Great food and outdoor dining spot. After going to all the lobster roll spots, this was my favorite.

Great view, great waterfront outdoor set up, everything we ordered was solid. Menu a little more varied and upscale than some of the touristy lobster pounds elsewhere on MDI, which worked fine for us with one picky non-lobster-eater. Service was a little slow (with some lax masking from certain waitstaff) but I think they recently reopened so might be working out kinks. We'd return for sure. read more

If it's a nice day and you can sit outside, the location/setting is tough to beat. Service is always top notch. We used to go there regularly for lobster sandwiches, which were great. New owners (2 years maybe now) changed up menu and it's kinda weird. Steamers good, though meager serving for $, salad way over dressed and unimpressive, lobster and tomato salad meh--store-bought cherry tomatoes at the height of the local tomato season. Don't think we'll rush back. read more

The location has outstanding fresh Maine lobster as well as other great dishes. The waitress we had was Emily and was full of great information on the food and local things to do. The assistant manager Brandon was also helpful and let us tour the area where they cook the lobster. It was one of the best meals we have ever had read more

Great dinner spot. The food is a cut above the other lobster pounds and the scenery is beautiful. Good wine and beer selection too. The only drawback is it is a little hard to find but our map app knew how to get there. read more

Excellent experience! Amazing service! The view is worth the price. Can't wait till next season!

Location: Nice Ambiance/Decor: Cheap Price: Expensive Food Quality: Average We've been eating some fantastic seafood meals on the island for about a week now while on vacation. Unfortunately, Abel's stands out as the highest price and most totally underwhelming food of our trip. When paying $17 for a drink or $12 for a REALLY small cup (not a bowl) of soup, one would expect to be wow'ed. We both ordered the Lobster Saute ($42) and it arrived on a small salad plate--Red Flag! The lobster portion was so small, I thought they accidentally used a larger shrimp instead of an actual lobster (was supposed to be a picked 1 1/2 pound lobster). The baked potato was billed as smoked, but I could not taste anything but plain old pasty, dry potato. The seven tough haricots green beans were no prize either. Even the Pepsi came in a pathetic miniature glass. They must have been taking some heat for their ridiculous pricing because when the bill came the meal was charged out at $34 each (still about $15 too high for that poor showing). I don't know where all the better reviews are coming from, but this was a very poor dining experience where portion control was way more important to the restaurant than any actual customer experience. We could not get to a nice ice cream shop fast enough after this disaster. read more

Great meal. Great outside views. We went on the last day of the season and it was awesome. My wife got the lobster and loved it. The staff are great and efficient. This is a great place to go after hiking all day. read more

I understand the hour wait.I don't know why it tooled 20 minutes to get the check. The menu is limited and items are over priced.

This may be my favorite restaurant on Mt. Desert Island. It has great service and a fantastic location on Somes Sound, where both indoor and outdoor seating have water views. It's not quite my idea of a lobster pound because the menu is much more varied and sophisticated than a typical pound. I love the LBTB, a composed salad of basil, lobster, tomato, and burrata. If you're not a big eater, this can be a meal. On a recent visit, Abel's had corn salad as a side with an entree. It was fresh and crisp, just right for a late summer day. read more

Abel's Lobster - The patio at Abel's - Seafood Near Me - Mount Desert, Maine

A must stop on the shores of Somes Sound in Acadia. Best lobster - ever! Soft shell. Great oysters. Amazing lobster chowder. Super friendly people. read more

