I have been dining at the Ogunquit Lobster Pound regularly for over 10 years, so it's time to update my review. I have gotten to know Brian, Natasha and some of the other staff members. The OLP is our favorite restaurant in Ogunquit. The sprawling rustic dining room reminds my wife of sleep away camp. It's a cross between a lobster shack and a traditional restaurant. There's a busy bar and table service, but you go outside to the lobster tank to order lobsters and steamers. The food is excellent. The meal always starts off with freshly baked rolls. Cocktails are generous. The lobster and steamed clams never disappoint. The staff of lobster ninjas pre crack the shells so that you can dismantle your lobster with a wooden pick. One of my kids and some of our friends don't eat lobster. They have been happy with the other entrees, especially the steak and steak tips. The side dishes are surprisingly good. We are always too full for dessert. This is not a perfect restaurant experience. There are no reservations and the waits can be long. Sometimes things don't arrive in sync. I still love this big hearted restaurant where the staff are so nice and all of the important things are done excellently. This place is one of my Ogunquit touchstones. read more

Ogunquit Lobster Pound - Lobster! - Seafood Near Me - Ogunquit, Maine

Always drive by here, reminding me of a campground but never tried it. I came for the night to see the last show of Waitress at the Ogunquit Playhouse and this was nearby the hotel I was staying at. It's a rustic restaurant, I guess it's really known for their lobster because they have tanks with them outside. I guess you choose your lobster after you are seated, if that's what you want to eat. They weight it and charge you. I didn't want to get a big meal because of the time. They had some good choices, from hamburgers to chicken sandwiches to grilled chicken or steak tips with your choice of mashed or baked potatoes or rice. They had shrimp scampi, spaghetti and meatballs. They had kids meals as well. So we started with the clam chowder and they gave rolls. The clam chowder was good! Next for the main course I ordered the lobster roll, with hot butter and it came with coleslaw and chips. The coleslaw was the best part. Sorry but the lobster was filled but had no taste and it seemed it wasn't really cooked and this is the lobster pound? Known for their lobster!It just had no taste at all and for the price, it wasn't worth it. Too expensive !! My daughter got the lobster pie and it came with baked beans and rice. Wow! First it was very small, and then it had no sauce and no taste whatsoever! Disappointing! And it was expensive for what you got. I guess if we were able to take our time, we could have ordered better options. I liked the restaurant, the waitstaff was friendly and helpful. It was clean, they have booths and tables. They said they only had tables but we saw some booths available. But it was comfortable. There's plenty of parking. But the food we ordered was not worth the price. Again, I guess we didn't pick good choices. I would come back when I'm in town and give it another try. read more

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June 2026 visit. 6:00 PM. We were a party of 2. We were seated quickly. It is a huge place and and as a result needs a lot of AC. That being said it is kind of drafty. If you are prone to being cool bring a light coverup. Pleasant and comfortable surroundings. Lobsters in the tank looked lively and fresh. Our server Joe was efficient , pleasant , grew up in the area and understood Maine's' fishery and its issues really well. Our food was brought out in the requested sequence in a timely but unhurried pace. Food. As one other reviewer said the Lobster Stew is to die for. I have eaten all over the US and several places in Europe. This may be one of the finest soups/stews I have ever had. A wonderfully flavored broth with a just the right bite (pepper) and depth of flavor from paprika and other spices and likely a base made from lobster shells. The lobster in the stew was plentiful , tender,' super sweet. Qualities that only come from fresh lobster. On my last day on earth I want a dish of this stew. I also had the half serving of steamers for an app. They were practically grit free. The broth likewise was finely filtered and served HOT. I really appreciated the clarified butter for dipping rather than just melted butter. It was flavorful but did not over power the sweet clams. My wife had the bacon wrapped scallops appetizer as her entree. Small eater. The half dozen scallops were nicely done. The bacon however as it often does started to overpower the flavor of the scallops. Nonetheless she enjoyed the dish and the scallops were delicious. Our preferred preparation of scallops is to quickly pan sear them in a super hot skillet which makes a nice crust and a tender sweet interior. But in seafood emporiums on shore lines whether you are in CT, MA, ME or RI this is not a prep method commonly found but is often in fine dining establishments. The Caesar salad was excellent. Crisp lettuce in small bite size pieces , a fresh bright Caesar dressing and probably half a tin of anchovies. Easily split between the two of us . The deep dish blueberry pie likewise a shared dish was awesome. Small wild blueberries ( obviously not fresh as blueberries aren't quite in season ) but made with quality canned or frozen blueberries. None of this was cheap. The wholesale price of seafood has gone through the roof this year and restaurants are not immune. read more

