Cracking Open Maine's Best Lobster Rolls: Locals Share Their Top 6 Picks

Cracking Open Maine's Best Lobster Rolls: Locals Share Their Top 6 Picks - The Origin Story Behind Maine's Iconic Lobster Rolls

Maine's iconic lobster rolls hold a special place in the heart of every New Englander. These sandwiches filled with chunks of lobster meat mixed with a touch of mayo or butter are a staple of summer in Vacationland. But where exactly did the now-ubiquitous lobster roll come from?

As it turns out, the origins can be traced back to the lobster fishermen and their families who would pack these sandwiches to eat while out on the boats. The soft, toasted hot dog bun made for the perfect vehicle to enjoy freshly caught lobster without the fuss of shells. The salty sea breeze paired perfectly with the sweet lobster meat dressed in a light coating of mayo or butter. This was hearty, simple fare that fueled a hard day's work on the ocean.

One apocryphal tale credits a restaurant called Perry’s in Milford, Connecticut as the inventor of the lobster roll back in 1929. However, most food historians agree that the sandwich likely originated organically in multiple fishing towns across New England as an easy way for fishermen to eat lobster on the go.

The lobster roll grew in popularity among tourists visiting Maine's rocky coast starting in the 1940s and 50s. Roadside seafood shacks popped up to cater to this new clientele, serving lobster rolls as we know them today. Two key innovations helped launch the sandwich into the stratosphere: the introduction of the lobster roll as a hot item once cooking techniques improved, and the spread of lobster rolls inland to cities like Boston and New York.

Cracking Open Maine's Best Lobster Rolls: Locals Share Their Top 6 Picks - The Great Debate: Mayonnaise or Butter for the Perfect Lobster Roll?

The choice of mayonnaise or butter to dress a lobster roll is one that has divided lobster lovers in Maine and beyond for generations. Both camps are absolutely convinced that their choice makes for the superior sandwich experience. This is not a debate for the faint of heart. Tempers have flared on this topic along the craggy Maine coastline for decades.

Traditionalists insist that the light dressing of mayonnaise allows the pristine taste of the lobster meat to shine. This school of thought harkens back to the sandwich's origins - fishermen dressing their lobster meat with mayo was the original preparation. These purists argue that piling on butter overwhelms the sweetness of the lobster with unnecessary richness. In their view, a light coating of Hellmann's mayonnaise is the only respectable choice for any self-respecting Mainah.

Meanwhile, butter devotees tout the luxurious mouthfeel and depth of flavor that high quality butter imparts. Making the case for butter, Linda Flaharty of Linda Bean's Maine Lobster Cafe points out that lobster is naturally rich-tasting on its own. In her opinion, the silky richness of butter complements that decadence perfectly. Other chefs choose compound butters seasoned with lemon zest, garlic, or other herbs to add their own unique twist.

Caught in the crossfire of this heated debate, some restaurants have chosen to offer customers a choice of mayo- or butter-dressed rolls. Red's Eats in Wiscasset, famous for its towering lobster rolls, takes this diplomatic approach. As customer Leslie Dunton of Boothbay Harbor frames it, "Why choose when you can enjoy the best of both worlds? I always get one mayo and one butter roll so I don't have to decide. Both are utterly divine in their own way."

Trying to objectively settle this issue, Bon Appetit conducted a blind taste test of mayo versus butter lobster rolls. The results surprised even the testers: both preparations scored highly for their share of fans. The verdict? In the magazine's words, choosing between mayo and butter comes down to "a case of tomato-tomahto."

Upscale restaurants like Natalie's at the Camden Harbour Inn have started experimenting with aiolis and other modern twists. While those newcomers have their fans, for many purists the original mayo versus butter argument remains the pinnacle debate.

Cracking Open Maine's Best Lobster Rolls: Locals Share Their Top 6 Picks - Acadia National Park's Top Spots for Outdoor Lobster Roll Picnics

With its rugged coastal scenery and array of scenic hiking trails, Acadia National Park is the perfect place for an outdoor lobster roll picnic. Fresh ocean breezes and panoramic island views provide a splendid backdrop as you bite into tender chunks of Maine lobster. Locals love to hike some of Acadia's most iconic trails and rewarding their appetite with a tasty lobster roll by the rocky shore.

One beloved spot for lobster roll picnics is Sand Beach. After an invigorating hike on the Great Head Trail, spread out a blanket in the sand by this picturesque cove. Unwrap your freshly made lobster roll from Thurston's Lobster Pound or Maine Coast Lobster Café in Bar Harbor and enjoy an Instagram-worthy lunch. Watch the waves gently lap against the shore as you dine with stunning views of the Atlantic before you.

