After spending eight glorious days exploring Maine, specifically around Acadia National Park and the stunning Mount Desert Island (MDI), we’ve compiled a delicious guide for anyone wondering Maine Where to find the best eats. Lucky for us, almost every day was blessed with perfect weather, making our culinary adventures even more enjoyable. Coming from New York, and thankfully not needing to quarantine, we dove headfirst into the Maine food scene, and let me tell you, it was incredible. Our days typically involved a light breakfast, a scenic drive into Acadia for hiking, and then the highlight: a late, hearty lunch at a lobster pound or seafood shack. Evenings were for farm market finds and easy, fresh dinners at our VRBO in Hancock, just outside the park. But let’s get to the main course – where in Maine you should be eating. Forget the usual vacation recap; this is all about the food, specifically, Maine where to indulge in the freshest seafood and iconic lobster rolls.
Abel's Lobster Roll
Abel’s Lobster – Mount Desert: Kicking Off the Maine Food Adventure
Our quest to discover Maine where to eat the quintessential lobster roll began at Abel’s Lobster in Mount Desert. This gem was recommended by the authors of the Eventide cookbook, who listed it among their favorite classic New England seafood shacks. Knowing our love for Eventide, we knew this was a lead worth following. Due to the times, seating was entirely outdoors at picnic tables, but with charming string lights and picturesque harbor views, it felt absolutely perfect. This was our first lobster roll in Maine, and it set the bar incredibly high. The roll itself was perfectly toasted, achieving that ideal balance of toasty without being overly bready or drenched in butter. The lobster filling was exceptionally generous and tossed just right with a delicate chive-mayo. Paired with Maine Root blueberry sodas, it was an A+ start to our vacation and a definitive answer to the question of Maine where to get a top-notch lobster roll. (And the crab roll was pretty fantastic too!). A couple of things to note if you’re planning your visit to Maine where the lobster is best: Abel’s was not only one of the best rolls we had (it tied for first place!), but also the priciest. Be prepared for potentially long lines and a slightly slower pace of service – good food is worth waiting for!
Crab Roll at Abel's Lobster in Maine
Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound – Trenton: Martha Stewart’s Pick and Fresh Oysters
Continuing our exploration of Maine where to find amazing seafood, we landed at Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound in Trenton, just outside of MDI. This recommendation came in a truly modern way – via an Instagram story! After asking for lunch advice on Instagram, my friend Sonya pointed me to Martha Stewart’s recent post praising Trenton Bridge. Considering her famous Skylands summer home is nearby, we trusted her judgment on Maine where to eat. The lobster roll here was certainly solid, though in our opinion, not quite reaching the heights of Abel’s or C-Ray (more on C-Ray later). However, the oysters were the real stars at Trenton Bridge. They were some of the freshest and most delicious oysters we’ve ever had, making this a must-visit spot for oyster lovers wondering Maine where to indulge in fresh catches.
Fresh Oysters at Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound in Trenton Maine
Peter Trout’s Tavern and Inn – Southwest Harbor: Beyond Lobster Rolls – Diverse Menu
For a slightly different dining experience in Maine where seafood reigns supreme, we ventured to Peter Trout’s Tavern and Inn in Southwest Harbor. From the outside, with its classic weathered shingles, picnic tables, and harbor views, Peter Trout’s embodies the quintessential no-frills Maine where you go for authentic eats. However, the menu offers a pleasant surprise. Yes, they have the expected lobster roll and fried fish, but with a gourmet twist – served on a “house bun” with “house aioli.”
Exterior of Peter Trout's Tavern and Inn in Southwest Harbor Maine
But the menu doesn’t stop there! Get this – they also offer an heirloom tomato sandwich, a burger, and even a “simple arugula salad!” While we were primarily on a seafood mission, it’s great to know that Peter Trout’s caters to diverse tastes, making it a good option if you’re traveling with someone who might not be craving seafood every meal. It’s a smart choice for groups trying to decide Maine where everyone will find something they love. We had no trouble getting a table for lunch, but seating is limited (especially with no indoor dining at the time), so calling ahead to check on wait times is recommended. Bonus tip: their T-shirts are awesome souvenirs from your Maine where to eat adventure!
