On my very first trip to Maine in 2015, I tried my first lobster roll, and I was immediately hooked. Not just on the lobster rolls but on Maine itself. It’s such an underrated state, and honestly, there is so much to love about the entire state. But there is something special about coastal Maine with its rugged coastline, lobster boats, and of course, LOBSTER ROLLS! You won’t find lobster shacks in short supply while visiting coastal Maine, but not all lobster rolls are created equally. Of course, this list is subjective, but I do consider myself a lobster roll connoisseur at this point. So let’s dive into The Best Lobster Rolls In Maine!
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- Who Made The First Lobster Roll?:
- So What Makes A Maine Lobster Roll?:
- The Top 10 Lobster Rolls In Maine
- AND THE NUMBER 1:
- Bonus:
If you’ve ever spent any time in coastal New England, you are probably aware that lobster reigns supreme. In both the industrial and culinary sense, Northeasterners make the most of these delectable crustaceans but in the absolute best way, the lobster roll.
Who Made The First Lobster Roll?:
The lobster roll’s origin generally traces back to Maine, which is understandable because coastal areas arguably make the best lobster rolls. Many believe that lobster meat was served in butter on New England style hot dog buns at various road stands beginning in 1970.
However, the first lobster roll was actually served in Connecticut around 1929. Nowadays, nearly every seafood restaurant in New England serves its own interpretation of the classic lobster roll. While there is no single founder of this New England delicacy, it’s safe to say that a few restaurants caught on, and the love for this sandwich grew from there.
So What Makes A Maine Lobster Roll?:
Well, that delicious claw and tail meat, the perfect New England-style roll, and the addition of mayo, sometimes chives, and occasionally warm butter (although by most accounts, the warm butter classifies the roll as a Connecticut-style roll). The mainstay with the Maine lobster roll is that the meat is usually cold, although a few places on the list serve them warmed with warm butter (again, most classify this as a Connecticut roll). In any case, if you’ve never had a Maine lobster roll, you are missing out!
Lobster rolls are so popular in Maine during the summer that you can even find them on the menu at McDonald’s (although those lobster rolls definitely don’t make this list.)
Let’s jump in and talk about the Top 10 Lobster Rolls In Maine. Also, let me preface this list by saying that ALL of these lobster rolls are amazing and you really can’t go wrong getting any of them!
The Top 10 Lobster Rolls In Maine
10. Cape Elizabeth, Maine
- 225 Two Lights Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
- Find the full menu here
Price:
- Lobster Roll Boat – $22.99
- Lobster Roll Al A Carte – $19.99
On The Roll:
The Lobster Shack At Two Lights is such a great spot. While it’s not my absolute favorite lobster roll, this one is still pretty fantastic. This will probably be your favorite lobster roll if you are a purist. These classic Maine-style rolls have a heap of lobster served on a bed of lettuce toasted bun, with a large dollop of mayo on one side. They are served with fries and coleslaw.
But The Lobster Shack also offers a great lobster dinner, and I took my Nanny (Grandma) once, and she absolutely loved the Clam Cakes.
The View:
The Lobster Shack At Two Lights has THE best views on this list. It’s right on the edge of the ocean and there are picnic tables where you can feel ocean spray on your face as you enjoy your lobster roll. It’s such an amazing spot to sit and eat in the summer.
9. Wiccassette, Maine –
- 41 Water St, Wiscasset, ME 04578
- Find the full menu here
Price –
- Market Value – Usually somewhere around $30ish
On The Roll –
This Wiccassette institution (they are celebrating 83 years) is home to the reigning champ on lobster rolls. That’s right, this is Maine’s number 1 Lobster Roll! You may have seen Red’s Eats on The Zimmern List, and it was named Maine’s number 1 roll again last year by Down East Magazine! It hits number 9 on my list, and that’s not to say it’s not an excellent lobster roll because it is.
This is absolutely the most meaty and stuffed lobster roll I’ve ever had. I will say because it’s so stuffed with meat, it is a little harder to eat than some of the other lobster rolls on this list. Red’s roll is served with a side of Kate’s Maine Butter, which is a local, family-run business. Or mayonnaise on the side, it’s your choice. I recommend the butter here. It’s delicious.
There is one thing for certain – I have never found a more stuffed lobster roll in Maine! Red’s lives up to the hype, and I promise the long lines are worth it!