Two nights ago was our fourth trip (at least) to Abel's. Due to the mosquitos outside, we elected to sit inside as darkness was falling. With a family connection to the ownership, we called ahead and were given a table for our party of four in the corner with water views. That was nice. But then we ordered. Though not being particularly busy, we waited an hour for food to arrive. First we were told they had run out of baked potatoes (really, how does that happen?) so we had to substitute. That was disappointment #1. We chose corn on the cob. it was ok, no better than ok. Disappointment #2. Our drinks arrived - recommended by the waitress, they were spiked blueberry lemonade with Stoli vodka. We ordered four. None of us could taste (or feel) any vodka. Disappointment #3. An HOUR later, food began to arrive. Disappointment #4. By this point, were were already grumbling though we had not been in a particular hurry in the first place. I complained about the drink (everyone should have but didn't) and to Abel's credit, my second drink had "tasteable" vodka and even some extra in a shot glass on the side. Of course, the drink appeared on the bill - not a courtesy drink. Disappointment #5. When the clam chowder arrived for the one order, he commented how he "enjoyed making mashed potatoes" out of it. Clams were virtually non-existent. Disappointment #6. We had four large lobsters with steamers. The steamers and lobsters were fine, though they must have sent the boat out to catch them at time of order considering how long it took to arrive. My recollection for the cooking instructions is "drop In hot water", right? The lobsters were fine and the meat was plentiful. Then we got the bill. After tip, $356.39!!! For four people. Let me repeat: $356.39. Is it OK to swear on Yelp? Do I need to say that "Disappointment #7" would be too weak a statement? A new category would be needed. This was a total ripoff especially considering that the cost of lobster is way down for two years in a row. Did we see the price when we ordered? Sure. Did we order anyway? Sure. After driving there and getting seated, it was already after 8 pm and going somewhere else was a limited option. Basically two large rooms with covered picnic tables. Underpaid help from Romania (who were VERY nice and hustled throughout despite the things they could not control) so I left a very generous tip. Needless to say, despite the family connection, this is our last trip to Abel's. BTW, I NEVER write reviews unless I am truly amazed or incredibly displeased. So, this may be the third review I have written. After getting the bill, with no accommodation for all the failures, I was, and am, PISSED. Hence this review. If ZERO stars were available, that's what I would give. Avoid Abel's, they are taking advantage of their reputation and it is no longer deserved. Just know you're paying for the view if you can get there for sunset and don't get eaten alive by the mosquitos. But there are many other places to get great lobster around here without overpaying. It's the same "lobstah" from the same water, after all. read more

Abels Lobster Pound is permanently closed by previous operators as of November 2019. Possibly pending... for new operator. However this page should be shut down. read more

Here is my verdict - Overpriced tourist trap. Service was terrible even though they were not busy. The chicken tenders for the kids arrived crisp burned. Lobster was okay, but they don't have any credit there. Please stay away and drive to Bar Harbor - it will be worth it. read more

We had a lobster roll and the lobster cakes for lunch on a Saturday just after 12 Noon. The restaurant wasn't very busy at the time so we were seated immediately. The lobster roll was tasty. The lobster cakes were very small and a bit bland. Service was great and it was a good experience overall. read more

Abel's Lobster - Lobster Roll with coleslaw and chips. - Seafood Near Me - Mount Desert, Maine

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Nice views and the food over priced - simply below average. Service was absolutely a disaster. Go for a drink and the sunset only.

I've been visiting Mt Desert Island for over 41 years and almost always eat at least one meal at Abel's Lobster Poind. It's always been very good and the views and atmosphere (eating at big green tables under tall pines on the steep shore of Somes Sound) are exceptional. But I have to say that the new management has really kicked it up to the top shelf. Even during and in spite of COVID-- every dish was exceptional, the service excellent, the public health adjustments due to COVID so well executed that they had no impact on the experience. And their special lobster sauce is out of this world great- I have NEVER had anything remotely like it and it was DEEElicious!! Can't wait to go back. Great drinks, salads, oysters, lobster, corn. When's the last time you went to a restaurant and every single thing was great? read more

Not my favorite visit to Abel's over the years. The lobster (soft shell) was extremely over priced and over cooked. Beals and Thurstons were much better. The ambiance is excellent here when eating outside until it gets dark. Them the customers become the meal for Mosquitos. My folks had the blueberry lemonade with vodka. Couldn't taste the vodka at all. I stuck with the Atlantic Blueberry Beer. The clams were excellent however. Bread was ok to hold us over as it took quite a while to get served. Lots of "yachter families" with unsupervised kids with the occasional nannies in attendance made it a little loud. read more

