Lobster. For some, it’s a delicacy, for others, it’s just too much work for too little reward. Admittedly, I used to fall into the latter category. The whole process of cracking shells and digging for meat seemed disproportionate to the flavor payoff, at least in my limited experience. That was until I considered the lobster roll – the brilliant concept of having all the hard work done for you, delivering the most succulent parts of the lobster nestled comfortably in a bun. Intrigued, I decided it was time to finally experience a proper lobster roll and see if it could change my perspective.
This quest for the perfect lobster roll became the focus of a “Tampa Bay vs. The World” edition, coinciding with a cruise Bonnie and I took that included a stop in Bar Harbor, Maine. This presented the perfect opportunity to sample lobster rolls in two distinct locations: Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls in downtown St. Pete, Florida, and West Street Cafe right on the waterfront in Bar Harbor. Both experiences involved indulging in cold lobster rolls, setting the stage for a direct comparison.
On paper, it seemed like an uneven match-up, a local chain versus a Bar Harbor institution. But as any food lover knows, the taste test is the ultimate decider. Let’s dive in and see how West Street Cafe Bar Harbor stacks up against the competition.
Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls: A Taste of Maine in St. Pete
Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls might be a chain, but they pride themselves on authenticity. Founded in Annapolis, Maryland in 2014, they’ve expanded to 30 locations, primarily avoiding the New England heartland – until now, in a way, with their Florida locations. Their St. Pete franchise marks their entry into the Tampa Bay culinary scene, situated on a somewhat quiet stretch of 1st Avenue North.
Arriving around 7 p.m. on a Wednesday, the establishment was clean and brightly lit, offering a casual counter service setup with a few simple tables. I opted for the Classic Roll combo, which included coleslaw ($21.50) and a Maine Root Beer ($3.50). According to their website, Mason’s emphasizes the “Traditional Maine Way,” sourcing lobster directly from Maine waters and cooking it in Saco, Maine, before distribution.
Appearance
Mason's Famous Lobster Roll Appearance
The initial impression was slightly underwhelming given the price. The portion of lobster meat, speckled with pepper, was contained within a standard, lightly toasted hot dog roll. It felt smaller than expected for the cost, prompting a silent hope that the taste would justify the price. The coleslaw, in a separate cup, appeared to be heavily dressed in mayonnaise.
Texture and Taste
Thankfully, my first lobster roll experience was positive, even enjoyable. The relief was palpable, as reviewing a dish I disliked would have been a challenge. In fact, I enjoyed it far more than anticipated.
The lobster meat itself was lightly dressed with mayonnaise, preventing any sogginess. A subtle lemon butter glaze enhanced the flavor profile. The lobster chunks were tender and mild, perhaps bordering on too mild for some palates. The pepper and celery salt were understated but contributed to the overall balance.
The bun avoided the doughiness often found in hot dog rolls, offering a pleasant texture with each bite. The coleslaw was a highlight – moist but balanced with a sweet and tangy flavor and a satisfying crunch. Overall, Mason’s Famous Lobster Roll was a well-executed, if slightly delicate, introduction to this Maine staple in St. Pete.
West Street Cafe: Authentic Bar Harbor Lobster Roll Experience
West Street Cafe Exterior in Bar Harbor, Maine
BAR HARBOR, Maine – Arriving at West Street Cafe Bar Harbor at 1 p.m. on a sunny Tuesday, with a crisp 66-degree breeze, was a stark contrast to St. Pete. Apologies to Florida, but Bar Harbor in September offers an atmosphere that’s hard to beat. Located conveniently close to the cruise ship docks, West Street Cafe came highly recommended by a local traffic guide, who assured us of both the quality of the food and fair prices.
The cafe itself was bathed in natural light, featuring a bright and airy interior with blonde wood furniture and light blue walls. Hanging plants added to the welcoming ambiance. After a short 20-minute wait, our group of five was seated comfortably. I opted for the Seaside Special ($38), a comprehensive offering that included a lobster roll, clam chowder, fries, coleslaw, and a slice of blueberry pie. (The lobster roll à la carte with one side was market-priced at $28).
Appearance
The plate was generously filled with a lobster roll, noticeably larger than Mason’s version, alongside the sides and a dill pickle. The roll was packed with substantial chunks of lobster meat, confirmed to be fresh off the boat, resting on a bed of crisp lettuce.
Texture and Taste
West Street Cafe Blueberry Pie
The lobster at West Street Cafe Bar Harbor was also lightly dressed with mayonnaise, but lacked the lemon butter glaze present in Mason’s roll. The lobster meat itself had a distinct seafood flavor and a coarser texture compared to the St. Pete version. There was a slight chewiness in some pieces, which I personally found appealing.
The roll itself had an ideal density, making each bite effortless. The lettuce added a pleasant crispness. The clam chowder was enjoyable, although not significantly different from other good versions I’ve tried.
However, the sides were less impressive – the fries were overly salted and tough, and the coleslaw, while crisp, lacked a distinctive flavor.
But then there was the pie. The blueberry pie was exceptional, primarily due to the use of wild Maine blueberries, smaller and more intensely flavored than conventional blueberries. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a dollop of whipped cream, it was a perfect complement and easily one of the best blueberry pies I’ve ever tasted.
And the Winner of the Lobster Roll Ruckus Is…
West Street Cafe.
Ultimately, the competition was closer than anticipated. Mason’s Famous delivers a very good lobster roll, especially for being outside of New England. However, West Street Cafe’s lobster roll ultimately had more character, benefiting from the undeniable freshness of Maine lobster.
Beyond the roll itself, the overall experience at West Street Cafe Bar Harbor was enhanced by the charming New England setting. While a return trip to West Street Cafe is geographically less likely, I will certainly revisit Mason’s Famous for another lobster roll fix in St. Pete.
Most importantly, my first foray into the world of lobster rolls was a resounding success, thanks to both contenders. But for the definitive lobster roll experience, West Street Cafe Bar Harbor takes the crown.
