There are few states that do anything better than Maine does a lobster roll. But that’s not especially surprising given that lobster is a $300 million per year industry in the state. Maine’s restaurants, from upscale brick-and-mortar establishments to small seaside shacks, have perfected the art of the lobster roll. We searched high and low (and ate a lotta lobster) to compile the following list of 11 restaurants where you can find the best lobster rolls in Maine.
- Quoddy Bay Lobster, Eastport
Quoddy Bay Lobster / Facebook
Quoddy Bay Lobster / Facebook Family-owned and operated Quoddy Bay Lobster is an establishment in Maine. Their longevity comes as no surprise to anyone who has tasted their lobster roll. It’s fresh and simple, and eating one outside, with the view of the Bay of Fundy, is a totally sublime experience. Get hours and more on their Facebook page.
- Harrasseeket Lunch and Lobster, South Freeport
David Carney / Facebook
Jason Adams / Facebook This stalwart in Freeport has been helping the good people of Southern Maine eat well since 1970. Stroll up to the window, order your fare and watch the boats come in and out of the working waterfront. Find hours and more at their website.
- Graffam Bros. Seafood Shack, Rockport
Graffam Bros. Seafood Market / Facebook
Graffam Bros. Seafood Market / Facebook Graffam Bros have been offering up fresh seafood at the market since 1946. The shack was opened across the street to meet the demand of folks who wanted something tasty immediately. Try their lobster roll, and make your way through the entire menu because you really can’t go wrong here. Find hours and more at their website.
- Bagaduce Lunch, Penobscot
Franklin B. / Yelp
Bagaduce Lunch / Facebook Bagaduce Lunch is constantly on our “best of” lists, and that’s because we absolutely love it. When it came time to rave specifically about their lobster rolls, we could not resist. The rolls here are priced right and with a location right at the mouth of the Bagaduce River, you’ll enjoy scenic Maine views as well. Get hours and more on their Facebook page.
- McLoons Lobster Shack, South Thomaston
McLoons Lobster Shack / Facebook
McLoons Lobster Shack / Facebook Named “Best Hidden Lobster Shack” by Yankee Magazine, McLoons serves up a lobster roll that is truly the Rolls Royce of rolls. In fact, it even comes with that high-rolling (pun intended) name! (Ordering the “Rolls Royce” lobster roll will get you twice the lobster.) Place your order one at the window, wait at a nearby picnic table, and watch the sun set. Feel free to BYOB to this place, and plan on leaving room for desert – their strawberry shortcake the perfect ending to a quintessentially Maine meal. Get the scoop on seasonal hours and menu items on their website.
- Red’s Eats, Wiscasset
Red’s Eats / Facebook
Red’s Eats / Facebook Billed as “the world’s best lobster shack,” Red’s lives up to the hype. There’s almost always a long line – and for good reason. The servings are generous, with giant, melt-in-your-mouth lobster meat filling up the sandwich. Dipped into melted butter, you may have a religious experience. Get the details on hours and menu items on their website.
- Bite Into Maine, Cape Elizabeth
Bite Into Maine / Facebook
Bite Into Maine / Facebook This perfectly located food truck offers up six different types of lobster rolls. Grab one just before heading off to explore Fort Williams Park and Portland Head. They’ve already become a Portland legend, and have also been included on USA Today’s list of Maine/Massachusetts Best Lobster Rolls. As a result, you may be dealing with some heftier lines at this seasonal lobster shack – but, trust us, it’s worth it. Get the details on hours and menu items on their website.
- Shannon’s Unshelled, Boothbay Harbor
Shannon’s Unshelled / Facebook
Shannon’s Unshelled / Facebook If you want a lobster roll that is well-worth the money, this is it. In one roll, you’ll get delicious chunks of fish along with both lobster claw and tail. The atmosphere here is casual, and the folks who run it constantly get rave reviews for their hospitality. Follow them on Facebook for current hours and more information.
- The Red Barn, Augusta
Lilie N. / Yelp
Jessica Y. / Yelp The Red Barn made its way onto this list for its epic, otherworldly creation, The Crustacean Elation. If one regular-sized lobster roll bores you, this foot-long creation will surely satiate you. With 28 ounces of lobster meat, it is certainly something to behold (with two hands!). Get season hours and more on their website.
- Greet’s Eats, Vinalhaven
Greet’s Eats / Facebook
Greet’s Eats / Facebook Greta McCarthy has been running her lobster truck near the Vinalhaven ferry terminal since 2009. And this just might be the freshest lobster shack in Maine – as well as the most authentic. Greta’s family has lived on the island for seven generations, and her roll recipe is a true Maine treasure. This humble food truck has earned big accolades, with Down East Magazine calling Greet’s Eats as the “best lobster roll in Maine.” Follow this fab food truck on Facebook for current hours and more information.
