Best Lobster Rolls in Maine
Where do you go to get the best lobster rolls in Maine? We break it down for you with a list of some of our favorite spots.
By Yankee Magazine|Jun 13 2022|
Coffee By Design | Portland, Maine
Photo Credit : Katherine KeenanAre the best lobster rolls in Maine the best lobster rolls in New England? Perhaps. Here, we take a look at what makes a Maine lobster roll so great.
A lobster roll is a simple thing: basically, cold lobster meat stuffed into a warm bun. It’s the street food of the rocky Maine coast — a vernacular masterpiece served high and low, at lobster pounds, cookhouses, and seafood shacks, at supermarkets and gas stations, at fast-food chains, and in home kitchens. These days, you can even get a McDonald’s lobster roll!
But for a lobster roll to be a lobster roll, and not a lobster salad or some other concoction, it shouldn’t stray too far from the classic archetype; you can bend the lobster-roll rules, but you shouldn’t break them. For example, the bun can be any shape (although a New England hot dog bun is preferred) as long as it’s brushed with butter and slapped on the griddle to cook to a golden-brown; stale buns, freezer-burned buns, and un-grilled buns will ruin the roll. The meat, ideally a mix of knuckle and claw, with maybe a little bit of tail, must be picked from the bright red shells of freshly cooked lobsters, not leftover or dead ones. It’s best chilled but not quite cold; tossed with salt, black pepper, and a little bit of mayonnaise; and packed tightly and neatly into the bun.
Most Maine lobster rolls fit some variation of this description. Some are better than others, some are a lot worse, but at their best, lobster rolls in Maine are an edible excuse to drive down some long road to some big view and to take it all in with seagull sounds and a side of onion rings. Read on for our list of the best lobster rolls in Maine, then let us know your picks for the best lobster rolls in Maine in the comments below.
Best Lobster Rolls in Maine
Red’s Eats
A list of the best lobster rolls in Maine would not be complete without a mention of Red’s. Anyone driving up Route 1 through Wiscasset, Maine, will have noticed the small white and red shack with the endless line out front. The crowd is so large and the number of visitors looking for parking so substantial, it tends to slow traffic to a crawl. Which begets the inevitable question: Is Red’s really worth the wait? Yes, actually, it is. First, there’s the quality of the lobster meat, whose freshness and sweetness is matched only by its abundance. Then there are the fixings, or lack thereof. Red’s lobster roll comes unadorned, served with mayo and/or butter on the side, so you can customize the roll to your preferences. What may seem like a cheat is actually its strong suit. By not being mixed in with sauce ahead of time, the lobster retains its pure flavor. The buns, meanwhile, are tender, buttery, and perfectly griddled. With all this delicious customizability, butter lovers can sit down with mayo aficionados in peace and enjoy the water view and the salt air at one of the outdoor picnic tables.
SEE MORE: Red’s Eats Lobster Roll | The Best Lobster Rolls in Maine?
Bagaduce Lunch
For 60 years folks have been slinging seafood, fried and steamed, from a little red-and-white shack perched on a hilltop overlooking the tidal Bagaduce River in Penobscot. Watch for eagles fishing in the falls.
The Clam Shack
A Kennebunk tradition. Fresh-daily, soft shell lobsters creates a freshness of flavor unmatched anywhere. Served on toasted, buttered hamburger-style buns from a local bakery, the Clam Shack’s cold-meat rolls may be had with mayonnaise or warm butter.
SEE MORE: Visiting the Clam Shack | Kennebunk, Maine
Photo Credit : Aimee Tucker
Five Islands Lobster Company
This Georgetown shack is perfectly positioned on the town dock to receive a steady flow of super-fresh lobster from the nearby Sheepscot Bay. The lobster is fresh-picked throughout the day, tossed with a bit of mayo, and served in a toasted, buttered, split-top bun lined with a leafy piece of lettuce.
J’s Oyster
J’s may be the last of Portland’s salty, divey seafood houses. Casco Bay and the urban working waterfront are right outside the door: condos, cruise ships, and bait houses.
Thurston’s Lobster Pound
End of the road, end of the earth: Look for mountain views, bluebloods, bluehairs, and swarms of fishing boats at this Bernard shack.
