Abel&#x27;s Lobster

Sweet Baby Jesus. If…read moreyou're the sort of person who requires cloth napkins, tasteful lighting and a waiter named Chad who explains the provenance of every pea on your plate, don't go here. But if you want honest food at today's prices, pull up a chair. The lobster roll was a revelation. Not that mayonnaise-based lobster purée somebody scraped out of a tub and smeared onto a bun that had been sitting around since the Carter administration. This was real chunks of lobster, lightly seasoned, piled onto a fresh roll and left alone to taste like lobster. Then came the steamers. Sweet mercy. Those steamers were the best thing I have tasted since 1974, and I'm not entirely sure what happened in 1974, but apparently somebody knew how to steam a clam. The service was excellent--friendly, attentive and without the usual modern-day restaurant ritual of wondering whether your server has forgotten you exist. The décor? Let's just say aging fish camp chic. If you're looking for polished brass and a chandelier imported from France, keep driving. If you want the feeling that somebody might walk in carrying a cooler full of flounder, you're home. For the love of all that is holy, give this place a try. Come hungry. Leave happy. And if you encounter a cloth napkin, somebody has probably made a terrible mistake

If you're in Bar Harbor, the Travelin Lobster is the lobster stand you need. We visited this great…read moreplace on our first night, we had lobster rolls and clam chowder that was exceptional, with generous portions and priced fairly. The employees were fun and they made the experience nicer. The next day it was time for lunch and my husband said lets go back to the Traveling Lobster, I said (and later regretted) no let's try somewhere else. We tried a place with a catchy lobster name and the teenage boy, behind the counter of the takeout as he handed us our change said, you're leaving me a tip - right? In unison we both said no. I added we don't tip workers at McDonalds, we're not tipping you and even if we did, we wouldn't tip you because of your demand, he walked away nonplussed, to add insult to injury the food was mediocre for the price. Later that afternoon we tried another lobster stand, and it was worse; the food was terrible for the price, we ordered a side of lobster mac and cheese and there was not a shred of lobster in it, we ended up taking it back and getting our money. Starving, we went back to the Traveling Lobster and had another great meal, listened to trivia and left satisfied. What we learned is if a stand isn't busy or has few cars, don't bother, there's a reason. By all means go the Travelin Lobster, the parking lot is busy, the line moves fast and the food comes out fast and excellent, the employees don't attempt to shame you into tipping them and when you order lobster mac and cheese, you get plenty of lobster. I also learned that my sweet husband is sometimes right :).

Hot lobster roll with blueberry soda and a lobster bisque

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Clam chowder bread bowl

Beal's Lobster Pier

4.3(994 reviews)

5.7 mi

•$$$

Family-owned & operated

90 years in business

My family and I really enjoyed this amazing dinner spot! The restaurant itself had a good ordering…read moresystem and had great views. I tried the Caprese Lobster Flatbread which was very flavorful and had small bits of shredded lobster. Additionally, the lemon butter lobster roll was delicious, it had a good amount of lobster and the butter sauce was yummy! Drinks were unique and refreshing! Someone else in my party got the Blue Berry Pina Colada which was quite a treat! Overall, this was a great spot! I would recommend to anyone in the area.

They were very accommodating with allergies and our request to make a lobster roll flight into its…read moredeconstructed form. The lobster was definitely fresh, tender, and plenty. It didn't have a super strong sweet flavor I liked how the sauces were all put on the side and allowed you to customize how much to put on the lobster. My favorite was the lemon butter because it was creamy and that helped the sauce stick on the lobster. There wasn't a super strong lemon flavor but you could taste it. My next flavor is the firecracker but I thought it had a gingery taste that I didn't think paired super well otherwise. The garlic butter is what you expect (garlic on the bottom and butter on top).

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Hodgdon Seafood

4.9(27 reviews)

6.8 mi

NEVER judge a book by its cover!! This tiny quaint eatery in the middle of nowhere is where it's…read moreat! Excellent food, wonderful service and priced right. I will definitely stop again if I'm in that neck of the woods!

Excellent food - no only are the lobster rolls delicious , but so is the homemade cole slaw and…read morepotato salad! The owners wo run the place, are helpful and friendly.

Shore dinner, lobster bisque, half-and-half crab and lobster roll, clam chowder

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Lobster, mussels, clams,crab,corn,slaw.

Bar Harbor Lobster Bakes

4.6(113 reviews)

4.7 mi

From the owner, to the front door host,to the meal you receive at your table...this is some of the…read morefinest service and quality in town! Great views, great people, even better experience.

