There’s nothing better than sweet, juicy lobster piled high and spilling over a toasted split top roll. But do you know the difference between Maine lobster and American lobster? Connecticut lobster rolls? If you don’t know what the difference is between Maine and Connecticut lobster rolls, we’re here to help.
Here is how to make the two most common types of lobster rolls at home and how to tell them apart.
Getting lobster at home or at a restaurant is always a treat. So it’s important to make the right decisions when it comes to ingredients and preparation styles. Are you not sure if you should make or try a Maine-style or a Connecticut-style lobster roll? This page will help you decide.
There are several major differences between these two popular styles of seafood sandwiches. Here is everything you need to know about the two types of New England lobster rolls, from where they came from and how they taste to what goes into them and their history:
You will know the difference between a Maine lobster roll and a Connecticut lobster roll by the end. You can then try both and pick your favorite.
The Maine lobster roll is an iconic New England sandwich overflowing with tender, sweet lobster meat. This delicious and simple meal has a fascinating history and regional variations that I’ll explore in this article As a seafood lover and lifelong New Englander, I’m excited to share everything you need to know about Maine lobster rolls!
A Brief History of the Maine Lobster Roll
While lobster was enjoyed by Native Americans and early colonists in New England, the recognizable lobster roll likely originated in the late 1800s or early 1900s. Sources indicate it may have first been served at Perry’s restaurant in Milford, Connecticut in 1929.
The lobster roll grew popular as a simple, no-frills sandwich served at seaside lobster shacks and roadside stands in Maine and the northeast. By the 1970s lobster rolls were a staple summertime meal for locals and tourists traveling up and down the Maine coast.
Over the years, the sandwich gained national recognition and inspired countless variations outside of New England. But an authentic Maine lobster roll remains focused on the fresh lobster meat rather than heavy toppings or fillers
The Different Styles of Lobster Rolls
There are three main styles of lobster rolls found in New England and beyond:
Maine-Style
The classic Maine lobster roll features chilled lobster salad made with mayonnaise and lemon juice served in a grilled, buttered hot dog bun. The salad is sometimes enhanced with celery for crunch. This style highlights the natural sweetness of the lobster.
Connecticut-Style
Connecticut lobster rolls are served warm, with the lobster meat drenched in drawn butter. The bun is grilled to perfection to soak up all that melted butter! This style emphasizes the tender texture of the lobster.
Manhattan-Style
In NYC, lobster rolls are dressed with mayonnaise like the Maine version, but also feature celery for added texture. The bread is not buttered. This is a lighter take on the lobster roll.
The Maine lobster roll is the OG version, while Connecticut and Manhattan styles add their own local touches. I suggest trying all three to discover your favorite!
How to Make a Maine Lobster Roll at Home
To me, nothing beats an authentic Maine-style lobster roll in the summer. Here’s a simple recipe to make these special sandwiches at home:
Ingredients:
- 1-1.5 lbs cooked lobster meat, chopped
- 1⁄2 cup mayonnaise
- Lemon juice, about 2 Tbsp
- Celery (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- 4 hot dog buns, split and lightly grilled in butter
- Butter lettuce leaves
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
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In a bowl, gently mix together lobster meat, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and celery (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
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Lightly grill hot dog buns in butter until golden brown.
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Line grilled buns with small lettuce leaves. Fill buns with lobster salad mixture.
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Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
This simple preparation lets the sweet lobster flavor shine through! Adjust lemon juice and seasoning to taste.
How to Pick Lobster Meat for Lobster Rolls
To make outstanding lobster rolls, start with the highest quality lobster possible. I recommend using fresh lobster meat from your local fish market or seafood counter.
The claw and knuckle meat provides delicious chew, while the tail meat is more tender. Get a mix for the perfect texture. Frozen lobster meat works too, just thaw according to package directions.
If you’re super lucky, use freshly cooked lobster right from the shell! Steam or boil 11⁄4 pound lobsters for the best flavor.
What to Serve with Lobster Rolls
There are so many tempting sides to serve with lobster rolls! Here are some of my favorites:
- Shoestring fries or potato chips – add salt and vinegar!
- Coleslaw – creamy cabbage salad balances the richness.
- Lemon wedges – a bright, refreshing squeeze.
- Corn on the cob – the perfect summer pairing.
- Seafood chowder – chunky, creamy, and full of seafood.
- Pickles – dill pickles complement the saltiness.
I also love pairing lobster rolls with local beer, like Maine Lobster Ale. A crisp white wine or Rosé makes a refreshing match too.
