4. Restaurants

Red’s Eats

41 Water St, Wiscasset, ME, 04578
  • (207) 882-6128
  • Store is closed

Red’s Eats Menu

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Visit below restaurant in Wiscasset for healthy meals suggestion.

Subway ( 681 Bath Rd )
Wiscasset Motor Lodge ( 596 Bath Rd )

Visit below restaurant in Wiscasset for healthy meals suggestion.

Subway ( 681 Bath Rd )

  • Maria P.

    I remember seeing Red's Eats featured on the Food Network a few years ago, and ever since then, I've never forgotten about it. My husband and I were in Boston this last May 2011 looking for an apartment for the next year, and we took a trip up to Acadia National Park. On the way down, I remembered to look up Red's, so that we can taste for ourselves how wonderful their lobster rolls really are. The anticipation was building during our whole road trip, and the whole way back from the national park, our minds were focused on one thing only: lobster rolls at Red's. Well, I can say with all honesty that we were NOT disappointed. Our lobster rolls far exceeded our expectations. We literally had chunks of lobster tail meat cut in half overflowing our sandwich baskets. I estimated about 1.5 to 2 lobsters where in there. I swear, I don't even remember eating bread with it!! We dipping the lobster meat in our sides of drawn butter. The meat was tender and sweet. Ahhh! Sweet satisfaction. I assure you a trip up to Red's is well worth the drive. The only disappointment was that we didn't order two sandwiches each to chow down upon. Hope you all have the chance to make a trip up to this outstanding roadside lobster shack! We'll be going back up again soon now that we're in Boston. Happy Eats!

    (5)

  • Lisa V.

    I still occasionally dream about the lobster roll from Red's Eats. There was a killer thunder and lightening storm on the horizon the night we landed in Portland, ME. It was sort of spectacular and creepy like a good Stephen King novel. Just before the rain began to pour down, we drove into a little charmer of a town, the likes of which doesn't really exist on the west coast. That is where we discovered Red's Eats. We stood in line in front of the unassuming shack and figured out what to order. The host at our B&B warned us that if we started off experiencing lobster rolls from Red's before anywhere else during our Maine trip, we may not ever feel quite as satisfied. She was right. I read the review here from the local & experienced lobster man and I'll defer to what he says. All I can say is that there is absolutely NO comparison to this on the west coast. We are simply deprived in this context. What we get here is exorbitantly priced lobster with sub-par qualities. The roll at Red's converted my hubby, who was never been a big fan of shellfish and had me dreaming of returning to the east coast one day-- if only to stuff myself silly and to the point of sickness so that I could curtail any future cravings!! Yes, it's THAT bad-ass.

    (5)

  • Dana H.

    Holy Cow!! The best lobster roll we found on our five day trip across Maine and we ate something like lobster 9 times in five days. Absolutely the best tasting one around and well portioned. The price was around $14, but the quantity of meat was generous and the quality of the meat was outstanding. Very good mixture of meat; had a little claw meat with lots of pieces of tail meat and then topped off with a near full size tail cut in half and laid on the top of the roll. And for heaven's sake get the Onion Rings; very sweet and delicious as well!! Best lunch we had all week here in Maine!! The place is just a standard roadside stand located right at the corner of the town once you come across the bridge on Rt. 1. Parking is a little challenging, but they had 6-8 picnic tables out back to sit and eat. They had a ton of other items on the menu as well, so plenty for the entire family to choose from. Also, a nice ice cream shop was located right behind for desert. Don't miss this one!!!!

    (5)

  • Jeff R.

    I am a transplanted Mainer, I vacationed here as a child and our family owned a small summer cottage in Harpswell for several years. When i think of Maine, I think LOBSTER!, Clams, mussels and steamers. I also think of lobster rolls as well. And no one does a Lobster Roll quite like Reds does. While their other food is amazing, tasty and done well (Their French fries rival Mcdonalds and Wendy;s any day!) It is the Lobster roll for which Red's has little rival. It is pricey, dauntingly pricey!, but it is more than worth it (I would pay $25.00 for it!) It first off smells amazing, like the ocean, seafood and freshness personified. It has a glistening sheen to it, as if it were pre-poache in butter. I am sure it is not. It is colossal, almost bordering on obscenely perfect. I always think when I order one, "This is for me, THIS! epicurean delicacy is all mine. I eat the split lobster tail pieces first, or more exactly, I eat one half first and save the other for last. You will understand shortly. I then dip the remaining roll in my side of clarified butter (That is a bonus beyond belief!) The taste is like Maine from its heyday, circa right while I am eating this roll! I also consume some of their french fries, but that just gets in the way of my lobster roll enjoyment. Each bite is nirvana. Then the last piece of succulent, muscle wire tensioned bound lobster tail sails into the butter and my mouth. I am at peace, I really could die now. If there is a better food, it doth pale in comparision to this meal. Get to know the owner Deb Gagnon, al's daughter. I met Al (The now deceased proprietor) several times and he was a wonderful man. Debbie is great people, I always get a familiar hug and a peck on the cheek from her. She seems to love her job and is a professional restauranteur, and a dynamo in that lil kitchen. Red's rules!!

    (5)

  • Jasen F.

    This joint / shack is the genesis of a place where the good and popular intersect in giant, sweaty queues. If you gave a bad review because you had to wait, tough poop. It shouldn't be a surprise. I trade every Maine lobster roll for the 1.5 I ate last night at Red's. I drove very quickly from camping on Isle de Haut just to get there before they closed at 9pm. Full moon, no line, and the best evah! Honestly, this place is the pinnacle of crustacean perfection. Forget everything else you know, or add it to your food bucket list. I recommend 8:45 on an early fall Saturday night though....ugh!

    (5)

  • Thomas H.

    Everyone says that they have the BEST lobster rolls in Maine, and I have to say they're right. It's a perfect blend of toasted roll and deliciously cooked lobster. Be sure to try the tater sauce.

    (5)

  • Ian L.

    If you've ever been stuck in that several mile long traffic jam that is present on Route 1 through Wiscasset during the summer months, this little roadside eatery is one of the leading causes of it. If you're wondering what all the hoopla is about, stop by and purchase one of Red's lobster rolls, and you WON'T be disappointed! I've had numerous lobster rolls at numerous other Maine seafood joints, and just as the signs say, Red's has, by far, the best ones.

    (5)

  • Ray C.

    Pros: Great lobster rolls Cons: Other food was disappointing, limited seating. I ate lobster rolls almost every day for a full week, and this was definitely one of the best, if not the best., when it came to the actual lobster roll. Red's deserves credit when it comes to the lobster roll. Unfortunately everything else we had was disappointing. The fried clams did not taste good, were not cooked well (undercooked), and were extremely soggy. (Sea Basket down the street is the place to go for fried clams). The blueberry cake was a also a big let down. It tasted like a generic blueberry muffin with extra sugar. This place is worth the visit, but stick to their famous lobster rolls!

    (4)

  • Derek S.

    I have eaten lobster rolls everywhere in New England. This is the best. We waited over an hour in line and if I had the chance I would do it again. The lack of mayo made a huge difference and I would even say it is superior to the traditional way it's served. The onion rings were also good. Some people may not like them as the breading is heavy, but it was cake like and tasty. Don't miss this opportunity!

    (5)

  • Melanie W.

    There are a couple of things that I feel really passionately about and lobster rolls are one of them. I've gone to Maine for the last couple of summers and have tried quite a few lobster rolls. Red's is kind of the gold standard of lobster rolls as evidenced by the traffic jam on Route 1 from cars gawking to see what the long line is about. Once you get in the line, you're probably looking at a 45 minute to one hour wait, but it's still worth it. I chatted with other people in the line about the other lobster rolls I liked in Maine. Once I finally got into the front, my order was taken by the owner who was so sweet and genuine. She remembered the older lady who placed the order after me from last summer and even asked her about her family. Anyways, on to the lobster roll. The bun was grilled, but a little on the cold side. That didn't matter, because it was literally spilling over with lobster. The roll itself is just filled with claw meat. Arranged artfully on top is the two halves of the tail. I took the tails off, ate the roll and came back to eat the tails with the melted drawn butter. Like a perfect lobster cocktail. Wiscasset is pretty much the quintessential little Maine town, so take a nice walk when you're done and walk off that lobster.

    (4)

  • Marcin M.

    Once I read the NY Times article that profiled Red's Eats and the traffic complaints it caused I knew I had to visit this place. Upon making a trip to Boston, we rented a car, and came up with the idea to visit Maine... but really, it was about visiting this place. That was one amazing Lobster Roll. For about $15 you get a whole lobster brought to you inside of a roll of bread. This was probably the best lobster roll I have had. The onion rings were fantastic. The onions seemed a bit sweet which I loved. In fact, everything here was delicious, including the lemonade -- not too sweet and not too tart. Yeah, the line here is crazy, but it lives up to the hype. The lines makes for part of the experience here.

    (5)

  • Caroline K.

    Such a fun place. Lobster rolls were fantastic! Just lobster meat no filler! It rained on us so the place could use some indoor/covered seating.

    (5)

  • Devon D.

    Some of the best lobster rolls you can get. It is even fun to wait in the line on the street because they come out with water and a treat once you are there for a bit. It is a must-see tourist stop and the food is very good - worth the price and wait.

    (4)

  • Julie D.

    After reading the reviews for this place, I thought it had to be a joke! How can their lobster roll be any better than anyone else's lobster roll? We decided to find out! We went on a week day after Labor Day around 11:30 am. It's located in a sleepy little town smack dab in the middle of nowhere. But we knew when we were getting close to this place, because there was a huge crowd. We joined them. There was about 20 people in line ahead of us. And we noticed as we progressed thru the line, the length of the line only got longer. Crazy. We decided to try almost everything! We got a lobster roll, fried shrimp, a crab cake, onion rings and fried zucchini. Nom, nom, nom, nom. I can not say enough about how great their food is. But skip all the other stuff. Go straight to the lobster roll. So amazing! Even enjoyed dining on the little patio out back. I would love to visit, again.

    (5)

  • Sasha B.

    UPDATE 6/13/13: We visited Red's once again, it's been raining all week since we arrived in Maine, today it cleared up and was not raining during our visit, it was overcast, cool and windy. NO LINES!! We walked up to the window @3:30 p.m. and they took our order which was ready in a few minutes. We paid $48 for two lobster rolls ($16.95 ea.), two small fountain sodas, sweet potato fries and onion rings. The food deserves 5 stars, but the lack of roof cover and of a restroom leaves them with 4 stars, perhaps even 3. The rolls were piled high with cold, tasty lobster. The fries and rings were very good, mainly the fries. We sat in the open back section. Again, no awning and I kept wondering where we were supposed to move to, after paying almost $50 for our meal, if it started to rain heavily again. Why is it so difficult for Red's owners to make it more comfortable for customers by installing a roof cover of some sort? No cover in the eating area, no cover in the waiting area. And no bathroom, the dreaded port-a-potty was in its usual space, I can only imagine the filthiness inside this contraption. FOOD: Excellent. SERVICE: Rushed. LOCATION, AMENITIES: Very Poor. We stood in line inches from a very busy intersection for almost 90 minutes two summers ago during our first and only visit to Red's Eats after reading glowing reviews of their food. The day was very hot and sunny. From the number of customers waiting, it's easy to see that this business is making money, but it's also very obvious that they don't care for or spend much on the comfort of the paying customer. And without paying customers where would this business be? There wasn't an awning to protect us from the unbearable sun or from the rain. No bathroom was available at that time while a portable potty was available. It was hot inside the portable potty, it smelled, it was filthy, I walked in and immediately walked out to go find a nearby shop where I could use the bathroom. There was actual urine floating in the portable potty's sink (I took photos)! I ended up having to hold it, take a walk and make a purchase at a nearby shop so I could use their bathroom. The lobster roll was wonderful, the service was rushed, it was difficult to find a table for three, it took us a while to be able to sit down; luckily, our food was not yet ready by the time a table became available. It's amazing what the paying public will put up with from merchants, such as Red's, who clearly demonstrate they don't give a darn about their customers. While I can understand all the glowing reviews of the FOOD at Red's, it appears the paying customer is lacking self respect. We love the food so it's OK if we stand in the sun and rain for an hour or two just so we can be fulfilled. People, this is not how it should be! We should all be saying "Hey, folks at Red's, you either take adequate care of your customers and their comfort while dining at Red's or you will not see us again." I plan on once again visiting Red's in mid-June 2013. If I again find the same unacceptable conditions I doubt I'll ever visit them again. I will post an updated review of my new 2013 findings. I am most certainly NOT a glutton for punishment.

    (4)

  • Michael L.

    Red's Eats has the best lobster roll in Maine. Anyone who asks, I'll definitely tell them to go here. The only downside is the wait, which can easily be over an hour. The best time to come is during the week and avoid the usual eating hours. They pile on the lobster meat, it basically overwhelms the toasted butter bun. The pieces of lobster, especially the tail are a bit big and will require a few bites, but overall really fresh. You have a choice of mayo or drawn butter, both go great with the lobster roll. If you're in central Maine, stop by Red's. You won't regret it.

    (5)

  • Mimi P.

    Hubby and I came here in October and sampled the lobster roll which we enjoyed. It was served with a generous portion of plump and tender lobster meat with drawn butter on the side; the bun was perfectly buttered and toasted!

    (4)

  • Wendy K.

    This was wonderful. Great service, friendly and the lobster roll was wonderful!

    (5)

  • Fred S.

    Great Service. A bit out of the way location. Outdoor seating. Great prices. Unbelievably good food. Nothing else matters. Just order the LOBSTER ROLL. THIS IS A LOBSTER PILGRIMAGE SITE. Life will never be the same. oh and the blueberry cake is good too.

    (5)

  • diane l.

    The longest line for a lobster roll. We waited well over an hour to order and another twenty minutes for the food. Plenty of seating. Cash only. The roll has more lobster than any other place I have been. At least twice as much as what is given at sprague's across the street. There was no mayo, just huge chunks of lobster meat at Red's. The lobster meat was the sweetest pieces of lobster I've tasted in a lobster roll. I did see that the lobster meat is stored in huge plastic containers and stuffed in the grilled buttery roll when ordered. The other items on the menu consist of fried or grilled options only. They do not seem to catch their own seafood. While I was waiting for my order, a seafood truck pulled up and dropped off several buckets of clams. They would be better off having the food pickup through the side door or another window, the ordering is constantly interrupted by food pickup. Once you get to the window, they are sweet and willing to have a chat.

    (5)

  • Melissa G.

    Really???? Line was ridiculous and lobster roll was okay. Maybe being the last of the season had something to do with it?

    (2)

  • Ingrid H.

    Huge lobster roll!! Standing in line can be a bother, but it's so worth it and fun. It's all part of the experience that is Red's Eats. We chatted with the folks around us. Really fun and you get like 2 pounds of lobster without having to pick it out of the shell yourself!!

    (4)

  • Mike S.

    When ordering a lobster roll from this small shack along Route 1, which boasts the best lobster rolls in Maine, you are given the choice of mayo or butter. I went with the butter option. What was served to me was chunks of cold lobster meat(lots of claw along with tail pieces which was a nice surprise), barely contained by a small toasted bun, with a side of piping hot melted butter. Don't get me wrong. It was a tasty lobster roll but I just don't think it was worth the $16 I paid.

    (3)

  • The S.

    I thought this was worth the wait, looking back, it's not.The wait feels excessively long, bordering on insane. Then you realize that everyone in line is ordering a roll, at 7 minutes for the first pound and 3 minutes for each additional pound boil times, the wait makes sense. When the line was about 25 people long was well over an hour, which isn't terrible, all things considered. The roll was good and I don't regret waiting for the novelty of it all. I don't know if I would ever do it again, though. The rolls are expensive, too. Roughly $20/roll, when market price is $4.25ss/$6hs per pound seemed a bit high. The most expensive restaurant in the town we stayed in was serving lobster dinners for $25 for a 1lb lobster, the bars (which I would expect the same price point to be for a stand) were $12 for a 1lb lobster. The seating area is pretty small, but the wait is long enough that I can't imagine there not being enough seating for the number of people actually eating.

    (3)

  • Noel H.

    Yep, it is the best - as in largest - lobster roll you will find likely. It is an institution. Stand in line and enjoy the Maine summer. I just wish I could find the old style Moxie to go with it. Ever since they were bought out by Coke or Pepsi or whoever Moxie is too sweet.

    (5)

  • Lynn H.

    Generous portions of fresh lobster on a delightfully fresh roll. Pricey and my wait was about an hour. However the wait was worth it. I love this place!! ! It is must stop on every trip to Maine

    (5)

  • Lauren H.

    So I had to stop here because I had seen it on the Travel Channel and in my 1000 Places to see Before You Die book. It's literally a shack on the side of Route 1. We were there in mid-May, with 50 degree weather and pouring rain, so there wasn't a wait. I'm not a lobster roll aficionado, but anyone can see that this sandwich is in no way average. There is a CRAP-ton of lobster on this roll. No mayo or anything, just lobster. And butter. And delightfully toasted roll. Not gonna lie, guys. It's good.

    (5)

  • Chris D.

    After spending 5 days in Wiscasset on vacation, we heard so much of the Reds Eats hype that I was certain the food could not live up to my expectations. I was wrong. I had eaten many lobster rolls elsewhere and they could not beat the simplicity of the Red's lobster roll. To my surprise it contained no celery & no lettuce. It was just amazingly fresh lobster on a fresh butter-grilled roll. . . Fantastic! My family and I also tried the fried clams, shrimp, crab roll and onion rings. . . all worth the wait in their own right. But the food alone does not warrant five stars. The charm of this quintessential roadside seafood shack and the over-the-top friendliness of the staff made this Reds visit and experience to remember. I highly recommend Reds Eats, followed by a full day paddling the river and harbor to burn the calories. :-)

    (5)

  • David L.

    Red's is the classic small town lobster shack. Having lived in Wiacasset for five years and eaten my share of their famous lobster roll, I'm willing to agree with the hype and say Red's won't do you wrong. If there's no line, it'll even do you right. And I prefer mine with a side of rings.

    (5)

  • Eustace P.

    An institution! Stop by and join the queue, for a HUGE lobster roll. Alternatively go late in the evening....and get the place to yourself. Boy does he back up the traffic though. Ha!

    (4)

  • Randy S.

    Waited an hour in line! Would do it again! One of the employees came out to the line and gave water and shrimp for free! Great idea, great place.

    (5)

  • Adrina W.

    Definitely worth the hour long wait in the scorching sun. Now when I go to Luke's or Ed's, i call those "new york portions." The amount of lobster you get at Red's Eat is unbelievable. I mean seriously, even two new york portions are barely equivalent to a roll from Red's.

    (5)

  • Claudia D.

    Yes, it is worth the price and the wait. Today, I waited an hour. I ordered the lobster roll, shrimp basket with fries and onion rings. I honestly would skip it all and just have the lobster rolls. I get it with butter but it's not necessary. The lobster is JUST THAT GOOD. For all those who claim it's touristy, expensive or hyped up....fine.... More for me!!!!! I NEVER come to Maine (from NYC) without having at least one meal here. Never!

    (5)

  • George B.

    Best lobster roll anywhere. Is all lobster on a grilled bun. More than a pound of lobster. Drawn butter on the side. Over hour wait in line, but worth the wait. Lots of parking down the street. Do not drive by without stopping. Was there mid August.

    (5)

  • Mark F.

    The food probably would have tasted better if we hadn't had to wait an hour in the sun to get it. The crab roll was the best thing we ate - it was really good. The lobster roll was good too. Not great, but good.

    (3)

  • Carol K.

    Found this via tourguide book and word of mouth. The amount of lobster was amazing. We enjoyed the line and the hoopla and the anticipation of it all. Found the roll itself (bread) a tad boring. The fried haddock was a winner.

    (4)

  • Jack S.

    Its all about the lobster roll. Worth a trip.

    (5)

  • zee w.

    Grew up in Edgecomb (across the river).... We tend to just get burgers, onion rings, and clams bc the lobster roll is served plain. That said, it is the biggest pile of lobster on a perfectly toasted/buttered bun for the money you can get in Maine. When we do get them we take em home and fix em up right with mayo, celery, salt & pepper, and a splash of vinegar. Reds is good though and offers these fixins there, and you really NEED to use them to make a real Maine lobster roll.

    (5)

  • Cindi W.

    Debbie does CLAWS. HA Ok, on their last day of the season, hubby and i waited an hour and half in line to get the lobster roll. It was HUGE and worth every penny and it wasn't chopped up with mayonaise. they put mayonaise or hot butter on THE SIDE. YAY! We liked it. I am still full and that was 4 days ago! thanks Deb and blessings to you, from the gal from CALIFORNIA!

    (4)

  • Ryan H.

    After spending this past weekend gallivanting up and down the Maine coast, trying numerous lobster rolls along the way, I think I found a winner. I was bummed to find out Bayview Lobster was closed down at my home base (Camden, ME) where I had fallen in love before, so I was on a quest. Tragically, I didnt find what I was looking for and succumbed to defeat. Packed my bags and started my trek home. Bummed, and driving slowly as can be, I got to Wiscasset and remembered Red's, sitting on the corner. I recalled the line I saw as I was coming the other direction earlier in the week. My face lit up. I was no doubt antsy to find parking and quickly make my way up to the front to handle some unfinished bid'ness. Even on a gloomy, dreary, soggy Maine afternoon, the line stretched into the street, with people from all over. Locals and tourists. You could tell by the way they oooh'd and ahhhh'd at the menu and all of the accolades plastered on the front of the shack. "Voted Maine's #1 lobster roll," one of the signs read. Tantalizing my taste buds with that lofty statement, I couldnt wait to throw down my own verdict. Even though I am not from Maine, Im experienced and know what a good lobster roll is Lets go tourists, pick up the pace. Finally... I didnt even look at what other people were eating, I didnt want to ruin the surprise and/or disappointment. Arrive at the window, placed my order, and a few minutes later, speechless. At first glance, I was freaking blown away. I simply could not believe how much lobster was overflowing the bun. The lobster chunks, as big or bigger than chicken fingers, were enormous. It had to be an entire lobster tail crammed into that toasty bread. The bun gave up a good fight, but it was no match for the weight of the succulent goodness piled on top. I thought about trying to eat and drive at the same time, but there was just no way that was going to happen. Pulled an extra bottle of Allagash white from my car, and found a table right out by the water. A great spot for this mini feast. I had to start with a fork. Thats one way you know you are dealing with something pretty serious. After making this thing more manageable picking through the fresh, chilled meat, I went all out. The slight bit of mayo, perfectly toasted bun, drizzled fresh lemon and a little extra butter on top, was incredible. I killed it. I had never felt full after eating a lobster roll, until this day. Guzzled up the Allagash, slowly made my way back to my car. I could finally put an exclamation point on an already awesome trip. The ride home was so much easier. Many places try to put their own little spins on lobster rolls to make it their own. Most of those places just ruin it by pre-mixing (UHHHGGGG!!) with too much mayo, or adding lettuce or green onions. None of that is necessary. If I could make any sort of improvement to Red's lobster rolls, would be to add a little bit of spice or seasoning on top. But I can be picky SOB so take that with a grain of salt. Thank you Red's for topping off another excellent trip to Maine. Cant wait to see you again.

    (5)

  • Padric G.

    Red's Eats is a Maine coast staple. It's only open during the summer and it causes a traffic headache because of the tourists lining up for a classic lobster roll or fried clams. If you want traditional greasy Maine seafood, this is the place to be! No indoor seating (it's a lobster shack with a frier), so you'll need to use the picnic tables in the back or get it to-go. I recommend: the lobster roll with melted butter.

    (4)

  • Jing Y.

    Another place with hour long wait in Maine. I guess summer is the popular time to visit, but I was not mentally prepared for all the long lines everywhere we went! But their lobster roll was definitely worth the wait! For less than $20, you can get a lobster roll with a little over 1 pound of lobster, that's a lot of lobster for one person!!! The only thing I would comment on for Red's is that because they have a single window and a single person handling the ordering and the pick up, the line is SLOW moving. I'm a little baffled by why they haven't tried to make the process a little more efficient and get the line moving a little faster.

    (4)

  • April P.

    So my bf saw this place on the food network, so when we drove by on a camping trip, he had to stop and check it out. Which is pretty funny since he hates lobster. Therefore I was elected to get the infamous lobster roll. First of all, we waited in line for an hour and a half. On a Thursday. Completely ridiculous. One old man behind us in line passed out from the heat. Seriously? Maybe he had the right idea though, after the ambulance left he got his lobster roll hand delivered in the shade, and probably for free. ha. The lobster roll is huge. But its just lobster meat people. Ohh it comes with drawn butter! So does every other lobster roll on the planet if you want. I just do. not. get. it. I will never come back here, except maybe if there was no line at all, which apparently doesnt happen. ever.

    (2)

  • L F.

    We made the mistake of coming right around lunchtime. The wait was really long, and there was not much shade or other entertainment while waiting. I think it was over an hour we waited in line to order, once the order was placed the food arrived quickly. The food was good, the crab sandwich was great and crab cakes too. The lobster roll had a lot of lobster on it and it was very well cooked, but be forwarned it is cold lobster. We also got fried clams (yum), fried zucchini (ok), and sweet potato fries (needed salt, but tasty). $90 for 6 people was pretty good I think. If not for the wait, it would definitely be 4 stars

    (3)

  • Ed S.

    Excellent lobster roll...lots of big chunks of clearly fresh lobster. Perfectly buttered grilled roll. Also had equally tasty onion rings. Definitely worth the hour wait.

    (5)

  • Tiffany V.

    Best lobster roll I've ever had. Literally a whole lobster in it. Long line during the day. I would go to Maine just for it. Definitely worth it to stop in if in the area. Also had a clam cake and it was really good, too.

    (5)

  • Jane C.

    Visited Red's Eats for the 1st time last month - & gobbled down and loved the lobster roll. I didn't even get to the toasted roll part, there was sooo much lobster. Only wish I lived closer, San Diego, CA is where I call home, so I will just have to wait until I return. Loved all the employees, so helpful for this 1st timer!

    (5)

  • Mary A.

    We waited in line for 30 minutes at 11:30 AM, but it was worth it. There were probably two full lobsters on each roll. Delicious! Good iced tea, the onion rings were really good, just a little too much batter. While waiting we were offered ice water and a fried shrimp. This place lives up to its rep.

    (5)

  • Vez K.

    We stopped by here just for the lobster roll and tried nothing else. We got there at about 3 pm on a Sunday afternoon and waited maybe about 40 minutes. So the lobster roll comes on a small toasted bun (that looks like a piece of piece of thick bread, like french toast, folded in half). The lobster was packed onto the bread, and we got butter on the side. I know that the lobster in lobster rolls are suppose to be cold, but we all thought it would've tasted SO much better if the lobster was warm (since we didn't get it with mayo). The lobster was juicy and good (though still in my opinion would've been better warm). There were no special seasonings or anything on it - just plain good lobster meat on bread. I've had quite a few lobster rolls, and this one is nothing really special other than the fact that they give you a whole lobster that you can taste. Because your roll is overflowing with lobster, you'll need a fork to dip the extra meat into your butter. I haven't tried it here with the mayo, but one of my friends told me he didn't like it because it had too much mayo. So maybe if you get it with mayo, you could get the mayo on the side. If you are like me and would prefer a hot lobster roll with butter, try Neptune Oyster's in Boston's North End. Now THAT was the best lobster roll I've ever had. Warm, buttery, and sweet (will cost you $25 w/ fries).

    (4)

  • Amanda T.

    Delicious lobster rolls! The nice wait staff recommended trying them with both butter and mayo, which was great advice. Also very good blueberry cake! A big line but definitely worth the wait.

    (5)

  • Wayne R.

    Everybody loves the lobster roll here but I'm a big fan of the fish and chips - my #1. Just had my first of the year on Thursday. Red's is famous for a reason, but it is kind of a weird phenomenon. As I stood in line this week, I struck up a conversation with the guy behind me. We were marveling how the place is basically a little shack with one window in the front for taking orders and getting your food. During the summer months the lines are very slow and looong. I grew up there in Wiscasset and it's been that way for as long as I can remember. But somehow people don't generally seem to mind. The service is great and the food is fantastic. Definitely recommend.

    (5)

  • Jason P.

    This is without question the best lobster roll I have every had. The clams and onion rings are also amazing. Bring cash, patience (sometimes the line can be long) and your love for Lobster!!! I can't wait to go back!!! Oh, they open when the lobster comes in and can be prepared. I just called and they said around 11:30-Noon. They are open till 11pm which is great. Not sure if they are seasonal. I am pretty sure they are.

