Larson's Lunch Box

Great lobster rolls and fries were done well. Kiddos chicken tenders were awesome too and are not premade. Actual chicken breast that was battered and fried. People are friendly. Location has nice picnic table area. Only downside is it's loud right next to the highway

A roadside stand with the best lobster roll. 3 stars for atmosphere only because you are sitting close to the road on a wooden picnic table bench….but you’re still eating the best lobster roll.

The $8 bowl of haddock chowder was amazing. It's more soupy than thick, but it's meaty and amazing. We weren't super hungry, but my son's hot dog was also great and my wife loved her fried haddock sandwich.

I was told the original Larson’s Lunch Box had amazing grilled cheese sandwiches so I was excited to visit and try them. It was very disappointing. Not only were we overcharged (the only grilled cheese option was on the kids menu for $5 and we were charged $18 for two) but it was the most basic grilled cheese. The grilled cheese consisted of two slices of white bread and what was most likely 3-4 slices of Kraft American Cheese. It was dripping in butter. The Kraft cheese did not seem to be melted all the way through either.

Great lobster roll! Made of claw and knuckle with light mayo. Fantastic crispy french fries too. Really nice spot come check it out!

What a perfect lunch spot! The lobster roll was fantastic. Not too much mayo and not too little, with a generous portion of lobster meat. The zucchini fries were good, but not spectacular. This is definitely a great place to stop for a good meal.

Quaint outdoor experience for really good lunch fare. Very pleasant staff. We had Haddock chowder, fries, zucchini fries, lobster roll,fish sandwich, coleslaw, chili-cheese dog and shakes. All was yummy. Better lobster roll than we had in Portland!

Eaten here several times before, but this trip was unfortunately not a good experience; the gal taking the orders was not very patient (even tho there wasn't a line behind us), and my husband had a lobster roll with butter and mayo, which made him violently ill a few hours later. My burger was great, but we won't return.

The rolls here were amazing. The crispy Texas toast was grilled perfectly. Rolls had a lot of meat no matter which meal we got. Service was fast and friendly and staff was very helpful in choosing our meals. Don't be fooled by the side road shack, as you're eating on picnic tables. But worth it. They least have a porta potty if you're desperate. Slightly pricy but the norm for the type of food and area.

Service was great. Very friendly folks. I ordered the haddock plate with onion rings for $21. Five bite size pieces of haddock and onion rings that seemed over cooked to me. My wife had the haddock chowder that was all liquid and very little haddock. Maybe fish isn't their thing and other items are better.

Amazing lobster roll, one of the best burgers I've ever had, and great sandwiches. Fast service. Fantastic specials!!!

This place was great! I've had a lot of lobster rolls and always come away disappointed because of the price and lack of lobster. This lobster roll is still sort of expensive at $25.99 but there was LOTS of lobster!! Delicious. The fries and butter noodles were really good as well both at $3.99. Will definitely come back and I live in California. This was the best lobster roll I've ever had.

Super cute spot! This is a grab and go kinda joint. A few tables and porta potties outside. Friendly and fast service! The menu is nice with lots of comfort food. I grabbed a hot dog and fries. Mom had the crab roll. I don't think I would return. There are so many other options in the area and this didn't hit the spot.

Delish! The lobster and crab roll were excellent on buttery Texas toast and the burger was cooked to perfection. French fries were super crispy. Yes yes yes.

We ordered a clam basket, and had to order Cole slaw extra. Usually a "basket" comes with fries Cole slaw and sometimes a roll. This was just clams and fries. For $26 plus $2 for coleslaw we got a handful of clams and a few fries. The clams and fries were good, but there could have been a bit more in the "basket".

Hello lobstah! ...After 17 years away, I found myself back in lovely Damariscotta, and immediately knew I had to find a lobster roll! Being from Michigan these aren't something I see on menus, but hard not to crave when I visit coastal Maine. I'd had a couple in Florida back in 2020, but that was not Maine, and I wanted to get the genuine article. I found it surprisingly challenging to find a good one, since the 'must-visit' place was not quite up to speed (using olive oil instead of drawn butter- no thanks!) and the next place wouldn't be ready to serve for an hour. Red's was recommended but as I kept driving past Larson's I became increasingly convinced that was the place for me. I just had to be sure to be there the next morning when they opened... So, I got there a bit early and sat in their lot while they fired up the lobster roll machine, and listened to the awesome bluegrass music playing over the loudspeaker. That was a reassuring sign that I'd made the right decision! When they finally opened I was greeted warmly and placed my order at the walk-up window. One traditional lobster roll, a cup of haddock chowder, and a side of slaw. All three were good. The lobster was a nice heap of big chunks in the buttery roll- sweet and tender! The slaw, though it looked bland without carrots or anything for color, was the right proportion of sweet and crunchy with that mayonaisse tang. And the chowder was rich and flavorful with a milky broth, chunks of potato, and a big chunk of haddock. As I meandered on my way I passed the 'other' place, which already had a line snaking around the block, probably more that fifty people waiting! Again I knew I was right to stop at Larson's! Would I go back? Absolutely! But on the next visit might try the crab roll, which also looked delectible! So, do yourself a favor next time you're in Damariscotta or Bristol, and stop in at Larson's Lunch Box. I think you'll be glad you did!