Average Cost of Lobster for Lobster Rolls
Lobster prices fluctuate throughout the year based on seasonal supply and demand. According to 2021 data, live lobsters cost $5-8 per pound in Maine, depending on size and shell hardness. Prices are generally lowest in late summer/early fall when lobsters are most plentiful.
For cooked lobster meat purchased at local fish markets in Maine, expect to pay around $25-35 per pound. Lobster from restaurants and lobster shacks comes at a premium, usually $15-25 for a basic lobster roll.
Make friends with local lobstermen for the best deals! Or splurge on fresh lobster as a special vacation treat.
Where to Find the Best Lobster Rolls in Maine
From trendy restaurants to roadside lobster shacks, you can find tasty lobster rolls all over Maine in summertime. Here are some legendary spots:
- Red’s Eats, Wiscasset – famous stand with huge lines but worth the wait!
- The Clam Shack, Kennebunkport – quaint spot near Walker’s Point.
- Two Lights Lobster Shack, Cape Elizabeth – gorgeous oceanside setting.
- Harbor Fish Market, Portland – top seafood market with excellent prepared rolls.
- Waterman’s Beach Lobster, South Thomaston – beachfront location with perfect views.
- Arabia’s, Hancock – unassuming stand consistently rated among the best.
- Barnacle Billy’s, Perkins Cove – popular spot with outdoor waterfront seating.
Don’t be afraid to chat up the locals for their favorite under-the-radar lobster shacks too!
Other Iconic Maine Foods to Try
While you’re visiting Maine, be sure to sample some other local favorites:
- Clams – Try clams strips, clam fritters, or clam chowder.
- Oysters – Slurp raw oysters or enjoy them fried or Rockefeller style.
- Blueberries – Maine wild blueberries are small, sweet, and tangy. Eat them in pie, muffins, or pancakes!
- Whoopie pies – These chocolate cake sandwiches with fluffy filling are a Maine original.
- Moxie soda – This bitter, quinine flavored soda has a cult following. It’s an acquired taste!
- Needhams – Uniquely Maine chocolate-potato candies. Seriously.
- Ployes – A French Canadian style fried pancake similar to a crepe.
- Maple syrup products – Real Maine maple syrup makes every dish better.
- Baked beans – Slow cooked with molasses and salt pork.
- Apple cider donuts – Cider gives these fried donuts extra appley flavor.
Mix and match these iconic Maine foods for a true Down East dining experience! Just leave room for plenty of lobster.
Frequently Asked Questions about Maine Lobster Rolls
Here are answers to some common questions about Maine lobster rolls:
What makes a lobster roll a “Maine” lobster roll?
Authentic Maine lobster rolls highlight fresh lobster salad made with lemon and mayo in a grilled, buttered New England style hot dog bun. The focus is on the lobster, without lots of filler or toppings.
How is a Connecticut lobster roll different?
Connecticut-style rolls are served warm, with lobster drizzled in drawn butter instead of mayo dressing. The meat tends to be more tender than chilled Maine rolls.
Do I need a ton of mayo for lobster salad?
No! Use mayo sparingly, about 1/4 to 1/3 cup per pound of lobster. You want the lobster to be the star, not the mayo.
Can I freeze extra lobster salad?
Yes, lobster salad freezes well for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using. Add a splash of lemon juice or mayo after thawing if needed.
What’s the best lobster for rolls: hard shell or soft shell?
Either works great! Hard shell lobster has firmer texture and brighter color. Soft shell has more tender meat with a sweeter flavor.
How long do cooked lobster rolls last in the fridge?
Lobster rolls are best enjoyed freshly made, but will last 24 hours refrigerated. Reheat briefly if serving later.
Savor the Flavors of Maine with Lobster Rolls
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What Does a Connecticut Lobster Roll Taste Like?
These hot lobster rolls are dripping in warm, savory drawn butter. This dressing highlights the sweetness of the lobster meat. This type of roll has warmer salad inside the bun, so the lobster is a little softer and more tender than in a Maine-style roll that is served cold.
What to Serve with a Connecticut-Style Lobster Roll
Serve your steamed lobster roll with a dill pickle and potato chips or fries to finish off your traditional New England seafood meal. For extra heft, add a side of creamy chilled potato salad or vinegar coleslaw.
If you like hot food and don’t mind getting messy for a tasty buttery sandwich, Connecticut-style is the way to go. Here, there is no crunchy celery or creamy mayo to take away from the pure and perfect taste of lobster meat and butter. You don’t have to save this type of sandwich for summer because it’s served hot all year. Note in some locals they will serve lobster rolls with container of warm butter on the side.