By the way, my daughter visited Maine last month and went to Reds for a lobster roll. Then we cook them in a 50 gallon pot of fresh seawater and serve them with just a pinch of mayonnaise. Five Islands Lobster rolls were delicious, even better than my memories of my first taste of fresh Maine lobster in Bar Harbor 40 years ago. Crab too. At Roy Moores youll get some of the some of the freshest lobster you will ever eat. Diane Bair and Pamela Wright, authors of Maine Coast Revealed, an iTunes app, can be reached at [emailprotected]. Its amazing! But we couldnt wait for August. The proprietors ofGraffam Bros Seafood Shackin Rockport also run their own retail fish store right across the street so you know they use fresh seafood in such New England staples as lobster rolls, crab rolls, fried clams, fried shrimp, fried scallops and fried haddock sandwiches. This wildly popular event draws around 20,000 revelers to see the coronation of the Maine Sea Goddess, lobster crate races, a parade, and live entertainment (not to mention the spectacle of people dressed up in lobster suits). Id never tasted lobster rolls in Maine, but since Id read and heard so much about them decided to try one during my drive along the Maine coast. Everyone has their favorite style of lobster roll and many factors come into play in reaching this critical crustacean conclusion. I decided just to keep driving in the direction of the ocean and soon came to Five Islands Lobster shack on a little promontory of rock in Sheepscot Bay. Everyone knows that Woodmans is a North Shore institution, and for good reason. You obviously aint no Mainer! Theres a lot of hoopla about the Eagles Nest. Is he serious? This neighborhood favorite in downtown Bar Harbor mixes up the presentation of its roll with a finishing sprinkle of Old Bay. Its a little shack that sits over the water. Her son fishes off Matinicus and brings fresh lobster almost daily. But what many dont talk about is how Woodmans is simply well-run. Try our version of the quarter-pounder its a quarter-pound of lobster meat, proprietor Jamie Johnson urged. Also Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound (at the bridge to Mt. They crank out ungodly volume, with grace. Its BYOB, which is great for cost savings. You wont regret it! It was a medley of textures and tastes: salty, crunchy, and slightly sweet. the Lobster Pool is a fantastic spot to enjoy a delicious lobster roll and watch the sunset over Ipswich Bay. Nataliesin Camden is the only dining establishment in the state to have made it ontoOpenTables list of the Top 100 Best Restaurants in America. Vivien, I can assure you that most Mainers are not bitter and mean. Further up the road, past Halibut Point, you will find this hidden gem. Locals are charged with answering this question thousands of times each year. But while Farnhams may be famous for its fried clams, they also serve up a tasty lobster roll. Another classic seafood shack in Rockport, is the Lobster Pool. Located in the heart of Rockland Maine at the corner of Elm and Main Street just right beside the Farnsworth Museum, The Lobster Shack is a great place to go for an authentic Maine lobster lunch. It makes a great picnic on the water. A quick visit to this family-owned fish market revealed that they also serve crab rolls and lobster rolls, year-round. There is also the Eagles Nest cafe in Brewer. Another summer staple for my family, Doesnt mentioning any places Down East, where most lobsters are caught. You know youve met your Vitamin D quota for the day, and its time to part ways with the holiday crowd and brave the hot sand in search of some nautical nourishment. This article was focused on Southern Maine since thats where the lobster roll places I was reviewing are located. We had heard great things about chef-owner Keiko Suzuki Steinbergers skills, and the place looked inviting. For a lobster roll you want to find one of the best so I thank you. But its the inside that makes the difference. Theres not much in the way of ambience, and the service can be gruff, but the price is right: a lobster dinner is under $20. The fine establishments you mentioned are all great in their own unique Maine ways, and I have eaten at them all ( do it and call it the great Maine lobster roll tour ) . Another great shack with a view, this one sits overlooking no surprises here five idyllic islands. Another standout, because it offers the cheapest lobster dinner around, according to a local lobster-lover: Dougs Seafood Lobster Pool This is another roll that leaves the starring role to the lobster. The Lobster roll itself is very tasty. The only restaurant in Owls Head is theOwls Head General Store, which doesnt serve Maine lobster. Its just a saying.such touchy people! That is not a good lobster roll. Whether a diner falls into the butter or mayonnaise camp, it's widely recognized that simple preparations are best letting that sweet lobster meat shine. During Covid-19, while other restaurants second-guessed their contingency plans, Woodmans developed a seamless takeout system, complete with