Lobster is merely a vehicle for eating butter in a socially acceptable way. There, I said it.
I still feel that way a little. But, I’ve also eaten lobster without butter. Plain. By itself. And I have to say, it’s not so bad naked. It’s surprisingly sweet and kind of melts in your mouth.
When you visit Portland, Maine you’ll be expected to eat lobster. I did a bit of research on the matter and that research cost me and my entire family high cholesterol and pre-diabetes. So, please don’t let me efforts go to waste. Try one of these places on your next visit.
Highroller Lobster Co.
Look, I know that we’re supposed to revere restaurants that are old enough to be called “institutions.” We’re supposed to treat OG dining holes with the reverence we would a beloved grandparent. But after eating at Highroller, I want to push those oldies off a cliff. What started in 2015 as a food cart, this eatery has gotten some serious clout in recent years.
First of all, there’s the service. Everyone who we came into contact with acted like they’ve known us for ages. There’s a casual ease that makes you feel comfortable and valued from the jump. The decor is best described as “lobster disco” and nobody better tell Brooklyn New York about it because they’ll try to emulate it somewhere and fail.
But then there’s the food. My word. This had to have been the best lobster roll we had during our entire trip and possibly that I’ve had in my entire life. Flavorful, succulent, drenched with sauce, and shoved onto the most buttery bread imaginable — this was the move. And they don’t skimp on the lobster meat. Other fan favorites include lobster on a stick and the lobster cheese crisp taco.
DiMillo’s on the Water
This place is kind of neat because you get to eat on a giant boat that’s attached to the land and therefore doesn’t go anywhere. On a clear weather day the views are great. But who cares about all of that because DiMillo’s has something called lazy lobster. Does the idea of cracking open your own lobster feel like a Herculean task? Yeah, DiMillo’s thought so. Therefore, this is just a pile of lobster meat drowning in a vat of butter. And that’s the way lobster should always be served.
The Lobster Shack at Two Lights
I learned about this place from a travel writer at Conde Nast Traveller who never answers me when I DM her. There’s a bit of a wait here, but it’s always worth it. While you’re waiting on line make sure that someone in your party is scouting out a table with a view.
The lobster roll here definitely holds its own and you won’t be disappointed. The generous dollop of mayo on top keeps things well oiled and not painful. Dashes of cayenne pepper and a pickle slice make interesting but welcomed accouterments. But what makes this a memorable meal is the view of the water while you enjoy your lobster.
Note that this isn’t actually in Portland, but it’s close. Many people drive here when visiting Portland.
Gilbert’s Chowder House
This place is no frills and all gills. If they use that as a slogan, I expect payment because I came up with it first. On the first day of your trip that it’s even remotely chilly, get yourself some lobster stew in a bread bowl. Way more filling than a lobster roll! There’s a ton of meat to be found in a creamy soup that tastes like a less acidic version of vodka sauce. You are never going to forget this stew!
The Porthole Restaurant and Pub
You might not be in Maine for a long time, but you’re there for a good time, AMIRIGHT!? Well, too bad because you’re going to be here for a long time whether you like it or not. The wait is always long and it’s still long even when you get a table. Your kids are going to hate you by the end of your meal, but life be like that sometimes.
It’s all worth it for the live music, local beer, and perfectly cooked whole lobster. I loved this place for its atmosphere as much as my meal. It was a great send off from a fantastic city!
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