Maine

Where To Find The Absolute Best Lobster Rolls In Maine

Published

9 months ago

May 27, 2025

Where To Find The Absolute Best Lobster Rolls In Maine

Every Mainer will likely have a different answer when asked where the best lobster roll can be found in Vacationland. It might be the same run-down spot they’ve been going to since they were a kid, or it might be the newest addition to their town’s one busy Main Street, but chances are they’re pretty loyal to their favorite. Mainers look for a few things when it comes to lobster rolls — freshness, a good portion of lobster, and absolutely no lines. We spend nine months out of the year freezing our toes off just to get first dibs on the idyllic summer month, I’d say we’ve earned our spot at the front of the line.

Lobster rolls in Maine are like pizza in New York. They’re on every corner, all relatively similar, making the choices overwhelming. Should you order it the Maine way (chilled and tossed in mayonnaise) or the Connecticut way (warmed and tossed in butter)? Luckily, it’s hard to go wrong. As long as you’re handed a perfectly toasted bun toppled with fresh lobster, you made the right choice. With the country’s freshest lobster, even the so-called “worst” lobster roll in Maine is still gonna be pretty darn good. With that being said, there are a few incredible spots to check out Maine’s finest lobster rolls.

Read more: 20 Popular Value White Wines, Ranked Worst To Best

Southern Maine

High Roller lobster roll on checkered tablecloth – highrollerlobsterco / Instagram

Southern Maine has an incredible food scene crowded with seafood, but it’s still easy to stand out. Prices may skew higher in Portland, but it also offers a slightly elevated experience. Owned by two lobster loving Mainers, The Highroller Lobster Co. started out as a modest food cart back in 2015, and now it’s one of the most talked about spots in all of New England. They have a really fun and unpretentious approach to lobster. Between their “lobby pops” (aka lobster on a stick) and cheesy lobster tacos, there’s always something new to try, but they also execute a classic lobster roll flawlessly. If you want to enjoy Maine’s fresh lobster with a little twist, High Roller is the way to go.

For a more traditional lobster roll experience, head over to The Lobster Shack at Two Lights lighthouse. It’s tucked away right on the rocky wave-smashing coast of Cape Elizabeth and has the idyllic setting you would see on a postcard. Like many lobster shacks in the state, it’s counter service and BYOB so you can really make the experience your own. After ordering a lobster roll, you can cozy up at one of the many picnic tables surrounding the shack and take in the view.

Midcoast

Red's Eats lobster roll — Red’s Eats lobster roll – munchwithmeee / Instagram

When heading up the coast, you’ll pass by dozens of signs for lobster rolls, but up in Wiscasset, Red’s Eats is impossible to miss. At Red’s, they overflow their toasted hot dog buns with a hefty portion of fresh lobster, tail and all. Too much lobster is a great problem to have, but it’s not always worth the wait. Located right before the bridge on a scenic route up the coast, Red’s got really lucky with their location. On any given summer day, you’ll see a line extending down the street. If you don’t want to get sunburnt to a lobster’s hue, then zig zag over to Georgetown and try Five Islands Lobster Co.

If you thought Red’s was in an idyllic location, Five Islands will really wow you. Located right on the water, it doesn’t get much fresher than this. Rather than scouting out a middle man, the folks at Five Islands handle the fishing and the preparing. The lobstermen haul traps right off the dock so you can see your lunch arriving right as you pull into the parking lot. Similar to the Lobster Shack at Two Lights, Five Islands is BYOB and bring-your-own-anything, really. You’ll often see parties with decked out picnic tables, including tablecloths, candles, and nice bottles of white wine. The menu is surprisingly extensive, with a variety of sandwiches and fried seafood baskets, but the classic lobster roll is always a winner.

Downeast

Charlotte's Legendary Lobster Pound lobster roll — Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound lobster roll – kelleyphotog / Instagram

After hitting midcoast Maine, it can feel like you’ve already seen it all, but that’s just the beginning. Downeast Maine is the northernmost corner, including Mount Desert Island which is home to the beautiful Acadia National Park. Bar Harbor is the area’s most vibrant summer town, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists every season, and while it’s packed with dozens of delicious seafood options, Southwest Harbor on the other side of the island has one of the state’s best lobster rolls.

Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound puts legendary right in their name, and appropriately so. The location is incredibly unique, and not just for its quirky New England decor. They have an iconic ½ pound foot long lobster roll, which isn’t cheap at $60, but when in Maine, right? It’s served on a buttery, toasted brioche bun that will change your life. The meal isn’t complete without a big slice of Charlotte’s blueberry pie.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.

