This Maine Seafood Spot Is Turning An Ordinary Lobster Roll Into Something Special

A whole lobster tail on a stick, dunked in cornbread batter and fried like a fair snack. That’s a real menu item here, and it even comes with a trademark.

I can’t decide if that’s genius or mischief.

The lobster rolls get the same playful treatment. You pick chilled or warm buttered meat on a brioche bun. Then you choose a sauce, like charred pineapple mayo, jalapeño mayo, or lobster ghee.

I like how this place treats a Maine classic with respect and a wink at the same time. The meat stays the star.

The extras just make things louder and more fun.

There’s also a grinning skeleton mascot, red and white stripes, and whoopie pies with a family story behind them. So how far would you go for a lobster roll with this much personality?

Your Lobster Roll Comes With A Twist

Chilled or warm? That’s the first big decision at The Highroller Lobster Co., and it sets the tone for everything after.

The chilled version uses Maine claw and knuckle meat, while the warm one comes buttered.

Both land on a freshly baked brioche bun from Southside Bakery in South Portland. That local bun matters more than you’d think.

A great roll needs a soft, golden base that won’t fall apart in your hands.

Next comes the fun part, which is picking a sauce. The lineup includes lime mayo, jalapeño mayo, roasted red pepper mayo, and garlic mayo.

Charred pineapple mayo and lobster ghee round out the list.

Purists can still keep things simple. You don’t have to drown the lobster to enjoy yourself here.

A light touch of sauce lets the sweet meat do the talking.

My advice is to think about your mood before ordering. Want something bright and zippy?

Lime mayo sounds like a smart pick. Craving a little heat?

Jalapeño mayo is waiting.

This flexible setup is what makes the roll feel personal. Two friends can order the same thing and walk away with completely different meals.

That’s pretty clever for one sandwich.

Can’t Pick A Sauce?

Indecision finally gets rewarded. The Lobster Roll Flight lets you sample three mini lobster rolls, and each one gets its own sauce.

I love this idea because sauce choices can feel like a test. Should you go with garlic or roasted red pepper?

With a flight, you don’t have to choose just one.

The flight works like a tasting menu for people who just want lobster. You can line up mild, spicy, and sweet options side by side.

Then you get to crown your own winner.

This is a great move for first-timers in Maine. Many visitors only plan to eat a lobster roll once or twice on a trip.

A flight packs more variety into that single moment.

Sharing also becomes easier. Pass the tray around the table and let everyone vote.

Fair warning, the debates might get surprisingly heated over mayo.

Try mixing styles too, if you’re curious. Pairing a bright sauce with a rich one shows how much a topping can change the lobster.

It’s a fun lesson in flavor that tastes much better than homework.

Just be ready to pick a favorite before your next visit.

Lobster On A Stick Is A Real Thing Here

Somebody looked at a corn dog and thought it needed more lobster. The result is the Lobby Pop, a lobster tail served on a stick.

You get two ways to enjoy it. The naked version comes warmed in butter.

The other is deep-fried in a cornbread batter, which feels like a county fair moved to the coast.

The name even carries a trademark symbol on the menu. That tells you the team takes its silliness pretty seriously.

Is it the most traditional way to eat lobster in Maine? Not even close.

But that’s exactly why it grabs attention.

Here’s a practical tip. If you want to taste the bakery bun the rolls are known for, get a roll too.

The Lobby Pop is more of a fun side quest than a replacement.

Pairing it with one of the house sauces makes sense. A tangy or sweet dip, like charred pineapple mayo, can balance that crispy coating nicely.

Kids and grown-ups alike will probably grin at the sight of it. Food on a stick has a way of making everyone feel like a kid again.

Snap a photo before the first bite, though.

The Comfort Food Corner Gets A Seafood Upgrade

Grilled cheese is usually a lunchbox hero. At The Highroller Lobster Co., it gets fresh claw and knuckle lobster meat tucked between the slices.

The cheese is a blend of cheddar and Swiss. It all comes on buttery toasted bread, which sounds like the coziest thing on a chilly Portland afternoon.

Then there’s The Influencer, a lobster cheese crisp taco. The shell is made from crispy cheese instead of a tortilla, so it works as a low-carb option.

That name made me laugh. It’s a dish that seems built for the camera, and the menu owns it with a smile.

Burger fans have a path too. The Surf and Turf pairs the Highburger, a brisket blend patty, with butter-poached lobster meat.

That’s land and sea sharing one bun.

Mac and cheese also sits on the menu for anyone wanting something warm and simple. It’s a nice choice for picky eaters in the group.

These dishes prove the kitchen likes to play. Lobster shows up in places you wouldn’t expect, and somehow it fits right in.

Bring a friend so you can split two of them.