text messages to customers when their order started cooking and when it was ready for pickup. My husband and I visited Reds and I would give it a Pass! As a matter of fact in the winter years back, he had gone to another place that sold lobster rolls and it was frozen and disgusting. Youre kidding? We have decided on 3 category winners for Best Lobster Roll on Cape Ann: So there you have it, the best Lobster Rolls in the Gloucester and Rockport, MA area. Run by Black journalists at The Boston Globe, Black News Hour, a new radio program, delivers reliable news that connects with our community and expands on deeper issues impacting our city. Whats the best way to cook lobster: steamed or boiled? One of the most famous lodging establishments on the north shore, the Beauport, is also home to a fantastic restaurant, the 1606 Restaurant and Bar. And yes, youre correct, I aint no Mainer (but I love Maine). And. Buttered and grilled hot dog rolls are the way to go. These were the folks who had promised to put lobster tacos on the menu for us (unaware that we were writing a story) and we saw that the dish was todays special. We loved the feel of the place all bright paint and colorful Fiestaware dishes but we fell hard when we tasted the tacos (served two to a plate with black beans), a winning medley of lobster meat, avocado, red cabbage slaw and cilantro, stuffed into house-made corn tortillas ($19.99). His was definitely a different take on lobmac, studded with bits of tomato and topped with greens, but not the swoon-worthy concoction we had hoped for. Lynn Archer won the Food Networks Throwdown With Bobby Flay with her lobster club sandwich. Reverting to Plan B I told her that I would then buy a lobster roll for the next customer who came along if they would allow me just to taste a spoonful of theirs. It doesnt get any fresher than harraseeket lunch. Blueberry pie, of course. Well, nope. All in southern Maine. http://www.thelobsterpool.com/. They give you a heaping portion, with a nice light mayo coating that provides moisture and complimentary flavor while allowing the lobster meat to remain the star of the show. Thank you Claire. Wow Just wowhow thoughtless. https://www.facebook.com/Roy-Moore-Lobster-Co-125287641097/. In Maine youll find there are many different lobster-roll recipes although their common bond (in addition to the fresh lobster) is not a hotdog bun but a thick piece of freshly toasted buttered-bread, similar to Texas toast, or a specialty roll. 127 towards Georgetown. Lobsters come in right off the boat and they also serve 2 for one lobsters if you want to crack your own lobsters. Ambling around downtown almost all of Rocklands eats are within walking distance of each other we stopped at Suzuki Sushi. I must agree, being a true born and raised mainer I was discusted by the opening. As it turned out, the best was yet to come: the lobster tacos at Home Kitchen Cafe. Tasty grilled brioche bun, lined with bibb lettuce, and stuffed with fresh lobster chunks. Quick call, see you in 20 minutes, with tables set up outside. Go to McLaughlins in Bangor or McLaughlins Marina in Hampden if youre in that neck of the woods. Do not bother trying Red Barn. Claws in Rockland has my vote as does Corea on the Warf in Corea, Maine. And finally a TASTE or SPOONFUL of lobster is going to allow a clear example of a roll? Despite the relatively rustic setting that its working wharf might imply, these fresh rolls come with the option of beer, wine, and housemade desserts. (Tip: You can also try the club at Archers downtown restaurant, the less-fancy Brass Compass, where its $5 cheaper.) 39 Bearskin Neck Hot dog buns? 119 Main Street Housed in an attractive, converted Victorian, Natalies offers a fixed price tasting menu that allows you to sample succulent lobsters prepared four different ways with paired wines, and amuse-bouches and other palate cleansers between courses. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Ps Augusta, Maine has REAL GOOD lobster rolls at Red Barn and Collage Carryout, Hi John, The couple warned me that in another week, at the beginning of the tourist season, the line would wind around the corner and up the street behind us. Sandy beach blankets, skin crisping as a warm salty breeze passes over. Obviously they missed the whole point of your article! A Rockport staple for decades, Roy Moores is a quintessential New England fish shack replete with weathered shingles, salty old lobster tanks, and even saltier New Englanders. Fishing and lobstering have historically been significant industry in the area, with lobster boats dotting the local harbors. Other places that were mentioned in the comments are also great places to eat in Maine , try all of them not a bad recommendation in the bunch . So, true, Hank. If you go to rowes (sorry Jimmies) dont forget to ask for an extra toasted hot dog bun, you will need it because you will have enough lobstah meat to make a second lobstah roll! OMG, I am planning a trip to Maine, and driving down US1 like you suggest, but do I really want to meet these nasty