You’ll love this shack
People migrate to Colorado to experience the mile-high lifestyle composed of hiking up fourteeners all summer long and shredding down the snow-covered slopes in the winter. There’s a lot to love about being in a city with a sky that rarely gets covered by clouds or storms. The blue spanning the sky would make anybody think about being seaside at either coast. That’s where the visionaries behind Señor Bear and Bar Dough, some of the most iconic restaurants in Denver, come in to save the day. At the Maine Shack, located right at the edge of LoHi, a kind, New England atmosphere? greets you from the second you arrive with a crowd of people sitting communally at picnic tables or the counter line extending down the block. The old wood accents makes it seem like this little shack is parked at a dock along the Atlantic coast of Maine. It’s hard to believe that there isn’t a huge body of water behind the restaurant as its source of seafood. Regardless, they still manage to maintain that salty goodness that fresh seafood holds.
The Maine Shack offers mainland classics that would be appreciated at any downhome delicatessa, such as a roast beef sandwich or a loaded burger. While the feature seafood of all kinds, it is clear that the king is no longer the crab. Instead, the lobster reigns supreme. While it is new to the game, all the commotion circling this humble shack is definitely their lobster rolls. The warm brioche bun is thick and buttery with subtle hints of sweetness. This bread is nothing like Wonder, but instead, resembles the miniature Hawaiian rolls that, before you know it, you’ve eaten half a dozen. No other bun could do such a superior sandwich justice, and they make sure to griddle it for a slight textural crunch. Then, it’s up to you to decide how to top this upgraded hotdog bun. The four ounces of claw and knuckle meat can remain untouched on the naked roll. It can be mixed with the salty sea water, a touch of mayo and finished with butter for a Maine Shack specialty. Both choices allow for the sweet, oceany flavor to come through as it is distinctly different from its relatives, the shrimp and crab. The added bit of salt is what really transports you to the coast, where the air is perfumed by the ocean. Sometimes you have to do the lobster meat justice by keeping it simple or solely poaching it in brown butter to add a bit of desirable nuttiness. It is prepared hot and retains the comforting feeling of getting a sandwich made with care as a kid. You can also opt to make the roll a bit more extravagant with added ingredients that pair well with seafood, like lemon, tarragon and chives.. It comes together as a sort of lobster salad, but Maine Shack makes sure that the huge pieces of lobster are the star and stay at the forefront instead of getting lost in a sea of mayonnaise. Finally, for the lobster enthusiast, they have the ultimate treat of an already four-ounce sandwich to be accompanied by an extra four-ounce lobster tail garnish. It’s basically a two-in-one that’s large enough to share but some days you have to treat yourself.
In my eyes, the lobster will remain the star here at Maine Shack especially because they won’t hesitate to remind the customers that their lobsters are sourced sustainably from nowhere else but Maine. However, I would want to go back to see their take on seafood fries – the contrast between a crispy brown battered bite smeared with their creamy house made tartar sauce seems like it would be a winning combination. Whether it’s a loaded lobster roll or a different seafood delight, they never forget that bright ray of sunshine, the squeeze of a lemon, to add as the final touch. This laid back, counter order restaurant would not be complete without an indulgent dessert. Maine Shack represents going to a seafood joint that spans generations where everything resembles the tender love and care that only a family could provide. So, when I saw their fluffernutter ice cream sandwich I was immediately transported back to picnics with my grandma where we’d split a peanut butter and marshmallow sandwich perfectly slathered on white bread for dessert. One bite and I was transported and a smile couldn’t help but line my entire face.
Even though this meal isn’t one I can have every night on a college student budget, it’s a splurge that you don’t have to wear a dress or tie for. Instead, it allows for the feelings of home through the adventure of discovering what it’s like to live seaside. No longer do I have to wander around Bath and Body Works for the smell of the beach- instead Maine Shack gives me the sea breeze in a single bite.
