REVIEW

The food at The Lobster Shack is good, in fact very good, but you can find better along the Maine coast. It’s not an undiscovered gem. In fact, there always seems to be a long line at the order counter. And the prices are a little higher than what you’ll find further up the coast, reflecting its proximity to the city of Portland. So why do we think The Lobster Shack is required eating for the visiting LAF pilgrim?

Very nice whole-bellied clams

The Lobster Shack, in Two Lights State Park, has the most stunning setting of any place we’ve eaten in the state. Outdoor picnic tables sit next to the craggy, rocky shore. The sound of crashing waves is always present. A lighthouse is visible just over the restaurant, and the foghorn periodically sounds. Gulls are perched on the roof of the shack. You’ll likely encounter a very brisk seaside breeze. We’d probably visit the Shack if it served McLobster and Mrs. Paul’s. But it’s much, much better than that.

The Lobster Shack is close to Portland, and there is always a long line of customers waiting to place their orders. Note one of the two lights in the background.

The whole-bellied clams are crunchy and saline, accompanied by serviceable fries and nice slaw. Lobster stew is always dependable, and a couple of the strange local clam cakes might go well with it. These chewy round discs are a little like clammy pre-fab hash browns. There’s a nice selection of pies, cookies, and puddings with which to finish your meal, but we can’t resist the chocolate cake sandwich filled with white creme-oid called whoopy pie.

The Lobster Shack has inside dining, but we always choose to sit outside, the most dramatic setting for a seafood shack in Maine, as far as we’re concerned.

Crunchy clams, whoopie pies, and the crashing surf: how great it is to be back in Maine!

LAF TRAK: 

FOOD: 

BEST THING TO EAT: Clam Plate