Do you like meat rolls with mayonnaise, good fillings, and wrapped up in a roll to give an absolute delicacy? Well, then, the lobster roll is for you!
Lobster Roll is a dish renowned as a classic of New England. And it will not be very pleasant to miss out on if you are in New England.
The origins of the dish are not known. However, it may be traced to Connecticut in the 1900s. The dish gained popularity in Maine very easily and was loved by the locals and the tourists who visited the place. It went on to gain fame as the staple seafood.
Lobster Rolls are of two types: Maine-style and Connecticut-style.
1. About Maine: A Vacationland
The most preferred place for a perfect vacation getaway in the United States is the northeastern city of Maine! The calm, breezy atmosphere, the rocky shoreline, its maritime history, and the scenic environment are what appeal to the tourists.
1.1 Why Should One Visit Maine?
Maine attracts tourists for several reasons:
- As mentioned above, Maine is known for its scenic beauty. Tourists are enraptured by the water and the nature there, which persuades them to tell their acquaintances and others about it.
- One can engage in quite a few activities in Maine, which will make their trip memorable. Owing to the environmental circumstances, one can choose among several activities Maine has arrangements for, which include Skiing, boating, hiking, swimming, sightseeing, etc.
- The rich history and culture are another reason that may be attributed to it.
- Maine is home to one of the most popular parks in the US, Acadia National Park. Other destinations that attract tourists the most are Bar Harbor, Kennebunkport, and Portland.
- Food is also one of the major attractions in Maine. Since Maine is closer to the sea, seafood is engagingly popular. Maine lobster rolls are one of the most popular delicacies around the globe.
1.2 When Is the Right Time to Vacation in Maine?
Well, it depends on what your interests concern! If you are interested in activities like visiting a beach, hiking, boating, etc., summer is the time for you!
However, if you want just to relax and enjoy some good seafood and lobster rolls, you can choose anytime!
In short, Maine is a perfect place for vacation and indulge in many outdoor activities. At the same time, it is an apt location to give your taste buds the leisure they deserve.
Maine is known for its Lobster Rolls, and one should not miss the opportunity to chance upon it if they can travel there.
2. What Else Can One Do in Maine?
As mentioned before, Maine is a vacationland; however, apart from lobster rolls, one can also entertain oneself in a lot of other ways.
2.1 Acadia National Park
It is a feast for the sore eyes and a home to natural greenery and beauty. It is a must-visit place when visiting Maine. Acadia National Park is not only home to the natural greenery but also to the mountains, forests, lakes, and ocean views. One can also indulge in other activities such as hiking, kayaking, camping, and fishing.
2.2 Visiting Lighthouses
Lighthouses are another element of beauty in Maine. One of the must-visits is the Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island.
The Portland Headlight in Cape Elizabeth is another historic lighthouse in Maine.
2.3 Get a Taste of Clambake and Lobster Rolls
Clambake is a traditional dish in Maine with steamed clams, lobster, and corn, all of it cooked in a hot pit. The Maine lobster roll is another popular dish that mostly attracts tourists and makes Maine a more favorable tourist site.
Naturally, several restaurants sell lobster rolls in Maine. But one needs to be careful about the places to trust to get a taste of the best lobster roll in Maine. To make this easier, below is a curated list of the 13 best places to get Maine lobster rolls.
3. What are Lobster Rolls?
Lobster Rolls are a kind of sandwich made of seafood: lobster meat, mayonnaise, and veggies like celery. They are served on a hot dog bun and are popular as summer snacks. However, they are also a local delicacy and will be available in Maine throughout the year.
As mentioned above, lobster rolls are of two kinds: Connecticut-style lobster rolls and Maine-style lobster rolls. The difference is that the former uses warm lobster meat with mayonnaise and celery. Meanwhile, the latter uses cold lobster meat, mayonnaise, and celery.
3.1 What are the Prominent Ingredients of a Lobster Roll?
- Fresh lobster meat
- Mayonnaise
- Veggies (celery preferably)
- Salt, pepper
- Bun (Hot dog bun: toasted)
3.2 How do you win hearts with a lobster roll?
If you are interested in impressing people through your lobster rolls, here are a few tips that would work wonders:
- Make sure the meat is fresh and the temperature is perfect
- Make sure you don’t overcook the meat
- Make sure to use a decent quality, as well as quantity of mayonnaise in it
- Make sure to add celery, salt, and pepper to make it flavourful.
- Finally, when serving, make use of a hot toasted bun.
These tips will surely help you achieve your goal!
4. List of the Best Lobster Rolls in Maine:
Lobster Rolls are surely a favorite in Maine, but which places can be trusted to give visitors a delicious experience that remains memorable?
