Maine’s rugged coastline stretches for over 3,500 miles when you count all the coves, inlets, and rocky peninsulas that make this state a paradise for seafood lovers. From the working harbors of Down East Maine to the tourist-friendly shores of southern beaches, countless weathered shacks serve up the state’s most famous crustacean in settings that range from no-frills fishing villages to picture-perfect coastal towns. These aren’t fancy restaurants with white tablecloths—they’re the real deal, where locals have been cracking claws and slurping bisque for generations.
The best lobster shacks share a few things in common: they’re usually perched right on the water, they source their catch from local fishermen, and they keep things simple with preparations that let the sweet, briny flavor of fresh lobster shine through. Here is a list of 15 lobster shacks that represent the very best of Maine’s coastal dining scene.
Shaw’s Lobster Wharf
Shaw’s Lobster Wharf in New Harbor has been serving lobster since 1947, making it one of the oldest continuously operating lobster shacks in Maine. The weathered wooden building sits right on the working wharf, where you can watch lobster boats unload their catch while you wait for your meal. Their lobster rolls are packed with fresh meat and served on locally made hot dog buns, while their whole steamed lobsters come with melted butter and a side of their famous coleslaw. The outdoor picnic tables offer stunning views of the harbor, and on clear days, you can see Monhegan Island in the distance.
The Lobster Shack at Two Lights
Perched on the rocky shores of Cape Elizabeth, The Lobster Shack at Two Lights has been a Maine institution since 1927. The shack gets its name from the nearby Two Lights State Park, home to twin lighthouses that have guided ships safely to shore for over a century. Their lobster stew is legendary among locals, made with fresh lobster meat in a rich, creamy broth that’s perfect for chilly Maine evenings. The casual atmosphere and panoramic ocean views make this spot feel like stepping back in time to a simpler era of coastal dining.
Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster
Located in South Freeport, Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster operates out of a converted fishing shack that’s been feeding hungry visitors since 1958. The no-frills approach here means paper plates and plastic utensils, but the lobster is as fresh as it gets—many of the crustaceans swimming in their tanks were caught just hours before your meal. Their lobster mac and cheese has gained a cult following among regulars, combining tender lobster meat with creamy cheese sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. The shack sits right on the Harraseeket River, where you can watch boats come and go while enjoying your meal at one of the outdoor picnic tables.
Pemaquid Lobster Co-op
The Pemaquid Lobster Co-op in New Harbor operates as both a working lobster pound and a casual restaurant, giving visitors an authentic taste of Maine’s lobster industry. Local fishermen bring their catches directly to the co-op, where the lobsters are sorted, weighed, and either shipped out or prepared for the restaurant. Their lobster bisque is made fresh daily using lobster bodies and shells, creating a rich, flavorful soup that showcases every bit of the crustacean. The outdoor seating area overlooks Pemaquid Harbor, where seals often pop their heads up to investigate the boats coming and going.
Nunan’s Lobster Hut
Nunan’s Lobster Hut in Kennebunkport has been family-owned since 1953, and they still use the same recipes that made them famous decades ago. The tiny shack can only seat about 60 people, but the intimate atmosphere makes every meal feel like a special occasion. They’re famous for their twin lobster special, which gives you two one-pound lobsters for the price you’d pay for a single larger one at most places. The lobster meat is sweet and tender, and their drawn butter is clarified to perfection, allowing the natural flavor of the lobster to shine through without any distractions.
Thurston’s Lobster Pound
Thurston’s Lobster Pound sits on Bernard Harbor in Southwest Harbor, right in the heart of Mount Desert Island near Acadia National Park. The restaurant occupies a converted lobster pound that’s been operating since 1946, maintaining the rustic charm that makes Maine lobster shacks so special. Their steamed clams are nearly as famous as their lobster, harvested from the clean waters of Blue Hill Bay and served with drawn butter and clam broth. The outdoor deck provides stunning views of the harbor and the surrounding mountains, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a Maine lobster dinner while watching the sunset paint the sky in brilliant colors.
Jordan Pond House
While technically not a shack, Jordan Pond House in Acadia National Park deserves mention for its spectacular setting and commitment to Maine lobster traditions. The restaurant sits on the shores of Jordan Pond, with the rounded peaks of the Bubbles mountains reflected in the crystal-clear water. Their lobster and crab cakes are made with fresh Maine lobster and local crab, pan-seared to golden perfection and served with a light lemon aioli. The afternoon tea service, complete with popovers and jam, has been a tradition here since 1896, making it one of the most historic dining experiences on the Maine coast.
The Clam Shack
The Clam Shack in Kennebunkport has been serving Maine seafood since 1968, earning a reputation for some of the best lobster rolls in the state. Their secret lies in the preparation—they use only knuckle and claw meat, which tends to be sweeter and more tender than tail meat. The lobster salad is dressed with just a touch of mayonnaise and celery, allowing the natural sweetness of the lobster to dominate every bite. Located right on the Kennebunk River, the shack offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with the outdoor tables providing excellent views of the boats navigating the tidal river.
Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier
Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier in Kittery Point occupies a unique spot along the tidal Chauncey Creek, where the brackish water creates perfect conditions for growing some of Maine’s sweetest lobsters. The restaurant has been family-owned since 1972, and they still cook their lobsters in seawater, which adds a subtle briny flavor that’s impossible to replicate with regular tap water. Their lobster stew is made with fresh lobster meat, cream, and a splash of sherry, creating a rich, warming dish that’s perfect for cool Maine evenings. The rustic dining room features hand-hewn beams and nautical decor that reflects the area’s maritime heritage.
Spinney’s Restaurant
Spinney’s Restaurant in Hingham has been serving lobster since 1956, making it one of the oldest family-run lobster shacks in Maine. The restaurant specializes in traditional Maine preparations, with their baked stuffed lobster being a particular standout. The stuffing is made with fresh crabmeat, bread crumbs, and herbs, then baked right in the lobster shell for a presentation that’s both rustic and elegant. Their lobster pie, made with fresh lobster meat in a creamy sauce and topped with pastry, represents the kind of comfort food that Maine cooks have been perfecting for generations.
Muscongus Bay Lobster
Muscongus Bay Lobster in Round Pond operates right on the working wharf, where you can watch lobster boats unload their catch while you enjoy your meal. The restaurant has been owned by the same family since 1978, and they’ve perfected the art of simple, fresh lobster preparations. Their lobster dinner includes a whole steamed lobster, corn on the cob, coleslaw, and blueberry pie, representing a complete Maine feast. The outdoor seating area sits literally over the water, supported by pilings that have weathered countless storms and tides over the decades.
Waterman’s Beach Lobster
Waterman’s Beach Lobster in South Thomaston sits on a private beach that’s been in the same family for over 150 years. The restaurant operates in a converted boat house, with weathered shingles and a rustic interior that perfectly captures the essence of coastal Maine dining. Their lobster rolls are served on house-made brioche buns, a slight upgrade from the traditional hot dog roll that adds a touch of richness to complement the sweet lobster meat. The beach setting allows diners to walk along the shore before or after their meal, collecting shells and sea glass while watching boats navigate the channel.
Cod End Cookhouse
Cod End Cookhouse in Tenants Harbor occupies a converted fish house that’s been serving lobster since 1988. The restaurant’s name reflects its location in a genuine fishing village, where lobster boats, scallop draggers, and other commercial vessels still dominate the harbor. Their lobster and corn chowder combines two of Maine’s most famous ingredients in a hearty soup that’s perfect for foggy coastal days. The dining room features exposed beams and nautical artifacts collected from local fishermen, creating an atmosphere that feels authentic rather than touristy.
Bayley’s Lobster Pound
Bayley’s Lobster Pound in Pine Point has been family-owned since 1915, making it one of the oldest continuously operating lobster pounds in Maine. The restaurant sits right on the Scarborough River, where the mixing of fresh and salt water creates ideal conditions for holding live lobsters. Their shore dinner includes lobster, steamers, corn, and blueberry pie, representing the classic Maine lobster feast that’s been perfected over generations. The outdoor deck extends over the water, giving diners the feeling of eating right on the ocean while watching osprey and other seabirds hunt for fish in the tidal waters.
Shaws Wharf Lobster
Shaws Wharf Lobster in New Harbor (not to be confused with Shaw’s Lobster Wharf) operates from a converted lobster pound that’s been serving fresh seafood since 1947. The restaurant maintains its working wharf atmosphere, with lobster traps stacked outside and boats tied up right next to the dining area. Their lazy man’s lobster removes all the work of cracking shells, serving fresh lobster meat over butter and herbs for those who want to enjoy the taste without the effort. The harbor views include Monhegan Island on clear days, and the outdoor seating puts you right in the middle of a working fishing village.
The Tides of Maine
The tides that twice daily flood and empty Maine’s countless coves and harbors have shaped both the landscape and the culture of this remarkable coastline. These same tides that bring fresh nutrients to lobster habitats also brought generations of fishing families who built the shacks, pounds, and restaurants that continue to serve some of the world’s finest seafood. From the simple pleasure of cracking a claw while watching boats work the harbor to the satisfaction of a perfectly prepared lobster roll, these establishments represent more than just restaurants—they’re living pieces of Maine’s maritime heritage. The next time you find yourself along Maine’s coast, remember that every steamed lobster and every weathered shack connects you to a tradition that’s as enduring as the granite cliffs and as reliable as the changing tides.
More from Travel Pug
- 20 Best Beach Towns in the Carolinas
- 13 Destinations Where Tourists Regularly Regret Their Trip
- 20 Things You Actually Get in First Class
- 20 Small Airports With Aviation Museums
- 20 Places in the U.S. That Are Perfect for a Reset Trip
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.