Food Trucks and Road Side Shacks
Here is a list of our favorite
roadside, food trucks, and shacks in MidCoast Maine. These are in no particular
order and there are more than are listed here. Roadside options in Camden Maine
range from the breakfast pastry at Rosaly Joy’s Garage Bakery to the famous
River Ducks Riverside Ice Cream Shack. Something for any time of the day.
The places we chose are an
easy walk or drive from the Captain Swift Inn.
For Lobster:
1. Graffam
Bros. Lobster Shack – The location on Union
Street makes it ideal to grab and go to nearby Rockport Harbor. This family-run
business has had a fish market in Rockport since 1946. The market place is open
year round, the lobster shack is seasonal.
2. Claws –
This is a fun spot on Rt 1 in Rockland, South of the Inn. Many visitors forget
that under the grittiness of Rockland there are fantastic views and lobster.
This lobster joint has both. What is fun about this place is that it opens at
8:30 AM. If you are planning a day out or a picnic somewhere, stop here first,
fill up the cooler and enjoy!
3. McLaughlin’s Lobster
Shack – To the North, we chose to
highlight McLaughlin's, Lobster Shack. Located on Rt 1 in Lincolnville Beach,
this location is unique in that you can watch the daily ferry pull away as you
enjoy the local lobster. The food is prepared in purest ways.
Hot Dogs:
The debate about what kind of hot
dog is best will be ongoing forever. The traditional New England Hotdog is the
red one. If you have never had a red hot dog, it is time to try it.
1. JJ’s Snack Shack is
known for the creative toppings and names of the hot dogs. The owner is very
chatty and a lot of fun.
2. Harbor Dogs –
A Camden Maine hot dog stand has been a staple on the harbor for over 50 years.
The location can not be beaten.
3. Wasses –
The roadside Rt 1 locations of the area Wassas Hot Dogs are not visually ideal
but the hot dogs are. The price and the tradition associated with these dogs is
just right. You will see lines of people at every Wassas location in the
MidCoast.
Healthy Food
There is only 1 in this category.
Food Trucks and shacks are not commonly known for their healthy options, but
here in Camden Maine, we have a healthy Smoothie Shack.
Just a block down from the Inn, we highly recommend a stop at the Shack as you
roam around downtown Camden Maine. A lot of attention is given to ingredients
and combinations of fruits and vegetables.
Quick Lunch
1. Scott’s Place –
Walking distance from the Inn, this economical food option is quick and easy.
Many locals frequent this location in the Reny’s shopping plaza parking lot.
2. Rockport
Harbor Food Bus. There are many things going on with this option. The first
obvious one is that it is not a food truck but a school bus and that the
owners, although they are known for their famous pizza, they chose to have a
taco and quesadilla menu with some local baked goods. Both interesting features
of this option combined with the ideal location of Rockport Harbor make it a
fantastic choice.
There are many reasons to love the
food truck and roadside culture. The food is usually cheap and gourmet, you get
to meet the chefs and cooks, they provide freedom and creativity to their
owners, usually located in convenient places and the food is amazing. In
addition to this, we believe you really get a sense of the place. We hope this
vacation you search out some, or all of these food trucks and meet the people
that are running them. Adding these roadside gems to your agenda of things to
do will be a unique experience and enhance your stay.
