The seaside town of York includes York Village, York Harbor, York Beach, and Cape Neddick—and each area has its own vibe and amenities. But one thing common amongst the four communities is what could easily be called the Maine State Sandwich: The lobster roll.
People come from far and wide to partake of these culinary works of crustacean joy—and you’ll find that folks can be pretty opinionated regarding what constitutes the perfect Maine lobster roll.
Whether you’re a purist (no dressing, no lettuce, grilled split-top roll) or don’t mind stepping outside the traditional box with perhaps a zesty lime aioli, some seasoning, or a brioche roll, you’ll have no problems finding the perfect lobster roll in York, Maine.
Map of Best York Lobster Rolls
Swim your way to the best seafood places around with this map of York lobster rolls.
Fox’s Lobster House
Open from late April through mid-October, this long-time favorite seafood restaurant looks out over the famed Nubble Lighthouse. “Fox’s Favorite Lobster Roll” is the most popular item on the menu: Tail and claw meat tossed in mayonnaise and piled into a toasted New England-style roll with green-leaf lettuce.
For a side, choose between French fries or a baked potato—and if the weather is accommodating, take your prize up to the lighthouse overlook, pull up a boulder, and enjoy the view while trying not to devour your roll in 8 seconds.
Location: 8 Sohier Park Rd, York, ME 03909
Website: Fox’s Lobster House
Lobster in the Rough
This lively and unique spot is touted as “family-friendly during the day and an adult playground at night,” and they have fantastic lobster rolls, to boot!
Featuring a full bar, bocce courts, horseshoes, firepits, cornhole, and live music, you’ll have plenty to do while you scarf down your roll: Fresh-picked lobster meat in melted butter in a grilled hot dog roll—no lettuce—with house-made chips and a pickle.
Location: 1000 US-1, York, ME 03909
Website: Lobster in the Rough
York River Landing
Enjoy beautiful views of the York River as you eat your lobster roll, which is on both the lunch and dinner menus.
You have lobster decisions to make at York River Landing: Do you want it served warm with drawn butter, or chilled with mayo? Either way, it comes with Bibb lettuce on a potato bun, French fries, and a pickle; you can also substitute sweet potato fries for an upcharge.
Location: 150 US-1, York, ME 03909
Website: York River Landing
The Shearwater
Located at the Stage Neck Inn, The Shearwater is an upscale, seafood-forward restaurant with beautiful views—and delicious lobster rolls. Large, fresh chunks of lobster meat dressed in Old Bay mayonnaise with shredded lettuce on a buttered, grilled brioche roll—and fries on the side.
Choose to eat in the dining room, on the patio, at the bar, or on the terrace—and remember, I always say a lobster roll (or any food, for that matter) tastes better when you are looking at the ocean.
Location: 8 Stage Neck Rd, York, ME 03909
Website: The Shearwater
Dockside Restaurant on York Harbor
Enjoy a fabulous lobster roll with equally fabulous views at the Dockside Restaurant—or the tiki-style outdoor Deck at Dockside. You’ll get slightly different versions depending on which spot you choose—but both are worthy of trying.
In the restaurant, you’ll get your lobster dressed with mayonnaise and served on a bed of chopped lettuce in a toasted roll with fries; on the Deck, your lobster meat will be dressed with mayonnaise, Old Bay, cream of sherry, and sea salt, served on a toasted roll with chips and a pickle.
Location: 22 Harris Island Rd, York, ME 03909
Website: Dockside Restaurant on York Harbor
Maine Lobster Outlet
This seafood market and lobster take-out spot has been around since 1981—and they do lobster rolls old-school style, perfect in their simplicity. It’s all about the fresh-picked meat; no lettuce, no dressing at all on the lobster.
Just a buttered, toasted bun crammed full to overflowing with huge pieces of Maine lobster. Pro tip: Get yours with an order of their homemade clam chowder—you won’t regret it.
Location: 360 US-1, York, ME 03909
Website: Maine Lobster Outlet
Stones Throw
Open mid-April through the end of October, Stones Throw is a next-level bistro offering ambiance, a rooftop deck, delightful cocktails, water views—and yummy lobster rolls.
You’ll get four ounces of fresh-picked meat tossed with mayonnaise or melted butter, served on a buttered, grilled roll with Maine potato fries on the side.
Location: 123 Long Beach Ave, York, ME 03909
Website: Stones Throw
Lobster Cove
Looking out over Long Sands and the Atlantic Ocean while enjoying a mouthwatering lobster roll and an ice-cold beer is always the right decision—so stop what you’re doing and head to Lobster Cove.
With an entire menu section devoted to all things lobster, skip past all of it (although it looks amazing) until you reach The Big Huge Lobster Roll: Freshly steamed chunks of lobster meat mixed with just enough mayonnaise to hold it all together, stuffed into a buttered and grilled roll.
Location: 756 York St, York, ME 03909
Website: Lobster Cove
Sand Dollar Bar & Grille
This fun, lively spot has a dining balcony that looks out over the center of Short Sands Beach and features live music to enjoy while you devour your lobster roll and sip on a cocktail.
Choose between chilled lobster salad or lobster meat tossed with melted butter for filling your grilled roll; you’ll get chips on the side, or you can pay a couple of dollars extra for French fries.
Location: 2 Beach St, York, ME 03909
Website: Sand Dollar Bar & Grille
Union Bluff Grill & Pub
Just around the corner from the Sand Dollar and holding court over Short Sands Beach like a stately matron, the Union Bluff Hotel features both a casual grill and cozy pub; both feature the same menu—and the same yummy lobster roll.
Choose chilled, fresh lobster meat dressed with mayonnaise, or opt for warm meat with drawn butter on the side; both are served in a toasted, buttered split-top roll with fries on the side.
Location: 8 Beach St, York, ME 03909
Website: Union Bluff Grill & Pub
Stevie D’s
This seasonal, diner-style favorite knows how to lobster roll: Give the people what they want…which means options. A freshly-baked buttered and grilled brioche roll, with either chilled lobster meat tossed with a smidge of mayonnaise, or warm pieces of lobster with melted butter on the side, served with chips.
Location: 15 Railroad Ave, York, ME 03909
Website: Stevie D’s
Sun & Surf Restaurant
Perched practically on Long Sands Beach, the Sun & Surf has been around since 1963, filling happy customers’ tummies with delicious seafood…including a delightful lobster roll.
Take in the incomparable views of the water as you tuck into your crustacean delight: Maine lobster knuckle and claw meat mixed with mayonnaise and celery laid on a bed of lettuce in a grilled brioche roll. Choose fries, chips, or coleslaw on the side, or substitute onion rings for a few dollars more.
Location: 264 Long Beach Ave, York Beach, ME 03910
Website: Sun & Surf Restaurant
Goldenrod Restaurant
I can’t mention York without mentioning the Goldenrod, which is typically known for taffy-making. But the Goldenrod also has a delightful dining room featuring a full menu of affordable fare—and the lobster roll is not to be missed. A toasted hot-dog roll overflowing with meat—barely dressed with mayonnaise—and a bit of lettuce, with chips on the side.
Location: 2 Railroad Ave, York Beach, ME 03910
Website: Goldenrod Restaurant
Cape Neddick Lobster Pound Harborside Restaurant
A local fixture since 1959, “The Pound” is a popular, casual spot to grab dinner with family or friends, particularly if you’re looking to cure a crustacean craving. The Cape Neddick version begins with a jumbo roll filled with fresh-picked meat tossed with mayonnaise, butter, and lemon.
Location: 60 Shore Rd, Cape Neddick, ME 03902
Website: Cape Neddick Lobster Pound Harborside Restaurant
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