So Many Great Lobster Shacks. So Little Time!

As the lobster capital of the world, it’s easy to find fabulous lobster in every town in the MidCoast. But you don’t need a five-star restaurant to enjoy the finest lobster. For a truly memorable lobster experience, go where the locals go: to a lobster shack along the road or on the edge of a harbor. You’ll find whole lobsters and buttery lobster rolls along with clam chowder, baked beans, chips, slaw, and often, homemade desserts. There are too many great lobster shacks to list, but these are a few worth trying.

 

 

Shannon’s Unshelled – Boothbay Harbor

You’ll find this little, walk-up lobster shack near the harbor overlooking Boothbay Harbor’s historic Footbridge. “Unshelled” means you can expect perfectly fresh lobster served on a buttered bun with a side of garlic sea-salted butter. You’ll have a choice of French fries, blueberry coleslaw, or seaweed salad. Or skip the roll for Lobster Grilled Cheese on sourdough or fresh Lobster Salad with lemon vinaigrette dressing.

 

 

Shaw’s Fish & Lobster Wharf Restaurant – New Harbor

New Harbor is a true, fishing village not far from the historic Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. From the second-story deck, you can watch as boats pull up and drop their catch onto Shaw’s rickety wooden scale. Fresh whole lobsters and other classic seafood dishes don’t get fresher than this! Enjoy live music on the deck every Saturday during Summer.

 

 

Muscongus Bay Lobster – Round Pound

Located in the tiny town of Round Pond at the end of the Pemaquid Peninsula, this  Iconic lobster shack has drawn people from all over the country for over 100 years. Picnic tables, plenty of shade, and the harbor and island views make for a leisurely lobster and seafood dinner. The Bait Shed Bar offers craft beers and a small, but nice selection of wines.

 

Five Islands Lobster Co. – Five Islands, Georgetown

Often called “the prettiest harbor in Maine,” the small village of Five Islands has 360-degree views of rocky headlands, the five pine-shrouded islands, and one of the best lobster spots on the planet. Downeast Magazine says you can also find the “Best Fried Clams in Maine” here. Located on the harbor’s working wharf there is no indoor seating so bring a sweater for late sunsets. They don’t serve alcohol, so bring a cooler, and some friends, and enjoy an easy and casual dinner.

 

 

Must Be Nice Lobster – Belfast

At age 17, lobster fisherman, Sadie Samuels secured her commercial license and started a remarkable adventure as the captain of a lobster boat and restaurant owner. In 2022, she opened Must Be Nice Lobster in the beautiful town of Belfast. All lobster and crab are caught by Captain Sadie and served fresh daily at the restaurant. Like lobster rolls? You can choose from six different rolls including the Mini Lobster Roll Flight!

 

Holbrook’s Lobster Grille – Cundy’s Harbor, Harpswell

Holbrook’s Wharf has been a working waterfront for fishermen since the early 1800s. However, concerns about losing the Wharf to a real estate boom led residents to create the non-profit Holbrook Community Foundation to preserve access and rebuild the aging wharf. Today, the foundation manages commercial fishing bays, a general store, and the Lobster Grille. Be sure to look for the Twin Lobster special with a side of slaw.

 

 

Pemaquid Seafood – Bristol

This off-the-path lobster co-op overlooks peaceful Pemaquid Harbor with a fabulous view of the rocky coastline. Choose a picnic table outside and bring a cooler with your beverages. The nothing-fancy vibe regularly attracts locals and anyone willing to drive back roads for a wonderful lunch or dinner. The lobster rolls are chock full of perfectly cooked lobster on a fresh bun and sides include corn, slaw, and onion rings.

 

 

McLoons Lobster Shack – Spruce Head Island, South Thomaston

This waterside shack on Spruce Head Island has beautiful views and a great atmosphere. The outdoor seating with picnic tables is a stone’s throw away from the harbor. Have a fresh lobster roll with either butter or mayo, coleslaw, potato chips, and a pickle spear. Don’t forget to save room for dessert! McLoons has an amazing Whoopie Pie made in-house by an employee’s grandmother.

 

 

Sprague’s Lobster – Wiscasset

Across the road from Red’s is the family-owned, Sprague Lobster shack. Grab one of their picnic benches on their dock overlooking the Sheepscot River. Sprague’s lobster rolls rival the lobster rolls at Red’s, so you can’t go wrong getting a one-pound lobster roll on either side of Route 1!

 

 

Claws – Rockland

Claw’s is a true roadside lobster shack just north of Rockland on busy Route One. From the picnic tables out back you’ll have a panoramic view of the working Rockland waterfront. Called the Lobster Capital of the World, more lobsters are harvested in the Rockland area than anywhere else. Claw’s is kitchy on the outside, but the lobster rolls and other dishes like lobster Mac’n cheese, are fresh and delicious.

 

 

Red’s Eats – Wiscasset

Red’s is one of the most famous lobster shacks in Maine. It’s hard to miss its bright ‘”red caboose” location on Route 1 near the foot of Main Street. For more than 80 years, people have been lining up outside the order window for Red’s legendary lobster rolls and fried onion rings.

 

 

Taste of Maine – Woolwich

With the world’s largest inflatable lobster on its roof, it’s hard to miss the popular Taste of Maine restaurant that overlooks the Sasanoa River. Family-owned for generations, the menu features lobster, steaks, pasta, and classic ‘surf and turf’ dinners. Open seven days a week, plan on lunch or dinner on the deck out back that overlooks Pleasant Cove.

 

Already had your fill of lobster, but you’re still hungry? Consider one of these delicious summer hot spots in the MidCoast.