AMAZING lobster roll, but the rudest staff ever. They would not let us sit at any of the tables even though almost all of them were empty. We ordered, waited 45 minutes for our order, ate and still no one came to sit at any of the tables. Then they wouldn't take our order and made us order online, but took people's order after us. Good food, but I cannot believe how bad their customer service was. read more

Should a restaurant this expensive bill itself as a "lobster pound"? We ate inside after a day of exploring the park so the atmosphere was coastal restaurant casual, not picnic tables on the lawn. Cocktails were exemplary - my wife's sangria and my Woodford Reserve based libation pleased. I followed with the combo of a pound a half lobster and steamed clams, at $53. This included one side (fries). I added cole slaw, bringing my dinner to $57. At least rolls were included. My companion went with the lobster salad at $34. The steamers were sparkling fresh, although not the meatiest I've ever had. The lobster salad was a large portion of quality lobster, light on the mayo, some sliced tomatoes on the side and not much else. The one and a half pound lobster was a bit larger than advertised. A hard shell encased one of the densest, meatiest lobsters I have ever encountered. There was ample tomalley and roe, as well as the succulent meat. No complaints. The fries and slaw were both good, if not matching the excellence of the lobster. The verdict: Expensive, but worth it, in this reviewer's opinion. read more

We loved Abel's. We were given the recommendation by the owners of our cottage. It did not disappoint. Yes, it was expensive but talk about LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! And the service was FANTASTIC. We all agreed it was our favorite meal of our week long stay, a couple of us thought dinner there was our favorite thing about the whole trip. read more

Absolutely delightful setting right on the water. A perfect Maine lobstah lunch! Drive thru the boat repair/shipyard area and head all the way down to the water. Worth it! read more

Their website said closing for season October 13th. We arrived at the restaurant at 4:30, sign said closed. There were 5 other cars in the parking lot, they never opened. I tried calling three times, at 4:45 and again around 5:00. got voice mail. If you are not going to be open, update your website read more

Fantastic experience. Cocktails were A++, food was excellent, service was superior, and the view of the sunset was sweet. We found the value to be much better than average compared to similar places in the area. Would love to return. read more

Service was slow but the view and the food made up for it! Fish & chips was unexpectedly delicious and not to be missed!

Giving this 4 stars only for the clam chowder, which was fabulous. We were told it was the best on the island by our B&B owner, and it was definitely the best we tried on our vacation. Everything else we had was pretty average. They claim to have amazing fries, but I'd say they're "good". read more

Sat outside during sun set. Beautiful and the staff was very friendly. The hostess, server and the guy out back cooking the lobster were very willing to talk about how stuff works in the area. Thanks you read more

This is an amazing jewel of a location. We were seated outside at high-tops overlooking the sound at sunset-- beautiful! While their staff is run ragged by the setup (they have to run up and down a hill to go to the back door of the kitchen for almost everything), they work very hard. The restaurant would benefit from adding a wait station at the base of the hill with basics (water, napkins, utensils, etc.) to speed service. That said, the food was the most inventive we had all week. Even the cornbread with pimento cheese was amazing. The lobster chowder was the best I had all week, and the lobster mousse on top of pimento "grilled cheese sandwich" fingers was fit for high-end restaurants in larger markets. My husband's crab carbonara was SOOOO good-- I want to order that when I return! read more

We had lobster in almost every place up the coast. This was BY FAR the BEST lobster around! Service was great and the view was beautiful. Went back the next day for more. Love this place ! read more

We have eaten at many lobster pounds during our two week stay, and Abel's wins! We had lobster chowder, lobster rolls with butter, crab roll, and of course their fabulous desserts. Everything was top notch! We will definitely be going back. read more

Delicious! Our best meal of the trip! The lobster was flavorful and buttery. The lobster chowder was delicious with red potatoes, corn, and topped with a huge chunk of pork belly. We will definitely be back. read more

sometimes you have to travel a little ways out to get great food. anything having to do with the lobster (fresh by the pound, in a roll, and in a chowder) was crazy fresh and did not disappoint. i ordered the lobster roll hot in butter and it was 100% the move. service was a little rushed at the end but we came for a pretty late dinner. setting was a nice outdoor cabin on the lake, beautiful at sunset! overall, i can see abel's gaining popularity in the near future read more

