When I eat lobster, I take no prisoners. All that’s identifiable in the carnage left behind are the eyes, antennae, swimmeretes (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 lobster shack, a sometimes rough-and-tumble operation that’s usually within sight and scent of the ocean.
I’ve dined at Maine lobster shacks from Kittery to Eastport. While some serve only lobster, others offer a full menu ranging from hot dogs to blueberry pie.
Now 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 and 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, from cheese and crackers to salads and rolls to wine and beer.
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.
Click for my favorite authentic and traditional Maine lobster shacks along the Maine coast.
Great choices! Thurston’s packs a double wallop in that it has one of the best harbor views in Maine. So much so that I choose a photo I took from the dock at Thurston’s is the home page on my web site at http://www.michelestapleton.com/ ! Don’t forget your camera when you go to Thurston’s and for best results try to visit around sunset.
Good advice from one of Maine’s best photographers. Thanks for sharing, Michele.
Hi Hilary!
One that we like is over in Brunswick, on the way out to Orr’s etc.just outside of Cook’s Corner. It’s Guernet Trading company http://www.gurnettrading.com/ . People are friendly, prices excellent, and the seafood is amazing. At the risk of being lambasted by Wisscasset devotees, we think that they have the best lobster rolls ever. Great seating area on picnic tables overlooking the river and marshes, too. We drive over from Bath all the time.
I’ve heard good things about that place, Sally. Thanks for sharing. Also, someone just told me the lobster rolls at Libby’s Market, on Jordan Ave., are the best she’s ever had–fresh and made to order.
Oh, it’s been too long since I’ve been to Thurston’s! Been too long since I’ve been to MDI, for that matter. I am just going to have to get over to Bass Harbor and Bernard this summer.
Many restaurants serve a lazy version.
Do you know of any places that serve lazy-mans lobster (out of the shell)?
Hey Hilary,
What’s your take on the best lobster roll? Hotly debated, I’m sure. Might that be another top-ten blog post sometime?
Good idea, but that’s a tough one—so many possibilities, and with mayo or with butter. I’m firmly in the butter camp, but others are of the mayo persuasion. You? And where’s your favorite place to grab a lobster roll?
I’m trying to remember the name of a place we stopped for lunch with delicious lobster rolls and lobster bread bowls on Route 3 north of Acadia National Park. It was close to the road and maybe painted red – seating for maybe 25 or so. Can anyone help?
Wish I’d seen this before our recent trip to Maine! I do agree about the Quoddy Bay Lobster shack. We had the best scallop rolls there!
But what about The Brass Compass in Rockland Lynn’s lobster club is divine! She even beat out Bobby Flay in a throwdown. We stopped by there on our way north, the club is so big you can share it between two people and still feel full! Really delicious.
About five years ago my husband and I visited Ogunquit for a week and while eating at a local lobster restaurant, the people at the next table told us of Red’s Lobster Shack an hour or two north of there that had the best lobster around. We forgot the name of the little town which was right on the water. However, they were right, it was great! We are going back to Maine in September and would like to revisit it but have no idea where it is. Do you have any idea what the name of the town is?
Red’s is on Route 1 in Wiscasset.
If you’re near Waldoboro, Damariscotta, or Pemaquid Peninsula I’d recommend Shaw’s in New Harbor. I was there last weekend and several years ago. Always very busy each time I’ve been there. They don’t have a web site, but share the wharf with Hardy Boat Cruises (http://hardyboat.com/new_harbor.htm).
Shaw’s Fish & Lobster Wharf Restaurant, New Harbor
Serving lunch and dinner on the harbor. That’s right, on the dock over the harbor. Lobster, of course, fried clams, chowders, steamers, onion rings, steaks, burgers and a raw bar. No wonder this place is packed all summer!
207-677-2200
Know it well, but with a full bar and everything else it serves, I don’t think of it as a true lobster shack, just not rustic enough. Glad you enjoy it.
