Top 5: Lobster Rolls In Maine

Whether you prefer butter or mayonnaise or both, Maine offers a variety of classic shacks on its picturesque coast serving fresh lobster rolls with a view.

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The Clam Shack

If you only try one Maine lobster roll, make sure it’s from The Clam Shack in beautiful Kennebunkport overlooking the scenic Kennebunk River. Open from May through Labor Day, the weathered shack is always packed with long lines of locals and visitors excited to indulge in its fresh, local lobster meat and lobster roll buns baked fresh daily. If you can’t make the trek to Maine, The Clam Shack sells Lobster Roll Kits guaranteed to arrive fresh overnight with one pound of fresh picked Maine lobster meat, mayonnaise, a half dozen New England-style hot dog rolls, recipe and greeting card for $75.

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Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster

After you make your requisite pilgrimage to L.L. Bean and work up an appetite browsing hunting gear and fishing kayaks, head over to the South Freeport marina for the area’s juiciest lobster. The family-operated restaurant serves delicious seafood options from May to October on the picturesque South Freeport waterfront for lunch and dinner, including fresh lobster rolls, Maine shrimp, clams and scallops, as well as golden-fried onion middles featuring the core, not the rings.

© Five Islands Lobster Co. | Flickr

Five Islands Lobster Co.

Watch the local fishermen haul up their catch while enjoying some of the most delicious and sought-after lobsters anywhere at Five Islands Lobster Co. Perched on an active fishing wharf on Sheepscot Bay, the renowned shack is set in the fishing village islands of Georgetown and serves delicacies from some of the coldest and deepest waters on the coast. Fried seafood baskets, grilled sandwiches and delicious onion rings abound, served with yummy homemade sauces like tartar sauce with fresh dill and capers, mustard dill and cilantro mayo with a kick of jalapeno and lime.

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Bite Into Maine

Though the state offers plenty of shacks with incredible views, the vista from Bite Into Maine may be the best, boasting the rocky shores of Cape Elizabeth complete with the famous Portland Head Light historic lighthouse in Fort Williams Park in the distance. Listen to the crashing surf while waiting in line at this tiny food truck and deciding which of the many varieties of lobster roll you should enjoy with accompaniments like curry, wasabi, chipotle, homemade coleslaw and drawn butter.

Waterman’s Beach Lobster

Bring your own brews or wine to sip on while enjoying fresh chunks of glistening, bite-size lobster meat at any of the two dozen picnic tables nestled on the lawn and tented deck surrounding Waterman’s no-frills shack. The popular menu is all it’s cracked up to be, with fresh lobster and clam dinners and lobster and crab rolls, as well as incredible homemade pies and ice cream.