The View –
There is seating behind the lobster shack on the riverside. However, when I went in 2019, there was a lot of construction in the area, so the views were pretty obstructed. It’s definitely not a bad view of the Sheepscot River.
8. Boothbay Harbor, Maine –
- 23 Granary Way, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
- Find the full menu here
Price:
- $22
On The Roll:
You’ll pass other lobster shacks on your way to Shannon’s Unshelled but stay the course. This is if you want a lobster roll that is well worth the money. Shannon’s is a casual atmosphere that fits the vibe of their lobster roll. You’ll find fresh Maine lobster meat stuffed to the max into a perfectly grilled roll, drizzled in sea salted drawn butter. The salted butter is the perfect compliment to the sweet lobster, and you’ll also get chips & fresh coleslaw.
The View:
This cute little shack, with its picnic tables with big red umbrellas, is the perfect place to sit outside in the summer. Although it’s not the most scenic location on this list, it is still such a great little spot!
7. Thomaston, Maine –
- 315 Island Rd, Spruce Head Island, ME 04858
- Find the full menu here
- Opening May 29, 2021
Price:
- Market Value
On The Roll:
McCloons is hailed by many as THE best lobster roll in Maine! One things for sure – it’s worth the drive to eat this yummy, tender claw and tail meat in a perfect grilled roll. You’ve got a choice of mayo or warm butter on your roll, and each lobster roll is served with chips, coleslaw, and a pickle.
McCloons is known for its purist approach to the classic lobster roll. You can taste this lobster, and it’s not drowning in mayo or butter. Many say these rolls are the perfect combo of fresh lobster and tangy mayo, and I agree.
The View:
One of the best views on this list McCloons has beautiful coastal views. You can enjoy your lobster roll while looking out over the sea at the nearby islands. It’s an idyllic spot perched over the harbor, and it doesn’t get much better than that while eating fresh seafood.
6. Kennebunkport, Maine –
- 77 Pier Road, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
- Find the full menu here
Price:
- $26
On The Roll:
At The Ramp in Kennebunkport, you can find the Lobster Roll “Pier 77 Style.” You’ll get fresh succulent lobster tossed in house mayonnaise. The yummy lobster is piled high on a perfectly toasted bun, and the entire roll has a nice fresh taste! It comes with The Ramp’s housemade potato chips.
The View:
The Ramp is located right under Pier 77 and offers a more casual dining experience. It feels like a local pub. The harbor views are gorgeous, and you are right on the water’s edge.
5. Kennebunk, Maine –
- 2 Western Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043
- Find the full menu here
Price:
- 20.95
On The Roll:
Chances are, if you’ve been to Kennebunk, you’ve heard of The Clam Shack! A Kennebunkport staple for 50 years, this place is just classic coastal Maine in every way. The lobster roll here has been named “America’s Best Lobster Rolls” by Food & Wine Magazine. Their lobster roll is known for The Clam Shack’s no-frills approach. There is a reason lobster rolls are a classic in Maine, and they celebrate that here. This is another roll that has become a rock star in the Maine seafood scene, and it’s received culinary accolades from major food publications to national television shows alike.
This roll is incredibly fresh because it literally only has a 5-minute drive from the ocean to your plate! The lobsters are boiled in ocean water, a trade secret that enhances the sweetness of the already succulent lobster. The lobster is served in a fresh Maine bakery roll, and you get a choice of butter, mayo, or both. Don’t worry, they don’t judge what you want on your roll!
They also have freshly squeezed lemonade in the summer!
The View:
The Clam Shack is perched on the Kennebunk River. The waterfront views and ocean breeze are the perfect backdrop for enjoying the classic coastal Maine lobster rolls here. Keeping with the classic vibes all dishes are take-away, so you eat al fresco on wooden benches and lobster crates or at picnic tables big enough for the whole family. If it sounds like the perfect summer spot, that’s because it is!
4. York, Maine –
- 315 US-1, Kittery, ME 03904
- Find full menu here
Price:
- Market Value – In the summer, generally between $24-$28
- Jumbo – Market Value – In the summer, generally in the mid-’30s
On The Roll:
I had my very first lobster roll at Bob’s Clam Hut! It’s where I fell in love with lobster rolls, and the obsession began. Haha When people would come to visit me when I lived in New England, I would always take everyone to Bob’s for their first lobster roll.
