Maine Lobster Rolls
Maine is renowned for its lobster rolls, which you can savor at iconic spots like Red’s Eats in Wiscasset and The Clam Shack in Kennebunkport. These venues have perfected the art of the lobster roll, offering generous portions of fresh lobster meat on perfectly toasted buns. The lobster roll is more than just a sandwich; it’s a symbol of Maine’s maritime heritage and culinary excellence.
What makes Maine lobster rolls unique is their simplicity and freshness. The lobster meat, typically served with just a touch of mayo or butter, allows the natural flavors to shine through. The sweet, tender lobster is sourced directly from the cold, clean waters off the coast of Maine, ensuring top-notch quality. The minimalist approach, emphasizing the lobster’s natural flavor, is what makes these rolls so special.
Lobster rolls can vary in price depending on the location and season, generally ranging from $15 to $30. This price reflects the high quality and freshness of the lobster. In addition to Red’s Eats and The Clam Shack, other notable places to enjoy lobster rolls include Eventide Oyster Co. in Portland and The Lobster Shack at Two Lights in Cape Elizabeth.
Contact Information
- Red’s Eats: 41 Water St, Wiscasset, ME 04578. Phone: (207) 882-6128. Website
- The Clam Shack: 2 Western Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043. Phone: (207) 967-3321. Website
- Eventide Oyster Co.: 86 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101. Phone: (207) 774-8538. Website
- The Lobster Shack at Two Lights: 225 Two Lights Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107. Phone: (207) 799-1677. Website
Blueberry Pie
Maine blueberry pie is made with wild Maine blueberries, which are smaller and more flavorful than cultivated varieties. These berries are packed with a punch of sweetness and tartness, making them perfect for a classic pie. The wild blueberries are harvested in late summer, a short season that makes them a highly sought-after ingredient.
For the best blueberry pie, visit Helen’s Restaurant in Machias or Moody’s Diner in Waldoboro. These establishments are famous for their pies, featuring flaky, buttery crusts filled with generous portions of wild Maine blueberries. The combination of the tart berries and the sweet, crispy crust creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Two Fat Cats Bakery in Portland is another renowned spot for blueberry pie. Their pies are made from scratch using locally-sourced ingredients, ensuring every bite is fresh and flavorful. In addition to traditional blueberry pie, they offer creative variations like blueberry crumble and blueberry ginger pie, adding exciting new dimensions to this classic dessert.
Blueberry pie is not just a delicious treat; it’s a symbol of Maine’s agricultural heritage. The state’s wild blueberry industry is one of the oldest and most important in the country, producing about 90 million pounds of blueberries annually. Enjoying a slice of blueberry pie is a way to connect with that rich history.
- Helen’s Restaurant: 111 Main St, Machias, ME 04654. Phone: (207) 255-8423. Website
- Moody’s Diner: 1885 Atlantic Hwy, Waldoboro, ME 04572. Phone: (207) 832-7785. Website
- Two Fat Cats Bakery: 195 Lancaster St, Portland, ME 04101. Phone: (207) 347-5144. Website
Clam Chowder
Maine clam chowder is known for its rich, creamy texture, featuring fresh, locally-sourced clams. This hearty soup is a staple of Maine’s culinary scene, offering a comforting and satisfying meal. The combination of tender clams, potatoes, onions, and bacon or salt pork creates a symphony of flavors.
What sets Maine clam chowder apart is its emphasis on simplicity and quality ingredients. The use of fresh clams, often harvested from Maine’s coastal waters, ensures the chowder is brimming with ocean-fresh flavor. The creamy base, made from milk or cream, adds a luxurious texture that complements the briny clams.
Top places to try clam chowder in Maine include Eventide Oyster Co. in Portland and Bob’s Clam Hut in Kittery. Eventide Oyster Co. offers a modern twist on this classic dish, incorporating innovative ingredients and techniques. Bob’s Clam Hut, on the other hand, stays true to tradition, serving a classic clam chowder beloved by locals and visitors for decades.
Maine clam chowder is available year-round, making it a comforting choice in any season. In the colder months, a bowl of steaming hot chowder is perfect for warming up after a day of exploring the coast. In the summer, a lighter, milk-based chowder provides a refreshing contrast to the heat. Whether you prefer your chowder thick and hearty or light and creamy, Maine has a version to satisfy your cravings.
