There are a few things I love about the Northeast: the moody fall vibes when low-hanging clouds and fog roll in over the mountains, the vibrant bursts of orange and red in places like Vermont, New Hampshire, and along the coast of Maine.
But if I’m being honest, what I look forward to most every time I venture to the region is a lobster roll. Over the past few years, I’ve had the chance to try a lot of different spots, and these are the ones that have stood out the most.
Table of Contents
Bob’s Clam Hut – Kittery, Maine
Bob’s Clam Hut in Kittery, Maine, will always be the place where my lobster roll obsession began. It was my first trip to Maine, and the first time I ever tried a lobster roll. Little did I know that my life would be changed forever. Known for its old-school vibe, Bob’s serves up classic Maine seafood with a side of nostalgia—and a whole lot of history.
Since 1956, Bob’s has been the golden fried standard for locals and travelers alike, serving up fast, crispy, and fresh-off-the-dock seafood that captures the essence of coastal Maine. The lobster rolls are packed with sweet, tender lobster meat and served on a soft, buttery roll that lets the fresh flavor shine. But it’s not just the rolls that make Bob’s a must-visit—crab cakes, clam chowder, and the famous fried clams are all standout options.
At Bob’s, the seafood is delivered fresh daily, and they’re especially picky about their clams—only using “specials,” hand-selected for size and quality. Everything is made-to-order, and the fryers are kept pristine with consistently refreshed oil. Their homemade tartar sauce and original recipes keep people coming back, whether for the traditional Bob’s fried clams or the Lillian-style variation.
The accolades speak for themselves: Bob’s has been featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, named a “Great American Lobster Destination” by USA Today, and highlighted on Thrillist’s “50 Essential Restaurants Every American Should Visit.” Coastal Living recognized Bob’s lobster roll as one of the best in the state, and Yankee magazine ranked their fried clams among the top ten in Maine.
Simply put, a meal at Bob’s is a Maine bucket list essential.
Bite Into Maine – Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough & Portland, Maine
Bite Into Maine started out of a food truck at Fort Williams Park, just a short walk from the famous Portland Head Light. It quickly became a local favorite for its overstuffed lobster rolls and creative twists. While most spots stick to the classic Maine (cold with mayo) or Connecticut (hot with butter) styles, Bite Into Maine mixes things up with bold flavors like chipotle and curry—always using super fresh lobster and not skimping on the meat.
They’ve since expanded to brick-and-mortar spots in Scarborough and inside Portland Public Market, but nothing beats the original food truck with waves crashing in the background and not one but two lighthouses in view. Catching this place on a sunny fall day is pure coastal heaven.
Beyond the rolls, you can grab a classic Maine whoopie pie and a craft soda for the full picnic experience. They don’t skimp on lobster and they don’t skimp on the view—this is the kind of lobster moment you dream about.
The Highroller Lobster Co. – Portland, Maine
Started by two former food truckers in 2015, The Highroller Lobster Co. has quickly become a downtown Portland favorite, known for its creative takes on lobster dishes and lively atmosphere. This place gets packed but they have a to-go section making it manageable.
The trendy restaurant, complete with red-and-white branding and playful merch, is far from your average seafood joint. Highroller lets you customize your lobster roll with your choice of bun, sauces, and toppings—think jalapeño mayo, lime mayo, and charred pineapple relish.
They also offer a lobster grilled cheese, lobster tacos, and the beloved lobster corn dogs. I went for the lobster flight, sampling three mini rolls with different sauces—a great way to taste the variety!
But the real fun comes with their “Lobster on a Stick”, affectionately named Lobby Pop, for a totally unique and portable lobster experience. Highroller is as much about fun and personality as it is about lobster, making it the perfect spot for anyone craving a twist on the classic.
McLoons Lobster Shack – South Thomaston, Maine
Perched on Spruce Head Island with views of a working harbor, McLoons offers a quintessential down-east lobster shack experience—weathered picnic tables, ocean breezes, and lobster pulled straight from local traps. This seasonal, family-run spot is all about simplicity and freshness, serving up buttery lobster rolls, whole steamed lobsters at market price, and classic sides like corn on the cob and coleslaw.
It’s peaceful, no-frills, and everything lobster should be. And if you fall in love with it (which you will), you can even have it shipped to your door anywhere in the country through Goldbelly, which is what we had to do because the joint was closed during our visit.
Superior Lobster and Seafood Co. – Sandwich, Massachusetts
Located on Gallo Road in Sandwich, this outpost of Superior Lobster and Seafood Co. brings Cape Cod charm and dockside freshness to one of the oldest towns in New England. Equal parts seafood shack and market, the location offers a chance to get up close to your dinner.
The lobster roll kits are a go-to for locals looking to grab a quick lobster roll. Yes, you miss out on a fresh toasted buttery bun which is half the glory of these things but there’s something about taking these things on the go that’s also appealing. It’s also nice not dropping a huge wad of cash on a lobster roll for once. Plus, you can’t go wrong with Cape Cod chips.
The Lobster Shanty – Salem, Massachusetts
Just off Derby Square in historic Salem, The Lobster Shanty is a neighborhood fixture with a salty personality. Open seasonally, it draws a lively mix of locals, tourists, and costumed characters from nearby walking tours.
From the outdoor tables, you can see Salem’s Old Town Hall, featured in Hocus Pocus as the site of the town’s Halloween party—making it an ideal perch for soaking in the spooky charm and people-watching in one of the most iconic corners of town.
The menu leans creative and unpretentious, serving up comfort-food twists like lobster Reubens, lobster rangoons, and the famous Lobstertini. Made with Tito’s vodka, lobster essence, and garnished with a chilled lobster claw, it’s briny, boozy, and undeniably memorable. It’s the kind of thing you probably should try once… but maybe only once.
Pair that with a seat on their patio, live music, and cheeky local energy, and you’ve got a truly Salem experience. It’s gritty, it’s weird, and it’s exactly what you want in a coastal watering hole.
Final word
From the moody fall vibes and stunning coastal views to the fresh-off-the-dock lobster rolls, the Northeast truly has a way of capturing your heart.
Whether you’re craving a classic lobster roll or something with a creative twist, these spots are some of the best the region has to offer. They each bring something unique to the table, whether it’s the nostalgic charm of Bob’s Clam Hut, the scenic food truck experience at Bite Into Maine, or the playful vibe of The Highroller Lobster Co. If you find yourself in the Northeast, these lobster havens are not to be missed—each one offering a taste of Maine (and Massachusetts) that you’ll want to savor again and again.
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio.
