Two Lights Lobster Roll: The Lobster Shack

Set just beyond the rocky coast of Cape Elizabeth, with a view of the ocean on one side and a lighthouse on the other, The Lobster Shack is a quintessential Maine attraction. Some days, the sea is angry and crashes against the rocks with such force, you're not sure even the picnic area is safe. It's off the beaten path but summer sees endless hoards of tourists waiting in line for its oceanic wares. Which is exactly why I make sure to get my trip in before Memorial Day!

The Lobster Shack is heralded by some as the place to go for a lobster roll in Maine. Maybe that's for the view because the roll isn't anything that's going to knock your socks off. They serve a classic lobster roll, served on a toasted hot dog bun with a fair amount of meat -- not overflowing the bun by any means but I didn't have to set out a search party to find the lobster. There's a blob of mayonnaise on top along with a sprinkling of what I'm assuming is paprika and a pickle. The mayo blob is easily removable if you're not a fan of that condiment and the pickle was an unneccessary (and a tiny bit confusing) garnish.

Presentation of my Lobster Roll Boat was typical of any restaurant with the word "shack" in the title... served in a cardboard "boat" with fries and some cole slaw. The fries were delish, but the cole slaw was just mediocre. The roll was toasted but just barely and not that buttered toasted bun that I love so much. And you can't really tell from the picture, but there was lettuce under that lobster. The most minuscule crumbs of iceberg that left me wondering why bother.

The price was... can you guess? Yup, Market Price. [insert major eye roll here] I mean, I get it... the price of seafood can fluctuate depending on supply and demand. But why can some restaurants say here, this is the price, and others can't? Won't? [another eye roll]

Overall, the Lobster Shack serves a pretty good lobster roll. It's not one that makes my taste buds twirl in happiness, but the lobster is fresh and tasty and I never felt like I was eating too much bread. Also, the sheer beauty of the rocky Maine coast is reason to make a trip -- especially if you're an out of towner.