8 Delicious Ways to Enjoy Lobster in Maine

It’s nearly impossible to think about Maine and not have lobster spring to mind. You know, smothered in warm, melted butter with a glass of sparkling wine. Scrumptious.

You can savor lobster in Maine in a variety of ways, though steamed lobster and lobster rolls are among the favorite ways to delight in the sweet and tender meat of this crustacean. You’ll find lobster rolls at restaurants and seafood shacks across Maine, even at McDonald’s during peak summer months.

However, you don’t need to stick to the tried-and-true ways to eat this dreamy delicacy in Maine. You can savor this shellfish as lobster risotto, lobster nachos or lobster grilled cheese. In Bar Harbor, you can even cool off with a scoop of lobster ice cream – what a way to celebrate a hike at nearby Acadia National Park!

So, let’s take a lobster-themed road trip through Maine. Here’s where to stop from south to north to go beyond the usual to get your fix.

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Lobster Risotto

Robert’s Maine Grill, Kittery

For fresh-caught lobster and local craft beers, Robert’s Maine Grill in Kittery Point is the place. They’ve got lobster prepared all kinds of ways, but this is where to stop for mouth-watering lobster risotto with mushrooms, spinach and parmesan that’s finished with a balsamic drizzle. Pair this dish with a state-brewed beer, even a hyper-local ale, like Tributary Pale Ale that’s brewed just 2 miles away at Kittery’s Tributary Brewing Company.

Lobster Benedict

The Chadwick Bed & Breakfast, Portland

It’s easy to start the day off on the right foot when breakfast features eggs benedict with lemon-herb butter, and of course, Maine lobster. It’s not on the menu every morning at The Chadwick Bed & Breakfast in Portland, but it is a guest favorite, so we suspect it’s got a heavy presence in the weekly breakfast rotation.

Lobby Pop

Highroller Lobster Company, Portland

You’ll find lobster prepared a variety of ways at the Highroller Lobster Company in Portland, but one of the hands-down faves is the Lobby Pop. This lobster on a stick is such a fan favorite that the restaurant trademarked the name in 2019. Order yours naked (just warmed lobster in butter) or dipped in corn bread batter and deep fried. They’ve got signature dipping sauces too, like sweet red pepper mayo and lime mayo.  

Lobster Bloody Mary

Taste of Maine, Woolwich

In Woolwich, Taste of Maine is known for lobster, of course, but not just the deliciously edible kind. Travelers and locals alike stop over to snap a photo of the super-size inflatable lobster that sits atop the restaurant. At Taste of Maine, you’ve got almost too many choices when it comes to lobster, but our pick is the lobster bloody Mary that’s garnished with celery, an olive and meat from a massive lobster claw. Notably, Taste of Maine also sells the ”world’s largest lobster roll,” a mouth-watering claim we’d love to independently verify.

Lobster Grilled Cheese

Beal’s Lobster Pier, Southwest Harbor

The lobster grilled cheese is becoming nearly as easy to find across Maine as the ubiquitous lobster roll. For many, Beal’s Lobster Pier in Southwest Harbor is the go-to for this deliciously melted sandwich with cheddar cheese and tomato. The lobster grilled cheese draws in hungry visitors from near and far, all eager to polish off this scrumptious sammie. Need more lobstah choices? On the menu, you’ll also find lobster bisque, lobster bites and lobster mac and cheese, which pair well with a refreshing Maine blueberry mojito.

Lobster Ice Cream

Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium, Bar Harbor

Ice cream and lobster may not sound like the world’s best combination, but when the line at Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium in Bar Harbor snakes out the door, you may give this pairing a second thought. Interestingly, this flavor was created some years ago as a joke, but the flavor was so popular that it earned a permanent spot on the menu. This curious flavor, which blends butter pecan ice cream with buttery lobster, can be ordered in a cup, a cone or a lobster tail.

Lobster Taco

Langosta, Bar Harbor

Everyone loves Taco Tuesdays, but you can get lobster tacos every day of the week at Langosta, a Mexican taqueria and cantina in Bar Harbor. The lobster tacos feature chilled lobster, Mexican corn, lime mayo and a savory cilantro sauce. Even better, each order comes with three lobster tacos. If that’s not enough luscious lobster for you, start off your meal with the lobster queso and chips. Yum-o. There’s also a lobster burrito on the menu. When in Maine, as they say.

Lobster Nachos

Bar Harbor Lobster Pound, Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor Lobster Pound in Bar Harbor is first and foremost a lobster restaurant. They’ve got fresh-caught lobster all over the menu, from lobster rolls to steamed lobster to lobster bisque. Also, lobster nachos, which sounds like a lobster-rific way to start any meal, though many of us are good to go with nachos as the meal. Get ready for warm house-made tortilla chips topped with 6 ounces of lobster, mango salsa and lobster bisque-infused cheese. All we can say is OMG. Delicious.

What’s your favorite place to eat lobster in Maine? Share your recommendations in the comments.