Lobster has always been a bit of a puzzle for me. The whole process of cracking shells and digging for meat seemed like too much effort for too little reward. Honestly, the few times I’ve tried it, the taste just didn’t live up to the hype. So, I’ve generally avoided it.
However, lobster rolls are a different story. The idea of someone else doing all the hard work, presenting just the best, most tender lobster meat nestled in a soft bun, is incredibly appealing. I was genuinely hoping my first proper lobster roll experience would be a good one.
This brings us to another installment of our “Tampa Bay vs. The World” series. My wife Bonnie and I embarked on a cruise that included a stop in Bar Harbor, Maine. It felt like the perfect opportunity to finally try a real lobster roll. To make it a proper comparison, we decided to pit a Tampa Bay contender against a Bar Harbor classic. Our contenders: Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls in downtown St. Pete, Florida, and West Street Cafe situated right on the picturesque waterfront in Bar Harbor, Maine. Both were tasted as cold lobster rolls to keep the comparison consistent.
On paper, it seemed like an unfair fight, a David versus Goliath situation perhaps. But you never know until you taste. Let’s dive in and see how they stacked up.
MASON’S FAMOUS LOBSTER ROLLS: A Taste of Maine in Florida
Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls started in Annapolis, Maryland, back in 2014 and has since expanded to 30 locations. Interestingly, they’ve stayed out of the New England heartland of lobster rolls, with their northernmost outpost currently in New Jersey.
The St. Pete location, the first in the Tampa Bay area, is on a somewhat unremarkable stretch of 1st Avenue North and 5th Street.
Arriving around 7 p.m. on a Wednesday, we found a small, brightly lit, and clean space. It’s a counter-service setup with a few simple tables.
I opted for the Classic Roll combo, which came with coleslaw ($21.50) and a Maine Root Beer ($3.50).
According to their website, Mason’s Famous prides itself on serving lobster rolls made “the Traditional Maine Way.” They source their lobster from the waters off Maine, and it’s cooked at a facility in Saco, Maine, ensuring that authentic Maine lobster experience, even in Florida.
Appearance
Mason's Famous Lobster Roll: A classic Maine lobster roll presentation in St. Pete
My initial reaction was a bit of sticker shock. The portion of prime lobster meat, lightly peppered, seemed modest for the price, nestled in a standard, lightly toasted, flat-bottom hot dog roll that felt smaller than expected. My thoughts immediately jumped to: “This needs to be good, or at least not bad.” And if it was good, I’d have to savor every bite.
The coleslaw in its small cup looked like it might be swimming in mayonnaise.
Texture and Taste
Thankfully, relief washed over me after the first bite. I genuinely enjoyed my first-ever lobster roll. The thought of having to critique a dish I disliked for a food review was not appealing.
To be honest, I enjoyed it far more than I anticipated.
The lobster meat was lightly dressed with mayonnaise, avoiding any sogginess. A subtle lemon butter glaze enhanced the flavor profile. The lobster chunks were tender and mild – perhaps even a touch too mild for some palates. The pepper and celery salt were subtle background notes, contributing to the overall balance.
Overall, the filling was well-proportioned and harmonious, though the flavor was on the gentler side. (Again, I’m judging this without prior lobster roll experience.)
The bun was a pleasant surprise, lacking the doughiness often found in standard hot dog rolls. It yielded easily with each bite. The coleslaw was a highlight – moist, yet perfectly balanced with a sweet-but-not-too-sweet flavor and a satisfying crunch.
WEST STREET CAFE: Bar Harbour Waterfront Dining at its Best
West Street Cafe Bar Harbour: Charming waterfront dining in Bar Harbour, Maine
BAR HARBOR, Maine — 1 p.m. Tuesday, 66 degrees and bathed in sunshine in a quintessential charming New England town. Sorry, St. Pete, but when it comes to atmosphere, how do you even compete with paradise? (At least in September.) West Street Cafe Bar Harbour was conveniently located a short walk from our cruise ship dock. A local traffic controller enthusiastically recommended it, assuring us the food was excellent and “we won’t get robbed.”
The restaurant itself was airy and filled with natural light. The décor featured blonde wood accents on the floors, booths, and tables, complemented by light blue walls. Large, lush plants hung from the walls and ceiling, creating a welcoming ambiance. After a pleasant 20-minute wait, our group of five was seated comfortably in a booth.
I chose the Seaside Special ($38): a lobster roll, a cup of clam chowder, fries, coleslaw, and a slice of blueberry pie. (Just the lobster roll with one side was priced at $28 at market price.)
Appearance
The plate was generously filled with a lobster roll – noticeably larger than Mason’s – along with the sides and a dill pickle. (Refer to the main image for the full presentation.) The roll was packed with generous portions of fresh lobster meat, “fresh off the boat” as I was told when I inquired, resting on a delicate bed of lettuce.
Texture and Taste
Wild Maine Blueberry Pie at West Street Cafe: A delightful dessert after a lobster roll in Bar Harbour
The lobster chunks were lightly dressed with mayonnaise, and notably lacked the lemon butter glaze that Mason’s Famous used. The lobster meat itself had a distinct, fresh seafood flavor and a slightly coarser texture compared to the St. Pete version. There were a few slightly chewy pieces, but it didn’t detract from the experience.
The roll had an ideal density, making each bite effortless and enjoyable. The lettuce added a welcome touch of crispness. I enjoyed the clam chowder, though it wasn’t significantly better than many others I’ve tried over the years.
However, the sides were less impressive – the fries were overly salted and tough, and the coleslaw, while crispy, had a rather unremarkable flavor.
But then, there was the pie. The pie! It was exceptional, primarily because it was made with wild Maine blueberries, sourced from nearby farms. These wild blueberries are smaller and more intensely flavored than cultivated varieties. A scoop of vanilla ice cream and a dollop of whipped cream were perfect accompaniments to the warm slice, making it one of the best blueberry pies I’ve ever tasted.
And the Lobster Roll Champion Is…
West Street Cafe Bar Harbour.
In the end, the competition was closer than I initially anticipated. Mason’s Famous serves a truly commendable lobster roll, especially considering its location far from Maine. However, West Street Cafe Bar Harbour ultimately delivered a lobster roll with more character and the undeniable advantage of using fully fresh, never frozen lobster.
Then, of course, there’s the unbeatable charm of the New England setting. Dining at West Street Cafe Bar Harbour is more than just a meal; it’s an experience.
While a return visit to West Street Cafe Bar Harbour might be geographically challenging, I will definitely be back to Mason’s Famous.
Most importantly, my first real foray into the world of lobster rolls was a resounding success, leaving me eager for my next lobster roll adventure.
