The Nomads went to Maine right before Thanksgiving. When we think of Maine, two things rush into our mind. One is lighthouses on coasts with rocks and waves crashing up against them. Well, we did that one. The other thing that comes to mind is something that is foremost in the minds of others when they think of Maine. It is probably bouncing around in your mind now. Lobster!
Since no trip to Maine could be complete without trying Maine Lobster, we, of course, had to oblige. We turned to one of our most used apps, Yelp, to find a suitable place to be the representative of our first experience with Maine Lobster. Within a few minutes (we have become much more efficient at using Yelp and deciding), we found a place. It is called 3 Buoys Seafood Shanty Grille located at 111 Cumberland Ave, Portland, ME 04101.
We weren’t far from it since we were just at Fort Williams Park, just outside of Portland, Maine. As we headed over there, we thought the name was a play on words. Maybe the owners had three boys or something. When we got there, I had to ask. Nope. Mix of daughters and sons.
This place is located on the corner of two streets: Cumberland and Washington. This causes the parking to be very, very minimal. You have a few spots on the Cumberland side. It is next to an apartment complex. We actually parked in an apartment complex spot. We couldn’t help it. We were hungry. We learned that there was more parking on the Washington side. So, if you visit 3 Buoys and find no parking on the Cumberland side, try the Washington side.
We entered and were greeted by Kate, who did double duty as hostess and server. The place is cozy in size but seemed to fit us easily at two tables. The decorations are interesting, both inside and outside. And the whole seated area can see directly into the kitchen to watch the cooks work their magic.
Within moments we had our orders placed. Mama Nomad and I ordered a side salad and large lobster roll (to split) with onion rings and fries. Noah ordered a burger. But, it was one that actually had lobster on it as well. Ethan and Trevor both ate a typical standby for them, burgers with cheese and bacon. I gave them bites of my portion of lobster roll. Maine Lobster objective accomplished!
It did not take long before our food arrived at our table and it was delicious. Now, I am not a lobster roll expert. And I know different places modify how they are made. Some make them hot, some cold, some add various condiments and others are plain. One thing I can tell you about 3 Buoys is that this is the biggest lobster roll I have ever seen. The regular one was bigger than any others I had seen and we ordered a large. It covered our plate from one side to the other.
The food was great. The atmosphere was quirky, unique and fun. And our server, Kate, was simply wonderful. She was polite, personable, kept our waters full and truly engaged with us about being Nomads and took an interest in us. If you are in the Portland, Maine area and hungry for a lobster roll, give 3 Buoys Seafood Shanty Grille a shot and tell Kate the Nomads sent you. Safe Travels.