    (5)

  • D S.

    Yes, the food at Red's is DELICIOUS, BUT... I am not convinced it is worth the wait, when there are so many places where you can get a great lobster roll in the area. If you get there earlier in the day and you are able to beat the line, then yes for sure go there, you will not be disappointed. But like I said, if you are just looking for a lobster roll, and you see the line, for the love of Pete, just go somewhere else! Or, if you are on Maine time, and don't mind the wait...then you will enjoy the food at the end.

    (4)

  • Tay H.

    Food - perfection. Large, yummy lobster roll with plenty of lobster. Butter on the side so you can add just the right amount for you. And with the price of lobster down, I would almost consider it cheap! It was certainly a lot cheaper than other restaurants in Maine that give you less lobster. Service/Wait - to be expected. I know that this is part of the experience, but it is something that could be improved. Although I know it never will be. But why force one woman to take all the orders, put them all together, and serve them? It seemed like there could be a better distribution of labor... Other customers - I loved meeting new people in (the long) line, but some people really annoyed me with how they sat down at the picnic tables while only one of their crew waited in line, thus preventing people who already had their food with finding a place to eat. After I had waited the obligatory hour for my lobster roll, I was very annoyed to walk back and find there were no tables to sit at! And only two of those tables were taken by people actually eating food. Come on people, we know it's a long line and that standing uses muscle power (minimal)... but burn some calories while you wait to ingest more! Leave the tables open for those of us that finally got our food!!

    (4)

  • David P.

    Don't come here if you are in a hurry, but if you want a delicious lobster roll this is the place for it. Best lobster we found on our trip to New England. We tried about 5 different places from Boston down to MDI and this was the best.

    (5)

  • Tom D.

    Came here on a warm Sunday, 9/28. We heard about the long line and waits from other Yelpers. We got there right about opening time at 1130. The line wasn't too bad at that time. It took about 40 mins to get to order window. We ordered 2 lobsta rolls, fries and two drinks. The order took about 10 mins to come so 50 mins total. Worth every second of the wait. The lobster rolls were HUGE. They were just the way my wife and I like them. Toasted roll and just lobster meat, no mayo, no lettuce, no celery or any other filler. Had to be a whole lobsters worth of meat on each roll. You get mayo and warm butter on side if you wish. The lobster could not have been any fresher. By far one of the best lobster rolls anywhere. Well worth a nice drive up the Maine coast.

    (5)

  • Kelly B.

    Lobster roll was HUGE! However I don't eat lobster so I can't judge how good that was, I had the chicken basket which was pretty delish. Not amazing. But pretty good. Didn't wait in line because it's the end of tourist season. So over all not bad.

    (3)

  • Dee W.

    Best lobster roll ever! Served naked on a toasted roll with butter on the side. Very generous portion and reasonable price. We visited during off hours, so wait was not bad. Can't wait to go back!

    (5)

  • Nick W.

    As a lobster roll fanatic this was an important place to visit. The roll is fantastic. Filled with lobster and that is it. The splash of mayo and side of butter is great. Set in one of the prettiest towns of maine red's is a great place to cure your lobster craving. Personally I cannot say it is my all time favorite. In fact I would say the clam shack in kennebunkport and the fishnet in blue hill, me rate a bit higher than this great roll.

    (4)

  • Tobie N.

    I would come again if I visited Maine again. They had some good lobster roll!! Dont miss out if you're near by!

    (4)

  • Sandra N.

    First time here. The lobster roll was very good. I did not expect the crab cake and clam cake to be just as good! Staff is very welcoming. Very well worth the long wait!

    (4)

  • S And E H.

    Worth the wait in line. The Lobster Roll is amazing. The haddock sandwich is so tasty. Everything is HUGE!

    (5)

  • Andre M.

    Absolutely orgasmic. I started w a lobster roll. There was an abundance of lobster meat in there including tail. I was of course delighted to see a menu that included other seafood items so I indulged myself with some crabcakes and then clam cakes. Took a whoopie pie to go. I went around 9:30pm and did not have to stand in line. We chatted w the staff who were super nice and honest about their favorites. Not cheap for "street food" but doesn't need to be, because it's quality food.

    (5)

  • Peter T.

    It is the best in Maine. It is touristy, yes. Expensive, yes! Long wait, probably. But it is the best. Don't miss this place.

    (5)

  • L P.

    Yum, but wish my lobster roll was hot instead of cold. It's definitely the meatiest in Maine though and I thought the area was nice where Red's is located. Prepare for a long line and only a port-a-john for a restroom but from other reviews that is to be expected with such a small food service location. The blueberry cake was excellent and portions were large. I wish I had tried the haddock because it looked amazing as well. There was a very friendly and sweet blonde lady handing out samples and waters to those waiting who was also very helpful and made the experience even better, wish I had gotten her name to include in the review.

    (4)

  • Oana S.

    Don't believe the hype! We waited on line for over an hour and the food was underwhelming. Yes, they do put a lot of lobster in that roll, and it is fresh,so if you are looking for quantity, this is the spot. Overall, though, nothing special. We've had much better lobster rolls at Lenny and Joe's in CT, with almost no wait.

    (3)

  • Leigh Anne S.

    Well worth the wait! We've been going to Maine for years, and this is still the best place to grab an authentic lobster roll. No mayo needed! They pack on the lobster and it is fresh and juicy! The customer service is great! They serve you cold water and samples while you're waiting on the line. (Your dog even gets it's very own water bowl!) Their sweet and friendly attitude make the food taste even better. Not to mention the great view of the harbor! Oh yea! Don't forget to grab some blueberry ice cream on your way out!!

    (5)

  • Sara S.

    After seeing how popular this place was, i wanted to give it a shot and endure the 1hr wait. I recommend you go here on an empty stomach because you should expect a very large lobster roll; when they say they use over a lb. of lobster on a roll, they aren't exaggerating. The amount of lobster you get is great for the price you pay, but I felt it was a little bland. It's straight up lobster plopped on top of a roll. I dipped the roll in butter, and it made it all the better. I was sort of hoping they infused some kind of flavoring into the lobster just to make it a little more interesting, but it was just plain cold lobster. If I want lobster, I would rather order that without a bun, guess I'm just not into lobster rolls.. Can't say I will crave for this one like a White Castle.

    (3)

  • D B.

    so i am a devotee of belle isle in winthrop, ma but reds lobster roll was damn good! of a comparable size and quality - fresh and yummy and lots of lobster. maybe even a teeny bit more than belle isle? the onion rings were hot and fresh and the unsweetened tea was expensive but yummy i love that they have umbrellas for shelter for the wait in line as i had already spent 3 days in the sun at boothbay harbor and was over it - lol i wish they had an awning though...it would be reallllllllly nice on a 90 degree day like yesterday was! they bring water to the dogs (huge bonus!) and the food comes out pretty quickly, really. came at 4 pm on 6th of july and only waited in like 30 mins and got food in 5...a little pricy but def yummy!

    (4)

  • Luis A.

    Spent a week in Mass-ME area in late June. Best lobster roll period. About 1 1/4 pound of lobster meat on a toasted and buttered hotdog bun with drawn butter. No other lobster roll came close. The fried clams were among the best I've ever had. Waited 45 minutes in line at about 1:00PM. Well worth it.

    (5)

  • Cynthia L.

    I don't even know how to begin this review but I must tell you that it's the best lobster I've ever had in my entire life. This place gives you an insane amount of lobster on a roll. You can order with or without mayo, with butter or without. And that's it. The rest of this insane meal is fresh lobster. I actually had a conversation with my roll. I remember saying" Oh, little roll, you are so yummy and I love you", followed by a laugh and more chomping. I know it's a long trip from California, but it's one of my most memorable meals. I ate this roll on the go, in the car, as my boyfriend drove us to our lake house. I was so happy eating my lobster roll and checking out Maine in the passenger seat. I should have been inhaling the clean Maine air, inhaling it's positive ions, but I was actually inhaling the lobster roll.

    (5)

  • Maggie K.

    My boyfriend and I were on a hunt for a lobster roll and after not finding one, we stopped and found some. Not more than one hour later, he was on Yelp and came across Reds, which was recommended for its lobster rolls. Putting aside the fact that we had each just had a roll, we pulled over and decided to check it out. Since it was 4pm on a Friday, the line wasn't very long and we decided to wait. The reviews and pictures on the side of the shack worked up our appetite and we shared a famous Red's Lobster roll with meat from more than 1 whole lobster! It was hands down the best lobster roll we had (and we had several over the course of our road trip). This place lives up to the hype (it was been written about in just about every magazine and newspaper you can think of - from the LA & NY Times to Vogue). You HAVE TO stop and try this place - at least just one roll. On our way out of Maine, we drove by again and the line was at least an hour long, so go at an odd time if you can to avoid the line. Also, be aware that the rolls are more than elsewhere ($17), but don' t let that stop you - it's sooo fresh and sooo delicious, you won't be disappointed!

    (5)

  • Sean R.

    Great! I live in Maine, one of the best seafood places in the state. Great job Red's!!!

    (5)

  • Ann L.

    Plenty of lobster and no line when we went around 7 pm. Unfortunately the lobster was soggy as was the roll. Perhaps they reached into the bottom of the lobster barrel. They were definately pre preparing the rolls. The onion rings were outstanding .Wild blueberry ice cream was a nice ending. After hearing about Reds I have been scoping it out for a couple of years, but never would stand in a 1 hr line for any lobster roll. I was a little disappointed. You can also try across the street, I bet you get the same roll.

    (3)

  • Debbie W.

    I never thought Red's could possibly live up to the hype. Its in every magazine, tour guide, website..you name it. But what sold me on visiting was the 4.5 yelp stars. Reds was every bit what it promised to be and more. It had all the ingredients to be the perfect lunch (well, late breakfast, we had to shoehorn it in, on our way to camden) and that alone would have made our entire trip to maine worthwhile. Adorable, old fashioned looking building? CHECK! Quaint scenic (very maine) location? CHECK! Nearby adorable stores for post stuff-your-face browsing? CHECK! Great mix of locals and 'characters' at the other tables? CHECK! Offers something unique you cant get at home? CHECK! Long lines that you're willing to wait in? CHECK! All that would have been plenty, but Reds is more-- its a piece of history. Its a taste of Maine. And that lobster roll was one of the best things we've ever tasted. I've heard people rave about lobster rolls for years, but to be honest, it didnt sound all that appealing to me. I dont know what I imagined, but I think i was just expecting a lobster salad sandwich. I finally decided it was time to try the real deal, and if you're going to try one, you might as well try the best, right? They're not kidding that they put an entire lobster-- no more than a whole lobster, into the lobster roll. So if your 'roll' costs you less than $15 its probably crap. And its not lobster salad, its literally a lobster. So you're getting all the goodness of a lobster dinner in the convenience of a sandwich. We were also skeptical about the roll (well one of us was). There seems to have been some concern that they were shoving a lobster on to some crappy hot dog roll. No need to worry, that roll was not only incredibly delicious but incredibly well suited to the lobster it held, and delicate enough to be easy to bite into, but sturdy enough to hold onto the cup full of butter that was half poured over it and half used to dunk. DELICIOUS!!!! Yes, its worth going out of your way to get to Reds.

    (5)

  • Mike M.

    Great lobster rolls, that being said its basically a whole lobster cooked and put on a roll. While there is nothing wrong with that, it is indeed delicious, the wait leaves a lot to be desired. The line was ridiculous when I went. I would go back if there was little or no line.

    (4)

  • Charles B.

    Its a long wait here. Seriously too long if you ask me. Although, thats not their fault with all the press this place has gotten, it has become a tourist destination. The thing that made it famous is the Lobster roll, which is big and cheap. But I didn't get the Lobster roll, thats right I stood in line for two hours to get onion rings and fried clams. No regrets! The clams were full bellied and fried to perfection. Their home made spicy cocktail sauce was DYM-O-MITE! don't come here hungry (because you will wait and wait) but still stop by

    (4)

  • Aria v.

    Fourth of July Weekend = Small Town America Eating in Maine = Lobster Needed to be Consumed So, unfortunately, I've gotta side with some of the locals on this one. It's good, but I've had better. And if you don't have a GPS to re-route you, Red Eats can be the bane of your existence. Food: After waiting about an hour, we finally got to eat our lobster roll. We also ordered the crab cakes and baked clams. Honestly, the crab cakes were the best in my opinion. They were warm and crispy, but not too soggy or crab-packed. There was a proper balance bread crumbs and crab. The clams weren't bad either, if only a bit too overcooked. In their proper sauces, each bit of seafood was brought to it's proper height of taste. But the lobster roll, well... It was good, but it wasn't great. It really just seemed as if a lobster was boiled, cracked and unceremoniously tossed on a baguette. There was no real flavor to the lobster, and with the mayo it became a better bite, but it was still just.... lacking. Sure, there was a lot of lobster there, and that was great, but I don't know. I would have liked the baguette to be buttered and toasted, maybe with a bit of garlic, or an herb-mayo. Some salt, or maybe some heat, something to kick it up more than just plain lobster. I'll give you that it's impressive, and I almost wanted to give this place 4 stars, but then I realized I was really only doing it because I really enjoyed their crab cakes. The lobster roll was good at the time, but I realized I wasn't really craving it again. And I was to give Red Eats 4 stars, I would have at least need to feel a desire to go back, and honestly, I don't. Venue: Red Eats reminds me a lot of Claire and Carl's Red Hots in Plattsburgh, NY (my hometown) and not just because of the name. It's the type of place that if it ever tried to open nowadays would be summarily rejected. It's the type of place that has been around for so long that nobody messes with it. It's the type of place that's been grandfathered into it's location and the health department doesn't have the heart to shut it down. It's this little shack on the main street of Wiscasset, problem is it's also Route 1, the main coastal highway in Maine. Traffic can get backed up for miles, and really, it shouldn't have to. People line up along the highway when they could line up inward towards town, but to each his own. There is a patio area that can accommodate about 40, and a few red picnic tables down near the inlet. There's also a few other shacks on the warf across the street, that if you get bored waiting in line should tide you over. Also, be warned, Maine is a no-alcohol-in-public state, so you can't bring any beer while you wait in line. Red Eats also doesn't have a liquor license, shame, a beer would have made it all better.

    (3)

  • Rob W.

    The roll is huge, and delicious! Worth a try but don't wait if there's a line! Head across the street to Sarah's and order the lobster sandwich and a nice cold Maine microbrew!

    (4)

  • Kouichi K.

    Upon reading an article on lobster rolls, I craved for a lobster roll. One of my best friends who lives in Boston and I decided to go on a road trip to Maine on a quest: A lobster roll. Red's Eats was our last stop on our trip. We stayed in South Portland which is an hour away from Wiscasset. Yes, Red's is a tourist stop, but it is not a trap. We went on a cool rainy Sunday in June. There was no line as it hadn't opened yet. We didn't have to wait at all to order. The lobster rolls came out. And boy it was good. The lobster was cooked perfectly. We devoured our lobster roll, but one mistake we made was not to ask for mayonnaise. Our road trip was a success.

    (4)

  • Woody W.

    The only bad thing about my trip to Maine was having to wait in the daily traffic pileup that was caused by the tools that stand in line for hours at this place. There is even a special traffic "cop" that stands in the street in front of Red's to modulate the traffic and it just makes it worse. Eat at Sprague's already!

    (1)

  • Melvin B.

    We were here in the beginning of October, 2009, and ordered a lobster roll ($16). They really live up to their slogan 'more than one lobster per roll' at Red's Eats!! We were really impressed with the amount of lobster on the roll- you could barely see the bun underneath, and at the top of the lobster was an entire tail, cut in half lengthwise. The bun was golden and buttery toasted deliciousness, and the lobster meat was cold, fresh and sweet. Great dipped in the side dish of drawn butter. This was easily the best lobster roll of our trip to Maine (and we drove up and down the coast, trying a total of 6 or 7 lobster rolls from various towns). The only thing is be prepared to wait in a long line- but it moves quickly.

    (4)

  • Andrew B.

    Having visited the Wiscasset region every summer for the past 10+ years, it has been quite awhile since I have frequented Reds. I decided to stop in after having a craving for a lobster roll instead of stopping at one of the many nearby lobster pounds. First, yes you will have to wait. We got there right at opening (11:30am) and there was alright a good size line. It took about 30 minutes to reach the front counter, but while waiting one of the staff members came through the line with samples of fried shrimp and cups of water; a really nice gesture. Finally, reaching the front of the line, I was floored at the price of the lobster roll. As it had been years since I have frequented Reds, I was under the assumption that the roll would be significantly more expensive than other places. Quite the opposite. The evening before, I paid 13.95 for a lobster roll and the Reds roll was 14.95. Onto the roll itself. They are not kidding when they say there is more than a whole lobster in each roll. The roll, which is buttered and toasted to perfection is overflowing with claw meat and topped with the tail split into two. You are given the choice between mayo and butter and those who truely love the taste of unmasked lobster are in hog heaven. I choose the butter option which is poured out of a pipping hot tea kettle as the order is presented. The butter is perfect for the overflow pieces. It is a shame that I have not gone to Reds more in the past but will be sure to stop back next year.

    (5)

  • Chris S.

    I am a "summer person" and have been coming to the area for 18 seasons. We stop there for lunch only if we are driving by and see there is no line. The Lobster Rolls at Red's Eats are very good and portion size is generous, but not worth the hype or a 45 minute wait time. Service is incredibly slow and no reason it should be. After being in business for as long as Red's has, they should have figured out a thing or two about process by now. If you are looking for a great tasting lobster roll without the wait, go accross the street

    (3)

  • Jasz J.

    As GOOD as IT GETS! It was our 'Lobster Week' eating extravaganza. We drove from Montpelier, Vermont to Bar Harbor, Maine and then down the coastal on Highway Route One to Portland, Maine and back to VT. So along the way, in our planned route, RED EATS, lobsters roll! Yep, it's the REAL deal here; you get over a heap of meat from at least one whole one pound lobster around $15 in a lobster roll at RED EATS. The rolls they used are so soft and can be drained in butter easily, so it's an added bonus for me for this meal. This is located along the highway Route One where bikers route to wherever they were going. At least that what I saw the day I was there. Red is a small trailer home with just 1 window, food in picnic tray and few benches alongside Route One. This was lobster eating heaven! So when you are driving by, and see a line along the highway, stop and joint the crowd because it's like this all the time, and for the 2 hours we were there, the line continues up to an hour.

    (5)

  • Jerry P.

    We were here this past Saturday. This is the best LOBSTER ROLL ever! Small shack, Red is serving a PHENOMENAL lobster roll. Why? It is Fresh. The roll is PACKED WITH LARGE CHUNKS OF LOBSTER. We each ordered a roll with light mayo, and poured on light butter. I took a bite, I was on a different planet!. Exactly what you hope and dream this would taste like. The second and third bite to completion was... was ... amazing. We split another roll. $16 per roll, including tax. Would I fly here just for this? Yes, but knowing that a spectacular coves are few feet away, and Bar Harbor is nearby.

    (5)

  • John H.

    Great lobster roll. No mayo needed! Fried clams and sweet potato fries also excellent

    (5)

  • Cristy B.

    Hands down best lobster anywhere. Line is around the corner, but it's so worth the wait. A bit pricey, but you get so much lobster meat in one roll. I try to go everytime I'm visiting Maine.

    (5)

  • Alex M.

    One and a half hours in line only adds to the experience. The food (all of it not just the lobster roll) was excellent and definitely worth the wait and price. The staff is great and even brought out fired shrimp and clams along with water to those waiting in line. If you are on vacation and driving along route 1 in ME you must stop and experience Red's.

    (5)

  • Double L.

    Best Lobster Roll Ever!!! No questions about that. Funny thing is we wanted to stop here and by chance stopped in Wiscasset on our drive from Bar Harbor to Portland without realizing where we were. I was accross the street from Red's at a different spot and just wasn't felling it. So I walked across the street to see what the deal was with the much more crowded place and was happy to find it was the place we wanted to check out anyway. Fried Shrip are great too.

    (5)

  • Jared P.

    Last August, on the way home form Bar Harbor, my fiance were traveling through Wiscasset and were wondering what such a long line was for. We saw a little red and white shack and Red's Eats and kind of chuckled. Then we saw the book and were intrigued. This year's vacation brought us to Boothbay. We have a four month old and on our morning out to Wiscasset, he was getting cranky so we skipped Red's. We made it back a couple of days later and thank goodness. Though it's looks are fairly unimpressive, the service and the coordination of the kitchen staff is amazing. The place is small and the cooks inside coordinate large groups of food, often on three trays or more per group. Very impressive for the confines. The nice lady going up and down the line offering water to thcose waiting, which in out case was about fifty minutes. I hear we were lucky. Every person, whether working or waiting, was extremely nice. Just a great place for an large and delicious lobster roll. Other sides were good as well. Worth the price, mostly for the rolls themselves, sides are of average price, yet better than average flavor. Don't be shocked with the semi large bill, I counted two full tails and three claws on each of ours, which is actually weighed out, so may vary. MMMmmm good.

    (5)

  • Long L.

    I went up here with some friends and one of my friends had not one, two, but three rolls for her self! Granted she only ate the lobster. They load the roll with lobster. The lines were long, practically down the street but it was worth it. It's heaps of meat from at least a 1lb lobster which is extracted in great chunks and piled into a toasted split-top bun that is accompanied by a cup of drawn butter or, if you wish, mayonnaise to garnish it (bleh).

    (5)

  • Tony T.

    The lobster roll is incredible. Worth the wait.

    (5)

  • Sara W.

    If I were a teenager, I'd spend summers in Maine. Every weeknight around 6PM, and on weekend afternoons, I'd go to Red's Eats and perpetually stand on line with a sign that says "TAKE MY PLACE - $20." By the end of the summer, I'd have a new car and be able to pay for college in advance. (Anyone who steals this idea owes me 10% of their take). Yes, the lobster rolls are good enough to wait hours for, or pay good money for someone to wait for you. Each has the succulent meat of 1 and 1/2 fresh lobsters on every toasted bun, NOT ganked with mayo, but with hot drawn butter on the side. No one else in the world compares. Not across the street, not down the coast, not anywhere. If you're a nightbird, Red's is open 'til 11PM. From 9PM on, you can go straight up to the shack window without delay, and flirt with their friendly staff as they prepare your feast. If you do this more than once, they remember you and treat you real nice. As for traffic, Red's sits on a one-lane road by a 35mph bridge taking everyone and their mother to and from the Maine Coast. It's slow. Relax. Don't blame Red's. If you're in a hurry, offer a kid $20 for their place in line - I bet they'll take it.

    (5)

  • betty e.

    Although it was Labor Day wkend, we only waited about 15-20 mins but i was surprised the shops in the area were all closed. It was an early dinner. I'm glad they had seating. It was good although i don't think i will make a special trip. We ordered: the lobster roll, - good heaping amount of lobster, but i agree it was a bit bland. the crab roll, - a bit too much mayo and you don't see any lumps of crab meat but i liked it more than the lobster roll the crab cake - small and overfried. did they need to change the oil? and a whoopie pie, because Martha Stewart said it was the best pie. - overpriced, only Martha can afford half a whoopie pie for $3+.

    (3)

  • Tim P.

    Reds Eats is a parasite business that attached itself to a busy road and is a singular cause of misery for thousands of travelers that are stranded in never ending traffic nightmare, that is also known as a town of Wiscasset. This restaurant feeds off the road while contributing nothing back or making any useful return. The food choices are of a fried variety readily found elsewhere, the ohh-so-famous lobster roll is nothing special really, and the amount of inconvenience this restaurant causes has forced many a traveler to reprogram their GPS to avoid Wiscasset like a plague. Avoid it if you can, particularly during long weekends and summer months when you run a real risk of languishing in stop-and-go traffic for hours at a time.

    (1)

  • Mark S.

    Once upon a time I lived in a picturesque town in Maine called Wiscasset. About half a block from my house was a little red shack that used to get a 30 minute line of people in mid July. Of course I'm talking about Red's Eats. The formula is simple. Grill a hot dog bun, add 1.5 lobsters worth of meat and pour butter on it. I believe you can get mayo, but you'd be messing with perfection. I've had lobster rolls all over the great state of Maine and this is best. None have more meat and most add a bunch mayo. An honorable mention goes to their fried zukes, which have a great batter on them. Maine is a place of tradition and Red's Eats is a small but important part of it.

    (5)

  • Ernie C.

    After touring around New England for a week and eating a Lobster Roll each and every day, this one certainly did not stand out as the best in the State. Especially since I had to wait in line for 75 minutes to order. However, this was a fun experience. I was there on a Saturday afternoon in the middle of peak tourist season, so I suppose the wait should have been expected. They had a very extensive menu of various fried foods, burgers, dogs, ice cream, etc. This is not a place for a diet. CASH ONLY.

    (3)

  • Rick S.

    Had to stop so I could say I ate at Red's, but I was worth the waiting in line. This was the best lobster roll I had on our trip. When they put it on the counter in front of me I was impressed with the amount of lobster on each roll then the woman who took my order dropped a half of a tail on top of each roll. They were delicious, I would definetly go back.

    (4)

  • Steve W.

    This is the best place for a lobster roll / fish and chips .....dont let the funky building fool you - they do it the right way and the waitress/owner is very proud of her food - not fancy - just great lobster and fish

    (5)

  • B. R.

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this place. Yes, you will have to stand in a line, but trust me, it is SO worth it. My partner and I were there in August 2013, and while we were in the line, we chatted with some other really nice customers, and one of the extremely hard working women who works in the "shack" came around and gave everyone little cups of water because it was hot out and a sample of beer battered shrimp while we waited. Such a nice touch, and such a nice, friendly woman! When you get to the counter, the woman who takes the orders in INCREDIBLY friendly and on her game. I think she may be the owner. What stood out to me is that when I complimented her on how great her and her staff were, she took the time to make sure that she told everyone that they got a compliment. I am sure that the family that owns this place really takes care of it's employees. We ordered a large root beer, 2 lobster rolls with mayo and butter on the side, and a beer battered shrimp basket that came with coleslaw and fries and cocktail sauce. We also snuck our own beer on the patio because they don't serve alcohol. I can sum up the entire meal, cocktail sauce to the lobster roll into these 9 words: I THOUGHT I DIED AND WENT TO CULINARY HEAVEN. Everything was made from scratch, and was PERFECT. The prices were extremely fair for the amount of food you get and the work that is put into making it. The patio, outside, and inside of the "shack" are super-clean, considering how busy they are, and they always have a smile on their faces and a kind word. If you are in this part of Maine in time to eat here (check their website, they are open seasonally), do yourself a favor and fast for a day before coming and pig out when you get here. BEST LOBSTER ROLL IN MAINE (Hell, probably in the world! ):-D

    (5)

  • Stephen F.

    We were told that the food was fantastic. We were waiting in line for what seemed like forever. We did not get the famous lobster roll, but got the fried clams, onion rings and sweet potato fries. We all agreed that it was the worse we had ever eaten. If you are planning on going, and getting getting other than the lobster roll, DON'T!!! The wait in line is definately not worth whatever they can make for you

    (1)

  • C L.

    The line at Red's is really long for good reason, the food and the friendly service. I waited 45 minutes in line for a lobster roll, fried clams and fried shrimp. Completely worth the wait. The staff made sure the line was well hydrated by handing out cups of cold water and free samples. Now for the food, I have never seen so much lobster in a lobster roll. The sign boasts a whole lobster and more per roll and it lives up to the hype. The fried clams had giant bellies and were fried nicely. The house made tartar and cocktail sauce are wonderful. We got the fried shrimp because it was the sample they passed out to the line. Great, high quality, simple food in a nice roadside setting along the water.

    (4)

  • Janel Marie M.

    Cheap cheap cheap! I got a dog for $1 and shared a large fries with my friend. It was solid, cheap food and I would definitely go back.

    (4)

  • Dee C.

