Posted by Molly | Jul 14, 2022 | Maine Life, Out and About, What's Cooking | 26
Nothing says summer in Maine like a lobster roll enjoyed at a waterside shack! Join me on a visit to the best little lobster joint in Maine!
McLoon’s Lobster Shack
Maine is probably best known for lobster –those bright red crustaceans fondly called sea “bugs”. And I am fortunate to live smack dab in the middle of lobster country! I wake each morning in summer to the low rumble of lobster boats hauling traps just off the coast from our home. I can purchase lobster fresh off the dock at any number of local spots, and just about every restaurant has at least one lobster dish on the menu.
While I regularly eat a vegetarian diet, I couldn’t live in Maine without the occasional lobster. However, the whole process of picking meat from the shell is just not my thing…. My lobster dish of choice is a good old fashioned lobster roll — tender chunks of (already picked!) lobster meat on a buttery toasted hotdog bun.
Last July, Yankee Magazine, the premier New England lifestyle magazine, published an article on where to find the best lobster roll in Maine. It turns out the place they selected is just a short drive from our home — McLoon’s Lobster Shack on Spruce Head Island! I take all my summer guests there.
So, let’s go!
The Setting
One of the criteria Yankee Magazine used to rate each lobster shack was setting. As they say in the article: “Every great roll deserves a great view.” And boy, does McLoon’s have a great view! The setting of ocean, spruce trees, rocky coastline, and bobbing lobster boats doesn’t get any more classically Maine. (Or the lobster any fresher, the dock is right next door!) We even caught a lobster boat coming in the other day when we were there.
I hope you brought a fleece — it is always breezy here!
The Meat of the Matter
Now let’s get to the meat of the matter…. literally. The most important ingredient in a great lobster roll is, of course, the lobster! We are fortunate here in Maine to have the very freshest lobster. Therefore, the best lobster rolls are those that keep things simple, allowing the lobster to shine. McLoon’s lobster roll consists of large chunks of tender lobster meat with your choice of mayo and/or butter as condiments. That means a little mayo on the bottom of the bun (not slathered all over it) and a drizzle of melted butter. That’s it! No lettuce! No lemon! No celery!
The bun is also a very important element in creating the best lobster roll. It must be a split top hot dog roll, buttered, and toasted on a griddle until each side is crisp.
One of the things that I love about McLoon’s lobster rolls is that the lobster fits nicely into the roll, so that you can easily pick it up and eat it. I know that a true Mainer would probably say there is no such thing as too much “lobstah”, but as the Yankee Magazine article aptly says, each bite should be a “medley of sweet meat, buttery bun, and sauce.”
Simple coleslaw, chips , and a pickle on the side are a must!
Make Your Own Lobster Roll
I know most of you are not lucky like me to call this beautiful little corner of the world, just a short drive from McLoon’s Lobster Shack, home. No worries! Here is the recipe, so you can make your own!
I won’t tell if you change it up. Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa, adds dill, parsley, and celery and serves hers warm. No one would argue with Ina, right?
Order online!
Don’t feel like cooking? McLoons ships overnight, so you can order your own taste of Maine delivered right to your home! You can even order some cool swag so your friends will think you actually made the trip here!
Other Great Lobster Shacks
McLoon’s might be my favorite lobster shack. And it was picked as the best last year by Yankee Magazine. But taste is subjective, and there are many other lobster shacks here in Maine serving delicious lobster rolls. If you are visiting another part of Maine, check out the Yankee Magazine article Where’s the Best Lobster Roll in Maine? | ExpertYankeePicks to find their top-rated local shack!
Set a Lobster-themed table
If you are enjoying a lobster dinner at home, have fun and set a lobster-themed table too! Check out my blog post Coastal Maine Patriotic Decor to Enjoy All Summer Long for more table ideas.
And Shop my Post below for more lobster-themed fun in your life! (I own the cardigan with the blue lobster on the back and the striped hoodie sweatshirt!)
Thanks for visiting McLoon’s with me today! I hope you enjoyed our outing!
Shop The Post
I am sharing links below to some items related to this post. If an item was purchased locally, is no longer available, or is one-of-a-kind, I have suggested something similar. Keep in mind that since I have not actually seen those items, I cannot personally vouch for them. If you purchase through these links, it won’t change your price, but I will receive some compensation. I hope you enjoy this easy way to bring a little Maine style into your home!
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About The Author
Molly
Highlighting coastal decor and lifestyle, Maddie and Cisco, and the way life should be...
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26 Comments
Zoe on July 14, 2022 at 1:04 pm
If I leave now, I think I can arrive on time for a dinner lobster roll at McLoons, right?!
Molly on July 14, 2022 at 1:18 pm
Oh how I wish you could come! Remember they close at 7, so get on the road soon! Bring Winnie too!
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AJ on July 14, 2022 at 1:48 pm
We were recently in Maine and everyday there I had a lobster roll (and 1 day a bowl of lobster stew). Everyone was slightly different and oh so delicious. Will hunt down this little lobster shack next time we’re there – we live in Colorado and I can only go so long without fresh east coast shellfish & fish
Molly on July 14, 2022 at 1:53 pm
Many of my guests insist on having lobster every day too! Did you notice the link in my post so that you can order lobster roll fixings shipped over night? If you are ever desperate, haha!
