Where Can You Get The Best Lobster Roll In Maine?
Imagine biting into the perfect lobster roll only to discover the buttery, toasted bun, the succulent lobster meat, and a bite full of absolute, lobstery bliss. Maine is famous for its lobster, but where can you find the best lobster roll?
When people visits Maine, one of the first things most folks want to try is a lobster roll. It’s the iconic dish here in Maine, other than the Whoopie Pie, anything blueberry, or a full lobster dinner.
It took me a good long while to find the perfect lobster roll. It wasn’t an overnight find. Along the way, I also learned a very important lesson about what to look for in a truly great lobster roll.
The Lobster Roll Tradition In Maine
Maine is synonymous with lobster rolls. They are a tradition that is deeply embedded in the state’s culture and history. The lobster roll, as we know it today, has been a famous staple of Maine’s coastal cuisine since the 1920s. Its origins can be traced back to a small seafood shack in Milford, Connecticut, where a hot buttered lobster roll first made its debut. However, it wasn’t long before this delicious seafood dish found its true home in the coastal towns of Maine, and took on a style all it’s own.
In Maine, the lobster roll is more than just a sandwich; it’s a symbol of the state’s rich maritime heritage and the legacy of its lobster fishing industry. Lobstering has been a way of life for many Maine families for generations, and the lobster roll serves as a delicious tribute to all their hard work.
There are two main varieties of lobster rolls in Maine:
- The Maine-style lobster roll is typically served cold, with the lobster meat lightly dressed in mayonnaise and sometimes mixed with some celery for crunch. It’s all nestled in a toasted, split-top New England hot dog bun, which is buttery and crisp on the outside, yet soft and tender inside. This cold version is perfect for a hot summer day, offering a refreshing and satisfying taste of the sea.
- The Connecticut-style lobster roll is served warm, with the lobster meat drenched in melted butter. This version is all about the rich, buttery lobster.
While both styles have their passionate devotees, the Maine-style lobster roll remains the most iconic and widely beloved in the Pine Tree State.
As you travel along the picturesque coast of Maine, you’ll find countless shacks, diners, and upscale restaurants all vying for the title of the best lobster roll. Each place has its own unique twist on this classic dish, from secret seasoning blends to special house-made buns. Despite these variations, the essence of a great lobster roll remains the same: fresh, locally sourced lobster, a perfectly toasted bun, and a taste that transports you straight to the ocean’s edge.
Whether you prefer your lobster roll cold with a touch of mayo or warm and buttery, there’s no denying that Maine is the ultimate destination for experiencing this quintessential New England dish.
Criteria For The Best Lobster Roll
- The lobster has to be fresh.
- The bun needs to be anything other than a plain old hot dog bun.
- It should look decadent when it’s first put in front of you.
How To Tell If You Are Getting A Good Lobster Roll Or Not
Maine has several tourist traps where the food, while good, isn’t exactly the best example of what Maine has to offer. So if you find yourself in one of these spots, I recommend avoiding buying your lobster rolls in these places.
Avoid “assembly line” spots that toss out a lobster roll that looks like the bedroom of a messy teenager.
So what do you want to look for if you want to find the best lobster roll this state has to offer?
The #1 way to tell if you are getting a good lobster roll or not is, believe it or not, the bun. The bun should meet two criteria:
- It should be toasted. If it’s not, send the roll back and ask for your money back.
- It should be anything other than one of those plain hot dog buns you can buy at costco or that you get at a theme park.
After that, what you really want to look for is how good the lobster filling looks. If it’s sparse, flat, and unappealing, it probably won’t taste very good either. You may also be surprised to find that lobster rolls like this are often the most expensive lobster rolls simply because of where you are buying them. If you are going to spend upwards of $30 for one lobster roll, I highly recommend you get a good quality one.
So, Where Is The Best Lobster Roll In Maine Found?
First, I should mention that I’m a fan of the Maine-style lobster roll. Not the Connecticut version. So that is what I’m basing this on.
The best place in Maine to get a fantastic lobster roll is nestled amongs all those cobblestone streets in Portland, Maine:
Rigby Yard – 50 Wharf St, Portland, ME 04101 – (207) 956-7150
What makes their lobster rolls so great?
The bun is buttery and toasted to perfection, the lobster salad has a perfect balance of mayo and lobster, and the generous helping puts it over the top.
Incidentally, I also highly recommend their lattes. Delish!
Insider Tip
The best time to visit is during the week, or during non-rush hours. I had an early dinner there around 4pm The crowds were minimal and the service was excellent.
More On Maine
- From Lobster to Lighthouses: 10 Things To Do in Portland, Maine
- Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens: A Stop Worth Making
- 10 Things To Do In Belfast Maine
- Top 17 Things To Do In Bar Harbor, Maine
- “See-It-All” 3 Day Maine Itinerary
Next Time
Next, I’ll review the top 11 restaurants in Maine and what their best dishes are. Stay tuned….
