Nestled in the rugged beauty of Maine, Mount Desert Island boasts two iconic attractions: Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. During the summer, this destination offers welcoming weather that residents of Texas can only dream of come late October. However, what truly captivates visitors’ hearts (and taste buds) is the opportunity to savor one of the best sandwiches around—the legendary lobster roll.
Upon visiting Mount Desert Island, one is struck by the abundance of lobster shops, trucks, and even homes that serve freshly harvested lobster on buttery brioche rolls. Recently, a trip to this picturesque island provided firsthand experience of this New England delight, prompting reflections on comparable offerings in Houston.
Previously, in a 2018 article, I extolled the virtues of Maine-ly Sandwiches, a Houston-based eatery, as part of my ongoing admiration for sandwiches. My passion for lobster and buttered bread fuelled my excitement. However, after indulging in the authentic lobster rolls along the northeastern Atlantic coast, I found myself contemplating how they stack up against their Houston counterparts.
A typical lobster roll on Mount Desert Island encompasses about four to six ounces of tender lobster meat, elegantly served on a brioche roll with flat sides that are grilled in butter. Variations abound, from the lobster being served hot or cold to the inclusion of mayo, crab, lettuce, or exciting spices. The quintessential preparation involves generously warming the lobster in butter and placing it directly onto the roll, often enhanced with a squeeze of lemon. This flavor profile, especially the warm butter infusion, easily surpasses the colder versions typically served with mayonnaise.
During my visit, I sampled numerous lobster rolls, starting with my meal at Goldenrod—a delightful diner and candy shop located in the charming village of York, nestled along the way from Boston. While their lobster roll was enjoyable, it was the lobster bisque and clam chowder that ultimately stole the show, marking them as the highlights of my culinary adventure.
Two standout establishments remained vivid in my memory: Beal’s Lobster Pier in Southwest Harbor and Thurston’s Lobster Pound in Bernard. Both are situated alongside the water, offering diners a front-row view of the tides that dramatically shift 10 feet throughout the day. Each lobster roll was a buttery masterpiece, but I found myself slightly leaning towards Beal’s creation, which was beautifully straightforward—lobster slathered in butter, pure and delicious. Thurston’s, frequently heralded as one of the finest lobster rolls in Maine, also held its own with undeniable flavor and quality.
The vibrant lobster traps adorning the island and the houses decorated with colorful floats, which signify the locations of lobster traps, are not merely picturesque; they signify the heart of Maine’s seafood industry. The freshness of the lobster was palpable, each bite reflecting its journey from the ocean to the plate.
Returning to the sweltering heat of Houston after my Maine escapade, I felt compelled to revisit Maine-ly Sandwiches to see how their offering compared. While it may seem an unfair comparison—trading a scenic waterfront eatery in 70-degree weather for a strip mall in sizzling 95-degree Houston—I approached it with curiosity.
Maine-ly Sandwiches captured the essence of the lobster roll remarkably well. The soft, buttery roll, sliced just right, and the sweet, succulent chunks of lobster were certainly commendable. Compared to the sometimes stingy portions in Maine, the Houston establishment served more generous amounts of lobster per roll. In Maine, a four-ounce roll can set you back $30 or more, making the $18 price tag at Maine-ly Sandwiches a delightful surprise.
Despite the enjoyable experience at Maine-ly, a comparison with the authentic Maine rolls reveals some discrepancies. The Houston eatery only provides melted butter on the side, lacking the deeply satisfying experience of having the lobster warmed in butter—a simple yet profound detail that makes a world of difference. Furthermore, the flavor of the lobster in Maine seems more pronounced—perhaps due to its ocean-fresh quality.
Nevertheless, Maine-ly Sandwiches deserves accolades for their admirable rendition of this classic dish. While it may not completely parallel the experience of dining harborside in Bar Harbor, it offers a viable and more affordable alternative for those yearning for a taste of Maine.
Ultimately, to truly savor an authentic Maine lobster roll, a trip to Bar Harbor is essential. Although the journey may be long, the experience, filled with fresh flavors and coastal charm, is undoubtedly worth every mile.
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