[Seafood] Lobster Trap

Restaurant: The Lobster Trap
Cuisine: Seafood
Location: North Toronto
Address: 1962 Avenue Road
Price Range: $25 and up

1: Poor 2: OK 3: Good 4: Very Good 5: Excellent

Food: 3
Service: 4
Ambiance: 2
Overall: 3

Extra information:

* Only open at dinner
* Can choose your own lobster

After having a taste of lobster from Maple Yip the other day (Check out my post here), my dad was surprised to see us enjoy lobster so much. He wanted me to look up lobster restaurants so we can go feast on it instead of having a tiny bit here and there. Lobster Trap has been on my go to list for awhile, but my family never really craves seafood so I never got a chance to go until this day.

Just like what I expected, it was a medium sized restaurant that had very laid back home feel to it. Maybe a little too laid back because when we walked in, they were so short on staff that we literally stood there for 5 minutes before we were approched.

Lobster tank where you can choose your own lobster

Appetizers & Entrees Menu

Lobster Menu, broiled or steamed?

There were 5 of us so we asked our server how much food would be enough for us and she said 6lbs of lobster from couple other dishes would be enough to fill us up.

Table Setting

Right after we sat down, we were given a baket of garlic bread. Ever since I moved to Toronto, I became a bread snob and the moment I saw these garlic bread...I knew they were made with the cheapest bread you can find! But seriously, garlic and butter makes everything taste so good- and sometimes cheap stuff is so comforting! I couldn't resist but to have a piece of two making sure I don't fill myself up before the lobster feast. Also keep in mind that they will refill the garlic bread for you if you want..but you don't want to fill up with carbs at a lobster restaurant, do you!?

While we were waiting for food, I realized it was getting really hot in the restaurant. The heat slowly creeped up on me, but I didn't think much of it until my forehead was covered in sweat. Why was the restaurant so hot!? especially a seafood restaurant? that's just so wrong. I asked the waitress if the AC was on, moments later she checked and said one of the AC in the main dining room wasn't turned on because they 'forgot' to turn it on. Really? how can you forget to turn on AC? Can't you feel the heat? I looked around and everyone was dripping in sweats, that was not pleasant at all. At least few minutes after the AC was turned on (for goodness sakes), I could stop showering in my own sweat.

Ordered: Coconut Shrimps

* 5 pieces of coconut shrimps for $9.75
* Shrimps were butterflied and deep fried with actual coconut bits in the batter
* When it arrived, it was just luke warm

* And the sauce looked like it was from McDonalds (seriously?)
* I was the one who wanted to try them and boy, did I regret ordering these
* For $10, this was def not worth it

Ordered: Lobster Bisque

* Small personal lobster bisque for $8.95
* This wasn't very hot either but it was delicious!
* It is super creamy and rich with lobster meats
* My dad loved this and finished a entire cup himself
* It is def not cheap but very much worth it

Ordered: Jumbo Garlic Shrimps

* 9 jumbo shrimps Butterflied and Baked $25.50
* If lobster is not your thing, they always have shrimp dishes
* They were perfectly cooked and had good flavor with garlic bits
* It was kind of on the dry side but with the melted butter it was fine
* I just tried one of this and my sister had the rest of it

Steamed 2 lb lobster

Ordered: 2lb Steamed Lobster & 4lb Broiled Lobster

* 2lb lobster was $57.00 and 4lb lobster is $97.00
* You can choose the lobster to be steamed or broiled

* I mostly had the broiled 4lb (obviously shared it with others)
* Steamed had much clean taste since no other seasoning was used

* Broiled lobster tasted more rich with the crust on top
* 4lb lobster was so huge the claw was as big as my face

* They get pretty messy to eat so you are given a plastic bib to put around your neck

After eating.....

Summary: I walked in not expecting much but I fully enjoyed the meal at The Lobster Trap. You can't really go wrong with lobster when they are fresh and I did enjoy the home cooked style the restaurant offered. The only thing that irritated me was the whole situation with the AC (but that got fixed) and the way they present the bill at the end. I feel like in this day and age restaurants should have proper receipts clearly indicating what you ordered and how much you are getting charged for each dish. The bill I received at The Lobster Trap was hand written in scribbles and it was difficult understanding what it said so I had to ask the server couple times just to make sure. Other than that, I really enjoyed my meal at The Lobster Trap and if I am ever craving lobsters, I will be back!

Comments

[Cheryl and Rick]

We have been long time customers of this place when Otto owned it, now this new owner Tanya is a complete idiot, rude and cheep. No liquor licence, the service is very poor and from what I hear the staff is not happy working for her, the food does not taste at all like it did before and my husband and I have concluded we will never return to this restaurant. The waitress Laurie was crying cause she was so embarressed as to the state of the restaurant.

