11 Maine Lobster Roll Stands Worth The Detour

Maine’s coastline is famous for its lobster, but not all lobster rolls are created equal. From humble roadside shacks to award-winning seafood spots, finding the perfect lobster roll is a quest many visitors undertake.

These 11 lobster roll stands represent the best Maine has to offer, combining fresh-caught seafood with local charm that makes them worth every mile of your detour.

1. Red’s Eats In Wiscasset

Lines form early at this iconic roadside stand with its distinctive stone chimney. Locals and tourists alike wait patiently for what many consider the gold standard of Maine lobster rolls – overflowing with fresh meat and minimal filler.

Since 1938, Red’s has served simple perfection: chilled lobster piled high on a toasted split-top bun with melted butter or mayo on the side. You choose how to dress it, but purists often go with just a squeeze of lemon.

2. Eventide Oyster Co. In Portland

Forget traditional – Eventide’s brown butter lobster roll reimagines the classic in a steamed Asian bun. The warm, nutty brown butter sauce complements the sweet lobster meat perfectly, creating a flavor combination that’s earned national recognition.

The cozy spot features a stone chimney that adds rustic charm to its modern interior. While smaller than some traditional rolls, the quality and flavor make every bite count!

3. The Clam Shack In Kennebunkport

Perched on a bridge overlooking the Kennebunk River, this tiny white shack with its weathered stone chimney serves award-winning lobster rolls on freshly baked round buns instead of the typical hot dog rolls. Their secret? Lobsters cooked in seawater delivered daily.

Owner Steve Kingston offers both butter and mayo, or “both” if you can’t decide. The meat comes from lobsters cracked that same morning, ensuring maximum freshness. The riverside location adds a perfect backdrop for enjoying seafood at its finest.

4. McLoons Lobster Shack In South Thomaston

Hidden on a working lobster wharf on Spruce Head Island, McLoons offers an authentic Maine experience. Their rolls feature knuckle and claw meat (the sweetest parts) from lobsters pulled from the water right outside. The rustic building with its stone chimney overlooks the harbor filled with bobbing lobster boats.

Picnic tables scattered along the rocky shore provide front-row seats to coastal Maine life. The family-run operation maintains incredible quality control – your lobster likely came from the water to your plate in under 24 hours.

5. Bite Into Maine In Cape Elizabeth

What started as a food truck beside Portland Head Light has expanded but maintained its quality. Their six signature styles include Maine (mayo), Connecticut (warm butter), picnic (mayo, celery salt, chives), wasabi, curry, and chipotle – all served from their vintage Airstream trailer near the historic stone lighthouse.

The rolls come on toasted split-top buns with generous portions of tail, knuckle and claw meat. The backdrop of Maine’s most photographed lighthouse makes this spot double as a feast for both stomach and eyes. Their Portland location features a cozy stone chimney.

6. Thurston’s Lobster Pound In Bernard

Jutting out over Bass Harbor on Mount Desert Island, Thurston’s screened-in dining room offers stunning views with your meal. The lobster roll features generous chunks of tail and claw meat on a toasted bun with minimal mayo – letting the lobster shine. The historic building’s stone chimney stands as a landmark visible from the water.

Watch lobstermen unload their daily catch as you eat – it doesn’t get fresher than this. Family-owned since 1946, Thurston’s represents authentic downeast Maine. The remote location on the “quiet side” of Acadia National Park makes it a peaceful escape from summer crowds.

7. Five Islands Lobster Co. In Georgetown

Perched at the end of a working harbor, Five Islands serves lobster rolls with a side of spectacular scenery. The meat comes from lobsters kept in floating crates until ordered, ensuring ultimate freshness. The historic building features a prominent stone chimney that’s become part of its iconic silhouette.

Eating here means enjoying your meal while watching osprey dive for fish and lobstermen hauling traps. The roll itself is simple perfection – chilled meat on a buttered, grilled roll with just enough mayo to hold it together. Many consider the combination of food and setting unbeatable in all of Maine.

8. Bagaduce Lunch In Brooksville

This family-owned spot on the Bagaduce River has served seafood since 1946. Their no-frills lobster roll comes on a perfectly toasted bun with just enough mayo to complement the sweet meat. The quaint building with its stone chimney overlooks a reversing falls where the river meets the bay.

James Beard Foundation recognized this humble stand as an “American Classic.” Picnic tables scattered on the sloping lawn offer views of blue herons fishing in the tidal currents. The peaceful setting and consistently excellent food explain why generations of families return summer after summer.

9. Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster In South Freeport

Overlooking a working harbor filled with both fishing boats and yachts, Harraseeket offers a study in contrasts. Their lobster roll features generous portions of freshly picked meat lightly dressed with mayo on a toasted split-top bun. The harborside building with its characteristic stone chimney has been serving seafood since 1970.

The waterfront picnic tables provide front-row seats to harbor activities. Cash-only and seasonal, this unpretentious spot draws both locals and visitors seeking authentic Maine flavor. Their commitment to serving only lobster caught by local fishermen ensures both quality and support for the community.

10. Young’s Lobster Pound In Belfast

This no-frills warehouse on the water offers a unique experience: pick your lobster from the tanks, then take your cooked feast upstairs. Their lobster roll features a mountain of meat with minimal additions. The large building’s stone chimney serves as a beacon for hungry travelers searching the harbor.

The BYOB policy encourages lingering on the deck overlooking Penobscot Bay. Sunset views here are legendary among locals. The focus stays firmly on the lobster – sweet, tender chunks piled high on a simple bun, proving that sometimes the least dressed options are the most memorable.

11. Sprague’s Lobster In Wiscasset

Often overlooked because of its famous neighbor Red’s Eats, savvy travelers know Sprague’s offers equally delicious lobster rolls with shorter lines. Their generously filled roll comes on a perfectly toasted bun with a side of drawn butter or mayo. The riverside stand with its distinctive stone chimney provides pleasant views of the Sheepscot River.

The family-run operation takes pride in serving lobster caught from their own boats. Picnic tables along the water make for a peaceful dining experience. Many visitors make it a tradition to try both Sprague’s and Red’s in one visit to determine their personal favorite.