This is a great place. Our tour guide took us here after our tour was finished and we loved it! It…read moreis a very casual place with a pretty view and super clean. We all had lobster rolls and everyone agreed that they were the best in town. Fresh rolls piled high with super fresh lobster meat. The service was fantastic as well. Highly recommend!

Inside of the restaurant

Lobster dinner

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A night view.

Parsons Lobsters

4.7(77 reviews)

4.6 mi

Delicious lobster and shrimp. We never miss an opportunity to visit Parsons while vacationing at…read moreAcadia.

Their Fish Quality & variety of choice as well as their service was excellent…read more Also very clean store and polite staff

Live lobsters we cooked

Blueberry pie

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Blueberry pie

Rodick’s

4.4(30 reviews)

4.2 mi

Great fried clams, fish tacos etc. My go to for a favorite meal on MDI. A stationary food truck…read morewith picnic bench seating. My first stop after arriving on MDI.

Such a pleasant experience at this casual roadside place. The lady working the window was so kind,…read moreexplained everything, and was accommodating with customization on my husband's sandwich. I got the lobster dinner and it was fantastic! We ate outside, which was especially good for a messy meal, haha. (They even have an outside sink for this purpose!) I enjoyed the cornbread, and would definitely recommend the blueberry lemonade. Prices are very reasonable. If you want to escape the crowds of Bar Harbor, come here for dinner.

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The Nor'Easter Pound & Market

4.2(155 reviews)

4.6 mi

The food, views, and service was top notch. We were wrong by believing hospitality only happens in…read morethe South. Our family of four all had positive things to say about the fish tacos, fish sandwich, and the burger. The local Maine beers were pleasant as well.

Parking lot available…read more Staff was friendly seating us a party of 18 (ten kids + 8 adults) Our server took our drink orders quickly and drinks came out fast. Which was great because it was during the heat wave. We thought we beat the heat leaving Jersey but it was still hot here. The food was great. My husband and I split the clam chowder, a lobster roll, and fish tacos. My kids had the Mac and cheese and another lobster roll. My sister and her husband got the lobster with shell dish-- lobster was on the cheaper end apparently ~ $40. All worth it. Will come back.

Northeast Harbor marina

Portobello Tacos

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Sad little shrimp

Frenchman Bay Lobster Rolls

4.8(76 reviews)

5.5 mi

ONE OF MY FAVORITE PLACES IN MAINE! The concept is absolutely great! You grab a blanket, eat in the…read morepark, and enjoy the views. We had the Lobster Roll Flight, and the Lobster Mac And Cheese. Both meals were absolutely amazing! Made me regret I had a husband cause I had to share but at least he paid for it I guess....

This place lived up to its reputation. Small place right near the water. My daughter and I got a…read morefew lobster rolls. Super fresh. Young lady said the lobster was caught earlier in the day. This was the best lobster roll I ever had.

Hot Roll

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Blueberry Soda

The Barnacle

4.5(195 reviews)

5.5 mi

Quick service and great atmosphere. Our bartender was very friendly. My french 75 was delicious!read more

Loved this place!…read more When we walked in, it looked like the bartender was running the whole place. She greeted people, told them to sit wherever there's a spot and took orders. She even had time to chat with us in between doing everything. We ordered a dozen oysters and they were so good we debated getting more... a bit pricey but definitely worth it. We still think about the Nitro beer months later. This place was such a hole in the wall. It was busy and had a fast environment but was overall great. I would come back here.

The bar with Zana at the helm!

Best oysters!!!

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The Travelin Lobster

4.8(21 reviews)

4.2 mi

New England vibes and flavors! This outdoor spot with the perfect place to bring our pup and get…read moresome Maine seafood. We ordered at the window and our food was brought out promptly. We got 6 oyster which weren't the best but I loved the accoutrements that came with it! We also got a full lobster and lobster bisque. The lobster was freshly cooked and yummy! We also got beers which weren't both good. I spilled my beer trying to crack a lobster claw and they replaced it without an issue. Great service! We also got blueberry pie to go (it was great!) and blue berry ice cream for dessert. I could tell this was homemade ice cream - it was delicious and creamy!

Best lobster in the area. Got our roll Connecticut style because we tried Maine style already. I…read morecouldn't get enough of it-- good amount in the roll for a good price. They have a cool little bar with local beers. Customer service was friendly and helpful. A must do on the itinerary if you're in the area.

Things to do in Mount Desert

Inside restaurant

1.5 pound whole lobster with mussels

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Outside restaurant

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Emelie J.