I hear there is a new location opening in Vaughan near Hwy 7 and Hwy 400, can't wait.

[foodigatorJ]

Oh wow...I didn't know! yeah I knew they've been around for awhile but didn't know they were recently under new ownership. I wish I tried the restaurant before the new people took over so I would have something to compare but I don't! But it is exciting they are opening a new location, lemme know when they are open and you've tried it :)

[Vince]

Long time customer of this restaurant and friend of the former owner Otto. I agree with the writing by Cheryl and Rick, the new owner Tanya is crazy as hell. She now buys most of her supplies from No frills, has eliminated most of the original staff and the main chef Santhia is also leaving.

She is rude and when customers voice there opinion she tells them if they don't like it go to another restaurant. This place will be out of business in less than 1 year. The current owner has had recent dealings with the Ministry of Labour for not paying her staff, owes plenty of tax money over $150K, has no liquor license.

One more note, the hand written receipts is done so that the owner can hide her sales, in other words she does not claim her cash sales.

DO NOT GO TO THIS RESTAURANT WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY, POOR FOOD POOR SERVICE AND WE ARE NOT APPRECIATED AS CUSTOMERS.

[Mr. Richards]

The restaurant was closed down for over 5 days in May 2012 for severe roach infestation and many other violations. The owner plead guilty and was fined.

New owner a woman named Tatiana (Tanya) fired the former owners son and Piano Player. Imagine the nerve of that.

I would strongly advise attending this place. Its dirty, old and has lost its appeal.

[Vince]

Noticed the menu picture attached with the posting, your in for a huge surpise if and when you return. The menu has been drastically altered they no longer offer quarter sizes of lobsters, you no longer can add a soup with your meal for $8.95 you now have to pay full pop for the soup and the entire menu has had a substantial price increase.

New owner is trying to get her investiment back in record time. No liquor license they owe a ton of money to the government in back taxes, something like $160.000.00, honestly. I was told this by one of the employees.

All of the staff hate working for the new owner Tanya, and she lies to customers telling them it is still owned by Otto so that they continue coming. How can you trust a restaurant owner like that. You can't.

[Long timel customer]

We have frequented this restaurant for the past 20 yrs or so. It is our favorite destination for anniversaries, birthdays, including New Years eve. We were back last night and were extremely disappointed. The floors were filthy, the service poor. We had to ask for things like napkins and knives. The waitress was run off her feet and not at all friendly. The increase in the prices for lobster were a shock and on top of it all they had no liquor license. It needs a major facelift and I am sad to say, we will not be back.

[Vince]

The October 21, 2012 write up is sincerely indictive of the current state of the restaurant. It simply SUCKS and no longer good value.

[Craig]

Important news about the Lobster Trap effective October 22, 2012, the Head Chef Santhia has QUIT. The ship is about to sink. The place is in shambles. No one is willing to work for the new partners.

[The truth]

Just to set the record straight.

This restaurant has been at this location for the past fifty years, serving fine seafood entrees and other fare. The previous owner, Otto, is still involved in the day to day operations of the business, however in a more laid back position, assisting the new owner, Tanya with the expected start-up pains of running a new business until she gets on her feet. The minor increases in the new menu prices are due to renegotiated leases, new service contracts and improvements to the restaurant.

It would seem to me that the most active commenter, Vince, is most likely a male who attempted to become a part owner of the restaurant in the recent past. His offer was refused due to his over-bearing attitude and immaturity, as evidenced by his foolish contributions to this site (3 submissions in less than a month).

In closing, the restaurant is still enjoying business as usual, is quite busy and contrary to new business pressures, Tanya is still the same cheery personality who will greet you at the door and along with her new partner, Faina, will do their utmost best to ensure you enjoy your evening.

So, aside from the sour grapes posted above by one person with a special interest, come to the restaurant, enjoy your dinner and you be the judge. The folks at the Lobster Trap will do their best for you despite the difficulties of starting a new venture and competition.

Bon Appetit.

[A'Marie & Garret]

Garret and I both have been to the lobster trap for about 7 years now (several times within a year). We've been to this restaurant twice in the last month (october/2012). They have many fish related decoration all over the walls. The big fish decoration made it extra cute. Comfortable booths, lively atmosphere, the service we received was excellent, which already made me want to come back for more visits. It serves all manners of seafood including fish, lobster, crab, shrimp and more. Each meal that was ordered was thoroughly enjoyed. I highly recommend the lobster bisque appetizer. Garret and I order 2 lb steamed each . I always wanted to try broiled ...my waitress offered if i would like to try half steam and half broiled.for all those years I never knew they can do that. now i cant choice between the one i like more, so i get both every time. I have noticed a increased in price has gone up (Reasonable prices) . Highly recommend this to all my friends and relatives. we'll definitely be back soon!