Photo Credit : Amy Traverso
BONUS:
McLoons
In 2017, Yankee Senior Food Editor Amy Traverso embarked on The Lobster Roll Adventure up the Maine coast, from Kittery to Eastport, to sample nearly two dozen rolls and crown a champion. Here’s what she had to say McLoons, her top pick.
Imagine the lobster shack of your dreams: a tiny red hut perched over the water with a tented patio and picnic tables. Across a small cove, another red building serves as the drop-off point for day boats like the Four Winds, whose crew is unloading lobster crates while the Edith C. idles behind, waiting for the berth. And one family does it all, the catching and the cooking. There’s homemade peach pie and coleslaw and the freshest lobster. And here’s the genius part: Not only can you get a half-and-half roll (one side butter, one side mayonnaise, sliced crosswise), but also they put the mayo in the bottom of the bun. Like a condiment! Which is what it is! The lobster tastes like lobster, the bun tastes like butter, and the sauces enrich the lean meat. One thing is certain: This will be hard to beat.
Where do you go for the best lobster rolls in Maine?
This post was first published in 2014 and has been updated.
MORE LOBSTER LOVE:
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Best Lobster Rolls in New England
The McDonald’s Lobster Roll Experience
12 Best Lobster Shacks in New England
The 99 restaurant is the best place for lobster rolls
Please don’t forgot about the phenomenal lobster rolls at Taste of Maine! They are to die for! Yummm!
I lived in Maine for 21 years , and I loved Lobster in any fashion. I still have the Lobster pots, but have no use for them down here in Florida. I know all the places for lobster. There was a restaurant in Gorham that had a lobster dinner ( 2 -1 lb lobsters) and corn on the cob for $6.00! I miss the strawberry , blueberry, and apple picking when the weather was just right. Autumn is a postcard in color. The coastline is dramatic. the rural towns with their antique stores have much to offer. But the winters after all the years were too much for me… Too long and too severe. A beautiful state, nonetheless.
You forgot the Lobster Shack in Kennebunkport…just saying!
Now that is a Lobster Roll…so many restaurants I went to served the ones with Mayo and celery etc and called them Lobster Rolls. I used to smirk and say No Way Jose ‘ these are Lobster Salad Rolls. These were restaurants in New England and I couldn’t understand just how a New Englander didn’t know the difference. Oh to have a real Lobster Roll now! Not heard of here in TN. I miss New England. 🙂
Sprague’s across the street from Reds is just as good! They pack it with fresh lobster from the same boat as reds! Cheaper, line not as long! Just as good!
the small lobster shack at porpoise point,past the Bush compound……………….my favorite lobster rolls
OMG I want to fly up there right now and get me some/ none down here in Mobile, AL. We used to go to a place in Rockland ME.
My husband and I go to Red’s Eats (drive up from Portland) every few weeks. We love it. Just FYI, Bailey’s on Pine Point in Scarboro puts together a good lobster roll at a good price (really good shrimp roll too).
Yes, there are many amazing lobster rolls and lobster shacks to be found all across Maine….but you have to give kudos to Red’s Eats for giving the people what they want: lobster, lobster and more lobster on their roll. Pure and unadorned. And that’s a good thing, ayuh!
Pine tree seafood in Scarborough and OOB has the best lobster rolls in New England.
Love Reds Eats! Missing New England and suffering through the heat I. Atlanta, Ga!
I don’t know anything about the places listed here,except for Thurston’s. I’m from MDI, But if your ever in this area, I would recommend a visit to Saywer’s Lobster Pound in Seawall!
Those people you see standing in line at Red’s? Tourists. Because locals know better places with shorter lines and killer views. Soooo over-rated.
Helen’s in Machias–if it’s still there.
I AGREE: Lobster Shack in Kennebunkport!
mac’s downeast seafood in auburn has the best lobster rolls. especially for the price
Please don’t say sarah’s cafe… frozen lobster meat with mayo celery and way to much pepper, yack!!!
At least at reds you get fresh maine lobster.
You must be kidding? 99 uses frozen lobster meat and the presentation is horrible along with a serious lack of flavor! Go to a real fish restaurant and get fresh lobster.
Bob’s seafood restaurant on 302 in north Windham. Make sure you ask to have the roll grilled. Packed with very fresh knuckle and claw only. For those that know, this is the secret. Yummmmmmmmm
Helen’s burned down this summer, but I hear they are going to rebuild. We come every summer.
