Pine Point Lobster Roll: The Bait Shed

Bayley's Lobster Pound in Pine Point has been my go-to place for lobster rolls for over twenty-five years... basically, since I figured out I actually really liked lobster back in my early twenties. There was nothing better than stopping into the pound on my way to the beach to get one for lunch. The price was always so reasonable, the lobster roll huge. It's what summer is all about!

One summer, picnic tables appeared on the dock... order your roll and head out to sit on the dock overlooking the Scarborough River. And in 2012, they added a full-service bar and wait staff and The Bait Shed was born. A lot fancier than what I was used to, but I'm not afraid of change. It does get packed in the summer with its limited number of tables, but I always thought it was worth the wait.

This summer, I didn't visit The Bait Shed until after Labor Day. We decided to make a trip one gorgeous Wednesday afternoon in a really cool convertible! The low humidity, cooler temps and bright blue sky made it the perfect day for such a spot. And the Travel Channel just happened to be there filming an episode of Food Paradise so that was pretty cool.

Lobster Roll
house slaw • chips • pickle

While I'm usually a traditionalist when it comes to lobster rolls, I've always been a fan of the larger, more sub-like roll that The Bait Shed uses. Back in the day, you didn't get the option to have it toasted like they do now and it was still delish! However, this time I was slightly disheartened when my roll arrived in front of me. The bread to lobster ratio was lopsided making the roll look big and bready. It was very upsetting – we all know how I feel about high bread, low lobster content.

Our chariot for the day: 1941 Ford Super Deluxe

I stared down at a lobster roll that I have used as my standard for so long and felt a range of emotions highlighted by sadness. The lobster meat looked sparse in the oversized roll. But despite the insufficient amount, the lobster was some of the best tasting meat I've had all summer. The light mayonnaise didn't mask the natural flavors of the lobster – sweet and salty and delicious. If that lobster hadn't been as tasty as I've always remembered it to be, I probably would've burst into tears right there at the table.

The lobster roll comes with chips, cole slaw, and a pickle and has a very reasonable $17 price tag. There's a full bar and the Jones Creek lemonade is quite tasty and comes with your own collectible glass. The beer selection is fair but don't expect a wide range of craft brews. And on a nice day, you really can't beat the spot!

Round Pond Lobster Roll: Muscongus Bay Lobster Co.

Just up the road from the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse (of Maine quarter fame) is a little town called Round Pond – home to Muscongus Bay Lobster. Up until a few months ago, I had never heard of the town of Round Pond OR Muscongus Bay Lobster. But the place kept popping up on lists of the best lobster rolls around so I had to give it a try. And no one loves a good road trip up the coast like I do – especially when there's a tasty treat waiting for me at the other end!

This is another one of those places that has a picture-perfect Maine view that you could stare at forever. Muscongus Bay is a simple take out window that overlooks an expansive deck with plenty of picnic tables – either out in the sun or under the tented area. What I found so charming about the place was that when I went to order my lobster roll, you actually conduct your business directly over a lobster tank. I asked how many credit cards swam with the lobsters – the dude who waited on me said it's mostly change that ends up in the tank!

I really had high hopes for this place. The ordering is simple... they don't have all sorts of fancy lobster roll concoctions.

Lobster Roll
with your choice of homemade white or wheat roll, served with lemon, chips and a pickle

I'm not going to lie, I was a little afraid of the homemade roll. It almost felt like a tiny bit of overkill. I'm guessing most people are in it for what's in the roll not the actual roll itself! And while it was nicely toasted and looked yummy, the roll sucked. It was dense and bready and actually had a flavor to it that really detracted from the lobster filling. My advice to the Muscongus folks and anyone else who thinks the homemade roll is an attraction – it's not, don't bother!

While the lobster was flavorful and prepared well with just a touch of mayonnaise, there wasn't enough of it to offset the doughy roll. I think in a traditional split top bun, this would've been a fabulous lobster roll. I was so distracted by the taste and texture of the bread, I could barely concentrate on the crustacean. After I was finished the roll I thought I would try their lobster chowder and they were out of it. Kick me when I'm down, why don't you!

The lobster roll came with chips and a pickle but even the additions to the meal did not warrant a price tag of $22.99. This lobster roll was actually MORE than what I paid at Red's Eats. How can anyone charge more than Red's and NOT give me a crap load of lobster? I was so confused.

If you're looking for a great view, this place has it. If you're looking for a tasty lobster roll treat, this place may tick you off just a tiny bit. But it is BYOB and a great spot to hang out for a couple hours. The folks at the table next to us even broke out a whole table of hors d'oeuvres to snack on before ordering their lobster!

Award Winning Lobster Roll: Eventide Oyster Co.

I've hit a lot of restaurants in Portland's Old Port this summer and have been generally disappointed in the quality of the lobster rolls I've sampled. And then I went to Eventide. A fairly small restaurant on Middle Street in Portland, Eventide Oyster Co. is one of the busiest and best restaurants in town. Not that awards factor much into my decision on what restaurant to go to, but some may be impressed by their recent James Beard Award in the Best Chef: Northeast category.

If you've been following this blog regularly, you might have noticed that I'm a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to lobster rolls. Although every once in a while I've been known to step out of my comfort zone, take a walk on the wild side, and eat a lobster roll that doesn't look or taste like anything else I've had all summer. And that, my friends, is what you'll find at Eventide....

Eventide Brown Butter Lobster Roll

Eventide made brown butter cool before anyone even knew what brown butter was. Some have tried to mimic the mouth watering brown butter flavor... *cough* Foreside Tavern *cough*... and have failed miserably. I even set aside my recent declaration of "no more warm lobster" for this lobster roll and I don't regret it one bit.

