If you’ve driven Route 1 in Wiscasset on a summer afternoon, you’ve probably wondered why traffic slows to a crawl as you approach the Sheepscot River bridge. The answer is simple: Red’s Eats. This iconic red shack has been serving what many call the best lobster roll in Maine since 1938 — and the lines prove it.

You won’t find a fancy dining room or frilly sides here. Instead, expect a perfectly buttered New England–style bun piled high with more than a full lobster’s worth of fresh meat, served with butter or mayo on the side so you can dress it your way. Each bite is pure Maine — sweet, briny, and worth every minute of the wait.

Why it’s worth the stop

Red’s Eats is more than a snack break; it’s a summer tradition. Locals and road trippers alike plan their days around a stop here, often chatting in line with people from around the world. The menu isn’t just lobster rolls, either. You’ll find fried clams, scallops, haddock sandwiches, and old-fashioned ice cream for dessert.

Many say the lobster roll here ruined them for all others. The lobster meat is never frozen, always hand-picked, and stacked so high you’ll need a fork to get started. The view from the bridge and the small-town feel make it the kind of stop that stays with you long after the drive.

Know before you go

• Location: 41 Water St, Wiscasset, ME — right on U.S. Route 1 before the Sheepscot River bridge

• Hours: Seasonal, typically April–October, 11:30 a.m. to close (lines start early)

• Parking: Limited on-site; public parking lots within walking distance

• Accessibility: Outdoor counter service; seating is picnic-style nearby

• Pro Tip: Hit Red’s before 11:30 a.m. or after 3:00 p.m. to avoid the peak lunch rush