Echo Lake Beach is another favored picnic locale. Take the family on the easy Lap Road Trail loop around beautiful Echo Lake, then dip your toes in the brisk water while devouring generously stuffed lobster rolls. Jordan Pond House, famed for its popovers baked with Acadia wild blueberries, also offers classic Maine lobster rolls to savor by the lakeside after a peaceful paddle or leisurely hike.

No Acadia lobster roll picnic trip is complete without climbing the Beehive Trail for jaw-dropping coastal vistas at the summit. After scaling iron rung ladders bolted into the cliffside, reward your ascent with tasty packed lobster rolls from Side Street Café as you soak in panoramic ocean views. Watch seagulls soar above the windswept islands dotting Frenchman Bay for a true taste of Downeast Maine.

Along Ocean Drive, pull over at one of the many scenic roadside areas facing rocky cliffs lashed by the open ocean. Here Otter Cliff, Thunder Hole, and other iconic sites offer the quintessential Maine coast backdrop for your picnic. Unwrap lobster rolls from Stewman's Lobster Pound or Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound and watch the waves crash against the rocky shore as lighthouses stand sentry off in the distance.

Cracking Open Maine's Best Lobster Rolls: Locals Share Their Top 6 Picks - Portland's Hottest Lobster Roll Joints Loved by Locals

Portland's food scene has exploded in recent years, with hip farm-to-table restaurants and a wave of new breweries and distilleries making Maine's largest city a haven for locavores. But while visitors flock to cutting-edge eateries featuring foraged fare, Portland natives remain loyal to their longstanding favorite joints for traditional Downeast lobster rolls. These beloved institutions have been serving up tasty rolls for decades and remain the definitive spots favored by locals in the know.

Eventide Oyster Company may be nationally-acclaimed for their innovative oyster preparations, but Portlanders still swear by this seafood joint's classic Maine-style lobster roll. Overflowing with meat from fresh-caught lobster coated in a light dressing of mayonnaise, Eventide's version is simplicity defined. The secret is premium ingredients: wild Gulf of Maine lobster and Hellman’s mayo allow the natural flavors to shine. Grab a seat at the bustling kitchen counter to chat with the shuckers while enjoying this local legend.

At the charming Portland Lobster Company, third-generation owner Arlin Smith carries on the decades-long tradition of serving straightforward, delicious lobster rolls on the working waterfront. With picnic tables facing the marina, this is the quintessential spot for an authentic Maine experience. Their meaty rolls tossed in melted butter have converted more than one mayo fan. Come early though - when they sell out, this waterfront shack closes up for the day.

Meanwhile, locals looking for a classic cold roll flock to Green Crab Grille, a casual counter joint in South Portland run by brothers from a Maine fishing family. Their generously stuffed rolls are dressed with just enough mayo to enhance - not mask - the sweet lobster's natural flavor. Pair it with hand-cut fries or sweet potato tots and a Moxie soda - Maine’s uniquely flavored, much-loved soft drink - for the complete experience.

Bite Into Maine trucks roam the city serving lobster rolls made from sustainably harvested, traceable lobster. The meat is delightfully tender thanks to steaming, then chilled before dressing and serving on a lightly grilled bun. For Portland natives, part of the fun is tracking down the changing locations of the trucks online to grab these responsibly-sourced rolls on the go.

And at DuckFat, regulars skip the hip poutine and Belgian fries in favor of this casual restaurant's under-the-radar lobster roll special. Their iconic fries may have put DuckFat on the map, but Portlanders in the know flock here for the rolls: cold with mayo or hot with butter, featuring briny sweet lobster from neighborhood fishermen.

Cracking Open Maine's Best Lobster Rolls: Locals Share Their Top 6 Picks - Bar Harbor's Classic Seaside Shacks Serving Fresh Lobster Rolls

Bar Harbor is a quintessential New England coastal town, where rocky shores meet quaint seaside villages and the scent of ocean air mingles with freshly caught seafood. Among the many draws of this historic harbor town on Mount Desert Island is the opportunity to indulge in an authentic Maine lobster roll at one of Bar Harbor’s cherished roadside seafood shacks. These unpretentious restaurants have been serving classic lobster rolls to locals and tourists for generations in an atmosphere that can only be described as quintessentially Maine.

Thurston’s Lobster Pound overlooking the harbor has satisfied cravings for these Downeast specialties since the 1950s. Customers queue up at the order counter to purchase steamed lobsters by the pound or stuffed into toasted, buttered rolls for on-the-go enjoyment. Diners relax at picnic tables on the weathered back deck facing Frenchman Bay as seagulls circle overhead, eager to scavenge any discarded morsels. The lobster rolls from this salt-worn shack are unfussy yet indulgent: overflowing with chunks of sweet meat from crustaceans hauled straight from the Atlantic earlier that morning.

