Last Updated on October 13, 2023
Lobster rolls in Maine are like heroin for those locals and visitors who need their fix…
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
By Jim Ferri
I’d never tasted lobster rolls in Maine, but since I’d read and heard so much about them decided to try one during my drive along the Maine coast. It was too late when I realized I had become addicted.
If you’ve never heard of a lobster roll (and many people haven’t) here’s the definition offered by the James Beard Foundation, the organization regarded by top chefs as the Holy See of the food industry: “A specialty of Maine, they are basically hot dog buns stuffed with lobster salad.”
Lobster Rolls in Maine – Hot Dog Buns With Lobster Salad?
Hot dog buns? Lobster salad? Ugh…you may just as well call Beef Wellington a hunk of meat wrapped in a donut. So perhaps it’s time for the Foundation fathers to book a trip to coastal Maine.
In Maine you’ll 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. But it’s the inside that makes the difference.
Granted, some rolls are similar to lobster salad and contain myriad ingredients. Others are a mix of lobster meat and a bit of celery and mayo. Also some have only fresh lobster pieces with the slightest hint of mayonnaise. Still others are butter only. But the recipes are endless, as are the summertime lines outside of the more popular lobster shacks.
First Stop, Red’s Eats
I was first warned about the lines while on the checkout line in the L.L. Bean store in Freeport, Maine. 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 you’ll have is near Wiscasset because Red’s Eats there serves the best lobster roll.”
About a half-hour later I stopped at Red’s Eats and explained to the young woman and her three coworkers inside that I’d never tasted a lobster roll and since I didn’t want a whole one I would just like to buy a spoonful for a taste. She told me but she was sorry but she wasn’t allowed to do that.
Thinking Me Weird…
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. At that moment two people walked up and I explained that I wanted to buy one of them a roll.
But 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 didn’t want to spend everyday eating several meals of lobster rolls. “Oh,” they said, “no, we’ll buy it and you can have a taste of it.”
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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. 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.
Five Islands Lobster Company
I had heard great praises of another lobster-roll shack in Georgetown, a village south of popular beautiful Boothbay Harbor. A few days later while driving on U.S. 1, the road that links all the towns and villages along coastal Maine, I turned eastward on Rt. 127 towards Georgetown.
It was a pretty drive across the rolling hills of coastal Maine, although longer than I expected. Also, I had no idea where I was going after I passed a few forks in the road that weren’t sign-posted. I decided just to keep driving in the direction of the ocean and soon came to the Five Islands Lobster. It’s on a little promontory of rock in Sheepscot Bay.
It was a delicious roll, which along with the scenery made the drive well worth it. I also sought out the owner, Keith Longbottom, and asked why some people consider his rolls to be the best in Maine.
“It’s because of the freshness,” he told me. “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. 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.
Top Places for Lobster Rolls in Maine
There are many lobster shacks and restaurants scattered all along the Maine coast, each with its own recipe and legions of fans.
Here are five popular places renown for their lobster rolls. They were selected based upon favorites shared with me by Mainers. Two of them were also winners in the “Lobster Roll Rumble,” the annual face-off in New York City hosted by Tasting Table as a charity benefit.
It’s interesting to note that although entrants in the “Rumble” came from all over the USA, the winners were, once again, all from Maine.
Places Recommended By Mainers
Red’s Eats, Wiscasset
41 Water Street
Wiscasset, ME 04578
(207) 882-6128
Walk-up and take-out only; served with mayo or drawn butter on the side.
Five Islands Lobster Co., Georgetown
1447 5 Islands Road
Georgetown, ME 04548
(207) 371-2990
Walk-up and take-out only; eat at the picnic tables or grassy area overlooking Sheepscot Bay.
The Clam Shack, Kennebunkport
2 Western Avenue
Kennebunk, ME 04043
207) 967-2560
Walk-up and take-out only; offers lobster roll with melted butter, a swipe of mayo, or both. The winner of the 2012 and 2013 “Lobster Roll Rumble.”
Eventide Oyster Co., Portland
86 Middle Street
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-8538
A smallish restaurant with a bar atmosphere and outdoor seating; serves its rolls with a choice of Hollandaise, House Mayo, or Brown Butter Vinaigrette. Awarded the Editor’s Choice Award in the 2013 “Lobster Roll Rumble.”
Warren’s Lobster House, Kittery
11 Water Street
Kittery, ME 03904
(207) 439-1630
A large popular restaurant with about a dozen lobster dishes on its menu; boasts of its “Foot Long Lobster Roll,” the “biggest in Maine.”
You may also enjoy: The Maine Coast: A Great Summer Road Trip / Maine Cruises – Experiencing the State From A Different Perspective / A Quick Visit to Boothbay Harbor, Maine / Windjammer Cruises on Maine’s Penobscot Bay
Jim your starting statement was VERY Unprofessional and thoughtless.
