Bob's Killer Lobster Roll: Bob's Clam Hut

Located on Route 1 in Kittery since 1956 – long before that stretch became a mecca for outlet shoppers – Bob's Clam Hut appears in just about every collection of "must have" lobster rolls in Maine. And for good reason. Holy crap... for good reason. I've only been to Bob's one other time and for some unfathomable reason, I failed to have a lobster roll. I must have been delirious or brain dead or something.

The menu offers two lobster roll choices and I'll give you one guess on which one I ordered.

Lobster Roll................. $19.95
Jumbo Lobster Roll.... $23.95

If you guessed Jumbo Lobster Roll, you are correct! If you've been loyally following along this journey, you've come to expect one thing from me – go big or go home! When I ordered the Jumbo, I wasn't quite sure what I was going to get. Some might just add extra lobster meat and call it a jumbo... but this jumbo lobster roll was in one of those extra long hot dog buns that made me squeal just a little bit when they passed it to me at the takeout window.

When I extricated this lobster roll from its cardboard container, I was pleased to see that golden brown grilled bun exterior. I thought to myself... if this bun isn't grilled to absolute perfection, it's going to be a real shame because this lobster roll just looked so mouthwatering! And if we've learned anything from this blog, it's that the bread really impacts my experience. Thank you, good people of Bob's for not disappointing me.

So let's talk about the lobster meat... oooh the lobster meat. It was cooked exquisitely with that briny, ocean-y flavor that makes me almost a little giddy. Granted it has been twelve days since my last lobster roll and I was starting to have withdrawals so I may have been extra excited about this lobstery treat! But it was faultless... optimum chunk size, and like The Beach Plum's roll, just enough mayonnaise to hold the whole thing together. And not a piece of lettuce in sight.

If you're looking for an ocean view, you'll be disappointed. Bob's is nestled amongst the outlet stores on busy Route 1 so be prepared to fight a little traffic if you go on the weekend. They offer indoor seating and a ton of outdoor tables – with umbrellas and lots of shady spots for enjoying your snacks on a hot summer day. The employees are amazing and polite and helpful and a couple of them even offered us a free ice cream (which we didn't turn down, naturally!)

Next time you head down to Kittery for some retail therapy, make sure to check out the lobster roll at Bob's Clam Hut – I think it will make you pretty happy! (I hear they make some pretty good clams too!)

Plum Crazy About This Lobster Roll: The Beach Plum

If you've been following this blog since the beginning, you know there aren't many lobster rolls that blow my socks off. Just a couple so far actually. Until yesterday. I took a trip south of the border – you know, New Hampshire – to a little ice cream stand in North Hampton called The Beach Plum. Two different people recommended this place in the span of a week so I figured I owed it to myself to go!

The menu goes a little something like this:

Premium Hard Shell Lobster Rolls
• 6 oz –– $17.99
• 8 oz –– $21.99
• 10 oz –– $25.99

Foot Long Rolls
• 12 oz –– $33.99
• 16 oz –– $41.99
• 20 oz –– $49.99

This menu made me giddy with all the different sizes to choose from. No fancy flavors or added accoutrements, just a bun and a lot of lobster. You're probably thinking to yourself, she got the biggest one they sell. I'm not going to lie... I thought long and hard about it. But I decided not to be piggish and went with the 10 oz. I also don't need to go bankrupt (or gain 300 pounds) over this stupid obsession so the 20 oz may have been a bit much. Plus I'm fine with $25.99 for a lobster roll but I would have a hard time forking over $50 even if it is the size of Texas.

I can honestly say, in all my years eating lobster rolls, I don't think I've ever had a roll with THAT much lobster in it. I mean you see the picture, right? It was borderline obscene. I stared at that thing like a kid ogling the loot Santa left on Christmas morning. It was beautiful and mouth-watering. All lobster, no filler. I mostly stared at it trying to figure out how I was going to fit the damn thing in my mouth.