Side Street Cafè, Bar Harbor.
Red’s Eats, you got to be kidding. As far as I am concerned their’s is frozen meat as well. If you want a really good lobster roll, try Shaw’s in New Harbor. Think that is the best I have ever had. A little more expensive, but well worth it. Do ask for it without the lettuce though they do not use much.
Chase’s Restaurant in Winter Harbor makes the best. I hope they still exist. Have not had the pleasure of getting to Maine for several years.
The best is all fresh lobster at Young ‘ s Lobster Pound in Belfast. Mound of lobster. We get one every time we go to Belfast.
Try the Eagle’s Nest in Brewer, ME. The lobster roll is yummy as well as their other menu delights!!!
Shhh!
Reds does not use frozen lobster and half the line is locals.
I also love Fisherman’s Grill in Portland as well as J’s.
I have had a lot of lobster rolls and the best one for me is at Youngs Lobster Pound in Belfast Maine.
Skip the expense & just go for quality! Libby’s Market at 42 Jordan Avenue in Brunswick–fresh, every day, & reasonably priced! https://www.flickr.com/photos/mudder_bbc/7383220284/in/photolist-cfqWas-7RbnVD
Bay Heaven
Lobster pound 2
Cornish Maine
Has a lobster roll, lobster salad roll and a fried lobster sandwich.
William. They have a knockout clam plate too!
i have alwys gone to Susans Fish and Chips for all my seafood,be it lob,haddock,clams etc. no she has no view but it could be the best .chowdas,dinners,lunch.All fresh and inexpensive.Check them out.
Go to Betts in Boothbay, she has been there for years. But be warned, buy only one portion as they are so huge. Ask for a spare plate.
Huot’s has incredible lobster rolls. They’re served basically unadorned, with warm lobster meat and butter, on a toasted bun.
Stumbled across Red’s on our way down to E. Boothbay and have to say they deliver the knock ou! Have lived in New England my whole life and have had many ‘the best in New England’ lobster rolls that didn’t even come close. Am suspicious of any claims that a chain restaurant would have the best of anything. C’mon, really now
Greet’s Eats on Vinalhaven. The owner gets the lobster from her son fresh off of his boat. It’s inexpensive and the roll is packed tight with lobster and nothing else. It doesn’t get any better than that.
I agree! Worth the ferry ride!
The Red Barn in Augusta and Graffams Shack in Rockport are a toss up for me
Eagles Nest on Brewer has to be one of the best places I’ve been for aLobster Roll!!!
Pool Street Market in Biddeford
Fox’s by Nubble Light House York Maine. Oh I wish I had one right now
plenty of places serve a good fresh lobster roll….toasted frankfurter bun, fresh salty lobster and a bit of mayo with salt and pepper…no lettuce, no celery or anything else. reds is good but so are a lot of other places for a much shorter wait time. red barn in augusta is good if you tell them no lettuce. ken’s seafood in scarborough and a host of other places…it isn’t rocket science…just the toasted roll, fresh lobster and a bit of mayo with salt and pepper…period.
by the way, helen’s is rebuilding and nearly ready to reopen….check them out on facebook….helens restaurant of machias….and their lobster roll is good too
Jackie’s Too in Ogunquit has absolutely delicious lobster rolls and lobster bisque. The best.
There was a place in Auburn Sims and they had the best lobster rolls. Lobster with mayo,then toasted so it was warm lobster….to die for.
you must try The Dolphin Marina Restaurant in South Harpswell.
Love that restaurant. Liked the old one, but the new one is nice also. Great views.
3 Buoys Seafood Shanty in Portland. At $ 15.99 and 3 times the size of most of the aforementioned in comments. Their chowdas and soups are among the best in all of NEngland.
My wife and I frequent the York, Me region on a frequent basis. We love the area and the area restaurants are the best. We have eaten lobster rolls from several of area restaurants. I have to say that the Bull and Claw in Wells, by far, has the best lobster rolls and serve a very generous portion.
Yankee Magazine is usually our source for seeking out the best restaurants and for recipes. I just printed Classic Lobster Chowder by Dick Bridges and will be on my way shortly to go get the lobsters.
