the-wall" kind of place, right in a driveway, picnic tables, lots of napkins, yet only about 4,000' from Harvard Square. Around the corner from Whole Foods (tip: buy beer there and bring it to A&K; this is not "sneaking it", the folks at A&K gave me this tip)! The food was fresh, hot, and delicious, but the service! Can I give 10 stars!? We initially ordered to-go, then changed our minds. This is an inconvenience for the staff here due to the packaging, etc., but they shined through. They went waaaaay above and beyond to assist and accommodate, finding and providing for us bottle openers, shell-crackers, extra whatever we needed. Please. Do yourself a favor and go to this local-place, give them your business. I wish I could remember the staff members names (it was about July 20, 2025). But thank you for more-than-making our day. ♥♥♥
PC
Pope C.
Want a really good lobster roll and a truly authentic taste of New England? Skip the usual tourist traps around town and get the freshest lobstah sandwich this side of the Charles River. Talk about perfect lobster meat to bread ratio (see pic)… And don’t forget to try the crab salad and lobster bisque, too! All guaranteed to hit the spot.👌🏾
MB
Matt B.
It’s a total hole-in-the-wall, family sized picnic table seating, order at the counter from a dud with an authentic Bahstn accent place. Generous lobster portions, calamari salad was righteous.
KD
Keanna D.
They had a unique twist to the traditional lobster roll. It was a lobster sandwich instead between two toasted pieces of bread. It was pretty delicious. They give you a nice size portion of lobster meat inside of the bread. This was our first lobster experiment in Massachusetts and it was delicious!
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Location & Hours
Opening Hours
MondayOpen
TuesdayOpen
WednesdayOpen
ThursdayOpen
FridayOpen
SaturdayOpen
SundayOpen
Location
Frequently Asked Questions
The lobster sandwich stands out as the must-try dish. It's packed with real lobster meat and comes on white bread—a classic choice that reflects the simple yet delightful New England style.
Yes, Alive & Kicking Lobsters features outdoor seating with several large picnic tables. This casual setup allows guests to enjoy their meals in a relaxed atmosphere.
While this spot specializes in seafood, there are options like side dishes such as coleslaw and calamari salad. However, the menu primarily caters to seafood lovers.
Alive & Kicking Lobsters is open daily, making it a convenient spot for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Yes, there is a free parking lot on-site, along with additional paid street parking. This makes visiting hassle-free, whether dining in or taking food to go.
Why visit Alive & Kicking Lobsters
A visit to Alive & Kicking Lobsters is a culinary experience not to be missed for seafood enthusiasts. Not only does it offer some of the freshest seafood around, but the affordability and quality of the dishes make it a local gem. For those looking to enjoy a relaxing meal outdoors, the spacious picnic tables create a real community vibe. Take advantage of the nearby Whole Foods to pick up a beer to pair with your meal—an insider tip from staff themselves. With fast and friendly service, even during busy hours, this place won’t leave you waiting long. Planning a visit during off-peak hours, such as late Monday afternoons, can enhance the experience even further, providing a more relaxed atmosphere. Whether dining solo or with friends, it's the perfect stop for a genuine taste of New England.