    I read about this place and the seemingly endless arguments that it's a tourist trap, no it's not, shut your face you tourist, and found the piece of advice to go - there's always a long line for a REASON. We went one evening around 9:00 and there was no line at all. We had seen people start to line up at around 10:30 that morning (they're open from 11-11) and thought that it might be less crowded after the evening rush. We were right, and there was nobody at all there. We ordered the fabled (currently) $16 lobster rolls and sat down to eat them. Here's what you do: ask for butter AND mayonnaise. Take the tail meat out of the rolls and eat it with your fingers, dunking it in the butter. Once the tails are out of the roll, you can proceed to pick it up without making a big mess. Spread some mayo on that puppy and take a bite. That feeling you're having? That's nirvana, right there. That's bliss. It was so good that we went back the next day for lunch, and damn the lines. We stood there for 45 minutes while the trucks blared by and awaiting our helpings of manna. This time we added fried zucchini and fried clams to our order. Both amazing. What I'm saying is that if you're within driving distance of Red's and you like lobster, you should go there. NOW.

    (5)

  • Alice Y.

    Due to the long ass line and the fact that I stood in the rain for this...I hereby bestow upon Red's a solid 4 stars. Red's Eats Our 3rd and last place, Red's Eats. Now this place is a little shack in this little New England village called Wiscasset. It was raining, it was on our way out of to Boston and Sam points out this little hut that has about a 10 person line. These people were waiting in the rain for lobster. But this is Maine! Why? Lobster is abundant? Well, it's because they take out at least the meat of one whole one lb lobster and put it on a nice warm buttery bun. Then, you dip that whole thing into some warm butter and wa-la! Pure heaven. I should have checked Yelp bc someone had suggested getting mayonnaise on top. Now that would have been even better! More with pictures: mymodernmet.com/profiles… (down the page a bit)

    (4)

  • Charles F.

    If you want a good lobster roll than this is the place for you, if you want good seafood than buyer beware, it is awful we got the clams they were nasty, the batter was gross the fries were ok onion rings were bad, again the same nasty batter, don't let all the good reviews suck you in!

    (1)

  • Philia R.

    Longest line ever!!! We waited an hour and a half to try the famed lobster roll. It was really good!! I'd suggest this as a really cute tourist stop and for a lobster roll that is filled with lobster. The only downsides are that one has to wait in a long line, and that it is a little pricey!

    (4)

  • Sylvene M.

    I was so excited to get in the long line at Reds and I did not mind the wait knowing it would be worth it. However, the roll was loaded with meat that was cold and tough. Two rolls and 1 water we shared was $36. My husband finished mine. This was my first lobster from Maine. We traveled 1200 miles thinking about the lobster. It was a huge disappointment. Funny, I read someone else made this statement; when we drove away I said "the emperor has no clothes" lol.

    (2)

  • Jack N.

    Beyond delicious I have tried Ed's Lobster bar and Luke's Lobster bar in NYC, and this place beats them both. Granted, I don't remember much of Ed's as I was at a party later that night and there was plenty of alcohol flowing, but I do remember it was chunky enough. I had Luke's recently and was much more lucid. The roll itself was faultless except for the portion. It was too measly. So here's Red's, having been in business for over 60 years, and still running strong. On the 2 consecutive days I went, there is a line around the store that is easily 40 people long. Being a true lobster shack, there are no restrooms, and it has lead to all stores near it put up signs saying "restrooms for paying customers only". Even though there aren't any restrooms, there are plenty of seats on the 2 level patio behind the shack. There are additional red picnic tables beyond the train tracks that will give you an even more scenic view of the water as you eat. Although it was quite cool on my 2nd visit in an early August day that we didn't want to sit so close to the water. As most people here mentioned, expect to wait over an hour on the line before you get to order. Why it takes so long is unknown to me. That's the only thing that sucks about this place but as most people that love this place says, you will learn to love the line. Although if you go before it opens, you might get lucky and the wait might be less than an hour (if they actually opened on time, which they didn't). But I have waited over an hour for pancakes (Clinton St. Baking Company), I can certainly wait that long for lobsters. Here's what we ordered: Fried mushrooms $7.95 - Evenly baked, crunchy crust and very juicy. Reminds me of the shroom burger in Shake Shack, but miniaturized and contains a whole mushroom Fried clams $14.95 for 1/2 pint - When we first got it, I was like "What are these crispy roundish things that have tails on them"? Then I wonder if they incorrectly gave us fried calamari. But nope, that's how their clams look like. I wasn't quite that interested in them on our first visit as I found they lacked flavor and the batter was too soft, almost soggy. My friend loved it though. I like it more on the 2nd visit but then my friend didn't like it. Inconsistent. Fried shrimps $8.95 - My favorite side. But then again, I'm bias. I love shrimp 2nd to lobster. In this case, the perfectly battered shrimp has a crunchy and crispy layer on the outside, with perfectly cook shrimp inside that is near tongue burning hot, but well worth enduring the chance of pain to put another bite in my mouth. As I alluded, it took me two bites to finish one shrimp, so these shrimps are not exactly small. Drinks: Ice tea and Lemonade Pepsi - My suggestion, just ask for the water. Save a few bucks and give yourself more room for lobster. and finally... Red's Lobster Roll - $14.95 - Humongous, containing lobster and 1/2 worth of lobster meat. The meat is literally on the edge clinging on to dear life as many pieces are precariously hanging around the edges of the roll. Debbie (the store manager) offers you both the mayo and the butter on the side. There is a plus and minus to serving it that way. The obvious plus is people can't complaint they overwhelmed the lobster w/ either. But the minus being there is absolutely no way you can slather every piece of lobster since there's no room to do so on the roll. The first time I had it I thought it was good, but the chilled lobster doesn't offer enough flavor. The 2nd time I had I wanted to drown the meat in mayo so I made every attempt to use up all mayo that they gave me. I enjoyed the roll so much more this time. The creaminess of mayo really did the job. But I doubt anyone can double up while adding this much mayo. I couldn't. Its amazing how simple flavors can be so delicious. I have to come back the next time I'm in Maine. Decor: 3 out of 5 Service: 2 out of 5 (slow moving line) Food: 5 out of 5 Value: 5 out of 5 PS: Having hit several lobster rolls places since dropping by Red's months ago, I have to say I prefer connecticut style lobster rolls (warmed lobster meat) over maine style. But I still haven't seen a place that offer as much meat as Red's.

    (5)

  • Laur T.

    Super duper good lobster roll! We were on our way to outward bound and decided to drive on our own rather than take the chartered bus. We were definitely ahead of the bus but then we saw Red's (there was a whole line of people queuing) and one of us remember it to be a great seafood place. So we made an executive decision to stop the car and have lunch ;p Turns out, the place wasn't open till 1130am (it was 11am then) but the queue had already formed. We joined in. Then 15 mins later, we saw the outward bound bus drive pass. Oh no, we are going to be so late... but what the heck ;p We ordered some delicious lobster rolls, fries, onion rings and a whole lot of others. The lobster rolls are TO DIE FOR. We had a very satisfying meal. Once we were done, we jumped in the car and continued on our destination. Needless to say, we were pretty late and simply gave a lame excuse about losing our way (which was ridiculous since most of the journey was a one-lane) haha ... whatever.

    (5)

  • D I.

    Fresh lobster rolls. Drools :)

    (5)

  • Stina I.

    Worth the wait! We waited for an hour and 45 minutes in the blazing sun for this lobster roll. While in line, we read about their special mayo....that sold me. It's heaping with lobster and they charge the same amount that other restaurants charge for a roll half the size. If I ever go back to Maine, we're stopping here.

    (5)

  • Albie F.

    At first when you see the small red shack, you don't think much about this place. But when you see a small red shack with a line that is 3-4 times the length of the shack, then you know something must be up. I first heard about Red's Eats on the PBS documentary "Sandwiches You Will Like" and they were touted for having the best lobster rolls and I won't disagree with them. Just about a pound of lobster in every roll and butter/mayo on the side so you can add just as you please. There really isn't much to it but it's fabulous. I hear the price of the lobster rolls changes depending on the season and the market price of lobster but $13-$14 seems to be the going rate. Simply delicious!!!!

    (5)

  • Xavier S.

    Best Lobster Roll I've had in Maine. Must have with drawn butter and a side of onion rings. Worth the wait. Next visit I'm going to save room for some fried dough.

    (5)

  • Kimmy S.

    Fried clams, lobster rolls and my favorite the CRABMEAT roll are all unbelievably delicious! Nothing like it ANYWHERE. Haters go away. Your reviews are based on misplaced frustration and for the fellow that hoses Red's for the land/tax issue...get your facts updated. Red's now owns the friggin' land. A title search was done, the town sold Red's the land. It was no fault of Red's. The town of Wiscasset and Rte. 1 businesses in general should thank him for drawing thousands of people from around the country and WORLD even for heading to a small New England village that otherwise no one would even know about. Red's is the tourist draw for many. That = $ for the area and other surrounding businesses. Red's has given back...believe me! AND did you ever meet Allen "Red"? He was one of the nicest, giving, fun-loving people you'd ever know. He was known to help out many people in need. He was that kind of guy. AND the workers are super friendly and helpful. RIP Red, We miss you and love you. May your business ALWAYS flourish!

    (5)

  • Sam A.

    I can't believe this place only gets 4.5 stars on yelp! Who are these people?? Yes, Red's is so popular that the wait can be well over an hour. Red's is so popular that it causes a traffic jam over the bridge. However, if you come for the lobster roll, you won't be disappointed. Mucho lobster, minimal mayo. I got two, and I felt like a kid in a candy store. Pure lobster roll heaven. So if you've never been here before, arrive before you're hungry, bring sunscreen, and enjoy chatting with the friendly people in line. And if you don't like lines, come in the morning or evening when the wait is shorter.

    (5)

  • Stan F.

    Yum, Yum, Yum....Lobster roll with a ton of lobster meat either drawn in butter or with mayo. You'll have to wait in a long line but it's really worth it. Even after you finish, you contemplate waiting in line again to get some more to take home. Although, you can't eat more since you already have pancreatitis from eating so much rich food.

    (5)

  • Marc G.

    Biggest lobster role and best quality anywhere

    (5)

  • John B.

    Their claim of one and a half lobsters in each roll is no joke. This is the best lobster roll i have ever had. If you go by this place definitely stop.

    (5)

  • Margo B.

    Coming later in the day is helpful for those who don't wish to wait in Reds' legendary long lines. The staff was supremely friendly, especially with my grumpy youngster, who was too tired to eat. The lobster was good, but the rolls were almost too big. I found myself getting sick of the lobster by the end, but that's my own personal quirk. This place is definitely a local gem.

    (4)

  • Steve D.

    Red's eats is one of those places that you might drive by wiothout even knowing it. I just spent a week in Maine as part of a Photo school. We went to a different restaurant every night, and I ate a lot of lobster. The class even ended with a "Lobster Night" which was fabulous. We stopped at Red's on the way to the airport. It was 11am on a Saturday, and the line was 20 minutes long. Everyone who was in line was cold, tired, and absolutely excited about enjoying the best lobster Maine has to offer. I ordered the Lobster Roll. My co-worker for the same with the fried zucchini, and the other co-worker for the onion rings. The fried sides were FANTASTIC and could have possible been a very (unhealthy) complete meal in and of themselves. But to indulge only in the fried sides would have done a great dis-service to the hero of the show; the Lobster Roll. These rolls are on buttered grilled bread. They claim to serve "more than one entire lobster on each roll", and they deliver. The meat is shell-free and not buttered or spiced in any way. You may order butter on the side. This meat is DELICIOUS. AMAZING!!! It was easily the best lobster I had all week. Clean, flavorful, and not at all fishy or smelling like a harbor dock (which happens sometimes). Dipped in butter, it provided the most complete seafood experience I have ever had the pleasure to enjoy. Red's also has a basic kid's menu if your children don;t love Lobster, or if you don;t want to spend $25 on your kid for a meal they will not finish. You must stop at Red's. This is not optional, you must do it. IF you do not, then you should not be allowed back into Maine. It's that simple.

    (5)

  • Doug B.

    Like they say...best lobster roll around!!!! I would have given 5 stars if they could find a way to be more efficient with the line..there were probably 20 people in front of us and our wait was over an hour from the time we got in line til we got our food...that being said, the people working there were very fruendly and took a lot of pride in their food...might be the reason for the long wait..lol

    (4)

  • Laura S.

    I've been coming to Maine all my life and have always heard Red's Eats has the best lobster roll in the state. After waiting in line for at least 45 minutes, I beg to disagree. The best thing about this lobster roll is that it is huge. It's just a lot of lobster piled on a toasted bun. No mayo, no celery, just lobster. The chunks of lobster are huge and are really hard to eat. So if you like lobster, but want someone else to crack it and pick it for you, and you really like to mix your lobster with a bun, then by all means wait in the line. If you want a lobster roll lightly dressed with mayo and celery, perhaps some lettuce, and you want to sit down and have table service, maybe a cup of chowder first, head across the street to Sarah's. You'll be paying your check as the guy in the Red's Eats line is finally getting his roll.

    (3)

  • Sean K.

    Went on a Tuesday night in July. No line other than our group. Kid friendly. Nice staff. Costly but lobster is costly. Huge fried clams (might be too big). Everything is good!

    (4)

  • Maryanne R.

    Outstanding...the food was great and the staff were very nice. While we stood in line we given fried shrimp to sample it was so good. We went there for the lobster rolls but after sampling the shrimp and seeing the fried clams we ordered all three. We enjoyed everything. The lobster rolls hold a pound of delicious lobster and we all loved the clams and shrimp. We will definitely make a special trip just to go to Red's.

    (5)

  • Jav V.

    I don't love lobster, but being in Maine, I had to eat some. If there is any way that works for me, it's doused in butter and on tasth bread also doused with butter. Lobster rolls are their thing and they're pretty good at it. I had a grilled cheese, also really good. The fries were just OK.

    (4)

  • Sasha F.

    Imagine a cartoon wolf, mouth drooling, eyes popping out of his head. This is the reaction I have whenever I see the Lobster Roll at Red's. Simply, no reason to get lobster anywhere else. This season, I'm going to bring my own melted butter... cannot wait... hopefully they will have some whoopee pies left.

    (5)

  • M M.

    Lobstah sandwich at its best! It's not suppose to be fancy, it's just suppose to be good

    (5)

  • molly f.

    this is a must-stop for my boyfriend and I while we're heading up to visit his family in northern Maine. I'm not a huge fan of the lobster rolls with tons of Mayo so Red's is the absolute best! Tons of lobster (think 2 full tails and claw meat!) and drawn butter. delicious! They're not joking at Red's when they say there's more than a whole lobster in there! The staff is also awesomely friendly. Amazing! Can't wait to go back...

    (5)

  • Rachel D.

    lobster rolls have always fascinated and disturbed me. I think we can all agree that lobster is among the most heavenly foods on earth or sea - why do people insist on smothering it in mayo, the most vile substance ever? Red's humbly offers the choice of mayo or drawn butter. So if you're afflicted with the fundamental flaw of enjoying mayonnaise, you can do your thing. or you can drizzle a little melted butter on top of a huge mound of exquisite lobster (which might already be tossed in a delicious and subtle dressing because it tastes amazing without butter). Bread and butter is one of my all-time favorites, so the combo of lobster, perfect toasted roll and butter in Red's lobster roll has been literally haunting my dreams since I ate it last week. ps. there is a real Red, and he's awesome.

    (5)

  • Timothy W.

    We certainly would have driven right by this place had it not been the only reason we drove from Portland to Wiscasset. Not being connoisseurs of Lobster Roll we have no way to compare it to anything else. It was some of the best lobster we have eaten. There was no 3 hour wait as other have described. We walked right up place our order and our food was ready 5 minutes later. We would go again if we were driving through.

    (4)

  • John N.

    I was going to maine for the lobster festival so I did my research on where is the best lobster roll to eat at. I saw red's on the food network plus on travel channel so I decided I have to try this place. The line was long and it wrap all the way into the back. I waited for 1 hr and when I look around there were other lobster shack around but they didn't even have a line. When we came up to the counter I order 2 lobster roll's and 1 1/2 pint of fried clams. The people who work there was pretty friendly and I was pretty surprise because they have so many people that they had to wait on. The food came out smelling like the ocean and each lobster rolls has 1 1/4 pound of lobster in it. My friend couldn't even keep all of her lobster in her rolls, it been falling off hugh chunk of lobster meat. For the 1st time in my life, I couldn't finish my lobster rolls and I had to put away pieces of tails meat away so i can finish. The fried clams was pretty fresh and you can tell from how it tasted and feel and it was overly batterd like most places. It was my best lobster rolls I had and I have to admit, it was even better then mine haha Oh yeah the hot butter made the lobster even more tasty. They didn't use any mayo on their rolls. Anyone who love lobster this is the place for you!!!

    (5)

  • Lisa O.

    The best lobster rolls! Worth the wait online. Great Whole Belly Clam roll too!

    (5)

  • Julia H.

    We ordered lobster rolls, fish and chips, and a whoopie pie. The lobster rolls came with very generous portions; the fish and chips were very fresh and also came with generous portions, and the whoopie pie tasted home made. I highly recommend for anybody who is travelling around the area to stop by this place.

    (5)

  • Sam L.

    I had seen this place on at least one TV show and wanted to check it out on the way to Acadia National Park. We got there at about 11:40 and there was already a line although some in line who have previously partaked said it was "short". Well it took over 1 hour to order. The roll was well stuffed, but the lobster itself was fair. Not as flavorful as other lobster I've tried. If there is little line, worth a try. Otherwise check elsewhere.

    (3)

  • Brandon W.

    Another lobster adventure FOR SOMEONE ELSE! With a shellfish allergy I tackled the "the boss burger". This was a juicy tender burger topped with a large onion ring, blue cheese dressing, large tomato and lettuce. The combination blended well, and the juice from the burger patty dripped on the wax paper throughout the meal. Someone else enjoyed her lobster roll and proclaimed this was the best EVER! I wouldn't know. The last time I ate lobster, I had allergic reactions for a six weeks. Be adventurous and try the whole menu! I would return despite the hour wait

    (4)

  • Susan S.

    All lobster fans must visit Red's at some point in their lifetime. I feel so lucky to have experienced Red's not only once, but twice this summer. My visit in late May was actually the very first time I have ever passed through Wiscasset and saw a reasonably short line in front of the little corner shack. I quickly pulled over to park and take advantage of the short wait. I was absolutely amazed by my very first Red's lobster roll. It is certainly more than one whole lobster piled on and I couldn't even see the bread hiding underneath. The lobster meat is so fresh, tender, and delicious. Choose from butter or mayo on the side. Today we arrived just as the line was forming at 11:30 am. It was really hot today and we practically melted in the line. The line does tend to move rather slowly, but trust me it's worth the wait. Red's has only one window that serves both orders and pickup. It may seem a rather inadequate system to serve the immense crowds, but I think it is just another part of Red's unique charm and character. Yes, they do offer other choices besides lobster and have a rather large menu including burgers, fries, grilled cheese sandwiches, etc. I am not sure if these items are worth the long line, but the lobster roll certainly is. There is outdoor seating available on the porch out back with a view overlooking the beautiful Sheepscot River. A few tables can be found down close to the bank of the river too. Everything you have heard about Red's is true and you must give it a try - Just be prepared for the long wait.

    (5)

  • Noor T.

    Stumbled upon this on our way back from lighthouses. Claimed to be the best lobster roll in Maine so it was a given that we had to try this. The size of lobster on the roll would practically make it the best roll in Maine, but it doesn't just stop at the size. The quality of lobster is amazing as well as the homemade butter you get on the side. The lobster is fresh, huge and the roll's just right. The lobster takes over the dish as opposed to an overwhelming taste of bread and butter. Can't wait to come back to Maine and eat it again.

    (5)

  • Joyce Z.

    Lobster is my favorite food that it is a wonder how I ended up marrying someone with shellfish allergies. Maine has been on the top of my list of states I have yet to visit so when said hubby said he was being sent to NH for work, I jumped at the chance to tag along for the price of airfare and food. Although we only had enough time for a day trip to Maine, I definitely wanted to make the most of every minute and immediately started planning my trip around food. I am not self proclaimed "Will Travel For Food" Yelper for nothing. Originally planning on grabbing a lobster roll in Portland, I was sold when both my cousin from Boston and my Maine loving friend recommended it and who can resist the "Best Lobster Roll in Maine". With over a whole lobster in each roll, it really does live up to the hype. Yes, a full lobster in the roll as it was flanked with 1/2 a tail on both ends of the roll. You have a choice to have it with butter or with mayo. I always like it with butter as it brings out the sweetness in the meat but I recommend dipping the meat in the warm butter and then putting back in roll for a bite vs pouring it on as the butter solidifies too quickly as it hits the cool lobster meat. We arrived 10 min after they opened hoping that we would have the same luck as we did the day before at Clam Box. Nope, still an hour wait but worth every minute. For those who have shellfish allergies, there is a good option for you too. The Boss Burger or any burger for that matter with beef ground daily by a local market in nearby Damascott so fresh that some compare it to filet mignon on a bun. Final verdict, juicy, flavorful, and disappeared faster than me and my lobster roll

    (5)

  • Natalie P.

    We got to Red's around 11:15 on a Wednesday morning and ended having to wait about an hour in line. We placed our order of 1 lobster roll and a half pint of fried clams. Waited about 5 minutes for our food and were done eating by 12:30. We punished our food. The lobster roll was so good. It's a whole lobster stuffed into a buttery toasted hotdog bun and it is so good. The meat is chilled and it's piled up and practically falling everywhere. It's more like a cup of lobster meat with a toast side because you really don't get much bread which I really liked. It comes with either mayo or butter. We got the butter but I don't think it really needs anything. Maybe some old bay but that's the Maryland girl in me talking. The fried clams were awesome. Huge, meaty, delicious. Came with house tartar or cocktail. I got both and both were so good. Worth the wait in line. Def stop by here if you're in town or on the way to Acadia national Park like we were.

    (4)

  • Chris N.

    I started my journey in Maine for a camping trip at Baxter state park. On the way home to NY my Son and I were craving lobster. We searched the Internet for the best lobster roll in Maine and the article we chose listed Red's Eats as #1. Boy were they right on the money. The line might be long but it is well worth the wait. The lobster was amazing and the portion was bigger than I have ever seen at a lobster restaurant. The staff really knows what they are doing and they have a great place. We will be back each year!

    (5)

  • Kristi M.

    I've known about this place for years. Living in Maine, how could you not? It is regularly written up in nationally recognized publications as having the best Maine Lobster Roll. As I was taking a staycation this week, I thought what better time to take a ride up the coast and see what all the fuss was about. First, the location is unique. It's a small roadside stand right on the corner of Route 1. There is a small seating area behind the stand and some additional picnic tables across the road along the water. The place is busy. We were there on a Tuesday in late May, before peak season. Arriving 10 minutes before opening and we were still about 4-5th in line. Rumor has it the wait can be more than an hour in the summer. Crazy, right? But, the staff was in good spirits and very sweet! Now, to be honest, lobster rolls are not my thing. I like my lobster hot. But, when in Rome, right? So, I ordered one and wow, it lived up to its reputation! While I don't get lobster rolls, I'm often with people who do and just from a visible comparison, the quantity of meat on this roll was well above most I've seen. And, really, that's what it's about with this meal. It's just that - cold fresh picked lobster piled high on a perfectly toasted split top hot dog roll. You can have your choice of hot drawn butter or mayo on the side. Simple as that! Price varies depending on the market, but the quantity of lobster on this roll is worth it - at the very least because you don't have to get it out of the shell yourself!

    (5)

  • Angelica T.

    Went to Red's on a rainy day but toughed it out since we really wanted to try what everyone has been talking about. We were in line for about an hour and the workers were very nice to offer their umbrellas to us. Once ordered, we received our food within 5 minutes. We got two lobster rolls and an order of onion rings. These lobster rolls are huge. I had to eat about half the lobster meat before I could even see the roll. My thoughts were that the lobster meat was a bit more chewy than I would have liked. It was also kind of damp and pretty bland. The bread itself was good, it tasted buttery. Onion rings were not that good. Overall, I did not think it was worth waiting in line for an hour while it was raining a bit. I think people like it a lot because it's huge, but it's just lacking the flavor that I was looking for.

    (3)

  • Diana N.

    Incredibly pleased and happy that the folks down at Lie-Neilson recommended this place to us. After a long day of watching the hubs drool over fancy hand tools, he promised me a lobster roll on the way back to the city. We were in the middle of nowhere with NO internet access but luckily the locals knew which way to lead us. Seems like even the locals like to stop by Red's and not just travel channel shows and other media outlets. This place is well-known and yet I hadn't really heard of them until that day. It was a good day. :) We had the famous lobster roll with over a pound of lobster meat, fried clams, and the blueberry cake. The lobster roll was $26 at the time due to market price. Bummer. But we weren't disappointed in the lobster not one bit and definitely thought it was worth the money even at $26. The clams were recommended by a regular and we are so happy we ordered it. I had never had delicious batter like that before; it was sweet, lightly crispy, with nice fresh clams. Would highly recommend getting that. We were beyond full with those two items alone. Again, the lobster roll was stuffed with fresh, huge chunks of lobster. They did not skimp out one bit. That in itself could be an entire meal plus some. Unfortunately, the blueberry cake wasn't as appetizing. I think it was premade and refridgerated. Wish it wasn't raining because there is a nice view in the back patio. We'll be back as soon as we can as this is the best lobster roll we've ever had. We also want to try out their scallops and crab roll. :) P.S. The lady owner and other folks working are so sweet and humble. They treated us like regulars. Thanks a bunch, ya'll!

    (5)

  • Jen K.

    I'm from California. First came to Reds over 10 years ago when I was a student on the East Coast - since then I've brought my now husband and then we recently came again on the way to Canada. Each time Reds has never disappointed and is still my favorite place for a lobster roll - ever. We have decent lobster rolls on the West Coast, and other lobster shacks in Maine are quite good as well, but this place is the best.

    (5)

  • Stephanie M.

    My Mainer boyfriend played along when we went to lunch at Red's (since there really are SO many amazing lobster places you don't have to wait 45 minutes for). The line wasn't TOO bad, but we did wait at least 30 minutes in the hot sun. Staff passed out cups of cold water to anyone who wanted. Lobster roll was $23 on this day, and it felt high to be for a "lobster roll." WELL if someone had said to be it was going to be like, MORE LOBSTER THAN YOU COULD HOPE FOR, fresh and pulled onto a toasted, buttered roll, I would have gotten it. Honestly, it was too much for me, I "forced" a third of it into my bf. He got fried clams, which were rich and delicious and a HUGE plate of it. It felt a little hokey, but the women who were running this thing had it down to a science. It's cash only, but if you run short, don't worry- the ATM is right there and fee is only $1.

    (5)

  • Ricki Z.

    Two day ago, we drove from Bar harbor to Boston. We stop by Red's Eats!! Must go there!!!! No matter what

    (5)

  • Patrick C.

    After going to the Maine Lobster Festival, what do you do for dinner on your way home?? You stop at Red's Eats in Wiscasett and get the BEST lobster roll in Maine!!! Highly recommended, expect to wait in line a while...but worth the wait!!! Toasted roll, jam packed with a whole lobster and then some!! Dip in the drawn butter and ENJOY!!

    (4)

  • Taffany H.

    Sweet and succulent lobster meat piled high on a slice of equally delectable buns, slathered all of this with drawn butter and then you've finally realized this is why you've travelled 5 hours by plane, drove 2 hours from Boston, and waited nearly 1.5 hours on the street, right by whizzing by traffic. It's good to the last butter-laced lobster chunk. Yep.

    (5)

  • A T.

    Long wait but totally worth it! We had the lobster roll, crab roll, fried clams and the blueberry cake! Everything was delicious! While waiting, a girl came around the line offering cold water to everyone. Very accommodating! Debbie, the owner of this little spot was very sweet. She was very pleasant, helping us with keeping our dog hydrated and comfortable since it was a 95 degree day. She brought out a huge tub of iced water to soak our dog's cooling vest and offered some tips on our overheated dog. And even brought out some water for her. She was SO nice and concerned for the well being of our pup. It was sincerely the nicest thing anyone has done for us. Thank you Debbie for being you!

    (5)

  • Nina S.

    I've been looking forward to this place ever since I moved to the New England area and made sure to stop by on a road trip. Arrived around 12:30 and waited in line for about an hour just to order. If it's a sunny day you may want to bring Sun protection or you can purchase branded reds umbrella and hats ($20ish). When you order the owner is super nice and helps you make those tough decisions. For me it was a no brainer, lobster roll. Food comes out pretty quickly, and it is sexy. Nothing better than lobster sitting pretty on buttered toast. The lobster here is piled on heavy you can't even see bread! To be honest I had to eat with fork and knife cause I didn't want to risk dropping any precious lobster. My only gripe would be that the lobster was not hot, it was intentionally cold which wasn't terrible, I just thought it'd be hot and buttered but the butter they gave us was amazing. For $19 (price fluctuates depending in market) it was a bit pricey but totally worth it. This place is a must try!