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Lissa Bessey on July 14, 2022 at 2:08 pm
I can’t wait to go to McLoon’s! I will always have fond memories of going to Barnacle Billy’s in Ogunquit in the rain in October when we went to Parents’ Weekend at Bowdoin College. They also have excellent blueberry pie. All of your lobster links are great!
Molly on July 14, 2022 at 2:22 pm
I can’t wait to take you there, Liss! I know Norma will insist! She loved it last year.
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Ann on July 14, 2022 at 2:53 pm
The glistening water looks so amazing, and a tad chilly. Which makes for the sweetest lobster. I would love this place.
Molly on July 14, 2022 at 4:12 pm
I am sure the water is freezing, haha! It is such a great place — the best views and delicious food!
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Connie on July 14, 2022 at 5:52 pm
What a mouthwatering post! The Lobster Shack at Two Lights is my stand by, and now I’m so glad to know about McLoons!
Molly on July 14, 2022 at 6:02 pm
Hi Connie! The Two Lights shack got a good rating too! It is a long trip from Cape Elizabeth, but if you are ever in the Rockland area, McLoons is worth a detour!
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Alice on July 14, 2022 at 11:51 pm
Oh my what wonderful Maine views as a backdrop to the luscious lobster rolls. I was happy to be with you on this quintessential Maine outing!
Molly on July 18, 2022 at 4:25 pm
Thanks for coming along with me, Alice! McLoon’s does have the prettiest location!
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JANET on July 15, 2022 at 12:06 am
Oh boy my mouth is watering for one of those lobster rolls!!! Making a trip to Maine in Sept – will look this place up & try it out! Thanks for taking us all along
Molly on July 18, 2022 at 4:27 pm
Where are you visiting in September? McLoon’s is a bit off the beaten track, but worth a trip if you are in the Rockland/Camden area! If you won’t be, check out the article I linked in the blog for other top recommendations from Yankee Magazine!
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Nori Coleman on July 15, 2022 at 3:42 pm
Excellent article! Everything looks so delicious! The view and quaint environment that surrounds Mcloon’s is something out of a dream! I cannot eat lobster because it makes my throat itchy and my upsets my stomach. I guess I have a light allergic reaction to it. Ugh. Last year, I made faux lobster rolls with imitation crab meat. Not exactly the same but it satisfied my cravings for the real deal. I love all of your links to the wonderful lobster items! Thanks for sharing!
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Juliet on July 15, 2022 at 5:47 pm
Molly! These rolls look so good. I’ve never had one. What?!!! But I’m tempted to order. What a fun thing did a California summer weekend. Love all your lobster accessories! xo
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stacy on July 16, 2022 at 11:54 am
Molly this looks like an amazing place!
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Rachel Harper on July 16, 2022 at 12:40 pm
Molly,
I’m taking notes for when I get to come visit your beautiful Maine.Molly on July 18, 2022 at 4:29 pm
Can’t wait for whenever that will be, Rachel!
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Elizabeth@pineconesandacorns on July 16, 2022 at 5:29 pm
Molly, Maine is one of my favorite places to visit. Almost every years we visit Maine, unfortunately Covid and this year the kitchen project/moving MIL to assisted living and life have caused us to put it on hold for another day! All of that is to say that we love Maine and although I do not eat seafood, I am pretty sure that I have visited most of the lobster shacks on this list, but not this one. My husband loves lobster and eats it every day when we are in Maine. I am making a note of this place.
Have a wonderful weekend.Molly on July 28, 2022 at 6:19 pm
It sounds like you have a lot on your plate, Elizabeth. Maine will be here waiting for you when you are able to return! (And there will be plenty of lobster for your husband too!)
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Kim | Shiplap and Shells on July 17, 2022 at 4:44 am
What a great place! If only it was a little closer.
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Karen B. on July 30, 2022 at 2:32 pm
Reading your blog has made me want to vacation in Maine. It looks so lovely, and a lobster roll would be welcomed.
Karen B.Molly on August 3, 2022 at 3:10 pm
I highly recommend a vacation in Maine! Thanks for stopping by my blog!
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Judy on August 2, 2022 at 4:40 pm
We took your advice and headed to McLoon’s last weekend! Definitely off the beaten path, so boy were we surprised to find a packed parking lot and long line to order! But the line moved quickly and it was fun to chat with some locals! We tried the lobster roll and liked it, but we really loved the crab cakes. A jumbo whoopie pie and blueberry bread pudding capped off our lunch. The setting is as beautiful as you described. Thanks for getting us off our Penobscot Bay porch for a little exploration!
Molly on August 3, 2022 at 3:09 pm
Glad you made the trip there, Judy! It is a lovely drive! I have never had their crab cakes, but I think everything there (even the grilled cheese sandwich!) is delicious. I shared a recipe for blueberry bread pudding in my blog post today!
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