This Maine Seafood Spot Heaps Fresh Crab Legs On The Table And Keeps Locals Coming Back
A 12-foot inflatable lobster stands on the roof of this seafood restaurant, and it holds the title of the world’s largest. The crustacean has a name, too.
Everyone calls him Larry.
That giant red guy is only the welcome sign. Inside, the walls and shelves overflow with antiques and maritime oddities.
The kitchen sends out a lobster roll that stretches two full feet.
The funny thing is, the crab gets plenty of love here too. Sunday buffets have featured crab legs, and the menu keeps going with crab dip, crab cakes, and crab-stuffed salmon.
It’s a seafood lover’s dream on the Maine coast.
I’ve come to realize the best roadside stops have a little personality baked in. This one has been serving hungry travelers and neighbors since 1978.
That kind of staying power says a lot.
So what keeps people pulling off the highway year after year? The answer involves river views, a whole lot of lobster, and a crab feast worth planning around.
Sunday Crab Legs Are The Reason To Plan Your Weekend Around This Place
Crab legs on a buffet line make Sunday feel like a holiday. At Taste of Maine Restaurant, the Sunday buffet has featured crab legs, and that alone gets plenty of people out of the house.
The buffet menu changes each Sunday, so the spread can look a little different from week to week. That keeps things exciting, but it also means a quick call ahead is smart if crab is your main goal.
Not around on a Sunday? The regular menu still has a solid crab lineup.
Hot Crab Dip makes an easy starter for the table. Maine Crab Cakes give you a heartier option.
Then there’s the Baked Stuffed Salmon, which comes stuffed with fresh crab. It’s a nice pick when you want fish and crab on the same fork.
Sharing a few crab dishes around the table is a fun way to sample the range.
Crab legs do take some work, of course. Cracking shells is part of the fun, so wear something that can handle a little butter.
Napkins will become your best friend.
Honestly, a little mess is a small price for a crab feast this close to the water.
A 12-Foot Lobster Named Larry Will Make Sure You Never Miss The Turn
Some restaurants hang a sign. Taste of Maine Restaurant parks a 12-foot lobster on the roof and calls it a day.
His name is Larry the Lobster, and he’s known as the World’s Largest Inflatable Lobster. He’s bright, bold, and impossible to ignore from the road.
Kids point at him, and grown-ups usually do too.
Larry works as a landmark as much as a mascot. Drivers heading along Route 1 can spot him well before the parking lot.
That makes finding the place about as easy as it gets.
He’s also a perfect photo stop. Snap a picture before you head inside, because Larry looks great against a blue Maine sky.
Your friends back home will want proof he’s real.
The fun part is how well he matches the mood of the whole restaurant. Nothing about this spot takes itself too seriously.
A giant smiling lobster on top sets the tone before you even open the door.
So when someone asks for directions, skip the street names. Just tell them to look up for the giant lobster.
Good luck ignoring that.
The Two-Foot Lobster Roll Might Need Its Own Seat At The Table
Two feet of bread. More than a pound and a half of fresh Maine lobster meat.
That’s the famous World’s Largest Lobster Roll, and it’s every bit as wild as it sounds.
This monster is one of the restaurant’s biggest claims to fame. It’s built for sharing, unless you’re feeling extremely brave.
Plan on a group effort and a lot of happy faces.
Prefer something more reasonable? Regular lobster rolls are on the menu too, including hot lobster rolls.
The lobster lineup keeps going from there with plenty of choices.
Lobster stew is a cozy pick on a chilly coastal day. The Naked Lobster Dinner keeps things simple and classic.
Lobster Newburg and Baked Stuffed Lobster bring a richer, old-school style.
There’s even a Seafood Medley with Lobster for anyone who can’t decide. Lobster mac and cheese also shows up as a favorite.
It makes a great choice for younger diners.
A smart move is to bring a crew and order a mix. One giant roll for the table, plus a few other dishes, gives everyone a taste.
Then you can argue over the last bite.
Fried Clams, Haddock, And Chowder Keep The Classics Front And Center
Clam chowder has a way of telling you whether a seafood spot means business. At Taste of Maine Restaurant, it sits right alongside a long list of New England favorites.
Maine steamed mussels and Maine steamed clams cover the simple, briny side of the menu. Fried clams and fried haddock bring the crunch.
Shrimp, oysters, and scallops round things out nicely.
Seafood casserole is another option for cooler evenings. It’s warm, filling, and easy to love.
Think of it as comfort food with an ocean view.
Not everyone in your group wants seafood, and that’s fine. Steaks are on the menu for land lovers.
Vegan and vegetarian options are available too, including vegan ravioli.
That variety makes it an easy choice for mixed groups. Grandparents, picky kids, and plant-based friends can all find something.
Nobody has to settle for a sad side salad.
A good game plan is to start with chowder and steamed mussels for the table. Then everyone can pick a main that fits their mood.
