Portland, Maine is a seaport city renowned for its fresh lobster With an abundance of lobster shacks, high-end restaurants, and everything in between, there’s no shortage of spots to get your fill of the tasty crustacean Here’s a guide to the best places to savor lobster throughout Portland.
Classic Lobster Shacks
For an authentic, no-frills lobster experience, head to one of Portland’s old school lobster shacks. These casual spots keep it simple, serving freshly caught lobster in a laidback setting. Two classics are:
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The Lobster Shack at Two Lights – This Cape Elizabeth lobster pound has been operating since the 1920s. Dine on the patio overlooking the ocean and feast on lobster rolls, lobster stew, whole lobsters, and more.
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Boone’s Restaurant – A fixture on Custom House Wharf since 1989, Boone’s is all about the lobster. Order yours grilled, baked, stuffed – they’ll prepare it any way you like.
The charm of these spots is getting your hands dirty cracking into boiled lobster picnic-style at waterside picnic tables
Upscale Seafood Restaurants
For elevated lobster dining, Portland’s upscale seafood restaurants combine quality ingredients with creative culinary techniques Two standout options are
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Street and Co. – Operating since 1989, this has earned a reputation as Portland’s premier seafood destination thanks to dishes like poached lobster with saffron-corn broth. The warm wood interior makes it great for a romantic night out.
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Scales – Their menu features Maine seafood with global influences, like tandoori lobster club sandwiches and lobster fra diavolo over gnocchi. The sleek, nautical decor sets the scene for a sophisticated meal.
The chefs at these restaurants treat lobster with delicate innovation rather than just boiling and plating it. The prices reflect the higher-end dining experience as well.
Lively Lobster Houses
Between the fine dining restaurants and bare-bones shacks are Portland’s lobster house restaurants. These lively spots take an informal but well-appointed approach. Two favorites include:
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J’s Oyster – This laidback joint has a classic raw bar and a menu brimming with lobster dishes like Lazy Man lobster, baked stuffed lobster, and lobster mac and cheese. Live music creates a fun, high-energy ambiance.
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The Lobster Shack Restaurant – Despite the name, this Cape Elizabeth spot goes far beyond your average shack with white tablecloth service and dishes like lobster wellington and lobster profiteroles. The outdoor deck has stunning ocean views.
The food, drink menus, and overall vibe at these lobster houses put them a step above the most casual shacks but still with a focus on having a good time.
Lobster Rolls
No discussion of lobster eating in Portland is complete without mention of lobster rolls. These seafood sandwiches are iconic in the city. The top spots for hauling in heaping rolls are:
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Bite Into Maine – They keep it simple with chilled lobster lightly dressed on a toasted, buttered bun. You can eat oceanfront at the Cape Elizabeth location.
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Highroller Lobster – Multi-layer lobster rolls come loaded with additions like bacon, blue cheese, avocado, or french fries amidst chunks of lobster.
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Eventide Eatery – This trendy spot puts a unique twist on rolls with brown butter lobster and chilled ginger lobster variants.
You really can’t go wrong with lobster rolls anywhere in Portland, but these establishments do them best.
So whether you’re looking for picnic table simplicity, high-end ambiance, or gourmet interpretations, Portland has a plethora of spots for devouring lobster in all its forms. Home to some of the best lobster around, Maine’s top city definitely delivers when it comes to this succulent crustacean. Just come hungry and ready to crack some claws!