The first thing you'll notice is the size. And that's probably my one (and only) complaint about the thing... when the server set the roll down in front of me, I immediately thought I could probably eat three or four of them. Seriously... why do you think there are two in the picture? They're too small to eat just one! But I'm willing to let the size issue go because that lobster roll is so amazing, you just want to hold it close and never let it go.

I'm even willing to overlook the fact that the bun is not a traditional New England split to roll. Nope, this fancy place serves their crustacean in a homemade steamed Asian-style bun. The first time I ordered one, I was convinced it was going to taste like crap. I was woefully wrong. Maybe it's because it's so different from the norm and that makes it okay... and intriguing... and a little bit adventurous. I can attest, it does not taste like crap!

And did I mention those miniature steamed buns are stuffed full of lobster which has been skillfully sauteed in the brown butter? I have no idea what else they add to the mixture and honestly, I don't care... because it's so decadent and delicious! The price is $15 for one lobster roll (no accoutrements included) and whoever can go there and just eat one is a bigger person than me.

If you read this blog post and decide you must go immediately, be prepared to wait. It's not a big place and there's usually a wait and when you do finally get a seat, you're most likely going to sitting right next to some stranger. They do take reservations but only for parties of six or more. Oh, and they have a pretty good beer list too!

Route One Lobster Roll: Day's Crabmeat & Lobster

Tucked along Route 1 in Yarmouth, Day's Crabmeat and Lobster sits on the banks of the Cousins River. I've driven by this place a gazillion times but this was the first time I actually stopped – having heard good things about their offerings. This particular Sunday, I had taken the dog over to Wolfe's Neck State Park for a little adventuring and was in desperate need of some sustenance so I swung in to see if they lived up to the hype.

Day's is a takeout window with outdoor seating out back that overlooks the river. It's not a bad little spot for being right on Route 1. I knew this was going to be a tricky feat to pull off with the leash of a less than agreeable bloodhound in one hand and my food in the other, but I was up for the challenge and I was hungry. The order is simple...

Day's Famous Lobster Roll.... market price
Day's fresh picked lobster, cut up and served on a grilled roll, with our without mayo and pickle.

The day I was there the market price was $14.99 which isn't a bad price at all! Once I got my roll and lemonade, the dog and I headed out back to find a picnic table away from the other diners so she wouldn't be tempted to make any unwanted visits to neighboring tables. I got all situated and ready to eat my lunch and realized I forgot my phone in the car and I needed to take a picture of this damn thing. So sadly, I ended up just eating in the car. Not very exciting for me or the dog.

Overall this lobster roll was okay... not fantastic, but not completely terrible. The traditional split top bun was nicely grilled and there was a good amount of lobster stuffed into it, but there was just too much mayo. The person who took my order never asked "with or without" mayo as it stated on the menu... I most certainly would've left the mayo off this one. Shame on me for not saying I didn't want the mayo. There were a few pieces of lobster that were a bit big and slightly too tough to easily bite through. But the price was right!

I'm not ruling Day's out for another visit. It's a cool little place and conveniently located and I'd really like to try it with no mayo... I think the amount of mayo on this roll was just too distracting. I think the next time I'll also visit sans dog.

Ocean Avenue Lobster Roll: Linda Kate Lobster & Seafood

For the past year or so, I passed a building on my way home from work on Ocean Avenue in Portland that was under construction. Having grown up in that area, I'm always interested in what goes on so I kept a close eye, wondering what it would be. And then one day the sign went up and "Linda Kate Lobster" was revealed as the business setting up shop. But I still had no idea what it was all about... Well turns out, Linda Kate Lobster is a local family-owned and operated seafood harvester and wholesaler.

So fast forward to one super rainy Friday – I escaped from the office early to take the afternoon off and found myself parked in their lot wondering how fast I needed to run to not get completely soaked on my way into their storefront. I had heard they dished out a pretty good lobster roll and I was hungry so I had to stop and give it a try!

They serve their lobster roll two ways, both on brioche rolls:

Mainer - mayo and shredded lettuce - $15
Simple - served warm with butter - $16

I picked the Mainer which I deemed the lesser of two evils. I've been burned a few times by warmed lobster so I decided I disliked lettuce less. It came with some weird pickles but no other accoutrements at the price listed above. This place is strictly take out so I can tell you about the view – it was of my bloodhound staring at me, drooling over my vittles while I dined.

Let's start from the bottom up. I should know by now that no matter what condition a brioche roll is served in, I'm going to hate it every single time. Sure this one was toasted nicely and it looked like your average split to roll but it was SO doughy. The bottom piece of the roll - you know, the piece that keeps the roll standing up tall - was possibly the thicker than the height of the rest of the roll. Too much bread!! *insert frustrated emoji face here*

And I know I said I wasn't going to complain about lettuce anymore but most lettuce-happy places tend to use full pieces of greenery which are easy to remove from the sandwich with little to no rebuilding necessary. This lobster roll had shredded lettuce and a lot of it – so much that I would've starved to death by the time I picked it all out of the damn thing.

There appeared to be a fair amount of lightly mayo'd lobster at first glance, but once I started to inspect the roll closer and push the lobster around with my fork, I realized the bun to meat ratio was quite lopsided. I can't think of much worse than biting into a lobster roll and tasting mostly bread and that's exactly what happened. Even the lobster I did taste wasn't that memorable.

I was saddened my my less than stellar experience with this place... mostly because I drive by it often and could see it becoming a regular stop. I would highly recommend they rethink their bread choice and maybe slop on a few more pieces of lobster.  Oh well... lunch and learn, I guess.