My 14 Favorite Lobster Rolls in Maine (with a map!)

As a New Englander, it doesn’t feel like summer until I’ve bitten into my first lobster roll while looking out at the ocean, the scent of the sea and fried clams in the air. Savoring the delicious chunks of freshly-steamed lobster on a perfectly buttered and grilled bun is the epitome of the taste of summer.



Over my dozens of trips to Maine, I’ve made it a mission to taste test as many lobster rolls as possible (tough job, but someone has to do it, right?) So whether you want to take a foodie Maine road trip or you are planning your route up the Maine coast and want to know where to stop along the way, here are my picks for the best lobster rolls in Maine. I promise you that I have personally eaten at all of these (no AI guiding you wrong here!). And to make it easier, I’ve even included a map on where to find them all.



Whatever you do, don’t be fooled by the “lobster rolls” you might find at a fast food chain or sandwich shop, which are typically lobster salad made with small pieces of chopped of lobster with a heavy dose of mayonnaise and celery.



A classic Maine lobster roll should have giant chunks of lobster meat, including those sweet, juicy claws. They can be served warm or cold, either lightly tossed in mayo (and maybe chives) or butter and sometimes accompanied by a lettuce leaf.







This hefty meal of goodness is served on a buttered and lightly grilled bun — not hard and crunchy, but not soft either. Just delicious golden goodness that perfectly complements the sweet lobster meat. And this bun is usually a New England-style hot dog bun, which looks more like a thick piece of white bread folded in half than the rounded hot dog buns you find at ballparks and barbecues across the country.



I once visited the Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier in Kittery, ME and while the setting was peaceful and the food tasty, the lobster roll was served on a round hamburger bun, which I just couldn’t get behind. (Hence I didn’t include it on my list.)



Things to Know When Ordering a Maine Lobster Roll







Many seafood shacks and restaurants offer options for how you might like your lobster roll — warm or cold, mayo or butter — but others do not specify. If you have a preference, you may want ask before you order. Personally, I prefer my lobster roll “Connecticut style” which is warm and with butter. I tend to be a lobster purist that only likes lobster steamed and with butter. No lobster nachos, lobster grilled cheese, or even lobster ravioli for me!



I’ve found that even when a restaurant’s typical preparation is cold and with mayo, you can often ask if they can do it warm with butter and that isn’t a problem. I have one exception to my warm butter preference, but I’ll get more into that later.



The other thing to keep in mind is that some lobster pounds or clam shacks do not accept credit cards. It helps to either research ahead or bring along some cash just in case. Lobster rolls can be really pricey, and the price varies according to the market dynamics at the time, but expect to pay anywhere from $20-40 for a good lobster roll, depending on the size.



Final note – these are some of the best lobster rolls in Maine, which means these places can be quite popular. Expect long lines and go mid-week or at off-times if at all possible.



Best Lobster Rolls in Maine



Now, let’s get into it. I’ve ordered these places with my favorite lobster rolls from south to north, perfect for a Maine coast road trip ! And if you are really into lobster, plan a trip to Rockland in August for the Maine Lobster Festival .







This map was created with Google My Maps. You can click on the star next to the title and save this to your Google Maps account or click on the share icon to send it to yourself via email.



Bob’s Clam Hut, Kittery







It is really hard for me to cross the border from New Hampshire to Maine and not pull off the highway to stop at Bob’s Clam Hut . The lines are long, no matter when you go, but the wait is worth it! The next tough decision is whether to go with a lobster roll or Bob’s famous fried clams.



The clams can be ordered either Bob or Lillian style and I can honestly never remember which I like better and tend to get a mix of both because they are all delicious. The lobster rolls are fresh and perfectly served, either with mayo or hot butter (you know my choice!) Parking is limited but they have expanded the parking lot and added seating (both inside and outside) over the years, but it still pays to get there before lunchtime.