- The Lobster Shack at Two Lights
The Lobster Shack at Two Lights, Inc/Facebook
Kuanhua Huang/Google You can’t talk about lobster rolls in Maine without mentioning The Lobster Shack at Two Lights. In addition to offering diners some of the best ocean views in the state, the eponymous shack dishes up the most classic, iconic version of Maine’s unofficial food. Served, of course, atop those red-and-white food trays. The Lobster Shack at Two Lights is open seasonally from March through October. Read more about this must-visit lobster shack on their website.
How many of these Maine lobster rolls have you tried? And if you’re hungry for more, check out our review of this iconic Maine lobster shack and its classic take on the humble lobster roll.
Quoddy Bay Lobster / Facebook
Family-owned and operated Quoddy Bay Lobster is an establishment in Maine. Their longevity comes as no surprise to anyone who has tasted their lobster roll. It’s fresh and simple, and eating one outside, with the view of the Bay of Fundy, is a totally sublime experience. Get hours and more on their Facebook page.
David Carney / Facebook
Jason Adams / Facebook
This stalwart in Freeport has been helping the good people of Southern Maine eat well since 1970. Stroll up to the window, order your fare and watch the boats come in and out of the working waterfront. Find hours and more at their website.
Graffam Bros. Seafood Market / Facebook
Graffam Bros have been offering up fresh seafood at the market since 1946. The shack was opened across the street to meet the demand of folks who wanted something tasty immediately. Try their lobster roll, and make your way through the entire menu because you really can’t go wrong here. Find hours and more at their website.
Franklin B. / Yelp
Bagaduce Lunch / Facebook
Bagaduce Lunch is constantly on our “best of” lists, and that’s because we absolutely love it. When it came time to rave specifically about their lobster rolls, we could not resist. The rolls here are priced right and with a location right at the mouth of the Bagaduce River, you’ll enjoy scenic Maine views as well. Get hours and more on their Facebook page.
McLoons Lobster Shack / Facebook
Named “Best Hidden Lobster Shack” by Yankee Magazine, McLoons serves up a lobster roll that is truly the Rolls Royce of rolls. In fact, it even comes with that high-rolling (pun intended) name! (Ordering the “Rolls Royce” lobster roll will get you twice the lobster.) Place your order one at the window, wait at a nearby picnic table, and watch the sun set. Feel free to BYOB to this place, and plan on leaving room for desert – their strawberry shortcake the perfect ending to a quintessentially Maine meal. Get the scoop on seasonal hours and menu items on their website.
Red’s Eats / Facebook
Billed as “the world’s best lobster shack,” Red’s lives up to the hype. There’s almost always a long line – and for good reason. The servings are generous, with giant, melt-in-your-mouth lobster meat filling up the sandwich. Dipped into melted butter, you may have a religious experience. Get the details on hours and menu items on their website.
Bite Into Maine / Facebook
This perfectly located food truck offers up six different types of lobster rolls. Grab one just before heading off to explore Fort Williams Park and Portland Head. They’ve already become a Portland legend, and have also been included on USA Today’s list of Maine/Massachusetts Best Lobster Rolls. As a result, you may be dealing with some heftier lines at this seasonal lobster shack – but, trust us, it’s worth it. Get the details on hours and menu items on their website.
Shannon’s Unshelled / Facebook
If you want a lobster roll that is well-worth the money, this is it. In one roll, you’ll get delicious chunks of fish along with both lobster claw and tail. The atmosphere here is casual, and the folks who run it constantly get rave reviews for their hospitality. Follow them on Facebook for current hours and more information.
Lilie N. / Yelp
Jessica Y. / Yelp
The Red Barn made its way onto this list for its epic, otherworldly creation, The Crustacean Elation. If one regular-sized lobster roll bores you, this foot-long creation will surely satiate you. With 28 ounces of lobster meat, it is certainly something to behold (with two hands!). Get season hours and more on their website.
Greet’s Eats / Facebook
Greta McCarthy has been running her lobster truck near the Vinalhaven ferry terminal since 2009. And this just might be the freshest lobster shack in Maine – as well as the most authentic. Greta’s family has lived on the island for seven generations, and her roll recipe is a true Maine treasure. This humble food truck has earned big accolades, with Down East Magazine calling Greet’s Eats as the “best lobster roll in Maine.” Follow this fab food truck on Facebook for current hours and more information.
The Lobster Shack at Two Lights, Inc/Facebook
Kuanhua Huang/Google
You can’t talk about lobster rolls in Maine without mentioning The Lobster Shack at Two Lights. In addition to offering diners some of the best ocean views in the state, the eponymous shack dishes up the most classic, iconic version of Maine’s unofficial food. Served, of course, atop those red-and-white food trays. The Lobster Shack at Two Lights is open seasonally from March through October. Read more about this must-visit lobster shack on their website.
