Unearth The Voyage
Portland locals keep a delicious secret, and it starts at The Highroller Lobster Co. Tucked on Exchange Street, this retro red and white spot serves lobster on house-baked brioche with sauces that make you rethink tradition.
Between lobster roll flights, crisp Old Bay style fries, and a lively bar, there is a reason lines form even on rainy Mondays. If you are chasing the best bite in town, this is where your search gets rewarding.
Signature Lobster Roll on Brioche
The Highroller lobster roll arrives on a house-baked brioche bun that is golden, lightly sweet, and perfectly toasted. You choose the dressing, from drawn butter to lime mayo, so the lobster’s natural sweetness stays center stage.
Every bite tastes like Portland’s shoreline without leaving Exchange Street.
Order regular or jumbo if you are extra hungry. Prices reflect quality and portion, and locals still call it worth it.
Pair with Old Bay style fries and a local beer, then linger in the upbeat diner vibe. When friends ask where to go first, send them here.
Lobster Roll Flight Experience
If choosing one sauce feels impossible, the lobster roll flight solves it with three mini rolls. Try drawn butter, lime mayo, and charred pineapple for a quick tour of Highroller’s creativity.
Each roll is generously packed, so you get real comparisons rather than skimpy bites.
The flight is a conversation starter at the bar. Staff are helpful with pairings and will steer you toward new favorites.
Expect a bit of a wait during peak hours, but it moves. By the last bite, you will know your perfect combo and feel like a regular.
Creative Sauce Lineup
Highroller’s sauce game is half the fun. Lime mayo brings citrusy brightness, garlic mayo adds savory depth, and lobster ghee doubles down on luxurious flavor.
Even the curry ketchup for fries surprises you with warmth and a little sweetness.
Ask for suggestions or sample a few before committing. Locals swear different sauces highlight different cuts of lobster meat.
If you love zest, lime wins. If you want comfort, butter and ghee deliver.
It is playful, customizable, and somehow still respectful of the classic. You will leave planning which trio to order next time.
Retro Diner Atmosphere
Step inside and the red-and-white retro diner vibe sets a playful tone. Neon accents, bold graphics, and a lively bar make it feel like a party without trying too hard.
It is casual, upbeat, and very Portland.
There is indoor and outdoor seating when weather cooperates. Lines happen, but the space is designed for flow, with a separate takeout area and merch tucked to the side.
Music can be loud, so plan accordingly if you prefer quiet. Otherwise, grab a bar seat, chat with locals, and enjoy the show as plates fly out.
Ordering, Wait Times, and Tips
Highroller does not take reservations, so timing matters. Peak hours bring a line, and food can take longer when the kitchen is slammed.
If you are flexible, try late lunch or early dinner, or snag bar seats for quicker service.
There is a separate takeout station when you want lobster rolls to go. The app speeds things up, and staff offer clear guidance.
Budget for a bit of a wait and you will be fine. The quality is consistent, the portions generous, and the payoff delicious.
Bring patience and an appetite.
Fries, Sides, and Dips
Fries here are crisp, seasoned, and easy to love, especially with that Old Bay style kick. Add curry ketchup or garlic mayo and you suddenly understand why people order extra sauces.
Sweet potato fries show up perfectly fried, too.
On a splurge day, make it a full tray: lobster roll, fries, and a couple dips. The sides never overshadow the main event, but they round out the meal.
When you want to stretch a single roll, fries help. You will probably wish you grabbed a few more sauces for experimenting.
Lobster Grilled Cheese Favorite
The lobster grilled cheese is indulgent comfort with real lobster presence. Golden, buttery bread holds stretchy cheese and chunky meat, so each bite is rich without being messy.
It is the dish you order when you want cozy and celebratory at once.
Locals recommend adding extra lobster if you are sharing. Pair it with fries or a simple salad to balance the richness.
When the weather turns cold, this is the move. You will remember why grilled cheese was a childhood favorite, then realize Highroller just upgraded it for grown-ups.
What to Drink at the Bar
The bar leans local, so you can sip Maine beer alongside your roll. A blueberry beer feels spot-on with seafood, while a milk stout surprises when you want dessert-like depth.
Staff happily steer you toward the right pairing.
Prices are reasonable for the area, and the vibe is friendly. If cocktails are your thing, ask about rotating options.
For curious drinkers, try something new and let the sauces guide your pick. It is easy to lose track of time here, in the best way.
Takeout and Pier-Picnic Strategy
When the dining room is packed, go straight for takeout. Order a jumbo roll, extra sauces, and fries, then walk to the waterfront for a pier picnic.
It turns a wait into a scenic win, especially at sunset.
Napkins and wet wipes help with buttery fingers. The brioche travels better than you might expect, staying soft and warm.
If the breeze picks up, tuck into a sheltered bench and enjoy the harbor views. You will taste the ocean either way, and the roll stays the star.
When To Go and Hours
Highroller runs daily with posted hours around 11 AM to 9 PM, but always check the website or socials before heading over. Weekends and peak summer stretch waits, so weekday afternoons are clutch.
Rainy days can be your secret advantage.
Arrive early, grab the bar, and you will usually beat the rush. If you are planning a group, expect a little extra time for seats and food.
The energy is part of the charm, and the staff keeps things moving. You will leave satisfied, even if you waited.
Merch and Memories
Past the takeout counter, you will find merch that leans into the playful brand. Hats, tees, and totes make easy souvenirs when you want to remember your new favorite roll.
The designs are bold and photo-ready.
Grab a tee after a flight and it feels like joining the fan club. For gifts, pair a shirt with a gift card and you have a perfect Portland present.
It is a small moment, but it fits the vibe: fun, unfussy, and unmistakably Highroller. You will smile when you unpack it at home.
Why Locals Swear By It
Locals swear by Highroller because it nails freshness, generosity, and personality. The brioche is baked for them, the lobster tastes like it came off the boat, and the sauces invite playful choices.
It is Portland classic meets modern fun.
Yes, it can be pricey and busy, but the value shows in every bite. Service is friendly, the bar is welcoming, and the menu goes beyond rolls without losing focus.
When a single lunch becomes the highlight of your trip, you understand the hype. This spot earns it, plate after plate.