I want to visit Maine and stay at a motel/hotel cottage/guest house where I can have a view of the harbour and watch the lobster being unloaded. Any ideas?
Hi Lisa, See http://bit.ly/MTM090411
Heading to Central Maine from New Hampshire in mid July. Should we stop at Mabel’s Lobster in Kennebunkport or Round Pond Coop in New Harbor near the Pemequid lighthouse?
What a great post! We’re coming to Maine in July for a wedding in Bar Harbor. Any great lobster in the rough places there?
Stewman’s is right in Bar Harbor, quite touristy, but it does the trick. Thurston’s is in Bass Harbor, on the other side of the island, and well worth the trip.
Mabel’s is a restaurant (and fighting your way into K’port in mid July just for lobster is crazy–grin); Round Pond Coop (in Round Pond village in Bristol) is the real deal for lobster shacks–I’d vote for that. If the weather’s inclement, Muscongus Bay Lobster is just steps away and has some sheltered seating. You might also consider Five Islands, at the tip of the Georgetown Peninsula.
My very favorite place for lobster and steamers is Five Islands at Georgetown. The view is just so “Maine” and beautiful. The food is great, too. I am a long time Mainer that has been transplanted to FL and miss my trips to Georgetown. Go there every time we are back.
One more to add to your list (& my person favorite when I’m on that side of the state) is Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound on Route 3 just before you head over the bridge into Acadia. At the risk of being called a heretic, I’ll confess that I love their Lobster Salad Sandwich. It’s their Lobster Roll alternative: lobster meat and a touch of mayo between two thick slices of homemade bread, garnished with a slice of cucumber, cherry tomato and slice of green pepper. I love it! (Growing up on the Gulf Coast with shrimp salad might have predisposed me to prefer lobster salad to a lobster roll?) Anyway, I am usually traveling for work when I eat at Trenton Bridge and so prefer something less messy than a boiled lobster. So, I’ll get the sandwich or, if it’s chilly out, the lobster stew. It’s family-run, always with the same faces at the counter, and even though I might get that way maybe only twice a summer, they always remember my name. Warning: closed on Sundays.
Glad I found your site. I just booked a flight and first night hotel at South Portland near the airport for Sept 5-10. Will be renting a car and driving around with my folks – got 4 full days to eat my fill of lobster. Can anyone recommend a travel itinerary focused on good lobster shacks/restaurants? I had initially planned to stay in one place and drive out but it might work out better if we stay at a new place every night (I haven’t booked the other 4 nights yet so that’s flexible). Since we don’t have that many days, we can’t go too far otherwise, I would love to include Thurston’s in my itinerary since it’s so highly rated by everyone.
Would appreciate any advise. Thanks.
Hi Annie, I have a lobster and lighthouses itinerary in my books (including the new, 2013 edition of Moon Coastal Maine–shameless plug). In short, you’ll find the greatest concentration of authentic Maine lobster shacks between Portland and Rockland. Thurston’s, up on Mount Desert Island, does have a gorgeous setting and of course, it’s always worth it to go to the island to experience Acadia National Park.
This info is quite helpful. I’ve never driven on Route 1 in Maine. But highway 1 in California brings out the worst in my children. Should I stay away? Is it winding and stomach twisting?
Unlike its western counterpart, Route 1 in Maine is not a cliff-hugging twister. Depending upon where you are, it passes through villages, by farmlands, hugs the coast, and nips New Brunswick, Canada, in a few places.
Hello Hilary, I`m a RI native that used to go to Maine to Boothbay Harbor in the Brunswick region off route 27 off route 1, my favorite place to get lobsters!!
I have moved to Anderson, SC about 2 1/2 yrs ago and sadly, no more lobster trips to ME!!
I have been looking for places that ship lobsters but some that I found are very, very expensive!
Do you have a list or know of some places that don`t charge an arm & leg for it? Some charge has much as $85. for shipping!!
