Get ready to start drooling. Okay, ready? Just envision fresh, hot, delicious lobster alongside some melted butter. Mmm. Now picture yourself using a cracker to break the hard exterior of the lobster’s claws and tail and then using your fingers to pick out and eat all of the fleshy, juicy meat. Told you you’d be drooling soon.

And where best to get just-caught lobster that’s cooked just right? Maine of course! The self-proclaimed ‘lobster capital of the U.S (arguably the world),’ Maine is one of the biggest lobster shipping centers in the country, producing 40 million pounds of lobster every year (or 90% of the nation’s supply).

With that said, let’s dive right into the best places to get lobster in Maine so the next time you’re there, you know right where to go! Continue reading to see our recommendations (in no particular order).

Lakeview Restaurant
St Agatha, Maine

If you’re looking for “out of this world” seafood, Lakeview Restaurant in St Agatha is just the place for you. Overlooking Long Lake, the view (especially at sunset) is the perfect accompaniment to the savory, flavorful food the restaurant serves. From the shrimp to the haddock to the clam chowder (“best I’ve ever had”) to the pie and chocolate truffle bomb (“heavenly”), it’s all 100% top-notch.

But let’s not forget the lobster dishes, of course! The restaurant’s lobster rolls are known to be “fresh and delicious,” the surf n’ turf “fabulous,” and the lobster salads absolutely delish. Plus, the service is friendly and fast. Amazing atmosphere, outstanding lobster entrees, awesome staff – you really can’t go wrong with Lakeview Restaurant!

Check out Lakeview Restaurant’s menu in St Agatha, Maine here.

lobster roll

West Street Cafe
Bar Harbor, Maine

The next time you visit Bar Harbor and have a hankering for some lobster bisque, head on over to West Street Cafe. Rich and flavorful, the bisque definitely won’t disappoint. Other favorites include the cafe’s seafood stuffed mushrooms (“they were YUM!”), fish and chips (“awesome,”) salmon (“flavorful and super tender,”) and lobster scampi.

On top of the amazing food, the location and ambiance at West Street Cafe are hard to beat – not touristy like other downtown restaurants and with a beautiful view of the harbor. Sit upstairs so you can feel the breeze off the water through the open windows while you’re served by attentive and knowledgeable servers. Sound appealing? Then put West Street Cafe in Bar Harbor on your list of lobster places to check out soon!

Find West Street Cafe’s menu in Bar Harbor, Maine here.

Cook’s Lobster & Ale House
Bailey Island, Maine

People say that Cook’s Lobster & Ale House on Bailey Island is the best seafood restaurant in all of Maine – obviously very high praise given Maine’s lobster reputation. It’s “too good to be true” with “gorgeous views of the ocean,” responsive staff, a great beer selection, and, of course, exceptional food. After all, “the lobster literally comes out of the ocean and into the boiling pot” – it can’t get any more fresh than that! The prices are reasonable, the atmosphere pleasant and relaxed, and there’s frequently live music. Sounds wonderful, right? So what are you waiting for? Go get your quintessential Maine lobster roll at Cook’s Lobster & Ale House as soon as you can – maybe I’ll see you there!

View Cook’s Lobster & Ale House’s menu on Bailey Island, Maine here.

lobster

The Highroller Lobster Co.
Portland, Maine

If you’re interested in trying a variety of lobster dishes, The Highroller Lobster Co. in Portland will definitely satisfy you. Just listen to some of the choices: lobster grilled cheese, lobster tacos, lobster cocktail, lobster bisque, surf n’ turf highroller burger (topped with lobster, naturally), lobster roll… should we go on? And not only is there a nice variety, it all tastes delicious and is highly customizable too.

Customers rave about how the lobster roll is “cooked perfectly” and is a “10/10” with multiple sauce options. The restaurant also offers a large and shady outside seating area and a “low-key casual vibe.” So the next time you’re in the mood for some “meaty lobster deliciousness,” head on over to The Highroller Lobster Co. in Portland, add your favorite sauce, and start enjoying!

Explore The Highroller Lobster Co.’s menu in Portland, Maine here.

Union River Lobster Pot
Ellsworth, Maine

How does a lobster pot dinner sound, huh? And don’t forget a nice, large selection of local beers to go along with that too. Union River Lobster Pot in Ellsworth has gained legions of loyal customers who love their steamed lobsters (cooked right there outside), amazing desserts (“the blueberry pie is to die for,”) outstanding service, great view, indoor and outdoor seating, and large menu. Just remember to try and arrive at the restaurant on the earlier side because it gets really packed (you can always enjoy some drinks or a walk around the nearby river park area if you have to wait). You really don’t want to miss Union River Lobster Pot, trust us. Try it as soon as you can!

Find Union River Lobster Pot’s menu in Ellsworth, Maine here.