From crab legs to sushi to grilled tilapia, I’m a die-hard seafood lover. So when I heard about a new seafood restaurant with prices comparable to McDonald’s, I was immediately interested.
Hidden away on Riordan Ranch Street, Angie’s Lobster is a place that piques the interest of many students and Fragits. Some people may wonder, “Can I trust the seafood sold at drive-thrus in Arizona?”
Angie’s Lobster is not only safe, but delicious.
There’s no way Angie’s can match the taste of a fresh East Coast lobster roll, but it still exceeds expectations. Especially since the last lobster roll I had at the Tucson Farmers Market cost $24, while Angie’s sold it for just $10.99.
Angie’s advertises its cost-cutting efforts on its website and on signs outside its restaurants. Customers waiting at the drive-thru can read about where the lobster comes from and how Angie’s keeps prices affordable.
Cost-cutting measures include not handing out straws and using contactless payments and curbside pickup.
Angie also budgets for food packaging. Cups, paper bags, food boats and napkins are all standard, no logo or customization. Napkins are not provided with each order and can be purchased at the pick-up counter. There is a reminder to only take what you need to keep the price of lobster down.
In my experience, fast food restaurants tend to throw disposable straws, cutlery and napkins that customers don’t need into their bags, especially when taking their meals home. These business operations are costly to the company and not sustainable. Angie’s green practices are helping them stand out.
Angie’s menu is surprisingly diverse and includes not only lobster, but also shrimp, crab, cod, and more. The restaurant also offers a breakfast menu featuring classic breakfast dishes and seafood.
First time I had a warm snow crab roll at Angie’s for $8.99. That’s only $1 more than what I usually order at Burger King on Milton Road.
Crab Roll is the perfect option for those looking for a cheaper alternative. But what really shines is the explosively flavorful lobster roll.
Lobster rolls and crab rolls come with a sachet of melted butter. These rolls are flavorful enough without butter, but adding butter makes them even more delicious.
It’s not a roll like a hot dog bun, but more like a slice of Texas toast, perfectly buttered and toasted, with a hint of sweetness.
The $2 meal upgrade that includes a drink, fries, and Angie sauce is well worth it. My expectations that a seafood restaurant would only have average tasting fries were disappointed.
Angie’s sauce is a typical spicy Thousand Island-like fried potato sauce, similar to Raising Cane’s sauce. It’s nothing innovative, but the classic flavors pair perfectly with the fries.
A warm lobster roll costs $12.99, which is very reasonable considering the typically high price of lobster and the ever-increasing prices of fast food. If a Big Mac meal at McDonald’s in Milton is only 40 cents cheaper for a fraction of the quality, I’d rather drive my business to Angie’s.
Angie’s Lobster is for seafood lovers looking for a quick, affordable and flavorful meal.
Rating: 9/10
