Maine Tourist Season

When you're not born and raised in a specific region, if they're known for a specific type of cuisine, as a new resident or tourist, you automatically think that every offering of that food is next level.

To break the fourth wall for a quick second with an example -- I lived in Oklahoma for a couple of years, and when you think the midwestern area of the country, you think killer BBQ, right?

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash / Photo by Israel Albornoz on Unsplash
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash / Photo by Israel Albornoz on Unsplash
loading...

When I first moved, I lived right next door to a strip mall that had a BBQ joint named the RibCrib, which was essentially a fast food-type of BBQ place. I ordered a rib basket, took my first bite, looked the bartender dead in the eye and said it was the best BBQ I've ever had in my entire life. His response?

You're definitely not from around here then, because there are plenty of places with way better barbecue than here.

So -- and this is no offense to the tourists that visit Maine every year on vacation since we appreciate the fact you help keep our local businesses thriving every summer -- what tourists consider the best, may not necessarily be the actual truth.

Townsquare Media / Google Maps
Townsquare Media / Google Maps
loading...

Maine Lobster Rolls

When tourists come to Vacationland, there are basically three things on their mind -- beaches, lighthouses, and most importantly, seafood.

And while they're all about trying out a bowl of clam chowdah and taking in some fried clams, there's one thing they care about most -- the one food word that always tends to follow the word, "Maine."

Lobster. And, more specifically, lobster rolls.

So, to touch on the tourist mindset mentioned earlier, while visitors would probably think a lobster roll made in Maine that was also dropped in the sand and pooped on by a seagull would still be James Beard Award-winning, locals know best.

So, that said, in no particular order...

The Best Lobster Rolls in Maine, According to Locals

You can't go wrong with a Maine lobster roll, but these are the spots Mainers think top the list.

Gallery Credit: Jadd

The Best Fried Clams Along Route 1 in Maine, Ranked

These are Mainers' favorite fried clam spots ranked from generally loved to obsessively loved! Which ones are missing?

Gallery Credit: Jadd

More From