Not what I remember, what happened to the swinging benches? The lobster was dry and served already cracked I wish they told us our grand children were looking forward to opening the lobster I guess there tired of people taking their crackers home with them. I also ordered clam chowder which was nothing special also ordered baked beans which came in container the size of a small yogurt container, bread for the table came half way thru the meal along with crackers for my long gone chowder. I guess everything changes ,nothing lasts forever . read more

Food was wonderful. We got 2 lobster rolls and a 1-1/4 lb lobster. All were very good. Service was very slow. Dinner Rolls were very late coming out to the table. You go out to the tank and pick your lobster and they bring it pre cracked for you. I thought it would be cleaned of the green stuff inside and it was not. Later told I could have asked for it to be cleaned. read more

Ogunquit Lobster Pound - Lobster roll - Seafood Near Me - Ogunquit, Maine

The service was very poor. They didn't give me what I ordered and they charged me extra for it. It was freezing in there. My family and I didn't enjoy it. Overall I didn't have a good experience. read more

8-8-25. This is an updated review. I feel that the quality has suffered over the years, but this is the first time I was actually disappointed after leaving here. For starters, the restaurant was severely understaffed. The wait staff were bussing there own tables, bringing out bread baskets themselves and just doing too many things to keep up. Because of this, orders were incorrect or forgotten and wait times on certain items were delayed. Even the drink orders and refills were lacking. The kitchen staff seemed like they were trying to pay attention to multiple things at the same time. The steak (which was usually spot on) was over charred on the outside and was burnt. The stuffed shrimp were dry and the chicken wings appetizer were so overdone that they weren't even edible. One of the people in my party ordered a salad with steak and the steak was also so burnt that it was inedible. I'm keeping this updated review at 3 stars because our waitress was working her a$s off and I noticed that she did not stop from the moment we were seated until the moment we left. In fact, all the servers were hustling around and doing what was necessary but they just couldn't keep up. I really hope I visited on an off night because I've been vacationing up in this area for many years and always looked forward to coming here, but the last few times, I just felt like the quality and attention to detail wasn't as good. When you're paying a premium price for your food, you don't want to leave disappointed. read more

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Food was amazing. Ate there on our 50th wedding anniversary. The waitstaff was also great. This is the second time for us.

This place is a gigantic restaurant full of history. You are greeted with a large aquarium of lobster outside when you approach the front door. They definitely source local! I wasn't too hungry, so I opted for the lobster chowder. That is typically the last thing I'd go for back home in the midwest, but wow did this not disappoint. Flavor, flavor, and more flavor. The serving sizes for everything are very large. I believe I overheard the servers talking about this place being closed for the winter, so double check. There is a parking lot, but I would assume it fills up quick in the summer. read more

No pics of the food, because it was a pick dispatched lol! The lobster stew is officially on my death row list, because holy lord that was fantastic! The haddock was perfectly cooked, and the brownie sundae desert? Dreaming of it. The service, ambience, and atmosphere was amazing! Loved getting to look at the little lobster tank outside. We will definitely be back! read more

Ogunquit Lobster Pound - lobster tank outside! - Seafood Near Me - Ogunquit, Maine

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The food was excellent as always. Service was quick and accurate. Waiter was so helpful. We have been going for the last 6 years while vacationing in Maine and have never had a bad meal. This is our go to for a perfect meal. read more

Took my family from out of town here on a busy weekend for my aunts 80th birthday. They greeted us with smiles and accommodated my party of 9 quickly. Olivia was fantastic friendly and helpful the drinks were "local pours" and came out quickly. The great thing is they have everything, Seafood, meats, and vegetarian dishes. The cool thing about a Lobster Pound is that you pick the lobster out of an outdoor tank with our ocean water pumped in, they weigh it, cook it for you, and bring it to the table. Everything about this place speaks to what you would expect in a 100 or so year old business in Beautiful Ogunquit Maine. Priced right and great food and service. read more