Here is a list of the 13 best places one can visit to get a taste of Lobster Rolls in Maine:
4.1 Bob’s Clam Hut
You need to visit this place if you are looking for fresh clams and lobster rolls! Bob’s Clam Hut has been serving since 1956 and has managed to grow a reputation for itself in Maine for its lobster rolls.
The tourists visiting Maine make it a point to pass by Bob’s and get a taste of the authentic seafood Maine is known for. A visit to Maine is incomplete if one does not visit Bob’s Clam Hut.
4.1.1 Customer Favourites:
- Lobster rolls
- Fried clams
- Clam Chowder
- Clam Strips
- Scallop Rolls
A must-try at Bob’s is their Lobster Rolls. However, the Clam Strips and Scallop Rolls are also incredibly popular there.
4.1.2 Location:
315 US Route 1, Kittery, Maine 04904.
4.2 Red’s Eats
Want a taste of the “world’s best” lobster shack? Head to Red’s Eats!
It is a family-run business with lobsters that may truly touch your heart and fill you with nothing but praise. Red’s Eats was voted the #1 Lobster Roll in New England in 2022!
Known for their simplistic preparation of Lobster rolls and sandwiches that do not miss your taste buds, one can go to Reds for a late-night snack or early-morning breakfast. You may even run into a celebrity or two if luck favors you.
4.2.1 Customer Favourites
- Lobster roll
- Fried scallops
- Fried clams
- Blueberry cake
Almost all the orders on the menu have been praised by the customers. There’s not a single dish that has been even minutely disappointing.
A must-try is the world-famous lobster rolls, scallop sandwich special, and onion rings with their homemade blue cheese sauce.
4.2.2 Location:
41 Water St, Wiscasset, ME 04578.
4.3 Erica’s Seafood
Want live lobsters to purchase? Well, Erica’s Seafood is the place for you, then!
Owned and operated by a family of three, Erica’s Seafood is located at Harpswell and overlooks Casco Bay.
One can buy live lobsters for retail or get takeout from their special menu at their takeout stand. They also provide fresh Maine scallops during winter.
Plus, you can bring your pet friends along when you come to Erica’s!
4.3.1 Customer Favourites:
- Lobster Rolls
- Fried Haddock basket
- Fried clam basket
- Clam Chowder
- Crabster Roll
The fried haddock basket, fried clam basket, and lobster rolls are a must-try!
4.3.2 Location:
6 Malcolm Drive, Harpswell, ME 04079.
4.4 McLoons Lobster Shack
McLoons Lobster Shack is a 2012, family-owned business across from the area’s oldest seafood wharf.
If you wish to enjoy the scenic beauty of the harbor and the shore while enjoying a plate of lobsters, this place is for you.
The bonus is this place caters to seafood and non-seafood lovers and presents a variety of dishes.
4.4.1 Customer Favourites:
- Steamed Lobster
- Lobstah roll
- Clam Chowder
- Blueberry Bread Pudding
- Lobster Stew
A must-try is the lobster roll, blueberry bread pudding and lobster stew.
4.4.2 Location:
327 Island Rd, South Thomaston, ME 04858-3525
4.5 Boothbay Lobster Wharf
Boothbay Lobster Wharf is a popular lobster joint in Maine. It is more specifically a lobster pound where the visitors can get a glimpse of all the processes involved in handling a Lobster.
What’s more unique about this place is that the visitors can choose the lobster they want from the saltwater tank. They are renowned for their reputation of providing seafood directly from the ocean.
In addition, they also have a full bar stocked with local drinks, wines, ale, etc.
4.5.1 Customer Favourites:
- Lobster Rolls
- Steamed lobster
- Fried clams
- Coleslaw
A must-try here is everything fried and the coleslaw. The lobster rolls go without mention.
4.5.2 Location:
97 Atlantic Ave, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538-2220
4.6 Highroller Lobster Company
A 2015 establishment, Highroller Lobster Company, started with humble beginnings, with two guys and a cart.
Presently, they serve a variety of food at their restaurant in Portland.
They also have catering arrangements for whatever function suits them.
4.6.1 Customer Favourites:
- Lobster Roll
- Lobster Grilled Cheese
- Lobster Taco
- Lobster bisque
- Lobster Ghee
Lobster Rolls and Lobster Grilled Cheese are the most recommended dishes here and a must-try if you visit.
4.6.2 Location:
104 Exchange St. Portland, ME 04101
4.7 Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster Company
Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster Company is a 1970s restaurant run by the Collins family and frequently visited by tourists and locals alike.
