Boston is one of America’s best cities to buy fresh fish — not because it has a single touristy pier, but because New England boats land cod, haddock, halibut, lobster, scallops, and oysters daily, and retailers like Red's Best trace catch back to the fisherman.
If you searched where to buy fresh fish in Boston, Boston fish market, or fresh seafood Boston, this guide lists addresses, hours, photos, and what to order — then links to [fish restaurants in Boston](/fish-restaurants/united-states/boston) when you want someone else to cook. See also our [Boston seafood dining guide](/blog/2026-07-28-boston-fish-restaurants-seafood-guide) and [lobster & oysters guide](/blog/2026-08-26-boston-lobster-oysters-guide).
Quick comparison: Boston fish markets
| Market | Address | Best for | Typical hours | |--------|---------|----------|---------------| | Red's Best (Public Market) | 100 Hanover St, Boston 02108 | Downtown shopping + fillets | Daily from ~10:00am (market to ~6–7:30pm) | | Red's Best (Fish Pier) | 37 Boston Fish Pier, Boston 02210 | Pier pickup, wholesale freshness | Pickup windows — order online | | Yankee Lobster | 300 Northern Ave, Boston 02210 | Lobster, chowder, Seaport | Mon–Sat ~10:00am–6:00pm | | James Hook & Co | 440 Atlantic Ave, Boston 02210 | Lobster rolls + retail lobster | Mon–Sat ~11:00am–5:30pm |
Call or check websites before visiting — hours shift with season and holidays.
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1. Red's Best — Boston Public Market (Downtown)
Best downtown stop. Red's Best aggregates catch from 1,000+ New England fishermen and sells traceable fillets, whole fish, oysters, and lobster inside the Boston Public Market — a covered hall steps from the Freedom Trail.
| | | |---|---| | Address | 100 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02108 (inside Boston Public Market) | | Neighbourhood | Downtown / North End edge | | Phone | (857) 930-4831 | | Website | redsbest.com/bpm | | Maps | Open in Google Maps | | Fish market | Sun–Tue ~10:00am–6:00pm · Wed–Sat ~10:00am–7:30pm | | Kitchen | Sun–Tue ~11:00am–5:30pm · Wed–Sat ~11:00am–7:30pm |
What to buy: cod, haddock, halibut, salmon, bluefin tuna (when available), Wellfleet oysters, littleneck clams, scallops, and lobster meat.
Tips: Ask what landed today — Red's boards show species and ports. Ideal if you are staying downtown without a car. Also on our directory: [Red's Best Fish Market](/fish-restaurants/united-states/boston/red-s-best-fish-market).
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2. Red's Best — Boston Fish Pier (Seaport)
The source. Headquarters on the historic Boston Fish Pier — where Red's aggregates boat landings. Retail is primarily online order + pier pickup (and local delivery within ~10–20 miles), not a casual walk-up counter every hour.
| | | |---|---| | Address | 37 Boston Fish Pier, Boston, MA 02210 | | Phone | (617) 830-1672 · Market line (857) 930-4831 | | Website | redsbest.com | | Maps | Open in Google Maps | | Pickup | Scheduled windows — place orders via shop.redsbest.com |
What to buy: Same-day filleted cod, haddock, tuna, swordfish, and seasonal whole fish — vacuum-sealed options for freezing.
Tips: Look for the “Pier Pickup” sign at the end of the pier on the right. Serious cooks and locals use this when they want wholesale-adjacent freshness without the Public Market markup.
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3. Yankee Lobster — Seaport
Lobster-forward market on the waterfront — retail tanks, lobster rolls, chowder, and cooked-to-order seafood to eat on the pier or take home.
| | | |---|---| | Address | 300 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210 | | Phone | (617) 345-9799 | | Website | yankeelobstercompany.com | | Maps | Open in Google Maps | | Hours | Mon–Sat ~10:00am–6:00pm (confirm seasonally) |
What to buy: Live lobster, lobster meat, clams for chowder, scallops, and fried seafood platters if you want lunch on the pier.
Tips: Pair with a walk along Seaport Boulevard. Summer weekends get busy — go late morning for retail cases.
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4. James Hook & Co — Atlantic Avenue
Boston lobster landmark since 1925 — retail lobster, lobster rolls, and chowder at a no-frills counter near the waterfront. More lobster specialist than full fishmonger, but essential for classic New England home boils.
| | | |---|---| | Address | 440 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02210 | | Phone | (617) 423-6031 | | Website | jameshook.com | | Maps | Open in Google Maps | | Hours | Mon–Sat ~11:00am–5:30pm (closed many Sundays) |
What to buy: Live hard-shell lobster, lobster rolls, and clam chowder — cook lobsters the same day.
Tips: Short hours — do not arrive at 5pm expecting a full case. Walking distance from South Station and the harbour.
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What to buy in Boston by season
| Season | Strong buys | |--------|-------------| | Winter–spring | Cod, haddock, scallops, oysters, hard-shell lobster | | Summer | Bluefish, striped bass (when in season), tuna, lobster rolls | | Fall | Monkfish, hake, late-season oysters |
Species guides: [Atlantic cod](/fish-guide/atlantic-cod) · [lobster](/fish-guide/lobster) · [oysters](/fish-guide/oysters).
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How to choose fresh fish in Boston
- Smell — like clean seawater, never fishy-ammonia.
- Texture — firm fillets; scallops should look dry, not soaking in liquid.
- Oysters — closed shells, heavy for size, kept on ice.
- Lobster — lively in tank; hard shell in peak season.
- Traceability — at Red's, ask which port landed your fish.
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FAQ
What is the best fish market in Boston for visitors?
Red's Best at Boston Public Market — central, covered, and truly local. Add Yankee Lobster or James Hook for lobster-focused stops in Seaport.
Can I buy fish at the Boston Fish Pier?
Yes via Red's Best pier pickup when you order online — not always as a random walk-up retail counter. Plan ahead.
Is Boston seafood cheaper than restaurants?
Fillets for two are often cheaper than dining out; lobster and scallops still add up — confirm weight and price.
Prefer to eat out?
See [Boston seafood restaurants](/fish-restaurants/united-states/boston) and [2026 rated picks](/blog/2026-08-05-best-seafood-boston-restaurants-reviewed).
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*Last updated: August 2026. Confirm hours on market websites before you travel.*