Overview

The Lobstah Buoy, nestled at 268 Odlin Rd in Bangor, Maine, is a true haven for seafood lovers venturing through the Pine Tree State. This modest yet vibrant spot captures the essence of coastal Maine with a menu that centers on fresh, local lobster and traditional fried seafood classics. From lobster roll baskets to crispy fish and chips, the offerings blend hearty New England flavors with the casual charm of a local eatery.

The star of the menu is undeniably their lobster roll. Customers consistently praise the generous portions of fresh lobster meat, served in various forms—from the classic quarter-pound roll to smaller options like the Baby Buoy meal, which pairs lobster with fries, coleslaw, and a pickle for a satisfying, well-rounded plate. The roll stands out with a balanced mayo dressing, although some may find it richer than their usual. The fries here earn their own accolades, often described as truly authentic French fries—crisp, golden, and perfectly seasoned. Complementary sides like clam strips, scallops, and clam bellies add variety to the lobster-centric fare, offering a quintessential Maine seafood experience.

The Lobstah Buoy’s location offers a relaxed, unpretentious dining experience. Despite its unexpected setting just off a main road in Bangor, the welcoming service and lively atmosphere make it a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Outdoor seating areas foster a community vibe, filled regularly with Maine license plates, a testament to its local appeal. Whether stopping by on a road trip to Katahdin or seeking a waterfront flavor away from the tourist buzz of Bar Harbor, it meets the needs of both casual diners and seafood enthusiasts craving authenticity.

Feedback highlights a vibrant contrast in experience: some hail it as the best lobster roll in the area, appreciating the freshness and portion size, while others suggest that while the lobster is solid, the true standout might be the shrimp platter or the fries. This mix speaks to a diverse audience—from the passerby road-tripper to the discerning Maine seafood connoisseur. It’s clear that The Lobstah Buoy thrives on honest, straightforward seafood dishes without the pretense, offering guests a taste of Maine’s coast in a welcoming environment.

In sum, The Lobstah Buoy is a must-visit for those seeking a genuine lobster roll and a slice of local flavor away from tourist-heavy hotspots. Its commitment to fresh ingredients and generous servings ensures a memorable meal, paired with down-to-earth service and a friendly atmosphere that beckons repeat visits. For any seafood lover traveling through Bangor, this spot is a buoy in the sea of dining options, anchored firmly by quality and community spirit.


Amenities & Services

Offerings
Comfort food

What Customers Say

Samantha B
Dec 10,2025
5/5
Great stop on a road trip up to Katahdin!! We were looking for a local watering hole and the novelty of the name “The Lobstah Buoy” itself was enough to draw us in. The food was delicious!! Generous portions of fresh seafood (entirely beats anything you had at a rest stop on the way up here). The parking lot was filled with cars — all with Maine license plates — so you know the locals approve. I’ll be dreaming of the lobster roll for the rest of my life.
Kevin Norris
Dec 10,2025
4/5
UPDATE: Saw the owners' response and had to make something clear. They have some great fries, I doubt anywhere in Bar Harbor can match the fries at this joint. That said, I happened to have a lobster roll in Bar Harbor with less mayo than this place and much tastier meat for around the same price here too. Bar Harbor as a whole is a huge tourist trap and I'm sure you have some subpar lobster rolls there but there are some places there that make a better roll than Lobster Buoy and I wouldn't go around dissing those places if you can't make a roll tasty enough to compete with them. Stay classy Got the 8oz Lobster Roll bordering on $60 and while it did have 8 oz of lobster meat, the meat itself was just okay. It wasn't bad at all but nothing to write home about, and I personally thought the lobster roll was decent. It definitely wasn't the best I had in Maine if I'm being honest. That said, the fries that came with it were delicious and the cole slaw was okay. I gave this place 4 stars because I tried the shrimp platter and it was actually really good. For about $20, the shrimp platter is not a bad value at all. If I were to come back to this place, I'd probably skip the lobster and just get the shrimp. On the bright side, the service was friendly and you had a few tables outside the truck, although they were all usually taken up.
Samantha Smith
Dec 10,2025
5/5
LOBSTER BUOY is not playing around. We have had lobster rolls all over the place and this one is our absolute favorite. And the fries are real french fries and super delicious and the clam bellies were also gorgeous. Do NOT miss this lobster roll.
Christi Hille
Dec 10,2025
5/5
This is the place to get lobster rolls in Bangor! The location is a little unexpected but the food and service are amazing . The baby buoy meal is a great deal, it’s a 2oz roll with fries, coleslaw and a pickle, we both left feeling full. With that said we will definitely be back for the bigger options! Don’t hesitate to stop and try this place out.
That One Guy
Dec 10,2025
5/5
Went all over to find the best lobster roll on my recent side quest adventure. This place won. Best roll that I had. Alot of spots were closed already but this place is a true gem. My only regret is I didn't find it until my last day in Maine.
wes
Dec 10,2025
4/5
I just can't resist a food truck. Especially when it's one that deals in seafood. I ordered the baby buoy, a 2oz lobster roll, with a side of hot drawn butter. No mayo, no lettuce (sorry Mainers, I'm from Connecticut!). The roll itself was nicely toasted on the outside, which added some extra warmth and texture. The lobster meat was soft and delicious, especially with a little butter drizzled on. The fries were solid, too! Nice amount of saltiness and somewhere in the middle of crunchy and chewy. A nice treat as I began my work trip.
Erica Lautner
Dec 10,2025
5/5
Great stop for a good cold lobster roll when you first land! We had a nice treat when we landed and before we ventured to Bar Harbor.
Aaron Baker
Dec 10,2025
5/5
First time here this season and as usual, it did not disappoint! I ordered the crab roll instead of my usual lobster roll and it's an 11/10! Fresh hot hand cut fries, perfectly salted. Cold, crisp pickle. a generous portion of fresh crab in a tiny bit of mayo on top of a small perfect amount of lettuce, stuffed in a fresh buttered and toasted bun, and a 4oz container of fresh home made Cole slaw. It doesn't get any better, or more fresh! There's a reason they've won best food truck in the Bangor area for several years in a row. Pro Tip- eat the fries first! They're always fresh and hot, but if you don't eat them first, they cool off quick. They have 5 picnic tables with umbrellas you can eat at, or eat it right in your car. The cherry on top is the excellent choice of tunes playing, and the amazing customer service. Don't change a thing!

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