It was less than a day after Meredith and I moved to Maine before we first visited The Lobster Shack in Cape Elizabeth, and by the end of our first year here, we’d been back so many times that I’d lost count.

On that first trip, I vividly remember walking up the steps from the parking lot and having the rocky coastline unfold in front of me, like I was quite possibly at the edge of the world. For a North Carolinian, accustomed to sandy beaches that ease slowly into the ocean and stretch on for miles, this scene and the feeling it invoked was completely foreign and somewhat enchanting to me, and the fact that it was the location for a seafood shack seemed almost comical.

I’d recommend the Lobster Shack for its location and scenery alone, but luckily, I don’t have to. I’d go fisticuffs with anyone who doesn’t rank the Lobster Shack’s signature lobster roll as one of the top in Maine. With just the right amount of fresh lobster meat (not an overflowing tourist gimmick and definitely not the sloppy lobster salad abomination), in a New England-style hot dog bun, with a dollop of mayo and a pickle, it’s hard to argue that they’re doing it wrong (they do have generations of experience). When you’re not in the mood for a lobster roll, I’d recommend the clam burger, but I don’t think you could go wrong with any item on the menu.

Wait in line (you’ll have to if it’s between Memorial and Labor day), place your order, grab a picnic table near the edge of the rocks, and enjoy. You won’t regret it. You can even bring your pup along, but be prepared for extra begging!