Bailey Island Lobster Roll: Cook's Lobster & Ale House

Amidst a pandemic, there's not much lobster roll exploring going on for me. The state of Maine was buttoned up pretty tightly up until about a month ago, and the thought of curbside pickup doesn't lend itself to experiencing the atmosphere of the lobster roll establishment - a very important part of the review. Oh, and I've kind of become an anxious shut-in as a result of COVID-19 which also doesn't help my situation.

So last week the restaurants started opening up in the more populated counties and we took advantage of the loosening restrictions to head up to Cook's Lobster & Ale House on Bailey Island. Still not quite ready to test the inside dining scene, we found a nice sunny but slightly chilly spot on their deck overlooking Harpswell Sound.

It's been years since we've been to Cook's. The last time wasn't good. At all. But after hearing from a few folks that the food has improved, we decided to give them another chance. And as many times as I've been to this establishment, surprisingly, I've never had their lobster roll!

The lobster roll comes two ways and both include chips, coleslaw, and a pickle - the Traditional, lightly folded with mayo for $20.00 (Does anyone else hear Moira Rose yelling, "Fold in the cheese!") It also comes as Hot Buttered, lobster sauteed in hot drawn butter, also for $20.00. You could also get the Jumbo version of either of these rolls for $36.00 (OOOF!) I found the $20 price tag to be a bit steep considering the size of the lobster roll - but then again, everything on the menu seemed a tad pricey.

The meal was pleasantly presented in a metal tray and even the lobster roll was dressed in its Sunday best with a frock of frilly lettuce. Honestly, I'm done complaining about the lettuce as long as it isn't obviously used as bun filler and is easily removed without compromising the state of the lobster meat. I need to concede to the fact that lettuce is a universally acceptable lobster roll garnish.

So... the lobster roll was just... meh. Edible, but not very exciting. Most of its meh-ness comes from the ineptness of the person responsible for grilling my hot dog bun. The bun was clearly buttered on both sides but then appeared to have just been waved over a candle instead of actually grilled on the stove. The lobster meat was cooked adequately with the right amount of mayo, but there was nothing extra special about its flavor. And for $20, the amount of meat felt skimpy.

Cook's is a cool spot and now would be the time to go with the reduction in tourist traffic. The beer list was decent and the view is solid. But be prepared to drop some dough on your dinner this summer. Also, does an above-average view even out a merely average meal?

Cribstone Lobster Roll: Morse's Cribstone Grill

The season for lobster rolls is sadly winding down and soon many on my list of places to try will be closed for the winter despite the unseasonably warm weather we've been having this October. I'm starting to feel as sense of urgency as I try to make it an even 30 lobster rolls for 2017. I need just three more!

For years, we made trips to the Bailey Island to visit Cook's Lobster House and every time, we drove right past Morse's Cribstone Grill. We talked about it, wondered about it but never stopped there until a few years ago. Now, this family-owned place that sits right on the water just across the famous (and world's only) Cribstone Bridge, is an annual pilgrimage. The people, the views, and the food have never disappointed us. And the desserts are some of my favorites!

Lobster Roll -- Fresh Maine lobster meat cooked and picked in house, mixed with a light amount of mayo and served in a butter & grilled Maine hot dog bun. Served with chips and a pickle.

Let's just get it out in the open right now... this lobster roll is fantastic! I can honestly say I have no complaints. It's traditional, it's stuffed, it's tasty, it's perfect. If this one turns out to be my final of the season, I'll be pleased to end on such a high note. (Although I'm not entirely ready to say goodbye to the crustacean crusade just yet!)

Morse's serves their lobster roll the right way – on a traditional New England split top roll that is perfectly buttered and grilled. I know, I know... I was just talking about that cheesy taco crisp shell that I claimed to want everything served in, but when it comes down to a traditional lobster roll, I can't deny that this is the preferred way.

The roll was stuffed full of beautifully cooked lobster meat. It was fantastically salty with just a touch of mayonnaise – it makes my mouth water just writing about it. I'm not claiming it's the most lobster you'll get, but there was enough to make the sides of the roll bulge and damn, it was so flavorful!

And the price is right too! For $16 you get the lobster roll with chips and a pickle. I added a side of coleslaw (which was just average and I probably didn't need)... but then finished off the evening with one of their amazing desserts - strawberry shortcake in a jar! *slurp* I've also heard from a pretty reliable source that they have some of the best blueberry pie around.

As far as I know, they're closing October 9th but definitely put this one on your list for next summer.