Clan MacLaren

My hats off to the staff at Clan MacLaren! A few weeks ago I was craving a bowl of clam chowder and happen to be in Rockland Maine. I was referred to this neat little spot by another store vendor. I had a big lunch earlier so I was not that hungry. I meandered then into their shop unbeknownst about the time. I was greeted warmly and was served a simple bowl of clam chowder and sourdough bread (which by the way was excellent). As I was eating inside I spoke with the owner as the rest of the staff were cleaning up. I then realized I had walked in at five minutes to 3 and they close at 3 pm. However I never felt I was an inconvenience even though I was "that guy" who requested service right before quitting time. When I was finished and the staff wished me well while still making me feel like a welcomed guest. I really appreciated that but walking way I realized I was in Maine..."The Way Life Should Be." Thanks again and see you next year!

Great food, wonderful staff and service. Their soups were fantastic!! I’m a soup nut and have to say that their broccoli cheese soup was one of the best I’ve ever had; their fish stew was no slouch either! Sandwiches were freshly made and delicious. Lots of local beers available. We enjoyed a great lunch.

Had a wonderful lunch here of the soup and lobster roll! We knew it was the place to go because all the locals were there and it was packed the entire day. Worth the wait, great food and kind people both employees and customers.

A quick pit stop on the way to Bar Harbor and it did not disappoint! Wonderfully pleasant staff. Delicious food. The Maxwood Panini was excellent. The Lobster BLT was also great. 10/10 would eat again.

perfect lunch spot, a menu where it is hard to choose because everything sounds amazing. enjoyed every bit of my meal

Such a lovely spot for lunch. Great lobster roll and clam chowder. The staff are so friendly and helpful! Highly recommend.

The clam chowder is a must have, so buttery and creamy. Lots of large chunks of clam meat and definitely doesn’t skimp on it. Could not complain about the Reuben at all and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Fantastic place for a soup and a sandwich. Fresh ingredients locally sourced, they are busy with orders and walk-ins but the wait wasn’t too long.

Thiywad a wonderful experience. We shared the lobster roll and clam chowder and it was plenty. Loved the roll, which I believe they make in-house. It had a touch of mayo and LOTS of LOBSTER. When we rejoined our hosts that evening and told them of our find we learned it was a place they loved. It is casual, warm & the outside seating was excellent for people watching. Do be sure to read the boards posted about soups, special and lobster dishes, see below. We will return!

Very nice place for a quick lunch. We had delicious broccoli soup and a salad with mandarin oranges in it. The food was prepared quickly and everything was very good. Staff were nice. Not a lot of tables, but they cleared out quickly.

Really great and freshly made sandwiches - always reliable Local vibe with great service. Outside seating during the season - centrally located in downtown Rockland.

A warm, clean sandwich shop with friendly staff and fresh sandwiches. My wife and I enjoyed our Angus MacClaren sandwich. We got a welcome smile when we asked to split it and when it was delivered they had added an extra pickle and bag of chips to the second plate without a charge. I don't remember having that happen before without an extra charge. The sandwich was delicious as was the pickle. Try this place. I think you'll enjoy it.

Decent clam chowder and a tasty BLT. Good stop for a quick lunch. Don't remember much else

Finally got here after many recommendations, especially their chowder. Pretty simple sandwich place, but really well done, between the three of us we had a corn beef, Ruben, a turkey, Ruben, and I had the roast beef Panini with onions and horseradish sauce, and we all had the chowder, which was some of the best we ever had!

Came 10 minutes after they closed and they still invited me inside and served me and my mother, very friendly and kind. 10/10

Good little lunch place. Meets the big city needs for fresh produce (salads), local far (chowder), and the need for a good deli sandwich. The food has some fine flavors and I was perfectly sated. The service and staff move right along and you won't wait too long. They have some cool combinations. I would eat here again if I was in town. The beer, wine, and cider offered are really good selections. I had two of the Original Sin ciders that I did;t know they made.

Clan MacLaren offers a pleasant alternative to chain sandwich shops. It has a lively if not crowded dining room. You can order either salads or sandwiches. My pastrami sandwich had a good combination of meat and cheese. Chips come with the meals. Staff were pleasant. It is a good place to have lunch and located right on Main Street.

Well last day here in Rockland. Had to come back for one more lobster roll. Best that I've had all week period. Will miss this place.

Their pastrami Reuben is delicious! Fresh ingredients, well made, not greasy at all. Nice vibe, friendly people.

