Tenants Harbor Lobster Roll: The Happy Clam

I recently celebrated my 50th birthday by doing what we do best... going on an adventure up the Maine coast. Hopping in the car to explore new places seems to be our go-to activity in this pandemically-challenged world. We caught the car ferry to Islesboro and toured the island... hiked a few short, scenic trails, and then searched for a bite to eat. If you've ever been to Islesboro, you'll know that there is little sustenance to be found on the tiny island. So back on the ferry and on a serious hunt for food!

Not too far away in Tenants Harbor, we stumbled onto a little hole in the wall joint called The Happy Clam. My first thought was maybe we've made a mistake and there had to be someplace better just down the road. But we donned our masks, grabbed the vat of hand sanitizer, and got ourselves a table. Neither one of us had high hopes for the food but hunger got the best of us. This pub-style restaurant interestingly serves both German cuisine and local seafood.

Lucky for me, The Happy Clam offered a lobster roll. Well, Happy Birthday to me! It was a simple order, Lobster Roll with Fries and Cole Slaw for $19.99. Ok, I'll bite.

The lobster roll came on a nicely toasted bun with a pretty substantial amount of chilled lobster lightly bathed in butter. The meat was presented in bite-sized pieces which is a mark in the plus column because we all know how much I hate the dismantling of a perfectly good roll because one big chunk of lobster pulls all the rest of the lobster out of the bun. I know... you're probably thinking to yourself, who the hell complains about big pieces of lobster. That would be me. I don't enjoy having to gnaw off bites of my sandwich.

Guess what? That lobster roll was delicious! The meat tasted fresh and sweet and if you don't love butter, you might be a serial killer. I think I love butter more than I should but it was my birthday so I was going to eat all the butter. The fries were thin cut and crispy perfection. The only thing that would've made my dining experience better was if maybe one million degrees out. Outside dining does have its drawbacks. Sometimes I really hate summer.

Would I send someone to The Happy Clam just for the lobster roll? Probably not. But if you're in the area and are looking for some good food, I wouldn't hesitate to swing by. Although I have no idea what the inside looks like!