Bob’s Clam Hut is located at 315 US-1, Kittery, ME 03904



Fox’s Lobster House, York







Located next to the famous Nubble Lighthouse, the parking is limited at Fox’s Lobster House , but if you can grab a spot, take it! They offer both a full-service indoor restaurant and an outdoor picnic patio with a takeout window. I’ve only eaten on the patio, but it was one of the best lobster rolls I had (although at the time they only took cash so my daughter and I had to split one!)



Fox’s Lobster House is located at 8 Sohier Park Rd, York, ME 03909



Cape Pier Chowder House, Kennebunkport







Cape Pier Chowder House is a little off-the-beaten path as it isn’t in downtown Kennebunkport (try The Clam Shack if you are looking for something downtown.) The other challenge is that parking is quite limited because it is an active fishing pier, so you might need to park down the road a bit and walk up. But this spot is both scenic and local friendly.



This spot is open seasonally and it is best to go for an early or late lunch. There is a nice sized deck, but it can still get very crowded. It is best to go early and enjoy watching the lobster boats coming back to the pier to offload.



Cape Pier Chowder House is located at 79 Pier Rd, Kennebunkport, ME 04046



The Lobster Shack at Two Lights, Cape Elizabeth







The best part of eating a lobster roll at The Lobster Shack at Two Lights , near Two Lights State Park, is the incredible view. The outdoor tables sit along the cliff overlooking the ocean. After lunch, you can scramble down some rocks and soak up the view and the sun.



Unfortunately the bees also love this location, so you may spend your lunchtime swatting away the most aggressive ones. Luckily, there is a fairly large indoor restaurant if you want to save the view for later.



The Lobster Shack at Two Lights is located at 225 Two Lights Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107



Bite into Maine Food Truck, Cape Elizabeth







One of my favorite spots in Maine and the place I send everyone who has never been to Maine before, is the Portland Head Lighthouse in Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth. This is very close to Two Lights State Park and only 15-20 minutes outside of Portland, so you can easily create your own lobster roll crawl.



Not only are the views here epic, but during the summer season you can find the Bite into Maine food truck planted just next to the parking lot. You know how I said I always love my lobster rolls with butter? I make an exception for Bite into Maine. They have some funky flavors including my favorite — the wasabi lobster roll! Bite into Maine offers “flights” of mini lobster rolls so you can taste and see which are your favorites.



The Bite into Maine food truck is located in Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth or at Allagash Brewing Company. You can also find brick and mortar locations at 31 Diamond Street in Portland and 185 US Route One in Scarborough, Maine



Portland Lobster Company, Portland







Portland Lobster Company is in the heart of Old Port and has long been well-known as a hot spot for tourists. In fact, if you take a lobster boat tour, they will even cook the lobsters that you catch! It is also the spot where I realized that I prefer hot lobster to cold lobster (and where Hannah discovered blueberry soda).



Whether or not you think it is the best in Portland, it is fresh and classic with a pretty sweet view.



Portland Lobster Company is located at 180 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101



Luke’s Lobster, Portland



I liked the lobster so much I only have photos of the outside



Luke’s Lobster has become a bit of a chain restaurant, but I still love it. Located at the end of a pier in Old Port, this two-story restaurant offers great views and is a perfect pick if you want a bit more of an upscale or table-service meal but still enjoy delicious, fresh lobster.



If you head upstairs, there is even also a small outdoor deck where you can watch the ferry boats come and go.



Luke’s Lobster is located at 60 Portland Pier, Portland, ME 04101



Eventide Oyster Company, Portland







The other place that I break my rule of traditional lobster rolls is at Eventide Oyster Co. , which is one of my favorite restaurants in Downtown Portland . In addition to a wide array of fresh oysters, Eventide is known for its famous brown butter lobster roll.



This petite lobster roll is doused with a decadent brown butter and served on a roll that is akin to a bao bun, with its chewy consistency.



Eventide Oyster Company is located at 86 Middle Street, Portland ME



Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster Company, South Freeport







As many times as I’ve stopped in Freeport to shop at the flagship L.L. Bean store, I’ve never found a restaurant that I loved (although there is great beer at Maine Beer Company.) However, just 10 minutes from downtown on the Harraseeket River, the Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster Company has delicious lobster rolls and seafood.