Much thanks for your inputs or your readers advice.
Charles
Glad to find your piece. Thinking of a zipping to Muscongus Bay on this rainy Labor Day to take advantage of the covered seating and touch tank.
You didn’t mention the prices at Harraseeket. We were shocked and dismayed. You said it best: “you can do better.” As you mentioned, the scene at Day’s is a good take with nice people running the show.
BTW, don’t forget the bug spray on a trip to Five Islands. With all the hostile air traffic muggy, breezeless summer evenings can feel like Pearl Harbor.
I wish I knew of some less expensive options, but I don’t. Here’s a list of options that might be worth checking; maybe you’ll find a good one. I know Dorr ships orders over $100 for free. http://www.lobsterfrommaine.com/dealercompare.aspx
Best lobster shacks should include McLoons in South Thomaston, 315 Island Road – best scenery! as well as food. Not far from Lobster Lane bookshop.
Are the covered/inside lobster restaurants open all year round? We don’t have any time except for the Thanksgiving weekend. Will we have any good options? Thank you.
I’ve been hearing about this spot. I’ll definitely check it out. Thanks.
Well, you won’t be at a lobster shack on T-giving weekend; they’re all closed by then. Lobster is pretty much a staple in Maine, so you’ll find it on many restaurant menus.
Hi Hilary!
My boyfriend has decided to book a last minute trip to Maine this weekend and luckily I found your post! The Round Pond Co-op sounds awesome for its simplicity and rustic setting. We will be staying in Ogunquit though and am not sure I’m ready to spend that much time in the car on my only full day there (we live in NY so its also out of the way). Any recommendations for a place that is casual maybe even a BYOB? Thanks in advance!!
Most lobster shacks close by Columbus Day weekend–few folks and it gets too cold. Round Pond is definitely shut tight. Portland Lobster Co., on Commercial St. in Portland, is open through Oct. 27. A bit fancier than a shack, but it should do the trick for you. Another possibility is Cape Pier Chowder House in Cape Porpoise (Kennebunkport), but call first to make sure it’s still open. And if you’re not up for a road trip, the Ogunquit Lobster Pound is still open, and that’s right in town–fine spot.
We recently travelled to New England and did research fpr lobster shacks. I am sorry to say that I have difficulty giving anything above a mediocre grade. I think that the lobstershacks are over rated if anything. I was specially disappointed with lobstershack at Cape Elizabeth. A small amount of thawed lobster meat on a small cold bun for a good price can be described in many ways but satisfactory. Now if I want to eat lobster I would rather go to a sit down restaurant, pay fifty percent more, get a total meal and be served with a smile.Goodby Lobstershacks!!!
To each their own, but you’re missing the point of a lobster shack.
Thanks for the recommendations and for all of your wonderful follow-up responses in the comments section! This is by far one of the most useful comment sections I’ve come across
Been to Thurston’s before and loved the low-key casual setting, but I’m going next month in early May so I’ll just miss them. I’ll definitely check out some other recommendations along the way between Mount Desert Island and Portland and see if any are open
Red’s Eats in Wiscassett, Maine in the center of town just before the bridge.
No exaggeration, I have never seen such a huge lobster roll.
All meat, no filler. $18. Comes with a side of mayo and drawn butter.
The line is usually around the block but we were lucky because it was early summer and cloudy.
Easily the biggest and best we’ve ever had.
Lots of people love Red’s. It’s an institution that’s especially popular with visitors.
Hi! I and my husband will visit Maine during 14- 17 Sep ,one dream thing I want to do is having fresh lobsters! I was told that most shacks are closed by that time. Are there any places still open? This will be our first trip to east coast! Thanks
I’m planning a trip to Maine with the family in mid to late April and would really like to try as many of these places as possible. I see that at least two of them will be open early in the season. Do you know if any of the other places will be open as well? Or, would you have any other recommendations for us flatlandah’s. Thank you for your time.