Let's talk about the lobster. The Mainer in me thinks no other state can properly cook or serve lobster like we can. I know it's small of me... especially since New Hampshire is so close... but let me tell you, I was so wrong. The lobster in this sandwich was cooked flawlessly... and the chunks were the ideal size. And there was the perfect amount of mayo – just enough to hold the roll together without making me want to punch someone in the face.

Usually one of the first things I notice about a lobster roll is its bun. I seriously didn't even think about the bread until I was about three-quarters of the way done. That's how mesmerizing the lobster was. Once I did stop to think about it a minute, I realized that split top roll was deliciously buttery and superbly grilled (like the outside of a perfect grilled cheese.) Add some potato chips and a freshly brewed ice tea... I was in heaven.

The Beach Plum has three locations – in Portsmouth, North Hampton and Epping. So if you're down that way looking for a place to nosh, please give this place a try and then tell me what you think. The people are super nice and the food is yummy. And if you still have room after your lobster roll, they'll serve you an ice cream the size of your head!

I will have dreams about this lobster roll. And I will return for another before the summer ends.

Commercial Street Lobster Rollin': Gilbert's Chowder House

Located on Portland's Commercial Street, Gilbert's Chowder House has been a waterfront fixture for as long as I can remember. You know... with me being so old and all. I haven't been there in years but what I do remember about them is the really awesome seafood chowder. This time I went there specifically for the lobster roll...naturally. My first one at this particular establishment.

They offered just one choice:
Maine Lobster Roll.... $16.95
(served with chips and a pickle)

My excitement over this lobster roll was pretty low which makes me realize that it's way more fun to write about a sandwich that you love than one you just feel meh about. I mean the lobster itself tasted okay – it was properly cooked – but it appeared to be all claw meat. If there was some tail in there, it was hard to find buried under all the claws. I also didn't go digging around for it.

The mayonnaise level was high. If you're going to put mayo on a lobster roll, you should add just enough to make someone wonder if it's even actually there. It needs to be lightly dressed... this one was definitely not lightly dressed. There were blobs even.

On the plus side, the bun was traditional, toasted and tasty. Sorry guys but the bread alone can't carry the lobster roll. The price was one of the cheapest I've seen this year. And Gilbert's also has a great little outdoor seating area with plenty of tables. The view is great if you're facing in the direction of the Portland Waterfront. (Otherwise, you're just looking at the building or the parking lot!)

Overall, it was a pretty lackluster lobster roll experience. But if you ask my lunch date, she'll tell you the seafood chowder is to die for so don't rule them out all together! Even I'll go back for the chowdah!

Beautiful Beals Island Lobster Roll: Bayview Takeout

Sometimes the best surprises are discovered off the beaten path. On a recent trip up the coast, we explored just about every mile of the state from Bar Harbor to Lubec. Some of those miles were in the Jonesport/Beals area which I'm guessing might be the lobstering capital of Maine judging from the thousands of lobster traps everywhere! I seriously have never seen so many traps... they were stacked at least ten high on just about every surface on the waterfront.

We arrived on Beals Island mid-morning without having stopped for breakfast and I was ready to chew my own arm off I was so hungry. Unfortunately, the Island lacked a suitable breakfast joint so we stopped at the local Post Office for a recommendation. The woman there said if we could wait until eleven, the place across the street was the best in town. That place across the street was a little non-descript building with a couple of takeout windows called Bayview Takeout.

They don't have a website but their Facebook cover photo has a sign that boasts they've been voted Best Lobster Roll in Maine/Mass. Not that I needed any encouragement to eat one! I happily ordered my lobster roll the only way the menu offered it — LOBSTER ROLL - $20. I'm here to tell you that I think their sign tells the truth! That lobster roll was TO. DIE. FOR. And worth every penny of that $20. Hell, I might have paid more!

The first thing I noticed about my roll was its girth. This damn thing was stuffed with lobster to the point that the hot dog bun was almost lying flat open. And it appeared to be garnished with a full lobster claw. A lobster roll garnished with lobster? That, my friends, puts a huge smile on this girl's face. I didn't even flip out when the lobster blew out the bottom of my bun. How can you be mad about that? A bun blowout is the first sign they've loaded the roll with what some might call too much lobster. I call it just enough!