I love a good sandwich spot and I love a family owned local sandwich shop even more!!! The moment you walk in the smell overwhelms you and let's you know you've made the right choice!! My sandwich was delicious and packed full a flavor!!! I very much recommend stopping to try one of their excellent sandwiches

My grandmother drove her whole life without ever making a left turn. But here's what awaits you with a left turn down Main Street in Rockland,ME. With a little luck there'll be rock star parking right in front of this little gem - still serving lunch until 4:00 pm - phew! With so many sandwiches, salads and soups to choose from ones eyes can be bigger than ones stomach. Consider yourself warned! Four words my dear readers say it all regarding the turkey panini and chicken salad in the picture - "Oh So Yummy Good!" Flavors popped and ingredients were super fresh. Split a Samy and a Salad (like me) or start with the "chowda." You make the call. As a sign down the street reminds - "the bad news is time flies, the good news is you're the pilot!" Pair all of the above with one of several local beers, and save room for homemade cookies if you dare! What's to love here too just like most of Maine - nothing is pretentious! Service is warm and friendly and the atmosphere speaks family. Good thing grandmother didn't teach me to drive... enjoy!

This is a wonderful little restaurant in Richland Maine - the clam chowder is far superior to any that we have tasted. The Turkey melt was fantastically prepared and delicious. The staff could not have been nicer - an excellent lunch spot Delicious gluten free bread and homemade chocolate chip cookies too

Whether your getting take out for a picnic or dining in, this is a great sandwich and salad shop. Very friendly staff who take your order and then bring you the meal when made if you dine in. Great reuben with chips and a pickle. The lobster roll is fresh, they say from their own boats, and served not on a hot dog type roll but on a substantial Borealis bun. Creative salads are plate full and fresh. This place is a real gem.

This place is deceptive since it looks like an Irish pub from the outside but it's a cafe once you go inside. Nice selection of salads and sandwiches. Order at the counter and then grab a table. Ingredients are super fresh and the staff are the friendliest- so accommodating with my questions. I got the salad off the lobster menu. It was fantastic- generous amount of lobster and a yummy homemade dressing. Will go back next time we're in Rockland.

Nice little deli with some outdoor seating on the street. Good paninis. Some beers in cans and bottles

I loved this little sandwich shop. The choices are all very tempting. For me, the Rueben with pastrami. I was given a choice of meats, and was recommended the pastrami and it was spot on. Service was quick, everyone polite and my sandwich hit the spot. My colleague had one of their salads, and they loved it too. It was a perfect lunch. Recommended.

Ok so...I had my first sandwich from Clan MacLaren today. I ordered a Reuben. I love a good reuben. They were very nice and my sandwich was delicious. One of the best I have ever had. However it was puny. Don't get me wrong, it's a very very good Reuben. Just, I would need 2. I will try other sandwiches and keep you posted.

Fantastic place for fresh and fabulous food! Had two lunches there this week and would go again if we weren't leaving town. The menu is huge and creative! The staff is kind and efficient. The simple decor is perfect for a lunch break I. The middle of charming Rockland.

My wife and I Popped in on our way up the coast and ordered the Lorelei Chicken Salad .... Absolutely delicious ... fresh and crispy lettuce with grapes, feta & walnuts and the dressing was just lovely :))

I just love this place! I've been many times so I figured it was time to leave a review! Their tuna sandwich is perfection and the staff is incredibly warm and welcoming. One of my all time favorite sandwich shops!

Finally tried the lobster roll and it was fantastic! The Lorelei wrap was also delicious! When you walk in to the restaurant you immediately smell delicious food and I love that!

Delicious. Lots of tasty lunch options... salads and sandwiches. Recommend for a casual, quality, local spot. Cheers chaps!!!

I second everything said about Clan MacLaren by the other five-star reviewers and can only add this: always get the spicy olive oil sprinkled over your sandwich. Really, really good.

Cute and eclectic little sandwich shop which is warm and welcoming. Open kitchen area where you can watch them make your sandwiches or grab a seat and enjoy them inside. Yummy beer and cider selections too! The lobster rolls were tasty but at $27, they weren't chock full of lobster meat. But were very tasty. Overall we would make a return trip here!

Loved this place. Great little lunch spot, excellent sandwiches and salads. I loved my salad, and my wife really enjoyed her BLT. We came in right behind a large group of tourists, but the three ladies behind the counter moved very quickly and we were ordering at the counter much sooner than expected. Don't worry about going there during the "lunch rush," you'll be through the line quickly. Worth a visit for lunch if you're in the area!

BEST Lobster Roll in Rockland! Homemade roll...full of fresh lobster meat with a very modest amount of mayo so as not to take away from the succulent lobster flavor. Perfection!

Stopped in for lunch after getting creeped out by the nasty vibe at Rock House Across the street. Eclectic hipster atmosphere and great sandwiches. A very good lunch was had.

