Years ago I lived in Round Pond, Maine, and I still have a soft spot for this lovely little seaside village on the Pemaquid Peninsula. Wrapped around a cove, the round pond that begat its name, it’s home to the always-fun Granite Hall Store (a real penny candy counter, toys, curios, kitchen items, and gifty goods with a nautical accent downstairs; antiques, books, and British woolens upstairs; and an ice cream window serving Gifford’s).
On the harborfront are two dueling lobster shacks, facing each other across the road/dock. On a hot summer afternoon or evening, when I’m craving lobster, I head to Round Pond Lobster, the less fussy of the two shacks. Order at the window, grab a picnic table on the dock, and unload everything you’ve brought to accompany the crustaceans: wine, salads, bread, dessert, etc. See, Round Pond Lobster sells lobster and only lobster (and a few go-withs). Best deal: A one-pound dinner, which includes the bug (a.k.a. lobster), an ear of corn, a bag of steamers, and a bag of chips.
And talk about fresh. One time when we went, owner Buddy Poland said in his thick Maine accent: “It’ll be a minute.” With that, he closed the window, walked to the dock, got in a dinghy, and motored out to a lobster car for another crate of the critters. Took all of 10 minutes, maybe.
Now Muscongus Bay Lobster is a dite bit fancier and much larger. Its Bait Shed Bar offers beer and wine (so don’t bring alcohol). And it has some sheltered seating. The menu has more choices as well as kid-friendly items. Really, it’s personal preference–some folks head there, others to RP. We’re just conditioned to RP, but I’d recommend choosing the one with the shortest line or open tables.
If the weather’s iffy, check out the King Ro Market, which sells the necessities (including the go-withs for lobster if you’re headed to Round Pond Lobster). It offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner fare and also has a pub.
Read about some of my other Favorite Maine Lobster Shacks.
We’re Muscongus Bay people — tho it’s the Salmon Bruschetta at the Anchor Inn that REALLY gets my mouth watering.
Round Pond Lobster, for me. best meal, ever. have been in love with the place ever since. thanks so much.
Many years ago my friend Mike Amilfitano bought the old Ann Page house in round pond. We spent a weekend blasting through a solid rock wall to instill central heating in the house. Ever since I have been a Maine lover & love to return every couple of years. Live in Georgia for the past 55 years & own a veterinary practice in Atlanta. Still miss my New England roots!!!!!! Go DAWGS!!!!!! Once a Bulldog always a Bulldog
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