Alive & Kicking Lobsters

If you're looking to indulge in the finest seafood experience Cambridge has to offer, look no further than Alive & Kicking Lobsters. Nestled at 269 Putnam Ave, Cambridge, MA, this unassuming eatery may not catch your eye at first glance, but it certainly delivers when it comes to delectable dishes that celebrate the ocean's bounty.

What sets Alive & Kicking apart from typical seafood restaurants is its unwavering focus on quality and freshness. As many patrons have enthusiastically noted, this spot specializes in lobster sandwiches that are nothing short of extraordinary. For just around $33, enjoy a sandwich bursting with tender lobster meat, lightly dressed to enhance, rather than overpower, the natural flavors. One guest raved that it feels as if an entire lobster is generously packed into each delicious bite!

The menu offers a variety of seafood delights, including mouthwatering soups like Lobster Bisque and the weekend-exclusive Seafood Chowder. The rich, creamy bisque has earned rave reviews for its chunky lobster meat and luxurious texture, making it a must-try for any seafood lover. Guests can savor a comforting bowl for $8.95, a price that feels almost humble given the quality of the ingredients.

  • Soul-soothing Clam Chowder: Available for $7.95, it’s a shame it’s not always in stock as it has garnered admiration for its incredible taste.
  • Bowl of Steamers and Mussels: Priced at $14.95, these dishes are perfect for those who wish to experience a true taste of the sea.
  • Twin Lobster Special: A highlight for many diners, two cooked lobsters served with your choice of steamers or mussels for just $47.00. Remember to arrive early to ensure availability!

What truly makes Alive & Kicking a memorable experience is not just the food but the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Customers often share how the modest exterior belies the culinary wonders inside. With limited seating and a cozy vibe, this café's charm is found in its simplicity—a true “hole in the wall” that thrives on its high-quality offerings.

In summary, Alive & Kicking Lobsters is more than just a seafood eatery; it’s a celebration of New England's coastal heritage. Whether you're indulging in the lobster sandwich or soup, you're guaranteed a culinary experience that's both satisfying and authentic. If you find yourself in Cambridge, make it a point to visit this hidden gem. You’ll be glad you did!

Menu

Location

Address: 269 Putnam Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
Phone: +1 617-876-0451

🕓 Work Hours
MON 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
TUE 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
WED 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
THU 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
FRI 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
SAT 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
SUN 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Business info

  • Wheelchair-accessible Car Park
    Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible Entrance
    Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible Seating
    Yes
  • Outdoor Seating
    Yes
  • On-site Services Available
    Yes
  • Offers Takeaway
    Yes
  • Serves Dine-in
    Yes
  • Fast Service
    Yes
  • Popular For Lunch
    Yes
  • Popular For Dinner
    Yes
  • Good For Solo Dining
    Yes
  • Serves Alcohol
    Yes
  • Serves Beer
    Yes
  • Serves Comfort Food
    Yes
  • Quick Bite
    Yes
  • Serves Lunch
    Yes
  • Serves Dinner
    Yes
  • Seating
    Yes
  • Toilet
    Yes
  • Casual
    Yes
  • Trendy
    Yes
  • Good For Groups
    Yes
  • Popular With Tourists
    Yes
  • Doesn't Accept Reservations
    Yes
  • Accepts Credit Cards
    Yes
  • Accepts NFC Mobile Payments
    Yes
  • Good For Kids
    Yes
  • Free Parking Lot
    Yes
  • Paid Street Parking
    Yes

Last Reviews

  • Author: Shannyn Chance

    25 April 2025

    Don’t let the modest exterior fool you—this place serves some of the best lobster I’ve ever had. The lobster sandwich was absolutely amazing: fresh, buttery, and overflowing with tender lobster meat. But the real surprise was the lobster bisque—rich, creamy, and packed with huge chunks of fresh lobster. It’s easily the best I’ve ever tasted. Initially I was disappointed that they were out of clam chowder (it was 10 min before closing), but man am I glad I got to have the bisque instead. If you're a seafood fan, this spot is a must-visit.

  • Author: Andrea Alegre

    24 April 2025

    Delicious bowl of steamers!!! Would get 5 orders just for myself. Lobster roll was good but not worth 32 (but lobster rolls are never worth 32). Seafood chowder was okay. Edit: went back and have new recommendations: TRY THE TWIN LOBSTER SPECIAL. You get two very flavorful lobsters for just 42, with corn and mussels or steamers too. But if you order this, make sure to get there by 5:20pm, which is when they stop serving cooked lobster. The lobster bisque is great as well; it has a lot of meat and I definitely recommend it over the seafood chowder. We tried the crab sandwich, which was honestly forgettable. If you want a sandwich, get the lobster roll instead.

  • Author: Alice Lee

    24 March 2025

    This is the epitome of a no frills hole in the wall eatery. It’s a fishmonger place really but they offer a few items done very well for take out or eat in their small parking lot picnic tables. Even though it was a 90 degree humid day, we came at 11a when they open and ordered steamers and 2 lobster sandwiches. I felt guilty making then run the steamer on a steaming humid day but the person behind us ordered twin lobsters and steamers so this is their reality. The lobster sandwiches on toasted fresh scali bread is so New England and incredibly delicious in its simplicity. Very lightly dressed so the lobster meat shines through. No weird fillers like celery thank goodness. The perfect lobster sandwich. Better than a New England hotdog bun for sure. The steamers were perfectly done - fresh and delicious dipped in butter. I can’t recommend this place enough. Run here and come hungry.

  • Author: Bong Arquiza

    20 March 2025

    I had the lobster sandwich at Alive & Kicking, and it was absolutely delicious! The portion was generous, and it seemed like they used an entire lobster for the sandwich. The lobster was super fresh, sweet, and flavorful, complemented by just the right amount of mayo dressing. Instead of a traditional roll, the sandwich was served on thin, buttery toast, which added a nice crunch without overpowering the lobster. While the price was steep at 33 per sandwich, the quality and portion size made it worth it. Parking was a bit of a challenge, as the lot is small, fitting only about 3-4 cars, and the location is tucked away in a residential area, making it slightly tricky to find. However, once you get there, the food speaks for itself. Highly recommend it for lobster lovers!