Not In A Lobster Mood? The Menu Still Has Your Back

Every group has that one person who doesn’t want lobster. Good news, they won’t go hungry here.

The Red Snappah is a foot-long red hot dog from Shields’ Meats. Red hot dogs are a beloved Maine tradition, so this one carries some local flavor.

The Hadlock Sando features fried haddock on a sandwich. Its name nods to Hadlock Field, the city’s minor league ballpark.

Crab rolls are offered as well, made with Jonah or Rock Crab.

For something lighter, look for the house salad and Caesar salad. The Highburger, with its brisket blend patty and caramelized onions, covers the hearty side.

Sides deserve their own spotlight. Shoestring fries come seasoned with Old Bay, which is a classic seafood spice.

Maine potato kettle-style chips are another option. They come in Casco Bay seasoning or a Curried Ketchup flavor, which sounds bold in the best way.

A raw bar also serves fresh Maine oysters. Chilled lobster tail splits and shrimp tails are on it too.

So yes, lobster leads the show. But the supporting cast is strong enough to keep everyone at the table happy and full.

Save Room For A Whoopie Pie With A Family Story

Mom’s baking made the menu. The whoopie pies are reportedly baked in small batches by the mother of co-founder Andy Gerry.

That’s a sweet detail in more ways than one. It gives a bustling city restaurant a homey, family touch.

The whoopie pie is also the official state treat of Maine. Two soft cake rounds hug a creamy filling, and it’s tough to eat one without getting messy.

Ending a lobster meal with one feels very fitting. You get a savory Maine classic followed by a sweet one.

Here’s my tip. If you’re too full after your roll, grab a whoopie pie to go.

It’ll make a great snack while strolling the shops of the Old Port.

Small batches also mean these treats feel special. They aren’t mass-produced snacks pulled from a warehouse shelf.

I believe dessert should always come with a little story. Knowing someone’s mom is behind the recipe makes each bite feel more personal.

Families with kids will find this an easy win. Few children can say no to cake with frosting in the middle.

Just maybe grab napkins first, because that filling has plans for your shirt.

A Grinning Skeleton Runs The Decor Department

Meet Bony Riga Tony, the funky skeleton mascot. He sets the mood the second you notice him around the place.

The look leans retro cool, with a diner feel and bold red and white stripes. It’s fun, colorful, and a little quirky, like a beach shack that went to art school.

Seating includes indoor booths and counter seats. Booths work well for families, while the counter is nice for solo diners or pairs.

Ordering happens through counter service, so the vibe stays casual. You won’t need to dress up or whisper here.

There’s also an outdoor patio area for nicer days. Eating lobster in the open air feels right in Maine, especially in summer.

Need to bring the kids? High chairs are available, and the place is set up with accessibility in mind.

Free Wi-Fi is offered too.

An adjoining merch shop sells gear, so fans can take a souvenir home. A skeleton shirt is a much more interesting keepsake than another magnet.

This playful setting matches the food perfectly. Both feel like they were built by people who enjoy having a good time.

It All Started With Two Friends And A Food Cart

Before the booths and stripes, there was a cart. Friends Andy Gerry and Baxter Key launched The Highroller Lobster Co. as a food cart in 2015.

They set up at events around Portland, building a following one roll at a time. Starting small is often how the best food stories begin.

In December 2017, the team opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant. Peter Bissell, of Bissell Brothers, joined as a partner during that move.

That’s quite a jump in just two years. Going from a cart to a full restaurant takes hard work and a lot of loyal fans.

The recognition kept coming. Portland Old Port named it the best lobster roll in the city in its 2024 Awards.

Winning that title in Portland is no small thing. This city takes its lobster very seriously, and the competition is fierce.

I like that the playful spirit from the cart days still shows. The menu feels fun, not stuffy, even after all that success.

Catering and to-go food are offered too. So in a way, the restaurant still travels, just like that little cart did years ago.

Plan Your Visit Around These Easy Tips

Good timing makes a big difference. The Highroller Lobster Co. is open seven days a week from 11 AM to 10 PM.

Those long hours give you plenty of options. Late lunch, early dinner, or a night snack all work.

You’ll find it at 104 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101. That puts you right in the Old Port, one of the liveliest parts of the city.

The neighborhood is great for walking. Brick buildings and cobblestone streets make it a fun place to explore before or after your meal.

There are no reservations, since seating is first come, first served. Showing up at off-peak times may help you grab a spot faster.

Visiting with a crew? Try ordering a mix of rolls, sides, and something weird like the Lobby Pop.

Sharing lets everyone taste more.

Also consider the season. Patio seating shines on warm Maine days, while booths feel cozy when the weather turns chilly.

Finally, leave some time for the merch shop. A quirky souvenir is a fun reminder of your lobster adventure.

Your next Portland trip just found its tastiest stop. Tony the skeleton will be waiting.