[Vince]

My posts are the truth with no error and or omissions. The departue of long time staff should speak volumes with respect to the current owners. Tanya who now purchases most of her supplies from No Frill, is simply attentping to provide low level food for a premium dollar. The Posts dated October 31 and November 2, 2012, are posted by the partners Tanya and Faina and are self serving. They do not reflect the current state of this place. Its a joke. otto is on his way out and has very little if any say on the day to day operations. Privately ask him and he will in fact express his absolute displeasure with the current owners. I have been told by staff that yelling between both owners in Russian seems to be the norm these days. тонущий = sinking ship. If the tax man does not close them down soon the other dozen or so creditors will.

[The truth]

To the post author Vince. I hazard to guess that at least three quarters of the postings on this site are by you hand, both signed Vince (your Canadian name) and anonymously through all the fictitious names. You are acting like a child in dire need of a diaper change and your pacifier. If you were still welcome at this restaurant, which, apparently you are not, you would witness the throngs of happy customers enjoying their dinners, most of whom are repeat customers. It's time to wrap this foolishness up Vince, lick your wounds and go home to mother. I believe she is the only one in this province who is willing to listen to your drivel.

This establishment is going to thrive, despite your poisonous attempts at sabotage. It's apparent that you're not happy with the restaurant, therefore you should head back to your local McDonald's or Noodle Delight location, where they may, or may, not listen to your rants.

This is simplya situation where two young woman are making a go of it and people enjoy it. So knock it off with your childish rant, find another orange crate somewhere else, be a man about not being a man and go away with your immaturity. Enough is enough. I may be wrong, but I'm sure you have better ways to consume your pitiful life.

[Vince]

To YOUNG woman, hardly, both look like hagard boiled chickens, c'mon get serious. The new partner puts on more perfume than a skunk shoots out. How do you explain the rash of recent departures of staff, staff that was employed by Otto for over 20 years. Customers will and have seen through your mirage. All are simply speaking the truth.

Continue being oblivious to the truth. No Liquor License, No Phone Service, No Class and soon No Business.

[Sherrie]

I don't know anything about the topic of ownership as the above posters have been talking about, but just thought I would share my own experience. I generally had the same feeling as foodigator, the restaurant is a bit run down and they seem to have poor ventilation. Though the food was fine, I myself will not be back because of the receipts. When my bill was brought to my table, the waitress said that the soups were
"on the house" when it was actually just supposed to be included as part of the order. So she created a false sense of giving a "good deal" when it wasn't. They just didn't charge for what was already not supposed to be a separate charge. Also, they had some funky math going on with the handwritten bill and had added up the total wrong so that I would be paying about $25 more. Good thing I whipped out my phone to check, because otherwise I would have been robbed by this "mistake". Needless to say, I didnt think it was a mistake and I would think that you should use a calculator or double check the numbers. I wouldn't be surprised if this mistake occurred frequently and perhaps the CRA should look into the accounting practices of this place. Update to a computer system, or do your math right. Unacceptable to scam customers!

[Robin]

Sherrie I had a similar experience last week, and yes the fact that hand written receipts are used rather than a computerized system is an obvious case of tax evasion. I attended the restaurant with three of my girlfriends, was over charged and will never return. I found far too much food on the floor,

I believe reporting this establishment to Revenue Canada will be my next step.

[Robin]

Very disappointed to be at this restaurant now, food not taste so good, to expensive and no good service. No go back to this shit hole.

[Mr. Oberman]

The restaurant has a Tax Lien well in excess of $155.000.00 and as a result there Liquor License has been suspended. Pay your taxes you bunch of assholes like the rest of us.

[Current Staff Member]

The trail started on Monday November 26, 2012 for the group of individuals that robbed the Lobster Trap months. ago. I was sickened to my stomach hearing Tanya (the new owner) feeling sorry for one of the accused and adding that she did not blame him for committing this crime moreover blaming the former owner Otto because he was late in making payments to his staff (one of the accused was a former employee). How crazy is that!

[Staff]

Can you believe the nerve of these two woman, they have recently listed the business for sale, asking almost 800K, after telling staff that the recent pictures taken of the restaurant were for promotional purposes. Lies Lies and more Lies. Please if anyone reads this, the place is like a hell trap, everone working here hates it and the the owners; the place is not even worth 100K. The landlords who were not even informed of the sale directly are livid. And the street sign they placed by the door is an absolute embaressment. People are laughing at the wording, Family Friends and Love. Yes the owners family, there friends and they love only themselves. Pathetic

[Staff]

Just when you think things could'nt get any worse, the new partner in this restaurant Faina has created an even bigger mess by not disclosing to he AGCO that she has a criminal record for child abuse thus delaying even further the approval of the liquor license. So we now have an incompetent boob in Tanya and part owner and a convicted criminal as the other Please do not support this place any longer I can assure you that they DO NOT value you as customers.