Red’s Eats Lobster Roll | The Best in Maine?
Many think a Red’s Eats lobster roll is the best in Maine (if not New England). And yes – they’re open for the 2020 season! Learn the shack’s history, plus the good and bad from Yankee readers.
By Aimee Tucker|Jul 12 2022|
Coffee By Design | Portland, Maine
Photo Credit : Katherine KeenanEach year, when winter is finally over (and sometimes even before then), we New Englanders start dreaming of warm weather and buttery lobster rolls. We’re missing the superior flavor of freshly caught local lobster, of course, but mostly we’re feeling the hazy pull of a delicious and special New England summertime tradition. And, for many, that tradition starts and ends in Wiscasset, Maine, at Red’s Eats, famous for its lobster rolls.
Photo Credit : Jim Darroch
In a Yankee roundup of The 10 Best Lobster Rolls in New England, author and seafood expert Mike Urban said about Red’s, “If you can handle the hour-plus wait in line on the sidewalk along busy U.S. Route 1, your sweet reward will be a magnificent lobster roll that’s known far and wide as one of the best in Maine.”
But is it? We decided to find out what Yankee readers think.
Photo Credit : Brenda Darroch
Red’s Eats History
But first, a little history. The story of Red’s Eats is a fun one, with lots of different names and owners over the years. An eatery in various forms has stood in this spot at the southern end of Wiscasset Bridge since 1938, and the iconic red shack you see today dates back to 1954. But it wasn’t until Millie and Harold Delano bought the place in 1957 that it got the name we all know it by: “Red” was Harold’s nickname, after his ginger hair. In 1977, Al Gagnon took over but kept the name (which meant that he eventually became known as “Red,” too). He also added a whopper of a lobster roll to the menu — the same one so beloved today. Many credit Al’s chatty and laughing demeanor (and the lobster roll, of course) with Red’s sharp rise in popularity over the years to come. Before long, Red’s Eats was making national headlines for offering one of the best lobster rolls in New England. Al passed away in 2008 after more than 30 years of ownership, but his children Debbie, Cindy, David, and Joe continue to work hard to maintain their dad’s legacy and to keep Red’s family-owned and thriving. Rowan Jacobsen described Red’s colorfully and succinctly in “The Lure of the Lobster Shack,” his ode to the region’s favorite crustacean in Yankee‘s May/June 2014 issue :“There you have Red’s Eats, the 800-pound gorilla of lobster shacks. Red’s is basically a trailer with a striped red-and-white awning holding down a postcard-perfect square of real estate in bricky Wiscasset, Maine, where U.S. 1 slopes down to the Sheepscot River. Each day from April to October for the past 60 years, Red’s has handed hundreds of lobster rolls out its little window, each hewing to the proper formula: buttered and toasted bun, overflowing with big chunks of lobster meat—more than a lobster’s worth—held together by the tiniest hint of mayo. For this and an iced tea, fork over a $20 bill. Do not hang around for change.”
Photo Credit : Brenda Darroch
Red’s Eats | The Good
Honestly, the old saying “a picture’s worth a thousand words” has probably never been more appropriate than when describing what makes a lobster roll from Red’s worth stopping for. Just look at that beauty! The Gagnons pride themselves on a lobster roll that’s still made using only the freshest lobster meat, piled high onto a buttered, grilled New England–style hot-dog bun. Butter and mayo are served on the side, letting the customer build his or her own “dream roll.” Here’s some of the praise Red’s has received from Yankee readers: From Greg: “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!” And from Pete: “Stumbled across Red’s on our way down to East Boothbay and have to say they deliver the knockout! Have lived in New England my whole life and have had many ‘best in New England’ lobster rolls that didn’t even come close.” And Barbara: “Cannot beat the lobster roll at Red’s! Family-owned for generations, resulting in pride in their product … You get more than a whole lobster in each toasted roll, and it’s served with love!” Many also note that Red’s is served “the right way” on a top-split New England hot dog bun. Anything that isn’t “can’t be called the best.” So what could there be to complain about?