Meanwhile, Harbor Lobster is a low-key, cash-only hut perched right on the Bar Harbor pier that has been a staple since the Eisenhower era. Expect no frills here, just paper plates piled generously with lobster salad made from the day's catch and served atop a grilled hot dog bun. Grab a picnic table on the creaking docks as fishing trawlers unload their hauls nearby for a front row view of life in a quintessential Maine fishing village. This is lobster roll perfection in its simplest form.

For those craving variety, Maine Coast Lobster Café offers classics like the chilled lobster salad roll, but also hot lobster rolls dripping with melted butter and seasonal twists like lobster grilled cheese. Dine alfresco amidst nautical knickknacks on their deck overlooking the harbor or take your meal to one of Bar Harbor’s seaside parks just steps away. The café's lobster comes straight off the owner’s own boat, evident in the pristine sweetness and tender texture.

No visit to Bar Harbor is complete without an excursion to Blaze, a weathered seafood shack just two miles from town that has kept hungry crowds fed since 1986. Incredible waterfront views serve as the backdrop as you dine on hefty lobster rolls packed with one-and-a-quarter pounds of generous chunks of delicate Maine lobster meat. The menu is spartan, focused solely on doing the regional specialties justice. For many, no lobster roll compares to those served among the seagulls and rocky coastline at Blaze’s isolated shack.

Cracking Open Maine's Best Lobster Rolls: Locals Share Their Top 6 Picks - The Best Bang for Your Buck: Maine's Most Affordable Lobster Rolls

For visitors and locals alike, indulging in fresh Maine lobster is one of the most iconic parts of a Pine Tree State getaway. Yet the price tag on lobster rolls from famous shacks or upscale eateries can make cravings for these Downeast delicacies quickly add up. Thankfully, scattered along the craggy coastline between Kittery and Calais are seafood joints, takeout windows, and food trucks dishing out drool-worthy lobster rolls without draining your wallet.

As Torsten Jacobi learned, Red's Eats in coastal Wiscasset claims to serve up the ‘World’s Best Lobster Roll’ for a reason: overflowing with one full pound of sweet lobster meat, this generously stuffed roll still comes in at under $20. Despite the lengthy lines, thrifty travelers agree it’s worth the wait for a hearty meal at this price. Meanwhile, off-the-beaten-path takeout stand Bagaduce Lunch in Penobscot specializes in under-$10 no-frills rolls for visitors road-tripping along Route 1 headed further Downeast.

In Portland, locals in the know flock to Green Crab Grille come summer to snag their affordable house roll: stuffed with 5 ounces of lobster salad for less than $15. Venturing inland, Vacationlandseekers on a budget find a welcome oasis at Kelly’s Landing in Lakewood near Moosehead Lake. Their petite 3-ounce lobster roll still packs a flavor punch at just $9.95, plus you’ll find wallet-friendly daily specials like Taco Tuesdays (three tacos for $12).

Visiting coastal Rockland, thrifty foodies beeline to the no-website Crab’s Cafe takeout counter, where their petite 3-ounce lobster rolls fetch just $8. Meanwhile, at Lincolnville Beach ten miles down the coast, Beach Dog stand serves mini 3-ounce rolls for a fiver - perfect for getting your lobster fix withoutmaxing out your card.discriminating foodies find surprisingly delicious affordable rolls from no-frills roadside seafood joints that let the lobster shine without accoutrements. Three Dollar Dewey’s, a tiny unassuming seafood hut in Hollis Center west of Portland, draws devoted regulars who happily fork over only $5.75 for their tasty petite lobster rolls.

Brewer’s Lobster Co. food truck roams the Midcoast region dishing out fresh-off-the-boat lobster salad rolls for just $10 even in peak summer. Look for their schedule online to track them down and snag a bargain roll paired with local craft brews. For affordability and abundance combined, no spot beats Maine Street Meats’ overflowing 9-ounce jumbo lobster roll in Rockport, stuffed with a whopping quarter pound of lobster and priced at only $14.99. After polishing off one of their hearty rolls, thrifty Downeast roadtrippers leave satisfied without being sorry they splurged.

