Why Lobster Lovers Need to Visit Cape Cod and Maine

Some of my earliest childhood memories are of lobster bakes on the beaches of Cape Cod. Growing up, my family spent two magical weeks on “The Cape” every summer, and no trip was ever complete without indulging in all the fresh lobster meat we could eat. When I was 8 years old, my family converted to Judaism and became kosher (so no shellfish), and suddenly there was, well, a lot less lobster (tear emoji).

While my parents’ taste for lobster waned, mine only grew. Perhaps it’s because it was now forbidden fruit or maybe it was the fact that there is simply no better place on God's green Earth to eat lobster than on the stunning shores of New England. 

Eating lobster by the sea in New England is equivalent to polishing off a rack of ribs in Kansas City, devouring a pizza slice in New York City, or scarfing down a mission burrito in San Francisco...it just tastes better in the right setting. The picturesque seaside shacks, ocean views, and mouthwatering crustaceans create a sensory culinary experience that is simply unmatched.

The brisk waters of the North Atlantic Ocean give New England lobsters an edge over their counterparts caught in the warmer waters in the southern Atlantic and Caribbean. Lower temperatures lead to slower growth rates for the lobsters, allowing them time to mature and develop a more complex flavor profile with a higher meat yield.

The sweet and tender meat of the New England lobster is exceptionally versatile and lends itself to various cooking methods. Whether you’re in the mood for overstuffed buttery lobster rolls, silky lobster bisque or a hot bowl of lobster stew, garlicky grilled lobster tails, creamy mac ‘n’ cheese, spicy lobster fra diavolo, a lobster eggs Benedict, or simply steamed lobster, the number of ways you can prepare New England lobster is virtually limitless.

Whichever style you choose, the best way to enjoy lobster in New England is at a quaint seafood shack overlooking the water. And if you can’t make it to New England but love lobster, you’re covered.

Cape Cod lobster spots

Mac’s On The Pier | Wellfleet

Mac’s Seafood has multiple locations around Cape Cod with different variations of its name, but my favorite place to eat lobster is at Mac’s On the Pier in Wellfleet. Located at Wellfleet Harbor, this spot offers great water views while you chow down on some of the freshest seafood on the Cape. Mac’s offers hot and cold lobster rolls packed with fresh meat as well as succulent native lobster dinners served with drawn butter. It also offers lobster clambakes with a choice of steamed littlenecks or mussels. Whichever style you choose, eating lobster at Mac’s while overlooking the bay is quintessential Cape Cod and makes for a meal to remember. 

The Raw Bar | Mashpee

Here, it’s all about the lobster roll, and the roll at the raw bar is simply massive! Yes, it’s $44, but this colossal sandwich, which has been rated No. 1 on the Cape, is more than enough lobster for two people. With 2 pounds of ruby-red chunks of the best lobster claw meat piled onto every roll, this feast is perfect for those who seek both quantity and quality. With spectacular oceanfront views, The Raw Bar is a wonderful place to relax, have a drink (I recommend the rum punch), take in the ocean view…and enjoy the biggest lobster roll on Cape Cod. 

The Lobster Trap | Bourne 

The Lobster Trap Fish Market and Restaurant, located along the serene Back River, has been a staple on the Cape since 1969. The menu is perfect for anyone looking to fulfill their lobster cravings. The creamy seafood stew comes packed with fresh scallops, shrimp, and lobster; the lobster roll is served with mayo and lettuce on a brioche roll; and the steamed, hard shell lobsters range from 1- to 2-pounders. If you’re feeling adventurous, the surf ‘n’ turf burger is a half-pound of Angus beef topped with buttery poached lobster, guacamole, and cheddar cheese served on a Portuguese English muffin. So grab a seat on the deck, take in the amazing views, and settle in for one of the most satisfying bites you’ll have all summer. 

Chatham Fish Pier | Chatham 

Located right on the water at the Chatham Pier, this spot is not only one of the best places to eat lobster on the Cape but is one of the best places to see seals up close. The aquatic mammals love to hang around the docks, waiting for the local fisherman to come in with their fresh catches. Here, you can enjoy some of the freshest lobster on the Cape while sitting on a rustic picnic table on the pier. The lobsters are served as both hot and cold lobster rolls, steamed whole, in lobster bisque, atop lobster salad, and even in lobster mashed potatoes.

