Maine’s Best Lobster Shacks: Maine Travel Maven shares her favorites

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When you're ready to enjoy a lobster, skip the fancy restaurants and choose a Maine lobster shack. ©Hilary nangle
Looking for Maine’s best lobster shacks? Here are my favorites along the coast. Don’t miss this classic Maine experience. ©Hilary Nangle

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.

Lobster and lighthouses are two icons of the Maine coast. ©Hilary Nangle
Lobsters and lighthouses.©Hilary Nangle

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

A rainbow of colors welcomes diners to the Chauncey Creek Lobster Shack in Kittery. ©Hilary Nangle
Chauncey Creek, Kittery ©Hilary Nangle

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

For lobster on the wharf near the Kennebunks, detour to the Cape Pier Chowderhosue in Cape Porpoise. ©Hilary Nangle
Cape Pier Chowder House, Cape Porpoise. @Hilary Nangle

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, and it’s open for breakfast on weekends.

The Lobster Shack, Cape Elizabeth

When it comes to views from Maine lobster shacks, it's hard to beat theopen ocean, ledges, and lighthouse from The Lobster Shack at Two Lights. ©Hilary Nangle
The Lobster Shack at Two Lights. ©Hilary Nangle

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

Harraseekett Lunch & Lobster is tucked away in South Freeport. ©Hilary Nangle
Harraseekett Lunch & Lobster ©Hilary Nangle

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.

Not much fussiness here; picnic tables on the pavement and a tiny dining room are the seating options. 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

Erica's in Harpswell is one of Maine's best lobster shacks
Find Erica’s Lobster, one of Maine’s best lobster shacks, at the end of Basin Point Road, overlooking Pott’s Harbor in Harpswell. ©Hilary Nangle

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

This family operation comprises two buildings. Order lobster rolls, fried seafood, burgers, and desserts at the seafood stand. Order lobster (priced by the pound + $1 to steam it) at the adjacent lobster shop (note; lobster shop not opening for 2023). It may sound complicated, but just head to the seafood stand, and they’ll make it easy.

Prices are low, the service is friendly, 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

Holbrook's in Cundy's Harbor is part of a not-for-profit complex that includes the lobster shack, a lobster biz, and a historical general store. ©Hilary Nangle
Holbrook’s in Cundy’s Harbor is a classic lobster shack with a few fancier items on the menu. ©Hilary nangle

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, one of Maine's traditioanl lobster shacks, tips Maine's Georgetown Peninsula. ©Hilary Nangle
No question: Five Islands, in Georgetown, is one of Maine’s best lobster shacks ©Hilary Nangle

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

Muscongus Bay Lobster is one of two lobster shacks in Round Pond. ©Hilary Nangle
Muscongus Bay Lobster, Round Pond. ©Hilary Nangle

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. And it earns extra points for having a touch tank filled with slimy and spiky sea critters for the kids.

Pemaquid Seafood, Pemaquid

An umbrella topped table overlooking the water at Pemaquid Seafood
Like most of Maine’s best lobster shacks, Pemaquid Seafood is a bit off the beaten path but well worth finding. ©Hilary Nangle

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

If I had to pick my absolute favorite lobster shack, it would be McLoon's lobster shack, Spruce Head. Hilary Nangle photo IMG_8568
I’m not the only one who thinks McLoon’s in Spruce Head is one of Maine’s best lobster shacks. This special spot has received national kudos. ©Hilary Nangle

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.

It doesn't get more rustic than Fish House Fish on Monhegan Island. ©Hilary Nangle
Fish House Fish. ©Hilary Nangle

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

Young's lobster
Young’s Lobster in Belfast is another of Maine’s best lobster shacks. ©Hilary Nangle

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

Perry's Lobster Shack pairs lobster fare with views over East Blue Hill Bay's waters to Mount Desert Island's rounded peaks. ©Hilary nangle
Perry’s Lobster Shack, Surry. @Hilary Nangle

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.

Thurston’s, Bernard (Mt. Desert Island)

Thurston's has a classic setting overlooking Bass Harbor on Mount Desert Island. ©Hilary Nangle
Thurston’s Lobster Pound on Mount Desert Island long has been regarded as one of Maine’s best lobster shacks. ©Hilary Nangle

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

Watch yachts to and fro in Southwest Harbor from Beal's Lobster. ©Hilary Nangle
Beal’s Lobster Pier. ©Hilary Nangle

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

You'll need to take a ferry or excursion boat to Frenchville, to enjoy Lunt's Lobster. ©Hilary Nangle
Lunt’s Lobster ©Hilary Nangle

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

Corea Whaf overlooks dreamy Corea Harbor, near the Schoodic section of Acadia National Park., Maine. ©Hilary Nangle
Wharf Gallery & Grill. ©Hilary Nangle

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 few years 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!

Note: 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 (more here); he’s a great storyteller.

Chipman’s Wharf, Milbridge

collage of images showing Chipman's Wharf and its menu
chipman’s Wharf

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-2pm 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.

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.

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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.

6 COMMENTS

  1. How can you talk about the virtues of moving further east then stop in Corea? Nothing from Cutler, Lubec, or Eastport?! To not even mention Red’s is sort of silly. I understand the loathsome lines detract a good deal from the experience, but the food itself is beyond reproach. My personal favorite is LDI Lobster in Little Deer Isle—the food is outstanding and you cannot beat the setting. Much less insanely busy than most of your contenders. Still trying to figure out what everyone LOVES about McCloon’s—just don’t get it.

  2. Red’s doesn’t meet my criteria, which I explain in the intro. Nor does LDI Lobster, which I love. Quoddy Bay Lobster, in Eastport, was fabulous and on my list, but it is no longer operating as a lobster shack. And while I look whenever I’m downeast, I’ve yet to find a true lobster shack in that area. I’ll keep looking. And I’m always open to suggestions.

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