Bite Into Maine Has The Best Lobster Rolls Around!
Hey! Welcome back to my series on Portland, Maine! During my visit to the Portland Head Light Lighthouse, I had the pleasure of lunch at Bite Into Maine. It was such an experience enjoying an authentic New England lobster roll in the park with the famous Portland Head Light behind me. For me, it just doesn’t get any better.
Bite Into Maine
Bite Into Maine has several locations in Maine, and I dined at the Food Truck in Cape Elizabeth, right inside Fort Williams Park (home of the Portland Head Light Lighthouse). It’s such a lovely drive into the park and immediately behind the parking area, you’ll see the Bite Into Maine Food Truck.
The food truck features a full lineup of sandwiches, sides, drinks, and of course some Whoopie Pies for dessert! My husband and I ordered two Maine lobster rolls and two Connecticut rolls and a side of freshly made chips to share. The lobster rolls are available in 4.5oz and 6oz sizes and all rolls are priced at $29.50 (4.5oz) and $37.50 (6oz). My total for 3 4.05oz rolls and 1 6oz roll and chips was $134.00. Yes, pricey for lunch for 2 but it was well worth it! Bite Into Maine’s Connecticut-style roll is just warm lobster meat with butter and the Maine-style roll is chilled lobster meat tossed with mayo and chives.
Maine vs Connecticut, Which Is Your Favorite Style?
Not sure of the difference between Maine-style & Connecticut-style? Here’s how to spot the difference.
Maine
In most cases, a Maine lobster roll is served cold and usually tossed with mayo, celery, and seasonings before it’s stuffed into a bun. The bun itself is called a “New England” or “Frankfurter” and it’s very similar to a hot dog bun. The only difference is that the sides of the “Frankfurter” are flat making them easy to butter & toast (or grill). The buns are typically the same for either style. Since most people associate lobster rolls with Maine, The cold Maine-style version is the most common to come by on your search.
The key takeaway, Maine lobster rolls are typically cool and lightly tossed in mayo on a butter-toasted roll.
Connecticut
While Maine-style lobster rolls are cold, Connecticut-style rolls are served warm and only dressed with butter. There is usually no dressing, just lots of melted butter to douse your sandwich in!
The key takeaway, Connecticut lobster rolls are served warm and only dressed with melted butter, still served on a butter-toasted roll.
And The Lobster Roll Winner Is…
I absolutely loved both versions and I’d happily pay the high price tag for either version, but if I must choose a winner I’ve got to go Connecticut-style! Hold the mayo for me and BRING ON THE BUTTER! That warm claw and tail lobster meat drenched in butter…on that butter-toasted roll WITH a squeeze of lemon…ABSOLUTE PERFECTION! I’d love to hear from you all, what is your preferred style?
Thanks for Reading!
When your travels lead you to Portland, Maine, do yourself a favor and check out Bite Into Maine. Whichever style of lobster roll you prefer, Bite Into Maine does it to perfection and you won’t be disappointed!
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Portland Head Light Lighthouse
On my recent visit to Maine, I enjoyed visiting the famous Portland Head Light Lighthouse. Portland Head Light is located in Cape Elizabeth Maine, on the shores of the beautiful Fort Williams Park. Portland Head Light looks out over the Portland Harbor which is within Casco Bay in the Gulf of Maine.
In addition to the lighthouse, Fort Williams Park offers ninety acres of hiking, picnic facilities, sports & recreation views, and the most stunning ocean views!
A Brief Lighthouse History Lesson
In 1787, construction on the lighthouse began (for the UNBELIEVABLY low cost of $750!), and was completed in 1791. The first lighting of the tower was on January 10, 1791. Portland Head Light is the oldest lighthouse in Maine. During the American Civil War, raids on shipping in and out of Portland Harbor had become commonplace, and because the lighthouse was so necessary, the structure was raised an additional 20 feet.
Today Portland Head Light stands 80 feet above ground and 101 feet above water. The light station is now automated and the tower, beacon, and foghorn are maintained by the United States Coast Guard. Portland Head Light Lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
Keeper’s Quarters
The current keepers’ house was built in 1891, and up until 1989, it was home to lighthouse keepers. The keepers’ house and grounds are owned by the town of Cape Elizabeth and are now operated as a maritime museum.
Everything You Need To Know For Your Visit To Portland Head Light!
Fort Williams Park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. There is NO admission fee to the park, but some parking areas do have a small fee.
I visited Portland Head Light in June and the weather was unexpectedly chilly (for me anyway, I’m a NC native and June means HOT). Be sure to dress in layers during your visit to the lighthouse, I’m told the temp never goes above 70 degrees!
While there were plenty of visitors to the park, it was never overwhelmingly crowded, with more than enough room for everyone to see and enjoy the sights. As always, I do recommend arriving early to get the best photographs!
For food, don’t miss the Bite Into Maine food truck! The food truck is parked at the top of a hill right inside Fort Williams Park and they serve the most delicious lobster rolls! Don’t worry, my next blog post is all about Bite Into Maine so you’ll be able to see and learn more about their awesome food. In addition to Bite Into Maine, there are Gelato carts and other food options in the park, and with all of the picnic areas, you can certainly bring and enjoy your own food!
Thanks For Joining Me In Maine!
Looking out at the water and seeing the colored lobster buoys in the water felt like such a quintessential Maine experience that I’ll forever be grateful for! Please be sure to stay tuned for my next post, all about the delicious lobster roll truck inside Fort Miller Park!
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