Fried platters tend to be generous, so leftovers are a real possibility.
Every Shelf Inside Feels Like A Treasure Hunt Waiting To Happen
Bring your curiosity along with your appetite. The inside of Taste of Maine Restaurant is packed with antique collectibles and maritime oddities.
It’s been described as a whimsical museum, and that fits. Your eyes will wander between bites.
Every corner seems to have something new to spot.
Kids especially love this kind of setting. Turn it into a game while you wait for food.
See who can find the strangest object first.
The decor leans heavily into Maine’s seafaring spirit. Old-time fishing town charm shows up everywhere you look.
It feels playful rather than fancy, which suits a lobster joint perfectly.
Some folks might find all that stuff a little busy. If you love a cleaner look, the patio may suit you better.
Still, it’s worth a slow lap through the room before you leave.
There’s also an on-site gift shop for anyone who wants a souvenir. A little keepsake from a place with a giant roof lobster just makes sense.
It’s a fun way to remember the trip.
The funny thing is, this décor might be the most memorable part of your meal.
Grab A Patio Table And Let The Sasanoa River Do The Talking
Water views make lobster taste better. That’s not science, but it sure feels true at this riverside spot.
Taste of Maine Restaurant overlooks the Sasanoa River, and the outdoor patio puts you right in front of it. On a nice day, it’s easily one of the best seats in the house.
The calm water makes a relaxing backdrop for a long lunch.
Got a four-legged friend along for the ride? The patio is dog-friendly.
Your pup can enjoy the breeze while you crack into some crab.
That’s a big deal for road-trippers traveling with pets. Finding a good seafood meal where your dog is welcome isn’t always easy.
Here, it’s part of the deal. Window seats inside also catch the river view. So even on a cooler day, you can still enjoy the scenery.
Coastal Maine weather can change fast, so it’s nice to have options.
A sunny afternoon is the sweet spot for patio dining. Go a bit earlier if outdoor seating is your top priority.
Then sit back, slow down, and watch the river roll by.
Nearly Five Decades On Route 1 Built A Reputation That Still Sticks
Route 1 in Woolwich, just north of Bath. Plenty of Mainers still remember that catchy line from old TV commercials.
The slogan aired in the 1980s and 90s, voiced by Maine author John McDonald. It helped make Taste of Maine Restaurant a household name.
Some lines just stay in your head for decades.
The restaurant has been family-owned and operated since 1978. It celebrated its 48th season in 2026, which is a huge run for any eatery.
That kind of history doesn’t happen by accident.
Big news arrived in May 2026 when the restaurant was sold. The new owners plan to keep the same crew and the same menu.
Longtime fans can breathe easy about their favorite dishes.
You’ll find it at 161 Main St, Woolwich, ME 04579. The location makes it an easy stop for travelers heading up the coast.
It’s also close enough for neighbors to swing by often.
I’ve come to realize that places with this much history carry a special kind of comfort. Families can share it across generations.
That’s a pretty sweet tradition to be part of.
Laughs And Live Tunes Turn Dinner Into A Night Out
Dinner and a show usually means two separate stops. At this Woolwich favorite, you can get both under one roof.
Taste of Maine Restaurant hosts live music and comedy shows. Past performers have included comedian Bob Marley, a well-known name in Maine comedy.
That gives the place an extra spark beyond the menu.
Live piano music has also been part of the atmosphere. It adds a relaxed, cheerful feel to a meal.
Hearing music while you eat chowder feels downright old-fashioned in the best way.
Shows can change, so check ahead if you want to catch a specific performance. Event nights may also fill up faster than a regular weeknight.
Planning early helps you snag a good table.
Comedy and seafood make a surprisingly good pair. Laughing between bites of crab cake keeps the mood light.
It turns an ordinary dinner into a memory.
This is a great pick for birthdays or small celebrations. Gather a few friends, order a giant lobster roll, and enjoy the entertainment.
It just feels right to end a coastal day with music and laughter.
Save Room For Cobbler And Know The Hours Before You Hit The Road
Blueberry cobbler is about as Maine as dessert gets. Here it’s house-made, and it’s a sweet way to finish a seafood feast.
Apple crumble is another cozy choice. Hot fudge sundaes come made with Gifford’s ice cream, a beloved Maine brand.
Even a full stomach can usually find room for that.
Now for the practical stuff. Taste of Maine Restaurant runs seasonally, typically reopening in April and closing around December.
Off-season visitors will need to wait for spring.
Daily hours generally run from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Some weekdays may be closed, and schedules can shift.
A quick check before driving saves a lot of disappointment.
Parking is easy, with plenty of room for RVs and buses. That’s a relief for big groups and road-trippers.
No circling the block required.
Service tends to move quickly, even during busy stretches. The staff has a friendly reputation that helps meals feel easy.
So plan your trip, watch for Larry on the roof, and leave room for cobbler.