I recommend the jumbo and trust me, you won’t regret it! The jumbo comes with either mayo or butter. If you want a more classic taste, I recommend the mayo. These babies are stuffed full of claw and tail meat. It comes with fries and a pickle, but I highly recommend subbing them out for the sweet potato fries.
The View:
Admittedly Bob’s Clam Hut doesn’t have the best view as it’s next to the Kittery Trading Post, which you should definitely check out on your visit to York, Maine. It’s also right off Route 1, which is the main artery through the area.
3. Portland, Maine –
- 86 Middle Street, Portland, Maine 04101
- Find the full menu here
Price:
- $17.00
On The Roll:
Eventide Oyster Co in Portland, Maine, is known for its unique twist on this New England classic. They serve up small pieces of lobster on an Asian-inspired, sweet steamed roll and top it off with sinfully delicious brown butter sauce. The brown butter sauce paired with chives and the warm lobster meat is beyond fantastic.
The View:
Portland is one of my favorite cities in New England. I love the old-school industrial feel of Portland. But in terms of views, this isn’t the best that you are going to get but trust me, the lobster roll is worth a stop here.
2. Cape Elizabeth, Maine –
There are 3 places where you can find Bite Into Maine Food trucks –
In Fort Williams Park
- 1000 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth, Maine 04107
- Opening May 1
At Allagash Brewing Co
- 50 Industrial Way, Portland, ME 04103
Or Get takeout from them at
The Commissary In Scarborough, Maine
- 185 US Route One #2, Scarborough, Maine 04074
- 12 Seat Takeout
- Find the full menu here
Price:
- $24
- XL Roll for an additional $6
On The Roll:
I absolutely LOVE to Bite Into Maine! My friend and I visited the location at Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth, and trust me when I say this roll is worth the wait. Trust me, there will be a line, and there is always a line, but it is so worth it.
My favorite was the Maine Style roll, which is made in the classic Maine style with mayo and chives. These rolls are stuffed to the brim, and the chives just make them so fresh. One of my friends got the CT Style, and that was also really good. Bite Into Maine also offers Chipotle, Curry, and Wasabi rolls if you are a little more daring with your lobster rolls! Grab a blueberry soda to go with your lobster roll, and you are all set.
The View:
I highly recommend the Fort Williams Park location because of the views. You are right next to Portland Head Light, and you definitely don’t want to miss that on any trip to Portland/Cape Elizabeth. Find a picnic table in the park and enjoy your lobster roll. It’s amazing.
AND THE NUMBER 1:
1. Acadia National Park – Southwest Harbor, Maine –
- 465 Seawall Rd, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679
- Find the full menu here
Price:
- $36.95 For Footlong
- $19.95 ¼ lb Roll
On The Roll:
On my second visit to Charlotte’s, it was explained to me that a recent study found that lobsters actually feel pain. So, when they are stressed before they die, the meat will end up being really chewy. Charlotte’s has figured out how to humanely turn their lobsters into lobster rolls, and you can tell a HUGE difference. You can get these rolls 2 ways; with mayo or butter. Here, I highly suggest you try it with butter!
This roll has incredibly tender meat compared to a lot of others I’ve tried, and it’s honestly just the best. Make sure to get some blueberry ice cream for dessert.
The View:
It may not have the best coastal view, but Charlotte’s is on the quiet side of the island, and there is way less traffic in Southwest Harbor than if you go to Bar Harbor. There are a few picnic tables outside where your furry friends can join you, and there is a really pretty field right next to the picnic tables. It’s just a great little spot!
Bonus:
For Something Completely Different Try –
HighRoller Lobster Co
- 104 Exchange Street, Portland, ME 04101
- Find the full menu here
If you are looking for something different, you’ve gotta check out HighRoller Lobster Co. I highly recommend the lobster cheese crisp tacos here! Yep, you guessed it, this is lobster inside of a taco shell made of cheese. And yes, it’s as good as it sounds! The fries are also excellent.
As I mentioned before, you can’t go wrong when getting any of these rolls, and this list is completely subjective. I prefer my rolls with really tender lobster, stuffed juuuust right, with mayo and chives, but occasionally with that local warm butter drizzle. There is a roll for everyone on this list, whether you prefer the classic or an unexpected twist, Maine has so many options when it comes to lobster rolls. One thing is for certain, if you go to Maine, you’ve GOTTA try at least one! Or you can be like me and eat as many as possible on each trip to Maine!
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