HJ Blakes for Goodness Sakes

Out of this world food quality, service, and atmosphere. The proprietor, Holly is amazing and definitely knows what she is doing. We wish we knew of this gem sooner!

If you're barreling up I-95 through Maine and start feeling the kind of hunger that can't be satisfied by a gas station sub or a sad, shrink-wrapped wrap, take the damn detour. HJ Blakes is a roadside food shack, the kind of place that looks like nothing and means everything. No frills. No bullshit. Just honest food made by people who care. This isn’t a three-star Michelin temple of foam and tweezers. It’s better. Because they cook like it matters. Like you're the only customer they've got. The lobster roll? Cold, sweet, and briny with just the right amount of mayo and not a shred of filler in sight. The hand-cut fries are the kind that make you believe in deep fryers again—golden and clearly cut by someone, not something. And the prices? Sanity in a world gone mad. Way more affordable than most of the lobster shacks littering the coast with their $30-40 rolls. This is how you do it right.

The location is quaint, cozy, wonderful. Their food is really great. I wish it wasn't just check/cash-only, but then again, I'd spend a lot more money there if that were the case. I am eager to try their lobster rolls sometime, because it sounds delicious as advertised. They have homemade food and recipes. It's clearly a labor of love. They are often "busy" but it's never crowded. Oh-- and I realize this is an odd compliment-- but they have possibly the cleanest port-a-potty ever. That was weirdly a nice surprise (fully stocked TP, hand sanitizer, no graffiti, etc). Try them!

The owners and staff very welcoming. Lobster roll was very good. Hamburger cooked perfectly and tasty however it should come with more than just meat. A$10 hamburger should have onion tomato lettuce.

The best lobster rolls around and delicious hot dogs with fries! I am grateful for this gem!

A Facebook friend in Skowhegan posted "best damn Lobster Roll"! Know how critical he is and for him to post it...WELL! Today I made the trip H.J Blake's for Goodness Sakes in Belgrade, Maine. Got the Lobster Roll, large fries and a Pepsi. Some Lobster Rolls look full until you bite into it and see the empty spaces. It was 100% Lobster to the max! The meat was at the right temperature and seasoned just right on a grilled bun. The fries were overflowing in the basket and done just right. For a dessert I chose a brownie made by Czech Out Bakery in Albion. It was totally yummy! Friendly staff, well spaced outdoor dining a with umbrellas, clean and pleasant atmosphere! The roads from Skowhegan to Belgrade was great. Had a good ride. I highly recommend, Reno. 4 years later I return for a Haddock Burger. Totally amazing and satisfying! ❤

Delicious! We had the cheddar burger and haddock patty sandwich. Burger was definitely rare but we like it that way. The fish sandwich was large, fresh and cooked just right. The hand cut fries were excellent. A large order is huge. Their outdoor seating was clean and plentiful. We spent $35. We’ll be back!

Tasty takeaway with friendly service! We enjoyed a lobster roll, a haddock burger and two octo-dogs for the kids (nice touch). Quite an extensive menu. They have a lovely outdoor picnic area too. We took ours to-go but we will be back!

This is one of the closest eateries near us and again, like Scapes, we are very lucky to have it! They are seasonal, Holly closed on 9/14/24 for the 2024 year. I have enjoyed everything I've had here- the haddock burger is bigger than one would expect and I usually can't fill it. The Maine-ah dog has inspired me to make my own at home- but it's such a great deal for a really really good meal near me. My friend from Alabama had the lobster roll here and at McLoons in spruce head and she said this one was the better one! I always have to get fries here- they are phenomenal. I'm not a fries person but I will always order them. Holly has come out to check on our meals each time I eat there. It's a unique experience, eating at a 4 way intersection in the middle of the woods and I miss it in the winter when I want a quick meal. It's seasonal and usually follows summer vacation, mid June to mid September.

Little secret by the road quaint food stand that makes the best cheeseburger and fries around. They also offer homemade baked goods that usually sell out. It's not expensive knowing that every time I eat there it's going to be made fresh to order. It may be a little wait but it is worth it. I always wonder why I don't go there more often. Worth the trip.

Took a pic of the cod sandwich my uncle likes. Just adding onto my other reviews I have.

Our group decided to bring some delicious lobster rolls onto the Pontoon for a dinner cruise. We were able to call ahead to HJ Blake's and they were super accommodating. Our order was ready when requested and was freshly made. The lobster rolls were overflowing with delicious fresh lobster meat and the roll was crisply buttered and toasted. We'll be sure to visit HJ Blake's again to experience more of their delicious cuisine.

Great lobster rolls near Belgrade Lakes! We like getting takeout & listening to music on the green.

Great food and hands down, the BEST lobster roll you've ever tasted. Service is friendly, the quality of all the food is consistently great and the quaint setting is charming. Finding the parking lot full on a Tuesday at 2:00PM was not a surprise and speaks volumes of the popularity of this little gem in Belgrade!

Don't skimp on the meat! Solid place. Everything they had was great. Just cause it's a shack on the side of the road doesn't mean it's poor quality. Place even makes their own desserts.