Sesuit Harbor Cafe | Dennis

Not only is this location perfect — sitting right on the water with views of the marina and Cape Cod Bay — but the Sesuit Harbor Cafe also serves up outstanding lobster. The lobster roll is perfectly dressed with the right amount of mayo and packed with the freshest chunks of meat. It also serves lobster bisque, classic boiled lobster, and, if you’ve got a really big appetite, a dish called Lobster Savannah: half a boiled lobster with a seafood stuffing topped with lobster bisque. For a really fun way to enjoy your meal, hop aboard the S.S. Lobster Roll for one of their famous lobster roll cruises around Cape Cod Bay.

Non-lobster Cape Activities: When I’m not eating lobster on the Cape, I can be found sunset gazing at First Encounter Beach in Eastham, whale (and people) watching in Provincetown, walking across Uncle Tom’s bridge in Wellfleet (which also has a great weekly flea market), and taking beautiful beach hikes in Truro, which is also home to a vineyard. 

Maine lobster spots 

The Clam Shack | Kennebunkport

Overlooking the scenic Kennebunk River, The Clam Shack offers one of the most distinctive lobster rolls you’ll find in all of Maine. Here, they pile a little of each part (claw, knuckle, tail) onto an oversized, locally baked burger bun. The tail, which is widely considered the best part of the lobster and is missing on so many other rolls, is served practically whole (!), dunked directly into warm butter! Customers choose between either a swipe of mayo or drizzle of warm butter, or, for those in the know, “both” — meaning mayo and drawn butter (and now you know). If you prefer your lobster straight from the shell, the boiled lobster dinner is some of the freshest lobster you’ll find anywhere.

Thurston’s Lobster Pound | Bernard

Perched on a working dock, the rustic spot overlooks the fishing village of Bass Harbor. There, you’ll see the lobster boats return to the wharf with the day’s catch, and you can watch the crew carry those same lobsters up to the restaurant tank. Whether you like your lobster served on a roll packed with sweet, tender claws and knuckles, boiled with drawn butter, in a hot lobster stew, or on a classic B.L.T., with fresh lobster meat heaped on top (so, a B.L.L.T., I guess), Thurston’s is one of the best spots for lobster lovers.

Red’s Eats | Wiscasset 

If you can handle the long wait at Red’s, your patience will be rewarded with an overflowing roll that contains a whole lobster tail and knuckles, and requires a fork to eat and a pile of napkins. Located at the southern end of Wiscasset Bridge on the back of the scenic Sheepscot River, Red’s serves its colossal roll with a condiment cup of hot butter. Here, they pride themselves on a lobster roll that’s still made using only the freshest lobster meat, piled high onto a buttered, grilled New England-style hot dog bun. Butter and mayo are served on the side, letting the customer build his or her own “dream roll.” 

Abel’s | Mount Desert Island

Located on Somes Sound on beautiful Mount Desert Island, Abel’s Lobster is possibly the most picturesque place you can enjoy a lobster roll in all of New England. The lobster here is served in more elevated ways than most seafood shacks. The roll is prepared with an extremely generous lobster filling, tossed lightly with chive mayo and served on a grilled brioche roll. The lobster chowder is made with pork belly and red potatoes, the wood-fired lobster is a hard shell lobster served with Abel’s signature lobster sauce, and the Lazy Lobster is served with grits, sugar snap peas, and an herbed butter sauce. Paired with one of its large selection of Maine’s local craft beers, a light ocean breeze, and gorgeous views, Abel’s Lobster is a perfect place to spend a summer day in Maine. 

McLoons Lobster Shack | South Thomaston

A bit off the beaten path but well worth the trip, McLoons is considered by many to serve the best lobster roll in Maine. This small red hut in South Thomaston is the classic seafood shack of your culinary dreams. Here, you can watch lobster boats coming in and delivering their catch just a few yards from the restaurant. The generously stuffed lobster rolls are presented with a half-and-half roll (butter on one side, mayonnaise on the other). There's also straight-from-the-water steamed lobster dinners and lobster stew with large chunks of fresh lobster, cream, tarragon, and spices. McLoons is BYOB, so bring your favorite spirit and settle at a picnic table with mouthwatering lobster and serene views of the harbor and surrounding islands.  

Non-lobster Maine Activities: When I’m not indulging in lobster in Maine, I can be found swimming at Kettle Cove beach, walking along the rocky coast at Crescent Beach State Park, biking on Chebeague Island, kayaking in Scarborough Marsh, and taking in the views at Fort Williams Park, where you can visit the historical Portland Head Light, the oldest lighthouse in Maine.