If you’ve heard of Wiscasset, then you’ve likely heard of the infamous lobster rolls that can be had at Red’s Eats—the seafood shack that sits alongside Route One in the town’s center and the subject of countless rave reviews and news features.
And don’t get me wrong—all those accolades are justly deserved, as you’ll see from my write-up. But Wiscasset and some of its surrounding towns have plenty of other more-than-worthy lobster roll specimens of both the purist and not-so-traditional variety (the former of which many loyal customers swear top even Red’s famous crustacean creation).
So why not head to Wiscasset and do your own touring taste test? Just be sure to wear your stretchy pants, because you’re not going to want to leave a single nibble.
Map of Wiscasset Area Lobster Rolls
Swim your way over to these great seafood restaurants in Wiscasset.
Red’s Eats
The subject of myriad five-star reviews, TV feature stories (they fed Phil), and industry awards, Red’s Eats has been a real Maine institution since 1938.
Justly so, Red’s lays claim to Maine’s number one lobster roll—and if you have the time to stand in line along Route One for a while, you’ll undoubtedly see why. More than one entire lobster’s worth of meat goes into every one of these doozies: Fresh-picked Maine lobster on a toasted split-top bun served with mayonnaise or drawn butter on the side.
Keep in mind that Red’s is seasonal—check their website before planning a visit—and there is limited outdoor seating, so plan on taking your prize home to savor slowly…or gobble up in huge, messy bites.
Location: 41 Water St, Wiscasset, ME 04578
Website Red’s Eats
Sprague’s Lobster
Just a block east of Red’s long lines, family-run Sprague’s Lobster features a roll also worthy of the state’s crustacean crown. Claimed by many to be the “real” best lobster roll in Maine, the buttered-and-grilled buns overflow with the meat of more than one whole lobster and are served with mayonnaise, drawn butter, or both.
And Sprague’s isn’t just family-run, it’s family-friendly, too—they even welcome your fur babies and set out fresh bowls of water for them. Oh, and be sure to save room for a Gifford’s ice cream cone, served out a window at the end of the shack.
Location: 22 Main St, Wiscasset, ME 04578
Website Sprague’s Lobster
The Sea Basket
Not long after you cross into Wiscasset—but before you encounter the traffic in front of Red’s—you’ll discover The Sea Basket. Located directly on Route One, this unassuming little spot has been dishing up their bountiful lobster rolls and seafood since 1981—impressive, with so many top-notch competitors.
Featuring counter service with indoor and outdoor seating, The Sea Basket is great for a casual, road-trip stop-off meal.
The lobster rolls here are available in whole or half-size, and the split-top, submarine-style buns are loaded with fresh lobster meat lightly dressed with mayonnaise and a bit of lettuce tucked in.
Location: 303 Bath Rd, Wiscasset, ME 04578
Website The Sea Basket
Schooner Landing
Just over a 10-minute drive east of Wiscasset, you’ll come to Damariscotta, another delightful haven of crave-worthy, crustacean deliciousness.
The seasonal Schooner Landing offers beautiful dockside dining along the Damariscotta River, live music, and a spectacular lobster roll on an equally spectacular seafood menu.
The proffered options allow you to customize your lobster-to-bread ratio; for the purists, there’s both a single portion and double-the-meat roll, each with drawn butter and mayo. But there’s also a lobster quesadilla (less bread) and lobster-topped tossed or Caesar salad entrée (no bread) on offer.
Location: 47 Main St, Damariscotta, ME 04543 (11 minutes)
Website Schooner Landing
The Lobster Haul
The Lobster Haul is tucked off the main thoroughfare in Damariscotta and pretty much everything on the menu is made from scratch, in-house. And as for the lobster rolls? You’ll have some delicious and potentially difficult choices to make.
For the staunch traditionalists, there’s the standard roll with mayo or butter—in two sizes. If you’re a fan of creative twists, The Lobster Haul has not one but four: Lime mayo with cilantro; lemon mayo with fresh dill; sriracha mayo, fresh corn, and cilantro; and even a lobster BLT.
You can also order lobster tacos, sliders, and a combo crab-lobster roll if you’re feeling really adventurous.
Location: 115 Elm St, Damariscotta, ME 04543 (12 minutes)
Website The Lobster Haul
King Eider’s Pub
Just a minute east of The Lobster Haul, the King Eider’s Pub offers a cozy tavern atmosphere, plenty of beer and cocktails, and fantastic pub fare—including an impressive lobster roll, featured on the lunch menu only.
You’ll enjoy hand-picked, fresh Maine lobster meat tossed with an herby mayonnaise served on a split-top roll, with fries on the side. (Pro tip: If you’re a whiskey fan, check out King Eider’s jaw-dropping collection of Maine-made and rare offerings.)
Location: 2 Elm St, Damariscotta, ME 04543 (12 minutes)
Website King Eider’s Pub
Larson’s Lunch Box
Under new ownership, this seasonal local fixture has been in business since 1962 and is extremely popular with locals and visitors alike. Less than 15 minutes from downtown Wiscasset, the lobster rolls at Larson’s are worth the drive; if you’re pressed for time, don’t let that deter you. Keep in mind that you’d spend far less time on the short trip here (and back) than standing in line at Red’s.
You can have your split-top, fresh lobster-stuffed roll served your way at Larson’s: Opt to order it naked with drawn butter and lemon on the side, tossed with mayo, or with nothing at all. Keep in mind they close at 2:30, though—so if you want your lobster roll for dinner, you’ll have to plan ahead.
Location: 430 Main St, Damariscotta, ME 04543 (13 minutes)
Website Larson’s Lunch Box
Newcastle Publick House
I’ll admit that the lobster roll on the menu at the Newcastle Publick House isn’t actually a lobster roll—mostly because it isn’t served in a traditional roll, but also because the meat itself isn’t precisely the star ingredient.
But I just couldn’t leave them off this list, because it would be a crime for you to miss out on their Lobster BLT. Served on fresh, grilled sourdough bread, you’ll get your Maine lobster fix, alright…and it’ll come topped with house bacon, lettuce, and tomato with just the right amount of mayonnaise.
Location: 52 Main St, Newcastle, ME 04553 (12 minutes)
Website Newcastle Publick House
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