Ps Augusta, Maine has REAL GOOD lobster rolls at Red Barn and Collage Carryout
Hi John,
Thanks for your comment. No, it was neither unprofessional or thoughtless. Merely literary license. Next time I’m in Maine I’ll try to get Red Barn and College Carryout
You are aware that there’s an epidemic of opiate addiction in this country, definitely including Maine, and that it destroys lives, right?
‘Literary license’ revoked.
Jim if your ever in Rockland check into Claws. Best lobster roll in the midcoast. Either made with mayo or with hot butter
Thank you Samantha!
Claws in Rockland has my vote as does Corea on the Warf in Corea, Maine. Both are an experience! Delish!
Thank you Juli – two more places for good lobster rolls!
Well, it doesn’t read well and takes away from your article.
Do not bother trying Red Barn. Lobster rolls are frozen on a hot dog bun and way too expensive.
Hi Melissa,
Thanks fior your comment. Have you any suggestions for other places in Maine?
The lobster buoy in Bangor
Thank you Robyn!
Cindy’s Lobster Rolls in Freeport. They are the best!!!
Thank you Ellen!
John I couldn’t agree anymore about how thoughtless this statement is:
“Lobster rolls in Maine are like heroin for those locals and visitors who need their fix…”
His choice of word’s “literary” or not is unacceptable. I’m not sure how you compare Lobster and Herion…but this is very uncalled for!
Everyone knows what he’s talking about . Stop being so offended by everything. That is what is so wrong with this country.
So, true, Hank. Great article, in my opinion.
Thank you Linda. I’m glad you liked it.
Hank! You nailed it. Bingo.
I found this to be very helpful not offensive.
I know and understand exactly what was said and I wish people would just stop trying to find things to complain about.
When you pay app: $30. For a lobster roll you want to find one of the best so I thank you.
Thank you Roberta.
John, sometimes I wonder if there’s a lobster pound or restaurant north of southern Maine. I guess there are now three Maines!
High Tide, Low Tide in Skowhegan, Maine.
Excellent lobster and seafood takeout.
My last lobster roll at the Red Barn was frozen and overpriced on a hot dog bun. That is not a good lobster roll. There are way better ones in Maine.
I am enjoying being 11yrs opiate-free from this ‘addiction’ which (as you say) is an epidemic in the State of Maine. Although I understand your not being very enthusiastic with the verbiage being used by Mr Ferri in describing his feelings about lobster rolls I sometimes think we need to ‘lighten-up’ on what is being said taking into consideration the context in which it was used! I’ve lived my entire life in coastal Maine & I can honestly say that I’ve also been an ‘addict’ for lobster rolls since the age of 5 & I’m currently 69yrs old!
Let’s 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”!
FYI: Please try the Lobster Rolls @ “The Gurnet Bridge Trading Co” located @ 602 Gurnet Rd Brunswick! OMG! – Their ENTIRE MENU will make your cravings go thru the roof!
Thank you Doris!
Well said. Thank you. Some of these comments were difficult to read. Mainers are typically a little more relaxed and understanding and don’t take things literally or too seriously when it’s not warranted. Voice of reason appreciated. I took am a Lobster addict living on AZ. I so look forward to my trips home and a couple of weeks of nonstop seafood excess.
Now you sound like a real Mainer! True to your love of lobster and understanding and compassionate. I miss my Hometown b Maine people!
Right? What the hell is texas toast? The bread served at bonanza in the 80’s.
We use split top buttered hot dog buns and cold lobster lightly mayo’d.
Reds uses frozen Canadian meat. Go across the street.
The Lobster Shack in downtown Rockland next to the Farnsworth museum is fantastic. Her son fishes off Matinicus and brings fresh lobster almost daily. Crab too.
Lighten up Francis.
Thank you Jim!
No mention of Anthony’s take out on route 1 in York? You’re kidding? The entryway to Maine and this little gem of a place is noteworthy for sure! There’s a gas station there too…it’s easy to miss but definately worth the stop!
Thank you Claire. Always enjoy hearing of new places. Remember, however, the article is only a review of those chosen in a contest. I’m certain there are many,many more great lobster roll places all over the state.
I must agree, being a true born and raised mainer I was discusted by the opening. I am sure it was for writing purposes but wrong and better ways.
As for best of the best lobster rolls it’s all about tastes preference, freshness, quanity price etc. The best doesn’t have to be on the coast or rt 1 the red barn, Jimmies formally rowes in dixfield, longreens variety in Livermore or steve’s market in Wilton have “the best” and “biggest” without tourist pricing. If you go to rowes (sorry Jimmies) don’t 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!
