This Lobster Roll Sits on a Throne of Lies: Scarborough Fish & Lobster

The title for this blog post just came tumbling out of my head when I was thinking back to the feelings I had about this lobster roll. My plan was to change it but as time passed, I just figured it was appropriate. Maybe the next person won't get duped like I did.

The lie starts before you even get in the door of Scarborough Fish & Lobster on Route 1 in Scarborough. There's a folding roadside sign boasting "Maine's Best Lobsta Roll." Now I've had a lot of lobster rolls around this state and I'm not sure I can even say there's a best. I have favorites for different reasons – but honestly, I have yet to encounter the perfect lobster roll experience. Don't make claims you can't stand behind.

The order is simple – Lobster Roll - $13. I'm 99% sure this is the second cheapest lobster roll I've reviewed on this blog after the Patch's Variety disaster of 2018. As I sat at a semi-dirty picnic table amongst several steaming lobster pots, I wondered what the hell I had gotten myself into. I desperately hoped to be pleasantly surprised.

The lobster roll was delivered to the table and at first glance, I was impressed with the presentation. The full claws sticking out each end of the roll was an adorable touch, but that's where my praise screeches to a whiplash-inducing stop. As I inspected the status of the hot dog bun, I noticed I was given an end roll – so it's like getting a sandwich using the part of the bread that almost every single person will reach past for the good slices. Was I being targeted? Did I snub someone in the kitchen? To add insult to injury, it was over toasted and not buttered – not a good start.

Could the lobster be this roll's only semi saving grace? The answer to that question would be not a chance. It was tasteless. It was sad. It was a complete waste of my time. So much so that I don't even want to waste any more time writing about this disaster. Over and out on this one.

Sorry, Scarborough Fish & Lobster... I had high hopes for this quirky little seafood shack.

Newly Year-round Lobster Rolls: Bite Into Maine & Highroller Lobster Co.

When I began this lobster roll noshing adventure, it was my goal to only write one review per establishment. That was before the food truck/cart folks started opening brick and mortar operations and completely throwing my plan off its rocker. And when some of your favorite seasonal lobster rolls are now available year-round, that calls for a celebration... and a blog post.

As you may remember, Bite Into Maine was one of my favorite lobster rolls from last summer. With food trucks at Portland Head Light and Allagash Brewing, they've made the top of numerous lobster roll lists. When I heard they were opening a small place on Route 1 in Scarborough, I might have done my best Michael Flatley performance. (Hint: I probably looked more like a toddler standing on hot coals.)

Their spot on Route 1 is diminutive. With about enough seating for maybe a dozen diners, this location definitely lacks the capacity to handle summer crowds. Luckily they're not planning on giving up the food trucks anytime soon. The menu for the Scarbrough location has a few additions like Lobster Grilled Cheese ($11.95) and a Lobster BLT ($11.95). But they also stay true to the lobster rolls offered at the two food truck locations. During this visit, I decided to switch up my order and got the Maine Style with light mayonnaise and fresh chives ($17.95). As expected, it was friggin' delicious!

Now if that wasn't exciting enough for you, Highroller Lobster Co. has also graduated from food cart to a full blown restaurant on Exchange Street in Portland. The thought of being able to stuff that taco cheese crisp lobster roll thingy in my pie hole whenever I feel like it makes me ridiculously happy. (Cue more spazzy dancing.) And for that reason, I was excitedly there for lunch on the day they opened. It's a cool place. Lots of red and white with a big wooden lobster and a lot of amazing neon. Oh and a pretty killer and ever evolving beer list.

I thought about trying something different on that opening day menu. A traditional lobster roll perhaps? Maybe a Lobby Pop? It was tempting, but each time I read the menu description of that damn Lobster Cheese Crisp Taco ($17), I just couldn't pull the trigger on anything else. I mean it's cheese, it's lobster, it's avocado... it's ridiculous and delicious.

So go forth and be free of the seasonal and weather dependent food truck/cart and eat your lobster rolls or tacos or pops in rain, sleet or snow!

Pine Point Lobster Roll: The Bait Shed

Bayley's Lobster Pound in Pine Point has been my go-to place for lobster rolls for over twenty-five years... basically, since I figured out I actually really liked lobster back in my early twenties. There was nothing better than stopping into the pound on my way to the beach to get one for lunch. The price was always so reasonable, the lobster roll huge. It's what summer is all about!

One summer, picnic tables appeared on the dock... order your roll and head out to sit on the dock overlooking the Scarborough River. And in 2012, they added a full-service bar and wait staff and The Bait Shed was born. A lot fancier than what I was used to, but I'm not afraid of change. It does get packed in the summer with its limited number of tables, but I always thought it was worth the wait.

This summer, I didn't visit The Bait Shed until after Labor Day. We decided to make a trip one gorgeous Wednesday afternoon in a really cool convertible! The low humidity, cooler temps and bright blue sky made it the perfect day for such a spot. And the Travel Channel just happened to be there filming an episode of Food Paradise so that was pretty cool.

Lobster Roll
house slaw • chips • pickle

While I'm usually a traditionalist when it comes to lobster rolls, I've always been a fan of the larger, more sub-like roll that The Bait Shed uses. Back in the day, you didn't get the option to have it toasted like they do now and it was still delish! However, this time I was slightly disheartened when my roll arrived in front of me. The bread to lobster ratio was lopsided making the roll look big and bready. It was very upsetting – we all know how I feel about high bread, low lobster content.

Our chariot for the day: 1941 Ford Super Deluxe

I stared down at a lobster roll that I have used as my standard for so long and felt a range of emotions highlighted by sadness. The lobster meat looked sparse in the oversized roll. But despite the insufficient amount, the lobster was some of the best tasting meat I've had all summer. The light mayonnaise didn't mask the natural flavors of the lobster – sweet and salty and delicious. If that lobster hadn't been as tasty as I've always remembered it to be, I probably would've burst into tears right there at the table.

The lobster roll comes with chips, cole slaw, and a pickle and has a very reasonable $17 price tag. There's a full bar and the Jones Creek lemonade is quite tasty and comes with your own collectible glass. The beer selection is fair but don't expect a wide range of craft brews. And on a nice day, you really can't beat the spot!