EASTPORT, MAINE – Spirits seem to rise all over town when this little gem of an eatery opens for the season in early May. And why wouldn’t they. From downtown Water street it is just a short stroll down Sea Street to get one of the best lobster rolls Downeast. Combined with a cup of their unbelievable seafood chowder and a wicked-good water view and you’ve got the perfect way to enjoy lunch time. Don’t be surprised to see lots of waving and greeting as folks around town exchange news in between bites.
If you’re not in the mood for lobster, you have plenty of other options to choose from such as smoked salmon wraps, haddock sandwiches and scallop rolls, all served with chips, cole slaw, and a pickle. The deli-style cooler and counter and the outdoor picnic-table seating aren’t fancy, but share the simple sensibility echoed in the unpretentious and just plain, good food.
Over lunch you can watch activities of the human- or seagull- kind at the working pier, or just take in the wide views of Passamaquoddy Bay over to Canada’s Campobello Island. Occasionally, that may include the odd seal popping up, passing fishing boats, or surfacing of a minke whale.
More than just a shining star of local Maine cuisine, Quoddy Bay Lobster is also a retail seafood business with their own working pier. If you fancy buying some fresh fish or lobster by the pound, ask one of the friendly staff about availability and pricing. You can also purchase containers of their cole slaw and other sides, as well as rolls to go, to put together the makings of a backyard feast or a hearty picnic. They’ll also work with you if you’d like to buy some lobster packed up in a cooler to take back as a gift for those house-sitting neighbors not lucky enough to come to Eastport themselves.