Brickyard Hollow is dropping our list of Maine lobster shack favorites for summer 2023! As a Maine-based company, we are always on the lookout for establishments that represent our state’s culinary culture. We’ve created a list of our top 5 quintessential lobster shacks in Maine that not only serve the best lobster rolls and dinners but also offer the authentic Maine dining experience. Keep reading to see our top picks!

 

First On Our List Of Lobster Shacks In Maine: Luke’s Lobster In Portland, Maine.

 

First on our list is the award-winning Luke’s Lobster, Portland Maine’s award-winning waterfront eatery and Certified B Corp located in the heart of the Old Port. Recognized as the “Best of Portland 2022” for Best View and Best Waterfront Dining, Luke’s Lobster is a true lobster haven. Situated right next to their lobster buying station, visitors can enjoy 360-degree views of the bustling lobster industry while enjoying some of Maine’s best lobster rolls and steamed lobsters. The combination of stunning views and delicious seafood makes Luke’s Lobster a must-visit destination.

 

We’re Partnering With Luke’s Lobster This August To Fight Childhood Hunger!

 

According to Feeding America, it is reported that 1 in 6 Maine children lack access to enough nutritious food to live a healthy life and may not know where or when they will receive their next meal. To address this pressing issue, we’ve been collaborating with local restaurants to create a monthly pizza that will donate $1 from every sale to Full Plates Full Potential, an organization dedicated to ending child hunger in Maine. 

 

This August, we’re beyond excited to partner with Luke’s Lobster and present the LOBSTAH. This pizza includes a blend of fresh lobster meat, grilled red peppers, and red onions with mozzarella cheese on a garlic butter base. For every LOBSTAH pizza sold, $1 will be donated to Full Plates Full Potential. Trust us, you do not want to miss out on this!

 

2. Red’s Eats in Wiscasset, Maine

 

Red’s Eats is a quintessential midcoast Maine landmark and one of the most well-known, highly awarded, and most written-about restaurants in the state. Known for its signature lobster rolls, Red’s also serves a variety of other tasty dishes like fried clams, burgers, hot dogs, fried chicken, and more. If you’re a tourist or a local who hasn’t experienced this place yet, you simply must! Reds is a true Maine lobster shack (the shack itself is about the size of a minivan and offers no indoor seating) which we think only adds to its authentic charm. Despite the often long lines, customers can rest assured that the wait is entirely worth it for a buttery role piled high with lobster. 

 

3. The Travelin Lobster in Bar Harbor, Maine

 

For a seafood experience rooted in Maine tradition, head to The Travelin Lobster in Bar Harbor. Fisherman-owned and operated, Captain Phil catches the seafood fresh daily, starts his haul at 4:30 am, and fishes roughly 250 traps per day. The shack offers a no-frills counter service, but they have a huge menu with all of the classic lobster rolls and dinners plus a raw bar, lobster quesadillas, lobster mac n cheese, and more. Guests can even watch the lobster being cooked right in front of them! Our favorite dishes are the lobster bisque with a claw and their homemade blueberry pie for dessert. While you wait for your food, you can play some cornhole, talk to the boat captain, enjoy a fire pit, or enjoy a local brew. If you’re in the Bar Harbor area, we highly recommend stopping at the Travelin Lobster.

 

4. The Clam Shack in Kennebunk, Maine. 

 

With a rich history dating back to 1968, The Clam Shack in Kennebunk has become famous in Kennebunk for their fresh fried seafood and locally-caught lobster. Their famous Lobster Roll, inspired by the classic New England sandwich, is served on a fresh circular bun from a local, family-owned bakery. The Clam Shack’s lobster roll was named one of “America’s Best Lobster Rolls” by Food & Wine Magazine, chosen as the Maine pick in Thrillist’s “The Best Thing to Eat in Every State,” and included in Travel + Leisure’s “101 Places Every Traveler Should Know.” The Clam Shack offers a unique experience with a live fish cam, allowing you to watch stripers swim under the shack from inside the seafood market.

5. Bob’s Clam Hut in Kittery, Maine

 

Fast, crispy, and fresh off the local docks, a meal at Bob’s is a Maine essential. What started as a backyard hut in 1956 is now a bustling operation off of route one in Kittery, Maine. Bob’s lobster, clams, and fish are delivered fresh daily, and they only use certain clams that are hand-selected for consistent size and quality. Bob’s is known for their original recipes, including a famous tartar sauce and clams booked either “Bob” or “Lillian” style. Some other customer favorites include their clam chowder, lobster stew, and epic fried clam baskets. 

There you have it – Brickyard Hollow’s top 5 picks for must-visit lobster shacks in Maine for summer 2023. Whether you’re a local or a traveler passing through, don’t miss the opportunity to check out one of these authentic lobster shacks. Remember that every visit contributes to supporting local businesses and fishermen, making a positive impact on the communities that surround them.