Red's Eats — Restaurant in Wiscasset

We were traveling through the 'Prettiest village in Maine" to Arcadia National Park and took a halt at the famous Red's Eats compelled to try it based on its high praises on the internet. We were not disappointed and realized it pretty soon as we saw a person running frantically ahead of us to be 1 place ahead of us in the line. Here is the summary of our experience there:

1. Ambiance 6/5: It has a small counter with a big line and some seating behind the place where you can enjoy the breeze and a little view of the sea while enjoying their famous lobster rolls. Their fame can be judged from the long line.

2. Service 5/5: Even though they are super busy and brimming with customers, their service was pretty quick and they made sure to check on us to see that everything was good.

3. Food 5/5: Here is the summary of the food we had:

The mood was set right from the moment they handed over their fried tempura shrimps. Although I am allergic to shrimp, I tried it, and boy they were amazing. Not to be missed. This just set the right tone for us. So watch out for free servings if you are lucky while waiting in line.

a) Lobster rolls: I personally am not a fan of lobster but my mother-in-law likes them and she loved it here. It was soft and juicy. Totally worth the hype.

b) Fried clams: They were delicious, soft, and spongy. I liked them, especially with the dips and the fried they were served with.

c) Fried shrimps: If you have not read my above fandom for it, here's me loving it again. They were the best in my opinion.

d) Lobster Kebab: This is for people who want to try lobster for the first time for a cheaper price. The quantity is quite small since it is an appetizer but good for trying lobster. It was served with mayo on top and garlic butter dip which I loved.

e) Green Bee Honey soda: We tried this and we are not at all a fan. They tasted syrupy and is probably our least favorite thing of the experience

4. Value for Money: 4/5: I expected seafood to be a little cheaper since this is not like a fast food joint and in Maine which is famous for lobsters but this place is not the cheapest. On top of this, they do not accept credit cards but they have an atm right in front of the front desk. This might put some people off but I guess the taste compensates for this slight inconvenience.

Two thumbs up and definitely worth a visit or even a little detour if you are in the area.!!!

The good:

1. Fried shrimps
2. lobster roll
3. Fried clams
4. Free fried shrimps to try while you wait in line
5. Quick service

Not so good:

1. Honey bee...

A lobster roll isn't exactly the type of food you expect to eat at 11:30 in the morning. And yet - at Red's Eats there is already a line forming around the building at 11:25am. We arrived early, or so we thought, to the roadside stand that begins serving mountains of chilled lobster on hot dog buns with piping hot butter at 30 minutes until noon. The crowd formed quickly and the line behind us started to grow almost immediately. I won't bury the lead - we arrived 5 minutes before opening time and we waited a full 90 minutes before getting to the window. It was worth it. And I am going to do it again.

Having lived on Long Island - I've had a fair share of Lobster Rolls from the popular spots in Montauk, The Hamptons and Fire Island. Some are coated in mayo, sometimes you'll find them served hot and buttery - and you're always left wanting more. In my past experience, Lobster rolls tend to be over priced and lacking in one key ingredient - lobstah.

Oh, but we are at Red's Eats now. And I'm thrilled to report - Lobster is a different experience in Wiscasset, Maine. I chose Wiscasset because of Reds, but I'm sure many come to Wiscasset due to its incredible honor: The prettiest village in Maine. I am happy to endorse this accolade as well.

It was hotter than expected in mid-August for New England, but the crew at Reds were more than prepared. We were offered red and white branded umbrellas to shade from the sun and staff walked up and down the line - offering water and at one point, fried shrimp! The mood stayed jovial as we heard announcements: "a very special guest is here today, they've been coming for 10 years!"

There is seating in the back patio, but you can't go back there until you have your food. What a concept! That way, there are tables available to you as soon as your order. Our food was incredible. I am not sure there are words to do it justice - each roll had the meat of at least two lobsters, you couldn't see the bun. The lobster meat was tender, buttery and flavorful - just divine. We also had fried belly clams - unbelievable and well coated, sweet onion rings. This incredible meal was worth the trip alone.

I cannot...

Ok first of all the lobster roll is extremely good. It's not good because it's the best tasting one you can find (that would be Bite Into Maine's), but that's somewhat to be expected since the lobster meat is cold and understand. What is good is the sheer quantity of meat. I ate a whole one and I was stuffed afterwards not always (or even usually) the case with a lobster roll. I counted two whole tails and God knows how many claws and knuckles. So you get a lot of well cooked lobster meat. The bun is satisfyingly buttery, but you won't be eating it until you've unearthed it from below the pile of meat.

They also have really great hot dogs (kids meal came with a toy seal that my daughter loved), and serviceable fries. I didn't try anything else.

Now the question is, is it all worth it? It's expensive, sure, but not more than any other good lobster roll, and you do get a lot more than at most places. But there is also the investment in time. Red's almost always has a very long line, and it does not move all that quickly. I would say that on a nice day, when you're not broiling in the sun, and if the people near you in line are good company (or you've brought your own), and you have an hour+ to kill waiting (so you've arrived almost hungry, not starving), then it's just about worth the hassle.

I'm not quite sure it's worth it if those stars aren't aligned though, and I'm not sure it's really worth the compulsory tourist stop status that it's earned. The view is nice (but Bite Into Maine's is way better), but the incessant route 1 traffic, just yards away, makes it a little less appealing.

The people working at and running the place are extraordinarily friendly. They'll bring water to people waiting in line, or umbrellas if it starts to rain. They will come and check to make sure you've got what you need. They're nice to children. This is in contrast to some other well known lobster shacks I won't name where they have a less welcoming approach. The friendliness goes a long way when you've been waiting a long time.

Red's earns max stars from me, but only with the caveats...