So delicious! I took the trip up here from Portland after my car rental service recommended it. Definitely the most fresh, stuffed, and tender lobster roll I have ever had. It was certainly unforgettable-- sweet, fat, and juicy! While I'm not a local, it was definitely the best lobster roll of the trip, and a highlight for my tourist wants. The scallop is also delicious. Note that the breading for it is sweet. The service is kind, but note that the wait can be REALLY long, especially when we visited on the weekend. It might be a good idea to show up early or on a weekday. Also, this place only takes cash. There are ATMs nearby, but it's a good idea to withdraw cash beforehand so you don't have to pay ATM fees. Lobster sure is expensive, but I thought this place was more worth the price!
I came here in late October when it it was almost about to close and I came first thing in the morning and an hour before it even opened there was already like a small line however, given that I probably waited one hour versus 2 1/half hours that other people had to wait online. It was cool they gave samples during the line. I got the Whoopie pie the lobster roll and the sweet potato fries and Oliver absolutely amazing and understand the height of that the lobster roll and how they give you warm butter with it and the sweet potato fries are really good. I would not recommend the Whoopie pie because it was not good . This may have been because I got the gluten-free flavor. The ambience of the place it's super cool. It's like a little shack on the water in the middle of Maine.
This place is so insane. People come from all over the world for their food. Usually, we stand in line 45 min to an hour. This time, 3pm on a Thursday, we stood in line for 2 hours. Would I do it again...YES! And now, they have gluten free bread, which makes me so happy. Although I want GF hot dog rolls so I can have a lobster roll that looks like everyone else's and is easier to eat. FYI, their fried stuff (not GF) is a batter. So it's not crispy like other places. And that's not for everyone. But I think it's spectacular (for me, not celiac, worth the cheat of a clam/scallop or 2). Bring layers and comfy shoes. Oh, and they ONLY TAKE CASH (or checks) but they do also have an ATM. Just fyi.
Not sure it's worth the 2 hour wait, but if you want to learn more you can read on ... First, as you may know, there is a lot of hype surrounding this place. It's won several awards. It's been visited by celebrities. It's definitely a tourist attraction. So, the bottom line is ... if you want to sample their food, you will have to wait in line for 2 hours or more. That being said, the lobster roll is great! Is it the best I ever had? Not so sure. But what it does have going for it is a healthy portion of lobster ... meaning so much lobster meat in and on top of the roll that you can barely see the bun ... all at a very reasonable price (compared to others). Not sure I will be waiting in line again. So the decision is yours.
One of those rare places that's a tourist magnet yet lives up to the hype and even exceeds it. Lobster Roll: Gigantic, overflowing with meat that's cool, fresh, firm, slightly snappy, slightly sweet, and very minimally dressed, on a buttered, griddled hotdog bun. Hot butter served on the side for drizzling, but I skip it because lobster this good doesn't need it. It's also a surprisingly good value at $36, give or take with seasonal variation. Fried Clams: Very good. Crunchy, slightly sweet, and substantial under the batter. Fried Scallops: I like getting the dinner to get a little taste of scallops in addition to the lobster roll. This also gets you coleslaw (creamy, crunchy, nothing exciting) and fries (thin, crisp, nicely done). As for the scallops, no crunch on the batter, but jumbo, sweet, juicy interior that made up for it. Fish and Chips: Lots on the plate, with each of the three pieces both wide and thick, surrounded by crisp batter that didn't dominate the fish. White, mild fish that felt fresh and had a nice moistness, as good as any seafood shack anywhere other than the legendary Bet's Fish Fry in Boothbay, who makes the best ever. Accompanying fries long, dark, crisp, and tasty. Hot Dogs: I haven't tried these yet, but at one dollar each, worth a look someday. And they looked good on a neighboring table. Red's is popular and right on the main drag, so lines can be very long (I counted 60+). Get there early to wait significantly less and in significantly lower temperatures than the sun-drenched latecomers. That said, the gracious staff often hands out sun-guarding umbrellas, cups of ice water, and even some fried treats as samples. After you order, they escort you to the deck, which is laid back, shady in spots near the shrubs, and closed off to seat-campers. After you receive your food, they check back often to see if you need anything. Professionally run and delicious. Outstanding service and nice people who, even after all the accolades, are still hungry, still humble, and still thankful for your business.
Being a native of Maine, this is a special place, even if it is a bit touristy. Reds is a fixture in the center of Wiscasset and has been there seemingly for decades. While a lot of places sell lobster rolls. this is Mecca. $34, a gigantic amount of the freshest lobster you'll find anywhere.
Red's Eats has been featured on "Somebody Feed Phil" and many others have visited this establishment. When we arrived, the line looked quite manageable. It was deceiving though, as it still took an hour before we ordered. It could be because it's a way to manage the food orders and seating availability by slowing the line. Thankfully, they have umbrellas for guests waiting in line. Without it, I would've been miserable. Cash or check only. There is an atm if needed on the side. After all this wait, I was a bit skeptical on how much better can it be than other lobster rolls I've had. But it's true, it has the best lobster rolls. It came out with a heaping pile of succulent lobster meat. It was enough for both my bf and I. We also had fried clams. They were delicious as well. I regret not ordering a full pint of them. I'm glad I had the opportunity to eat here!