    (4)

  • Paula M.

    We ate there last week. The lobster rolls are. AWESOME !! Well worth the wait. Haven't had another lobster roll like it. THERE THE BEST !

    (5)

  • Philip K.

    This was my first lobster roll experience, and it was a good one. The lobster was extremely fresh and the fact they didn't mix it in mayo was a real plus. The homeade butter was a nice added touch, and you can't beat the roadside stand vibe.

    (5)

  • P E.

    After two decades of coming to Maine, I finally made it to Red's. We got there just before it opened and got on the line that already started to form. Even though we got there a bit early and additional folks showed up after us, we were on line for one hour from arrival to receiving our food. As others have stated they offered cups of cold water and parasols to those waiting on line on sunny Route 1. It's summer and it's hot. Take advantage of the offerings. In addition, you have the Route 1 traffic which includes tractor trailers which just adds to the city-feel ambiance. This is not my Maine, but sometimes you have to compromise. The people who opt to stay on line, know the deal. Those who don't, scratch their heads, say "no way am I waiting," and go across the street to the competition and eat as we're are still waiting to place our order. The counter service is pleasant, polite, and accommodating. We ordered two lobster rolls and a clam roll just to compare to others we have tasted. The clam roll was full of perfectly fried clams, but the batter and taste was lacking. The lobster comes with a side of mayo or butter (on it if you prefer) and only Kate's butter, another Maine staple. We opted for on the side since we chose not to eat it there, on the deck or near the river table because of the traffic and noise from Route 1. We also ordered one to go and they packed the lobster separate from the roll so that the roll would not get soggy (they offered - I did not have to ask). The lobster itself was tender and delicious and there is a LOT of lobster on the sandwich. It was $23.50 - a sandwich. So you are getting what you paid for. I can make a similar sandwich at home for less, much less. As others have said it is cash only so hit the ATM before going. I would give them 5 stars but for the wait and the lack of a decent space to enjoy such a great sandwich rates the overall experience a four. (We ate at a picnic area down the road.) This does not at all take away from the deliciousness of their lobster roll. My 5 ratings are places I would go out of the way for to eat there. Now that I've had it once, I'm not sure I need to go back.

    (4)

  • Alicia T.

    Wow. Wow. Wow. My family and I have been coming to Maine since I was a kid. I have lived in new england my entire life. The lobster roll is no stranger to me. But man. This, this is like a whole new experience. As many of the other reviewers have stated, the amount of lobster to roll is fantastic. Literally fantastical. Just get this and you'll be so satisfied. But we didn't stop there. Also have to get some fried clams which were also the best we've ever had. Basically, I've eaten a lot of seafood. And this is the best lobster roll ever. Hands down. Get it or you'll regret it.

    (5)

  • Sirikwan W.

    So when you see the long line and a sign that says #1 Lobster Roll in Maine your expectations run high. In short, lobster kind of wet so made the roll soggy. Kind of bland. Came here once. Not worth the wait. Best one I have had is Shannon's Unshelled in Boothbay Harbor. Whole Lobster as well and cheaper too. $18 per roll. For the people who like Lobster Roll with mayo, the best is Pear Oyster Bar in NYC!

    (2)

  • Russell T.

    You have to try Reds! If you like lobster piled high. It's well worth the wait. I was here years ago but my trip today was way beyond my expectations from what I remember. Get your fill on your next trip on US1.

    (5)

  • Bob W.

    With expectations sky-high, we finally made it to Red's last weeks. After a delightfully short 10-minute wait, we ordered our food and it came out quickly. Our party got two lobster rolls, a crab roll, two pieces of wild blueberry cake, and a grilled cheese, tomato and bacon sandwich. Not only did the lob rolls deliver the quintessential Maine experience, but the rest of the food was five-star as well. Mrs. W noted that the tomato on the grilled cheese had been grilled separately before being added to the sandwich -- an unexpected touch. Also, a nice young lady came over to ask how our food was -- another unexpected touch at such a popular place. Added bonus: Wiscasset is a great little town to walk around in -- coffee shops, galleries, and historic building abound. Kudos to Red's for delivering on all counts!

    (5)

  • James P.

    Ate here for the first time today! Of course I had the lobster roll. It was fresh ( naturally) and had an abundant amount of lobster meat on it. It was served cold on a toasted hot dog bun with hot butter on the side. Very much enjoyed it but it was $19.95. All in all I would definitely recommend this place, we were behind some people who have been coming back for over 30yrs!!

    (5)

  • Jack H.

    My lovely bride and I waited 45 minutes for one of the best lobster rolls we've ever had. We never wait in line for food, but we would wait an hour for another Red's lobster roll! The lobster meat is cold and fresh, the bread roll is nicely toasted, and the fries are a must order side dish. Highly recommended.

    (5)

  • Lorraine S.

    Ordered fried clams and they were, by far, the worst I ever had. I ate 2, let my husband try one and threw the rest away. I never waste food but they had a batter on the outside and the inside looked and tasted raw. My husband had a boss burger and he didn't like that either. The burger was very small and the bun was filled with a fried onion ring, a piece of lettuce and some bacon. He didn't finish it either. The french fries were good but that was all. I felt like I threw my money away and have no plans to every return.

    (1)

  • Robert J.

    Great! Had the Lobster Roll Couldn't of been happier with it. I got both the butter and the mayonnaise to dip into

    (5)

  • Dawn C.

    I thought it was very good and you get a LOT of lobster for your money. Great service and you make friends waiting in the long line. But I thought it tasted like lobster and bread... so, it was good and I would go back... But I had better rolls out of the 11-12 that I tried during the visit to Maine. it was very good, but not great.. But I would suggest the place, but I think I would suggest two others first

    (4)

  • Becca M.

    Wait in line as it is worth it. This was the best lobster roll in Maine. (butter only) The shop next door has cute souvenirs and children's books. Casual setting on the water. No alcohol but I believe you can bring your own. It is delicious. Service was good too.

    (5)

  • Robert K.

    Believe the hype, worth the wait. The lobster rolls are great. I just toured Maine and NH and this was the best by far. Across the street by the bridge/water are really good rolls too, try sampling both. 4.5 stars the deduction is for the horribly broken and annoying speaker they use to call your number. The owner kept getting angry when no one would come to pick up food, but it's cause no one could hear!

    (5)

  • Daniel B.

    Amazing lobster rolls!! Can't go wrong here! They give so much lobster meat on each roll! The home made milkshakes are also incredible! People are nice too. Be prepared to wait though because the secret is out on how good this place is!

    (5)

  • Susan C.

    Over-rated! I always wanted to try Red's but sad to say we were disappointed. Lobster was chewy and too cold. Onion rings were a all batter and few rings. Staff is not very friendly for the long wait. Sad. :(

    (2)

  • Terry H.

    OMG you want to get lobster roll, you have to come to this place! this place is out of this world. chunks and chunks of lobsters, so much that I dont even see the roll underneath it! the amount of lobster chunk they gave you is probably more than a whole lobster. taste great even without any seasoning. The rolls were made with butter and toasted, what a great way to serve with chunks of lobster. makes my mouth watery just writing this review. The fried scallop is also another recommendation. the owner wasn't lying when she says her fried scallop is the best. they are indeed the best fried scallop i've ever eaten so far in my life. They also have this killer homemade sauce, which goes well with the fried seafood! the only downside is the never ending long line and the fact that you have to walk very far for public restroom, but all in all, it is so worth of the wait!

    (5)

  • Morgan P.

    Me and my boyfriend's mom went here today. We are local and decided to take a small tourist-y day. I've had tons of lobster rolls before and they are all the same, but there were so many good reviews about the lobster that I figured I should try it. The scallops looked sooo good though! I decided on the lobster roll after all, to see if it was worth the hype. It was 23 dollars so I was hesitant. She got the clam roll, and we split fries and a piece of blueberry cake. It was one of the best lobster rolls I've ever had! I couldnt even pick it up without lobster falling off, so I ate a bunch before even getting to the roll. The butter was delicious! Also, I'm not even a French fry person, but the fries were addicting! And they don't put salt so you can add however much you like. Definitely impressed with this place even after an hour of standing to wait!

    (5)

  • Douglas E.

    The best lobster roll you can get in Maine, period. It's primal: a hotdog bun stuffed with beautiful lobster meat and nothing else. The grilled haddock sandwich is also great.

    (5)

  • Richard R.

    I discovered Red's Eats over 10 years ago while watching a PBS show called 'Sandwiches that you will like': youtube.com/watch?v=AT6R… I was so enamored by the places I saw featured that I called my local PBS station and asked for them to send me a DVD copy of the show. Since then, I've made it my mission to eat here, but to be honest, I never thought I would. Maine is a land that seemed out of reach. I didn't have any friends who'd ever visited the state and the most I knew about this mysterious place was what I'd read in mystery books or saw in movies. So when my buddy Brian S invited me and my family up to see New England, I had the perfect excuse to begin making plans for a 1,200 mile road trip to my oldest bookmark. Yep, long before I ever discovered Yelp, I was making vacations plans to visit restaurants I wanted to try and Red's has been highest of all on my list. I wanted to make it my first stop, but they are more than 90 minutes from the border (traveling along I-95). So, I made The Clam Shack in Kennebunkport my FIRST Maine lobster roll experience instead. I'd seen them featured on Man vs. Food as well as Food Wars, so I thought they would be an equally worthy first bite. WRONG! T H E E X P E R I E N C E My first surprise @ The Clam Shack: The traditional way of eating a lobster roll is with a warm toasted bun and CHILLED meat. Chilled you say? This didn't sit well with me as I was expecting the meat to be hot or at the very least warm. While Red's also serves their meat chilled, there was a night and day difference between the two restaurants. The Clam Shack's meat was less tender and sort of bitter in some bites. Red's Eats had very tender chopped lobster meat mixed in with whole pieces of both the tail and claws. While in Maine I sampled a total of 4 different lobster rolls and of those, Red's offered the sweetest, most tender meat and gave the largest portion for the money. I do wish they served it warm, but really I didn't notice the difference because the flavor was sooooo good! We also sampled their crab roll (also served chilled). It was pretty good, but my advice would be to stick to the lobster roll. The french fries and onion rings were not to our liking so I would probably skip those too, but the chocolate Whoopi pie was fantastic. NOTE: They don't add salt or pepper to ANYTHING here, so be sure to grab a few packets while you are at the ordering counter. FINAL THOUGHTS I'm no expert, but I now can say I've eaten authentic lobster rolls in the state of Maine. There is no doubt in my mind I prefer hot lobster meat on my roll verses chilled, but if it must be chilled, then it must be Red's.

    (5)

  • Joseph P.

    NOT TO BE MISSED! The line varies throughout the day, but worth the wait however long it is!

    (5)

  • Amanda R.

    LOBSTAH LOBSTAH LOBSTAH!!! Need I say more? This lobster joint is unique, delicious, and worth $16.75 for a lobster roll. When you order one, don't expect it all to fit inside the divine and buttery toasted bun.....that's what I love about Red's!! If a seafood restaurant doesn't hesitate to give more than enough lobster meat, then that's where I'm going. Forget about long line you'll be joining because everyone in that line is just as hungry as you are for a lobster roll!

    (5)

  • Steph C.

    Believe the hype. There's a reason why this place causes traffic jams in the summer. We were lucky enough to stop here this past weekend, when the tourist season was just starting and the line was only 5 or 6 people deep. Spoke to a couple people in the line, and they informed me that during the summer, the line stretches across the bridge! This is the most lobstery lobster roll I've ever had. How do they do it? The lobster tastes like it was just caught, it's so fresh and meaty. I don't think I've ever had lobster that tasted so delicious. And do they pile it on. I'm used to those little lobster rolls in NY and this one is beyond compare. I tried it with the mayo and the butter and both are delicious, but the mayo wins for me. Add a side of excellent onion rings and a delicious blueberry cake and you will be stuffed. The wait is long, but the service is friendly. Totally worth it.

    (5)

  • Brian H.

    Way too much hype. We got there at about 11:15 and took about a half hour before they finally opened and then another half hour to get out food from when we ordered. $21.50 was today's "market"price for a lobster roll, ridiculous. Not sure who they know to get the press they have but there have got to be better places cheaper within a couple miles. Building was in rough shape with peeling paint and from what I could see inside I'm guessing the local board of health is either fairly lenient or a relative. The amount of lobster meat looks big but you need to remember it's sitting on top of a hot dog roll and tastes like it was previously frozen. " You can feed anyone once but if you feed them twice you're doing something right." Red's won't be getting my business again.

    (2)

  • Susan G.

    Meh....this is our second time here. First time was five years ago. This time involved a one hour wait which was too long in my opinion. Lobster roll is just a ton of lobster meat. It is more volume than quality I would say. On this trip I have had fresher and tastier lobster rolls (the one in cape Elizabeth I think bite into Maine) wins the blue ribbon. Won't be coming back---think in Maine the smaller, mom and pop lobster roll joints are just better. The lobster roll tasted kind of conveyor belt/ dump the lobster on top of a roll feel. Not much care taken into it seems.

    (4)

  • Holly C.

    Outstanding lobster roll! Whole lobster stuffed into a buttery roll. Side of butter and that is all you need.

    (5)

  • Tom H.

    Excellent seafood. Plenty of lobster in the lobster roll! Excellent crab cakes! Make sure you bring cash, if not, there's an ATM right there.

    (5)

  • Allie E.

    incredible lobster rolls. so much lobster! order butter or mayo on the side. I dream of this place.

    (5)

  • Justin B.

    So my review for Red's has me a little conflicted. It really is an experience and we had fun eating there, but it is not as good as many other places in Maine for lobster and other seafood. First things first; there is usually a long line. We waited about 45 minutes. However you are in a beautiful little town near the Water and it is a very relaxing social style setting. Kudos to the staff for delivering ice water and samples of the blueberry frappe to people waiting. You sold me on gettng one and it wasnt even on my radar. I got a lobster roll and a side of fried scallops. Another person in my party got Clams and a fried haddock sandwich. I tried everything. The lobster roll is quite large, and I think the price is reasonable. Not the most I paid for lobster in Maine, but not the cheapest either. While you get a lot of lobster, it is what you pay for, so fair not generous is the term I would use. The roll is good, but not great in my opinion. The texture was a little chewier than the best lobster, and the flavors were a little blander. The bread for the roll was very good, probably the best part. The clams were ok, the fried haddock sandwich was really good I thought, and the scallops were what I had the biggest problem with. The lady proclaims to everyone how awesome they are, that you will love them and I didn't. They were huge with a very sweet almost cake like batter. I opted for tarter sauce and I would have been better off with hot sauce to cut the sweetness. Also the scallops were so big that a few were a little undercooked in the middle. Overall we had fun, it was an experience, and the staff is incredibly friendly for how busy they are, but the food simply is not world class like it is made out to be. I would say it is worth trying at least once to experience for yourselves.

    (3)

  • Maryann S.

    Their lobster rolls are serious business. If we're being honest, the lobster to roll ratio is basically 2:1. The roll is pretty insignificant compared to the amount of lobster they pile on. I wouldn't be surprised if it's 1.5-2 lobsters on that thing! The lobsters are super fresh and sweet. They provide melted butter on the side to drizzle to your heart's content! Don't forget to bring cash!

    (5)

  • Carri C.

    Great amount of lobster. However, we found it to be a little tough/chewy. Which made it hard to bite in to. Luckily there wasn't too much of a line. I can't say there's a "Bad" lobster roll....so it wasn't bad at all. Just not the best I had on my trip.

    (3)

  • I I.

    Very fresh an tasty lobster rolls with lots of meet! Highly recommend!

    (5)

  • Marilyn T.

    Definitely worth waiting in line for. Best lobster roll ever!! Nothing but huge pieces of delicious fresh lobster meat served with drawn butter on the side

    (5)

  • Jamie C.

    I'm not exaggerating, I think they stuffed two lobsters into one roll. I started off eating it with a fork until it was manageable. The condiments were awesome! The melted butter and the cocktail sauce were my favorites. However, I wish the lobster rolls had some flavor or seasoning besides fresh lobster. It was straight up lobster and bun. No mayo, no greens. I might ask for some mayo on the side when I visit again.

    (5)

  • Brett F.

    Red's Eats may be the most famous lobster roll shack in the country, so I'm glad I finally made it. A cash-only seafood shack on the water of Wiscassett, the business is hard to miss with the twisty line that wraps down to the shore. Fortunately on a holiday Monday at 3 pm, it was less than 10 deep. The menu consists of typical fried food and fresh seafood. But I was here for one thing only....the lobster roll. The cashier takes your order, tells you a number, and you wait. Wait times were reasonable at less than ten minutes. When my number was called, out comes a major dent on the Maine lobster population. There must have been two whole lobster piled onto a buttered and grilled hot dog roll. It was overflowing with claw and tail meat to the point where the roll was invisible. It may have more meat than Fisherman's Grill, and unlike the flawed roll there, it wasn't ice cold. This is a simple roll, with no lettuce or other toppings. Just a side of melted butter and mayo (if you ask). At $16.95 on this day, this is the best lobster roll value I've ever encountered. Bite Into Maine remains my favorite lobster roll. But Red's takes second place. A no-nonsense proud display of excess, I'd say it's worth fighting the lines.

    (5)

  • T.J. A.

    Probably one of the best lobster roles that I've gotten but it is pretty expensive. Lobster roll was $24 but I'll give it to them that MKT price was high. They absolutely LOAD the roll with more than one whole lobster so you're almost getting what you pay for. Also BLT is pretty good too as something that gets overlooked there. Great little place that will be in business forever.

    (4)

  • Eva N.

    It said in Yelp that it is open. We took a detour just to eat here and it is CLOSED. It says until apr 20th. :(

    (2)

  • Kathryn S.

    What a line!!!! It does move quickly though. A woman came up to me after I placed my order and was waiting for my food... if there lobster rolls were any good, cost, etc. Thankfully, I had read enough Yelp reviews to make something up along the lines of. ..Insert random woman approaching me.. "Well, they charge market price so it's roughly I think I paid $22 for each one." ..Insert her appalled face.. "I mean if you think about it though it apparently has 1.5 pounds of fresh lobster meat, so it has to be worth it. ..She nods her head in agreement but asks what they toss it with.. "Oh, nothing really, but that's the beauty of it, the integrity of the lobster meat stands alone." The end. We ordered lobster rolls, fish and chips, the crab cake and the blueberry cake. All quite tasty. The butter though... that warm butter from.. Cathy's? Well, where ever they get their butter that warm and yummy goodness made that roll... Oh, and so did the lobster meat :P Side note: They brought out water and a biscuit for the dogs waiting.

    (5)

  • James H.

    Well worth the wait (and $20) for this lobster roll smothered with Kate's Maine Butter. All real, all natural, and all GOOD!

    (5)

  • Brian S.

    Shortest review (at least positive review) I will ever write. If you love lobster...GET IN YOUR CAR AND DRIVE THERE NOW! NOW FOR FSM SAKE!!!!! No comparison. Best. Lobster Roll. EVAH! Big shout out to my super bud June for pointing me here! I owe you! GO THERE!

    (5)

  • Dan T.

    Super generous portions, tempered by super long (and slow) lines. The first time we went, we were lucky (?) enough to have visited amidst torrential showers that probably deterred all but the most eager diners. We were rewarded by about two lobsters worth of meat, piled high and precariously balanced within a beautifully toasted bun, with cup of butter on the side. We could barely keep the lobster from spilling over with each bite, but delicious each bite they were. No mayo, no butter (unless you add it yourself), but the absence of dressing was really the perfect way to enjoy the freshness and natural sweetness of lobster. Juicy, tender - all in all, an undeniably delicious lobster roll. Revelling in the blissful rain-soaked experience, we decided to return for a second helping - this time, however, on an unfortunately (?) sunny day. A seemingly surmountable line that snaked to the corner and down the street to about the shack's end took over an hour to get to the front of the line, plus the added minutes of waiting for them to prepare the lobster roll. Is the hour wait worth it, or should you hop, skip and jump to the barren patio of Sprague's across the street? Sprague's lobster rolls are cheaper and priced accordingly (about $3 less), but the jury is out: 5 different diners had a hard time deciding if they thought one was significantly better than the other. But if you have the time, and you want to see what all the hype is all about, stick around wait it out. But if you just want any ol' lobster roll and spend the better part of an hour doing something else, head across the street and you'll still get a decent fix.

    (4)

  • Anne G.

    Of all the lobster rolls that I've had in Maine, Red's Eats, hands down, has THE best lobster roll!! First of all, the lobster roll is over pouring with lobster. Definitely worth the money. All the flavors come together so nicely! From the fresh lobster, to the toasted roll, to the butter.. Mmmm butter. Just a lovely pairing altogether. A few of the other menu options that I have tried are the fried scallops, fried clams, and the crab cake. Again, all three are a hit!! The portions of the fried scallops and fried clams are big enough to feed two people. Overall, if you're ever in Maine, you MUST stop by Red's Eats! You don't want to miss out on something so delicious!

    (5)

  • Heather E.

    Amazing! We waited in line for 30+ minutes before they even opened! Always a line, but always worth it if you want the best lobster roll in ME!

    (5)

  • Matthew S.

    Got one from here and one from across the street. This one was a bit better but very close. Roll was $21. A lot of meat on the roll . Now before I lose everyone I like a good lobster to bread ratio. Part of what makes a good roll is getting a bite of the toasted roll with some fresh lobster. I am not going to say it had too much lobster as that's crazy but I could have used a second bun to go with the roll due to the amount of lobster. Was not the best roll we had on our trip but had the most lobster. Onion rings were great. Lady working really capped things off. She was very nice and gave my son a toy lobster. It's the small things. She was beyond polite and helpful with making sure we had a good experience. We would recommend and will return.

    (4)

  • Brian S.

    Big red bugs Allen "Red" Gagnon started selling sea bugs back in 1938 and he got really, really good at it. By 1954 he bought a little lobster shack in Wicasset and has sold a whole heap of great seafood since. Unfortunately Red has passed on but his lovely daughter continues the tradition. Today Red's is indeed a Maine legend, at least as legendary as any restaurant can be. Still just an scruffy old lobster shack, there is no inside seating, just some tables by the river. The lines can be really long and move really slowly but people are friendly and waiting in line is part of the experience. The people that work here have been selling lobstah for a long time and obviously enjoy it. Red's of course claims the best lobster rolls in Maine and has been featured on numerous TV shows and magazines articles. Of course just about every other restaurant in Maine has lobster rolls that were voted the best by someone or other. Are Red's the best? Are they worth waiting over an hour in line for? Who knows, that's up to the individual. But Red's is without a doubt an experience and the quintessential Maine lobster shack.

    (5)

  • Kelsey K.

    I was a bit confused when this was recommended to me. I thought they were telling me to go to RED LOBSTER. This is not Red Lobster. Glad we got that cleared up. SO GOOD. We made the drive up Route 1 from Portland and it was worth every second. The drive was beautiful (October). We had to wait 15 minutes and I'd have waited 1 hour after seeing the size of these things! The lobster was so fresh, and nothing fancy-butter and mayo in the side. Bun was perfectly buttered and warmed. We also ordered the fried scallops-also to die for! Go there! This will be the biggest, tastiest roll you'll see!

    (5)

  • Kris M.

    Noone waits in line for subpar food, right? RIGHT! After a one hour wait in line, and never having heard of this place, the only draw was anticipation. While waiting in line those around me all buzzed with a similar anticipation. Any old train hobbled by transporting me to the 60s. Samples! Well done... 30 minutes in fried shrimp came down the line. Finally, the dish. The lobster Rolls were both massive and perfect. Boiled in spiced and chilled to perfection on a tasty (but slightly small) roll. We also ordered the crab cakes which were OK. Onion rings that are mind blowing, and a Maine blueberry ice cream float in Pepsi.... Staff had never heard of that but a standard fare for me. The round top ice cream is solid. Staff was warm and friendly but no muss no fuss. We sat by the water on picnic tables. Amazing afternoon with friends.

    (5)

  • Livvie H.

    Just need to add my praise to the five star chorus. Not sure if it is worth an hour and a half wait, but try and plan your day so you get there early or on off-hours and you will be rewarded with the biggest and one of the best lobster rolls in the country. Just divine. The fried zucchini sticks are baller too, and they make a mighty fine grilled cheese for the kiddos. Worth a wait, and definitely worth a slight detour.

    (5)

  • Whitney B.

    I can't complain about the lobster roll I had, even with the $25 price tag (yes, $25 for a lobster roll, BUT prices are high on Maine lobster right now). The roll had almost 2 lobsters worth of meat on it so it earned its $25 price tag and it was delicious and fresh. We also had delicious hot french fries. My only (minor) complaint would be the wait. We were there in the off season (weekend after Mother's Day) and were only about 4th or 5th in line but it took almost 45 minutes to get our order in! The reason is because they have one small window, with one person taking the orders and also giving out the food, as well as answering the "can I get more ketchup" and "I thought this came with butter" questions. The line would move MUCH faster if they had a second window. One window for taking orders, one window for getting food out. But hey, they've been in business forever and people keep coming back, so what do I know? :)

    (4)

  • Marian H.

    First - You will have to wait in line. I went around 2 and waited in line for about an hour. I think this is about the average wait time. Even in the pouring rain there is a line. Witness this first hand yesterday. Second - Get the lobster roll. I'm sure Red's has other good food, but their Lobster roll is the reason there is a line. Third - About the roll; this is not lobster salad in a bun. So if that's what your expecting, reset your expectations. This is a whole heap of the juiciest fresh lobster piles high on a toasted bun UNDRESSED. You can get mayo or butter on the side but the lobster is so good it's not really necessary. Fourth - If in Maine anywhere near Red's, make the trip and wait the hour. It is so totally worth it.

    (4)

  • Sam S.

    Well...I've been looking forward to enjoying a visit to Red's. It didn't disappoint. We got there 10 minutes before opening and "claimed" a table on the deck. Chatted with a staff member who was so gracious and proud. Lunch was called and the "hubs" got our order. On the tray were two beautiful lobster rolls, fried fish and zucchini. Was THE BEST lobster we've ever eaten. Staff came around to check on their guests, but..who could want for more. A highlight of our trip from California. Thank you Red's,

    (5)

  • Lindsay S.

    Best lobster roll we had the week we spent in Maine. Line not terrible. Absolutely worth the wait for the incredible chunks of lobster.

    (5)

  • Jen C.

    My friend and I had originally set out to another lobster shack, but that was closed. Luckily, we found this place through yelp! As luck would have it, we also bumped into friends from NYC in line and ended up having lunch with them. We ordered two lobster rolls and a crab roll. The crab roll was made with a lot of mayo which is typical. The lobster rolls were definitely the star here, as expected, with an entire lobster in each! This was definitely the best lobster roll we had in the state. It comes with Kate's drawn butter on the side and is complete heaven. The line was pretty long, but while we were in line, staff gave out fried shrimp, ice water, and watermelon slices to linewaiters. amazing! i will be back :D

    (5)

  • Sal O.

    The first time we went here was by accident, we saw the huge line and said "what are they selling?" We parked the and waited and let me tell you, it was worth it!!!! The best lobster role ever!!!! It's pretty much a whole shelled lobster in a toasted hotdog bun. Meat falling off the roll. So good. The price is a little high and make sure you have cash, no credit cards, but very worth it. Plus the view is beautiful over the river.

    (5)

  • Elise K.

    Stopped off here for lunch on the way home from a Northern Maine wedding in October. It was winter-coat-weather already and there was a massive line, but my boyfriend said this place was too good to pass by and boy was he right. The lobster rolls were spilling over with meat and absolutely amazing. I am probably spoiled for life and will undoubtedly compare every lobster roll my future offers to the one I had at Red's. Just one tip, which is obvious anyways - We ate at Red's at the absolute end of the season & a lot of the menu items were no longer available because they had sold out and weren't getting anymore in- Get there as soon as you can in the season, then you'll be able to get back as many times as you can before the cold weather strikes ;)

    (5)

  • Dee B.

    At this time if year, you should be aware that you will spend at least 1/2 hour in bumper to bumper traffic on Rt 1 getting to Reds. And then another hour or so in line. And then will "enjoy" your lobster roll while breathing exhaust fumes and staring at miles of cars filled with cranky motorists. If you really want to experience Maine food, there are much better options than Wiscasset.

    (2)

  • Brett M.