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Related Topics:Featured fresh lobster lobster lobster roll Maine Southern Maine

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Maine

Maine competition gives creative entrepreneurs the chance to win money

Published

6 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Maine competition gives creative entrepreneurs the chance to win money

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – If you’ve ever wondered what goes into pitching a good business idea, you might want to stop by a Big Gig event.

The Big Gig Entrepreneurship Pitch Off brings professionals from across the state together to network and pitch their early-stage business ideas for a chance to win $500.

Tuesday’s competition was held at the Salty Brick Market in Bangor, and it drew a lot of spectators.

“The winners of each semifinal event get $500 and the opportunity to compete for $5,000, so that can make a huge impact on a business that’s just getting off the ground,” said Renee Kelly, a Big Gig organizer.

The winner of the competition, Colin McGuire, was also grateful for the opportunity to showcase his idea “Art on Tap,” which would connect local artists with local venues trying to put on events.

“The support tonight is huge, and it’s just giving me more enthusiasm for running with the idea,” he said.

The season finale of the competition will be held May 19th.

The location is yet to be determined.

If you’d like to apply to compete in the contest, you can go to biggig.org.

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Maine

This Monster Burrito Challenge in Waterville, Maine, Is Not for the Weak

Published

18 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

This Monster Burrito Challenge in Waterville, Maine, Is Not for the Weak

Are you up for a Maine food challenge, or are your eyes bigger than your stomach?

A Waterville staple, Buen Apetito has a monster burrito just waiting for someone to eat it down to the very last bite.

This thing is a beast, literally called La Bestia, and it’s definitely a mighty task for a fearless foodie.

Take on the Buen Apetito La Bestia Food Challenge in Waterville, Maine

According to Buen Apetito, if you can finish a super-sized burrito in 30 minutes or less, you’ll get the $60 meal for free, a La Bestia champion shirt, and a picture on the wall of fame. That’s not to mention the bragging rights of dominating a task few will be able to conquer.

Wondering what’s in the burrito?

The Mexican restaurant shared in a Facebook comment on a post that the burrito is filled with “grilled chicken, chorizo, and tender shredded beef or pork. Built on a layer of seasoned rice, refried beans, and French fries, it’s melted together with a shredded Mexican cheese blend and a drizzle of creamy cheese sauce, sautéed peppers and onions, green salsa, pico de gallo, sour cream, creamy guacamole, and a bed of shredded lettuce all wrapped in three extra-large tortillas fused into one epic wrap.”

Let’s just say that this thing is packed full.

The first La Bestia contender took up his fork and knife in December 2025, but despite coming close, he couldn’t come out with the win.

As of March 2026, the challenge has remained undefeated. But you never know, someone is bound to come out victorious.

Just note that you can only try your hand at this food challenge on Wednesday and Thursday.

Buen Apetito Has Been a Longstanding Waterville, Maine, Restaurant

First opened in 1999, Buen Apeitito has been around for nearly 30 years.

Centralmaine.com reported that the Mexican restaurant was originally located at the Railroad Square complex off Chaplin Street before moving to 99 West River Road in 2023.

A little over a year later, in 2024, Buen Apetito shared on Facebook that it was passing on the torch to new owners, including Dalia, “the heart and soul of [the] kitchen for twenty years,” her daughter, Norma, and Norma’s husband, Shawn.

READ MORE: Famous Maine Restaurant Buen Apetito Adds Powerhouse New Owner to Crew

And it seems like not only are things still going strong, but new additions like La Bestia food challenge are only enhancing the spirit of big flavor and delicious Mexican food at the Waterville staple.

So, you think you’re up for the task of taking down a beast of a burrito at Buen Apetito? Good luck.

You Know You’re From Maine If You’ve Tried All 19 of These Foods

Here’s a number of foods associated with Maine. How many of them have you had?

Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna

The New York Time’s Best Restaurant Lists Feature These 7 Maine Spots

Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna

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Maine

How the Good Neighbor Day of Giving telethon is impacting Maine’s communities

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

How the Good Neighbor Day of Giving telethon is impacting Maine’s communities

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – Monday’s telethon held by WABI in partnership with Penquis and Heart of Maine United Way Monday raised money for the heating of homes, something so basic, yet so significant in a state like Maine.

Danielle Hewes, Penquis contributor and volunteer, says some people might not even know that they qualify for heating assistance.

“I think there’s this misconception that you can’t get that if you’re working. Like that’s just for people on general assistance. The truth of the matter is this is for the people that are maybe not able to work, but also for the people that are working. They’re making ends meet,” she said.

For Danielle, that’s what makes events like the telethon so special: it’s making a real difference in the community with people who need the help the most.

Speaking about Penquis in particular, she said, “You learn about all of the other things they do and how they help the community and you can’t help but want to be a part of that.”

If you weren’t able to donate Monday, donations are still being accepted.

You can go to homeunitedway.org/heat.

You can also call 941-2800.

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