Best Lobster Roll in Maine if you ask me. I've been eating here for the last six years when visiting family and friends in Maine. So delicious and consistently good!

HJ Blake's has the best lobster rolls I've ever had every time I go. I get mine with dill aioli and butter. My brother opts out of the butter. Lots of perfectly cooked lobster. Their fries are good too!

This is a great place with outstanding food. I think they have the best lobster roll in Maine.

I don't know why it took me so long to try H.J. Blake's. The lobster roll was packed with sweet, fresh, meat and a side of warm butter. The haddock burger was delicious and served on a wonderfully light bun. Fries super hot and served with just the right amount of salt. We will be back.

We love HJ Blake's. The haddock cake sandwich is great and both kids love the hot diggity dog (we can't find the siracha mayo anywhere!)

Hands down best Lobster Roll I've ever had in Maine. Cute little "off the road" stand in the middle of Belgrade Lakes. Todays MKT price was $30.00 for this lobster roll, and it was worth every penny. The portion was substantial and the creamy tarter sauce under was delicious and not overbearing! Stopped at a place in Freeport a day earlier and this roll BLEW it out of the water. Just a heads up, it is CASH ONLY...nearest ATM is 3 miles away, which is its only downfall. However, worth going the extra mile! Might have to go back one more time before leaving Belgrade Lakes!

Delicious! How they work in that tiny kitchen space I will never know but the food they make has it's own special food truck type flare! A must go at some point if you are visiting the area. I have tried many things on the menu and would easily have any again. It is very hard to pick which food to order when we go because it is all so good! Outside seating but they do take out too so don't let rainy days discourage you. Just an FYI, they only take cash. Price may seem high but once you taste the food it is worth every bite and the owner cares, someone even if not the owner that particular day, always comes by our table and asks if we like what we ordered.

Just gets better and better. This year's lobster roll was $25 and worth every luscious bite. At least 6 oz of pristine lobster meat (clearmeat some might call it). A beloved little hidden gem in Belgrade Lakes.

Amazing take out stop!! Ordered 9 lobster rolls to bring home for the family, not only was staff exceedingly kind and friendly, we got our food quick and realized these are by far the best lobster rolls we've had! Full of delicious claw meat and served with lemon mayo and a side of butter!

So this is a nice little gem in Belgrade... food is very solid!!! Had to try the lobster roll and was definitely one of the best around. Ordered a grilled cheese and some hot dogs for the kids. The grilled cheese was solid the hot dogs, very skimpy... 5* for the taste 3* for the value (hot dog prices high for the hot dog used)

Seafood food truck Fresh cut fries $16 lobster roll Baked treats Chips Cold drinks Salads Picnic tables No fuss, friendly staff, clean

the best lobster roll i have ever had! worth the price for sure, I will be back to have it again soon!

Best Haddock Sandwich in New England. We look forward to eating there every time we are in the area!

Stopped to treat myself to a lobster roll. I cannot emphasize enough to ask for the sauce they put in it on the side. It ruined my roll. The roll was FULL of lobster, on a beautifully toasted roll. But under the lobster was an excess of this white sauce that drenched the roll and made it all fall apart. Without the horrible sauce it would have been excellent but the wet mushy roll was awful.

I'm so glad we decided to stop in and have dinner here! The lobster roll was outrageous and the fries, hit dog, and sandwiches were all given the thumbs up by our party of 7. The women working here were lovely as well. I will definitely be back.

In Belgrade Lakes on vacation... delicious BLTs... lobster rolls. Great people who take their craft seriously and are so genuine. Love this place.

This place is great, the owner sweet and always a pleasure.the food is quality and they have the best haddock sandwich hands down! Def a worthwhile stop.

Found this treasure after spending the morning at Dew Wildlife Sanctuary. This permanent food stand is clean, colorful, and inviting. It offers covered picnic tables in the sun or shade. Owner/Chef is on-sight. We ordered haddock cake sandwiches and hand-cut fries. Oh my! I had no idea what to expect, but if I had expectations they would have been far surpassed... The large sandwich consisted of fresh, flakey haddock mixed with just a bit of egg, crumbs, Vidalia onion and herbs. It was crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, covered in melted havarti and accented by her homemade tartar with dill. The bun was not too thick, soft and flavorful. It was perfection. The fries were crispy outside an potato-y inside. Not greasy or heavy. Very lightly salted. The vinegar was in a spray bottle, so we were able to coat the fries perfectly. Loved it! If I am ever in the area again, I will seek out HJ Blake's (and more for goodness sakes)!

Home cooked hamburgers, hot dogs and HOME MADE veggie burgers were all the best. Love the friendly service. The veggie burgers are the best ones I have ever eaten, including the ones I make. The french fries are delicious as well. Simply the best!

This is a 5 star spot. The current owners took over this spot and upgraded hugely. The lobster roll is supreme. The roll perfectly grilled with a flavored aioli and drizzled butter. The hot dogs are grilled with a natural casing, a perfect grilled roll and extras like morses sauerkraut. The burgers are excellent. All the products are fresh and local with salads and sides. Nice tables with umbrellas. This is a total go to place. And don't forget the great hand cut fries.