Melt

Melt is a tiny seasonal counter-service place near the waterfront that does one thing well: sandwiches. You'll find locals and tourists crowded in at lunch, ordering lobster rolls (mayo or butter, three sizes), crab melts, and loaded fries. The space itself is skinny with almost no seats, but the park across the street is packed with benches and views, making it work.

• Fresh crab and lobster meat, no skimping on the good stuff.
• Loaded fries with toppings that actually taste good.
• Sourdough that toasts right, holds the fillings.
• Can't beat the value for a meal this solid.

Start with the crab melt (fresh crab meat, tomatoes, likely mayo or cheese). The lobster roll comes in 4oz, 6oz, or 8oz sizes; ask for butter or mayo and they'll split it if you ask nicely. The Ultimelt is bacon and grilled cheese on sourdough, simple and worth trying. Get the loaded fries, especially with crab meat if it's available. The Philly melt is solid. Skip the Caprese unless you actually want a pesto sandwich.

Narrow room with a counter and maybe three or four stools. Tight, casual, a little loud at lunch. Most people eat outside in the park across the street, which has benches and water views.

Best at off-peak hours. Summer crowds are real, and pickup times can stretch. The place closes seasonally, so check ahead. Bring cash, or verify what cards they take. Gluten-free options exist. If you order a sandwich with a heavy hand of pesto or mayo, you're eating pesto or mayo, not bread and filling, so know what you're asking for.

Regulars and tourists rave about the quality of the crab and lobster meat, and the bacon cheese fries get constant praise. The Ultimelt has fans. One recent visitor called it "the best 27 bucks spent on sandwich ever." The main gripe is space and long lines during peak summer hours, though friendly staff help smooth it out.