- Eventide Oyster Co.: 86 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101. Phone: (207) 774-8538. Website
- Bob’s Clam Hut: 315 US Route 1, Kittery, ME 03904. Phone: (207) 439-4233. Website
Whoopie Pies
A whoopie pie is a classic Maine dessert, consisting of two cake-like cookies with a creamy filling in the middle. This beloved treat is considered a comfort food by many, with a long history in the state. The traditional whoopie pie features chocolate cookies and a vanilla cream filling, but many variations exist.
You can find authentic whoopie pies at Wicked Whoopies in Freeport and Labadie’s Bakery in Lewiston. Wicked Whoopies is famous for its wide range of flavors, including classics like chocolate and vanilla, as well as creative options like pumpkin, maple, and red velvet. Labadie’s Bakery, known for its traditional approach, offers whoopie pies that taste just like the ones your grandmother used to make.
The whoopie pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a cultural icon in Maine. The origins of the whoopie pie are debated, with both Maine and Pennsylvania claiming to be its birthplace. Regardless, Maine has embraced this dessert wholeheartedly, making it a staple at local bakeries, fairs, and festivals.
In addition to the classic whoopie pies, you can find various flavors and variations throughout Maine. Some bakeries offer whoopie pies filled with flavored creams like raspberry or mocha, while others experiment with different types of cookies, such as gingerbread or oatmeal. No matter your preferences, there’s a whoopie pie in Maine that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Wicked Whoopies: 100 Main St, Freeport, ME 04032. Phone: (877) 447-2631. Website
- Labadie’s Bakery: 161 Lincoln St, Lewiston, ME 04240. Phone: (207) 784-7042. Website
Maine Oysters
Fresh oysters are a delicacy you can find at The Shop in Portland and Glidden Point Oyster Farms in Edgecomb. These establishments offer a selection of the finest oysters from Maine’s pristine waters, providing an unparalleled taste of the ocean. The Shop is known for its casual, laid-back atmosphere and expertly shucked oysters, while Glidden Point Oyster Farms offers tours and tastings to learn more about the oyster farming process.
Maine oysters are known for their clean, briny flavor and firm texture. The cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Gulf of Maine provide the perfect environment for oysters to thrive, resulting in a product that is both delicious and sustainable. Maine oysters are often enjoyed raw, on the half shell, with just a squeeze of lemon or a dash of mignonette sauce.
For a more immersive experience, visit Mere Point Oyster Company and Pemaquid Oyster Company. These farms offer tours that give you a behind-the-scenes look at the oyster farming process, from seed to harvest. You’ll learn about the techniques used to cultivate oysters and have the opportunity to sample some of the freshest oysters you’ll ever taste.
Maine oysters are a true delicacy, with their popularity growing in recent years. They are featured on the menus of top restaurants across the country and are a favorite among seafood lovers. Whether you’re a seasoned oyster aficionado or a curious beginner, a visit to one of Maine’s top oyster spots is a must.
- The Shop: 123 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101. Phone
: (207) 699-4436. Website
– Glidden Point Oyster Farms: 637 River Rd, Edgecomb, ME 04556. Phone: (207) 315-7066. Website
– Mere Point Oyster Company: 281 Mere Point Rd, Brunswick, ME 04011. Phone: (207) 522-1501. Website
– Pemaquid Oyster Company: 32 Pemaquid Harbor Rd, New Harbor, ME 04554. Phone: (207) 677-2585. Website
Maple Syrup
Maine maple syrup is made by collecting sap from maple trees and boiling it down to create a thick, sweet syrup. This traditional process, passed down through generations, remains an important part of Maine’s agricultural heritage. The result is a product that is rich, flavorful, and versatile, perfect for drizzling on pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.
You can buy authentic maple syrup at Spring Break Maple Farm in Smyrna and Kinney’s Sugarhouse in Knox. These family-owned operations offer a range of maple products, from syrup to candy to maple cream. Visiting a sugarhouse during the sugaring season, which typically runs from late February to early April, is a unique and educational experience. You’ll see firsthand how the sap is collected and boiled down, and you’ll have the opportunity to sample fresh syrup right from the source.
Maine maple syrup is not just for breakfast; it can be used in various dishes, both sweet and savory. Try it as a glaze for roasted meats, a sweetener for salad dressings, or a topping for desserts. The distinctive flavor of Maine maple syrup adds a touch of natural sweetness to any dish, making it a favorite ingredient for chefs and home cooks alike.