Yes, quite a few stay open until Columbus Day, although they shorten days and hours of operation.
April is very early, and I would guess the only ones that will be open at that time would be those with indoor seating. That said, nearly every restaurant in Maine serves lobster in some form, so you’ll be able to get plenty of it when y ou’re here.
Great info and I agree on the information from the locals and the frequent Both have an opinion that we value. We stopped at
Red’s on our most recent holiday (Sept 2015). Rolls are huge, double stuffed with lobster and quite tasty. The Rolls are up to $20.00 per. If you are starving, order one Lobster roll. If you are a bit peckish, split the roll for two of you, & know you wiłl be well fed for a mere $10,00! Yum! Yum!
And if the line is long, head across the street to Sprague’s or, if you have time, mosey down the Pemaquid Peninsula for a bonafide lobster shack.
Hi, A few years ago my daughter and I traveled the coast of Maine….We found a wonderful little local bar/restaurant somewhere between kennebunk(port) and Ogunquit..It was out of town down a residential road and then at lands end was two restaurants….One looked like a summer larger place the other was on the right ..with very little signage/very local down some old stairs…you feel like this little place is going to fall in the ocean…rickety-decor is very old sports memorabilia….Very good food….,Any Ideas where it is????Thanks Corinne ceejp1@aol.com
That sounds like Pier 77 and the Ramp Bar and Grille (tucked underneath, sportsbar theme) in Cape Porpoise.
Hello Hilary,
Thank for adding our restaurant to your list of favorites! My husband and I own Muscongus Bay Lobster, and though we are “off the beaten path”, are getting known for our menu additions as well as our lobster dinners. Next time you are in the neighborhood, make sure you say hello!
Take care,
Andrea Reny
I’m really surprised that Gurnett is not on more “best” lists that said I enjoy Thurstons,Trenton Bridge,and Muscongus. On my excursions up the coast on my camping trips first and last stop is Gurnett.
Hi Hilary,
We are looking to come to visit Maine around May 21st. We have never been to Maine are looking to see if you know of any all you can eat lobster places? Do you know of any craft beer places that also serve seafood.
We were hoping to get to Maine for a coastal road trip yet this year. We’re most hoping for whale watching, lobster rolls, seeing moose, lighthouses, beaches, day sail trips, harbors… We were thinking last week of August, first week of September, but is this too late? Should we be waiting until next year to get reservations for June instead? We’re flying from Wisconsin and hope to rent a car to go either up or down the Maine coast depending on where we fly into. Your advice is much appreciated!
Sorry, was traveling and couldn’t reply. All-you-can-eat lobster? Nope, but lobster at genuine lobster shacks in Maine tends to be far, far less pricey than you’ll find anywhere else. Yes, some craft breweries also serve seafood. Look for those with restaurants that are on the coast.
Late August/early September is an ideal time to visit Maine. Weather is usually nice, summer crowds are gone, bugs aren’t biting. Go for it!
Hi Hillary,
Gonna keep this list till I visit every one!
From one Moon Guidebook writer to another, thank you! I just bought your Coastal Maine book in advance of an upcoming RV trip up the coast.
Thanks, Douglas. Hope you have a wonderful trip.
Are these shacks open the first week of October? I’ll be driving up the coast
to Arcadia National Park where I’ll be painting for a week, beginning the 7th.
I would like to come up a couple of days earlier and would love a lobster shack or two along the coast. I’m coming from Northwestern Connecticut.
Thanks so much. Hope something will be open when I get there!
Trenton Lobster Pound, just before bridge to Thompson Island, should be on your list. A multi- generational family owns this great pound and knows their stuff. I’m 70 and have been going there since I was in grade school with my parents! Full menu with lobster and steamers spotlighted!
Some yes, some no, some operating only weekends. You’ll need to check with each for this season’s schedule. Have a great trip.
Trying to get to Maine for lobster and the beauty before a new found health issue wins. Looking forward to helping you guide us. Thanks.