18 Apr Putting Maine’s Best Lobster Rolls To The Test [2021 Guide]
Along with leaf peeping in October, Maine’s rugged coastlines and hiking in Acadia, food – specifically the lobster roll – is a terrific reason to travel to Maine.
Drew and I set out forth on a noble quest to put Maine’s “best” lobster rolls to the test. The lobster shacks we visited are consistently rated high among locals and travelers alike. But, we needed to see – and taste – for ourselves.
Read on to see which rolls you’ll definitely want to sink your claws into – and which ones will leave you feeling a little salty!
(That’s it for the shellfish / lobster jokes, I promise!)
When you’re planning your trip to New England, make sure to check the opening days and hours of lobster roll shacks and pounds. They can be closed weird days and some are not open very late into the fall season.
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What Makes a Lobster Roll?
The Bread: Lobster rolls should be served on buttered, soft, almost sweet tasting, split top hot dog bun. The bun should be lightly toasted to add some crispiness and texture.
The Ingredients: Lobster in and of itself is the perfect ingredient, so I think the simpler the better in the case with a lobster roll. The roll should be filled with fresh – never frozen – lobster meat that is cut into chunks, not shredded. Typically, right before serving, the lobster is tossed in a whisper of mayonnaise to give it a delicious creaminess. Rolls can also be served with melted butter to drizzle over your sandwich.
PS – Say it with me – “Let Us Say No To Lettuce!” – Lettuce has no place on a lobster roll.
Views: Some of the most gorgeous views in America are located in Maine. You deserve a good view of the coastline while you eat your lobster roll.
Best Lobster Rolls on Maine’s Coast
#1 McLoons Lobster Shack
Spruce Head Island, Maine
McLoon’s Lobster Shack has delicious lobster – salty and sweet – and they let that flavor shine through by not fussing with other unnecessary ingredients. The pieces of lobster are huge and the roll was perfectly buttered and toasted.
We loved sitting by the water and enjoying our meal — topped off with some fresh, delicious Maine steamers and kettle chips.
#2 Five Islands
Georgetown, ME
Five Islands has the distinction of having the best lobster roll coupled with the best views. The split top bun at Five Islands was buttered perfectly, and all of those superfluous ingredients that get in the way of enjoying nature’s king crustacean were not invited.
We also ordered a basket of steamers, washed it all down with a Moxie soda, and sat back to enjoy the views!
Perfection.
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#3 Jameson Point Lobster
Friendship, ME
While Jameson Point Lobster doesn’t have the sweeping, rugged coastline views, it is located in the quaintest, friendliest town of Friendship! It’s like stepping back in time.
The roll itself is fantastic (definitely on par with Five Islands!). The bread was perfectly toasted with not too much other business to mess up the delicious lobster.
We also got an order of steamers, a 1.5 pound lobster, and a blueberry pie. The prices are fantastic at this off-the-beaten-path lobster shack!
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#4 The Trap
Perkins Cove, Ogunquit, Maine
The Trap gets rave reviews from me on views alone, but their lobster roll is perfection as well! The bun was more buttery and less crispy than others, so that’s why it’s my #5.
You simply can’t leave The Trap without getting a dozen of their fresh raw oysters! Growing up visiting the Gulf Coast, I thought I knew what good oysters were…but, by god, every oyster we had here was just a whole different sea creature. I love that they add just a little sea water to the shell for the perfect bite.
#5 Red’s Eats
Wiscasset, ME
I waited in a line at Red’s for longer than I care to admit – but I think that’s just how it goes at this famous Route 1 lobster shack.
The lobster roll was piled high with meat – but too much to eat in a single bite. The perfect lobster roll bite includes lobster and roll. I don’t want to have to eat a lobster roll with a fork.
The bread was good and toasty. However, the chilled lobster combined with the kettle warmed butter made for a less than ideal congealed butter situation on my lips. Not so great.
If you’re looking for quantity of lobster meat, this is the place. Personally, I’d rather have a smaller roll and a price reduction.
Honorable Mentions:
Sea Basket (Wiscasset, ME) The fisherman’s chowder – with no shortage of lobster and clams – takes center stage.
Thurston’s Lobster Pound (Bernard, ME) Thurston’s was on my list – everyone raves about it – but they had already closed for the season when we stopped in. You should give them a shot!
Becky’s (Portland, ME) Becky’s is an absolute icon in Portland, but I just wasn’t all that impressed with their lobster roll. The bun was soft – not toasted – and the lobster meat wasn’t out of the world. We also ordered the Fisherman’s Platter which comes fried haddock, scallops, clams, and shrimp.
Conclusion: These lobster shacks all get high praise from locals and travelers alike. For us, there was a clear winner!
Have you been to Maine?
What is your favorite lobster shack?
Cottages, BnB’s & Hotels:
There is no shortage of adorable cottages and BnB’s in coastal Maine. Here are some of my favorite around Acadia National Park and Portland, Maine.
Elsa’s Inn on the Harbor, Prospect Harbor, Maine — This lovely BnB is where we stayed while we were exploring Acadia and Bar Harbor. The owners were friendly and the breakfasts were top notch!
Inn at St. John, Portland, Maine — This is a fun classic hotel with wonderful old-style furnishings and the kind of charm that is almost extinct non-existent in chain hospitality offerings.
Dog-friendly Oceanfront Home on the Rocky Coast — Y’all this house is what you’re Maine dreams are made of. Check it out! Look at that deck!
Frequently Asked Questions
It all depends on where you go. However, the typical market price for a lobster roll in Maine is around $25.
For the best weather, visit Maine between June and August. For limited crowds, visit in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. I prefer visiting Maine in the fall – around the first of October –to see all the brilliant fall leaves!
Maine is famous for its lighthouses and the rugged Atlantic coast they were built on. The state is also known for their fisheries – particularly lobsters, oysters, and clams – and blueberry production.
You can find moose throughout the state, but your best bet will be in the Western Lakes and Mountains, The Kennebec Valley, The Maine Highlands, and Aroostook County. Look for moose in the summer and fall early in the morning and right at dusk.
Absolutely! Southern Maine has really nice sand and gentle waves. In the summer months, the temperature is warm and humid but the water will be quite…refreshing!
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