The split top hot dog bun was superbly buttery and grilled. The lobster was lightly dressed with just a smidge of mayonnaise. The chunks were the ideal size and cooked to perfection. There was no stupid lettuce. And the view was just what I would expect — the ocean beyond a dock holding a stack of lobster traps and buoys. Perfectly Maine.

If you're ever up that way... do stop in. (And take me with you!!)

Southwest Harbor Lobster Roll: Beal's Lobster Pier

Beal's Lobster Pier, a family-owned, year-round working fish and lobster pier in Southwest Harbor, has been operating since 1932. In 1969, the family opened a restaurant at the end of the pier with a vision to serve up the freshest seafood to its customers. On a recent trip to Mount Desert Island, I elected to give the Beal's lobster roll a try. I've read good reviews and I figured how much fresher could the lobster get?! And I enjoy the authenticity of eating my lobster roll right on the pier where the fishermen bring their catch!

With these off-the-beaten-path places, getting there is always half the fun! I love to explore the state I grew up in and I had never been to Southwest Harbor so I was excited to see sights like Bass Harbor Head Light on my way to lunch on the Pier. Beal's offers typical lobster pound fare with the addition of fried seafood selections, a few choices for the non-seafood eater, and beer!

The menu boasts five different Beal's Famous Lobster Rolls:

Classic with a touch of mayo, Traditional warmed in Beal's Buttah, Centennial with cucumber dill mayo, Garlic Lovers warmed in Beal's Garlic Buttah, and Spicy Buffalo warmed in Beal's Buffalo Buttah.

The view.

I opted for the Classic this time with a Black Bear Brewing Liquid Sunshine. The lobster was lightly dressed with a reasonable amount of mayo (which for me is barely any!) But sadly, I didn't love it. This place was really great with such a pretty view and everyone was so nice... I really wanted to love this lobster roll!

I'll start with my least favorite part... the roll. It seems like an insignificant piece of the puzzle, but bread can make or break the lobster roll. Sure, it was grilled perfectly. Sure, it was a split-top roll. But it was not your traditional split-top roll. While it didn't specify on the menu, I'm 99% sure this was a brioche bun — the doughy grave for lobster meat. I am not a fan.

There was some fancy lettuce... blah, blah, blah. The amount of lobster was suitable but the chunks were pretty big and a smidge tough. I'm sorry, but I feel like a lobster pier should be experts at cooking the stupid lobster. Maybe I'm being picky. Maybe it was a fluke. Maybe someone was off their game that day. Or maybe my teeth just aren't sharp enough. Whatever the reason, I think I should be able to bite through a piece of lobster without having to gnaw it like a damn rodent!

The price was listed at Market (cowards). I'm guessing it was about $21 and came with chips and a pickle. A little over priced considering I've gotten rolls with way more lobster for a few bucks less but this is also pretty hardcore tourist country so I get it. I probably won't be rushing back to Beal's in the future, but with lobster on every corner on MDI, I'm ok with that.

Beer + Lobster Roll = Heaven: Bite Into Maine

When most people think of heading to Bite Into Maine for one of their famous lobster rolls, they head out to Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth, grab a seat overlooking the majestic Atlantic, and take in the sites of Portland Head Light. Yeah, I've done that.

For this visit to Bite Into Maine however, I chose to visit their new second food truck location at Allagash Brewing Company... because, duh... BEER!! When I heard this food truck would be stationed at Allagash every weekend this summer, I thought to myself, I bet this is what heaven is like. Beer and lobster rolls go together like peanut butter and jelly!

Industrial Way is one of my favorite stops for beer in Portland... and a flight at Allagash is always an adventure — this trip was no exception! One of the most forward thinking breweries in Maine, they always have something on the tap list that will surprise your taste buds and leave you wondering, how the hell do they keep churning out all these super amazing beers, one after another after another? It boggles my tiny little brain.