Located at a scenic location on South Freeport, Harraseeket also runs a fishing business.
They are known to serve the freshest lobster rolls, shrimp from Maine, scallops, and excellent homemade desserts.
4.7.1 Customer Favourites:
- Lobster rolls
- Fried clams
- Lobster bisque
- Blueberry pie
- Whoopie pie
Apart from the lobster rolls, must-try items are the fried clams and the other seafood variants.
4.7.2 Location:
36 Main Street South, Freeport, Maine 04078
4.8 Eventide Oyster CO
A fresh version of the American Oyster bar, Eventide is known for its delicious oysters and fresh shellfish.
The place is famed for its Brown Butter Lobster Roll.
4.8.1 Customer Favourites:
- Brown butter Lobster Roll
- Horseradish ice
- Oysters
- Fish Sandwich
- Lobster stew
The visitors can’t stop praising the Brown Butter Lobster Roll, fish sandwich, and oysters. Therefore, one must add it to their list of must-haves when visiting.
4.8.2 Location:
86 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101-4232
4.9 The Red Barn
The Red Barn is a 1977 establishment run by the Benedict family and has been serving chicken and seafood to locals and tourists alike.
Many of the employees have served three to four generations of local families.
The restaurant works on strict ethics of devotion to their customers, one of the main reasons it survived for 35 years.
4.9.1 Customer Favourites:
- Lobster rolls
- Haddock
- Fried chicken
- Fried clams
- Lobster stew
The most recommended dishes are the lobster stew and the lobster rolls. One should make it a point to try them if in Maine.
4.9.2 Location:
455, Riverside, Dr, Augusta, ME 04330-3850
4.10 The Footbridge Lobster
The Footbridge Lobster is one of the most popular places for lobsters in Maine; their lobster rolls are known to be an amalgamation of Lobster claws and tails, all dipped in flavors and tossed in melted butter.
4.10.1 Customer Favourites:
- Lobster rolls
- Lobster grilled cheese
- Breakfast Sandwich
- Fried clams
- French fries
- Twin lobsters
A must-try is the lobster grilled cheese and the breakfast sandwich.
4.10.2 Location:
108 Perkins Cove Road, Ogunquit, ME 03907
4.11 Fisherman’s Catch Restaurant
Fisherman’s Catch is a restaurant serving fresh seafood in Maine since 1982. They have been in the food business for 40 years, and their praises from the visitors and locals have made it possible for them to be a long-standing restaurant.
If you want to have a wonderful time in an atmosphere of leisure and good food, this is where you should be.
4.11.1 Customer Favourites:
- Lobster rolls
- Clam chowder
- Blueberry pie
- Seafood in general (shrimp, lobsters, etc.)
4.11.2 Location:
134 Harbor Rd, Wells, ME 04090-4546
4.12 Eagle’s Nest:
If you are a fast food lover, this place is for you!
Eagle’s Nest is a local seafood joint providing the best fresh seafood, lobsters, shrimp, etc.
Many tourists have recommended this place so that they get a taste of authentic Maine seafood.
4.12.1. Customer Favourites:
- Lobster rolls
- Lobster stew
- Seafood platter
- Lobster salad
- Fried clams
The lobster salad, rolls, and seafood platter are a must-try for everyone visiting.
4.12.2. Location:
1016 N Main St Brewer, ME 04412.
4.13. The Clam Shack
The Clam Shack is a hub for buying and selling fresh seafood. They also serve fried seafood and locally caught lobster. They have been a favorite dining spot in Kennebunk, Maine, since 1968.
This place has won awards for its lobster rolls, so it won’t be a miss to try them out once in Maine.
Along with its adjoining fish market, the Clam Shack has been in the area and a preferred local spot for over 50 years.
In addition, one can have a perfect feast for their eyes, owing to the beautiful landscape around, proving it to be just the perfect option for a relaxing lunch.
4.13.1. Customer Favourites:
- Lobster Roll
- Fried clam strip
- Clam chowder
- Scallops
- Clam cake
- Fried Scallop roll
The scallops, lobster rolls, and clam cake are necessary when visiting the clam shack.
4.13.2. Location:
2 Western Ave Kennebunk, ME 04043.
5. Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are a seafood lover, a visit to Maine will be an absolute delight! In addition, the place also proves to be a perfect getaway for the vacation and has arrangements for several outdoor activities, which include hiking, camping, fishing, etc.
With its rich cultural history and natural beauty, Maine proves to be a beautiful state. One can also visit the historic lighthouses and the national park or explore the seafood restaurants and the little shacks.
Last Updated on by Pragya Chakrapani