people? Granted, some rolls are similar to lobster salad and contain myriad ingredients. Great points Tom. They are incredible and I can say that after having eaten a dozen or more every summer for the past 25 years or so. Once featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, this longtime Route 1 staple serves its rolls straight up, available in two sizes. Its really like beer and wine , dont pay attention to what JUST what is highly rated and eat and drink what you like and what tastes good to you . They come on a classic hot dog bun, not toasted, no sides and no frills. Your taste buds will be rewarded, and you will enjoy visiting real coastal Maine. McLoons by Spruce Head (south of Rockland) is a great example. Lobsta Land And we hadnt visited the legendary Primo, a Victorian farmhouse where James Beard award winner Melissa Kelly does amazing things with food she (mostly) grows and raises herself. Well be coming to town next week; will you have them then? we queried. Ughyou may just as well call Beef Wellington a hunk of meat wrapped in a donut. Rustica Cucina Italiana or Suzuki Sushis lobster bits. I went there once to treat myself and see if it was as good as people said it was. This is a lazy and tourist-centered article and does nothing for actually educating people about lobster rolls in Maine. As usual, you guys never go anywhere but the most obvious and touristy places. We love Lobsta Land because of its extensive, creative menu, and down home feel. We woke up to lobster, nestled in pastry with egg and cheese, made by innkeeper Joan Hantz. A Maine classic. Their food is always flavorful and always prepared well. Thanks fior your comment. Alas, no lobster that night, although the summer menu often features cooked chunks of lobster with avocado, wrapped in seaweed. It even made our list of the Best Rockport Area Restaurants! Hi Melissa, Thank you Cheryl. Thank you. Essex, MA 01929 Another lobster-roll shack to add yo our ever-growing list! We were excited to give the Lobster Land lobster roll a try because we knew it had taken home Best of Boston honors in the past! These eat-in-the-rough places offer what many consider to be the quintessential Maine dining experience. Lets not get away from what Mr Ferri was trying to say which most of us Mainers pretty much express on a daily basis which is: WE LOVE OUR LOBSTER ROLLS! Its interesting to note that although entrants in the Rumble came from all over the USA, the winners were, once again, all from Maine. Definitely an unparalleled sandwich, Connor declared, although the bacon (the candy of the meat world, he added) might offend lobster purists. https://www.1606restaurant.com. The best lobster rolls in southern Maine are in Perkins Cove in Ogunquit at Footbridge lobster. That sounds great Gary. Rolls come in 3 different sizes, allowing for a sort of choose your own gluttonous adventure. Roy Moores is just a great, authentic, New England seafood shack. It was too late when I realized I had become addicted.

Woodmans Essex, MA By submitting your email, you agree to our, Shack Food: Casual Summer Dining in New England, 10 Hot Places to Eat and Drink in Kennebunkport, Fort Williams Park, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, 1447 Five Islands Rd, Georgetown, ME 04548, 97 Atlantic Ave, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538, 83 Eagle Quarry Rd, Spruce Head, ME 04859. John I couldnt agree anymore about how thoughtless this statement is: Lobster rolls in Maine are like heroin for those locals and visitors who need their fix. Pair with an ice cold beer, served on site, and let the good times roll! Incidentally that also have excellent fish and chips. a village south of popular beautiful Boothbay Harbor, the road that links all the towns and villages along coastal Maine, It was a pretty drive across the rolling hills of coastal Maine, although longer than I expected, The Maine Coast: A Great Summer Road Trip, Maine Cruises Experiencing the State From A Different Perspective, Windjammer Cruises on Maines Penobscot Bay, Coastal MaineThe Perfect Summer Road Trip | NeverStopTraveling. No mention of Anthonys take out on route 1 in York? Essex, MA 01929 Also Stonington/Deer Isle is beautiful and lots of options in Downeast Maine. But it was a huge sandwich, and she puts two lobsters worth of meat in there, our waiter told us. Armed with suggestions from the lobster concierge at our inn, we headed to our first lobster stop, We headed to Main Street to visit an old favorite, the. Diane Bair for The Boston Globe/Boston Globe. This mid-coast town (and embarkation point for several windjammer cruises) is host to the Maine Lobster Festival, running Aug. 1-5 this year. It was delivered in about three minutes and it was quite good, served on a Texas-toast type of bun, with plenty of butter on the side. I (and others, Im certain) appreciate your input. At the Dowling Walsh Gallery, we encountered sculptural lobster claws made of glass. Mainers are typically a little more relaxed and understanding and dont take things literally or too seriously when its