11 Maine Seaside Restaurants Serving Lobster With A Side Of Tranquility
Maine’s rugged coastline offers more than just stunning views. It’s home to some of the world’s best lobster joints where you can feast while waves crash nearby.
These seaside spots serve up fresh-caught crustaceans in peaceful settings that feel miles away from everyday stress. Ready to crack some claws while watching sailboats drift by?
1. The Lobster Shack at Two Lights
Perched on rocky cliffs in Cape Elizabeth, this no-frills eatery serves lobster rolls that taste like summer itself. Picnic tables scattered along the shoreline offer front-row seats to crashing waves and the iconic twin lighthouses.
Locals know to bring their own bottle of wine and arrive before sunset. The combination of fresh seafood and panoramic Atlantic views creates memories that linger long after the butter drips are gone.
2. McLoons Lobster Shack
Hidden on a working harbor in South Thomaston, McLoons feels like stumbling upon a delicious secret. The bright red shack sits directly on the water where you can watch lobstermen unload their daily catch.
Their lobster rolls come overflowing with meat picked that morning. Grab a seat at one of the waterfront picnic tables and savor every bite while osprey soar overhead and boats bob gently in the harbor.
3. Thurston’s Lobster Pound
Thurston’s screened-in dining room hovers above Bernard Harbor on Mount Desert Island, offering unmatched views of the working waterfront. Boats pull right up to the dock with their catch, ensuring your meal couldn’t be fresher.
My grandmother first brought me here twenty years ago, and the taste of their perfectly steamed lobster hasn’t changed a bit.
The family-run operation maintains the authentic Maine experience with simple preparation that lets the sweet lobster meat shine.
4. Five Islands Lobster Co.
Surrounded by five spruce-covered islands in Georgetown, this dockside eatery offers postcard-worthy views with every bite. The working wharf location means your lobster goes from trap to plate in record time.
Seagulls circle overhead as fishermen dock alongside diners. The no-frills approach focuses entirely on the food quality and the breathtaking scenery of Sheepscot Bay, creating a quintessential Maine dining experience that attracts visitors from around the world.
5. Beal’s Lobster Pier
Nestled in Southwest Harbor’s quieter side of Mount Desert Island, Beal’s wooden pier extends into the protected harbor where fishing boats gently rock. The restaurant’s weathered wood and string lights create an atmosphere of rustic elegance.
I once spent a full afternoon here watching boats while cracking through three lobsters. The staff teaches first-timers how to properly dismantle these crimson crustaceans, turning dinner into both a meal and an education about Maine’s most famous export.
6. Barnacle Billy’s
Tucked into Perkins Cove in Ogunquit, this institution has served celebrities and locals alike since 1961. The flower-lined deck offers views of the small harbor where lobster boats nestle between sailboats.
Their signature rum punch pairs perfectly with steamed lobster. Watch as the drawbridge opens to let boats pass through the narrow channel, creating a dining experience that feels both timeless and uniquely Maine with every table offering front-row seats to coastal life.
7. Boothbay Lobster Wharf
Spanning a massive dock in bustling Boothbay Harbor, this restaurant combines front-row harbor views with live music on select summer evenings. Fishing vessels parade past your table throughout your meal.
The menu offers lobster prepared multiple ways, but the simple steamed version with drawn butter showcases Maine’s bounty best.
Sunsets here transform the harbor into a golden painting, casting warm light on boats returning with their daily catch as you crack into nature’s perfect seafood.
8. Robinson’s Wharf
Southport Island’s hidden gem sits underneath a drawbridge where local fishermen sell their catch directly to the kitchen. The wraparound deck hovers just feet above the tidal waters of Townsend Gut.
During my last visit, we watched a seal pop up between the pilings while devouring perfectly cooked lobster rolls.
The casual atmosphere welcomes sandy feet and salty hair, making it a true coastal experience where the boundary between ocean and restaurant seems wonderfully blurred.
9. Shaw’s Fish & Lobster Wharf
Overlooking the picturesque New Harbor in Bristol, Shaw’s two-story dining room offers elevated views of one of Maine’s most photographed working harbors. Lobster traps stack alongside the restaurant, highlighting its authentic connections to the fishing community.
The upper deck provides a bird’s-eye view of colorful boats bobbing in the protected cove. Their lobster stew combines fresh meat with rich cream, creating a bowl of comfort that warms the soul even on foggy Maine afternoons.
10. Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound
Standing as a gateway to Mount Desert Island since 1956, this landmark cooks lobsters the old-fashioned way – in seawater over wood fires in outdoor steamers. The rustic building welcomes visitors with billowing steam and irresistible aromas.
Watching the staff work the steaming cauldrons becomes dinner theater. The first time I visited, an elderly gentleman taught me how to properly crack a claw without losing a drop of the precious meat.
Their traditional approach honors Maine’s lobstering heritage with every steaming pot.
11. Cook’s Lobster & Ale House
Perched at the end of Bailey Island and accessible via the historic cribstone bridge, Cook’s 360-degree water views create an island dining experience without needing a boat. The recently renovated restaurant maintains its classic charm while offering modern comforts.
Lighthouses dot the horizon from nearly every table. Their lobster mac and cheese transforms the humble comfort food into a gourmet experience, combining creamy cheese with generous chunks of sweet meat for a dish that satisfies both traditionalists and culinary adventurers.