The small town along Route 1 in the Mid-Coast region of Maine, Wiscasset is known as “The Prettiest Village in Maine.”
The most famous attraction in Wiscasset has to be “Reds Eats” an unassuming take-out joint that has been designated as having the best lobster roll in the Universe or something by the countless press articles that love to iconize the Red’s Eats” sign.
The line of patrons wrapping around the block even before Reds opens is a sight to behold. What’s Red’s secret? They warm the lobster meat in butter before placing it on the hot dog bun. This is not the cold, mayo “salad” type lobster roll you may have had before. Warm, buttery lobster rolls can be found in other locations, we’ve enjoyed them down at Bill’s Seafood in Westbrook, Connecticut on Long Island Sound, but no doubt part of the appeal of Reds is to say you stayed in line for the famous lobster roll. The other part of the appeal is the pure gluttony of the lobster –
Each roll has the meat of two claws popping up from below, and a whole, split lobster tail over the top, boasting more than an entire lobster on each roll.
Red’s Eats Menu
Besides lobster rolls, the village of Wiscasset offers a cluster of period buildings housing galleries, shops, restaurants, historic homes, a bridge over the Sheepscot River, train tracks through town, and a marina.
We rolled into town late after touring Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Park and staying too long enjoying the waves, cool breezes, and just sitting on the rocks enjoying the summer. The Lighthouse park shut down at 5. That might have been the first hint to start thinking about dinner.
Restaurants close up early in this part of Maine. Most stop serving around seven or eight.
We tried to get into Water Street that appeared to be a nice looking upscale dinner spot but were told they were only taking reservations and the receptionist suggested Sarah’s up the road.
We were thankful they were still serving and eventually seated with a view of the river and a pint of local beer in our hands. Sarah’s specializes in pizza and calzones which we noted were being picked up by several patrons. We ordered a “Deluxe Haddock Sandwich”, a small calzone, and a crab cake appetizer with a side salad.
Unfortunately, the order got a bit convoluted. My haddock sandwich arrived minus the haddock and was two crab cakes on a bun rather than a grilled haddock fillet with a crab cake on top. The crab cake appetizer becomes two crab cakes on a salad and the side salad ended up on my plate instead of chips. The calzone was fine.
We didn’t complain, the kitchen was obviously winding down and the staff was probably tired after a long, understaffed shift. The food was good and we were famished after a long day of visiting the lighthouse and the Maine Coast Botanical Gardens.
Sarah’s Cafe & Twin Schooners Pub –Seafood, including lobster prepared many ways, plus pizzas & sandwiches served up in unfussy digs.