Introducing: Rock Lobster Food Co. on Queen West, a second outpost of the trendy seafood restaurant
Name: Rock Lobster Food Co.
Neighbourhood: Queen West
Contact Info: 538 Queen St. W ., 416-203-6623, rocklobsterfood.com/ , @RockLobsterFood
Owners: Matt Dean Pettit, Darryl Fine and Alan Thomson
Chef: Matt Dean Pettit
The Food: Rock Lobster serves east-coast Canadian comfort food: think seafood shack meets gastropub. Along with lobster rolls and poutine, the two greatest hits from the original Ossington location, new dishes include a play on the McDonalds fish sandwich called the Fillet “Eh” Fish, lobster-stuffed devilled eggs and bacon-wrapped corn dogs.
The Drinks: Cocktails made with mostly house-brewed bitters, syrups and infusions, like a White Russian with Froot Loop-infused vodka and a Caesar garnished with candied bacon strips.
The Place: The former Shanghai Cowgirl space is twice the size of the Ossington location and covered in 100 percent pure Canadiana, including wall-mounted wildlife, decorative canoe paddles and a painting of a beaver on the back patio. There’s also a retail counter that sells seafood and accompanying condiments like McClure’s pickles.
The Numbers:
• 150 seats (70 inside and 80 on the back patio)
• 6 jumbo black-and-white letters spelling out the word “Canada” across the back wall of the patio
• 3 a.m. is closing time on Fridays and Saturdays
• 3 words to describe the Rock Lobster concept, according to chef Matt Pettit: “Seafood. Canadiana. Booze.”
• 0 reservations
220787 The new Rock Lobster location at 538 Queen Street West (Image: Renée Suen) Introducing Rock Lobster Introducing Rock Lobster https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-01-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-01.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-01.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/food/rock-lobster-toronto-restaurants/slide/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-01/ rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-01 0 0
(Image: Renée Suen)
220790 The anchor mural was painted by chef Matt Pettit’s father, Donald Pettit, who also painted the wall-size lobster mural at the original Ossington location (Image: Renée Suen) Introducing Rock Lobster Introducing Rock Lobster https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-04-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-04.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-04.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/rock-lobster-toronto-restaurants/slide/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-04/ rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-04 0 0
(Image: Renée Suen)
220792 The space is decorated with driftwood from chef Pettit's cottage, various wall-mounted wildlife and artwork by graffiti and graphics artist Mike “Spazz” Echlin (Image: Renée Suen) Introducing Rock Lobster Introducing Rock Lobster https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-06-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-06.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-06.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/rock-lobster-toronto-restaurants/slide/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-06/ rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-06 0 0
(Image: Renée Suen)
220789 The raw bar is twice the size of the one at the Ossington location (Image: Renée Suen) Introducing Rock Lobster Introducing Rock Lobster https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-03-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-03.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-03.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/rock-lobster-toronto-restaurants/slide/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-03/ rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-03 0 0
(Image: Renée Suen)
220788 Seafood sauce and McClure’s pickles are sold from a retail counter at the front of the restaurant (Image: Renée Suen) Introducing Rock Lobster Introducing Rock Lobster https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-02-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-02.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-02.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/rock-lobster-toronto-restaurants/slide/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-02/ rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-02 0 0
(Image: Renée Suen)
220791 The captain's table in the front window seats six (Image: Renée Suen) Introducing Rock Lobster Introducing Rock Lobster https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-05-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-05.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-05.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/rock-lobster-toronto-restaurants/slide/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-05/ rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-05 0 0
(Image: Renée Suen)
220793 Artwork by artist Mike "Spazz" Echlin (Image: Renée Suen) Introducing Rock Lobster Introducing Rock Lobster https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-07-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-07.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-07.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/rock-lobster-toronto-restaurants/slide/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-07/ rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-07 0 0
(Image: Renée Suen)
220794 Rock Lobster's uber-patriotic back patio (Image: Renée Suen) Introducing Rock Lobster Introducing Rock Lobster https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-08-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-08.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-08.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/rock-lobster-toronto-restaurants/slide/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-08/ rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-08 0 0
(Image: Renée Suen)
220800 Lobster-stuffed devilled eggs ($7) (Image: Renée Suen) Introducing Rock Lobster Introducing Rock Lobster https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-14-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-14.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-14.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/rock-lobster-toronto-restaurants/slide/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-14/ rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-14 0 0
(Image: Renée Suen)
