Houston's getting another high-profile sandwich option.
Maine-ly Sandwiches will begin its soft opening Thursday in the former Sugarbaby's Cupcake Boutique space on Shepherd with lunch service ahead of an official opening Friday, which Eater first reported on. On the menu at this second Maine-ly location, diners will find the restaurant's familiar mix of sandwiches, including the signature lobster roll.
That lobster roll has become something of an obsession for Houston foodies.
That lobster roll has become something of an obsession for Houston foodies who've made the unfamiliar trek to Maine-ly's original location in Greenspoint to see what all the fuss is about. It lives up to the hype by getting the details right: A toasted, split-top roll that contains lobster with just the right of mayo to hold it together.
The biggest difference between Maine-ly's and those actually in Maine? The pieces of lobster are smaller in Houston.
Owner Angela Charity tells CultureMap that she and husband Buddy live in Cypress but are excited about being in the heart of the city. Maybe not as excited as residents of both Montrose and Upper Kirby, who Charity says have been "trying to come in" ever since they hung a banner in the window announcing their move.
Inside, the cupcake shop's pink and black paint scheme has been replaced by Maine-ly's nautical motif. Charity notes that they worked as quickly as possible.
"It's been six weeks from the time we got the keys," she says.
In the future, Charity says the new location's expanded kitchen will allow them to serve dishes they couldn't previously. Expect to see French fries, fried clam strips and crab cakes on the menu once they get things dialed in. The restaurant has also applied for a beer and wine license.
For now, there are lobster rolls. That's probably going to be good enough to draw a crowd.
The exterior promises some of the treats on offer inside.