I wish all a Safe and Happy Labor Day.
Steve Freddo
Connecticut
cynthia,
I found a lobster market in englewood fl that imports maine lobster on a daily basis. The name of the market is Twin Lobsters. I depend on them every New Years Eve. They also have fresh swordfish.
If you are in that area give them a try.
Steve Freddo
Have you had a lobster roll from Highroller lobster company? I highly recommend you try one….then judge…
Libby’s is BY FAR the BEST QUALITY AND QUANTITY with excellent service and great prices. Deliciously sweet lobster ever time and a smile for everyone who walks in the door. Not a local at all but they still remember me and boyfriend as if we were there every day
Let them think Red’s is good. Just less of a line at all the other good places. 🙂 Been driving by Red’s for 40 years. Stopped once completely disappointed. No flavor at all. Tasted frozen. Who knows. Keep going to Red’s!
You forgot Foxs’s in york maine
Please don’t forget the lobster shack on new berry neck in surry maine it gorgeous very fresh …and u see daily the fishermen bringing in there catch of the day ….
Helen’s is back and as good as ever!!!!
Sprague’s is WAY better. Always fresh, totally amazing!
The Ramp is my pick and fallback is Allison’s in Kennebunkport.
I just had the best one at Waterman’s Beach outside of Thomaston, ME! They are closing at the end of this season after 30 years! We will miss it. Have eaten here the last five times we have visited East Wind Inn in Tenant’s Harbor, ME just down the road.
Relieved to hear Helen’s is back up & running.
Had great strawberry pie back in the college days!
My heart is still in Maine!
Go to Tracy’s Seafood in Sullivan , Maine!! Twin lobster rolls are only $16 !!! You will not be disappointed !!!
Margaret’s little road side place in Northport. Nice mix of hard and softshell meat. Very good….and close to me.
Come give our lobster roll a try…..we’d love to hear your opinion!
Governors is the best and Red Barn…..
Red Barn is not mentioned. You want great seafood? OMG lobster rolls…the best fried clams you can get in Maine. The owner is an incredible person too.
not had the lobster roll at Red Barn but the chowder with the big old claw sticking out of that milky goodness is great You are right about the seafood there and the owner as well.
Right on
I agree
Can’t believe you left Richard’Seafood Resturant route 109 Wells Maine off the list. Simply outstandin lobster roll. Onlymayo and no fillers.
Margaret’s Northport Maine Great lobster roll at an affordable price. Tail and claw meat no junk or fillers
young’s in belfast is the best!
Quoddy Bay owners are lobster fishermen, so the lobster are from the boat to the plate. Very fresh.
Chauncy Creek on the river in Kittery
Can not believe you left out the Eagles Nest in Brewer, ME. An ENTIRE lobster in a toasted roll with just a hint of mayo!! The BEST!!
In Brewer Maine, we love the lobster rolls at Jimmie’s Ice Cream & Grill. It’s on North Main St. on the right just past the Shop N Save. Their clams, fries and onion rings tend to be a bit too greasy, but their lobster rolls are consistently good and usually they give you alot for an affordable price.
Had great one today At Mariner’s in Camden!
This is making this displaced New Englander homesick for a good ol’ Lobster Roll! Actually a Maine lobster fixed anyway is heaven to me.
What about CT lobster roll ?? much better Hot dog roll filled with lobster and warm butter melted on top, Roll is also grilled with butter. Much Better..
Where in CT. We will be visiting June11, 2017 and would love to know where to go . Thanks
When in Connecticut go to knot norms in Norwalk
Bill’s Seafood on Rte 1 Westport
Lenny and Bill’s Rte 1, Clinton
and the other one I think in Westport.
Abbotts, and many more in Southern CT.
Visited Maine last October and ate lobster rolls every day! Best one I had while there was from Red’s. It was overflowing with fresh lobster and absolutely delicious! Can’t wait to go back. We loved Maine and loved the lobster!
Love Jakes in Wells ME
Libby’s Market on Jordan Ave in Brunswick. Great Lobster Roll and fair price. You won’t find it by accident.
Best lobster rolls in the state at Jordans. Several sizes to chose from and caught daily.
