When I eat lobster, I take no prisoners. All that’s identifiable in the carnage left behind are the eyes, antennae, swimmerets (those feathery appendages on the underside of the body), and dismembered carcass. And when finished, I’m literally dripping in lobster juice and goo. The only place for such a messy operation is a classic Maine lobster shack, a sometimes rough-and-tumble operation that’s usually within sight and scent of the ocean.

I’ve dined at lobster shacks from Kittery to Eastport. While some serve only lobster, others offer a full menu ranging from hot dogs to blueberry pie.

I favor the in-the-rough, order-at-the-counter, eat-out-on-a-picnic-table shacks. These are usually pet-friendly and often come with free entertainment: You can watch lobstermen unload their catch, refuel, and restock their boats. No need to dress up — better to dress down so you can skip the bib. Another plus: Most allow you to bring the go-withs; think cheese and crackers, salads and rolls, wine and beer, even tablecloths and flowers.

And remember that while lobster prices reflect market conditions, the farther you travel from the trappings of civilization and the deeper you get into bona fide lobstering territory, the fewer frills and the less costly the goods. These are my favorite lobster shacks from south to north.

(Updated June 17, 2023)

Maine’s Best Lobster Shacks

Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier, Kittery Point

One doesn’t have to venture far over Maine’s southern border to find Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier. This colorful joint overlooking tidal Chauncey Creek has been satisfying lobster lovers since 1948. Aim to arrive at high tide, when the view is nicer and the pier seems to float on the water. You’ll find outdoor seating on the deck and sheltered seating (heated), all at brightly colored picnic tables.

Although lobster is the main attraction—my lobster roll was humongous!—the menu offers choices for landlubbers, including chicken dinners and hot dogs. Also available are mussels, oysters, cherrystones, tuna rolls, and even shrimp. But be forewarned: It can be very crowded, parking is a nightmare, and bug spray is a must.

Cape Pier Chowder House, Cape Porpoise

The scenery is top-notch at the Cape Pier Chowder House, which tops a pier in a traditional lobstering village. The views (bring binoculars) extend to Goat Island Light House. And since there’s inside seating, it’s weatherproof, which gives it a longer season than most. Cape Pier opens in April and goes to November. The menu has a lot more than lobster.

The Lobster Shack, Cape Elizabeth

If you’ve had enough of quaint fishing village vistas, head to The Lobster Shack for bold ocean views. It has everything: rocky ledges, tide pools, crashing surf, a broad menu, dive-bombing seagulls, and a lighthouse (with foghorn – avoid on a foggy day or bring earplugs). It’s a classic—in biz since the 1920s—with frills: dining inside and out and a menu that includes sandwiches and fried seafood.

Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster, South Freeport

Take a break from power shopping L.L. Bean’s and the outlets and head to Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster, a popular spot on the working harbor.

There is not much fuss here; the seating options are picnic tables on the pavement and a tiny dining room. The menu, however, is pretty extensive for a lobster joint. You can decide for yourself whether fried clams are better battered or breaded.

Erica’s Seafood, South Harpswell

Although somewhat off the beaten tourist track, Erica’s is no secret.

This family operation comprises two buildings. At the seafood stand, you can order lobster rolls, fried seafood, burgers, and desserts. At the adjacent lobster shop, you can order lobster (priced by the pound + $1 to steam it). It may sound complicated, but just head to the seafood stand, and they’ll make it easy.

The service is friendly, prices are low, and views extend over Pott’s Harbor to Casco Bay. Seating is available on picnic tables, mostly outdoors, but a few additional ones are in the lobster shop. Cash only.

Holbrook’s Lobster Grill, Cundy’s Harbor

The not-for-profit Holbrook Community Foundation leases the operation of Holbrook’s Wharf & Grill. This is another order-at-the-counter spot with sheltered and open seating on the wharf, but the menu is a few notches above traditional lobster shack fare. It includes the usuals as well as great salads, sandwiches, and burgers. Like Erica’s Seafood, it may be tucked well off the major roads, but locals keep it hoppin’. Also on the premises are a General Store with ice cream and real penny candy and Hawk’s lobster and store.

Five Islands, Georgetown

Five Islands tops a lot of favorite lobster shack lists and for good reasons. For starters, the idyllic setting tips a finger of bridge-connected islands. Snag a wharf-top picnic table, and watch sailboats play hide-and-seek amid the spruce-fringed islands in the harbor and lobster boats chugging to and fro pulling traps.

