Maine Lobster Outlet- Surprise, It's Great

Maine Lobster Outlet
360 US Route 1
York, Maine 03909
207.363.9899
http://www.mainelobsteroutlet.com


I've started a lot of reviews with this: "I've been avoiding this place for years..."  Usually I am right, but this time I am not and happy about it.  From the road this place lacks charm, there isn't even a picnic table with an umbrella. Let's face it, if you are headed south you are only two more minutes away from Bedrock, why would you bother?  Here's why you bother: claws! This roll was outstanding and had 3 perfect whole claws in it. After I ordered it seemed like the guy went out back forever.

Given the decor and newness of it all I assumed a tourist trap, never mind the name- "Outlet?"  The length of time to prepare made me nervous because there was no waiting line, so I assumed the place didn't know what it was doing.  It took so long because the roll had to be properly buttered and grilled to a sublime golden brown. It was wrapped with foil when handed to me, but I wouldn't open it until I got to the "Roller"- my truck. I was dissing the roll and the stupid bag of chips for 30 paces and was I ever wrong.

The meat was delicate and flavorful and quite possibly seven ounces. Given the price per pound of shucked meat, the math didn't work out. The mayo was applied to the inner sides of the roll prior to the kingly stuffing of lobster meat. I know this sounds a little sexual, and it almost was. It was spiritual at least. The old adage, "Don't judge a book by it's cover," applies here. I have always related the vibe of this place to Linda Bean's as just the commoditization of Maine culture and outlets, but this place actually transcends this by delivering something really good at a fair price. I recommend that they disassociate themselves with the consumerism nearby, so people don't jump to conclusions, meaning: change the name. A name like Sewall's Lobster or Sprague's- how about Chester Coombs Lobster Shed?

The price was a meager $12.95, a bargain at any time of year and crushes that recent disappointment in Ogunquit. Don't be put off by this place and mos def stop if you are just getting some sauces and jams up the road at Stonewall. That place gets bigger every year. Doesn't everyone have some weird Vidalia onion sauce from them in their cupboard that's at least 5 years old?