Red's Eats has operated from a small shingled roadside stand at the corner of Water Street and Route 1 in Wiscasset, Maine, since the 1930s, and its lobster roll has achieved near-mythic status in American food culture. The defining feature is quantity: the bun is filled not with a modest portion but with the full meat of a whole lobster — claw, knuckle, and tail — stacked in a tower that substantially exceeds the height of the bun itself. This singular presentation has appeared in countless food publications, television programs, and travel lists, establishing Red's as a required stop for visitors driving the Maine coast on Route 1. The menu is deliberately brief: lobster rolls, crab rolls, fried clams, a haddock sandwich, and lobster bisque exhaust the options. Ordering takes place at a walk-up counter with a view into the cramped kitchen; seating is at outdoor benches and small tables beside the Sheepscot River, where the sight of boats on the water adds to the appeal. Summer queues, particularly on clear weekend afternoons in July and August, regularly extend half a block or more, with waits of thirty to sixty minutes commonplace. The stand operates seasonally from late May through October, and lobster prices fluctuate with the market, meaning the roll's cost varies considerably from spring to late summer.
Signature dishes
- Lobster roll ($38–$42 market price)
- Crab roll ($24)
- Clam chowder ($10)
- Haddock sandwich ($18)
Good to know
- Known for
- Overflowing lobster roll with a whole lobster's worth of meat
- Hours
- May–Oct Mon–Thu 11:00–19:00, Fri–Sat 11:00–20:00, Sun 11:00–18:00; closed Nov–April
- Reservations
- No reservations; walk-up with potential 30–60 min wait in summer
Location
41 Water Street, Wiscasset, ME 04578
44.0023, -69.6667 View on map
Highlights
- Full lobster — claw, knuckle, and tail — piled into a single hot-dog bun in a tower above the bun
- Nationally famous roadside stand on Route 1 in Wiscasset operating since the 1930s
- Summer queues of 30–60 minutes are part of the Red's Eats experience
- Outdoor bench seating overlooking the Sheepscot River
- Seasonal operation: late May through October only
Tips for visiting
- Arrive at 11:00 on the dot when the stand opens to join the shortest queue of the day
- Weekday visits in June or September see significantly shorter waits than summer weekends
- Lobster roll price is market-driven and can approach $42 in peak summer — check current pricing before arriving
- The lobster bisque makes a worthwhile starter while waiting in line
- Bring cash as a backup, though cards are accepted at the window
Accessibility
Red's Eats is an outdoor walk-up stand with an informal seating area on uneven pavement near the Sheepscot River waterfront. The venue is not specifically adapted for wheelchair users; the order counter can be reached from the street-level sidewalk.
Frequently asked questions
Is Red's Eats open year-round?
No; the stand is seasonal, operating from late May through October. Hours are roughly Monday–Thursday 11:00–19:00 and Friday–Saturday 11:00–20:00, with Sunday hours limited.
How much does the lobster roll cost?
The lobster roll is priced at market rate, typically $38–$42 during peak summer, reflecting the quantity of whole-lobster meat provided. Prices are posted on the chalkboard at the window.
Can orders be called in ahead of time?
No; Red's Eats does not accept call-ahead or advance orders. All orders are placed at the walk-up counter.
What else is on the menu besides the lobster roll?
The menu includes crab rolls, fried clams, a haddock sandwich, and lobster bisque. The lobster roll is the defining dish, but the crab roll is also well regarded.
Is there any covered or indoor seating?
No; seating is at outdoor benches and small tables near the riverbank. Most visitors also eat standing or return to their vehicles.