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Address: Sea St, Eastport, ME 04631, USAAddress: 36 Main St, South Freeport, ME 04078, USAAddress: 4 Huse St, Rockport, ME 04856, USAAddress: Bagaduce Lunch, 145 Frank’s Flat Rd, Penobscot, ME 04476, USAAddress: McLoons Lobster Shack, 315 Island Rd, South Thomaston, ME 04858, USAAddress: Red’s Eats, 41 Water St, Wiscasset, ME 04578, USAAddress: Bite into Maine, 1000 Shore Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, USAAddress: 23 Granary Way, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538, USAAddress: The Red Barn, 455 Riverside Dr, Augusta, ME 04330, USAAddress: Vinalhaven, ME 04863, USAAddress: The Lobster Shack at Two Lights, 225 Two Lights Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Maine Lobster Rolls January 22, 2021 Sarah Where can I find the biggest Maine lobster rolls? The honor of “biggest lobster rolls in Maine” belongs to Taste of Maine Restaurant. This local eatery is known for fresh, simple seafood dishes, like scallops and thick-cut potato wedges. And, you know, the largest lobster roll in Maine. This behemoth is three sizes larger than your standard lobster roll, filled with lobster, lettuce, and mayo. Despite a $60+ price tag, Taste of Maine Restaurant’s epic lobster is one of the most popular items on the menu. What are some must-visit, hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Maine? Maine is full of unique, hole-in-the-wall restaurants. The Brunswick Diner is a local favorite: it’s an iconic red-and-white diner with a cozy, vintage dining-car interior serves up classic comfort food. This tiny, beloved spot has been around since 1946, and boasts menu options like the “James Dean” and “Little Richard” throwbacks. The must-visit restaurant is classic Maine - rustic, cozy, and totally unique. Which lobster shacks in Maine are open year-round? Maine is a state known for its harsh winters – and, as a result, several of its lobster shacks aren’t open year-round. The eponymous Maine Diner is known for serving delicious lobster, any time of the year. In addition to the Maine Diner’s famed seafood chowder, they make an excellent Maine lobster roll that’s served that’s definitely worth stopping in to try. The fresh-picked lobster meat is served chilled on a toasted, split-top hot dog bun and is accompanied with mayo or melted butter. Classic! For other delicious diners in Maine, check out some of our faves here.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Maine Lobster Rolls
January 22, 2021
Sarah
Where can I find the biggest Maine lobster rolls? The honor of “biggest lobster rolls in Maine” belongs to Taste of Maine Restaurant. This local eatery is known for fresh, simple seafood dishes, like scallops and thick-cut potato wedges. And, you know, the largest lobster roll in Maine. This behemoth is three sizes larger than your standard lobster roll, filled with lobster, lettuce, and mayo. Despite a $60+ price tag, Taste of Maine Restaurant’s epic lobster is one of the most popular items on the menu. What are some must-visit, hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Maine? Maine is full of unique, hole-in-the-wall restaurants. The Brunswick Diner is a local favorite: it’s an iconic red-and-white diner with a cozy, vintage dining-car interior serves up classic comfort food. This tiny, beloved spot has been around since 1946, and boasts menu options like the “James Dean” and “Little Richard” throwbacks. The must-visit restaurant is classic Maine - rustic, cozy, and totally unique. Which lobster shacks in Maine are open year-round? Maine is a state known for its harsh winters – and, as a result, several of its lobster shacks aren’t open year-round. The eponymous Maine Diner is known for serving delicious lobster, any time of the year. In addition to the Maine Diner’s famed seafood chowder, they make an excellent Maine lobster roll that’s served that’s definitely worth stopping in to try. The fresh-picked lobster meat is served chilled on a toasted, split-top hot dog bun and is accompanied with mayo or melted butter. Classic! For other delicious diners in Maine, check out some of our faves here.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The honor of “biggest lobster rolls in Maine” belongs to Taste of Maine Restaurant. This local eatery is known for fresh, simple seafood dishes, like scallops and thick-cut potato wedges. And, you know, the largest lobster roll in Maine. This behemoth is three sizes larger than your standard lobster roll, filled with lobster, lettuce, and mayo. Despite a $60+ price tag, Taste of Maine Restaurant’s epic lobster is one of the most popular items on the menu.
What are some must-visit, hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Maine?
Maine is full of unique, hole-in-the-wall restaurants. The Brunswick Diner is a local favorite: it’s an iconic red-and-white diner with a cozy, vintage dining-car interior serves up classic comfort food. This tiny, beloved spot has been around since 1946, and boasts menu options like the “James Dean” and “Little Richard” throwbacks. The must-visit restaurant is classic Maine - rustic, cozy, and totally unique.
Which lobster shacks in Maine are open year-round?
Maine is a state known for its harsh winters – and, as a result, several of its lobster shacks aren’t open year-round. The eponymous Maine Diner is known for serving delicious lobster, any time of the year. In addition to the Maine Diner’s famed seafood chowder, they make an excellent Maine lobster roll that’s served that’s definitely worth stopping in to try. The fresh-picked lobster meat is served chilled on a toasted, split-top hot dog bun and is accompanied with mayo or melted butter. Classic! For other delicious diners in Maine, check out some of our faves here.