In search of a delicious fresh lobster dinner we went to the Lobster Pound here in Ogunquit, as recommended by our hotel owner. This place did not disappoint! The set up was cool, you get to pick your own lobster. The service from the guys who help you make your selection and then prepare it, to our waiter Jack, was excellent. In addition to my fresh catch, my family enjoyed the seafood scampi, chicken tenders and spaghetti and meatballs. The bread was fresh, the sides were delicious, and something about the old school feel of the place including the early American furniture, was warm and inviting. All the staff were friendly and calm despite how busy the place was and I'm sure is every night from 5-8...very busy. And the price was surprisingly reasonable. This is the best fresh seafood you will get in Ogunquit, I highly recommend read more

The Lobster Pound was exactly what the doctor ordered on our trip to Maine! Our bucket list was lobster, steamers and lobster bisque and this had it all! They even had Lobster Stew which was also incredible (if it didn't get "Old Cape Cod" stuck in my head for the rest of the night, lol). It's an old school, sit-down seafood place that is perfect to relax and indulge in wonderful seafood. If you get lobster, you get to go outside and pick your own lobster! That was a fun part of the experience. The whole thing was really fun! Everyone enjoyed their meals. Full disclosure... I wasn't paying, so I can't speak to the value, but from a happiness experience... I have to give it five stars. read more

Had my first lobster roll and it was so delicious. Also had n warmed brie appetizer. Also delicious. Good waiter. Beautiful place. Large and clean. Just a perfect place. read more

Ogunquit Lobster Pound - Lobster roll. - Seafood Near Me - Ogunquit, Maine

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I've been coming to the Lobster Pound since I was a young girl and it never disappoints. This time, it had been quite a while since we had been here and wow, was it nice to be back. Cailey was our server in the lounge section of the restaurant and it was a wonderful meal. Cailey was so helpful and she is an outstanding server! Now for the food... We enjoyed our lobster rolls, both warmed with butter. Lots of fresh, delicious Lobster meat and a scrumptious bun. The cole slaw was fresh and crunchy and even the ridge chips were crunchy goodness. And to top it off for dessert, we had the wild blueberry Deep Dish pie. Make sure you leave room for this signature dish. It looks so unassuming, but I can promise you, you'll be dreaming about this little precious pie! It' was so good. What a treat it was to be back to The Lobster House. I can't wait to come back again sometime soon. Thank you Cailey for making our visit to The Lobster Pound so special. read more

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Had a great meal at the bar. They were busy- had just served a bus of almost 150. The bartender was well-informed about the menu and made several recommendations after I made a few inquiries. I tried the lobster Alfredo with wild Maine blueberry pie for dessert. The lobster Alfredo was excellent. Lots of lobster. It had a generous amount of sauce. The pie checked the box for eating some Maine blueberries while visiting-good crust. Nice space- great indoor and outdoor areas. read more

Ogunquit Lobster Pound - Lobster Alfredo - Seafood Near Me - Ogunquit, Maine

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A living museum, if the walls could talk they would say eat more lobster. They haven't changed much about this restaurant in the past 100 years. It's a must see read more

Always worth the wait! Everything was delicious! Service exceptional! Considering how busy this spot is, everything was smooth! Atmosphere was relaxed, great family restaurant! High recommend! read more

Live lobsters and clams steamed right by the live lobster tank. The seafood doesn't get any fresher my friend's We were here in late October towards the end of the season but there was still a 30 minute wait. Once seated Whitney our server was Awesome as she took good care of us. We had lobster, steamer clams, scallops wrapped in bacon and baked haddock. The food was fresh as everything was moist and delicious. If you want to order the lobster the server gives you a piece of paper with your table number on it. Bring the paper to the lobster tank. They will weigh the lobster and record the price. Once you're seated at your table again your server will collect the paper and add it to your bill. The staff working at the tanks steam the lobsters and clams right there and bring it to your table. Parking can get a little tight so make sure you go early. read more