Thank you Heather.
Just do you know, sir, Bangor has excellent lobster rolls at McLaughlins Seafood on Main Street. They are incredible and I can say that after having eaten a dozen or more every summer for the past 25 years or so. There is also the Eagles Nest cafe in Brewer. Every town has 1 or 2 great little places for all kinds of lobster rolls and seafood.
One of the best things to do is to camp along the ocean buy lobsters right from the boats and dig muscles on the shore and cook them up as an appetizer to eat as you wait to boil your lobsters. It can’t be beaten.
That sounds great Gary. I was on a windjammer cruise and we had a lobster bake on an island one day. Delicious!
I agree the heroin comment was uncalled for !
Please, please, please stop promoting Reds Eats. They are no better than anywhere else, and the constant promotion by the owner is just that….. Self promotion. Reds has destroyed that town, and everyone local just drives by and laughs at the idiot/ fillable tourists and all the locals go across the street anyway.
How has it destroyed the town? Just curious. And I’m hearing their lobster is frozen too, gross.
Disagree…RED’S EATS is the best I’ve had anywhere in Maine…and I’ve had many. Worth every dime and every minute in line!
Thank you for your opinion Carol!
My last lobster roll at the Red Barn was frozen and overpriced on a hot dog bun. That is not a good lobster roll. There are way better ones in Maine.
It’s a crime that the Eagles Nest in Brewer isn’t on here
Ah…another place for good lobster rolls!
There’s a lot of hoopla about the Eagle’s Nest. I went there once to treat myself and see if it was as good as people said it was. Well, nope. Barely thawed meat, dry, cold roll, cold service. Go to McLaughlin’s in Bangor or McLaughlin’s Marina in Hampden if you’re in that neck of the woods.
Wow… Just wow…how thoughtless. I hope you never have to deal with addiction. You could have come up with a different analogy.
And I hope you develop some ability to not be so offended by everything Karen.
Noah’s Ark in Medway is the BEST. Nobody ever writes about Northern Maine though.
All I gotta say is The Lobster Claw in Saco beats all!! Check em out!!
As usual, you guys never go anywhere but the most obvious and touristy places. And surprise, surprise. James Beard is right and your wrong. Buttered and grilled hot dog rolls are the way to go. And finally a TASTE or SPOONFUL of lobster is going to allow a clear example of a roll? What a cheapskate!
How has it destroyed the town? Just curious. And I’m hearing their lobster is frozen too, gross.
If you are talking abkut Red’s Eats, I can guarantee you that the lobster is not frozen, my brother would NEVER had allowed that. 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. That was what gave him the idea to have ONLY FRESH lobster meat and put more than one lobster in a roll. He was first to do it, now some others copy him, but it was his idea!!! DON’T SAY SOMETHING UNLESS YOU KNOW IT IS TRUE FOR A FACT!!!!!
Thank you very much Cheryl. I totally agree with you about getting one’s facts straight before saying or writing something.
I couldn’t agree with you more, Ames. This is a lazy and tourist-centered article and does nothing for actually educating people about lobster rolls in Maine. Texas toast?! Is he serious?
Right? What the hell is texas toast? The bread served at bonanza in the 80’s.
We use split top buttered hot dog buns and cold lobster lightly mayo’d.
Reds uses frozen Canadian meat. Go across the street.
The Lobster Shack in downtown Rockland next to the Farnsworth museum is fantastic. Her son fishes off Matinicus and brings fresh lobster almost daily. Crab too.
This article has a narrow perspective. Too bad. Doesn’t mentioning any places Down East, where most lobsters are caught. The eastern most place cited is Red’s Eats in Wiscasset. Way over priced. How about some places with really fresh lobster right off the boat and consistent quality. McLoon’s by Spruce Head (south of Rockland) is a great example. Great view is a bonus. Also Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound (at the bridge to Mt. Desert Island). Superstars both. Many other places east of the places covered in this article deserve a try. Your taste buds will be rewarded, and you will enjoy visiting real coastal Maine.
Thank you Alfred. I (and others, I’m certain) appreciate your input.
The best lobster rolls in southern Maine are in Perkins Cove in Ogunquit at Footbridge lobster. It’s a takeout only shack with fresh generous sized rolls served with the traditional potato chips. Lobsters come in right off the boat and they also serve 2 for one lobsters if you want to crack your own lobsters. Incidentally that also have excellent fish and chips
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? You wrote a great travel article, with the good and the bad, and too bad for those that are addicted, but one can be addicted to a good “lobster roll” also! It’s just a saying…….such touchy people! Feel sorry for those angry folks! Planning on following your suggestions, and perhaps stopping at Red’s. You were on US 1, why suggest something out of your route, no matter how good? Obviously they missed the whole point of your article!