On a previous trip we found that we enjoyed C-Ray’s on Hway 3 outside of Bar Harbor over many of the more upscale locales. Plain and simple (outdoor picnic tables), fresh off the boat and just out of the big bubbling pot, it was the ultimate in simplicity but so satisfying.
Bagaduce lunch in Brooksville has the best everything, try a frappe with the lobster roll, or clams, or any wonderful fish of the day. even hot dogs are good.
Doug’s in Bonita Springs FL. Best EVER . Doug comes from Port Clyde, Me. Was a lobster man for 30 years or more.
In Ogunquit on Peggy’s Cove, a little shack, don’t remember the name (you cannot miss it!) but will never forget the Lobster Roll! Just perfect – huge chunks of fresh lobster. Yummy! Jan
Your right.
Marky’s seabrook beach,nh
The Best One in New England isn’t on your List. You had better go to the Red Barn in Agusta Maine.
The Red Barn? How about The Trap in Ogunquit. On the Ocean. Best Lobster Rolls and Mussels.
Born in New England, and now in Mississippi, I would love to know how and where I can have Maine lobster shipped to me for those wonderful lobster rolls. Sue
Harbor Fish Market in Portland Maine.
Trenton bridge lobster pound
Trenton, Maine
Ken’s Place in Scarborough and Clam Shack in Kennebunk
Use to be Clara’s and John’s now the Freeport Inn, or was 10 years ago, absolutely the best!
Well in Montana I have to buy my Lobster frozen but my Massachusetts husband is kind enough to savor every bite as I do use the simplest method of warm fresh bun, buttered and crisped and a dash of mayo in the lobster. It is not nearly what I remember from his neck of the woods but it’s pretty darned good out here in Big Sky Country! Thanks for the wonderful articles!
Spent my childhood going to Billy’s Chowder House in Wells. Still my favorite. Was very disappointed in Red’s.
As a native New Englander, the best lobster roll I have ever had is in VERMONT. Not always on the menu but when it is, take a drive to the Parker House Inn in Quechee. The chef/owner used to run an inn in Maine, so there is a Maine connection.
My best Lobster Roll was at Sea Salt Lobster in Saco
Taste of Maine hands down!!
the Red Barn in Agusta has an awesome lobster roll.
Also fried clams one of the best. Born and raised in Maine there is lots in Maine to many to mention live in Florida now they don’t know how to cook Sea food there. Belly clams how to get the sand out is soak them in water over night and Pringle corn meal on the water they will eat it and the sand will be gone
George
Also fried clams one of the best. Born and raised in Maine there is lots in Maine to many to mention live in Florida now they don’t know how to cook Sea food there.
George
Portland Lobster Company lobster roll melts in your mouth. Also the Painted Turtle in Scarborough is delicious.
This list not only needs to be refreshed, but specifically updated with a few more relevant show-stoppers like the cold-mayo from Bite Into Maine (food truck) and the now James Beard award-winning Eventide Oyster Co.’s takes on both the cold-may and warm buttered. I love the classic “roadside with fries” as much as anyone, but there are new kids on the block doing things that leave the old tried-and-trues in the dust. It’s what’s happening now.
Jake’s in Wells; Holbrook’s Wharf in Cundy’s Harbor (Harpswell); Five Points in Georgetown; and Eagles Nest in Brewer — all world-class and top-ranking in my book!
Reds is NOT frozen lobster…but they do tend to use non-Maine (Canadian) lobster. Besides, there’s nothing to be said about unadorned, picked lobster meat — arguably that should taste the same anywhere regardless of quantity. It’s how the meat is prepped and served that should form the basis of one’s taste and assessment.
Best lobster rolls are also amazing inland too Stows Corner Store Stow, ME
The lobster roll at Stonewall Kitchen in York, ME is also excellent. My wife & I make the trip at least once a year to Stonewall Kitchen just for lobster rolls.