Allagash opens at 11am and while most people are still brunching at that time of the morning, the brewery is already filling up quickly with folks from far and wide enjoying a brunch time beer flight. And while I loved all the tap offerings I tried (House Beer, Little Brett, Golden Brett and Interlude), I did miss their White which to me is a perfect breakfast brew.

If you're in it for the scenery, you're better off going out to Fort Williams... but if your idea of the perfect lobster roll eating view is a flight of beer, you must pick this location! But enough about the beer (even though I could go on and on) and let's talk about the reason we're all here... the lobster roll!

There are a number of menu options at Bite Into Maine:
• Maine Style with light mayonnaise and fresh chives
• Connecticut Style with hot butter
• Picnic Style which includes a layer of cole slaw, hot butter and a dash of celery salt
• Wasabi mayo | Curry mayo | Chipotle mayo

I went with the Connecticut Style lobster roll. If I have to whine about something, can I just mention how much of a problem I have with the hot butter version being referred to as "Connecticut Style"? Nothing against the state, but I'm fairly certain they didn't invent the hot butter + lobster combo. Oh, and CT style lobster rolls are supposed to be served with warm lobster. So if my lobster is cold, what does that make it? Just a thought and totally open for discussion.

First, let me just talk about the roll... the roll was grilled to perfection. They didn't skimp on the butter giving it that golden brown color and flavor of the ideal grilled cheese (minus the cheese!) It wasn't over grilled or lightly grilled, it was just right. And there was no lettuce. I repeat NO LETTUCE! That part made me so happy!

Then there was the lobster. I don't know what to say other than it was flawless. Everything about it was absolute perfection. The freshness, the flavor, the appropriately sized chunks, the amount of lobster (although let's be serious here... you honestly can't put enough lobster in a roll that would satisfy my love for this damn crustacean.) The price was $17.95 — the going rate in the current lobster economy. This roll was so amazing, I completely forgot about the bag of chips I bought to go with it. Honestly, I think I was in a state of lobster roll euphoria.

All in all, it was a most enjoyable experience... the sun shone, the beer flowed and the lobster roll delighted. Not a bad was to spend a Saturday afternoon. And I'd do it again in a heartbeat and I suggest you do too!

Boats and Lobster Rolls: Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster

Surrounded by the marina in South Freeport, the Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster couldn't be any closer to the water and offers amazing views of the boats and harbor. It's been one of my favorite places for years for it's close proximity to home and their amazing food.

They serve lunch and dinner starting in late April with the option for ordering at the window for your lobster rolls, fried clams, fish sandwiches, shrimp, desserts and other deliciousness. Or order from the lobster pound for a traditional lobster dinner with steamers and corn. Then grab a picnic table under the awning and enjoy! They don't serve alcohol but you're free to BYOB.

The menu is simple and the prices reasonable. I had two choices for my lobster roll:
Lobster Roll - $14.95
Lobster Roll with Fries - $16.95

The hot dog bun was toasted, although not quite to perfection, but definitely an acceptable level. And yes, there was lettuce which I've already said I'm going to stop complaining about but I felt it was necessary to mention that it was there. The fries were tasty and it was all served in the typical cardboard boat.

It's not the biggest lobster roll you'll ever eat, but it sure might be one of the freshest. The meat was cut into perfect sized bites and even some of the bigger pieces were so tender, it didn't matter. The amount of lobster was about average and it was so lightly dressed with mayonnaise, I actually questioned if there was any on there. A perfect amount if there's going to be some, in my opinion.

Did I mention how fresh this thing tasted? It's like someone went down to the water, plucked that tasty little crustacean out and popped him right in the pot. There aren't many things better than a perfectly fresh, perfectly cooked lobster. It makes me completely forget about that overcooked one I had not too long ago!

I do love this place and I almost didn't write this post because the Lunch and Lobster is already crowded enough during the summer that I didn't want to send even more people there... you know, making it more difficult for me to get my lobster roll! But alas... I felt I needed to give them their props for serving such fresh lobster! And be prepared to wait in a long line for sure at peak times—it can get pretty busy!