#1 Beer Bar in the World Lobster Roll: Ebenezer's Pub

One does not generally visit a pub once named by Beer Advocate as the #1 Beer Bar in the World for a lobster roll. And I didn't either. I just happened to stumble upon one by mistake in my quest to imbibe in some tasty beer. I'm not sure anyone goes to Ebenezer's Restaurant and Pub in Lovell, Maine for anything other than their ridiculous beer list. And I can attest... it was RIDIC! Double-sided tap list of some serious stuff you can't get anywhere 'round here. As well as a buttload of cans and bottles that we didn't even get into.

First, let's get through the beer. Had I not been driving and had someone designated to cart my drunk ass around, I could've stayed at this place for hours and hours sampling the sours they had to offer. Although it would've most certainly drained my bank account because this stuff is not cheap. I opted for the Alvinne/Lauger ICH BIN EIN BERLINER FRAMBOOS - Raspberry Berliner Weiss. A collaboration beer brewed with rye, wheat, aged in oak with raspberries for a year. That damn glass of beer was $15! Worth it though.

When I finally made it to the menu, I was surprised and intrigued to find a lobster roll. A lobster roll that claimed to be made with the meat of a WHOLE LOBSTER. Before Red's in Wiscasset, I would've found this to be exciting... now I just expect that's the minimum that's going to be on a roll. There is indeed a whole lobster on this roll and you can tell because they keep all the parts whole. The giant lobster parts were tossed with mayo and served on a traditional toasted roll with a little bit of lettuce on the bottom. They give you a choice of either fries or coleslaw and charge you $24.95.

I think you might know where I'm going with this. If you even know me a little, you can guess that while I was happy to be served a lobster roll with the meat of a whole lobster, I would very much prefer that the lobster is not in GIANT CHUNKS! I had to reassemble that damn roll about a dozen times while eating it because those big pieces just don't like to stay in their bun. Lucky for them, the lobster itself didn't suck because I would've made me very angry. The lettuce was stupid and the mayo just a touch heavy, but overall it tasted pretty good. The slaw was tasty too!

To finish off my visit to Ebenezer's, and because it was my birthday, I also enjoyed a traditional Belgian waffle with chocolate sauce and ice cream. If you get just one thing to eat at this joint, get the waffle. It was glorious! But definitely try lots of beer. Beer is good.

Yarmouth Brewery Lobster Roll: Brickyard Hollow

These days you can't swing a dead cat without hitting a cool new local craft brewery in Maine. For us beer lovers, that's a good thing! Brickyard Hollow in Yarmouth opened their doors in late June and if the traffic is consistent with what I saw the night I was there, they're doing a booming business. It helps if you're brewing good beer AND serving good food! 

On the night I dined at the Hollow, I felt lucky to find myself two seats at the bar because it was packed. The atmosphere is neat – just like most breweries nowadays – with both indoor and outdoor seating options. The beer selection isn't the largest, but they're still new and I'm sure will continue to add more options – I tried the Kolsh and then opted for a guest tap - Banded Brewing's Wicked Bueno (if you care!)

As usual, I was excited to see a lobster roll on the menu and as usual, I couldn't resist. Plus the waiter assured me there was a lot of lobster in the roll – more than at his other job at Diamond's Edge. (Note to self: Don't order the lobster roll at Diamond's Edge.) Even though I was skeptical at the brioche roll and the price tag of "Market Price," I pulled the trigger. 

Lobster Roll

Maine lobster roll, lettuce, mayonnaise, brioche bun, french fries ~ Market Price

If I could make an angry face emoji in a blog post, I totally would because FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, would you just put a damn price on the menu! It was $19 by the way... 😡 (oh wait, I can.)

Overall the roll was pretty tasty. The lobster was fresh, cooked well and flavorful. The light mayo coupled with a squeeze of lemon made for a tasty treat. While I had a good brioche experience recently at The Clam Digger, this one left me feeling over breaded. The base of the roll was thick and overpowering. PLUS... not only did they add the dreaded lettuce, but it was shredded and that shit is impossible to remove without deconstructing the whole damn roll. 

The lobster roll came with just fries and a pickle. The fries were absolutely delicious! They were like steak fries but thinner and cooked well done – so almost like a combination between a fry and a chip. I'd go back for the fries alone! And pickles are useless. Don't even bother putting it on my plate.

Check out Brickyard Hollow – if even just for the beer. But I hear the other food is pretty good too!