Best Lobster Shacks & Rolls in Maine: 1. The Clam Shack

The Clam Shack, Kennebunkport, Maine. This bare-bones, roadside hut features consistently in articles which list the best lobster shacks and lobster rolls in Maine.  Both The Boston Globe and Travel and Leisure included The Clam Shack as a must stop for an authentic delicious Maine lobster experience and The Clam Shack’s lobster roll was recently voted “fan favourite” in a heated NYC lobster roll competition (officially called The Lobster Roll Rumble). This is a takeout-style eatery, featuring seafood items like fried clams, fish and chips, clam chowder and, of course, lobster rolls.  In true takeout-style, they don’t serve alcohol and seating is limited to outside picnic tables and benches. What makes The Clam Shack lobster roll so darned good?  It all comes down to the way they treat their lobsters.  The Clam Shack store their lobsters in fresh salt water tanks at the restaurant right up until they're ready to be cooked, which keeps them plump and hydrated. They also only use new shell (or shedder) lobsters, which contain much sweeter meat than hard shell lobsters.  Finally, they hand-shred the meat for their rolls, believing that knives cause oxidation, tainting the flavour. Rolls arrive with the meat still warm—served with butter or mayo or, both—on toasted homemade dinner rolls. If you’re not planning a visit to Maine but want to experience their lobster roll, you can purchase The Clam Shack lobster roll kit online and have it delivered via Fed Ex.

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