0

6

7

3 years ago

Based on price; Food: ate lobster roll. Greatest I've ever had. Can't see how it could get better tbh. Service: everyone was very nice and helpful Environment: By the water, nice view. Can see alive lobsters just by the restaurant. Wait: had to wait for some time. They did however boil the lobsters based on your order, so that means that it cannot get fresher, so it is not bad. read more

Ken I.

0

5

2

3 years ago

Best restaurant in Bar Harbor. Enough said!! We've been out every night for a week finally found this place.

Trauts N.

2

104

0

14 years ago

Expensive BUT the staff was extremely friendly and the setting was great.

Richard L.

0

2

0

10 years ago

Sorry wrote review on wrong site

Abel's Lobster - seafood - Updated September 2026

Best of Mount Desert

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Beal's Lobster Pier

4.3

(994 reviews)

•$$$

My family and I really enjoyed this amazing dinner spot! The restaurant itself had a good ordering…read moresystem and had great views. I tried the Caprese Lobster Flatbread which was very flavorful and had small bits of shredded lobster. Additionally, the lemon butter lobster roll was delicious, it had a good amount of lobster and the butter sauce was yummy! Drinks were unique and refreshing! Someone else in my party got the Blue Berry Pina Colada which was quite a treat! Overall, this was a great spot! I would recommend to anyone in the area.

They were very accommodating with allergies and our request to make a lobster roll flight into its…read moredeconstructed form. The lobster was definitely fresh, tender, and plenty. It didn't have a super strong sweet flavor I liked how the sauces were all put on the side and allowed you to customize how much to put on the lobster. My favorite was the lemon butter because it was creamy and that helped the sauce stick on the lobster. There wasn't a super strong lemon flavor but you could taste it. My next flavor is the firecracker but I thought it had a gingery taste that I didn't think paired super well otherwise. The garlic butter is what you expect (garlic on the bottom and butter on top).

West Street Cafe

(995 reviews)

Friendly staff, great food and atmosphere. Shout out to Stephanie for making sure everything was…read moreperfect.

Only went to the bar to watch a World Cup game that they had on tvs…read more Friendly bartender, good beers on draft, clean place and cool sea breeze coming often through the front. Onion rings were okay.

Seafood Ketch

3.7

(187 reviews)

Great local spot with better prices than in Bar Harbor…read more Good service. Would go again.

Ketch has a great patio with wonderful views of Bass Harbor. Their help are kind and our waitress…read morewas bubbly. Good service. We had the starter of fried clams, scallops, shrimp, and haddock, The scallops were great along with the shrimp and fish. I guess fried clams are not my fav. We also had a lobster roll and hamburger. Both were tasty. The lobster was delicious but only claw meat and much less amount than other places. That said, no room for desert or desserts....

The Docksider

3.5

(73 reviews)

Got a lobster roll and coleslaw to go, it was absolutely delicious! Fun vibes with the staff, quick…read moreservice. Definitely recommend.

Delicious scallop roll....crisp fries....friendly service. Great that it's off the main drag and…read morewe could park! Highly recommend. (And my husband was able to get a blt--he'd had enough seafood).

Downeast Lobster Pound

(180 reviews)

Was looking for a lobster pound for reasonably priced lobsters and this place was okay. $15.95 per…read morepound that includes the jumbo soft shell lobsters. Was told it was a great deal.. so decided to order 2 lobsters and it was 4.9 lbs, $78 total with 2 corns. They were sweet and huge but not sure it was worth it. I still prefer the 1.25 pound lobster and just get 2. The steamers were expensive $20 for just a pound and will definitely not order it again.. but the clam chowder was great. For $125, it was too much money, we were satisfied but was hungry a few hours later. But its bar harbor, nothing is cheap and you have a great view of the Cadillac mountain. I live part time in Maine, so this review may have been biased because there's plenty of other places that's cheaper than this spot.

Just went there this afternoon. Downeast is across the street from Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound…read more(which seems to be slightly more popular). I chose Downeast because I've heard good things about it. Overall, I'm very satisfied with my twin lobster combo (two smaller lobsters with corn & butter, $30 altogether). My husband had the $36 lobster melt, which someone else reviewed poorly and I sort of understand why. The lobster melt definitely seems to be overpriced. It's hard to understand why it's $6 more than the twin lobster combo. But they must price them with enough reasons. I'm not running the business, so I'm just looking at it from a customer's perspective.

