It’s summer in Maine. And ‘Vacationland’ screams for coastal getaways, woodsy hikes, and outdoor adventures. Beers are poured and shared with friends, barbeque grills are lit, but it’s hard to think of summer in this New England state without thinking of a classic that brings both tourists and locals together: the lobster roll. Portland, though not the capital of Maine, could arguably be the capital of this popular dish.

Having been named ‘Restaurant City of the Year’ by Bon Appétit Magazine, this food/beverage destination has brought a calling to craft beer lovers for quite some time. More and more food and drink projects have popped up over the last few years as the demand never seems to cease. But separating yourself from the sea (pun intended) takes determination, consideration, development, and, most of all, fun.

You’ll find all that at The Highroller Lobster Company in downtown Portland, where a weathered red and white awning welcomes guests to enjoy their fill of great food and beer. The straight-from-the-paint-tube color scheme carries throughout the space, with a nod to nautically themed seasonal seafood shacks. The sparsely decorated, diner-like, order-at-the-counter setting, is anything but pretentious, even with an acclaimed menu and draft list that has people lining up and coming back for more. Cheeky, graphically forward merchandise, such as ‘herb’ grinders and full sweatsuits have become collectibles for fans, and graffiti murals from local artists complete a recently expanded outdoor seating area.