The Maine Maple Sunday event in March allows visitors to tour sugarhouses and sample fresh maple syrup. This annual celebration is a great opportunity to learn more about the maple sugaring process and to taste the delicious products made by local producers. Whether you’re a longtime fan of maple syrup or trying it for the first time, Maine Maple Sunday is an event not to be missed.
- Spring Break Maple Farm: 217 Smalley Rd, Smyrna, ME 04780. Phone: (207) 757-7373. Website
- Kinney’s Sugarhouse: 127 Clark Rd, Knox, ME 04986. Phone: (207) 568-7547. Website
Fried Clams
Maine fried clams are known for their crispy coating and tender, flavorful meat. This classic New England dish is a staple of the state’s culinary scene, offering a taste of the ocean that is both comforting and delicious. The best fried clams are made with fresh, locally-sourced clams, coated in a light, crispy batter and fried to golden perfection.
For the best fried clams, visit The Clam Shack in Kennebunkport or Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster Company in Freeport. The Clam Shack is famous for its perfectly fried clams, served with a side of tartar sauce and a view of the Kennebunk River. Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster Company, located on the waterfront in South Freeport, offers a similar experience, with fresh clams fried to order and served with homemade coleslaw.
Fried clams are available at various food trucks and seafood shacks along the coast. These mobile eateries offer a convenient and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish, whether you’re at the beach, at a festival, or just exploring the local area. Popular food trucks that serve fried clams include Bite Into Maine in Cape Elizabeth and Cousins Maine Lobster, with locations throughout the state.
Maine fried clams are special because of their quality and freshness. The state’s coastal waters provide a steady supply of clams, ensuring they are always fresh and flavorful. The light, crispy batter used to coat the clams adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat inside. Whether you’re a fan of seafood or just looking to try something new, Maine fried clams are a must-try.
- The Clam Shack: 2 Western Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043. Phone: (207) 967-3321. Website
- Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster Company: 36 Main St, South Freeport, ME 04078. Phone: (207) 865-4888. Website
- Bite Into Maine: 1000 Shore Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107. Phone: (207) 289-6142. Website
- Cousins Maine Lobster: Various locations. Phone: (855) 885-6622. Website
Red Snapper Hot Dogs
A red snapper hot dog is a traditional Maine hot dog with a bright red casing, known for its snap when bitten. This unique delicacy is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering a taste of nostalgia and a satisfying crunch. The red snapper hot dog is made with a blend of pork and beef, seasoned with a mix of spices, and encased in a natural casing that gives it its signature snap.
You can try red snapper hot dogs at Simones’ Hot Dog Stand in Lewiston or W.A. Bean & Sons in Bangor. Simones’ Hot Dog Stand is a local institution, serving these brightly colored hot dogs with various toppings. W.A. Bean & Sons, the original producer of the red snapper hot dog, offers tours and tastings at their facility in Bangor, where you can learn more about the history and production of this unique Maine specialty.
The Maine Red Hot Dog Festival in Dexter celebrates this unique Maine delicacy. Held annually in August, the festival features food vendors, live music, and fun activities for the whole family. It’s a great opportunity to sample red snapper hot dogs from different vendors and enjoy a day of festivities in the heart of Maine.
Red snapper hot dogs are more than just a regional specialty; they are a symbol of Maine’s culinary heritage. Their distinctive flavor and satisfying snap make them a favorite at cookouts, fairs, and family gatherings. Whether you’re a longtime fan or trying them for the first time, red snapper hot dogs are a must-try when visiting Maine.
- Simones’ Hot Dog Stand: 99 Chestnut St, Lewiston, ME 04240. Phone: (207) 782-8431. Website
- W.A. Bean & Sons: 229 Bomarc Rd, Bangor, ME 04401. Phone: (207) 947-0364. Website
Craft Beer
Maine is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with top breweries like Allagash Brewing Company in Portland and Bissell Brothers Brewing in Milo leading the way. These breweries are known for their innovative and high-quality beers, which have garnered national and international acclaim. Allagash Brewing Company is famous for its Belgian-style ales, while Bissell Brothers Brewing is known for its hoppy, flavorful IPAs.
Craft beer tours are available through Maine Brew Bus and Portland Beer Tours, offering a fun and educational way to explore the state’s breweries. These tours typically include visits to several breweries, tastings of various beers, and insights into the brewing process. Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or just looking to try something new, a craft beer tour is a great way to experience Maine’s beer culture.