Food is excellent, nice crispy onion rings, and a Cuban sandwich with thick slices of real ham in it. Ambience is a bit lacking, but I ate in my truck, so no big deal.

Used to be awesome. New owners have made it a bit expensive for what comes with it.. Cajun o burger wasn't spicy and had very little inside it, lobster roll was good but for the price I figured fries would come with it and did not. Chowder was very watery and bland, to be frank. However, cute spot and very friendly people!

Summer 2022: "New" owners and a great lunch. Perfect lobster roll. Buttery warm bun, very little Mayo, lettuce for crunch. So so so good. And this is after a few years of meh lobster rolls around town for $$$, so three cheers for Larsons. Hubs had chicken salad (B+) and reported that the potato salad was interesting and adventurous (and delish!) Give it a try. Tue-Sat 11-3

Dropped by for lunch. The haddock chowder is classic milky mild Maine style. Generous with the fresh fish, this chowder was easy to down. The kielbasa in the Kielbasa Reuben was snappy and delicious with a touch of heat attitude. The Sauerkraut was crisp and tangy sweet. It was served in a hotdog bun. Service was direct and efficient. Wait time was reasonable at about 10-15 minutes even with a steady stream of customers. Will return to try a lobster or crab roll since that's what they're known for. Addendum: arrived 1 hour too late on Sunday Sep 30 to catch a lunch before their end of season.

I love Larson's Lunch Box, they have great food and friendly atmosphere. I highly recommend.

Good lunch place. Good food and delicious. Super good lobster roll and clam chowder very good

We were looking for quick lunch off the beaten path. Holy moly! So glad we stumbled on Larson's. The lobster melted in your mouth. The people were amazing. Highly recommend!

What a fun road-side place! The Lunch Box is cranking out awesome sanwiches and sides. The lobster roll... (pause for effect)... was AWESOME. Huge pieces of lobster and tossed with very little mayo (they use Miracle Whip, so it's even lighter). I split a side of fried zucchini with my companions. The chili dog was A-okay and the tomato grilled cheddar cheese was very nice indeed. They sell dill pickles (which are humongous, btw) that are a tad disappointing - too much dill, or not enough vinegar? - oh well, the meal as a whole was pretty solid. Parking's tight, so get ready to do some car Tetris. Also, bring cash - no credit cards. Whatever you do, make sure to come here with an appetite because you will not be disappointed!

I would put Larson's Lunch box lobster roll up against Red's Eats and there isn't the queue to deal with. The lobster roll is delicious. If you are in the area stop by and get one!

5 of us stopped in for lunch. 2 naked lobster rolls (might give Red's competition!), 2 chicken salad sandwiches, a burger, & fries. Everything was really good! Cute little spot with brightly painted picnic tables (& umbrellas). We'll come again!

A great road-side lunch shack. Hamburgers are astoundingly good: deeply charred burger yet still juicy, Wide selection of toppings. The lobster rolls are the equal of Red's and other places, but possibly even a bit more lobster. You have to try the fried zucchini appetizer. Inspiring elevation of a vegetable not known for its flavor.

Great little roadside stand limited parking esp if you have a big truck no indoor seating picnic tables only and port-a potty if you need a restroom .. my lobster roll was reasonably priced ( compared with other i have had in the state in various areas ) lots of meat very delicious -- i had the naked with butter i wish i would have asked for the meat heated up ( personal preference of mine ) the cole slaw was home made and delicious -- hubby had a blt chicken sandwich which he said was very filling with french fries ( extra-- every thing is a la carte ) glad we stopped for lunch

The best lobster roll my husband and I had while in Maine! Great prices and the roll itself was amazing - a little crispy and warm. The lobster was fresh and had a really nice texture. Really enjoyed the crab roll too. Fried zucchini was also good. Wish we could've bought two more rolls but unfortunately they only accept cash. Had lots of patrons during a random hour on a Monday which is a good sign. If we ever come back to Maine I would definitely drive back to Larson's! Was worth the 1 the detour to Damariscotta.

Great little roadside spot to grab all of the American basics: burgers, fries, hotdogs, etcetera. Of course, thus being Maine, everything else that you would expect, to include fish and a lobster roll.