Photo Credit : Brenda Darroch
Red’s Eats | The Bad
Well, there’s always something, even when we’re talking about lobster rolls. At Red’s, the biggest gripe is usually the wait, whether you’re stuck in a summer traffic jam on Route 1 before you even catch a glimpse of the familiar awning or standing in the long line that snakes down Main Street in the summer. Many folks see these difficulties as the inevitable and “worth it” repercussions of eating at Red’s, but not everyone agrees.
Photo Credit : Brenda Darroch
The Verdict
Well, some of you have already told us how you feel, but what about the rest? Do you love Red’s? Is it the best in Maine? In New England? Let us know — and Happy Lobster-Roll Season! Red’s Eats. 41 Water St., Wiscasset, ME. 207-882-6128 This post was first published in 2015 and has been updated.SEE MORE: 10 Best Lobster Rolls in New England The McDonald’s Lobster Roll Experience 12 Best Lobster Shacks in New England
Although I have never had the opportunity to try a Red’s lobster roll (it looks. delicious!) I think you should try one at. Eagle’s Nest in Brewer. I have several of their’s and have never found a better one!
We live in Kansas but have been coming to the great state of Maine every year for over thirty years. What brings us back year after year is our annual binge consumption of the greatest of all American meals; fresh Maine lobster! After all this time there are lobster pounds in Maine where we are greeted like Norm walking into Cheers. We are purists and devout believers that nothing should touch pristine lobster meat except hot drawn butter! Last summer, we decided to try the much touted “lobster roll” and since we were coming into Wiscasset we decided to give them a try at the world famous Red’s Eats. We waited the traditional amount of time in line with the “Roll Heads”, purchased our rolls, scored an actual table by the road and dug into what, to me, looked like an inadequate amount of lobster for the money. About three bites in, our worst fears were realized; we thought the “lobster” in our “rolls” tasted like the seafood salad from Safeway! Just as I had suspected, nothing, be it mayo, crab filling, mac and cheese or any other food stuff, aside from perfectly drawn butter, should ever touch the succulent flesh of the magnificent Maine lobster. Sorry Red, and we may be the only people in America to do so, but it was a big thumbs down from us for the highly publicized, but, in our opinion, waaaaay overrated rolls of lobster from Wiscasset! This fall, on our annual trip, we will turn our heads away as we pass Red’s and salivate on the thought of what perfectly steamed and buttered crustaceans await us at Thurstons or Trenton Bridge on up the road.
I once served a chowder at a restaurant in New Mexico. One of our waitstaff came back with compliments on “the best chowder they’ve ever had”. I asked the waitperson to go ask where they were from. The reason I asked is people in New Mexico don’t know good chowder, just as folks from Kansas aren’t exactly experts on the lobster roll. To complete my story, the compliment on my chowder was given by a couple from Falmouth, Massachusetts who were vacationing in the mountains. I figured I couldn’t get a better compliment than that!
We always thought that New England had ‘the lock’ on chowder, but not any more… not after we tasted Ivar’s chowder in Seattle!!!
Every time I go by the line is to long. Can’t wait to try there lobster roll. Hoping the line is short this year!
Red’s is picturesque, but I don’t like it that much. My favorite place is the nearby-ish Pemaquid Lobster Co-Op. It’s a hike, but if you’re on the way to the lighthouse, it’s worth the detour. It’s worth driving there in any case. Best lobster roll, beautiful views from the hilltop. Also, can’t recommend Primo in Rockland enough. If you’re up in Maine and want to treat yourself to a fancy dinner one night…that place is amazing. You can stop at the Maine State Prison Woodworking Store on your way up for an eccentric diversion.
