Top 5 Places

Once you have settled on which side of the great lobster roll debate you stand, it’s time to hop in the car and take a trip for the best lobster roll in the Northeast. Chosen for a combination of freshness, flavor and of course, that oceanside ambiance, these shacks present the best of the best when it comes to our favorite crustacean.

Red’s Eats in Wiscasset, Maine is touted as one of the best places to go for a lobster roll. The rolls are traditional sliced hot dog buns, toasted to perfection, and loaded with more than a whole lobster worth of meat. Everyone who goes to Red’s says that the wait is worth it, as it is a big tourist hot spot, many folks wait in line for up to an hour for this delectable dish. The great thing about Red’s lobster rolls? They come undressed so you can choose butter or mayo to have with your roll.

The Red Hook Lobster Pound in New York City is rated top notch, being run by a husband and wife team, the Poviches. Susan Povich originally hails from Bath, ME so great lobster is in her blood. Bringing the freshest Maine lobster down to New York City, and the sliced hotdog buns fresh out of Biddeford, Maine, the Red Hook’s lobster roll is at the top of our list. They even have a roaming food truck, delivering the taste of Maine around the city. Of course, you can have your tender lobster however you want it, with mayo or melted butter.

Tucked away in Rockport, Massachusetts is a little spot called The Lobster Pool. This place is a must visit for their unbelievably tasty lobster rolls. Made in the traditional Maine fashion, on a toasted bun with a bit of iceberg lettuce and heaped with fresh lobster meat tossed in a touch of mayo. They are happy to make it with butter upon request. The lobster comes straight off the boats in Gloucester, as well as all the other seafood offered. Definitely make the Lobster Pool a destination in your lobster roll search.

Lobster Landing, a quaint beat-up old shack on the coast of Connecticut in Clinton, has a huge lobster roll just waiting to be tackled. These rolls aren’t the standard hot dog buns, but Italian sub rolls that are toasted on a propane grill outside the shack. The crispy, savory rolls are loaded up with buttery, fresh lobster that melts in your mouth. The hand painted sign only adds to the charm as you bite into your juicy, tender lobster roll.

Lastly, The Clam Shack in Kennebunk, Maine might be the top of the list, albeit a subjective list at that. Owner, Steve Kingston, hand picks soft shell lobsters every day straight from the boat and chills them on ice, keeping the freshness at the highest level. The Clam Shack toasts the buttered hamburger roll for the OMG Lobster Roll and piles it high with delicious buttered lobster. They do offer the sliced hot dog bun as well, and you can order a lobster roll that is lightly tossed with mayo. Add The Clam Shack to your list of must visits for your lobster roll trip.

Hopefully, these five will get you started on an eventful and delicious road trip to the top spots for lobster rolls. There are plenty more places that have incredible lobster rolls, as it is a fairly simple menu item to prepare. Travel safe, and eat well!

by L.A. DiNardi