Well it dosent look like much from outside. Inside you order at the counter and they bring you your food. Good soups great sandwiched and paninis. Scottish names from most things but the food was all American. Ruben panini was great as was the Angus MacLaren which had ham and provolone and veggies. Roast beef panini was also very tasty with a strangely sweet horseradish sauce. Home made ice tea. good soups. nice recorded background music. Just a pleasant place for lunch or light dinner.

Interesting little place. They really force the theme down your throat with the decor and music. Sandwiches, salads, and soups; that's it. Boars head meats so average quality, prices are a little high for the size of the sandwiches. Not thrilled to be paying over $9 for an average sized sandwich and then have to pay extra for things like lettuce, tomato, pickle etc.

Dog friendly!!! Excellent sandwiches. I had the Reuben with pastrami and my wife had roast beef panini, both with chips. Did I mention that this place is dog friendly... Solid yum!

We loved this spotless, clean cafe. Sandwiches, soups and salads were all excellent. We ate there two days in a row and the good was fresh and tasty... made to order. Great service and very friendly staff.

Probably one of the best sandwich Places on the Eastern seaboard, amazing! Very Scottish as you can probably tell by the name, amazing service, friendly people, friendly atmosphere and the food is beyond amazing.It's a local shop so the money stays local.I will be definitely coming back here every time I stop and run and that is not an option that's a guarantee

Cute little deli. Fresh ingredients. Kind service. Nothing fancy but a great sandwich.

For many years, I lived under the delusion that this place was a bar. This place is not a bar. It's a sandwich shop. It's an okay sandwich shop. All of the sandwiches have a Scottish theme to their names/ingredients, which is fun, but the sandwiches are just okay and pretty spendy. A good place for a quick lunch, but nothing really extraordinary. All of the staff were very friendly, and service was great.

We were here on a Monday when many stores and restaurants were closed and were pleasantly surprised! The clam chowder and Reuben were delicious with the Reuben being the best we've ever had! The Angus MacLaren sandwich was alright but wouldn't order again. Check out this place for local fare and friendly service!

Great little cafe in downtown Rockland. Super friendly service and nice assortment of salads soups and panini. Everything was very fresh and generous in portion. Casual counter service and something for everyone here, especially those looking for healthy eating and a quick no-fuss lunch or snack spot.

Customer service was poor. Cook refused to fix my order after I explained that it was made incorrectly.

Stopped here for lunch based on reviews. We enjoyed our meals but they were "good" and not "wow". Breads were good and all the fixings were fresh and worked well with the meats. Only downside was that their meat portions are pretty small. On one sandwich the flavor of the pastrami got totally lost in the sauerkraut. Certainly way above Subway, but not worth going out of your way for.

I called to place a delivery order to surprise someone with an anonymous lunch. Stephanie was awesome at suggesting food options to make the lunch a little more special. The entire team took pride in preparing the food & even included a hand written note they made for me, expressing my appreciation for this person & what he does for our community. The food is always delicious & freshly made and the entire team & owner are top notch in their profession. When in Rockland if you are looking for delicious homemade food & extraordinary wait staff this is the place to go.

While walking around in Rockland for the day, we looked at all of the local lunch places and settled on this one after a recommendation from a store clerk. I had the lobster ceasar salad and my husband had the lobster roll/clam chowder combo. Both were incredibly fresh and delicious. This is such a cute little place and well worth the price

Great soup, sandwich, and salad place if you're gluten free and in Rockland, ME. I'm a GF vegetarian and thoroughly enjoyed my Veggie McLaren sandwich on GF bread! My friend had a roast beef panini and said it was great, too. We also loved the amazing GF toffee chocolate chip cookie my friend & I split. Highly recommend.

Great little sandwich shop, I had the way Ruben I've had in a long time. I will definitely be going back when I'm in the area again.

Great place. Fast. Fresh good food. Well priced. Pleasant Decor. Not trying to be "nantucket-i.e." Being Maine in its finest. Well place posters for the kids. Every condiment freshly made and supplied. Look up at sugar for iced drinks / almond milk for those who are into the sort of thing. I'm not. But it's always a good sign that a place is covering all the bases. Well done. Thanks

Very nice spot for lunch. Stopped here during a visit into town and had a very good panini and bowl of chowder. Good selection of lunch sandwiches and paninis. Everything was fresh and tasted great!

Very tasteful. Yummy food and staff are very nice.. prices are fair. Soup and salad are a hit as well as Paninni..

Delicious food with excellent service. Great spot to hit up for a gourmet sandwich experience - can even grab a beer if you wish. Very busy, but worth the wait.

Just popped in since the reviews are good and I have to say, it's a great place. I had the red hen and it was hands down the best chicken sandwich I have ever eaten. They offered BBQ sauce either hot or sweet. I love the choice. There's nothing worse than getting something sweet on your sandwich when you just want savory. Cute ambiance and friendly staff.