I have never been to Red’s but my favorite lobster roll is from Bite Into Maine. You can smell the butter as you approach the food truck. They are parked from May to October at the Portland Headlight. Nothing better than waves, lobster and a lighthouse. The views are amazing too!
I ❤️Maine. Will be in Northeast Harbor ( Haba) again for three weeks this summa ( as Ye Mainiacs would der say)
Drive by on my way up and back. Line is so long- but perhaps I could stop to do a radio interview (22 years morn’ns iheart WAXE Florida) this Summa?
Once you have had Maine Lobsta none can compare.
Just the fact. I love your state and its friendly people.
My Dad used to get Yankee delivered and perhaps it’s time for me, too.
If the owners want that radio interview my name is Rhett Palmer , Mayor of The Airwaves VERO Beach Fl.
Bless you and Reds.
Much ado about nuthin! We visited Red’s due to all the hoopla. I’m a Connecticut Yankee, having spent my first 20 years in that glorious Granite State, so I’m familiar with a good lobster…roll or otherwise. However, the lobster at Red’s was practically inedible. I had never had lobster so tough, so cold, so disagreeable AND expensive. I’ll continue my search, and the next time we’re “in town” — I’ll head over to a place in Clinton.
correction/Nutmeg State
We live n California but make a visit to Maine nearly every year. Love the state, love the people. Have tried various lobster shacks over the years but for us nothing comes close to Red’s for quality, atmosphere or friendliness. As we come into Wiscasset on route 1, eyes are peeled for that red awning! It has been our favorite since the first time we waited in that LONG line and think it always will be. Some things should never change.
My husband and I spent many summers in Maine and, yes, good lobster rolls can be found all over the state. But, the absolute best is from Red’s! I would stand in line while my husband tended to our St. Bernard. And the result was always worth every minute of the wait. Not particularly wanting to share our goodies, I would buy a third roll for our dog. And, yes, I have tried the Spragues, across the road. They make a good roll but it is not piled as high as Red’s and I don’t remember it being any cheaper. How that one customer complained about the lobster being tough is beyond me. It is melt in your mouth tender.
We go to Sprague’s across rte 1 from Red’s every trip through! You eat right on the water on the pier, they have foot long new england hot dog rolls, and tons of lobster too – and way cheaper. Their other offerings are just as good. We laugh while we’re eating & watching the line across the street barely move. And nobody should ever pour melted butter onto cold lobster meat. Ridiculous!!
We always stop at Day’s near Freeport–excellent lobster rolls and fried clams etc.–makes me wanna drive right up NOW, just thinking about those wonderful lobster rolls!
Just discovered Days..great lobster rolls, and fresh seafood for sale!
We recently discovered Erica’s Seafood, an outdoor shack on the water in Harpswell with fresh, excellent and value-priced seafood. In addition to a wonderful lobster roll, they have a crab roll and the crabster – part crab, part lobster! Worth the drive. They also steam your pick of a lobster for $1!
I had heard most of my adult life about Res`s and there was always that line,well last year in May there was no line and we stopped and had the best humungus lobster roll,omgosh, it was awesome and I have had many lobster rolls all over the state,the people are super friendly,now it was pricey but not more than fancy places and you get so much more meat,on our way home we planned it to be there when it opened, Heavenly and we had some clams and scallops that were great also,dreaming about return to Red`s!
Try Joe Lane Lobsterman in Damariscotta. The lobster roll with a little cilantro and lime is wonderful!!!!
Had a lobster roll at Red’s in June, 2017…best I have ever tasted…..so loaded with lobster…a must!
Do your own. Down the road from Simonton Rd in Camden it becomes Park Rd in Rockport. Lobsters for sale, fresh, and buy to do youtself or she will prepare and pack in cooler (bring back). Cheaper and do at your pace with what ever roll / topping! AND no wait in long line, picnic where ever once you further prepare sides and enjoy, just an opinion from a local.