220803 Bacon-wrapped corn dogs served with spicy sriracha mayo and maple mustard ($7), inspired by chef Pettit’s one-time ambition to open a corn dog stand on Ossington (Image: Renée Suen) Introducing Rock Lobster Introducing Rock Lobster https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-17-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-17.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-17.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/rock-lobster-toronto-restaurants/slide/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-17/ rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-17 0 0
(Image: Renée Suen)
220906 A bucket of steamed shrimp with Old Bay seasoning and lemon ($11) (Image: Renée Suen) Introducing Rock Lobster Introducing Rock Lobster https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-intro-2-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-intro-2.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-intro-2.jpg 656 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/rock-lobster-toronto-restaurants/slide/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-intro-2/ rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-intro-2 0 0
(Image: Renée Suen)
220908 The Fillet “Eh” Fish, a panko-crusted whitefish burger with tartar sauce and lettuce on a sesame seed bun ($5) (Image: Renée Suen) Introducing Rock Lobster Introducing Rock Lobster https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-24-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-24.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-24.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/rock-lobster-toronto-restaurants/slide/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-24/ rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-24 0 0
(Image: Renée Suen)
220805 Corn on the cob with maple mayo, smoked paprika and crushed sea salt ($7) (Image: Renée Suen) Introducing Rock Lobster Introducing Rock Lobster https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-19-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-19.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-19.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/rock-lobster-toronto-restaurants/slide/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-19/ rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-19 0 0
(Image: Renée Suen)
220802 Brown-butter scallops with snow crab and a green-pea-and-mint purée ($14) (Image: Renée Suen) Introducing Rock Lobster Introducing Rock Lobster https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-16-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-16.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-16.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/rock-lobster-toronto-restaurants/slide/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-16/ rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-16 0 0
(Image: Renée Suen)
220804 Flank steak with maple mayo, garlic-chive butter and blue cheese-horseradish potato puree ($12) (Image: Renée Suen) Introducing Rock Lobster Introducing Rock Lobster https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-18-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-18.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-18.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/rock-lobster-toronto-restaurants/slide/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-18/ rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-18 0 0
(Image: Renée Suen)
220806 Maple taffy on ice ($8) (Image: Renée Suen) Introducing Rock Lobster Introducing Rock Lobster https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-20-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-20.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-20.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/rock-lobster-toronto-restaurants/slide/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-20/ rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-20 0 0
(Image: Renée Suen)
220797 The Rock Lobster Caesar: vodka, steak spice, Tabasco, Worchestershire and Clamato with a split Nova Scotia lobster tail ($12) (Image: Renée Suen) Introducing Rock Lobster Introducing Rock Lobster https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-11-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-11.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-11.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/food/rock-lobster-toronto-restaurants/slide/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-11/ rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-11 0 0
(Image: Renée Suen)
220798 The Breakfast of Champions: Froot Loop-infused vodka, Cointreau, chocolate bitters and cereal milk ($10) (Image: Renée Suen) Introducing Rock Lobster Introducing Rock Lobster https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-12-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-12.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-12.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/rock-lobster-toronto-restaurants/slide/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-12/ rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-12 0 0
(Image: Renée Suen)
220808 Tromba-Granita Slushies: Tromba Blanco tequila, Cointreau, agave syrup, lime juice and house-made orange-cedar bitters over crushed ice ($10) (Image: Renée Suen) Introducing Rock Lobster Introducing Rock Lobster https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-22-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-22.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-22.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/rock-lobster-toronto-restaurants/slide/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-22/ rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-22 0 0
(Image: Renée Suen)
220807 The One Stormy Night (left): rum, lime juice, spiced chai syrup, cola bitters and ginger beer ($10); The Muskoka Cup (right): dill and cucumber-infused gin, Aperol, lemon juice, simple syrup and aromatic bitters ($11) (Image: Renée Suen) Introducing Rock Lobster Introducing Rock Lobster https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-21-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-21.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-21.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/food/rock-lobster-toronto-restaurants/slide/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-21/ rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-21 0 0
(Image: Renée Suen)
220799 The Hudson’s Bay Sour: bourbon, Old Bay seasoning syrup, lemon juice, egg whites, cedar-maple bitters and grilled pineapple ($10) (Image: Renée Suen) Introducing Rock Lobster Introducing Rock Lobster https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-13-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-13.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-13.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/rock-lobster-toronto-restaurants/slide/rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-13/ rock-lobster-queen-street-toronto-13 0 0
(Image: Renée Suen)