Maine’s Route 1 seafood shacks worth your stop run from Kittery to Georgetown, with the best lobster rolls, fried clams, chowders, and oysters found at family-run counters along the way. Start with Red’s Eats in Wiscasset for a lobster roll packed with fresh meat, then work your way down the coast for clams, stew, and ice cream.
Freshest Lobster Rolls
Lobster rolls are a Maine staple, and these two shacks serve them piled high.
- Red’s Eats – In Wiscasset, this shack is famous for its generous lobster rolls, each one packed with fresh lobster meat and served with melted butter or mayo on the side.
- The Lobster Shack at Two Lights – Perched on the rocky coast in Cape Elizabeth, this spot pairs its sweet, tender lobster rolls with stunning ocean views.
Classic Fried Clams
Nothing says New England like a basket of fried clams, and these two places fry them right.
- Bob’s Clam Hut – Found in Kittery, Bob’s has been serving crispy, golden fried clams since 1956. The secret is fresh clams and a light, crunchy batter.
- The Clam Shack – In Kennebunkport, this spot uses locally sourced clams, fried to a perfect golden brown.
Hearty Chowders
Warm up with a bowl of chowder or stew at these two Route 1 stops.
- Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster Company – In South Freeport, this family-run shack offers a rich, creamy clam chowder that’s packed with flavor. It’s the perfect comfort food.
- Eventide Oyster Co. – Situated in Portland, Eventide serves a unique twist on traditional chowder with its brown butter lobster stew, a must-try.
Fresh Oysters
For oyster lovers, these shacks offer the freshest, briniest options around.
- Five Islands Lobster Co. – Located in Georgetown, this spot serves oysters harvested from nearby waters. Enjoy them raw with a squeeze of lemon.
- The Well at Jordan’s Farm – In Cape Elizabeth, this farm-to-table shack serves oysters as fresh as they come. Pair them with a glass of chilled white wine.
Sweet Treats to Finish
After all that savory seafood, these two ice cream stands have you covered.
- Round Top Ice Cream – Found in Damariscotta, Round Top offers a variety of homemade ice cream flavors, the perfect way to end your seafood feast.
- Brown’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream – Located in York, Brown’s serves creamy, old-fashioned ice cream. Try their blueberry flavor for a true taste of Maine.
Savor the Best of Maine’s Route 1
Maine’s Route 1 offers some of the best seafood shacks you can find, each stop providing a unique taste of the coast. From lobster rolls to fried clams, these shacks offer a slice of local culture and history. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these spots are worth the trip. Plan your route, bring your appetite, and get ready to enjoy some of the freshest seafood around. Each bite tells a story of the sea and the people who make their living from it, and along the way you’ll pass some of the coastal islands and coves in Maine that make this drive so memorable. So hit the road and discover why Maine’s Route 1 is a must-visit for any seafood lover.
Related travel guides: Where To Eat In Maine and Events And Seasons In Maine.
