In our fourth week of searching for Maine’s best lobster roll, we’ve gained some perspective on the subject. We can tell you where you will find big rolls, small rolls, lobster rolls with too much mayo. Every roll is different—in size, style and amount of lobster—and no two rolls are more different than those we tasted this week.
Fat Boy Drive-In
While some may say Fat Boy is not worthy of consideration in our quest, its convenience, price and reputation as one of Bowdoin students’ most beloved off-campus food spots demands a detailed report.
Ordering at Fat Boy is like going back in time—you flick your lights on for service and a small tray is attached to your driver’s side window. At first glance dozens of customers sitting in their cars is strange, but it’s all part of the Fat Boy experience. We had previously been to Fat Boy for burgers and fries, but never for lobster.
The menu is full of inexpensive items, and the lobster roll is no exception—$6.99 for a lobster roll is absurdly cheap. We expected a small size when we saw the price and ordered a pair to test their value.
In a couple of minutes, our waitress came back out with our rolls and told us to bring them inside because of the seagulls looming overhead. The rolls had plenty of mayo sprinkled with seasoning to slightly suplement the taste. After a couple bites, we were overwhelmed by the flavor of mayo and the flat taste of the lobster.
We’ve never had a bad lobster roll. Sure, some may be comparatively better than others, but it’s almost impossible for a restaurant to screw up a lobster roll. If the price of rolls sometimes scares you away, know that $6.99 can buy you a lobster roll just a few hundred yards from campus. The mayonnaise-averse should avoid Fat Boy, but everyone else may find themselves satisfied.
Price: $/5
Roll: **/5
Criticisms: Small, too much mayo; not much lobster, not freshest lobster taste.
Overall: C+
Red’s Eats
If you have not heard of Red’s you probably haven’t been to Wiscasset, Maine. Wiscasset is a beautiful little town about 20 minutes up the coast from Brunswick that boasts one of the most celebrated lobster rolls in Maine. The Food Network and Travel Channel have featured Red’s Eats as a staple of Maine cuisine. The much celebrated destination is simple—a shack no larger than a dorm room a few yards from the water. Given Red’s size and fame, on a sunny day you should expect a line. This little shack churns out rolls to meet demand, but almost always has a line full of customers. The surroundings are beautiful—Wiscasset is a quaint town and there’s plenty to see and do.
We arrived late in the afternoon to try one of the most anticipated rolls on our list. With only three people in line ahead of us, we got a first-hand look at Red’s production process. We were even lucky enough to order from the owner. When our rolls were ready. We were given the option of a cup of mayonnaise or a cup of butter. We both opted for butter, which we lightly poured on top of the roll jam-packed with lobster meat. You could see the tail and claws—it is an absurd looking portion in a small bun. The lobster is so fresh you can taste it in every bite. There is no mayonnaise to distract you from the taste of fresh lobster—only a toasted bun and whatever amount of butter or mayo you choose to pour on top.
The simplicity of the roll is what makes it so good. This roll is huge and so fresh you won’t believe you paid under $20. One roll is enough for a full meal, but your taste buds will be left wanting more.
Red’s easily secures the top seed on our list of lobster rolls.
Price: $$$/5
Roll: *****/5
Criticisms: Why didn’t we didn’t order a second round?
Overall: A+