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!