Cracking Open Maine's Best Lobster Rolls: Locals Share Their Top 6 Picks - Lobster Roll Food Trucks You Have to Track Down in MidCoast Maine

Hitting the open road is the quintessential way to explore the ragged beauty of Maine's MidCoast region. From Portland to Acadia National Park, this coastal area delivers cinematic views around every bend. While lobster shacks and seaside restaurants certainly have their charm, opting for local food trucks lets you sample authentic Maine fare with unmatched convenience. Tracking down these roving lobster roll purveyors takes some planning, but offers the ultimate on-the-go Downeast culinary experience.

Leading the pack is Red's Eats, whose food truck allows this iconic Wiscasset establishment to bring their drool-worthy rolls to hungry crowds across the MidCoast. Their traditional cold rolls are jam-packed with one full pound of tender lobster meat lightly dressed in mayo. For just $16, they deliver standout value - expect a lengthy line at every stop as word spreads of their arrival! Reflecting their no-frills ethos, they only accept cash. Follow their social media for the constantly changing schedule.

Meanwhile, Portland natives rejoice when the bright orange Bite into Maine truck rolls into town. Sustainably harvested, traceable lobster gets gently steamed then chilled before being piled into toasted buns. A 3-ounce roll goes for just $10, while the ample 5-ounce version fetches merely $14. Their online calendar details locations, but be prepared to track this popular truck down on the go!

In the lakes region near Camden, keep an eye out for the Claws food trailer. Their petite $7 toasted bun rolls emphasize flavor over heft, while crab cake and fish taco options provide variety. Summer crowds flock to their scenic stops like Lincolnville Beach. Confirm timing via Facebook before hitting the road.

Down Boothbay way, roadtrippers find buttery heaven at Boothbay Lobster Wharf's orange food truck. Their creamy, velvety lobster salad rolls make ample use of the namesake ingredient. Expect to pay $14 or a few more dollars for jumbo. The crunchy coleslaw side is a must. They broadcast locations online, but sell out fast!

While the options abound, budget-conscious travelers on the hunt for deals know where to aim their sights: Three Dollar Dewey’s, a seafood stand near the New Hampshire border, serves petite $5 lobster rolls from their truck named Big Green. No website here - joining Midcoast foodie Facebook groups is the best way to catch wind of their pop-up locations. The price and charm are unbeatable.

Cracking Open Maine's Best Lobster Rolls: Locals Share Their Top 6 Picks - Indulge in Lobster Roll Pairings: Maine's Top Local Craft Brews

Pairing a freshly made Maine lobster roll with a local craft brew takes this Downeast delicacy to the next level. The sweet, succulent meat of a lobster roll gains even more flavor when matched with the right brew. Luckily, Maine’s explosion of artisanal breweries gives lobster roll aficionados myriad options to elevate their meal.

Opting for brews made nearby adds a profound sense of place. Just as the pristine coastal waters influence the sweetness of Maine lobster, local ingredients and terroir shape the complex flavor profiles of regional brews. For Portland natives like James Oliver, “sipping a craft beer made right in town while noshing on a lobster roll on the Eastern Prom adds a quintessentially Maine flavor to the whole experience.”

Allagash White, brewed in Portland using traditional Belgian methods, is a popular pairing. The citrusy notes and subtle spice of this classic wheat beer offset the richness of the lobster meat. Rising Tide brewery across town crafts Maine Island Trail Ale with locally foraged juniper and seawater from Casco Bay - a bold yet refreshing match for lobster.

Venturing beyond Portland, mast-loving beer nerds adore the robust, slightly bitterSea Dog Wild Blueberry Wheat from Bangor’s Sea Dog Brewing Co. The sweet Maine wild blueberries play perfectly against the wheat ale’s hops.Active outdoorsy types choose Kennebunkport Brewing Company’s Skip Rock White Ale, named after a local surf break, to wash down picnic lobster rolls after kayaking nearby.

In Bar Harbor, salty oyster stout from Atlantic Brewing pairs splendidly with lobster. Their rich, dark beer even incorporates tangy rockweed harvested sustainably along the coast. Seafood shack regular Rachel swears, “A few sips of Atlantic’s blueberry ale between bites of hot lobster roll perfectly captures the flavors of a Maine summer.”

For lobster rolls on the dock straight from the source, Port Clyde Brewing crafts easy-drinking Golden Cock Ale just up the road at Marshall Point Lighthouse. Sipping their balanced, subtly herbal brew make for quintessential seaside enjoyment of lobster rolls as fishing boats come in with the daily catch.

Inland in Bethel, Sunday River Brewing Company’s citrusy Whaleback Wheat and fragrant Hazelnut Brunette appeal to skiers and hikers who work up a hearty appetite for apres-adventure lobster rolls. Their beers evoke the wooded mountains and rivers that shape the region’s character.