Dinner Bar Harbor

4.3

(24 reviews)

Dinner in Bar Harbor tonight absolutely delivered…read more The French onion soup was next level. Rich, deeply flavored, perfectly melted cheese, and one of those dishes you keep thinking about after you leave. The fries and salad were both surprisingly spectacular too, not just filler on the plate. Everything we had was excellent, from the tacos to the seared tuna and scallops, but what really elevated the experience was the service. Our waiter was entertaining, friendly, and genuinely made the night fun. The kind of person who adds to the atmosphere instead of just taking your order.

We had called in advance to make reservations on a Wednesday night. After finding street parking…read more(there's no parking lot close by), we came in and were shown to a nice table by the front windows. The ambiance is OK, black walls, some artwork, a bit dark and moody, not overly welcoming. Our server was the only server in the whole restaurant. She never introduced herself and was polite, but in a forced and not friendly way, and she didn't smile much. Our cocktails, the Grand Royale, a gin based cocktail with champagne, and the black and blue Manhattan, both $15, tasted ok. Nothing special or unique than what we could mix ourselves at home. We ordered for appetizers the sea scallops and the beets and carrots special. It took about 45 minutes for our appetizers to arrive. The sea scallops were the best executed dish of the evening, perfectly seared, crisp bacon. The beets and carrots tasted like prepackaged beets and some fresh carrots sandwiched in between. It was bland and missing a creamy element like a cheese, disappointing for $14. For dinners, we ordered two halibut entrees, a stapler chicken special, and buttered orechiette. We arrived at 5 pm, ordered shortly thereafter, and our entrees didn't arrive until 6:20pm. Our kids were both complaining about slowness and were starving. The tables around us made comments like, well, at least we don't have anywhere we need to be... There was zero apology for the wait, as if this was normal. When the entrees arrived, both halibut dishes were equally overcooked. Halibut us such a buttery fish, it's truly hard to overcook, but this was so dry. Both the halibut and the chicken had exactly the same presentation, including the same purple and green sauces circling both, which made them feel uninspired and generic. The chicken was decent but also overcooked, and the buttered orechiette was actually the best tasting dish, as the orechiette was fresh pasta and perfectly cooked. Overall, we were so disappointed with how long the food took. It all tasted fine, overcooked, not great. I felt like they were trying hard to be more upscale dining, charging upscale prices which I don't mind paying, but missed the mark.

Perry's Lobster

(41 reviews)

The ONLY thing place has is the view…read more Service was perfunctory. Food was meh. I had a cup of chowder, tasty, thick. Onion rings were terrific. My friend had a lobster roll for $30...it was served on a KAISER roll. Lobster was not tender, plentiful or sweet. What shocked and disturbed me was they charge extra for grilling! Crabmeat grill cheese sandwich was $35, deemed okay. Salad was fresh and good enough. This is a byob and we did bring our own wine...but when we asked for an opener, we were told they didn't have one. Luckily one appeared about the time we were going to ask other patrons. At least the people at other tables were friendly. An ice cream/gelateria was recommended. I'd already downed half a piece of Maine blueberries pie, but we went to have ice cream and then went to the park at the boat dock to watch the Osprey, great blue herons and a couple of other fishermen til the bugs drove us off. I'd recommend the Lobster Net for their food quality.

Great spot right on the water with fantastic vibes. The owner is super friendly, and being able to…read moresit out on the dock to eat makes the whole experience worth it. Overall, the food was good, but a couple of small details held it back from a full 5 stars. The fries tasted a bit like the oil was burnt and due for a change, and I found a piece or two of shell in my crab roll slider. Still a really nice place to grab a bite by the water--just needs a minor tweak on the fry oil and prep detail. Would definitely stop back by for the view and hospitality!

La Bella Vita Harborside Hotel

(27 reviews)

Came in at the recommendation of our hotel and what an incredible Italian meal! Great selection of…read morecocktails. Love that they had half portion options of pasta dishes. Our server, Gabby, was attentive and helpful! Located in a hotel.

Decent service and food. Delightful ambiance with a beautiful view of the harbor. Exceptional value…read morefor deserts!!!! Reasonable prices for Bar Harbor. Delicious starters and interesting cocktails.

The Looking Glass Restaurant

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•$$$

The view is amazing and I was pleasantly surprised by the food & service! The blueberry coffee cake…read moreis served warm and a piece was easy enough for 3 of us to share. Portion sizes are average ( which is a good thing) and flavorful. Again THE VIEW!!!

Beautiful views of the bar harbor area, very welcoming staff and great food! It's tucked away and…read morefeels nice and secluded while still being in the area.

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