Heirloom Tomato Sandwich at Peter Trout's Tavern and Inn
Beal’s Lobster Pier – Southwest Harbor: The Legendary Spot (Recommendation Based on Reputation)
Our research on Maine where to find the best lobster led us to Beal’s Lobster Pier in Southwest Harbor. Full disclosure: we didn’t actually eat at Beal’s. It was highly recommended on the Eventide list and countless other guides as a must-visit Maine where to eat destination. We attempted to go during peak lunch hours, but the line was incredibly long and slow-moving. While we couldn’t personally vouch for the food this time, its nearly hundred-year history and reputation speak volumes. Lobstermen unload their daily catches right at the restaurant’s back pier, guaranteeing ultimate freshness. If you are determined to experience a truly classic Maine where to eat lobster pier, Beal’s should definitely be on your list – just perhaps plan for off-peak hours or be prepared to wait!
Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound – Southwest Harbor: Family-Friendly and Classic
Driving up to Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound in Southwest Harbor, my 16-year-old perfectly summed up the vibe, “Oh yessss. This is exactly what I want right now.” You know that feeling, right? Charlotte’s is exactly what you picture when you think of a classic Maine where to eat lobster shack. I opted for a fried clam roll, which was, as expected, delicious (how could fried clams in Maine not be?). While the fried clam roll was good, it wasn’t my absolute top pick of the week. However, Charlotte’s is an excellent choice, especially for families wondering Maine where to eat with kids. The menu is extensive, offering something for everyone, and there’s plenty of outdoor space for kids to roam around (while still maintaining social distancing) while you wait for your food.
Charlotte's Legendary Lobster Pound Storefront in Maine
Thrive & Coffee Matter – Bar Harbor: Healthy and Caffeine Fix
While lobster rolls and fried seafood were frequent cravings during our trip, we knew we needed some variety to truly explore Maine where to eat beyond just seafood. Thrive, tucked away on a quieter side street in Bar Harbor, was the perfect answer for those days. Thrive serves what my daughters affectionately call “healthy-queen fare”: vibrant salads, refreshing smoothies, killer avocado toast, and energizing açaí bowls. It’s a fantastic option when you’re looking for Maine where to eat something lighter and healthier. Bonus: Thrive shares a take-out window with Coffee Matter, so you can conveniently grab your latte fix at the same time. We visited Thrive after an early morning sunrise viewing at Cadillac Mountain and returned a few days later for mid-morning smoothies – proving it’s a great spot for any time of day. (Photo credit: Thrive.)
Healthy Food from Thrive in Bar Harbor Maine
C-Ray Lobster – Bar Harbor: Saving the Best Lobster Roll for Last
By Day 7, you might think we’d be tired of seafood-stuffed rolls. But luckily, our final lobster roll on MDI, from C-Ray Lobster in Bar Harbor, turned out to be the best of the trip – or at least tied for first place with Abel’s! While perhaps not quite as overflowing as Abel’s roll, C-Ray’s achieved the perfect ratio of succulent lobster meat to buttery bread, preventing any post-lunch food coma. The menu at C-Ray’s is almost artistic in its simplicity: Cooked Seafood, Chowder, Sandwiches, Lobster Bakes. Under each category, you’ll find just three or four perfectly curated items – everything you could want, and nothing you don’t. For anyone seriously asking Maine where to get the ultimate lobster roll experience, C-Ray’s is a top contender.
C-Ray Lobster Roll in Bar Harbor Maine
P.S. My daughter Abby, after reading this, insisted I add her expert lobster roll advice: “If you can only eat one lobster roll this week, make it from C Rays. If you can have two, go to Abel’s.” Consider that your final word on Maine where to find lobster roll perfection!
