You Have to Try the One Dish That Made This Buzzy Maine Spot Legendary

I've been to Maine plenty of times in my life, and there are a few things I can always be guaranteed to do. I'll definitely head to Acadia National Park to do some hiking. I'll surely do some shopping in Ogunquit, one of the state's most charming main streets. And you can bet I'll be eating so much lobster I'll put a dent in the season's catch!

The bright red sea creature is pretty much the official food of Maine, so it's no surprise you can find it just about everywhere. One of my favorite places is also among the most popular: the Portland Lobster Company, a charming old-school seafood shack located right on the water. I'm usually tempted to get a whole steamed lobster, but if I want something a little lighter, the most popular dish at Portland Lobster Company is a lobster roll that's pretty much the perfect version of the iconic Maine dish.

Portland Lobster Company is a local institution, located in the heart of Portland's downtown right off the water. It's usually packed—especially during the height of lobster season—and this place doesn't just feel like a restaurant; it feels like a party.

Part of the reason this restaurant is so popular is because it's located right by the harbor's popular cruises, which dock right here and drop off countless hungry visitors ready for a Maine lobster feast. The menu is classic but extensive—you can get steamed lobster, fried fish or seafood, and of course the classic lobster rolls.

If you're here on a nice day, the restaurant offers a lovely outdoor patio complete with a beer and wine menu. There's also frequent live music, making this one of the best spots in Portland to relax and enjoy the region's signature food.

Just about anything on the menu is sensational, but the lobster roll here might be the perfect example of this iconic Maine treat. This is a hot lobster roll, lightly brushed with melted butter to let the natural flavor of the sweet, meaty lobster sing. If you're not in the mood for lobster, unique clam rolls and scallop rolls are also available. Don't let the casual vibe of the restaurant fool you—this is some top-notch seafood!

Have you dined at this iconic Maine restaurant? Do you think the lobster roll deserves to be the most popular dish at Portland Lobster Company? Tell a friend about this article and test it out for yourself! You can see the whole menu on the Portland Lobster Company website, and the Facebook page of this iconic Maine restaurant has all the information you need about the latest specials and hours.

If you're in Portland in the warmer months, you're only a short trip from Palace Playland and Funtown Splashtown, the state's two most iconic theme parks. But if you need more ideas for your Maine vacation, check out Only in Your State's AI-powered travel planner for a customized itinerary.