    Swung by out of the way to taste "Maine's best lobster roll." We placed the order for two lobster rolls and stood back to wait for our number to be called. After waiting about 30 minutes, we realized that single customers who had only ordered one lobster roll were being called forward within minutes of ordering. A nice older gentleman, who was also waiting quite a while, went up to ask the young lady if they had forgotten about us! After all, if you call four single lobster roll customers, you could have put two of those together for customers who has been waiting far longer. Additionally, a local customer who clearly knew the staff ordered a tray full of food and had her food within minutes. Many customers noticed and were not pleased. Not a good look; I hate that in-your-face preferential treatment. The lobster roll was delicious and fresh. Plain, plain lobster with a side of butter, and certainly seems like the claim to fame is more for the quantity of meat. The bread was overflowing. All in all, good food. Aggravating service experience. We waited close to an hour, which I wouldn't have minded if everything was done in a proper order. Not the best lobster roll in Maine, promise.

    (3)

  • Adam H.

    I'm afraid I'm going to have to call Emperor's New Clothes on Red's. Their famous lobster roll is a lobster's worth of meat on a roll. That's it. The lobster was completely undressed and unseasoned. No secret spice blend, no lovingly prepared chunks. Lobster. Roll. Period. Yes, it was a delicious lobster, but you can't drive down any road in this town without ample opportunities to buy fresh lobsters from the same waters. Yes, it's a whole lobster, but that's quantity, not quality. Yes, the folks were really nice, and I totally appreciate them giving my dog some water and a treat. But I have to say the lobster roll was truly and genuinely nothing to write home about.

    (3)

  • Simon L.

    It does put most other lobster rolls to shame. A whole lobsters meat served undressed with a side of butter on a toasted roll. The whole belly clams are served either battered or crumbed and are completely mind boggling.

    (5)

  • Gary R.

    Fresh Maine Lobster. You watch them pull it off the lobster boat and directly into a steaming cauldron of salted water right in the parking lot. Hot drawn butter. Get your mouth watering? Yeah, me too. I thought there was nothing better than having a fresh lobster or two placed in front of me with my plastic bib tied securely around my neck so my drool and poor eating habits wouldn't ruin my fine t-shirt. Yeah, that's me - dribbling, drooling, smiling, fool in the corner with a fork and a nut cracker. Careful!! But I was wrong. There is something better. Sacrilege? Hardly! Don't get me wrong, I love those lobster pound escapades and our yearly trip to Maine ALWAYS includes those. But years ago, I had an awakening. A breakthrough. A stop at Reds Eats. Go ahead, make fun of it. Ha, oh you of the shallow mind and perceived notions of this place. But here's a tip - one trip to Red's and you're changed for life. FOR LIFE! I'm here to bear witness to that. Can you for one minute imagine that the very same fresh lobster, taken apart with all the hard work done for you, that delightful, succulent sweet lobster tail and claw meat assembled in a huge pile (a one pound pile!), mixed together with just a hint of mayo as a binder (I hate mayo so I know it's just a hint and unnoticeable) and placed on a toasted New England hot dog bun with tons of spillover that you gobble up with a plastic fork. This is the food served in heaven - there is no doubt. Don't be dissuaded by the appearance - a little novelty of a stand adjacent to the bay, no parking, and a couple picnic tables in a gravel lot. I think that's intentional to keep the uninformed away. But those that go - and there are devotees worldwide who swear by this place - know they've found the pot at the end of the rainbow. Warning - it will ruin you. It will.

    (5)

  • A L.

    Food is pretty good. Tried the lobster roll, fried clams, fried scallops, chicken tenders, crab roll. The lobster roll is probably most notable in that it's basically a toasted roll topped with an entire lobster that's been opened for you. There's no seasoning, spice or even a drop of mayo. It's actually way cheaper to get an entire lobster at one of those street shacks that set me back 7 bucks. But the wait was over 80 minutes, and we were there even before it opened. Value only in quantity of food; not really for the gourmet of the roll. The fried clams were really good, though. Batter was perfect and way lighter than I expected.

    (4)

  • Chris M.

    We had packed a lunch that we enjoyed in Boothbay at the harbor and were now heading to Rockland. I had no idea we would be driving right past Red's, which I had really wanted to go to but figured it was not anywhere near where we would be. Despite the lunch I had just had and the 15 people already in line at 2 p.m., I had to stop and try it. The line moves slow and it's kind of tight as the queue wraps around the building and down the sidewalk. Staff is great and comes out to check on you and offer water. While waiting 45 minutes to get to the front, you can't help but look across the road at two other lobster shacks right on the water with no lines and ask yourself if it's worth it. It was. The lobster roll is as big as advertised, but I guess it should be as the $22.50 price is a good $5 more than I had spent at other top lobster shacks along the coast. The lobster was very fresh and I was pleased to see large tail pieces. The bun was great but wish it was longer as it was gone long before the overflowing lobster. I wonder if you could ask for another bun, pay an extra buck or something, and make yourself two good sized lobster rolls! A must try if, like me, you're vacationing in Maine and trying to catch as many of the iconic lobster shacks as possible.

    (5)

  • Raul D.

    Just ordered, this review isn't for the food, although I'm sure it's wonderful. This review is purely to question the wisdom and efficiency of making a single person responsible for taking in the orders as well as delivering them through the same window...at the most popular lobster shack in Maine. While the woman behind the counter is exceedingly sweet, it is my belief that the line could be halved if there were 2 of her. Was able to eat during the course of writing this. It is that good: portions are obnoxious, best tartar sauce in the states, whoopie pie!

    (4)

  • Jow O.

    Hype. You can get much better from booth bay harbor -1 star for having a line even before it opened -1 star for quality. Not bad but definitely not great.

    (3)

  • Allen L.

    Ah the famous Red Eat's. There is more than one whole lobster in each lobster roll and Red's is very generous in piling it high with a heap of fresh caught Maine lobster. Compared to the other places I've been, Red's has the highest lobster to bun ratio. The meat is very tender, juicy and flavorful, especially when dipped in the hot lobster butter that comes on the side. The lobster meat overwhelms the roll and at times it felt like I was eating a fresh caught whole lobster, but someone else had cracked the shell and left me with only the good stuff. Red's is worth the wait and I understand why many make the pilgrimage here while in Maine

    (5)

  • Jessica K.

    Mmmmmm the absolute best lobster roll we have ever tried! We stopped here while doing a road trip through Maine and someone had recommended this place along the way. We didn't think it looked that special or any different from the other 1,000 places that advertise their lobster rolls, but boy were we mistaken! you CANNOT drive through or close by Wiscasset without stopping at Red's. The tastiest, fullest lobster rolls I have ever tried. There is so much lobster you can barely see the delicious buttered bun that it's on. We had to stop there again on the way back down after our trip, and it was what we were looking most forward to the entire drive. two big thumbs up!

    (5)

  • Mike T.

    You're probably standing in line right now.. Yelping like crazy.. deciding whether or not this place is worth the hour+ wait in line. Am I right? Well, my fellow Yelper, it is! I had Red's on my "Maine" Google Maps radar for awhile and finally got to wait for that delicious lobster roll today! Over 1 WHOLE LOBSTER in that roll, baby! So good. The staff was incredibly friendly, even after dealing with hundreds of customers daily. They brought out free water for everyone in line more than once. They also offered umbrellas for anyone that didn't want to stand in the sun. Who does that! Ok.. so here's some quick tips. There is a small ice cream stand attached to Red's. If it's hot, take advantage of a small cone while you wait! Just ring the bell and an employee will come right out and help you. You deserve it. Next, make sure you ask for sides of butter and/or mayonnaise when you order if you're into that sort of thing. Also, everything comes unsalted, so grab some salt packets when you get to the window. Finally, they accept CASH ONLY! There is an ATM located right next to the order window if you need it. The smile on customers faces when they finally "step down" to the order window is priceless! Grab a table out back and stuff your face! It will be one of the biggest, most delicious, lobster rolls you'll find in all of Maine!

    (5)

  • Henry Y.

    You can't have your one and only lobster roll here on your Maine vacation and then write a review proclaiming: "Believe the hype." You know why you can't do that? Because this place is the EPITOME of tourist trap. There's nothing wrong with a tourist trap per se-- the Metropolitan Museum in nyc is considered a tourist trap. It's nice. It's really nice. But this? This is charging you $18 for a lobster on a roll. Yes, it is indeed a whole lobster. Yes, the roll is toasted perfectly. But is Red's Eats getting a little bit full of itself simply because it's situated perfectly along a popular thoroughfare that literally bottlenecks at the precise location of Red's Eats? Yes. It's by mere chance and luck that this place became popular. From tripadvisor to Yelp, you can see locals complaining about just how long the lines are and just how long everyone has to wait, locals and tourists alike, to pass through this junction in coastal Maine. The prices are obscene. They're high for nyc. That's high. They charge so much for very little in many instances and it's just completely not worth your wait or trouble. The only reason why I even gave this place 3 stars is because we came on a day when it was downpouring...so the wait was literally no more than 15 minutes. Other than that do NOT come here. It's just not worth your time.

    (3)

  • Zhiyu L.

    I've been coming here for years! Even if it's an hour or 2 out of the way, I'll make my way here just for Lobsters Rolls! They have the best lobster rolls you've ever tasted. Cooked perfectly, cooled perfectly, and tastes like heaven. They don't put any seasoning on the lobsters at all. Just give it to you fresh on the roll, and it's up to you if you want to add butter. I don't because it's delicious the way it is. I always order 2 at a time! I purposely make trips out to Maine (7 hours), just so I can have some Red's! Call me crazy, but it satisfies by lobster cravings!

    (5)

  • Jessica L.

    By far the BEST lobster roll I ever had, over a pound of lobster in each roll so worth the wait =) cash only!

    (5)

  • Jason H.

    This last summer world famous Red's Eats was a spot that was definitely on our radar when we were looking for places to eat on our honeymoon. The reviews went both ways and we both consider ourselves foodies. When a place is mentioned outside of local guidebooks, you have to at least try it out, even if you are a little skeptical. Here is the 411 from an outsider who tried it and liked it over all. First, we were headed to Boothbay for some whale watching when we first passed the little roadside stand and the line was crazy long for the lunch hour, that's always a good sign when there is competition for the exact same items just across the street. We decided to make it our dinner stop and had read that it's not exactly cheap and secondary to the lobster rolls, the fried clams were very good. We stopped and thankfully there wasn't as large of a line at 5PM and we got up to the window and ordered from the nicest lady ever. Little did my wife know, I was already committed to going all out. I order us two lobster rolls, a pint of fried clams, fried mushrooms, a moonpie, and a huge slice of homemade blueberry cake with homemade whipped cream. The best part about Red's is nothing I saw was coming out of a box, they make it there fresh in front of you, and it definitely reflected that. To give you an idea of what all of that costs, it was $85. The wife was a little sticker shocked and I think we had the high score for the day, but I wasn't deterred. The lobster rolls were huge and they were on a grilled hotdog bun, no mayo, and a cup of butter. They were very good but not as good as the lobster rolls I had at Morse's Cribstone Grille. The first thing you learn about lobster rolls is you're either in the butter roll or the mayo roll camp, and I guess I'm more of a mayo lobster roll kind of guy. I'm also not about the quantity as I am the quality. The quality of the meat was phenomenal but lobster is generally a mild delicate flavor and can be lost. In my opinion the butter grilled bun washed out some of the flavor, however it was still excellent. If you're in the area you have to go.

    (4)

  • Derrick Y.

    tl:dr; Probably the largest quantity of fresh lobster on a roll you will ever have, in your life. Every travel guide, magazine, and blog puts Red's Eats on their list of top lobster shacks in Maine. It has even been featured in the New York Times for its infamously long wait. We planned our route to drive right past this place, and when I noticed the line seemed short, I immediately found a parking spot and got in line. The line moves sloooow by most standards. However, we were all treated to a watermelon slice. It took about a good 40 minutes during lunchtime to get to the counter, and I've been told that the wait at times can be longer. Pro tip: It's best to come to Red's for dinner since pretty much every shop in Wiscasset closes before 5 PM, but Red's is still open. We were so hungry by the time we got to the counter that we ordered three lobster rolls, a crab cake basket, and fried mushrooms and onion rings. Not that the portions are small, mind you. The rolls are literally overflowing with over one whole, fresh, perfectly cooked lobster. The sweetness of the lobster speaks for itself. There is no need for any other dressing. The buttered roll stands up to the challenge of cradling the lobster without becoming a soggy mess. The crab cakes were also tasty, fried to a nice golden brown and full of sweet crab meat. The accompanying fries were thin, crispy on the outside, and still soft and potato-ey on the inside. The house-made tartar sauce was excellent, as was the house-made cocktail sauce. Even the fried mushrooms came out nice and juicy. The onion rings were a little dry for my taste, but there was hardly a single thing I could fine fault with. Come hungry, with a good amount of patience, and indulge yourself with the lobster-rolls and fried goodness. You will leave happy, and stuffed.

    (5)

  • Richie R.

    The lobster roll is essentially cleaned lobster meat from over 1 lobster, put in a roll, with either mayo or butter on the side. That's it. But there's something to say about: 1) just clean lobster, and its clearly fresh, and not mixed with mayo and other stuff to make lobster salad. You decide how much mayo or butter to put 2) lobster meat is PACKED in the bun. They definitely don't skimp on the meat Can't go wrong! The service is a little slow, though, but I have a feeling that the people at Red's enjoy having a little line outside the door. All in all, still worth the wait though!

    (4)

  • Barjinder S.

    It's not just a hype is true - the lobster rolls are monstrous and the best you can get in terms of freshness, juicy goodness and ambience. Americana served on a plate. Loved it.

    (5)

  • Tiffany C.

    I made it a point to stop by Red's during my first visit to Maine. I hadn't really been on the whole lobster roll kick before, but after trying one of these I'm hooked. There was certainly a *lot* of lobster in that roll. And that lobster? Well it tasted like the briny ocean from which it came. Subsequent (lesser) lobster rolls from other shacks have paled in comparison. Do yourself a favor and wait in line for one of these.

    (5)

  • Raj S.

    Went here for lobster rolls. We devoured them then realized we didn't even take a picture of the food before we ate it. That's how good it was!!!!!

    (5)

  • Diana K.

    While passing through the area we saw a long line here and assumed it was worth the wait despite one of the locals at a nearby shop telling us there were better options further along route 1. Undeterred, and starving, we waited in the line. For an hour and a half. Sadly the long wait was less than justified. Knocking one star for the wait given we ordered lobster rolls that were served cold and require little prep time. While you do get a serious quantity of lobster meat in the roll, I knock one more star for being on the pricier side compared to others (due to media and yelp hype I presume), and another star for the quality not being the buttery goodness we had experienced elsewhere in Maine. The advice that we were given and should have followed: try Sara's across the street to drive ten minutes further south on route 1 for more options.

    (2)

  • Joanthan B.

    I drive from Massachusetts to mid-coast Maine about six times a year. (Maine native) This business is located about 50 feet from a major thoroughfare bridge and creates major traffic back-up from Bath to Newcastle in the summer. I can make a better lobster roll given the fact that I can get north of bridge without unnecessarily waiting in traffic while tourist wandering the streets just to get a mediocre lobster roll.

    (1)

  • Ron D.

    saw the long line so we decided to stop and snack. This was the second lobster roll in our vacay and red's threw in a bonus of lobster meat . I had about 3 tails on a slightly toasted bun . as far as taste goes... I thought it lacked that salty sea freshness. it was good but for $16 ... I was expecting a burstfull. the blueberry cake and whoopie pies were great. zucchini fries were a joke. grilled cheeese samiches were original. it definetly was worth trying....

    (3)

  • Carl F.

    Just had to try this after reading reviews here, half the lobster was falling out of the bun they give you so much, I guess there is more than 1 whole lobster in each roll! Also had the blueberry cake which was awesome.

    (5)

  • Kat L.

    on a foodie vacay, on the way to maine's lobster fest this year, (yeah my review is long overdue), we spotted this joint on the drive over. Saw a HUGE line. uhhhhm if I've learned anything as a foodie, if people are standing in long lines to get food from a shack, then it must be something worth it. We went for these infamous lobster rolls on the way back to boston, waiting outside before the joint even opened. 1 and a half lobsters used in each roll. uhm. yes i said it. Amazing. deliciousness. I just wish it wasn't served cold. but even the people who work here are awesome locals, sweet, and just amazing. Worth it!!!! don't even bother with anything else. I'm sure someone would laugh at you if you bothered actually looking at other items on their menu. cuz why even bother?!?

    (5)

  • Peggy C.

    I never got to finish my review for my visit back in August... and I normally would just "forget about it" but I felt Red's Eats deserves another 5-star review so here it is: Back in August, I was up in Freeport for a wedding. I remember I saw Red's Eats on one of those travel food shows, but being that I'm totally clueless with geography, I had no idea it's so far away from Freeport/Portland area (READ MY LIPS, it's NOWHERE near Portland/Freeport). So, when the groom & bride said let's take a side trip together up the coast and eat at Red's, I was thanking the culinary God. It was relatively hot that afternoon, and I saw that red sign at the corner and subsequently that line... that mother load of a line stretched down the street toward the rail road track. I have stayed in line for less appealing things (ex. pay fine for my ticket, get stabbed by a nurse with a needle...) so I wasn't about to bail. No Sir, I'm eating that lobster roll darnit! And honestly I think that line could be worse on a Saturday or holiday weekend (which I don't ever want to find out). Don't get me wrong, it was a long wait. But you know what, that was part of the experience. We were in line with all these other people, mostly not from around there, all for a common goal of eating the famous lobster roll. People were friendly, we were kidding with one another. And here is where Red's Eats deserves KUDOS: 2 Red's Eats' ladies came out with iced water and umbrellas offering to help with the heat. They didn't have to do anything... but it shows that they appreciate their patrons, and I very much respect that. The only 'compliant" I have is that the menu is poorly posted. I was probably there 45 minutes before reaching the front, and I couldn't really see a real menu. If they have a better preview system, it would definitely cut down on the time each one takes at the ordering spot. Back to the food... by now I have seen so many trays walking by me, I know I have to try their fried clams as well as the lobster roll. OMG, FRIED CLAMS WERE OUT OF THIS WORLD! It's nothing like the chewy clams anywhere else fried up, this was essentially mini oysters. I am still drooling 3 months later. The lobster roll was great too, I really don't know how they managed to pull so many large pieces of lobster meat out of the shell. There's really little seasoning, it's just lobster meat in its natural glory. The fact that it's served on a regular hot dog bun is comical, does anyone really eat the bun? I pretty much just picked all the lobster meat off (which I couldn't finish in one seating). Keep in mind this is probably the most expensive street food I ever had, well worth it for both the quality and the experience. IF YOU SKIP READING ALL OF THE ABOVE (and you shouldn't), here's the recap: 1. Lobster Roll is the star, BUT Fried Clams stole the show! 2. Most items are seasonal pricing, meaning you're in for a wallet surprise 3. Kudos to the nice ladies who brought us foodies iced water and umbrellas during a hot afternoon, that's service at its finest 4. Prepare to wait, keep a good spirit, and you will be greatly rewarded Bon Appetit!

    (5)

  • Megan C.

    This place lives up to the hype. It was the freshest and purest lobster roll I have ever had. Try to go at off peak time to avoid long lines. Even if long, the line is worth the roll.

    (5)

  • Meredith V.

    I tried Red's Eats a few years back & had such a good lobster roll I've been daydreaming about it ever since. I decided to go back today to see if I had blown it up in my mind in the interim. It's still hands down the best lobster roll I've ever had. Two tails plus claw meat on one buttery toasted roll is absurd, absurdly awesome that is.

    (5)

  • Edward I.

    When vacationing in Maine, the first question to ask is "where can I get the best lobster roll". Red's is the answer to that question. Drove along coast after spending day at Acadia National Park. Worth the drive! We arrived on Monday night (8/18) around 7:00pm and the line was minimal (Yay!!!). The lobster roll was enormous! To my liking, the meat was piled over the grilled bun. Loved how it was just plain lobster meat and not saturated with mayo or something else, just plain meat. The warm butter is provided on the side for dipping. IMHO, the best!! Also the onion rings were great too. Worth every penny and a long drive to get it.

    (5)

  • Ariel J.

    Love the lobster rolls here! Sometimes people complain about the price but I think the price is more than fair for the amount of lobster you get on every roll! I've paid $13 for a lobster roll where meat wasn't even up to the top of the bun, so for a couple extra dollars in comparison for a roll that you can't even pick up until you eat some of the meat is well worth every penny! Also love that it's not all diced up, and you can see the claws and tail. Reds is one of the only places I can order it plain with butter on the side and don't have to get mayo mixed in. Two thumbs up. I recommend this place definitely!

    (5)

  • Greg S.

    My girlfriend and I each got a lobster roll and each roll had 1 and 1/2 whole, fresh, Maine lobsters on them. This place is a no brainer.

    (5)

  • K S.

    We enjoyed the lobster rolls so much the first day we were in town, that we came back the next day for more. Several of the staff remembered us, greeted us warmly, and expressed that our returning was the highest praise they could ask for. You deserve it, Red's Eats! Thanks for the excellent food and the wonderful experience.

    (5)

  • Miah M.

    This was one of the series of places we visited for lobster rolls during our recent trip to Maine. It was a standard/traditional roll on a hotdog bun. I loved it and would rank this place as #1 (tied with Eventide Oyster Co. in Portland) out of the places I tried. I was skeptical about the lobster roll considering the hype, but the meat was fresh, portions were amazing and the bun nicely toasted - I loved it. Pros: - Amazing amount of lobster meat - Uncut large pieces - Adequately fresh lobster meat with very little done to it Cons: - Big line, especially depending on the time - Melted butter froze on the cold meat It was a very large roll with no dressing and uncut meat that included all parts of the lobster from claws and tails. I had a side of melted butter that I slathered on the roll. I had to use a fork/knife since it was too large to pick up or put in your mouth. I also liked their whoopie pie.

    (4)

  • Tracy W.

    Ahhhhmazing! Everything you've already read about Red's Eats is spot on. HUGE lobster rolls; like "can't even see the perfectly buttered and toasted bun under all that glorious lobster meat" huge. Mine had 2 tails on it. It was served with warm, melted butter on the side...perfection. The onion rings (a small order is enough to share) were huge and had a delicious funnel cake-like batter. An added bonus that I did not anticipate was the extremely friendly gal who took my order. She made the experience even better!! I arrived around 5:45 on a Wednesday and only waited about 15 minutes. If you're anywhere near Red's on your trip to Maine, stop by. It was easily the biggest and tastiest lobster roll I had during my week long stay.

    (5)

  • Nicole B.

    I'm not a huge lobster fan, but had to wait in line to try Red's because it was raved about by literally everyone I encountered on my Maine trip. Roll served cold with your choice of butter or mayo on the side. Heaping portions and long lines.

    (3)

  • Patrick S.

    This IS the place for lobster rolls. Yes, waiting in line can suck but there's a reason why people keep going there as opposed to Sarah's and Sprague's nearby. Those places serve good rolls, but Red's serves a great one that I'd rather wait an hour for a superior product. The quality and the quantity of the lobster packed in that delicious buttered roll is top notch. Their other items I could pass on, really do yourself a favor and make sure you order a lobster roll or two for yourself and savor a lobster roll as it should be

    (5)

  • Jordan P.

    Ok, I'm sorry my fellow Yelpers, but this place is NOT worth the wait. Now don't get me wrong, the lobster roll is tasty (we also had the onion rings and fried scallops, which were also extra tasty), but not 1.5 hours in line tasty. After an hour and a half I expected the heavens to part when I ate that lobster roll, but that just wasn't the case. It was good lobster in a toasted bun, but not 1.5 hour delicious. The lobster had absolutely no seasoning, so while it was high quality lobster it was boring. I've enjoyed lobster rolls in Chicago more than this one and I didn't have to wait an hour for them. Thankfully, the staff was amazingly nice, which made the wait more doable. They bring out water and umbrellas while you wait. They also take the time to chat with you once you FINALLY get to the window (although maybe that's why the wait is so obnoxiously long). You can also buy ice cream while you wait to tide you over - just ring the big bell and they'll serve you right away.

    (3)

  • Mary Beth E.

    You need to be ready and committed to the wait. We got there at 11. They open at 11:30. Got the food around 12:30. If you can commit to the wait, it was the best lobster roll I had all week! Easily a pound of lobster. Glutten-free bread as an option was great - and the bread was delish. Cash only but there is an ATM

    (5)

  • Khin Z.

    We literally went all the way to Wiscasset just to eat at this place. We were prepared to wait as long as it took. Anyway, we went around 6:30 on Friday and we got the food within 5 minutes. It was either we got really lucky or because it was the weekend before Memorial Day. lobster roll- $18- there was about 3 tails in my roll. They were moist, sweet, juicy and PERFECT!! Did I mention there were a ton of lobster meat in it?! scallop basket- $13- Huge scallops, also very sweet. The batter was very light and it was a little soggy. I thought it was a little bland but boyfriend said they did it on purpose to highlight the fresh scallops. french fries- very soggy and oily, could have done without. crab cake- ALL crab, no fillings! That was probably why it was not as crunchy, and it was also bland. Overall, I would totally go back, even if it was an hour wait. We went to Sprague's the next day to compare to Red's. Red's was SO much better, hence the long lines. The ice cream store next door, was also fantastic!

    (5)

  • April E.

    These ARE the best lobster rolls...period! I fly out to Maine every year from Portland, Oregon and make sure to stop at Red's. I like coming here not only for the delicious food but also the great service. The ladies (sorry, I have only seen ladies working) are top notch! They always have a smile on their faces and are always so energetic and happy! Even though they are known for their lobster rolls, you HAVE to try their homemade blueberry cake. It's to DIE FOR! I think everyone needs to eat at Red's once in their lifetime. You will never regret it!

    (5)

  • Zaydz Z.

    One of the best lobster roll I've ever eaten. We we're on our way to Rockland when we saw a long line so we stopped, almost everyone in line were friendly, specially the mosquitoes hehe. Seriously, the locals are really friendly, would have stayed longer and tried more if we weren't in a hurry.

    (4)

  • Eric S.

    Lobster a plenty on the roll. Wife liked her crab cakes. French fries and onion rings were so-so. French fries reminded my wife high school french fries. Homemade lemonade was not homemade. Chicken nuggets were okay. View of the bay is beautiful but the ongoing traffic is a little annoying. Would've given four stars but I'm a little lobster rolled out. Definitely worth coming here with your wife and kids. Best part was the crabcakes and the plentiful lobster meat.

    (3)

  • Mike R.

    Look, it's no secret this place is good. With whole chunks of lobster overflowing out of a perfectly toasted New England roll, it HAS to be good. Why I'm giving Red's 5 stars is for it's intended function. Sure, there's no place to sit inside, so you probably can't call it a "restaurant", but that's not the point. Red's takes the quality of a product like a Maine lobster and treats it appropriately, simply, and somehow, differently then everyone else. Perfectly cooked, fresh mounds lobster on a roll, for a price that (usually) shames every other "restaurant" that has ever served one. That's why they're so successful, and that's why they get 5 stars.

    (5)

  • Brian R.

    Red's is an institution, and a destination for pilgrims seeking communion with the Holy Grail of Lobster Rolls. You can't pass through Wiscasset without coming to the bridge up to Boothbay Harbor and seeing this wonderful tiny red and white building. Well you'd see it save the huge line that usually accompanies it, because the line can roll down and around the corner on busier spring days. We were lucky that it was drizzling so it was quick. You want to eat here, and, with due deference to Kateri M's recent review, the places across the street in the lobstah roll department don't cut it. At Red's you get a HUGE meat-filled, perfectly seasoned and mixed lobster roll with big pieces of lobster meat. For the non-lobster fan they have grilled items like grilled chicken and grilled cheeses, burgers, etc. They have wonderful fried clams, crab cakes, etc. No one goes away unhappy. For dessert, the blueberry cake is wicked, but they also have nice whoopie pies and great ice cream as well. It's all outdoor patio seating, and it is best to come around lunch time. Towards the end of the day, the tide goes out and the scenic bay becomes a big mud bog that can be a bit more aromatic. There are lots of little shops up and down the way from Reds that owe their large foot traffic to this place. I would also try the sweet potato fries. They were excellent. BRING CASH, as they are not a credit card biz.

    (5)

  • Jim B.

