How to Eat at Eventide Oyster Co.

Eventide Oyster Co. changed the lobster roll game. Before Eventide, a lobster roll was cold meat with mayo or warm meat with butter on a hot dog bun.

Eventide introduced the Brown Butter Lobster Roll: warm, succulent meat tossed in nutty brown butter and served on a fluffy, steamed bao-style bun. It is small, rich, and arguably the most famous single bite of food in Portland.

The Problem: The Wait

Eventide does not take reservations for small groups. It is first-come, first-served, and the restaurant is tiny.

• Summer Wait Times: Can easily exceed 2-3 hours on weekends.
• The Strategy:
  1. Go for Lunch: Arrive at 10:45 AM (they open at 11:00). You will likely get seated immediately.
  2. The “Standing Room”: There is often space at the standing counters in the middle. If you are willing to stand, you can often skip the wait.
  3. Put Your Name In: Go put your name in, then go walk around the Old Port or get a drink nearby. They will text you.

The Menu Beyond the Roll

While you have to get the roll, the rest of the menu is spectacular James Beard Award-winning seafood.

• Oysters: A massive selection of Maine and “Away” oysters, served on a literal block of ice granite.
• The Crudo: Their raw fish preparations are inventive and fresh.
• New England Clam Chowder: Lighter than the cement-thick versions elsewhere, packed with flavor.

Location: 86 Middle St, Portland.