My first lobster roll of this trip and it was pretty disappointing. There was a lot of meat and the bun was good, grilled, buttery. But two huge chunks of the meat were so tough, I couldn't bite or chew them, and had to rudely spit them out after struggling with them for awhile. The rest was tender and tasty. Not sure what those two pieces were, but I think they weren't meant to be eaten! I thought it was just me, but a couple of local guys in front of us did the same thing. My family enjoyed their burgers and hot dog. Great fries. My aunt forgot to ask for toppings on her burger (that's just not what we are used to) and I was shocked when they charged me 35 cents for a slice of tomato. I asked if tomatoes are hard to come by up here or what, and she said not everyone likes tomatoes so they charge separately for them. Seems that could also apply to onions, lettuce, etc. Odd practice and they weren't too friendly about it. She said, "I'll go ahead and give it to you now and you can bring the 35 cents back up here." This was after waiting in line to get it, while my food got cold. After more than a week in Maine, I learned that this lobster roll was by far the most expensive I encountered.

Seriously come here over Red's Eats for lobster rolls! I was recommended this place by a couple of locals and at first I was skeptical but after trying it I have to say it's pretty amazing and reasonably priced. The roll was thick and perfectly crispy on the outside and the lobster was so good! It was very fresh, and had the right amount of mayo and seasoning; they also give you the option to add lettuce. Highly recommend this place for lobster rolls!

Awesome roadside foord stand! Best I. The area bar far! Haddock sandwich was delicious!

I had the kielbasa reuben and would go out of my way to have it again. My friend had the crab roll and it was very good too!

You can't order anything that isn't prepared with excellent ingredients and more importantly prepared with loving attention to the end result.

Best Lobster Roll EVER! It was so flavorful and the people there are so wonderful and nice. My family and I ordered the lobster roll, the crab roll, and the clam sandwich. All of which were absolutely amazing and worth every second of stopping by. I'm so glad I've found this place.

Best. Burger. Ever. And one of the FEW places that will cook to order. I asked for Medium Rare, and the very nice gentleman at the grill told me it would be ready in 2 minutes...and so it was, and perfectly cooked. This is a roadside shack but it seems to run with the precision of a top notch bricks and mortar restaurant. The burger is the only thing I've had, but everything I saw being picked up at the window looked great, especially the lobster rolls. The sign said they were out of Haddock Chowder and it was just 12:30 so I have to assume it is excellent as well. My way---Medium Rare w/ red pepper relish, pickles, deli mustard, vidalia onion, lettuce and tomato. #mouthwatering #toogoodtobetrue

Best lobster roll I've had in Maine. The roll was soft and had a buttery, toasty, and nicely grilled quality. The lobster meat was mostly claw and prepared perfectly without that overcooked, bouncy texture that is common across many restaurants selling lobster rolls in Maine. Larson's Lunch Box has a walk up order window, friendly staff, and about a half dozen picnic tables with umbrellas for enjoying your lobster roll on the premises. Stop by when you're in the area and nab one of these delightful treasures. Larson's is quite a find. Note...they are a CASH ONLY business. Kudos for the fantastic lobster roll today. I am definitely a fan!

I am so sad they have closed for the season early. The lobster and crab rolls are delicious but they have absolutely the best cheeseburgers I have ever had! All you need is the burger, American cheese and ketchup, so good! Very friendly service and during this unusual season, they went beyond the safety protocols and mandates required by the state of Maine, I felt very comfortable ordering and eating there. I hope they will return!

The best lobster roll that I've tried out of the following: in Maine: - Red's Eats - Five Islands - Shaw's - Day's in Mass: - Clam Box - Woodman's (this is familial heresy to say something is better) in Conn: -Abbott's and probably some others I don't remember... lobster roll overdose. This is the best by far - just the right amount of lettuce, a touch of mayo, and the perfect grilled roll. Don't miss this place. (And great, pleasant service...)

The burger was great! And I'm from Texas. Very reasonably priced as well. I would come back every day if possible.

My wife and I have been sampling various lobster rolls this summer in an attempt to find out who might have the best one, or at least assemble a stable of go to places that we recommend. We did Red's earlier in the year, so the July review here stating Larson's was better than Red's and some other places we've been piqued our respective curiosities. Larson's does have a mighty fine lobster roll. The roll (yes, it must be a hot dog roll, grilled) met the criteria of being grilled with butter. It was rich and flavorful. The lobster, while not as plentiful as Red's (who has as much lobster as Red's, anyways?) was satisfying, prepared with a minimal amount of mayonnaise; what I'd say was the perfect amount. The lobster meat was fresh-tasting, with the characteristic sweetness I enjoy. Mary, the true lobster roll connoisseur gave it a thumbs up, validating my own thoughts and enjoyment. We had also heard about their burger, and given that we had been on a 25-mile bike ride before our jaunt to Damaricotta, we splurged by splitting a burger. Grilled perfectly, and we had ours with the works (catsup, onion, mustard, relish), which I'd recommend--excellent. Oh; Larson's doesn't do the usual fried items like french fries, etc. Given they have a small lunch trailer, it's probably logistical and no room for a fryer. However, definitely get the Red Bliss Potato Salad, which was a nice change of pace from deep fried potatoes. It was creamy and ever so flavorful. One of the best potato salads I've ever had. Larson's has several outdoor picnic tables with umbrellas. The table cloths were very clean, the area maintained, and for an outdoor eating area, the experience was a pleasant one. If you are passing through on Route 1, or headed north, by-pass the lines at Red's, don't get taken by some of the over-priced eateries in downtown Damariscotta, and head up Main Street to Larson's. You'll be glad you did.