Maine craft beer is unique because of its quality, creativity, and the use of local ingredients. Breweries in the state often collaborate with local farmers and producers to source ingredients like hops, barley, and fruits, resulting in beers that are fresh, flavorful, and uniquely Maine. The state’s craft beer scene is also characterized by a sense of community and collaboration, with breweries often working together to create special releases and events.
Top craft breweries in Maine include Rising Tide Brewing Company in Portland, which offers a range of beers from pale ales to stouts, and Maine Beer Company in Freeport, known for its commitment to quality and sustainability. Other notable breweries include Oxbow Brewing Company in Newcastle, which specializes in farmhouse ales, and Baxter Brewing Co. in Lewiston, which produces various beers in cans.
Maine’s craft beer scene is vibrant and ever-evolving, making it an exciting destination for beer lovers. Whether you’re visiting the state’s top breweries, joining a beer tour, or sampling local brews at a restaurant or bar, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste. With its focus on quality, creativity, and community, Maine craft beer is a true reflection of the state’s unique culture and spirit.
- Allagash Brewing Company: 50 Industrial Way, Portland, ME 04103. Phone: (207) 878-5385. Website
- Bissell Brothers Brewing: 38 Resurgam Pl, Portland, ME 04102. Phone: (207) 808-8258. Website
- Rising Tide Brewing Company: 103 Fox St, Portland, ME 04101. Phone: (207
) 370-2337. Website
– Maine Beer Company: 525 US-1, Freeport, ME 04032. Phone: (207) 221-5711. Website
– Oxbow Brewing Company: 274 Jones Woods Rd, Newcastle, ME 04553. Phone: (207) 315-5962. Website
– Baxter Brewing Co.: 130 Mill St, Lewiston, ME 04240. Phone: (207) 333-6769. Website
FAQs
Where can I find the best lobster rolls in Maine?
You can find the best lobster rolls at Red’s Eats in Wiscasset, The Clam Shack in Kennebunkport, Eventide Oyster Co. in Portland, and The Lobster Shack at Two Lights in Cape Elizabeth. These spots are renowned for their generous portions of fresh, tender lobster meat served on perfectly toasted buns.
What makes Maine blueberry pie special?
Maine blueberry pie is made with wild Maine blueberries, which are smaller and more flavorful than cultivated varieties. The combination of these tart berries and a sweet, flaky crust creates a perfect balance of flavors. Places like Helen’s Restaurant in Machias, Moody’s Diner in Waldoboro, and Two Fat Cats Bakery in Portland are famous for their exceptional blueberry pies.
How is Maine clam chowder different?
Maine clam chowder is characterized by its rich, creamy texture and fresh, locally-sourced clams. The creamy base, made from milk or cream, adds a luxurious texture that complements the briny clams. Top places to enjoy this classic dish include Eventide Oyster Co. in Portland and Bob’s Clam Hut in Kittery.
Where can I buy authentic Maine maple syrup?
Authentic Maine maple syrup can be purchased at Spring Break Maple Farm in Smyrna and Kinney’s Sugarhouse in Knox. These family-owned operations offer a range of maple products, and visiting during the sugaring season allows you to see the syrup-making process firsthand and sample fresh syrup.
What are red snapper hot dogs?
Red snapper hot dogs are a traditional Maine hot dog with a bright red casing, known for their snap when bitten. They are made with a blend of pork and beef, seasoned with spices, and encased in a natural casing. You can try them at Simones’ Hot Dog Stand in Lewiston and W.A. Bean & Sons in Bangor.
Which are the top craft breweries in Maine?
Top craft breweries in Maine include Allagash Brewing Company in Portland, Bissell Brothers Brewing in Milo, Rising Tide Brewing Company in Portland, Maine Beer Company in Freeport, Oxbow Brewing Company in Newcastle, and Baxter Brewing Co. in Lewiston. These breweries are known for their innovative and high-quality beers.
Conclusion
Maine’s culinary landscape is as diverse and vibrant as its scenic beauty. From the iconic lobster rolls and blueberry pie to the unique red snapper hot dogs and craft beer, there’s something to satisfy every palate. By exploring these ten must-try foods, you’ll not only enjoy delicious meals but also immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions that make Maine a food lover’s paradise. So pack your bags, bring your appetite, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure in the beautiful state of Maine!