Lucille is absolutely correct! That happens to be the name of my best friend, whose birthday I was born on who lived directly across the street from us and her father was my fathers’ floor master at Hebron academy, which was closed during ww ii and he needed a job and my dad was 4f (he had incredible medical problems, god bless him) so he worked in ship yards welding during the entire war as a service to his country, since he wasn’t able to serve in the military. He was invited to go into business with his brother after the war ended, which is how he ended up living across the street from my friend Lucille and her family, who were all very wonderful people and I am still in contact with the living remainder of her family regularly. Sim’s had a second location in downtown Lewiston next to a bridge, which also had a red neon lobster sign. My father and his family were from Maine and lobster was our favorite. His dad, “grampy”, used to also take me to a little clam shack next to the Kennebec river in Gardiner for batter fried clams, called brownie’s. That’s all they sold and I think they were 39 cents for a paper plate full of these delectable delights! As a very young child I was able to eat a whole plate of them by myself they were so good. He only took me there in the winter because his sister, aunt rose, owned the Victorian hotel Vespa at old orchard beach, where we also spent a great deal of time when I was young. It was always dark when grampy took me to brownie’s for clams and I remember the window was always steamy from the heat of the frying clams! Sim’s also had outstanding batter fried clams (the chicken coop in Mexico also had outstanding batter fried clams, which was on the way home from one of my mothers’ brothers that lived near there for many years and grampy took us to ken’s place in pine point for them, too, when we were at the beach) and everything else on their menu was outstanding at sim’s. In the winter it was always dark when we went to the auburn location, which was on our way home (from grampys’ house) to NH where I grew up and they had a huge red neon lobster sign in their parking lot that was really fun to watch. There was often a wait for a table and they had a low lobster pool, that was very entertaining to watch while we were waiting. I always enjoyed being “up close and personal” with lobsters my whole life! Their lobster rolls were overstuffed with warm lobster on huge toasted buttered brioche rolls with copious quantities of mayo and warmed lobster. I remember there were shelves on the walls where they stored numerous gallon jars of their fabulous mayo. It may have been Cain’s, which I use at home because it tastes much better to me than Hellmann’s, which also has preservatives, which Cain’s does not have because they, it says so on their jar, “preserve” their product with vinegar and offer a money back guarantee. They went into business in 1914, I believe! I am lucky enough to be able to buy my own Maine lobsters, which really do taste the best I have discovered over the years, in a local Asian market where they literally let you choose your own out of their tanks. Since it has been so hot, I bought some yesterday, which was my dads’ birthday, 7/19, to eat cold, and help him celebrate his birthday, which I had half of last night with Cain’s mayo and am going to finish the rest tonight with asparagus I grow with homemade hollandaise sauce from a gourmet magazine recipe (I read that from 1976 until its demise), which is really yummy with lobster! (What isn’t?) I’m also lucky enough to have a local Boston area bakery, Iggy’s, that makes outstanding brioche rolls, which I keep in the house 365 days a year. I have also discovered female lobsters taste much better than males, so I now only buy females. Having been spoiled at a very young age by sim’s, I now only make my own lobster rolls when I want one!!!!!!!!!! That is my “lobster roll standard”!!!!! Another “lobster standard” also comes readily to mind! Valle’s steakhouse, which was headquartered in Portland had several locations and had “daily double lobsters”, boiled or baked stuffed on Wednesday and Friday forever. They charged $2.95 for 2 and we managed to be there fairly often for this yummy treat! We always ordered them baked stuffed, which I make at home, too sometimes with Iggy’s brioche rolls and sometimes with Ritz cracker stuffing with walnuts, which is how they served them and baked stuffed shrimp at bishop’s, which was a middle eastern family’s’ restaurant in Lawrence, ma, which has been gone for many years. Another fabulous Maine restaurant was in Winthrop named McNamara’s. May they all rest in peace. Thanks for the memories. I have also had lobster stew several times in restaurants, which I adore (that is a lot of work to make at home, I checked!) And lobster thermidor, which has a very interesting history I learned when I was considering making that at home…lobster happens to be my favorite food. Period.
WHY DON’T YOU EVER POST MY COMMENTS???
Hi Mimi. We post all comments that meet our guidelines (see your comment below), but there may be a delay if we have to convert the comment from all caps to sentence case. Long comments in all caps can be very distracting for other users. If you could please turn your caps lock key off in the future before leaving comments, it would be a big help…and you’ll see them live sooner! Thanks!
Thanks so much for your rapid response. I had no idea I was causing you more work! I’ve been attempting to find a nice summer day that’s not too hot and not too cold to go to the cemetery in Portland where my fathers’ parents are buried and I read all of the comments and discovered Sea Salt Lobster restaurant and their fish market and asked to be on their email list for their weekly specials. They left a Thank you message for getting on their email list! Very nice people! I read about the owners, who are very impressive, also! I know exactly where that is in Saco because I have done a lot of business in that area on route 1. I would go to that cemetery more often if I had a place like that to stop at on the way home!