My husband and I love Maine. We started going there in the 1990’s to get out of the God aweful heat of NE Florida. ( we did not live there by choice mind you! ) Anyway, it took us two tries to get a lobster roll from Red’s. OMG, it was so worth it. Took us about an hour in line, then sat at a picnic table, and had the best lobster roll I’ve ever had. We’re now in Missouri and are planning next summers trip, where else, back to and Maine and Red’s!
We have traveled by boat down the Kenebec River crossed over from Bath on the Sasanoa River to Wiscasset and Red’s Eats for our lobster rolls. We leave fairly early in the morning and this summer we were first in line. It is a great trip for a boat load of Vermonters. We enjoy the west coast of New England on Lake Champlain, but the East coast and salt water is extra special.
My first and second time at “Reds” was disappointing. Coming from Houghs Neck Quincy MA where many of the “Neckers” fish lobster for a living, I know what a good lobster should taste like. I found “Reds” lobster roll to be tough and buttery. Not at all what I expected.
Like most Maine natives, I am not willing to wait an hour in line for a lobster role, no matter how oversized it may be. Very good alternatives are Wicked Good in Waldoboro and McCloons in South Thomaston.
We drove from Hamilton, GA, to Maine last fall to visit the Farnsworth Museum to see Andrew Wyeth’s last painting, and to see the Olsen Farm, the site of Wyeth’s grave. The trip was the first item on our Bucket List. Second on our Bucket List was to have the lobster roll at Red’s Eats. But knowing of the probably long wait, and knowing we would be passing through Wiscasset twice, we stopped for a lobster roll a few miles short of Red’s. It was my first time to eat lobster, and I was so disappointed. The lobster had mayo and was inedible. Even my husband, who loves lobster, did not care for it. But a few days later, on Sunday at noon (no long line yet), we tried Red’s, and it was wonderful! Or rather, my husband had the lobster roll, but I tasted it. I was scared to try lobster again, so I had a crab cake, which was also delicious, but so glad I did sample my husband’s lobster roll and absolutely loved it. Loved the whole street. Walked up the hillside to the post office, and noticed a sunken garden in an old house foundation basement. Unique! Even though we were able to tick off a Bucket List item by having the lobster roll at Red’s, we put it back on our list! One is not enough! Maine, I love everything about you (except my first lobster roll and Moxie) and hope to return someday! Envy you lucky folks who live there!
Yes, we’re tourists and yes the wait is an hour at best BUT we stopped at Red’s and can say we’ve been there, done that…It was delicious and we’d go back…It’s the experience that counts.
Just back from Red’s! I live in South Portland, Maine, love lobster and order the lobster practically everywhere I eat in the summer. Nothing compares to Red’s hands down! First of all the roll is PACKED with lobster! Seriously there is at least a lobster and a half stuffed in there. Second, it’s fresh! Third, it’s delicious! If you don’t like the drawn butter you can have it with mayo. No other roll even compares. Yes you sometimes have to wait in line for long periods, but it’s SO worth it. The fried clams and fried mushrooms are also delicious!
Need to know the dates your open. (Season) Are your lobster rolls any better at a certain time of year? Do you ever have a time of year where you don’t have lobster rolls?
Went to school at U of Me. Lived in Wiscasset with a roommate for a summer many moons ago. Had many a late night snack at Red’s during that time. Good, bad or indifferent Red’s and Wiscasset hold a very special place in my heart. I go back for the memories when I visit old friends in the area.
Red’s is way overrated! The lobster roll is not the best and the fried clams were burnt! Maybe because we live in cape cod and know good lobster rolls & fried clams! Yet I’ve had some great lobster rolls on journeys through NH & Maine! Will not go back to Red’s.
I have tried Lobster Rolls in many places in Maine and NH. None compare to Red’s.