This local landmark has an outdoor patio and deck, as well as an indoor seating. If you can save room, Harraseeket is also known for homemade desserts including whoopie pies and Shain’s of Maine Ice Cream. Keep in mind that this stop is cash only, although there is an ATM on site.



Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster Company is located at 36 Main Street, South Freeport, ME 04078



Cameron’s Lobster House, Brunswick, Maine







Cameron’s Lobster House may not have the best view, but its location just off Highway 1 makes it an easy stop on a road trip. The retro vibe and car hop service also makes it a fun stop for families, whether you eat indoors, outdoors, or in your car. I’m also a fan of the classic crinkle fries!



Cameron’s Lobster House is located at 18 Bath Rd, Brunswick, ME 04011



Erica’s Seafood, Harpswell







If you head south from Brunswick to Harpswell, toward the tip of the peninsula you will find a small seafood shack with a gorgeous view of the fishing wharf. Erica’s Seafood is a simple place that is open seasonally (except Wednesdays), which serves up rolls and baskets of lobster and fried seafood, as well as chowder. Note that this is another spot that takes cash only!



Erica’s Seafood is located at 505 Basin Point Rd, Harpswell, ME 04079



Boothbay Lobster Wharf, Boothbay Harbor



Apparently I only took a picture of my clam roll and not lobster roll, but you can see the view!



There are plenty of seafood restaurants in downtown Boothbay Harbor , but if you walk across the pedestrian bridge or drive around to the Boothbay Lobster Wharf , you can get some of the freshest lobster in town. Located on a working lobster wharf, there is a large outdoor deck to soak up the view.



This local favorite serves fried seafood, burgers, hot dogs, wraps, salads, fish, and, of course, lobster! I can also attest that the fried clams are delicious — crispy but not oily.



Boothbay Lobster Wharf is located at 97 Atlantic Ave, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538



Thurston’s Lobster Pound, Bernard (near Acadia/Bar Harbor)







On my very first trip to Bar Harbor , which was over 20 years ago now, I first discovered the magic of the Maine lobster pound. Located on a pier or wharf, a lobster pound is typically a small shack or restaurant that serves up fresh lobster that is caught locally and delivered straight to its deck. I remember during that trip that everyone we spoke to mentioned Thurston’s Lobster Pound as a must visit and hence, my introduction to Maine lobster.



I honestly can’t remember if I had a lobster roll or full lobster, but I distinctly remember my husband choosing his lunch from a tank and cracking open the freshly steamed lobster in front of me. What I do know is that once I tried fresh lobster like this, I was hooked and became a Maine lobster fan.



Thurston’s Lobster Pound is located at 9 Thurston Rd, Bernard, ME 04612



Lunch on the Wharf, Corea







Not many people make it past Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor in Downeast Maine , but if you head over to the Schoodic Peninsula section of Acadia, you can drive just a little bit further to Corea. Here you will find a small stand, known mostly to locals, which is open for lunch Monday through Saturday in season.



Lunch on the Wharf offers a great view of the Corea Harbor and all the fishing boats. It is primarily known for lobster and homemade blueberry pie, but it is BYOB if you want to imbibe in any alcoholic drinks. In addition to lobster rolls, they serve up lobster grilled cheese, lobster dinners, lobster street tacos, and more.



Lunch on the Wharf is located at 13 Gibbs Lane, Corea, ME 04624



Other notable places famous for their lobster rolls include Red’s Eats in Wiscasset (just note their opening hours as I arrived about two minutes too late when I tried to go here), McLoons Lobster Shack in Thomaston (note their opening days as when I was planning to go, they were closed), and Five Islands Lobster Company in Georgetown (still on my list!) Another spot that people say great things about is Footbridge Lobster in Perkins Cove in Ogunquit. I’ve only tried Barnacle Billy’s in Perkins Cove and that is skippable.













If you want even more lobster, head into Canada for a New Brunswick road trip to Shediac, the Lobster Capital of the World!



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