not warranted. Reds Eats, Wiscasset41 Water StreetWiscasset, ME 04578(207) 882-6128Walk-up and take-out only; served with mayo or drawn butter on the side. Could Altiero make this gooey standby exciting? As it turned out, the best was yet to come: the lobster tacos at, Because we got a jump on the season, we were too early to feel the love at mid-coast Maines lobster pounds. Where is LDI lobster? She checked with chef James Hatch. So, kick back, enjoy some delicious seafood paired with the beer or wine of your choice and let mother nature take care of the rest. Location:346 Main Street in Rockland, Maine. Get the best of both worlds with lunch from this Fort Williams Park food cart: spectacular views of the ocean and Portland Head Light plus delicious rolls overflowing with fresh lobster meat. That is what is so wrong with this country. It cant be beaten. Jim if your ever in Rockland check into Claws. John, sometimes I wonder if theres a lobster pound or restaurant north of southern Maine. Your email address will not be published. Maine wonderful lobster roll served fresh with two sides and with mayo or warm butter. You can get a tasty Italian sub or a delicious chicken salad, but their lobster rolls are a steal! While its true that lobsters are harvested year-round in Maine, the majority are caught between late June and late December, when lobsters are most active, according to the Maine Lobster Council. Of course, Maine is synonymous with lobster. Rockland is one of the states big lobster harvesting spots, and you see reminders everywhere: At By George Jewelers, we saw necklaces adorned with tiny gold lobster claws. This article has a narrow perspective. Try Hancock and Washington Counties. Please do not comment on things unless you KNOW for a fact that they are true, some mistruths were stated about frozen lobster being used . The owners also run a live lobster retail and wholesale business, ensuring that each roll is filled with the day's freshest catch. I had heard great praises of another lobster-roll shack in Georgetown, a village south of popular beautiful Boothbay Harbor. Next time Im in Maine Ill try to get Red Barn and College Carryout. Im not sure how you compare Lobster and Herionbut this is very uncalled for! So, without further ado, here is our ranking of the best lobster rolls on Cape Ann, Massachusetts. http://www.jtfarnhams.com/. Though the Shack is primarily a take-out location, there are tables, benches, and umbrellas nearby. Two of them were winners in the Lobster Roll Rumble, the annual face-off in New York City hosted by Tasting Table as a charity benefit. Texas toast?! I was on a windjammer cruise and we had a lobster bake on an island one day. They are basically sophisticated McDonalds style fries, and they come with a delicious roasted garlic mayo. Thank you Vivien. The eastern most place cited is Reds Eats in Wiscasset. Glad you asked. Woodmans is a classic, no-frills New England seafood shack where you order at the counter. JT Farnhams All rights reserved. ROCKLAND Do you have lobster tacos today? we asked the woman who answered the phone at Home Kitchen Cafe. At that moment two people walked up and I explained that I wanted to buy one of them a roll. But were suckers for a water view, the perfect backdrop for the triple-decker of Get your lobster or crab roll, a bowl of clam/seafood chowder, baked bean and seasonal salads. Although Woodmans claim to fame is fried clams, their lobster rolls are absolutely fantastic! The recipes are endless, as are the summertime lines outside of the more popular lobster shacks. Rocklands lobster shacks and pounds start to open on Memorial Day weekend, when lobsters and tourists get more plentiful. Best lobster roll in the midcoast. The bread served at bonanza in the 80s. Heading back to Boston, we agreed that Rockland is a worthy destination for all things lobster. I hope you never have to deal with addiction. Hi Bobby. If you ask nicely, the people who run the restaurant will even share their favorite recipes with you. They turn out some tasty dishes featuring our favorite crustacean, they offer some pretty spots to enjoy lobster-with-a-view, and they dont commit crimes against lobster, like frying it, or churning it into ice cream. HOME KITCHEN CAFE - Lobster tacos come with black beans, avocado, red cabbage slaw, and cilantro. The entryway to Maine and this little gem of a place is noteworthy for sure! ARCHERS - The lobster club is loaded with lobster and bacon, lettuce, and tomato on crusty bread. I couldnt agree with you more, Ames. Beautiful fireworks display over the bay that night , Try the eagles nest in brewer. Tucked off the beaten path of downtown Brunswick, this humble market is a terrific off-the-radar pick. You missed two of the best places for a great Lobster Roll! OMG! Good article, I enjoyed it, Ive even heard that governors give a pretty good lobster roll, Bagaduce in Sedgwick Maine is wonderful great family owned business and get your moneys worth and great views! We hope you enjoyed the article and we hope to see you soon on Cape Ann!