Mcloons, located on the Island rd in S.Thomaston was a gem of a find, located right on the water, beautiful view, great food and very reasonable prices, my girlfriend commented they served the best lobster roll she has had so far this summer, we travel every weekend in search of great seafood, I prefer crab meat rolls , which was filled with fresh, sweet meat….awesome besides they are dog friendly at the tables out doors
The Foot Bridge Lobster in Ogunquit is so good!
In Maine for 2 weeks, one of the restaurants we tried was The Bull and Claw in Wells. We got the 2 foot lobster roll . The “roll” was a warm baguette, with just a little lettuce, huge chunks of lobster overflowing baguette. Minimal amount of mayo. We shared it, each ate a foot and it was absolutely delicious!
You said very little lettuce and mayo served in a two foot long French bread, but you didn’t say how much lobster meat you received nor did you state the cost.
If you don’t go to Maine…you are cheating yourself of a fine New England delicacy…freshest lobster from the jewel of the Atlantic….fair prices and the rolls are LOADED….get yourself a side of chowder to….and a couple of ice cold beer….nothing better…
Highly recommend Shaw’s Fish and Lobster Wharf in New Harbor Maine….overlooks a picturesque harbor….sit out on the deck to enjoy the sunset….
Libby’s in Brunswick . Quality , value and incredible service . We are not local but catch it whenever we can !
You never mention the Bite of Maine in Cape Elizabeth at the Portland Head light. I found them the best when I go to Maine.
No one has mentioned the Lobster Shack at Two Lights in Cape Elizabeth. Great lobster rolls, fried clams and a great view of the Atlantic Ocean.
I love two Lights grew up in Fla. and Maine….Besttimes in Portland! Unfortunately never liked Lobster but love all other white fish.!
Hands down my house, grilled New England hot dog bun with just the right amount of chunky lobster which has been mixed with a little mayo, a little finely chopped celery, and some seasoned salt (miracle whip and lettuce have no business being anywhere near a lobster roll. I have lived in Maine my entire life and this is just how it’s done.
Just came home from Maine – our twice a year visit and we went to McLoons in S.Thomaston. OMG, the lobster roll was so good as well as their fish chowder. The view of the harbor is wonderful. Had to GPS it to get there but it was worth every mile to find it.
Yes! Our favorite spot!
The Lobstah Buoy food truck in Bangor, Maine. Fresh shucked lobster rolls!
Castine Variety – in house baked baguette, piled high fresh lobster, minimal housemade mayo “dressing”- best lobster roll I have eaten ! I would like to take a vacation and eat lobster rolls at all the above places and compare !
Hi there! We visited Castine, Maine, for NE.com a few summers ago and enjoyed a lobster roll from the Castine Variety. You are right — it was delicious! Have a look at the post here: https://newengland.com/today/travel/maine/castine-maine/
How could Erica’s in Harpswell be missed! Best lobster rolls and fried clams.
Best cup of clam chowder I have ever had was at Erica’s shack right before the Dolphin restaurant
Julie, I just found Erica’s and have to agree with you. Their lobster roll was excellent and only $16.
Corea Wharf Galley & Grill and McLoon’s are my favorite off-the-beaten path lobster roll locals. Both have picturesque outdoor seating overlooking working harbors. The rolls are as fresh as you get and done the old fashion way-simply buttered hotdog bun and the good meat.
I have read all the articles that posted, and it makes me so excited to visit most of those restaurants and taste what they serve especially the lobster roll. Because the lobster roll is my best sandwich which I can say that I am a best fan for this sandwich.
I agree with Mary and Judy …the Lobster Shack at Cape Cape Elizabeth…the best lobster roll and fried clams ever …melted in my mouth !! Just got back and wish I was still up there.
I agree. The Lobster Shack in Cape Elizabeth. They are so good!
How about McLaughlins by the ferry dock in Lincolnville beach
Florida resident but Maine Native. Chic-a-dee in Lewiston on Lisbon St just east off I295 off ramp. Lobster roll in a hoagie. More lobster and better than any hot dog roll.