Thank you Vivien. And don’t worry about the nasties, you’ll meet some very nice people in Maine. By the way, my daughter visited Maine last month and went to Red’s for a lobster roll. They then left when they learned it was a 2+ hour wait! There are plenty of places for lobster rolls if you can’t get your at Red’s. Have a wonderful trip!
Can’t believe you didn’t mention Youngs Lobster Pound in Belfast! About as fresh as you can get, and great view of the wharf!
Thanks for giving us another place for good lobster rolls, Randy!
My only comment, Delicious places??? Shouldn’t that be Best places for Delicious Lobster Rolls
Hi Mary, yes it should be…but I like to play with words now an then…
If you didn’t include LDI lobster in the top 5, it’s because you haven’t been. Better than all of these (which are also great)
Hi Amy, as I stated in the story I didn’t make up the list. Where is LDI lobster? Thanks for giving us another lobster shack to visit.
All in southern Maine. Guess the writer has never been to Bar Harbor or Eastport.
Hi Barbara, I have been all along the coast of beautiful Maine as you can see in another article I did on “The Maine Coast: A Great Summer Road Trip”. This article was focused on Southern Maine since that’s where the lobster roll places I was reviewing are located. You’ll also find other articles on Maine on NST.
There are alot of places north of southern Maine, which is usually all people/writers talk about!!!
Maine has so much more to offer if you just try these places!! Eagle Nest in Brewer has one of the best lobster rolls!! Along with McLaughlin seafood. Also Stonington/Deer Isle is beautiful and lots of options in Downeast Maine.
Thank you Cheryl. I remember Stonington and Deer Isle well. Both are beautiful and relaxing.
Try Hancock and Washington Counties. The real Down East.
Thank you Russell.
First of all, thanks Jim for writing such a glowing review of your visit to my beautiful state!!!
Second of all. Vivien, I can assure you that most Mainers are not bitter and mean. My family and I go to reds every summer, except for last summer, of course. The crab roll and the onion rings are also delicious, the rude man was right, if the line is to long, the lobster shack across the street is just as good. But if it’s fresh whole lobster that you’re looking for, and you’re in Freeport. It doesn’t get any fresher than harraseeket lunch. It’s a little shack that sits over the water. You order it the window and they pull your lobster up through a trap door in the floor!! It’s amazing! They have inside and outside seating. They have non alcoholic beverages, but if you enjoy a beer or wine, byob is fine.
If you’re going to booth at, cabbage island clambake is amazing. Ferry ride and a clambake. Another summer staple for my family,
Good luck!! Enjoy the lobster!
Than you Stephanie!
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 ) . 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 . 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 . I am from Northern Rhode Island and drive to Maine for the DEEP WATER LOBSTER , yes it makes a difference . It’s really like beer and wine , don’t pay attention to what JUST what is highly rated and eat and drink what you like and what tastes good to you . This I have learned is the key to happiness 🙂
Great points Tom. Thank you. I never realized that about deep water lobster but I can understand why it would make a difference.
Lighten up Karen’s, it’s about lobster rolls.
Buck up Buttercups!
Good article, I enjoyed it, I’ve even heard that governors give a pretty good lobster roll
Thank you Toby!
Bagaduce in Sedgwick Maine is wonderful great family owned business and get your money’s worth and great views! Also YU take it in Hancock amazing food and variety
Thank you Courtney!
Walk down Cottage St on MILBRIDGE DAYS Saturday July 31st for FRESH CAUGHT LOBSTER on HOT DOG ROLLS grilled with SWEET BUTTER and SEA SALT. Beautiful fireworks display over the bay that night 🦞🎇
Try the eagles nest in brewer. Maine wonderful lobster roll served fresh with two sides and with mayo or warm butter. I go there evertime I visit bangor maine the sister city of brewer.
Thanks sal catrini
Thank you Sal. Another lobster-roll shack to add yo our ever-growing list!
My husband and I visited Red’s and I would give it a Pass! The lobster tasted like it was defrosted, it wasn’t good, we ordered the onion rings and they were burnt. It was not worth the money, the wait or our time. I would not go there again.
Thank you Castro family!
You missed two of the best places for a great Lobster Roll! Fisherman’s Catch in Raymond, Maine on Hwy 302 and Bob’s clam hut in Kittery Maine!
Why do you only hit the spots that have the most hype?? You obviously ain’t no Mainer!
Hi Bobby. I only had time to go to the top five that had won in a highly publicized contest for the best Lobster Rolls in Maine. And yes, you’re correct, I ain’t no Mainer (but I love Maine).
The Lobstah Buoy in Bangor.
Thank you Rachel. The more we can get, the better for everyone!