The Legend of Red's Eats

It is arguably the most recognizable restaurant in Maine: a tiny, red-and-white striped shack sitting at the edge of the Sheepscot River bridge in Wiscasset. And in front of it, there is always—always—a line.

Red’s Eats has been featured on Netflix, the Food Network, and in countless magazines. It has won Down East Magazine’s BEST OF MAINE awards for both Best Lobster Roll and Best Lobster Shack. It has been called the best lobster roll in all of New England. But is it worth the wait? That depends on who you ask—and how much you love lobster.

History

An eatery in various forms has stood at this spot at the southern end of Wiscasset Bridge since 1938. The iconic red shack you see today dates back to 1954. But it wasn’t until Millie and Harold Delano bought the place in 1957 that it got its famous name. “Red” was Harold’s nickname, a reference to his ginger hair.

In 1977, Al Gagnon took over but wisely kept the name. He also added the whopper of a lobster roll to the menu—the same one that draws crowds today. Al became so closely identified with Red’s Eats that he eventually became known as “Red” himself, even though he acquired the nickname from the takeout, not the other way around.

Al passed away in 2008 after more than 30 years of ownership, but his children Debbie, Cindy, David, and Joe continue to work hard to maintain their father’s legacy. Red’s Eats remains family-owned and is now celebrating its 87th year in operation.

The Roll

The Red’s Eats lobster roll is not a salad. It is a pile.

The Meat: Each roll contains the meat of more than one whole lobster—tails, claws, and knuckles. It is fresh, never frozen, and picked that day.
The Bun: A simple hot dog bun, griddled with butter until golden and slightly crispy.
The Condiments: It comes plain. You get a side of Kate’s Maine Butter (melted) or mayonnaise. You choose how to dress it.
The Size: It is physically difficult to eat. You usually have to eat the top layer of lobster with a fork before you can pick up the bun.
The Price: As of recent seasons, expect to pay around $36 for the lobster roll. Prices fluctuate with the market price of lobster.

The Line (and How to Survive It)

In July and August, the wait can be 1 to 2 hours. Red’s building is about the size of a minivan, with a tiny kitchen where everything is made to order. There is no inside seating—this is purely a take-out operation.

Strategies for the Line

Arrive Early: Get there at 11:00 AM right when they open. The line is shortest in the first hour.
Go Late: The line often dies down after 7:00 PM on weekdays.
Shoulder Season: Visit in May or late September when crowds are smaller.
Bring Water: The line is on the sidewalk, often in direct sun with no shade.
Sunscreen: You will be standing outside for a while. Protect yourself.
Chat: The line is part of the experience. You will meet people from all over the world, all united by their quest for lobster.

Where to Eat

Once you have your food, find a spot along the riverside or on the town dock across the street. There are benches and grassy areas with views of the Sheepscot River. Some people head to the town park for a proper picnic setting.

Is It Worth It?

This is the eternal debate in Maine.

The Skeptics Say: Locals will tell you that you can get a lobster roll just as good (and cheaper) at Sprague’s Lobster across the street with zero wait. They are not wrong—Sprague’s serves excellent lobster rolls and has picnic tables right on the water.

The Believers Say: There is no denying the quantity and quality of the meat at Red’s. The sheer amount of lobster piled onto that bun is absurd. It is a bucket-list food experience, and the atmosphere of the line, the anticipation, and finally taking that first bite is part of what makes it special.

The Verdict: If you have never been, go once. Experience the phenomenon. Whether you become a devotee or decide it is not worth the wait, at least you will know.

If you are dragged there but hate shellfish, or want to add to your order:

Crab Roll: A less crowded alternative that is also excellent.
Fried Scallops: Excellent, plump, and sweet.
Fried Clams: Classic Maine fare.
Hot Dogs: Surprisingly good, with snappy natural casings.
Lobster Stew: Available on cooler days.
Whoopie Pies: Massive and homemade—a perfect dessert.

Practical Information

Location: 41 Water Street, Wiscasset, Maine

Season: Mid-April to Mid-October (weather dependent)

Payment: Cash Only—there is an ATM on site, but expect a small fee

Seating: None. This is strictly take-out. Find a spot on the nearby benches or dock.

Phone: They do not take reservations or call-ahead orders. The only way is the line.

Wiscasset Traffic Warning

Wiscasset has been called the “prettiest village in Maine,” but it also has one of the worst traffic bottlenecks on Route 1. In summer, Route 1 can see 25,000+ cars per day funneling through the narrow downtown. Add in people slowing down to look at Red’s line, and traffic can crawl.

Tips:

Arrive from the north (from Damariscotta) if possible—the backup is usually worse from the south.
Plan extra time for sitting in traffic.
Consider parking outside downtown and walking in.

Nearby Alternatives

If the line is too long or you want to compare:

Sprague’s Lobster: Directly across the street, with waterfront picnic tables and no line.
Sarah’s Cafe: A Wiscasset institution for sit-down breakfast and lunch.
Treats: A beloved bakery in town for pastries and coffee.

The Verdict

Red’s Eats is not just a lobster shack—it is a Maine institution. Whether you think it is the best lobster roll in the world or an overrated tourist trap, it is undeniably part of the Maine experience. At least once, join the line, strike up a conversation with a stranger, and see what the fuss is about.

Making a Day of It

If you’re traveling to Wiscasset for Red’s, consider combining with other area attractions:

Before Lunch: Browse Wiscasset’s antique shops and galleries. The town calls itself “the prettiest village in Maine” and has architecture to back up the claim.
After Eating: Walk off your lobster roll at a nearby preserve or continue north to the Boothbay region.
Evening: The town is quieter after the day-trippers leave, making it pleasant for a sunset walk along the waterfront.

The Red’s Experience

Part of what makes Red’s Eats special isn’t just the food—it’s the ritual. The line, the anticipation, the conversations with fellow travelers, the moment when you finally receive that overflowing roll—all of it builds to an experience that transcends the food itself.

The skeptics aren’t wrong that you can get excellent lobster rolls elsewhere with no wait. But they’re missing the point. Red’s isn’t just selling lobster rolls. It’s selling an experience, a story, a moment that you’ll remember and recount long after the taste fades. The value of that experience is personal. Some find it worth every minute in line; others would rather skip the wait and get equally good lobster at Sprague’s. Both positions are valid.

What’s undeniable is that Red’s Eats has become a phenomenon—a tiny shack that’s achieved global fame through word of mouth and the simple act of piling more lobster onto a bun than seems physically possible. Whether you join the believers or the skeptics, you’ll have formed your own opinion. And that’s part of the fun.