From Shore to Table: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Lobster Rolls in Maine

The lobster roll is a Maine classic, and for good reason. There's nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a big, juicy lobster roll. But with so many places claiming to have the best lobster rolls in Maine, it can be hard to know where to start. In this guide, I'll take you from shore to table and introduce you to some of the best lobster rolls in Maine.

What is a Maine Lobster Roll

A Maine lobster roll is a sandwich consisting of a toasted bun filled with lobster meat, usually mixed with mayonnaise or butter. Lobster rolls are traditionally served cold, but you can also find them served warm - which is called a Connecticut lobster roll.

Where did the Lobster Roll come from?

The origins of the lobster roll are a bit murky, but there are two main theories. The first theory is that the lobster roll was invented by a woman named Loretta Scott Lobster in Connecticut. She was apparently looking for a way to use up some leftover lobster meat, and she came up with the idea of putting it in a hot dog bun.

The second theory is that the lobster roll was invented by a man named Herbert Hentz in Maine. Hentz was a lobsterman who is said to have come up with the idea of putting lobster meat in a bun so that he could eat it while he worked.

Either way, the lobster roll is now firmly entrenched in Maine culture, and it's one of the state's most iconic dishes.

The Best Lobster Roll in Maine?

There are so many great Lobster Rolls in Maine, it's hard to choose just one. Here are a few of my personal favorites from my recent trip through Maine:

Sopo Seafood in Portland, OR

Lobster rolls from Sopo Seafood are served on toasted milk buns and come with a side of house-made pickles. The lobster meat is fresh and perfectly cooked, and the mayonnaise is light and flavorful. This was my favorite spot in Portland for Lobster rolls, and I highly recommend it. They have a super cute fish market vibe inside, with a great selection of seafood - including really good oysters.

Eventide Oyster Co in Portland, ME

Eventide is a must-visit spot in Portland, and their lobster rolls are some of the best in Maine. The lobster roll here is tossed in a brown butter dressing and served on a warm bun that almost tasted like sweet bread. They also have the best clam chowder that I've ever had.

Bar Harbor Lobster Co in Ellsworth, ME

The lobster rolls at Bar Harbor Lobster Co are served on grilled hot dog buns, topped with green onions with a side of house-made fries. You can also get them with onion rings which are delicious. The lobster meat is fresh and perfectly cooked, and the mayonnaise is light and flavorful.

Peekytoe Provisions in Bar Harbor, ME

Peekytoe Provisions is a seafood shack located in the heart of Bar Harbor. The lobster rolls here are served on buttered and grilled brioche buns, and they come with a side of house-made coleslaw. The lobster meat is fresh and perfectly cooked, and the mayonnaise is light and flavorful. It was also the only place where I found a footlong lobster roll , which was a nice change from the more traditional size.

Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound in Trenton, ME

The Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound is a great spot for Lobster rolls if you're in the area. The rolls are huge and come with a side of chips. The lobster meat is super fresh, and it's topped with a cute cucumber and cherry tomato garnish. If you do happen to stop here, probably on your way to Acadia, be sure to get one of their fresh-boiled lobsters as well. They are the star of the show here, boiled in seawater right out back. You get to pick which lobster you want out of their chiller and add as many sides as you want. It's always packed so be ready for a bit of a wait though.

Thurston's Lobster Pound in Bernard, ME

The Lobster Rolls at Thurston's Lobster Pound come with a large pickle spear, served on a buttered and grilled hot dog bun. This was another one of my favorite spots for Lobster Rolls in Maine. They stack the bun up so much with fresh lobster that you can barely see the bun. I recommend getting a side of their corn on the cob with it!

Cousins Maine Lobster Shack in Cape Elizabeth, ME

Cousins Maine Lobster Shack is a food truck at Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth. The lobster rolls here are some of the best in Maine. The lobster is fresh and delicious, and the rolls are big enough to satisfy any appetite. Plus the view from here is the best. It overlooks the water and there is even a short walk off to a rocky beach with a lighthouse. Also, since this spot is a food truck, you can bring your dogs and eat with them!

The Travelin Lobster in Bar Harbor, ME

The Travelin Lobster is a shack that specializes in fresh lobsters and lobster rolls. The lobster meat is perfectly cooked, and the mayonnaise dressing is so good. The rolls are served on buttered and grilled hot dog buns with a pickle. They have some great sides as well, like lobster mac and cheese and lobster bisque.

The Lobster Shack at Two Lights in Cape Elizabeth, ME

The Lobster Shack at Two Lights is a great spot for fresh seafood. The Lobster Rolls here are served on buttered and grilled hot dog buns, with a dollop of mayo and a spiced pickle chip.

These are just a few of the great Lobster Rolls in Maine. There are a ton of other spots that I wasn't able to try, unfortunately, but hopefully, this guide will help you find the best Lobster Roll in Maine for you! Let me know in the comments if you have any other suggestions. Lobster Rolls are the perfect summer food, and there's no better place to enjoy them than in Maine!