I grew up in the 60’s regularly eating lobsters rolls from Lobster Land in Lewiston. Traditional Maine lobster salad (a bit of real mayo and fresh lobster left to marry overnight > 12 hours, lemon, salt and pepper to taste, I’m a purist and just don’t) on a buttered ( outside only) hamburger bun, grilled and pressed on both sides. I still make them that way at home. My personal favorite and a hit with everyone invited to my table.
I was surprised not to see the Maine Diner in Wells listed. Never tried the one with mayo, but the warm roll with the side of melted butter is fantastic.
My favorite thing in the world is a great lobster roll! My sister-in-law has a home in Surry (near Blue Hill) and one afternoon we went on a “lobster roll”! We ate four and rated them. Our favorite by far was from The Fish Net in Blue Hill. Just a hotdog roll toasted and filled with buttery lobster. No crazy spices, or mayo and certainly no celery! They are pure heaven.
I’m so surprised no one mentioned Bob’s Clam Shack in Kittery! It’s been there forever and you can get your lobster roll plain with butter on the side just like at Red’s. Bob’s has made your list in the past, but now I don’t even see it mentioned in the comments!! They are even opening a second location in Portland.
Been going to christmas cove for 61 years.gotta go to Larsons Lunchbox in damriscotta.best ever!!!
Boothbay Lobster Wharf, Jumbo Lobster Roll….The Best!!
The Galley in Raymond, Maine has the best lobster rolls. You seriously need to check this place out. It was written up in several magazines as the best in Maine. Surprised that it’s not on your list. I’m going up there this Sunday and will be making The Galley a frequent stop. Absolutely delicious. Check it out.
Also in Scarboro, It’s Salty Bay Clam Shack. Best fried clams in town. Yum Yum!
Scarborough.
The best I’ve found is the Lobster Outlet in York, Maine. More claw meat and smaller chunks of tail meat, which make it less chewy. Mayo applied to the toasted roll instead of mixing it with the lobster meat. Makes a big difference.
I have had lobster rolls at a few of the place listed. But, not any as good as Bite into Maine. Lobster Rolls 6 different ways. Maine style with light mayonnaise & fresh chives, Connecticut style with hot butter, Picnic style which includes layer of coleslaw, hot butter, and a dash of celery salt, Wasabi mayo, Curry mayo and Chipotle mayo. I have had 4 different ones. Have not tried the Wasabi Mayo or Curry Mayo. Not a fan of Wasabi or Curry. They serve them at the Park at Portland Head Lighthouse, Allagash Brewing and at their Commissary. I have had lobster rolls from the far reaches of Maine to Georgia. I have found none better.
I’ve lived in Maine for 29 years and the best lobster rolls for me were right here in Wells at Billy’s Chowder House on Mile Road. We always buy the large one.
All I can say is quantity does not make a lobster roll…it’s all about freshness. We have chased lobster roll venues for 5 summers now and our favorites are not listed, good for us. But we have found that most places where lobster is brought in fresh from the sea have amazing rolls. Reds Eats is an over rated tourist destination, yeah they are good but avoid that long line and go to Spragues across the street. We saw Mc Cloons on your list, looks interesting ,we are planning to go there this week as it is also a lobster pound. Thank you for your article.
Second the suggestion to go to Spragues, across the street from Reds. No lines and a delicious, fresh lobster roll among the many fresh seafood they sell.
To anyone reading these comments, do yourself a flavor favor and get a lobster roll from The Lobster Haul in Damariscotta! Their lobster is fresh and tasty at this marvelous hidden gem! Eat in or take out, your taste buds will thank you! They serve the best lobster rolls my friend and I have ever had!
In Brewer Maine, we love the lobster rolls at Jimmie’s Ice Cream & Grill. It’s on North Main St. on the right just past the Shop N Save. Their clams, fries and onion rings tend to be a bit too greasy, but their lobster rolls are consistently good and they give you alot for a very affordable price.
No one mentioned Orweeds or Barnicle Billy’s in Perkins Cove in Oguinquit. Haven’t been up there in a few years, but they were two of my favorite. I am salivating for Maine lobster right now.
Beal’s Lobster Pier in Southwest Harbor on Mount Desert Island….