To no surprise, Maine harvests the majority of the lobster in the United States. In 2016, Maine Lobster led the catch with 130 million pounds, over $500 million worth, the world leader for seven years consecutively (source). There may be nothing more iconic in this working port town than the lobster roll. Here are our picks for the best lobster rolls in Portland, Maine.
If you have a jam packed itinerary and want to kill two birds with one stone, enjoy your lobster roll while enjoying the view of one of Portland’s most iconic lighthouses. Bite Into Maine serves up lobster rolls from their original food truck on the ocean near the Portland Headlight. There are two styles: Maine style with light mayonnaise & fresh chives and Connecticut style with hot butter.
Photo: Bite Into Maine
If you are not in a hurry and want to enjoy some people watching and a cold beer, head to Portland Lobster Company on Commerical Street in the heart of the Old Port. It may be packed, but you can listen to live music while waiting for your lobster buzzer to light up (…your order is ready)!
If you are willing to head a little off the beaten path for the authentic Maine experience, go to Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster Company. This is a no frills waterfront lobster shack that has been family operated since 1970. You order at the window and can sit at picnic tables overlooking the water or in their small indoor dining room. You can also take live lobsters home with you. (See top photo of my hubby in line.
Eventide is well known for their roll, serving up small pieces of lobster on an Asian inspired, slightly sweet, steamed bun and topped with a heavenly brown butter sauce. Celebrity chef Alton Brown once commented that Eventide’s lobster roll was one of his “best bites of the day” after eating his way through a variety of restaurants in Portland.
If your travel companion wants a sophisticated date night out, but you are still craving that mouth watering roll overflowing with lobster, try Scales, one of Portland’s finest restaurants overlooking Maine Wharf next to the Casco Bay Ferry Terminal. The restaurant’s menu matches the upscale – but charming – ambience. You’ll want to book this one in advance.
If you’re craving something a little different try Highroller Lobster Co., which was originally established as a food truck in 2015 and opened its own restaurant in late 2017. In addition to a traditional lobster roll on a brioche bun, Highroller Lobster Co. offers a lobster grilled cheese and a lobster taco. The latter have both been met with rave reviews.
Do you have another favorite lobster roll in Portland that we missed? Please let us know in the comments.
Top Spots for the best lobster rolls in Portland, Maine
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