    Lobster is an expensive and overrated frivolity, if you ask me. However, if you're going to indulge you might as well get it from some place that knows what it's doing. Red's Eats is that place. The lobster rolls here are huge (I think they advertise over 1 whole lobster on every roll). They are really good too; loaded with lobster tail and claw meat and smothered in a light mayo sauce with butter on the side. In addition to the lobster roll staple on the menu, try some of their locally made ice cream the sell on the side of the restaurant shack. My wife and I had the blueberry ice cream (awesome) and another that sounded like "moose tracks" and was very similar in design but called something else. Anyways, I highly recommend both. As far as the staff is concerned, the day we went to Red's was very hot and they were handing out water and umbrellas for shelter from the sun. They were all very nice and they made for a pleasant experience. The only downside for this place is that the line moves slowly and that lobster rolls are generally a bit pricey as they are based on market value. But Red's is well worth a pit stop if you're ever traveling along the beautiful Maine coastline. Moreover, although Red's is still considered a local gem it is quickly becoming a regional phenomenon that you will regret bypassing if you're ever in or around town. Two thumbs up.

    (4)

  • Mike G.

    ok, in my 9months as a certified Maine-r, best lobster roll. over generous amount of perfectly cooked meat on buttered, crisp bun w/ fries. lines long holidays and summer weekends, so avoid or don't bitch abt that; there's reason Red's causes traffic on 1.

    (4)

  • Pete F.

    Let me preface this review by saying I prefer steamed whole lobster much more to lobster rolls. So from what I can gather, the extreme popularity of Red's lobster roll is the sheer quantity of the meat (no doubt very important) and perhaps the nicely toasted bread that it is served in. One thing the popularity cannot be due to is the taste. The sandwich comes completely without any flavor enhancement - no butter, no mayo, no salt. The good thing is you can flavor it to your liking. That said, it is a very good lobster roll. We also tried the fried clams. They get an A for the plumpness of the full bellied morsels. However, the batter is too greasy and we ended up regretting our over indulgence shortly after we polished off our half-pint. The clams at the Clam Shack in Kennebunkport are much better.

    (4)

  • Mac R.

    We've driven hours out of our way to get to Red's Eats on 2 occasions and it's totally worth it! Red's is a little red and white roadside shack at the corner of the lone main street in Wiscassett, Maine with outdoor tables. This place serves a lobster roll that sets the bar on how a lobster roll has always been intended to be. If the line is long, just settle in - you'd be a fool to walk away. Before I ate at Red's, I'd never understood the attraction of the lobster roll because most places load it up with mayo (ewwww!), celery and other fillers so they barely have to give you lobster. I love that you can get the lobster roll here served with a side of drawn butter and not a spec of icky mayo in sight (unless you ask for it). There's more lobster on this roll that what you dig out of a 3 lb. lobster and they did all the hard work for you. Just perfectly seasoned lobster piled really high on that toasty little roll and a side of butter to dip in, just the way lobster should be enjoyed. You sit there at one of their little tables in the parking lot dipping, savoring & swooning for a really long time and eventually you get enough lobster eaten that you can actually pick up the roll and eat what's left. I know they sell other items there but seriously why would you care?

    (5)

  • Mark J.

    Red's Lives Up To The HYPE !!!! Not only the Best Lobster Roll but the Fried Clams And Homemade Tarter just 5 Stars as well,if you get within 50 Miles of this Place GO !!!!

    (5)

  • Andy Y.

    This place is extremely overrated. Not worth the wait for this quality. Where are your palate people? I've visited these 4-4.5 stars YELP review recommendations and it's 50/50 that it stands to its rating. Lobster Roll - Nothing special, the only difference I have to say is the roll served on a lightly crunchy and not on soggy roll. Crab Roll - tastes like a crab salad sushi on bread. Just OK. Crab Cake - over cooked(burnt on the outside) and had a little too much crushed crackers. Clam Cake - lacked favor.

    (2)

  • Tasha L.

    You get about a whole lobster on this roll. Absolutely delish!!! You have to go at the right time to avoid waiting on a long line. I found the best time is is it is gloomy out and cold, lol, which isn't good lobster roll weather, but hey we gotta make sacrifices right! The sides were ok, and the price was up there, but overall I would stop in a heart beat if I were in the area again, and I saw that the line was short :-)

    (4)

  • Aaron W.

    There is a reason there is a huge line at Red's. These were by far the best Lobster Rolls we had during our trip to Maine. Before Reds we went to Spragues across the street because the line at Reds was long and we were hungry right then. Spragues was good a close second on our lobster Rolls of the trip. Then we waited in line at Red's and got two lobster rolls and fried Scallops. The rolls were too packed with lobster to eat, we had to pick some meat off the rolls before taking a bite. The Lobster was super clean, sweet and cool. Served with a tub of butter it is clear that this is THE way a lobster roll should be. The fried scallops were huge and perfectly cooked. The next time we are in Maine we will go to Red's and gladly stand in line for a few lobster rolls and fried scallops.

    (5)

  • Vivian C.

    I can't give this place 5 stars. I don't think it has the best lobster roll in Maine but it probably has the largest lobster roll. If it is all about quantity over quality, then Red's Eats definitely wins. We arrived here early to avoid the crowds, probably 10-15 minutes early and there were already 10 people in front of us. At least we didn't have to wait 2 hours!. We both thought the lobster roll was good but not the best we have had. Maybe it was an off day? Personal preference? We prefer Bite Into Maine and Footbridge Lobster.

    (4)

  • Mike R.

    Came by here for lunch at the recommendation of a friend. The wait was intense, but everyone seemed to be ok with it. The staff were friendly and the food wasn't bad at all. I'm not the kind of person the would wait in line for a place like this, but I certainly see the attraction. The lobster roll was enormous. I had the crab burger with lettuce, tomato and tartar sauce. Not too shabby! The fries were also pretty good. Would I go back? If I was with a passionate lobster roll fan...yes. 4/5

    (4)

  • Bob B.

    It was the best lobster roll I've had. The service is very good and they even hand out samples of fried shrimp while your waiting. Now having said that, I will not wait an hour and a half for anything again. And that was after Labor Day! If you've never been, you need to go to scratch it off the bucket list.

    (5)

  • Cherry S.

    The Fish and Chips was excellent but the line was so long. I waited on line in the hot sun for an hour and then 10 min or more for the food. I have to admit they did give us a umbrella and ice cold water. I also got the Whoopi Pie too and it was great. I don't think I would wait so long next time, unless I was driving by and there is no line.

    (4)

  • Ken H.

    We hunt lobster rolls. We drive out of our way for lobster rolls. We've had quite a few, in lands far and near. Red's lobstah roll is the best we've had. That's all I need to say. Oh, and get the onion rings, too. BYOB in their deck seating. Long wait? Not if you go up the hill to the "Sunken Garden." Better than standing still waiting for your number to get called. Lovely place to drop fifteen minutes...

    (5)

  • Sheila J.

    Try to time your visit to be off hours (early or late lunch, early dinner) as there can be a long line. If you love fresh lobster, this a great place to stop. We have made this our designated lunch spot when doing genealogy trips within 2 hours of it. Great, friendly service even when having seemingly endless lines of customers coming through. Tell them you are taking it home and they will ask how far to help you keep it safe by pacing in ice. My cousins also loves their onion rings, but the lobster rolls are what it is all about.

    (5)

  • Andy D.

    There's a simplicity I don't get! It may in somewhat diminish this review,; however, it is not my intent. As, I waited in an hour and twenty five minute line for Maine's #1 Lobster Roll, watched as a Wiscasset Police Officer directed traffic in front of Red's, I pondered, what has media done to Red's. As one media network from CBS, to Japanese media converged on Red's, each an every time Red's became a little more powerful. This in a sence caused my consternation. As I see media as evil. The line that i stood in wasn't evil, there were a world wide hodge podge of tourists, that represented what is right about the United States, people still want to come here and enjoy us! As I looked to my south and across the street, I didn't see a line at George's Lobster Shack, just a handful of people there. What did Red's have that George's did not? The answer about George's Lobster Shack, who is located on the water, the mix there lobster with mayo, and celery salt, where Red's is just lobster with melted butter on the side, or mayo. You can't get more simplistic then that. And if I went home today with a lobster in tow, and a piece of Texas toast, I think I could master there tricky sandwich. SO the answer lies do you like your lobster roll with dressing or plain lobster and are you influenced by TV, magazines, news print, and the internet. For the very flattering side and a brief history, Al Gagnon who opened up this place, past it on to his children, who diametrically haven't changed a thing. That in itself must be a very highly paid compliment to there father and how popular his business was back then, so maybe news media (the evil ones) weren't so important to why I was standing in a line for an hour and a twenty minutes. As I got up to place my order, I wanted the staff to be short with me and snappy, but alas they weren't, they for the 43 seconds of dealing with them very nice. And, since everything else was self serve, the wait staff and counter staff service was very nice. I ordered the lobster roll, clam cake and fried shrimp, I needed to try a bit of everything. Sitting down on the deck, watching the line sipping on some powdered lemonade with a real lemon slice in it (yes it was bad) I looked at the line as it grew even larger. The lobster roll was just that lobster on Texas Toast, but it was excellent, was it the psychological effect of that line? The clam cake was good, not great, just good. The shrimp, they were fresh, but nothing beat's Alabama Royal Red Shrimp, not Maine's not no one! So I digress it was the plane Jane Lobster Roll, and most likely Al's, time in this community, that drew his fan base. I liked this little shack, would I comeback and endure this process again! Well it kinda goes like this, It's like the tower of London, or the Pyramids. It's history that made it famous, I can't eat a bridge, and I can't eat a pyramid, but I can eat one of there lobster rolls again, PS I wrote this review so long as for the poor schlub standing in it reading right now. Good Luck, buy the cop a coke, he looks tired!

    (4)

  • Andrew R.

    Really amazing lobster rolls. Lobster rolls are overrated.

    (3)

  • Kit G.

    The best lobster roll in Maine. Why? Huge amount of lobster with nothing in it. I like my lobster plain and that is how they do it. You can get butter, mayo, tarter or even hot sause on the side. Comes on a toasted bun. Just perfect. Yes expensive. Get the batter fried zucchini to go with it.

    (5)

  • Marianne L.

    Absolutely the best lobster roll I've ever had (and I've had many)! Waited nearly an hour but it didn't seem that long. While you waited in line, staff brought out water, fried shrimp and umbrellas (to offer shade) at no extra charge. My husband and I each had a lobster roll of our own and we split a large order of onion rings and a coffee frappe. The total was $46. which was very reasonable (compared to other establishments we visited in Maine). Don't let the traffic or line scare you. We'll be back before they close for the season and I can't!

    (5)

  • Christine P.

    This is the classic, the one we always come back to in Maine, and the one I compare all other lobster rolls to. It is worth the wait.

    (5)

  • Tony I.

    Do. Not. Miss. Worth the wait and more. Simply the best lobster roll ever. Fries? Terrific. Onion rings? Superb. And did I mention the lobster roll..with drawn butter on the side...is the absolute best. Disregard your GPS and use any alternative route you can to get to Red's. Stand in line at the shack. Sit out back. Dig in. A guaranteed homerun.

    (5)

  • Nina H.

    The lobster roll here was really good. The lobster was super fresh tasting and there was a ton of lobster. I drowned my roll in butter, squeezed a little lemon on, and was in heaven. I think I might like the more traditional lobster salad type of lobster roll, but when the lobster is this good, I can see why you wouldn't want to hide behind mayo. I also tried some of their ice cream that my friends had ordered and that was really good too. I went at around 9:00 PM and there was no line at all. So it was definitely worth the short detour. I just wish lobster rolls were easier to find in California.

    (5)

  • David C.

    I'm going to say this up front about Red's: I don't get the hype. Not for the price at least. My friends and I ordered three lobster rolls, a pint of fried clams, and three bottles of water and ended up paying $86. You're eating out of a shack when you go here, not a five star kitchen. And the lobster is COLD. Cold lobster meat is fine if you're going to have it with mayonnaise, but it needs to be warm if it's served with butter. The flavors in my roll were on point, but the combination of the cold meat and warm melted butter made for an unpleasant mouth feel. The fried clams are nothing to write home about either. I'd say that out of the entire pint that my friends and I consumed, only one or two tasted like actual clams. The others all tasted like...fried. I liked that they were whole clams cooked in a deep fryer, however, as opposed to the mysterious strips that you usually get at places like Red's. One thing you can't go wrong with here: ROUND TOP ICE CREAM.

    (3)

  • Jim S.

    The wait is ridiculous - there is only one person at the window, when an order is being delivered, order taking stops. It's interminable. Lobster off the boat is very cheap this Summer, not at Red's but what do they care when People drive from Peoria who are willing to stand in line for an hour or more. The fried vegetables and clams are very good. As to the lobster - well it's not really a lobster roll, it's uncutup whole lobster tails claws etc, very difficult to eat without a knife and fork. The butter on a cold plain lobster is certainly not a Maine lobster roll, which uses a very small amount of mayo, and cuts the meat into bite size pieces which you can eat with your hands, as God intended. Try Sprague's across the street. Cheaper. No wait. You could also try Sarah's if you want a sit-down meal. Her own baked rolls are wonderful, but a tad too much mayo. Still a lot more comfortable than Red's.

    (3)

  • Jerry M.

    I'm a little ashamed to say that my lobster roll at Red's Eats was probably my second or third lobster roll ever. Safe to say, it would be silly for me to write this review from the perspective of someone who is an expert on lobster rolls. Nonetheless, I very much enjoyed my experience at Reds. The location is picturesque, right on the water and when the weather is nice - it's a perfect scene. The line will almost always be long, but that's never a bad sign. I got a lobster roll with butter and a side of fries. The lobster roll was enormous, and the meat was pouring out of the bread. Being that I haven't eaten many lobster rolls, I'm probably not the best judge of the quality of the lobster but I found it to be excellent. It tasted so clean, I was surprised I didn't taste a hint of bleach in the lobster. I put some of my fries on the roll, covered it in butter, and I was in heaven. I don't need to say anymore, the hundreds of reviews here say enough.

    (4)

  • Megan G.

    A must stop in Maine for Lobster Roll. Service was above and beyond and the lobster roll was AMAZING!

    (5)

  • Meredith X.

    Came here on the recommendation of a friend. This is probably sacrilege but I think the lobster roll I had in NYC is better than this one (ready for the hate). Fine, you get your money's worth with the amount of lobster they put into the roll, they boast that they use more than one lobster's worth of meat Other than that, the lobster roll wasn't anything memorable. The meat was under seasoned, flavorless. I would have preferred the roll to be buttered or toasted but it was just your generic white roll. I would advise to save your money, go to your local lobsterman, and make your own roll. It'll be just as satisfying and allow you customize to your own liking.

    (3)

  • Tammie P.

    Best lobster rolls in Maine. Can be a long wait in the summer but well worth it. It is cash only but there are ATMs in town.

    (5)

  • Samuel S.

    Best lobster roll ever!! I ride up several times from Boston in the summer!! We'll worth it !

    (5)

  • Warren r.

    Look, the lobster was nice fresh and juicy. It however was not worth the 45 minutes wait. There were at least two other places in the vicinity with similar fair and no wait. I suppose if I hadn't eaten 1000 lobsters in my life and only knew about a lobster roll from d'angelos or subway I would be super impressed. Also they tout that there is more than a full lobsters worth of meat in it which may be true but you pay through the nose for it. I can get a lobster at the supermarket for $6 cooked so $18+ for a sandwich is a bit much. I also tried the clam cake. Kinda dry and lacking much clam. Honestly it was the first clam cake I have had but I have had many crab cakes and usually there is an abundance of crab in it so I thought the same would be true but it wasn't. We also got a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich which was good and fries and onion rings. Fries were fine and the onion rings were pretty good but not amazing.

    (3)

  • Jim B.

    Visited Red's with Miss Mary for the first time in 2012. We've been on a lobster roll juggernaut already, and we're only at the end of May. We visited Sprague's across the street first to do the side-by-side comparison. You'll see from my review that while Sprague's lobster roll is ok, you really can't beat Red's for the taste, the size of the roll (heaped with more than 1 pound of lobster), and they do the toasted roll perfectly. Oh, and did I mention the drawn butter? They're the only one that does lobster roll like that. Red's is an experience. Celebrities come here, locals come here, and Mainers that want to take a bit of a drive and don't mind standing in line next to tourists come here. I recognize why Red's is a destination for people that come from hours away. The young couple, the wife 6 months pregnant, had driven up from south of Boston to spend the weekend in Bath and make a run down the coast. She'd been to Red's before and it was on the Memorial Day weekend itinerary for the roadie. We finally met Bear (and Jerry); actually got to see Debbie feed Bear (the adorable Old English sheepdog, and celebrity in his own right) a slice of cheese at the window and I got a picture of Bear. Red's know how to treat their customers like royalty and I'm sure that's one reason why people keep coming back, also. Since we've made it to Red's and it's only May, I'm thinking we may be able to get a couple more visits in this year before they close in mid-October. We sampled the fried zucchini for the first time with our lobster rolls. This was a nice accompaniment. The french fries weren't that great, so I'd say pass on them and go with the onion rings instead, which we've done in the past. Red's sets the bar pretty high to find another lobster roll any better in Maine, although we're on a quest this year to try to find one that comes close. Thus far, Miss Mary's quite high on the one we had in April from Miss Brunswick Diner, although I'm still keeping Red's as my #1 thus far.

    (5)

  • Eilleen B.

    This is undeniably the best lobster roll I had while in New England. Friend and I took a 10 day tour of New England and took Atlantic Highway! So there was a little line. We were on our way to Bar Harbor, ME but coming back towards the area on the return trip. And let me tell you it was the best stop ever. The onion rings were delicious. The lobster roll was unforgettable!!! I love them with butter nothing much else. The lettuce is waste of time for real! I got another one and they put it on ice for me!!!! I will most definitely go back again when I'm in the aarea!

    (5)

  • Wei Y.

    Pretty good but not spectacular. It's obviously very fresh that you can taste the sea but after a few bites, I was reaching for something more savory to compliment the fresh delicate lobster. Then I realized the only option I had was the sweet potato fries. Both the lobster roll and the fries are worth four stars rating but there are certainly something else this place can do to get to the next level.

    (4)

  • Jim J.

    This was by far the best Lobster Roll value for the entire week we gorged ourselves on lobster rolls Down East. More than a half pound of lobster dwarfed the bun for $16.95. The meat was tasty but only naturally so as the was no seasoning added. Bring your own Old Bay spice is my recommendation. Drawn butter is served on the side. The Fish Patties were very good also; two patties of ground fish with the breading being mainly on the outside to form a nice crust. The only negative is very common in these New England mom and pops; the flow chart has one person handling the money and putting the food orders and drinks together while the waiting line gets longer and longer. My theory is that the summer is so short here that the small takeouts don't bother to restructure their service flow for a high season that runs 2 1/2 months. A nice walk down the road running along the Sheepscot River was a good way to burn a few of the excessive calories. It was a beautiful day and this is a very picturesque little town.

    (5)

  • A C P.

    Please please Do Not Eat here... I took my family to this place after reading of mixed reviews from this reviews, "yelp" and others. However, it is totally overpriced and overrated... Waited for 30 minutes or so... We traveled from Washington DC Metro area and stayed in Maine for a few days and stopped by Red's Eats to eat its lobster rolls. Please Do Not waste your $$ and time. There are many other places in Maine and New England places to eat fresh and good lobsters. I personally take time to write this review so that people would read this, and hopefully make his/her own decision. Thanks for reading my reviews on this particular place. Again we would not and will not eat at Red's Eats again for its price. We could definitely go another places in New England area.

    (1)

  • Renee B.

    THE BEST LOBSTER ROLLS!!! I have had many of lobster rolls but this is the BEST! Get the butter on the side - I don't know what kind of butter they use but it is soft, sweet melted heaven. Pour it on your lobster roll and enjoy! The fries are fresh and fried separately from the seafood. I hate eating fries that are fried in the SAME cooking oil. NOT here! Nice service and quick. The town is cute too. You have to stop at Red's Eats if you are in Maine!!!!

    (5)

  • Blah B.

    Great, meaty lobster roll. The meat by itself tasted really fresh, there was a lot of it and I appreciated seeing basically the entire lobster (tail, claws, etc.) uncut on my bun. It wasn't dressed (butter came on the side and froze when I poured it directly on the cold meat) and it was difficult to eat without a fork and knife. I really enjoyed it and glad I did it once but I probably won't go out of my way to wait in line for so long when there are great lobster rolls all over Maine and in this area. Also got a whoopie pie which was amazing and deserves five stars. Red's sells them but someone in the neighborhood makes them so I didn't factor this into their score. Definitely get this with your lobster roll if you have a sweet tooth.

    (4)

  • Gary W.

    Best lobster role we have found in Maine! We were on a mission to try lobster roles across the state, during a two week vacation, and hands down the lobster role at Red's was the best! In return, you have to wait in a very, very long line that winds its way around the block, but after about a 25 minute wait (between line and food delivery), it is worth it. Additionally, they have sensational milk shakes...really excellent. Only complaint is that their other foods we sampled (clams, fries, etc) were good, not great...hence a 4-star rating. But for lobster rolls, go to Red's...they provide massive amounts of lobster meat and the best seasoned and all around lobster rolls anywhere!

    (4)

  • Winston G.

    Easily the most tender and plentiful lobster I've had on a lobster roll for $18 bucks. What a steal. The style here is that the lobster comes unseasoned, but you can get a side of butter and mayo to construct your own seasoning. I would recommend using the butter and then adding a little salt to the lobster to bring out the flavor. However, the butter in itself is sufficient. Seriously, this lobster roll was so good. At least twice the meat of the lobster rolls you get in the city, like at Luke's in NYC. Totally worth the 45 minute wait in line.

    (5)

  • Brittany A.

    Waited over half an hour in line for a Lobster Roll and although the lobster was very fresh, the sandwich was tiny and the prices were expensive ($18 and this is not even a sit down restaurant). I will say that their customer service is wonderful. While standing in line in the blazing hot sun, a woman passed out water, samples of various seafood that the restaurant offered, as well as watermelon. This is definitely a place I would try once but I don't think I would stand in line for Red's again. I rather eat a lobster roll at a place that isn't so hyped.

    (4)

  • Alicia A.

    O... M.... G.... totally worth the 3000 mile round-trip from Indianapolis LOL. We had the lobster roll, which consisted of fresh lobster (not lobster salad!) in a tasty roll, with a side of either mayo or clarified butter (we chose butter, but didn't need it). The lobster was moist and sweet and exactly what we were looking for. Based on previous reviews, we expected to wait in a long line -- we arrived right around noon on a Wednesday afternoon. But we were happily surprised to wait less than 10 minutes before we had food in hand. We shared a roll, sitting at a tiny 2-person table, huddled under the canopy as a light rain fell. It was a wonderful memory of our Maine vacation! Notes: This is a walk-up place (a "shack"), but they do have a couple of tables set out front. It is located right on a city street, so you'll want to watch your kids since traffic is going by. Of the (several!) lobster rolls we sampled, this was the most expensive at $16.95 with no sides, but it was large enough for my husband and myself to share and consider a pretty decent snack/light lunch.

    (5)

  • Don C.

    This was on my culinary bucket list for what's purported to be the best lobster roll in Maine. It didn't disappoint. The line usually extends around the corner, with a 45-minute wait. So I tooled around Wiscasset waiting for the line to decrease. When it did, I pounced. The lobster roll is really simple: just a heaping load of super fresh and delectable lobster on a buttered toasted hot dog roll. I'm not sure if the lobster was tossed in anything or seasoned. But it was damn good. I ended up going there twice in two days. A friend of mine had the idea that Red's should open up a pick up line to hasten the speed of the line. And that may work, but I disagreed with her: why mess with success? That line is a highly effective advertisement for Red's Eats.

    (5)

  • Jesse E.

    They put an entire delicious lobster on a delicious piece of bread. You eat it and are happy. Tips: To survive the long line, bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen or a shade umbrella. Sunday afternoon has a much shorter line than Saturday.

    (5)

  • Andonis P.

    Best lobster roll on earth. No frills, just huge chunks of lobster, roll and drawn butter. Amazing, but worth an hour wait??....you decide

    (5)

  • K M.

    Ok, while I will normally steer clear of places that the locals don't bother with and tourists stand in long lines to get into, I have to admit that I very much enjoyed my Red's lobster roll. Returning to Boothbay from a quick trip to Bath one rainy afternoon, we were stuck in the usual Wiscassett traffic on Route 1 North running about four miles outside of town. My wife turns and says, "I want to stop at Red's!" Normally, as I said, I wouldn't bother and am not a fan of long waits, but when we passed Red's on the way south, I didn't see much of a line and with all the constant rain, I figured that there couldn't be that much of a wait. Turns out I was right and quite literally there was only one couple ordering ahead of us. I placed the order, two lobster rolls and a small onions rings to go, while my wife did a quick visit to the bookstore right next to Red 's. In about five minutes, our order was bagged and we got into the car and drove over to the wharf to enjoy our find. People are not kidding when they say there is well over a pound of lobster in each roll. True it isn't the traditional New England lobster roll with cut lobster with a hint of mayo, but even with the butter and mayo on the side, it was definitely good eats. As for the price, seemed quite in line with everywhere else and, as another reviewer said, what would you expect to pay for a fully shucked lobster. In those terms, it was a bargain. As to the big question, "Will we go back?" Well, sure, but only if there isn't a wait.

    (4)

  • Alysha R.

    The food was excellent and the line was more than worth the wait. It seems a little pricey, only because it goes by market price- but you get about a pound Iobster on your roll...so in reality, it's actually a pretty good deal! The butter comes on the side so you can put as much or as little as you like. The batter on the onion rings are also fantastic!!! We tried the clam cake as well, which was equally delicious.

    (5)

  • Christopher H.

    The line for Reds in my eyes makes this lobster roll not worth it. The only reason we stopped was because thay happened to be open during hurricane Irene. We literally walked up and had roll in hand in under 5 minutes. It was good (no question about that), and more than one lobsters worth of meat, but I would NOT wait the hour + to get one. There are plenty of good lobster rolls around that don't require a wait (across the street even). We did, a few days before attempt the wait for a Reds lobster roll. We had waited 15 minutes and, still had @ 25 people on front of us when someone shouted out of a passing car "IT'S NOT WORTH IT!". We looked at each other, and walked across the street.

    (4)

  • Christina A.

    Although the line can be atrocious, the food is excellent and the restaurant is so iconic! Those dogs though! You can't go wrong with anything on the menu- especially the lobster roll.

    (5)

  • Casey S.

    Hands down the best meal I've ever head! Lobster roll is out of this world - 100% lobster meat, no filler, and as fresh as you can get. The fried vegetables are a delicious appetizer. Breading is yummy and not too thick.

    (5)

  • Rob R.

    Read the reviews for Red's and was excited to stop there on our trip from Portland to Winter Harbor on our drive last Sunday. Everything about our meal met or exceeded our expectations. We had the obligatory lobster roll with the fried zucchini and wild blueberry cake. My only regret is sharing the lobster roll with my wife, I should have gotten my own. Not that it was not enough food or that I needed it, I just wanted more. The only other bad thing was that this meal was at the beginning of our vacation and all other lobster rolls were ruined in comparison to this. Definitely recommend and would eat here again and again.

    (5)

  • Carol C.

    Yes it's true Red Eats does have the best Lobster Rolls we could find in Maine. First of all I'll let you know that I'm very Picky and like high quality and quantity for the price and Red Eats does deliver. The Lobster Rolls have probably over a pound of large pieces of lobster stuffed in the bun and overflowing a couple inches on top. We're talking large pieces like a half a tail or whole claws some were several inches long. There is no fillers like celery or mayo just a toasted bun and lots of fresh sweet lobster. They offer you choices of hot butter or mayo if you want. I took both. First I dipped my large pieces of lobster on the top in the hot butter. When I ate enough of the lobster off the top I spread a little mayo on the bun then I ate it that way. The roll is just too big to try to bite into without eating some lobster off the top. They have many items on their menu but the lobster rolls is what they're famous for. The rolls are $15.75 each and worth it. We ate here 3 times on our trip up and down the coast of Maine. One time I actually went back and got a second lobster roll. Hubby told me I was going to get fat but I didn't care. Actually on our trip I found out that lobster is very heart healthy for you. Red Eats closes the day after Columbus Day. This is typical of many businesses in Maine because after leaf change season the tourists drop off and it gets pretty windy in Maine. I dare anyone to find a better and bigger Lobster Roll! Truly awesome ocean freshness so pure and sweet.

