This past year I had the pleasure of visiting Maine for the first time. This State has stolen my heart with its stunning lighthouses (read about my favorite five lighthouses)but also with the amazing variety of FRESH seafood.
TLDR: Here is a short video showcasing my favorite seafood from Maine in under 60 seconds!
I’ll admit, the main type of seafood I sought out was Lobster - in MANY forms. From lobster rolls (a MUST on my list) and lobster chowder to lobster grilled cheese and whole steamed lobster, I tried them all! But, you can’t neglect other classics like mussels, oysters, and chowders.
Read about my 22 Day Northeast American Road Trip
Let’s dive right into my six favorite seafood spots.
1. Bite into Maine, Elizabeth
Let’s start out with the BEST Lobster Roll I have ever had. I had researched which rolls to try and ended up trying about 4 or 5 different places, and this was my favorite (Maine style, cold).
The lobster was super fresh and tender. The roll was amazingly warm, crispy, and buttery.
On top of that, this little food truck is located in an amazing park with one of the best lighthouses and coastlines in Maine.
They are priced about the same as other rolls, though I went with the 6oz size which was the largest roll I have had. I have NO regrets; they load it up REAL well.
Bonus points for their deliciously sticky and yummy whoopie pie.
2. Freeport Oyster Bar, Freeport
There were lots of poor reviews about service, which I am not sure if this is from when they are busier or what, but I had SUCH a great experience. It was pretty empty when we were there, just 1 or 2 other groups - one of which was the farmer that grows the oysters being served (no pressure!).
I was trying my first raw oyster and raw scallop, and both my server and the other person there were extremely helpful with heightening that experience - walking me through how to eat them correctly and what to expect.
I am glad I tried it, and would try it again! The scallop was by FAR my favorite, so amazing and highly recommend giving it a chance. I would go back for several more scallops. Don’t be afraid, dive right in and try something new!
3. Gilbert’s Chowder House, Portland
When making my travel plans for going to Maine for the first time, seeking a variety of fresh seafood, this made the list for having some of the BEST chowders and better yet - one loaded with lobster!
I'm SO glad I came out to Portland to give it a try. I went ALL in with a bread bowl FULLY loaded. Wow, it packed a lot of flavor, and I would definitely get it again!
The lobster was a bit chewy, versus tender, but I can't knock it for that when everything else was super delicious. My wife, who does NOT like seafood, enjoyed some surprisingly amazing chicken tenders as well.
4. Maine Diner, Wells
YES, we are the ones who only came thanks to Diners, Drive-In's, and Dive's. NO, I doubt we were the first. NO, I don't have any regrets.
DO I regret getting the highly recommended lobster grilled cheese for breakfast? NO. It was absolutely more amazing than it should be, with incredibly tender lobster and lots of it, along with a very velvety light cheese and perfectly grilled bread.
To top it off, they had very friendly service, cool diner vibes, with HUGE and equally delicious pancakes.
5. Cousins Maine Lobster, Elizabeth
This definitely ranks into my top 3 lobster rolls. This time I tried it warm - Connecticut style. It was super tender and delicious, and it was a very different experience compared to the cold style. The Connecticut style focuses on lobster mixed with butter (versus cold Maine style is with a mayo mix). Both styles are just… different. It depends on your personal preference but I am glad to have gotten to try both.
Also, this one is located in that same park as “Bite into Maine” with the amazing coast and lighthouse. Better yet, this one is located QUITE literally next to the lighthouse and coast, so you really can’t beat this location. It was one of the most scenic spots I have ever eaten at.
6. The Shack, Old Orchard Beach
This was an adorably small restaurant right on the coast. I was happy to have picked a combo that gave me a big variety! Great clam chowder to start with and a cocktail shrimp appetizer.
My entrée was a whole steamed lobster, mussels, corn on the cob, and slaw. I am glad I tried my first whole steamed lobster in this style, though I am not sure it is something I would get again. It WAS a fun experience taking apart your own lobster, though I think steaming makes it a bit more chewy (at least how they did it), so it was not my favorite way to prepare lobster.
Mussels are also just something not for everyone, an oddly mushy interior but done well no doubt. The variety and uniqueness of it make it worth trying, along with the very unique “Shack” location (I can’t emphasize enough how tiny this restaurant is).
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Learn more about my entire three-week trip exploring all of Northeast America in this post. Otherwise, stay tuned for more blogs in the future with food and travel recommendations.
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