We grabbed a quick bite after a beautiful morning kayaking in Damariscotta. I had the lobster roll "naked" style (plain with side of drawn butter). It was fresh and filling. I also ordered fried zucchini which was good. My mom got the hamburger and it looked really good too. Simple menu and fresh, delicious food with a relaxed, picnic style vibe.

We ate here before our Damariscotta River cruise, and it was wonderful. While they have renowned crab and lobster rolls, we had been eating seafood for a week and two of us got hamburgers while I had a fish sandwich. The hamburgers were outstanding, the fish sandwich wonderful, although a fried "square" of fish, but served on a fresh bun with a nice slab of tomato and crisp fresh lettuce - delish. Service was friendly. The staff work their butts off. Prices were very reasonable. We could have spent more a McDonald's without the atmosphere - which is picnic-table-in-parking-lot kitchy. We loved it.

Outstanding Haddock chowder. Superb lobsta roll. Super friendly service. As a local and having sampled all the competition, Larson's takes top honors (move aside Red's!)

The Crown Jewel of Hidden Gems! I'm a mainer straight from the coast and you can take my word there isn't a lobster roll in this state that can go toe to toe with Larson's! reds is a tourist trap and you won't find a local eating there!

Best. Zucchini. Sticks. EVERRRRRRR! The lobster and Crab rolls are delicious as well!! And the fries are so crispy and Perfect. But those zucchini sticks are huge chunk of zucchini! The wasabi dipping sauce compliments it well!!! Best in all of the USA!

We come to Maine every summer and make sure we stop at Larson's at least once. IMO, the best Lobster roll on the mid coast by far. Friendly, fair priced and fun to eat at a roadside spot. Don't like lobster? The crab roll is amazing too! Oh and the onion rings...I could go on.

Beware, cash only!!! I'd have given it 5 stars if not for that. But that said, customer service was awesome. We didn't realize it was cash only and had already given our order. Total was $17 something and I only had $16 on me. The nice lady behind the counter said don't worry about it and I was about to say take our drinks off the tab. Granted, less than $2 but how many establishments would do that these days? We returned later and were happy to hand over a $5 to make up the difference and say thank you. She objected but we felt it was necessary. Food: we got burgers (thankfully since I only had $16 cash...). Really really good!! Perfect size. I got coleslaw as well and it was good but not great. I like sweet coleslaw as I'm from the south and this was more on the bland side. TL;DR I would 100% return if ever nearby again.

I live in Austin TeXas, Larson's the FIRST place I geaux when I get to Damariscotta every year. I love their cheese burgers. The folks that run this little joint are fantastic. This is the absolute cleanest restaurant I have been in on the entire east coast. I swear the people that run this place should teach college courses on how to run ah quality establishment.

Still great - actually probably one of the best lobster rolls in mid coast Maine. Good fries too. Prices are good compared to other places.

Hidden gem of a food shack that even tops Red's Eats in my opinion. The price of a lobster roll is about $16 and has just a little less meat than Red's while having a substantially better tasting roll. They also have many other options as well such as a haddock chowder which we didn't try this time. While not close to many other things, it's not too out of the way as long as you plan on taking route 1.

It's a great little spot for a quick lunch or early dinner. It's counter service only with outdoor seating the place is clean well kept. I love the hamburgers and French fries. The burgers are not large but really good try it with lettuce, tomato, onions and pickles. Service is fast and food is great

Love this local spot for a quick but delicious burger. I'm not a seafood guy really so I don't care for lobster or clam rolls - but my company always raves about them so I assume you'll like 'em too.

Tasty! Reasonably priced, pleasant service and easy to find with ample parking. Lobster rolls were simple yet perfect. Recommend!

Absolutely the best damn cheeseburger on the frikken planet by a thousand miles! And oh by the way, why does Larson's lobster rolls also taste better than anyone else's in the area? Take as many days off as you want but just come back every so often to serve up some really good food the way that you do. I'll be back for sure!

Stopped here for lunch because we were in the area. What a great decision. I had a crunchy, wonderful chicken sandwich. My husband had the chili cheeseburger which was also delicious. Nice people, good food. Pleasant outdoor seating with umbrellas for shade. Cleanest restroom ever.