Buck up Buttercups! Still others are butter only. I go there evertime I visit bangor maine the sister city of brewer. We couldnt wait to try his brick-oven-baked mac n cheese, and given that it cost $30 with lobster added in (this is optional), we would share. The freshest news from the food world every day. Well, it doesnt read well and takes away from your article.

Quickly realizing by the looks on their faces that they thought I was somewhat weird, I explained that I was writing this article and I didnt want to spend everyday eating several meals of lobster rolls. Excellent lobster and seafood takeout. One local favorite is James Beard award winner, Diane Bair and Pamela Wright, authors of Maine Coast Revealed, an iTunes app, can be reached at, Black News Hour presented by The Boston Globe. We take the lobsters from the boats right here and put them into a holding tank through which we pump the seawater from the bay. But today, we are going to focus on a New England favorite, the lobster roll. Every town has 1 or 2 great little places for all kinds of lobster rolls and seafood. The lobster roll at JT Farnhams comes on a classic top spit bun that is nicely toasted and filled to the brim with some hearty chunks of lobster served over lettuce. This I have learned is the key to happiness . They have non alcoholic beverages, but if you enjoy a beer or wine, byob is fine. Im certain there are many,many more great lobster roll places all over the state. in Port Clyde. Your guide to staying entertained, from live shows and outdoor fun to the newest in museums, movies, TV, books, dining, and more. Either made with mayo or with hot butter. Just a little bit of mayo and let the fresh lobster take care of the rest. https://www.lobstalandrestaurant.com. They are the best!!! Others are a mix of lobster meat and a bit of celery and mayo. Their ENTIRE MENU will make your cravings go thru the roof! Great view is a bonus. And Im hearing their lobster is frozen too, gross. Its served on a I was first warned about the lines while on the checkout line in the L.L. Theres a gas station there tooits easy to miss but definately worth the stop! kaiser roll, not a grilled hot dog roll, per local custom. When I asked the woman at the register how long was the drive to Rockport, she told me it will only take you about an hour. She then thought for a moment and warned me the only problem youll have is near Wiscasset because Reds Eats there serves the best lobster roll.. Too bad. Drink the Kool-Aid, and get in line a queue that frequently stretches onto the bridge over the Sheepscot River. Your Guide to Live Music at the 2022 Maine Lobster Festival, Maine Lobster Festival Announces 2022 Sea Princesses and Coronation Judges, The Story Behind the 2022 Maine Lobster Festival Poster, The Maine Lobster Festival: A Foodies Dream, Planning Your Trip to the 75th Maine Lobster Festival, The Maine Lobster Festival: A 75-Year History, Maine Sea Goddess Chloe Blake Shares Tips on How to Apply, Exciting Changes for the 75th Maine Lobster Festival. Cash only. Required fields are marked *. Then there was the creepy trio of caroler-type dolls with painted-lobster-claw faces at Lucky Dog Gallery.

Remember, however, the article is only a review of those chosen in a contest. Because we got a jump on the season, we were too early to feel the love at mid-coast Maines lobster pounds. This online reviewer from Salem, hit the nail on the head! The General Store does serve other seafood dishes, including haddock sandwiches, chowder, and fish tacos. Fishermans Catch in Raymond, Maine on Hwy 302 and Bobs clam hut in Kittery Maine! Over breakfast, Hantz shared a tip: I often send guests over to Jesss Market to get a cooked lobster to go, she said. This was a last-meal-worthy lunch. Thanks for your comment. Both are an experience! Cindys Lobster Rolls in Freeport. Always enjoy hearing of new places. But weve set out on monumental task of determining, through the application of scientific method and painstaking analysis, which is the best lobster roll on Cape Ann. The winner of the 2012 and 2013 Lobster Roll Rumble., Eventide Oyster Co., Portland86 Middle StreetPortland, ME 04101(207) 774-8538A smallish restaurant with a bar atmosphere and outdoor seating; serves its rolls with a choice of Hollandaise, House Mayo, or Brown Butter Vinaigrette.