My husband and I visited the wonderful State of Maine in October/2015. One of the highlights of that trip was a lobster roll at Red’s! Yes it was a long wait (about an hour) but so worth the wait! Lobster piled high on a toasted roll and the sweetest, most tender, luscious lobster meat! I don’t understand the comments that say their lobster was tough and unappetizing! During our trip we ate lobster every day from Maine, NH, VT and MA and the very best was at Red’s!! Headed back to Maine this coming Fall and can’t wait to have another lobster roll at Red’s!
We took our boat down the Kennebec from Gardiner last October for our Red’s Eat Lobster. We were there when they were filming a episode of “Eating Live with Sly” from the west coast.
SPRAGUE’S, SPRAGUE’S, SPRAGUE’S,……SPRAGUE’S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nough said!
just came back from Maine.Go a lot to Ellsworth,Me. a great city in Maine. Took rt.1 all the way for the fist time and it was a better trip than going on 95.Went to Reds and it was a great lobster sandwich,packed full. The average price in Me. for a good lobster sandwich is about $20.00 so they are right in line.But the sandwich was better than most. One the traveling lobster man is as good,maybe a bit better but the price is about the same. The traveling is located just on rt 3 between Bar Harbor and Trenton<Me.. He has so much business he has just expanded and did move to a new location. But,if you are on rt. 1 then Reds is the place to go.Lines always,but worth it.
My wife and I have been going to Red’s for years. The quality has always been top-notch, and so has the service. There are many wonderful lobster shacks all over Maine, we’ve tried many and weren’t disappointed, BUT we feel Red’s is the best!
You can’t beat the lobster roll at Red’s. Or the fried scallops!!!! To die for and even their burgers are delish if you don’t want seafood. Been going for years. Yes the wait
is long but I have met some of the most interesting people while in line. Everyone is happy and the time passes fast. Plus Reds usually passes out a free treat and unbrelllas if you are sun sensitive. This family DESERVES your business! So friendly, always smiling, loves their customers and such hard workers. A lovely family who does much for the community!
The wait in line was well worth it. Now living in VA, I dream of a good old fashioned lobstah roll
Io ho trovato un chiosco di Red’s Eats a Camden, Maine. Con le stesse tende rosse e bianche. Il cibo era buonissimo e c’era la fila anche lì. Un saluto dall’Italia!
We have eaten at many places over the years in hopes of getting a Lobstah Roll comparable to Red’s. There is nothing more frustrating than paying a price comparable to Red’s and getting a Lobstah Roll worthy of the trash can. I have heard of a place which opened about two years ago I think and with a goal of equaling or exceeding Red’s. We are hoping to visit it before the summer crowds get here. It is located in Boothbay Harbor but not sure exactly where. The name is Shannon Unshelled I believe. This young lady has a goal to compete with Red’s. We shall see.
Forgetabout it ! We live in Maine. Reds is NOT worth the wait with sweating tourists , not worth the high price that is never posted for a simple lobster roll,
or the heavy traffic fumes only feet from this overrated stand.
Have I said it is not where we would stop ? 🙂 Look at the many aesthetic food stands at more reasonable prices that Maine has.
Othing beats a good old fashioned McDonald’s lobster ???? roll j/k j/k. They are OK I guess, but tiny and not great by any means. We just buy lobster ourselves, one to eat, and one to pick per person for next day lobster rolls. A lot cheaper and you can make,it how you like. It’s nice to eat out once In awhile, but $20,for a lobster roll? Nope.
Red’s was a bit controversial last year for allegedly using imported frozen Canadian lobster and some customers complained about icy lobster meat in their sandwiches. So if you want to support local lobstermen and women, you may want to go elsewhere. Sea Basket in Wiscasset has consistently great seafood and you don’t have the long wait on the left side of Route 1 north before you hit downtown Wiscasset.
Keep going down route 1 and turn right onto Boothbay Road, go into Boothbay Harbor. Get a big ole lobster roll from Shanon’s Unshelled and sit right on the harbor. Or take it to-go and sit on the Captain Sawyer’s deck, have a glass of Champagne and soak in the views.