The headliner is lobster, but there are plenty of other options, from chowder and fish ’n’ chips (hand-breaded) to burgers and chicken tenders. In addition, it earns points for making its own tartar and mustard dill sauces and cilantro mayo. You get the idea: These folks are passionate about their products.

Round Pond Lobstermen’s Co-op, Round Pond

When given a choice, I opt for simplicity: If the joint does only one thing, there’s a better chance it’s doing it right. Take Round Pond Lobstermen’s Co-op, a more-rustic-than-most spot overlooking a picture-postcard harbor. Buddy Poland serves lobster, steamers, corn-on-the-cob, and chips. Period. When he runs low on lobster, he saunters down the dock, climbs into his dingy, putt-putts out to a lobster car — that floating crate where the crustaceans are stored — and brings back reinforcements.

Muscongus Bay Lobster, Round Pond

For those who don’t like lobster (!), just steps away is Muscongus Bay Lobster, a larger and wee bit fancier place with a more extensive menu (and a bar).

I have friends who favor this spot not only because of the expanded choices — lobster and crab rolls, stews and chowders — but also because it offers some sheltered tables, a big plus if the weather looks threatening. It also serves fresh Pemaquid oysters, which gives it points in my book.

Pemaquid Seafood, Pemaquid

Lobster and fried seafood dominate the menu at Pemaquid Seafood, but those who can’t eat either or prefer not to have a few other choices. Previously known as the Pemaquid Lobster CO-OP, Pemaquid Seafood overlooks the Pemaquid River and the mouth of Pemaquid Harbor. The wharf below welcomes both local working boats and recreational boaters.

This is a classic order-at-the-counter and wait for your number to be called spot. While there is limited indoor seating, most tables are outdoors on a gravel patio or a slightly elevated deck. After feasting on both views and food, continue down the peninsula to the lighthouse punctuating its tip.

McLoon’s, Spruce Head

Dreamy, spruce-fringed island views are alone worth the trip to this off-the-beaten-path shack, but McLoon’s also dishes out mighty fine lobster, lobster rolls, lobster stew, and house-made desserts (sea salt brownies!). And yes, there are choices for landlubbers traveling with you; McLoon’s grills burgers and other fare.

This adorable, red, wharf-side shack has picnic tables on the lawn and patio as well as tables sheltered under a tent. The views are mesmerizing, and you often can watch boats unloading their catches. Trust me, when you think you’re lost, it’s just around another corner or two; it’s worth the extra effort to find this gem.

Fish House Fish, Monhegan Island

Lobster doesn’t get much more in-the-rough than Fish House Fish: a fish shack on a beach on Monhegan Island. Perfection!

You can get boiled lobsters, lobster rolls, crab rolls, seafood stews and chowders, and even appetizers in the form of local smoked fish. Take it all to a picnic table on the beach, overlooking Monhegan’s lobsterboat-filled harbor, with Manana Island as a backdrop. Afterward, mosey up to the museum to learn about the Hermit of Manana (his death was covered by the New York Times).

Monhegan-bound passenger ferries depart from Boothbay Harbor, New Harbor, and Port Clyde.

Young’s Lobster Pound, Belfast

Sure, there’s seating upstairs, which comes in handy on an inclement day, but the best seats at Young’s Lobster Pound are the picnic tables on the deck hanging over Belfast’s harbor. This barn of lobster shack, under fourth-generation ownership, is the real deal: Order at the counter, find a table, set up your spread (tablecloth, flowers, hors d’oeuvres, wine, whatever), and wait for your number to be called.

Watch boats to-ing and fro-ing in the harbor while you wait — I watched a small cruise ship back into the harbor. Oh, and don’t miss the lobster roll: You can get it with mayo or plain, but either way, generous chunks of lobster overflow from the hamburger-style bun.

Perry’s Lobster Shack, Surry

Way, way off the radar screen (and the highway) is Perry’s Lobster Shack, created by the late Perry Long and now run by his grandson Seth Cote. Snag one of the handful of picnic tables on a pier, and wait for service; yup, this place actually has wait staff.

The menu offers lobsters, mussels, corn-on-the-cob, lobster rolls (1/4 pound premium lobster meat on a fresh, chewy bun), crab rolls, and—for the kiddos—corn dogs. And the views? Over the waters of East Blue Hill Bay to Mount Desert Island’s glacier-sculpted peaks.