Abel's Lobster - hot lobster roll - Seafood Near Me - Mount Desert, Maine

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This place is amazing, Reya was super nice. The lobster rolls and pimento grilled cheese were amazing

The waterside seating is as enjoyable as a Sunday cruise down a backroad with your sweetheart. Our waitress was as helpful as Bill Nye the Science Guy explaining science. And of course, the Lobster roll was as delicate as grandmas fine China but as luxurious as a filet mignon hand fed to you by Gordon Ramsey. read more

Beautiful scenery - kid friendly (my 3 month old nephew was welcomed)- Awesome location - accommodation of large parties - scenic harbor views (somes sound) perfect lobster(best on island) and excellent service read more

We were passing through and found this gem! Friendly staff, amazing views and great food. The clam chowder was fantastic. Lobster dinner with clams was worth everything. Even the grass fed burger was delicious. Will come back! read more

As most reviews state, the view is beautiful, the location is amazing. We wanted to share this place with a few friends that were visiting us to give them a real, Bar Harbor lobster pound experience. BUT, we stopped in just before 8 PM to get some lobster rolls to go after a long day of hiking. We were told that they just sat a few large tables and wouldn't be able to do any more "to-go" orders for the evening. We then asked if we could sit down to eat, but told there was at least a 30 minute wait, which would have been acceptable if the restaurant would have actually been busy. There might have been 20 people inside the restaurant, the main level was almost empty, maybe one table. The hostess was relatively nice about telling us no, she was just repeating what her dismissive manager was saying. I'm hoping the manager was not one of the new owners, if so, I don't think the newly reopened Abel's will last for more than a few seasons. I know the food is good, the views are second to none, but the service doesn't deliver an acceptable customer experience. read more

Pros: In our party of seven, those who had lobster really enjoyed them. The view is beautiful if you can sit in the right place (see below). Cons: Where do I start? We expected it to be pricey (which compared to every place else we've eaten on the island as seasonal residents, it DEFINITELY is). We found out upon arrival that we couldn't sit in the lower terrace by the windows overlooking Somes Sound. Apparently, these tables aren't available to those who aren't hip to their availability. There is no indication either upon their web site or when discussing reservations with Kelsey on the phone that this option is available. Irritating, especially since most of them were never occupied while we ate our meal. For our out of town guests it was a disappointment. Waitress: Terry Unprofessional, inattentive, grating voice & mannerisms, screwed up the checks. Her phony persona and constant "chummy" questions were followed by her complete lack of interest in the answers from those trying to talk to her. She would immediately talk over those silly enough to answer her attempts at "bonding" and she failed to listen as to who was together, what we actually wanted and so forth. She had to be reminded that with a table of seven customers, one empty water carafe was simply not going to work. Overly long wait on courses. My chicken Caesar salad was absolutely sopped with dressings, no more than two or three ounces of chicken and quite simply for the price, terrible. When I ordered two of the $7 bread baskets of "artisan" breads for the table, she proclaimed how lucky we were that the bread was fresh out of the oven. When it arrived it was cold, rubbery, obviously at least a day old and was common bread loaf that you'd buy at any grocery. Ridiculous. They really think we're that daft? We waited close to twenty minutes for the checks, which she of course, screwed up. With so many excellent choices on Mt. Desert Island, you may wish to consider an alternative to Abel's Lobster Pound. I know I will. read more

A lot of changes in management the past couple years but they seem to have really figured things out this year because this is the best lobster roll I've ever had. It was out insanely quickly and the staff were lovely and communicative. Highly recommend. Abel's is BACK! read more

After some rough years, Abel's is back, and we are grateful. We had an very fine dinner tonight. Service was good, lobster was spectacular, sunset view memorable as well. Only drawback was the cost, $100 a head for the basic dinner and drinks, but maybe that's ok these days. read more