10 Maine Lobster Shacks That Never Disappoint

Maine’s rugged coastline offers more than just breathtaking views; it’s home to the world’s most delicious lobster. From rustic docks to charming seaside stands, these family-run spots serve up the freshest seafood straight from the Atlantic.

Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these ten legendary lobster shacks deliver mouthwatering meals that keep folks coming back year after year.

1. Red’s Eats – The Legendary Roadside Stand

Perched at the edge of Wiscasset, this tiny red-and-white shack causes traffic jams worthy of its reputation. Their overstuffed lobster rolls contain meat from a whole lobster, served with melted butter or mayo on the side – never mixed in.

Summer lines stretch around the block, but locals swear the wait is part of the experience. Open since 1954, Red’s remains family-owned and deliciously stubborn about quality.

2. McLoons Lobster Shack – Island Paradise For Seafood Lovers

Hidden on Spruce Head Island, McLoons offers the quintessential Maine experience – picnic tables overlooking a working harbor where the lobsters arrive minutes before hitting your plate. Their lobster rolls come perfectly chilled on toasted buns.

Family-owned since 2012, the red shack’s BYOB policy encourages lingering over sunset views. Don’t miss their homemade blueberry pie – the perfect sweet finale to a salty feast.

3. The Lobster Shack At Two Lights – Oceanside Dining With History

Waves crash dramatically against rocky shores as you feast at this Cape Elizabeth institution. Opened in 1969 near the historic Two Lights lighthouse, their whole steamed lobsters come with spectacular Atlantic views.

Picnic tables perched on rocky outcroppings provide the ultimate coastal dining backdrop. The family recipe coleslaw has remained unchanged for decades, perfectly complementing their sweet, tender lobster meat served in the rough.

4. Five Islands Lobster Co. – Freshest Catch On The Wharf

Jutting out over the water in Georgetown, this working wharf serves lobsters so fresh they were swimming hours earlier. The no-frills operation focuses on perfectly steamed seafood against a backdrop of – you guessed it – five islands.

Wooden picnic tables line the dock where fishermen deliver their daily catch. Their signature “shore dinner” includes corn on the cob, coleslaw, and warm rolls alongside your pick from the day’s haul.

5. Young’s Lobster Pound – Belfast’s Working Waterfront Gem

Housed in a massive waterfront warehouse in Belfast, Young’s combines retail market with rustic dining. Grab your lobster from the live tanks, have it cooked to order, then carry your tray upstairs to the BYOB deck overlooking Penobscot Bay.

The no-frills approach keeps prices reasonable compared to fancier spots. Their two-pound lobsters arrive with the sweetest tail meat imaginable – crack them open while watching fishing boats return with tomorrow’s catch.

6. The Clam Shack – Kennebunk’s Bridge-Side Institution

Stationed on Kennebunk’s bridge since 1968, this white-painted shack serves award-winning lobster rolls on round buns instead of traditional split-tops. The secret? Owner Steve Kingston buys directly from local boats and boils in seawater daily.

Lines form quickly during summer months, but efficiency keeps things moving. Their fried clams achieve the perfect crispy-outside, tender-inside balance that’s surprisingly rare even in seafood country.

7. Nunan’s Lobster Hut – Old-School Charm In Cape Porpoise

Time stands still at this Cape Porpoise institution, where the same family has served simple, perfect lobster dinners since 1953. The mint-green cottage with wooden booths feels like dining in a fisherman’s home – complete with paper plates and plastic bibs.

Their lobster stew recipe remains a closely guarded secret. Cash-only and seasonal, Nunan’s refuses to change with the times, serving whole lobsters with drawn butter and little else – exactly how regulars want it.

8. Cape Pier Chowder House – Kennebunkport’s Hidden Harbor Spot

Floating above Cape Porpoise Harbor on wooden pilings, this weathered blue building offers front-row seats to lobstermen unloading their daily catch. Their creamy lobster stew warms even the foggiest Maine afternoons.

The dining room’s picture windows frame working docks and tiny harbor islands. Family-owned for generations, they still make everything from scratch daily – including heavenly blueberry cobbler that locals drive miles to enjoy after their perfectly steamed lobsters.

9. Bob’s Clam Hut – Kittery’s Roadside Classic Since 1956

While technically famous for fried clams, Bob’s seafood empire includes some of Maine’s most consistent lobster rolls. Located just across the New Hampshire border, this blue-and-white landmark welcomes visitors with the first taste of authentic Maine seafood.

The retro vibe remains unchanged since opening day – including the secret flour dredge recipe. Their hot buttered lobster rolls arrive overflowing with claw and knuckle meat, served alongside hand-cut onion rings that attract their own dedicated following.

10. Claws – Rockland’s Modern Take On Tradition

Newer to the scene but already legendary, this Rockland dockside eatery balances tradition with innovation. Their lobster BLT adds crispy bacon and garden-fresh tomatoes to sweet lobster meat – a combination that shouldn’t work but absolutely does.

The casual deck provides harbor views without pretension. Unlike many seasonal shacks, Claws maintains longer hours, making it a local favorite for early spring and late fall lobster fixes when other spots have shuttered for winter.