    (5)

  • Yuncong Z.

    I was having lunch at Red's Eats on 7/7. There was a very long line waiting for food. The owner is so kind that they provided free ice water and umbrella to chill down people waiting in the line and provide some shade. The lobster roll is so good that worh my 2.5 hours waiting in the sun. The crabcake comes with their own saurce which I really enjoy it. The only con side is they don't accept credit card - cash only.

    (4)

  • Jax A.

    I don't know how I found you, but I am so glad I did. I drove past this gem on my way to Rockland, ME and saw the line around the corner on a Monday afternoon. Of course I yelped it and confirmed the reason for the line. Convinced myself that I was hungry (having just eaten 2 hours before). Well, I am glad I did. By the time I got seated, I was hungry again and yes, it was worth the wait! BEST LOBSTER ROLL IN MAINE, Period. Period. that's it, that's all you need to know. Get in line- you will not be disappointed. (2 hours later) Your Welcome.

    (5)

  • Jade H.

    In my research for our trip (focused on lobster rolls) I thought this place looked really touristy and not worth the effort. We happened to come across it on the road and happened to get there at 11am (they open at 11:30am) which is the perfect time to be the first 5 people in line. Definitely worth the wait! Best lobster roll, awesome whoopie pies, the crab and clam cakes were so good and the lady serving the big ol line was really friendly. Lots of places to sit. Worth the experience for sure and Wiscatett is a cute little town.

    (5)

  • Suzanne M.

    I was heading back home to New Jersey but decided to eat dinner with my family before the long drive home. We decided on Red'd Eats and drove one hour out of the way to get there. The line was very short (we were lucky); approximately three or four customers in front of us. However, we had to wait about 15 minutes before we finally got to order since there was only one person taking the orders and manning the register. I ordered the lobster roll and crab cakes. The lobster was fresh and tasteful. It was large, the most lobster I've ever seen on a roll. They give me butter on the side, which I preferred. And, the price was reasonable. The crab cakes were good too, but I've tasted better. Driving one hour out of the way to eat at Red'd Eats was definitely worth it. It is now on my list of favorite places to eat.

    (5)

  • Angela D.

    THE MOST DELICIOUS THING I ATE DURING MY ENTIRE VACATION WAS THEIR INFAMOUS LOBSTER ROLL! The lobster was brimming out of the bun. It was so sweet and tender. I love how they don't mix in the mayo so you get the true flavor of the lobster meat. Bread was nice and toasty! I am glad I went during off-peak season so I didn't have to wait in a lonnng line. It was windy so we couldn't enjoy our food outside but all said and done, their lobster roll is soooooooo orgasmically good!

    (5)

  • Sonia C.

    Best lobster rolls ever!! Need I say more. Bear, the Old English Sheepdog is a superstar.

    (5)

  • Elle P.

    Sorry, New York, but Luke's Lobster, Red Hook Lobster Pound, or any other place doesn't even begin to compete with Red's Eats. Once you've eaten here, you'll understand why Mainers scoff at our puny lobster rolls. The lobster roll at Red's Eats is LOBSTER NIRVANA!!!! Each light and fluffy buttery lightly toasted rolls is stuffed with more lobster meat than one whole lobster for $15.75 (current market price). The meat is so fresh and tender that the ghost of the lobster is still lurking around shell-shocked over losing its shell. In Maine, they know the lobster roll is all about the lobster and nothing else. A roll is generously stuffed and then overfilled with huge chunks of lobster meat and nothing else. Hot melted butter is given to you on the side and if you're a philistine, you can ask for mayo. But it's a sin to ask for mayo when you're given such incredible sweet juicy lobster meat. It needs to be enjoyed naked, pure, and unadulterated. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can go next door to try the lobster ice cream. They pureed lobster, mixed it into cream, and then turned it into ice cream. It's a sweet-savory-salty mixture. It's 25 cents a sample if you want a taste.

    (5)

  • Keith S.

    Best lobster roll ever! More than a lobster of tender meat! Line is the only drag.

    (5)

  • Frank B.

    Amazing lobster rolls. The biggest ones I've ever seen/had! Will definitely go back again each and every time I'm in Maine. Highly recommend this place for anyone who is into top quality seafood. And if you're a carnivore who eats sea food only once or twice a year, this is the place that could convert you!

    (5)

  • Champagne C.

    We are lobster fiends. Our attitude is lobster needs no enhancement - no rolls, no butter, CERTAINLY no mayo, celery or onion! God made it perfect just the way it is. Steam it in sea water and have at it!!! Well, ole Red has a lesson for God when it comes to making sure people enjoy their lobster. This was the first lobster roll that I have ever enjoyed more than simple steamed lobster. And then came the fish and chips. Not a big fan of fish and chips...too much fat plus I've never been a fan of the taste and texture of a slab o' fish. Well, OH MY GOODNESS, I tried my husband's fish and chips after finishing my lobster and, it was almost another religious experience! I cannot wait to go back. I'm sold on Red's Lobster roll and their Fish and Chips.

    (5)

  • Eddie D.

    You drive by and you think is just a little road side stand. But if you look closely is when you notice the line. But keep an eye for the traffic though as you're going down a big hill toward the bridge. So we order the lobster roll, lobster roll and lobster roll. And a fried clam. Waited few minutes and got our food, my first reaction was, Holy Crap! That's a HUGE lobster roll! This lobster roll probably has a whole pound or more worth of lobster meat in it. This is the largest lobster roll we've seen during our trip. You could get this with either mayo or butter. Only thing I have to say is, I'm happy. And their fried clam was huge, and again. I'm happy. If you eat at the benches behind the stand, be careful with the mosquitoes, especially during the summer, it will get bad. Definitely be back.

    (5)

  • Professor Anonymous Q.

    Note: You can skip right to the middle if you want my real "two cents worth". Red's Eats has charm by the bucketful, just like the amount of meat you'll get on your lobster roll. Right smack in the middle of equally charming small town Wiscasset, and located not ten feet off of busy Route 1, Red's oozes a mix of cool diner, walk-up-window, pre-war eatery, summer time nostalgia. I've stopped here many times over the last 25 years and window service has always been friendly and helpful. Lines can be frighteningly long in summer and limited outdoor seating is, uh, well... you may have to wrestle someone for a spot. Yes, the lobster rolls are swimming in undressed fresh meat. (You can season it yourself.) The rolls are expensive, but remember that picked meat runs about $26 a pound, and besides, fresh grade A seafood has NEVER been a cheap meal, here or anywhere else. Other foods (clams, burgers, fries, etc.) are good enough, and plenty better than most other Route One eateries. First cent's worth -- You'll notice that there are very few reviews of Red's from Mainers, but that's okay. Folks "from away" think they've fallen into lobster roll heaven when they stop at Red's, and in a way they have. But take it from this Maine-iac, there's more! Second cent's worth -- The truth is that there are dozens of wonderful shacks scattered upon Maine's many peninsulas; some in the form of large fish processing buildings, some in the form of a towed camper, and many in between. Some are no nonsense, take-a-number and we'll call you restaurants; many are folksy, serve- it-on-a-paper-plate places. Few of them are on a main thoroughfare, so you must journey. However that's half the fun of "shack seeking" in Maine. If you really want to experience Maine and honest seafood and local charm, you must seek out these quirky establishments. How? Well, it's almost as simple as picking a road that leads to the coast and driving to the end. Roads that wind down the various peninsulas are sometimes long-ish, up to fifteen miles even, but amazing things can be found off the beaten path. I'll start you off with a couple of places. Bring your camera, and maybe a sweater. These are somewhat obvious - I won't tell you about some of the other "secret" places. You'll have to find those yourself! Mind you I'm not comparing lobster rolls here, just tipping you to how memorable and charming eating in Maine can be. Try Five Islands Lobster Shack in Georgetown, and The Lobster Shack at Two Lights in Cape Elizabeth. You won't regret the trip.

    (4)

  • Willim P.

    While traveling in Maine, my friend decided he was going to stop at this roadside dive at all costs. Towards the end of our trip, we finally made the stop and I am glad we did. The Lobster Roll is filled with more than one full lobster and tasted great. It certainly should be in the running for one of the best in Maine. The other things we got were great as well. I tried a grilled Haddock Sandwich and it was great as well. Other good sides that were tried were the french fries, sweet potato fries, and blueberry cake. We will be stopping at Red's on all future visits to Maine.

    (5)

  • Alice L.

    Hands Down BEST Lobster Roll I've EVER HAD! Easily over a LB of fresh sweet lobster on each heavily buttered crispy roll. You Mayo or butter the Lobster Roll yourself. The Fried Clams, Holy Cow! These are no clam strips, it is the entire clam, belly and all. They are like fried oysters - but BETTER! I would love to go back but that hour and a half wait in the blazing sun was pretty brutal. We passed by a few days later during a rainstorm and the line was just as long, the only difference was it was dotted with umbrellas.

    (5)

  • tegen d.

    It's a very good, pretty, and very expensive lobster roll. Cudos to Red's for quality and presentation. If you're on the hunt, however, do yourself and your wallet a favor and head just a little ways down the road to Brunswick. Red's is very good, but the sandwich just doesn't measure up to the superb quality and value of Libby's in Brunswick.

    (4)

  • Albert M.

    ust perfection on every level. a tiny shack in a tiny town on the side of a tiny state road in the middle of a state 30 years in the past. a shack only open from april 1 to november 1. you wait in line for what seems like forever. you look over the huge menu, past the fresh oysters, clams, shrimp, and fish, but know there is only one thing to be ordered...lobster roll! red's eats is the best lobster roll in america and top 3 sandwich in my opinion. it is plain and simple. toasted white bread, and a lobster, dipped in drawn butter, with onion rings and a fresh lemonade. you take it from the window, and walk down to the patio in front of the river that passes through town. let's back up. did you miss what i just said. toasted white bread..and a lobster. not the claws, not the inner parts, a whole fucking lobster. your flimsy piece of white toast is expected to hold in two claws, the inners, and what...the tail...a whole 1 1/2 pound lobster....nowhere else in america does it this way and nowhere else in america will ever do it this way and that's why red's eats is the best. the best! hands down, no questions asked! the best! i am talking death row, final meal type of best!

    (5)

  • Jon S.

    I agree with the consensus that the best attribute of their lobster roll is the sheer size. After waiting for an hour in the heat, we finally were able to sample the much vaunted roll. I know this may sound crazy but the chunks of lobster were almost too large and difficult to eat without picking it out of the bun. The taste of the lobster was very good (it is Maine after all) but there are better tasting lobster rolls. Also, I was a little surprised at how cold it was. Tried the fried clams and thought they were nothing special. So, would I return? Given the other worthy options in the area, probably not but I was glad I was able to experience a lobster roll from here at least once.

    (4)

  • Billy G.

    Not worth the long wait. I thought a lobster roll is suppose to have a secret sauce mixed with the meat and I thought it was suppose to be warm? The lobster roll is piled high (about a 1.5-2lb) and is about $17 and cold. Fries are extra. Cash only. I had plenty of lobster rolls on this trip and this place wasn't even close to the best I tried. Try DiMillo's in Portland or Fisherman's Wharf in Booth Bay, better lobster rolls, better view, no lines and they take credit cards.

    (2)

  • Fei P.

    Lobster roll way too pricy, wait time way too long... Don't understand why all the hype about this place. We stood in the sun for more than half an hour, just waiting for the 10~15 persons in front of us to be served. The lady is very patient and polite but she both takes order from people and serves the food (pours mayo, sends food out of the tiny window), which makes the line move excruciatingly slow. Then the price: they say market price for the lobster, which is now at historical low around $4 per pound according to wall street journal, but one lobster roll still cost $17! I know there's a lot of meat in it but still! This is supposed to be a hole-in-the-wall type of place with great price and good food, but it's only marginally cheaper compared to a restaurant. Finally the taste: maybe I'm too picky, but there's too much meat in the roll. You are basically chewing on plain lobster meat the entire time and occasionally hit some bread. For someone that's just there for the lobster it should be a feast, but it's just excessive for my taste. The crab cake though is exceptional, that's maybe the only part I really enjoyed about the whole experience..

    (2)

  • Kim C.

    We decided to wait it out this time and were not disappointed. The lobster roll is over stuffed with just lobster and the roll is grilled. While it's not the best tasting lobster roll (fresher lobster can be found and I like a little mayo and celery) it certainly has the most lobster. The onion rings were very good with big pieces of onion and a sweet batter. The blueberry cake was just right to cap it off, not too sweet and very moist. The ambience was just right for a summer day in Maine.

    (4)

  • Matthew T.

    I'm sorry people, but The Emperor has no clothes. This place is totally over-rated. Its an institution on the coast of Maine and for that reason only it MAY be worth a stop. Its one of those places that you have to be able to say that you went to once, but believe me once is enough. Red's signature dish, the lobster roll, is painfully average and the wait to get one can run up to one hour. What is wrong with you people that fawn over this place? Are you all from New York City or what? Have any of you ever ventured off Route 1 in Maine for lunch? Sure there's lots of meat in the roll, but that hardly makes it special as thousands of restaurants in New England serve as much or more meat in their lobster rolls. Is it fresh? Sure it is, but again, thats not special. Anyplace serving a lobster roll that isn't fresh won't be in business for long. The view is nice, but there are dozens of nicer water view locations to get an equivelent lobster roll in Maine. The bottom line here is that the lobster rolls are good but defiantly not special in ANY way shape or form, they are very pricey compared to other comparable locations, there is no beer to wash them down with, the "dining area" is suffocatingly small with cars passing within 10 feet of you on route 1 and the wait that can run to an hour or more and that makes Reds Eats totally not worth it.

    (2)

  • Em S.

    So incredibly over-hyped. This place stays in the headlines because too many travel writers don't do their own research but instead just repeat what someone else said years ago. I cannot understand why people stand in line for 15, 20, 30 minutes or even an hour to pay $17 for a lobster roll, when this lobster roll is not any more special than the next one down the road. When, in fact, the next one down the road might have a much shorter line and a killer view. I took off one point for the ridiculous wait, and a second point for the lousy view--sitting on the side of Route 1 as vehicles idle in backed-up traffic. The third point comes off because you have to actually finish making your own sandwich. Yes, the mayo comes on the side and somehow you are supposed to deconstruct your sandwich, stir in mayo (how much ? Geez, I'm not sure. And in what? The aluminum wrapper on the sandwich?) and then reassemble the sandwich. I'd rather go to a restaurant in a quieter, drop-dead gorgeous location, not breathe automobile exhaust, and have them serve me a sandwich that's already been put together. And I don't need $17 worth of lobstermeat. A more modest portion would be just fine.

    (2)

  • Phoebe L.

    this place is so good I have no words to describe it gorgeous college girls handing out golden brown rolls festooned with fistfuls of plump succulent lobster! Claws! Tails! and they understand! It's all about the BUTTER!!!!! and now the Zuchini! Yes it is Fried and sweet as Candy! Don't miss it!!!!!!! It's better than the lobster! and how can it be that such perfection exists in the heart of the most beautiful town in Maine??? with a harbor of glass traditional lobster boats floating caught between eternity and tomorrow touched with sunlight and I have to say, Only in America. THE BEST! REDS is THE BEST! in the WORLD!!!!

    (5)

  • Matt E.

    If you want good seafood in New England it always ends up being in a tiny place like Red's Eats. It's a total tourist place but it's not a tourist trap or over rated, they really are very kind people making very good food. I went the first week in October when the lines weren't that bad but unfortunately they were out of some things in their already abbreviated menu like scallops. I had heard so much about their famous lobster roll and had never had a lobster roll so figured this was the best place to try one for the first time. I don't have much to compare the lobster roll to but it was great. I was not expecting the lobster meat to be cold so I was off-put by that but that's standard for a lobster roll. The roll was huge, they claim to put the meat of more than one full lobster in each roll and I wouldn't doubt it (seemed like 1 1/2 lobsters). The best part is that they don't put anything into the roll but tons of lobster meat (no mayo, no lettuce or fillers). They give you hot melted butter and mayo on the side. I'm not a fan of mayo so this was perfect, just a drizzle of butter over the lobster and I was golden. For $15 it was a good value. The place is tiny but they have a great amount of tables and chairs out back overlooking the water. It's really a gem of a place and deserves all the recognition it's gotten.

    (4)

  • Ethan L.

    Welcome... to the Wiscasset crawl... Situated in Wiscasset over the bridge on historic route 1 is probably one of the biggest food, if not, THE biggest food attraction in the state. Here a simple seafood shack known as Red's serves up what is considered the best lobster roll in Maine. I came here on a Tuesday afternoon, kind of cold and hinting rain, but that didn't stop the crowd. The experience of waiting nearly a full agonizing hour for this is not fun. You will stand next to the highway, with lots of slow moving cars and trucks and motorcycles. Revving engines, and huge truck noises all to common. Forget about trying to have a conversation. It's really unpleasant. Lots of tourist and out of state people get in line to try this once in a lifetime opportunity, many seemed really out of place too pulling up in Mercedes and wearing designer shoes. Anyway once you eventually get to the counter the menu is incredibly varied. I would have liked to try more things but it would have been too much food. Ravenous as I was, I ordered two rolls, one with a side of mayo the other, the way I traditionally like to have it, with drawn butter. There were clams to be had, fresh haddock, even burgers and dogs, but like I say... you don't wait in line this long for hot dogs. Staff at the front are actually really nice. This was a real big relief, nothing would piss me off more than staff who serve a bunch of tourists with an "I don't care" attitude since hey... I am never going to see you again anyway. Luckily this does not happen at Red's staff here are VERY pleasant. Heck they even gave us a free drink cause we forgot to order one for someone! How bout that! The rolls are huge. A full lobster.. no probably even more than one because you could easily pick out multiple claw and tail meat in them. Even at market price, and the quality of the meat and it's preparation are done just right, this is a very good value and not at all a tourist rip off. The drawn butter is seasoned with some sort of sweetener. I was kind of taken a back by this but it still works. Sweet potato fries stay CRISPY. A served crab cake is filled with lots of crab, virtually no filler, but it was cooked a little too long I noticed being very dark. Hey I live in Maryland/DC we're all about crab cake... The long lines really make you think seating is going to be a pain, but because the line moves so slowly, people leave and eat giving plenty of room for seating. As mentioned you are by the highway, at the worst a giant dump truck belched out a huge ploom of black smoke over us, thank god I had finished eating. I think it's a one in a thing experience, and I am glad I've done it, but I would do this again and wait that long only on a special occasion. I am also not convinced this is the best roll in the Maine, but hey nobody is complaining. It is though without question the biggest and by far the best value I've had. You wont leave hungry that's for sure. Just be in the right frame of mind when you go. And if there were only 10 people ahead of me, man I'd so hit it. I talked to some other Mainers and one guy use to go here 20 years ago before the place was so famous and the rolls were 8 bucks. Man time flies..

    (4)

  • Will C.

    #169 Arrived at the end of line at 2:30pm Got to the head of the line at 3:20pm On a Sunday afternoon Is it worth it? Yes, and no. Yes, because: Lobster roll is about $17. Compared to some of the other lobster rolls I've had, this lobster roll is superior. They use about 1 1/2 lobsters per roll, and it shows in that my own roll had two beefy tail sections plus a heaping amount of claw meat. SO MUCH LOBSTER MEAT!! Lobster meat is very fresh. It's served with a side of butter and the roll itself is pretty dinky, just a slice of white bread. If you are a lobster aficionado, then here's a lobster roll worthy of your taste buds. They also serve other treats besides lobster like sweet potato fries, chicken nuggets, hamburgers, hot dogs. But, there's no point to waiting in line for nearly an hour just to eat these if you're not going to sample the lobster roll. Also serve a very tasty homemade, wild blueberry cake (made with fresh blueberries) and various ice cream varieties. The ladies behind the counter are very sweet and good-humored. They'll announce where customers have traveled from and clearly appreciate the good fortune and attention their lobster shack receives. No, because: THE LINE is massive. I waited nearly an hour in line. The time goes by slowly, although everyone's in good spirits because we're all in the same situation. Cash only. However, there is an ATM machine next door. Overall: If you're in the area and have time to kill, do come by here and try their lobster roll. It's not that much more expensive than any other lobster roll you've had, and it's far better than any lobster roll you've had.

    (4)

  • Ernest P.

    Locals said stay away as they are supposedly overpriced and coasting on their reputation and national exposure. We went anyway, about near closing time and there was no line. I may have felt differently about my experience had I waited 30-45minutes. I didn't! Got lobster roll, fish and chips, and onion rings. Lobster roll was super big, no complaints. Be wary, no dressing at all, mayo or butter on the side. It was very tasty but I was not prepared for how truly cold the meat in the roll was. I believe it lead to muted flavors, and the sweetness of the lobster didn't sing to me! Fish and chips was very good and onion rings good with puffy batter. Would definitely go back but probably would not wait in a crazy line though.

    (4)

  • John E.

    I too am not quite sure why Red's Eats is as famous as it is. They do give you a lot of lobster meat, which is quite nice. It was my first time eating a lobster roll, and I was surprised that it's just lobster meat on a roll. So I'm not quite sure how Red's Eats is significantly better than another lobster roll place, with the possible caveat that they give a lot of meat. Having said that - hey, a lot of lobster meat is tasty. The fries were really good too, and a clam cake we got was fine. I'm glad to have eaten there, and it's probably worth braving the line once.

    (4)

  • J.D. R.

    The fried whole belly clams were pretty good but we had better in Kennebunkport the day before. There were 2 groups of 2 people in line before us. I guess we were lucky but it still took 22 minutes for them to even take our order (we timed it), never mind serve us...and fries don't come with. I understand why there is always a ridiculous line now.

    (3)

  • Beatrix K.

    Red's serves a good lobster roll. I do wish they would chop the meat more and mix it with a little mayo, vs offering either hot butter or a side of mayo. (In other words, I wish it was more like Libby's in Brunswick.) It's big and the chunks are so large, that it's really too hard to eat with your hands. That's why they give you a fork. It's also a very touristy place and the wait is way too long. Very good hotdogs for $1, which is helpful with kids who don't like seafood. If you're on your way to Wasses for hotdogs, skip it and stop here first. That is, if the line isn't too long.

    (4)

  • Loli L.

    Lobster roll. Apparently, this is the thing that gets tons of people to flock here. Apparently, it's also good. My dear lumberjack said it was good. I just watched him eat it and helped myself to his fries. The fries were alright. They had ice cream as well and if I hadn't stuffed my gut with an incredibly delicious pie across the street, I might have had room for it. As it was, it was a nice tranquil* patio deck setting off the road, overlooking the water. Wear sunblock. *We came off-season. So, I'm not sure that it is always tranquil.

    (4)

  • Mark M.

    We were heading north on 1 when we saw a line all the way down to the Harbor. After an extensive Google search we determined that we would wait in line en route south on 1 back to Boston. The heavens were happy because upon returning it had just stormed and there was no line. This was the fourth lobster role I had in 3 days: - There must have been the meat of two whole lobsters on this role. Wow. - While the meat was perfectly steamed, succulent and the most perfect thing I've ever tasted, I didn't want to eat it as a role, but rather eat each piece individually. - Market price today was $16 which I thought was a steal for the quantity of lobster and the fact that it was ready-to-eat. - My personal preference for lobster rolls is to have dressing added to the roll, so I can't rank this among my favorite but it was damn good. Be sure to have ice cream around the corner.

    (4)

  • Chris L.

    If you go to Red's in the summer, you WILL: - Wait in line for over an hour - Get second-degree pit stains - Develop a farmer's tan and/or sunburn on your nose, arms, and neck - Be tempted to get out of line and eat at the lobster shack across the street (the one with no wait) - Order milkshakes to boost morale - Hear people bitching about the service - Be unable to find a seat and be forced to sit on the ground You WILL NOT: - Be disappointed.

    (5)

  • Tom H.

    My husband and I shared a lobster roll and fish & chips. The lobster roll was bland, the tastiest thing about it was the bun & butter, but I had to remove most of the lobster. If you like plain lobster you will love this, it was over flowing with limp, tasteless lobster. The fish from our fish & chips had a soft and soggy batter coating. Even the addition of tartar sauce, marinara sauce or salt and pepper wasn't enough to make the meal taste like much. The line for Red's was curled around the food station, they were sold out of onion rings, all soda, and several other specials on their menu. We waited 20 minutes and spent $30 for our order expecting a tasty local treat and it was incredibly disappointing. Save your money, go anywhere else.

    (1)

  • Scott K.

    On vacation in Maine and prior to the trip had investigated the issue of where is the best lobster roll served. Nearly everything I read suggested Red's served the very best lobster roll (apparently in the world!). So, we tried the lobster rolls at all of the suggested spots but, BY FAR, the very best was, indeed, Red's.... We loved it so much that we went there three times.... They use the meat of an entire lobster on the roll. It is absolutely fresh. Those who talk about the melted butter were perhaps unaware that you can order a side of mayo if you prefer or do it as I did...with mayo and the melted butter. One reviewed said her melted butter "froze" when she poured it on the roll. I really think that would have been impossible. When your order is ready, they call you to the window and at that time...right before giving you your order, they pour melted butter right out of the melting pot into the cups in which it is served. So, it is warm and would not freeze unless you poured it on ice. The fries are very good also....much like McDonald's fries, which I think many people offer up as the best. The only issue is that there can indeed be a long wait. The first time we went, we waited an hour. The other two times we were there at "off" hours and the wait was lesser...but one time was 30 minutes. I do think they could move the line quicker by having a seperate window for delivery of orders. They now use the same window to take orders as they use to deliver orders. They take one order and then do nothing until they deliver an order, and then take another order. They should be able to devise a system where they are taking/delivering at the same time. This was clearly the very best lobster roll we've ever had....and there isn't a close second.

    (5)

  • Resnet L.

    I know they make fabulous lobster roll, and most people go for lobster meat. But since they have other items listed on the menu, I decided to give a try. So I ordered clam cake, which is not commonly seen elsewhere. To sum up, 1) the 'cake' was essentially a burger pattie rather than a cake: I had expected something similar as a crab cake but it wasn't; 2) the cake tasted plain and I tried hard to look for the flavor of clam but I failed: the material of the pattie tasted more like smashed and then pressed potato. I might have happened to order the poorest item on the menu, but it was really poor!

    (1)

  • Jill R.

    Hands down freshest Lobster roll. I have eaten lobster rolls through out Maine, Ma, and Nh and this is by far the freshest, Simple and delicious. Perfect amount of chunky tail and claw meat on a toasted roll. Served with a side of melted butter or mayo so you can dress it to your liking. If you come here in the warmer months expect a line... or longer then a line.. I dont know if you could call it a line.. there should be another name for this. But its worth it, oh it is worth it. My mouth is watering from orgasmic memories. MMM

    (5)

  • Chris C.

    My wife and I were vacationing in Maine for the first time and after reading many positive reviews, we stopped here for a couple of lobster rolls. They were amazing, the service was great and they even gave our dog water and a biscuit. Would highly recommend.

    (5)

  • Leo O.

    Came here specifically for the lobster rolls and they are truly to die for! They give LOTS of lobster meat and the bread is not soggy at all. That is because they don't add any seasoning to your roll, you season it yourself and add whatever sauce you'd like. I loved the celery salt seasoning. All the workers were EXTREMELY nice and helpful. We had our dog with us and they gave him a dog biscuit and a plastic water bowl while we waited. Because of that and the excellent customer service, hence the 5 stars!! They really know how to cater to people and make you feel welcomed. When we went today, they even gave out samples of their Whoopie Pie and Fried Shrimp. This was my first time trying a Whoopie Pie and I liked it. It wasn't too sweet at all. Just the icing on the cake to an already excellent meal. We also had 1/2 pint of the fried clams and I loved the red sauce that came with it. I forgot its name, but you can get the white or red sauce. We got both on the side to try but we both much prefer the red sauce. The clams tastes good when it's hot. Otherwise, that oily/fried taste kicks in. If you don't like clams, I wouldn't get this dish because you can taste a lot of the clam flavor. This place is light years ahead of the popular place for lobster rolls in NYC. I won't mention any names =P but this place gives TONS of lobster pieces compared to the NYC one. The NYC one should learn to give us more lobster meat!!! From a previous reviewer, he paid $15.75 per roll. I don't remember the exact price, but after taxes, each roll is about $17.07. One thing, this place only takes cash!!

    (5)

  • Robert S.

