Portland to Sunday River - Lobster Rolls

Question

We are heading to SR soon with a stop in the Portland area. I would love to know what's open and your fav roll. We plan a stop at Pinetree and Eventide (their unusual roll is an annual stop). Thanks in advance.

Answer

It sounds like you're in for a delicious road trip! Portland is the perfect place to indulge in some classic Maine lobster rolls. You're already planning to stop by Pinetree and Eventide, which are both fantastic choices, but I’d love to give you some additional lobster roll options and tips for your trip.

1. Pinetree Seafood – Pinetree is a Maine institution and known for serving one of the best traditional lobster rolls in the area. Their lobster rolls are served on a buttered, toasted bun with generous portions of fresh lobster meat. It's a no-frills spot, but the quality of their lobster rolls makes it a must-visit for any lobster fan. It's great that you're making this an annual stop!

2. Eventide Oyster Co. – Eventide is famous for its modern twist on the classic lobster roll, and their Brown Butter Lobster Roll is a standout. The roll comes served in a steamed bao bun, and the lobster is dressed with brown butter, making it a unique and indulgent experience. It’s definitely worth a stop if you're in Portland!

Additional Lobster Roll Stops in Portland:

Dead River Coffee – Not your typical lobster roll joint, but if you want to grab a lobster roll with your coffee, Dead River serves one of the best in Portland. It’s a small but popular spot, and they offer a classic lobster roll with a slightly less commercialized feel.
Luke’s Lobster – A very popular lobster roll chain with a location in Portland, Luke’s Lobster is known for its super fresh lobster meat, lightly dressed with mayo and served in a perfectly buttered roll. It’s not as fancy as some other spots, but it delivers a consistently great lobster roll. Luke’s also has a great lobster bisque if you’re looking for a side.
The Highroller Lobster Co. – Known for their creative lobster roll variations, Highroller is a fun stop if you're looking for something a bit different. They offer a variety of rolls, including a lobster BLT and a lobster mac and cheese roll. Their lobster roll comes in a soft, toasted brioche bun and is always packed with fresh, tender lobster.
Central Provisions – This upscale eatery in Portland features a delightful lobster roll on their menu, prepared with simplicity and care. While the focus is on small plates, their lobster roll makes a great addition to any meal, with buttered lobster on a soft, perfectly toasted bun.

3. Lobster Rolls Outside Portland:

If you’re headed up toward Sunday River and want to make a stop along the way for another lobster roll, here are a few suggestions:

Robinson’s Wharf in Southport – Located a bit south of Portland, Robinson’s Wharf offers a fantastic, no-frills lobster roll with generous chunks of lobster and a great view of the water.
Brown’s Wharf in Boothbay Harbor – If you want to take a scenic detour, Brown’s Wharf in Boothbay Harbor serves an excellent lobster roll right on the waterfront. It’s a little more relaxed and has great outdoor seating if the weather’s nice.
Bet’s Fish Fry in New Gloucester – If you’re passing through New Gloucester, Bet’s Fish Fry is a casual, local gem. While it's known for its fish fry, their lobster rolls are well-loved by locals and a great option if you're traveling through that area.

Final Tips:

- If you're looking to beat the crowds, it's best to stop by early in the day, especially for places like Eventide and Luke’s Lobster, which can get busy.

- Many of these spots offer both hot buttered lobster rolls and cold mayo-dressed rolls, so you can mix it up depending on your taste preference.

Enjoy your trip, and don't forget to take some photos of your lobster rolls — they might just be the best part of the journey! Safe travels to Sunday River!

Portland to Sunday River - Lobster Rolls

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