The Lobster Shack at Two Lights

Let's talk about lobster rolls.

Back in May, Sonya and Pat decided to take me to the epic Lobster Shack at Two Lights, just outside Portland in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. This little shack had a line of running out the door and inside it was busy with customers listing off orders, cash registers ringing, and people trying to navigate the drink machine and condiment station. The indoor seating is in a rustic room lined with wood and draped in sailing paraphernalia. But it was nice enough to eat outside so we took our lobster rolls, fries, and fried clams to a picnic table that overlooked the waves crashing onto gray rocks.

My companions both claimed it to be the best lobster roll...ever. The New England style hot-dog buns (meaning they were split through the top crust) were grilled and buttery with large chunks of lobster piled on top. It was finished with a generous dollop of mayonnaise and the lobster was cradled in a couple pieces of lettuce--just enough for a crunch. The lobster roll was amazing and the company was great (though Pat couldn't stop dipping his jacket in mayo for some reason), but if I had to choose my absolute favorite lobster roll so far I think it's got to be the one from the Porthole--I know it's not a traditional, classic lobster roll like it is at Two Lights, but in terms of bursting ocean flavor I do think it's my fave.

The fried clams at Two Lights, however, really may be the best I've had. They were  plump whole clams fried up perfectly crisp. With each bite the crunchy exterior gave way to a juicy, luscious burst of clam--a striking combination of fried batter and a splash of sea flavor. I recommend eating the fried clams right away if you do order them so you can pop them in your mouth while they are still hot and crispy.

The Lobster Shack at Two Lights is a great spot to grab some seafood and soak in the view of the ocean. It's just a short, scenic drive from Portland. But be wary of hungry seagulls! They seem to stalk the grounds of Two Lights, searching for lost bits of crispy fries and pieces of lobster.