    I'm just going to pile on! Eat Red's nonpareil lobster roll! I can confidently say that they made the best roll that we had on our vacation. The lobster meat was literally falling out of the sandwich. My wife took a half tail off the top and the roll still had more meat than any other lobster roll we ate. The butter comes on the side you can have as much or as little as you prefer. Checking out the photos that everyone posted will give you an idea of the lobster excellence I'm talking about. It was raining the day I went so the line was fairly short. Traffic was horrible but most people were kind and let me cross.

    (5)

  • BL R.

    AmAzInG! Don't be discouraged by the line. They move it along reallly well. The lobster rolls...OMG...ALL lobster. So good. Even gave the blueberry cake with a dollop of whipped cream a try, and we weren't disappointed. So gooood!

    (5)

  • Michael C.

    What can I say..... by far the best lobster rolls anywhere. Theres like a whole to one and a half lobsters per roll. Freshly made and well worth the wait. Love this place.

    (5)

  • Brian B.

    Saw this place on tv several times, and it is better than even they proclaimed!! I would not wait an hour, but if there isn't much of a line: it's the best Lobster rolls we had on our entire Maine trip!!!! We did have a lot of lobster rolls on the trip, but did these are the best that I've had anywhere in the US. The town is also very small and a great place to visit and take a walk in.

    (5)

  • Robert M.

    Excellent sirloin steak sandwich, burgers and lobster roll.

    (4)

  • Nicole B.

    We drove here from Boothbay Harbor after reading about it in many different books. We waited in line about an hour and then waited another 10 min for food to come out. If you are looking for a ton of lobster on your roll this is the place for you! The bun was grilled instead of toasted which I liked. We got a side of butter and a side of mayo. We did not care for the fact that we had to construct our own sandwich. Most lobster rolls are held together with a little something for flavor. The fried clams have been mentioned as well. We ordered the smallest order and they were 17.00 and tasted like dirt! We ate once each and threw the rest out. And 17.00 for fried clams that taste like dirt?? Really? The staff was very friendly. I would get the lobster roll again if passing by and the line was small but won't race back anytime soon. I give the lobster roll a 3 and the clams a 1=2. Overrated.

    (2)

  • Amy S.

    We pulled into town on our way to Boothbay...and had heard all the hoopla surrounding Red's...the line wasn't bad, so we decided that we simply must stop. This is supposed to be the best...and boy are they right! We split a lobster roll and it was truly the perfect way to start our trip. We got the regular roll (without mayo) that you dip in butter. So generous in the amount of lobster meat...and is was sweet and succulent...truly deliscious. We had several lobster rolls on our trip (including one from across the street) and this was simply the best. This was also the best one for the price. Good stuff!

    (5)

  • janette m.

    red's is the bomb..we return everyt year to Maine. we say we aren't going in September but I get on the travel sites and book us in. Red's is superior to any lobster roll that we have eaten. the fresh haddock is out of this world and i love the honesty and youth the owners present in their business. i give Red's a 10 out of 5 starrs. See you in September with our foster parents who are gonna just love your LABSTAH!

    (5)

  • Jon B.

    Over the years I have read numerous reviews about this famous clam shack serving up unbelievable lobster rolls out of this tiny shack up in Maine. Yesterday, on a beautiful Saturday morning, my son and I set out to drive the 245 mile trek to sample this roll with stops planned for biking around the Portland Head light and a little back to school shopping at LL Bean. We had a late picnic at Portland Head and ended up staying for the sunset. We arrived at Reds around 8:45pm which appears to be the "golden hour". No lines! The young women who took out order could not have been sweeter considering she probably already took 400 orders before we arrived. Our order was simple.. two lobster rolls and two root beers. The lobster, like everyone before us said already was overflowing. Simply delicious! The best I have ever had in my 52 years and I have tried a few in my day.. Do not hesitate to go here... the glowing reviews are spot on. We went back to the window and split the Wild Blueberry Cake, warmed with a scoop of ice cream.. Again, it was outstanding! This place knows how to do lobster.. We will definitely return next summer.. Well worth the 523 mile drive!

    (5)

  • Jane Z.

    Okay, it's a big lobster roll - wonderful! BUT THAT IS NOT THE ONLY AWESOME THING ABOUT THIS PLACE. I've really never seen so many awesome options for condiments anywhere else! Gone is the boring and over-mayo'd lobster roll! Some people have complained about blandness or plainless, but I think they just missed something. Right next to where you order and pick up your food is a wonderful selection of salt, pepper, celery salt, vinegar, and hot sauce. You can get butter and/or mayo with your roll too (they ingeniously left the roll undressed), and they will give you little condiment cups for the rest of it if you want as well. Lobster is far from my favorite seafood, but dress up this generous roll with butter, salt, pepper, vinegar, and a dash of hot sauce and OMG YOU WILL BE IN HEAVEN. Also got the fried clams - these babies are FAT and creamy! I never even knew I liked fried clams from just eating lame clam strips - the bellies are key. To everyone who complains about standing in line in the heat - well, i mean, yeah, this isn't their fault. We went at like 3pm in the afternoon and the line was only 15 minutes, and the staff kept bringing us all cups of ice water to take care of us. Sure I could just make the lobster roll at home, but this food is the stuff summer road trips are made of. Eating awesome seafood while sitting on the deck looking at the lobster pot buoys bobbing in the river right next to you on a gorgeous summer day.....bliss. :)

    (5)

  • Thompson L.

    After one visit and passing by twice. I realized there will be 2 constants when coming to Red's Eats.. 1) there will be at least 30 minutes of traffic getting to Red's Eats 2) there will be at least a 1 hour wait to order food. There is only one lane leading to Red's Eats but because of the lack of street lights/pedestrian crosswalks.. the traffic bottle necks right in front of the restaurant causing traffic in both directions. In essence.. you are waiting in line for food before you even get to the restaurant. I spent a total of 3 hours (traffic included) waiting for my food. I ordered the Lobster roll, Fried Clams, Fried Zuchinni, Fried Mushrooms, Fried Onion rings, French Fries and a diet coke. Eat fried food much? Of all the lobster rolls that I have tried.. this was the biggest. 1.25 lbs of chilled lobster meat on a toasted new england bun. This is a forker.. simply meaning.. there was too much lobster and I ended up forking up the pieces that fell out after I was finished. The fried clams were also note worthy as they were absolutely delicious. So was it worth the wait? YES. every second. However, I would recommend that you grab a bottle of wine down the street and enjoy the weather while you wait. The ice cream shop behind Red's Eats is also tasty.

    (5)

  • Chauncey Z.

    Delicious overstuffed fresh lobster rolls. No mayo, butter for dipping. Truly best I've had.

    (5)

  • Dan D.

    Most ridiculous lobster rolls in Maine/anywhere.......You will earn it by waiting in a serious line that might deter some but well worth it when you sit down with a full lobster on a roll. For those who like their lobster rolls seasoned or mayo'd up, you probably will have some constructive criticism but if you're a purist, you'll revel in it. Grab an order of fries/onion rings and the fried clams(you did just wait in a 45 minute line) ***Wheelchair accessible - hill for manual chairs so you may need to kick in for your friends lunch but manageable as it is a "shack" on level ground***

    (5)

  • Joseph C.

    Best lobster rolls. Large amount of lobster meat that was fresh and tender. We had a crab cake and clam cake as an appetizer, which were ok at best. If you want a great lobster roll this is the place to go in Maine. I would pass on the crab and clam cakes.

    (5)

  • K M.

    You can get food that's just as good across the street without the wait. I don't get the hype, but if you want to eat here just remember this: if you need to cross the road please make sure your entire party is ready! Such a traffic jam when people don't cross together!

    (2)

  • Mary Jo P.

    One thing I heard from a local while we were waiting in a rather short line (it was 3:30pm on a Tuesday) was that he was moving out of town because of the tourists.. he is sick of 'em... well excuuuse me! Hey... don't worry, somebody will take your place in line here, thankyouverymuch. Now about that lobster roll: awesome! Get the naked version with butter on the side. When you see the monster pile of lobster - I was pretty sure there was a toasted roll under there somewhere - you will say, "I can't eat all that!" but don't be ridiculous, you will - oh yes you will. If the line had been really long I might not have tried it.. but it wasn't a bad wait at that time of day. I'm pretty sure if the line is wrapped around the building I won't wait. I would cross the street to Sprague's, which was very good too.

    (4)

  • Andrew F.

    Fan of fried foods? Fan of long lines? Then Red's Eats is for you. Fan of prompt service? Fan of moderately or healthy foods? Then Red's Eats hates you. That's the basics of it. I like Red's chicken fingers but I haven't had them in years since the line started getting insane over the past 7 or so years. When I was younger I'd go here for a good fried food helping but nowadays this place is purely a traffic causing nightmare. If you want to get good food in Wiscasset check out Sarah's across the street. Sarah's has great food at good prices and a much larger selection, and they too have a Lobster roll, that, according to my parents, is better than Red's Eats' roll. Although I can't comment on the seafood dishes at Red's (I'm not a big fan of shellfish) I do truly believe this is a place that is a tourist trap...and just remember...Mayonaise can be put on anything, all Red's does is put more of it on Lobster.

    (2)

  • Ron C.

    Not sure why they call it a hot dog joint? 4 Iowans road in on harleys. Read reviews and decided to try crab cakes, fried dough, onion rings, blueberry cake and the famous lobster roll. $18 for lobster roll may seem high but one look at loaded roll and it soon became a bargin. Everything we had was awesome. Granted being from Iowa we are not qualified lobster critics but this is a must stop

    (5)

  • Dave D.

    Lobster roll is huge.. It's plain cold lobster in a buttered bun with drawn butter on the side that's it... Nothing fancy... It's claw and tail meat. It's probably the meat of 1 one and 1/2 pound lobster... What was better was the fried clams. Light batter lots of them and a roll on the bottom the best I've ever eaten. You do have to wait but the girls are friendly.

    (5)

  • E. J.

    While there is nothing technically wrong with the lobster rolls, who wants to stand in a 30 person-long line for a lobster roll that is basically the same as the lobster rolls sold across the street. No matter the side of Route 1 you eat at, the the views are spectacular and the lobster is fresh. Just ask yourself why you would want to wait on a huge line?

    (2)

  • Matt W.

    Excellent fresh lobster. Not cheap but good value for what you're getting. Definitely would go back. Side dishes are over fried.

    (5)

  • Jess M.

    Not all that special for the amount of time spent waiting, and being stared at by the never-ending stream of traffic that passes by. I suggest the sea basket. Plenty of parking and just as delicious. Plus they fry in veggie oil.

    (1)

  • Sal C.

    ftmfw. no sauce is necessary for these lobster rolls to be the best i've had ever. the lobsters taste so much sweeter than anywhere else. the roll was piled high with two lobster tails and lots of lobster meat. this was definitely worth the hour-long wait. yum. and this was only about 3 hours after having a huge lobster meal at lobsterfest in rockland. oh yeah, fantastic.

    (5)

  • J T.

    Good food but don't waste your vacation time. We stood behind what seemed like a short block of people waiting - a well-organized little restaurant could've taken care of them all in half an hour - but it took TWO HOURS for the line to move us to the head. You can get good lobster like this all over Maine, we found out later. Get a recommendation from your B&B or a local shop owner. The owner could use larger lobster pots, expand the building a bit out the back, pay staff based upon the number of customers served, hire another staffer, or any number of other fixes to serve customers faster They could set up chairs along the sidewalk or walk down the line occasionally with french fries for the hungry, standing masses. BUT they don't do any of that. They clearly don't REALLY care about people because they're happy to keep you waiting - standing! If they cared they'd make some changes to serve you faster. About as many people left the line as stayed in it while we were there - disgusted at how long it was taking. Think of all that revenue the owner didn't get. I suggest you keep driving.

    (1)

  • Doug D.

    This place is Ground Zero for lobster rolls. I've been several times (having come all the way from San Francisco), and never been disappointed.

    (5)

  • Foodie G.

    A bonafide rock solid 5 star lobster roll. Worth every accolade it gets. Worth a trip to Maine alone. Went back to back days last June and still crave it. An institution and deservedly so. Bravo!

    (5)

  • Michael M.

    the best lobster roll in the world! been going to reds all my life. it is a crucial stop on the way up to maine for a vacation. sara is genius with her "sign that says "take my place - $20" i wish i thought of that when i was younger...

    (5)

  • Jeremy T.

    In Recent years, due to publicity on television and in food magazines, Red's Eats has become "a destination." Obviously, this has its downsides; it's nearly impossible to eat here nowadays during peak hours without waiting in a line down the block. Growing up, it was never this way-- and part of me is sad that my not-so-hidden treasure is even more not-so-hidden. But I know it's good for business, so how can I really complain? The folks here deserve all the success in the world. The service (despite the line) has always been fast and VERY friendly. Nevertheless-- I'm here to discuss the food. Everyone talks about the lobster roll-- and I will, too, but first I must talk about the Hot Dog. There are three great hot dogs in the world: The Fenway Frank, Gray's Papaya in New York City... and Red's Eats in Wiscasset, Maine. I can't say much more about it than you must try it. As for the lobster roll. This IS the best lobster roll you can get at any restaurant. The complaints seem to be about the "stripped down" nature of Red's roll. This is just plain silly. THAT IS HOW A LOBSTER ROLL SHOULD BE. The mere fact that they give you mayo on the side as an option is nearly sacrilegious in its own way. The bun is toasted quite heavenly, the meat is fresh a flavorful. A bit of melted butter on top and you have a perfect lobster roll. No frills, just lobster-- and roll. This is definitely one of those places that meets the hype. Bring a magazine, cause these days the wait can be long. But it is 110% worth it. I've been coming here my entire life, and plan to continue that trend until I don't have enough teeth in my head to eat their food.

    (5)

  • Cameron T.

    Awesome! We lucked out with a great parking spot, no line, and only a short wait for our food. The lobster rolls were packed full of meat, and the bun was grilled, buttered and delicious! The fried zucchini were huge for a small order and very tasty. It started to rain, but even that couldn't wipe the smiles away from our lobster stuffed faces!

    (5)

  • Kevin G.

    So I only had 2 days during a weekend to spend in Maine, what do I do? I hike up Mt. Katahdin via the Knife's Edge trail and followed by steep descent down a rock pile called the Cathedral. Day one done. For the next, we visit another Maine landmark. Located on the Sheepscot River waterfront in the charming little town called Wiscasset (pronouced 'Wicked Pissah' at least according to the T-shirt shop next door). You can't miss bright lobster-colored Red's Eats. Right on the corner of US 1 & Water St. It was Sept 11th, my friends & I arrived there around 10:45 and I was surprised there wasn't a line forming yet. So we park 30ft from Red's and visit the souvenier shop two doors away. We find from the vendor that it opens around 11:30ish. Around 10:55, I sit down at one of the tables in front of the counter. I am officially the first one on line. Awesome! They opened earlier at 11:20. Double awesome!! I order 2 lobster rolls (market price - $18 each) & deep fried clams on a toasted bun. Triple awesome!!! With the lobster rolls, they give you melted butter & mayo on the side, but you don't need it. The chilled lobster meat is so fresh and flavorful goes well with that simple toasted bun. There is so much lobster meat and I had couple tails in both rolls. So nice and in one sitting I had it twice. On top of that I had the deep fried clams which were ok with the cocktail tail. Also tried some of the fried zucchini from my friend's order, I though it was very good. So if you are in Maine, you must try Red's.

    (5)

  • Cindy D.

    Would have had a better time if my dad wasn't standing over me yelling at me, wanting me to eat in the car so we wouldn't hit traffic. We drive all the way out here and you cant wait 10mins for me to eat!? Anyway on to the review. They were not stingy on the Lobster at all! Id say I had a lobster and a half on my roll. What bun? I didnt even know there was any bread because all I could see and taste was Lobster. Perfectly sweat and not over cooked. Cold yes, but not overly. With a little mayo for saltyness and butter for some fat I couldnt have asked for a better bite. YUM. Yay lobster. If I wasnt so full I would have ordered another one. Sad. I wish this place was in my backyard....or a little closer. If youre in the area Id say its a must. Now there is something to be said for working for your food. I dont know if you could achieve the same result from steaming your own lobster but if you want it served to you go here. I think what makes lobster soo good is digging it out and cracking shells. Fried clams...bleh Crabcake...inedible Lobster roll...hell yes.

    (4)

  • David S.

    Lawbsta! I had two lobster rolls while I was in Maine - one was forgettable and the other a treat. Red's was the latter. Mounds and mounds of fresh lobster stuffed into a toasty bun with your choice of butter or mayonnaise on the side. GET THE BUTTER! So much lobster in each bite and all for under $20 (mkt prices). Be forewarned: Red's is just a shack at the side of the road in the middle of Wiscasset. The line can be endless but that's because people know a good thing. I am a lobster purist and this is the purest way to eat lobster as street food. Yum.

    (4)

  • sarah b.

    this is a must stop for any maine visit. don't sit on the picnic tables near the water or the bugs will eat you alive.

    (4)

  • joe r.

    Perhaps the best lobster roll in Maine. Yes, there's a line. Yes, tourists come here. But it's because it really is that great. You can get it butter or mayo-style and they're both delicious. The "Sturdley" hot dog is also pretty great. Oh, and the ice cream! OH AND THE VIEW! Yum yum yum good for my tum.

    (5)

  • Jeff M.

    Okay, the lobster roll is literally overflowing with lobster. As in, if the roll were a cruise ship and if the lobster meat were people, then people were certainly falling overboard by the dozens. As in, if it was my first time here and they handed me a lobster roll with half as much lobster meat, I still would've said, "Wow, what a generous portion." Personally, I can't decide between mayo or warm butter with my lobster roll. Here at Red's Eats, having the warm butter was awesome. The game started as dip the overflowing lobster bits into the butter; it ended as dunk the entire roll and make a mess with the butter. A glorious mess. The line is long. Parking is limited. Seating is limited. Traffic sits still as passerbys see the crowd around Red's. I got there at 10:30 AM, which was one hour before opening, and there were already several people ahead of me. This is a true Maine experience. Worth every minute and second of waiting. And not just me. Everyone around me. Seriously.

    (5)

  • M M.

    THE best lobster roll ever! we waited an hour on line and it was TOTALLY worth it!

    (5)

  • Toni M.

    Omigawd! Wicked good! The biggest and best lobstah roll...period! Don't believe what I say, see the photo of it. static3.px.yelp.com/phot… Today we took another lobster roll road trip. Wiscasset is 20+ miles closer than Freeport. We've had lobster rolls here at least once on our last trip. Red's is housed in a little shack by the bridge that crosses the river, either just before it on the left if you're heading north or just after it on the right if you're heading south. There are almost always lines. It's a matter of whether they're short or long. We were there just before noon, so the line was short. We each ordered a lobster roll. We were asked whether we wanted butter or mayonnaise on the side and we said neither. I had iced tea and Alan had water. It cost about $35. In front of the shack there are a couple of tables beside the road. Behind the shack there are a couple of small decks w/ white plastic patio table and chairs overlooking the river. When our number was called and Alan brought them back to the table we were stunned. There was more lobster than we'd ever seen in a roll. It looked like the meat from a whole lobster in each roll. It was barely cut up, there was no binder and no celery or anything else. You could barely see the roll. He took the photos. We took bites. It was cold and tasty. We embarrassed ourselves w/ little moans and exclamations. We agreed it was a good thing we didn't have this as our first lobster roll because every one that followed it would have been more or less a disappointment. We'd remembered it as being good last time, but not transcendent. As we were finishing, three men arrived at an adjacent table, two about our age, the third maybe 20 years younger. The one facing us looked over and asked if we were from the Bay Area. I said, "Yes, how did you know?" and he said, "KCSM", alluding to my shirt. Turns out he was from Castro Valley, on his way home. He was w/ his brother and his brother's partner. They were heading south from Bar Harbor, saw there was no line and decided to stop. He moved over to our table to chat w/ us until it was time for them to leave. I love these serendipitous encounters while traveling!

    (5)

  • Shannon T.

    Perfection. We visited in late September, so the wait was (only) about 30 minutes. In a pretty heavy rain, but it was worth it. The friendly staff passed out fried shrimp and loaner umbrellas. The extra $20 I gave the cashier in my haste was returned, and (especially for such a busy place) the staff were so warm and thoughtful. The only problem was that it was my first lobster roll ever; it has set the bar impossibly high, I'm afraid. I'm indebted to the friend who recommended Red's. Definitely worth the drive, and the wait.

    (5)

  • Kim B.

    I would not say Reds Ears has the best lobster roll in Maine....maybe for tourists but locals don't agree. For the price, you could easily go to a fish market and buy the lobster, hit the grocery deli for a yummy roll, mayo and lettuce and still have money left over. The line is way too long to wait in for an order of food. Total tourist trap.

    (2)

  • Laura G.

    Believe the hype. I am not sure why it is so hard to match the amazingness of a Red's lobster roll. But as simple as it is they do it best. Great onion rings too. We brought a family friend here who had never had lobster here and I think he is now hooked.

    (5)

  • Kelly B.

    Best lobster I had in Maine. I lucked out by going on a rainy evening during the week and there was no line! My only complaint is they didn't put the lids on the butter containers tight enough and I got hot butter all over me.

    (4)

  • John W.

    Great lobster rolls. The rolls are stuffed full and covered in butter. Red's the man and he's serving it up old school.

    (4)

  • J S.

    Awesome lobster roll! The meat was tender and was overflowing out of the bread; we chose to have the melted butter on the side & even though the lobster was cold, it was the tastier way to go. Market price was $15.75 today. Last week we would have thought that was slightly on the expensive side, but having paid either 15.95 or 16.95 at Maine Diner a few days earlier for a smaller, cold w/ mayo lobster roll, it seemed reasonable. The best thing we ate on our entire vacation!

    (5)

  • Gen M.

    Always a line but worth the experience. The lobster roll is seriously a whole lobster in a bun. I like to pour melted butter over it. Don't leave without the blueberry Ice cream, man oh man I went back for another the next day it was so delicious.. and beautiful.. weird to say about ice cream I know but the color was really pretty. Definitely stop here!

    (5)

  • SeaChi N.

    Warning to those from NYC, eat at Red's and you'll never appreciate Pearl, Mary's, Mermaid, Red Hook..etc. again. The lobster roll is that good, you get the entire lobster with butter or mayo on the side... try making out what part of the lobster you're eating from any NYC establishment... is it worth the 6 hour drive from the city.... you betcha!

    (5)

  • Sonia K.

    I would agree with Aria's review and just like everyone after waiting about an hour, we finally ordered the lobster roll, fried clams and crab roll. The fried clams were probably the best..the crab tasted good but was just too much mayo on it. The lobster roll, well... it was barely passable. It really just seemed as if a lobster was boiled, cracked and then tossed in freezing water (maybe in the water under the bridge) and served on a roll. I think we were predisposed to the idea that roll is hot or warm....we got a little bit of a surprise when it came out cold. so, our review could be biased but there was no flavor to the lobster, and it was soooo cold. I am talking about eating this in 82degrees weather! It was a lot of lobster as they claim but it was just so plain and bland. Even the butter did not help. But their fried clams were excellent...not oily and stringy but cooked perfectly and with tartar they came out great. The crab roll was good just that it was an overload of mayo which I should have expected.

    (3)

  • Dennis K.

    hands down their lobster roll is one of the best things i've ever eaten. the meat is supposedly 1.5 lbs, and i believe it, there had to have been at least 3 claws and 1.5 tails in there. they stuff the buttered split top roll and ask if you want butter or mayo. tried both, gotta say that the butter was superior. when that butter soaks down and hits the bun, it's a heavenly bite. i went a couple of days ago and paid 15.75, and it was well worth it. if i had to choose my last meal before i die, this would be the place.

    (5)

  • A. T.

    Four stars for the very good value ($16 market the day we went) on a lobster roll with a ginormous heaping of lobster. Minus one star for the two-hour wait for a minimalist lobster roll that is basically lobster on a bun and nothing else (ie., no spices etc). Walk across the street to Sprague's, order two (smaller) lobster rolls for $32, be in and out in 20 minutes, and walk away feeling satisfied that your time is worth more than $16 an hour.

    (3)

  • Jennifer C.

    The best lobster roll, hands down. I couldn't even see the roll part because there was so much lobster, get it with drawn butter and a side of fried zucchini.

    (5)

  • Wendy C.

    This has got to be the best lobster roll on the planet. You have to wait -- we waited on line for an hour -- but there's a reason. Don't give up and leave. Stick it out. It's worth it.

    (5)

  • Karen Y.

    Holy smokes, this place is ridiculous. You won't believe it until you see it, but it's a small road-side shack that causes traffic for miles back on Route 1. Given that you have to wait in traffic anyway, you may as well stop and eat the best lobster roll around. But don't get too excited, because if you are dumb enough to go there on a long weekend, you will wait nearly 90 minutes for your food. But oh, what a reward at the end of your wait. 1.5 lbs of lobster, in huge, succulent chunks on a perfectly buttered/grilled bun. Excellent, juicy fried scallops and tasty fried zucchini. Bring your Lipitor pills.

    (5)

  • Alan N.

    went here for labor day weekend. about a 45 minute wait in heat, but TOTALLY WORTH IT. i had lobster rolls in kittery, in kennebunk and in bar harbor. the lobster roll from reds was definitely the best. they put the most lobster on it. We also got the fish and chips (too battery), the fried clam cake (a waste), and a whoopie pie (not homemade). i would suggest just getting the lobster rolls. They are huge and come with a side of mayo and a side of butter sauce. use a little bit of both, it will change your life.

    (5)

  • R And J.

    My friend recommended this place for the famous lobster roll. After the pleasant drive to the cute town of Wiscasset, we arrived at Reds and I ordered the lobster roll which was divine! It was so yummy! The view was pretty too and the company was great :)

    (5)

  • Nat S.

    I've been avoiding Red's for years, namely because I hold them responsible for the traffic in Wiscasset, and I always knew they were overrated. I think I can safely say that I have the most comprehensive list on Yelp regarding lobster rolls. With this statement, I am establishing myself a self-proclaimed expert on lobster rolls, not to mention that I was born and raised in a mid-coast town, pulled pots with my dad when I was little and had a 10 trap license through my twenties. I never made my living doing it and didn't spend a summer as a sternman, but I feel I know lobster. The lobstermen I know don't ever eat lobsters.... I digress. The people that love Red's might not have that much exposure to lobster rolls? I could be wrong and stir up a lot of controversy, but I think you'll find 99% of the people in line at Red's aren't Mainers. Red's roll style hardly even qualifies as a lobster roll. It is really just shucked lobster meat that has been chilled and places in a buttered roll, so it looks as big as possible with some mayo or butter on the side. Did I mention they are $16.95? My biggest complaint, which maybe the reason everyone loves them, is that they put a half tail in each roll without cutting it. The tail is very chewy and stringy, so having a whole one lengthwise in the roll just makes for an awkward bite. You can't incise a tail without dragging the entire tail out of the roll. You then have to gobble it up like you took too big of a spaghetti bite. The setting on river isn't that nice either. Go down to Five Islands for the full shebang, or if it is just the roll you are after, head to Gurnet's, Gilmore's or Morse's- see my list.

    (2)

  • P D.

    You will sit through 20 minutes of traffic. Then you will wait in line for 20 minutes while traffic crawls past you in a sometimes deafening roar. Then you will shell out $14 for a lobster roll. Then you will be truly happy. They claim to have the best lobster roll in all of Maine, and I believe them. They've been written up just about everywhere, and the whole operation is out of a tiny red shack on the side of Route 1. What's so great about it? Large chunks of fresh lobster. The butter and mayo are served on the side, so you can add as much or as little as you want to. Thin toasted hot dog bun that doesn't overwhelm the lobster flavor. All around yum! Plus they are very dog-friendly. They bring dishes of water around for the dogs while waiting in line, and when you get to the front of the line they give you free dog biscuits.

    (5)

  • Zoran M.

    This place is awesome. Little unassuming shack with great seafood - lobster rolls, fried scallops, fried zucchini, etc. Definitely try this place. The service is friendly and fast. I wish all fast food restaurants were like this.

    (5)

  • Jae L.

    so very very good...but the line is so very very long....

    (5)

  • susan r.

    I've tasted alot, but still think this is worth waiting in line for! That's half the fun, who you meet! It's worth the price, and always is served with a smile! Never pass by without stopping even if there is a line!

    (5)

  • barbara c.

    worth the long lines, best lobster roll

    (5)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:30 am - 11

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : No
    Good For : Lunch
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : No
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : No
    Caters : No

Red’s Eats

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