Note: A winter storm demolished Perry’s pier, but it is rebuilding and expects to double its seating and open by late June.

Thurston’s, Bernard (Mt. Desert Island)

Everyone knows Thurston’s Lobster Pound is an idyllic lobster spot on Mount Desert Island. The two-story, screened-in dining area occupies a wharf above lobster boat-clogged Bass Harbor in a classic fishing village.

Perhaps because it caters not only to tourists but also to the island’s well-heeled summer residents, Thurston’s is quite a bit snazzier (perhaps pricier, too) than most lobster spots. Still, this fifth-generation shaque (shack is too pedestrian) remains an order-at-the-counter place — just be sure to read the rules before doing so. In 2014, Thurston’s added a full bar with a fireplace, screened roll-up walls, and a deck adjacent to the main dining room. Great spot!

Beal’s Lobster Pier, Southwest Harbor

Since coming under new ownership a few years ago, Beal’s Lobster Pier has steadily improved and shows no sign of stopping. Lobstermen unload their catches at the back dock, and guests dine at the wharf-top restaurant, with indoor and outdoor seating. There’s more than lobster on the menu and even a full bar. Aim for sunset to savor colorful views over Southwest Harbor.

Lunt’s Dockside Deli, Frenchboro Island

Lunt’s Dockside Deli tops a working wharf over a harbor filled with working boats, not yachts. It’s located well off the beaten path in tiny Frenchboro, on Long Island, eight miles off Mount Desert Island, in Blue Hill Bay. It’s accessible via a Friday passenger ferry from the Maine State Ferry terminal in Bass Harbor or by private water taxi. If you go, don’t miss the museum. Frenchboro also offers fabulous hiking trails.

Lunch on the Wharf, Corea

A relative newcomer in the world of lobster shacks, Lunch on the Wharf began in a wharf-top fishing shack. Joe Young displayed historical photographs of Corea, taken in the 1940s-60s by his aunt, Louise Z. Young, born here in 1919. Louise was a friend of painter Marsden Hartley and snapped many candids of him around the area.

A decade or so ago, Joe, a sixth-generation lobsterman and descendant of Corea’s original settlers, began serving lobsters, lobster rolls, and lobster-grilled-cheese sandwiches (delicious!). Every year, the menu expands a bit (now there are crab claws, baked beans, haddock chowder, oysters, and landlubber fare—hot dogs, sausage, steak’n’cheese), and the wharf-top seating gets a wee bit nicer. The views, however, never change. Corea is a very protected working harbor, edged with trap-lined wharves and filled with working boats. Perfect!

As of 2021, former manager and 7-year employee Wendy Hooper owns Lunch on the Wharf. If, by chance, Joe’s around, be sure to ask him about his aunt and his family’s relationship with Hartley; he’s a great storyteller.

Chipman’s Wharf, Milbridge

Usually, when passing through Milbridge, I beeline for the family-operated Vazquez Mexican Takeout, but this time I checked out Chipman’s Wharf, a working wharf opened by the fourth generation of the Chipman family. A new building added in 2021 houses a seafood market (both fresh and prepared) and gift shop and offers lunch 11am-3pm daily. And look at that menu and prices (pic taken July 20, 2022)! You’ll find tables on the waterfront and an upstairs dining area. When it comes to lobster, it doesn’t get much better than trap-to-table, and here you can see the land-side of how that lobster gets on your plate. And if you need some fare for other meals, Chipman’s has plenty of fresh and premade seafood offerings. I highly recommend the seafood pie; mmmmm!

Look Lobster Take-Out, Eastport

I haven’t visited this new spot that replaced Quoddy Bay Seafood, but I’m hearing good things about Look Lobster Take-Out. On the early menu: fresh lobster rolls, fresh crabmeat rolls, and Jordan’s red hot dogs. That menu will expand as the season progresses. Check it out, and let me know what you think. NOTE 2024: market is open but not the food take-out.

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Lobster shacks aren’t the only way to love Maine’s famed crustacean. Here’s All you need to know about Maine’s lobster shacks, lobster festivals, lobsterboat races, and lobsterboat tours, my guide for lobster lovers.

And if you think lobstermen are only men, read about Maine’s female lobstermen.

Prefer fried seafood? Check out these seafood shacks.