10 Top Rated Lobster Destinations In Maine For Seafood Lovers
Maine’s rugged coastline is home to America’s most succulent lobster. From bustling waterfront shacks to elegant dining rooms, the Pine Tree State offers unforgettable seafood experiences for every palate.
I’ve explored Maine’s best lobster spots and compiled this mouthwatering guide to help you plan your next seafood adventure.
1. Five Islands Lobster Co. – Georgetown
Perched on a working harbor, Five Islands Lobster Co. delivers the quintessential Maine experience. Fresh-caught lobsters go straight from boat to pot, creating flavors that simply can’t be replicated elsewhere.
I love watching the lobster boats dock while waiting for my order. The outdoor picnic tables offer stunning views of the five islands that give this place its name. Though they don’t take reservations and summer lines can be long, the wait becomes part of the adventure.
Don’t miss their lobster rolls overflowing with meat and minimal mayo, letting the seafood shine. Remember to bring cash and your own beer or wine, as they don’t accept cards or serve alcohol.
2. Young’s Lobster Pound – Belfast
Young’s Lobster Pound combines no-frills authenticity with breathtaking scenery. This family-owned business has perfected lobster preparation since 1932, and their expertise shows in every bite.
What makes Young’s special is their two-story deck overlooking Penobscot Bay. You’ll select your live lobster from tanks teeming with fresh catches, then wait as they steam it to perfection. The BYOB policy encourages visitors to bring favorite beverages and make an evening of it.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try their lobster stew a rich, creamy concoction that locals swear by. Their lobster rolls come unadorned, allowing you to add butter or mayo according to your preference.
3. The Clam Shack – Kennebunkport
Tiny but mighty, The Clam Shack has earned international acclaim for their award-winning lobster rolls. Situated on a bridge overlooking the Kennebunk River, this humble stand has been serving seafood since 1968.
Their secret? Owner Steve Kingston insists on lobsters delivered daily by local fishermen and cooked in seawater. The result is sweet, tender meat that needs minimal enhancement. Unlike traditional Maine-style rolls, these come on round buns from a local bakery, giving them a distinctive look and taste.
Did you know they won the Lobster Roll Rumble in NYC three times? Lines form quickly in summer, but efficiency keeps things moving. Cash only, so come prepared for this bucket-list lobster experience.
4. McLoons Lobster Shack – South Thomaston
Hidden on Spruce Head Island, McLoons Lobster Shack feels like a delicious secret. This family-operated gem sits directly on a working lobster wharf where the McLoon family has harvested lobsters for generations.
The vibrant red shack against blue water creates a postcard-perfect setting. I recommend timing your visit for sunset the colors reflecting off Penobscot Bay while you crack into a perfectly steamed lobster creates memories that last a lifetime.
Their lobster rolls feature generous chunks of meat dressed with just enough mayo and served on buttered, grilled New England split-top buns. Save room for their homemade blueberry pie, a sweet finish that showcases another Maine specialty. The limited seating means weekday visits are ideal.
5. Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster – South Freeport
Harraseeket combines the best elements of a traditional lobster pound with the convenience of a full-service restaurant. Located on South Freeport’s picturesque harbor since 1970, this family-owned establishment maintains high standards while serving hundreds daily during peak season.
The menu extends beyond lobster to include fried seafood baskets, chowders, and Maine specialties like red hot dogs. When shopping at nearby L.L.Bean in Freeport, this makes the perfect authentic lunch stop just minutes away.
Though they’re known for lobster rolls, trying their lobster stew reveals why locals frequent this spot year-round. The creamy base carries the essence of lobster without overwhelming the chunks of tail and claw meat. Their outdoor seating area provides harbor views that enhance the coastal dining experience.
6. Shaw’s Fish & Lobster Wharf – New Harbor
Shaw’s combines spectacular views with exceptional seafood in a working harbor setting. The two-story restaurant overlooks one of Maine’s most photographed harbors, where fishing boats have come and gone for generations.
Are you a lobster novice? The friendly staff happily demonstrates proper cracking techniques without making you feel inexperienced. Their twin lobster special offers tremendous value, especially considering the prime waterfront location.
Unlike tourist traps that sacrifice quality for volume, Shaw’s maintains relationships with local fishermen who deliver daily catches directly to their dock. Beyond lobster, their fried haddock sandwich deserves attention – light, flaky, and perfectly crisp. After eating, walk down to the docks where you might spot fishermen unloading the next day’s offerings.
7. Bagaduce Lunch – Brooksville
Winner of a James Beard America’s Classic Award, Bagaduce Lunch proves extraordinary food often comes from humble places. This family-owned roadside stand has served exceptional seafood since 1946 on the banks of the Bagaduce River.
The lobster roll here exemplifies Maine simplicity generous portions of fresh meat with minimal seasoning on a toasted bun. Their location on a reversing falls adds natural entertainment as tides change, creating swirling currents that fascinate first-time visitors.
Though seating is limited to picnic tables, the panoramic river views make this a sought-after dining spot. Cash only and seasonal hours (May through September) maintain its old-school charm. Don’t leave without trying their hand-cut onion rings the perfect crunchy complement to sweet lobster meat.
8. Sprague’s Lobster – Wiscasset
Located across from the famous Red’s Eats in Wiscasset, Sprague’s offers equally delicious lobster with typically shorter lines. This waterfront shack provides stunning views of the Sheepscot River and the historic Wiscasset harbor.
Their lobster rolls feature a generous quarter-pound of meat from locally caught lobsters. What distinguishes Sprague’s is their attention to temperature the lobster meat is served warm, contrasting with many places that serve it chilled.
The outdoor deck lets you watch boats navigate the river while enjoying your meal. If you’re driving up Maine’s coast on Route 1, this makes an ideal lunch stop with easy access and ample parking. Beyond lobster, their fried clams deserve recognition whole belly clams with a light, crispy coating that seafood aficionados seek out.
9. Thurston’s Lobster Pound – Bernard
Nestled on a quiet side of Mount Desert Island, Thurston’s Lobster Pound offers an authentic Maine experience away from Acadia National Park’s crowds. The multi-level deck extends over Bass Harbor, providing front-row seats to working lobster boats.
Watching your dinner come directly from boat to plate creates a connection to Maine’s maritime heritage that enhances every bite. The screened-in dining area protects from occasional coastal breezes while maintaining the open-air feeling.
How do they keep prices reasonable despite their popularity? By operating their own lobster boats and cutting out middlemen. Their simple preparation lets the lobster’s natural sweetness shine through. For the complete experience, order a whole lobster with corn on the cob and spend an afternoon cracking shells while watching the harbor activity.
10. Eventide Oyster Co. – Portland
When traditional meets innovative, you get Eventide Oyster Co. This James Beard Award-winning restaurant in Portland’s Old Port district has revolutionized Maine seafood with creative twists on classics.
Their brown butter lobster roll replaces the standard mayo with nutty brown butter and serves the meat on a steamed Asian bun instead of the traditional split-top. Though purists might raise eyebrows, one bite converts most skeptics. The stylish blue interior features a granite oyster bar displaying the day’s shellfish selection on ice.
Beyond lobster, their small plates showcase Maine’s diverse seafood bounty. Reservations aren’t accepted, so arrive early or be prepared to wait. The cocktail menu perfectly complements their seafood, making any wait time more enjoyable.