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Wow- where to begin. We have come here for the last couple of years. It was eking by at a 3-3.5 on a good day. Tonight it moved to inedible. To boot, the owner and "manager" are apathetic to customer's needs and the poor food quality. I had a chicken sandwich. It was a dog's chew toy it was so rubbery. My son's hot dog was grayish0 and also gross. The best part was when I asked to have the inedible chicken off the bill, the "manager" started being confrontational with me over the fact that I ate less than a third of the chicken (trying to find less rubbery parts). She then told me she would not take it off the bill but could offer me another menu item. This was even more ridiculous since the rest of our party finished their meals and I was done waiting for another hour for more gross food. Owner never came over to apologize. Restaurant was also filthy. Floors were littered with food. No silverware. Drinks untimely all night. The food/coffee stand near the check out area had dirty dish rags on the top and was disorganized with various items strewn around. After the "manager" gas lite me, she finally gave a refund. No customer service skills. No apology for a bad meal and worse service. Place is completely unmanaged. Maybe they count on gouging unsuspecting tourists? Owners don't care and never apologized. We will not back. Wouldn't spend a dime here. Oh and last year the lobster roll was decent the first time but overcooked and fishy tasting the second time. Would be surprised if this stays open another year. Save your money and try someplace better! (Wish yelp would allow zero stars since one is too generous). read more

TERRIBLE experience!!! Gave our name to hostess and were told it would be 25 minutes for a table for 5. After waiting 45 minutes with lots of names being called, went back to hostess who said we were the next "big" table to be called. We watched 2 other large groups leaving and saw them bussing the tables. Waited another 20 minutes and still our name was not called. At that point we felt this place did not deserve our business. Went to a great restaurant down the street and had a fantastic meal! We certainly will not try again when we are back in the area. If you have more than 4 in your party they seem to have trouble finding a large enough table even though the place is huge. I have no idea how the food is and don't care anymore. Very DISAPPOINTING!! read more

OMG This place had been legendary for its lobsters and steamers for 75 years I have been coming here with many my generational family for 45+ years. In 2023 it was fair. Lobsters came out over cooked and black claws that tasted like rubber. that means over cooked. We decided to come back in 2025 figuring mgt would straighten up. Huge mistake! ALL done Basically over priced seafood and lobster that tastes old. Skip it and you will miss nothing. I was former lobsterman and I know quality. read more

Food was fresh, service was good and friendly. One thing that was a little confusing was going to "pick" our lobsters? Essentially we all piled up to tell some people the amount we wanted, awkwardly stood there for a bit, then gave someone else our table number. We didn't actually pick anything, and honestly could have just told our server the amount we wanted and just enjoyed seeing the seafood being processed as we walked in and out. But overall it was a great night! read more

The entire family thoroughly enjoyed our experience here. There was an option for all of our dietary preferences, and the service was well organized. You will want to arrive slightly before opening to wait in line, as they do not take reservations. read more

First of all, let me say with no hesitation that Theresa (hope I spelled her name right) is one of the best waitresses we've ever had. Tons of personality, gave absolutely phenomenal recommendations and elevated the entire experience to a stellar level. The food was already fantastic and the service was even better. That aside - the fact that Ogunquit Lobster Pound only has 3.5 stars on Yelp as I write this review is borderline criminal. This meal was excellent, and everything I wanted when coming to Maine for good seafood. We got several drinks to start, and not a single one disappointed. I started with the apple cider mimosa, which was light and refreshing, albeit exactly what it sounded like, no more no less (apple cider and prosecco). But next came the salted caramel espresso martini and the chocolate pumpkin martini - let me be clear in saying I never order drinks like this. They're heavy, and usually grossly sweet to the point where I can have a couple of sips and no more. Here? I tried my friend's salted caramel espresso martini and immediately had to have it. Perfect balance of sweet and strong, tons of great flavor, and a great value for what's provided. We started with the bacon wrapped scallops, which were quite tasty, but more good than great. But the lobster stew I got for my entree was utterly phenomenal. Seriously, if you're coming here for lobster - GET THE STEW. Not the bisque, the stew. See photo attached for the absolute avalanche of fresh lobster chunks it contained - filling, delicious, buttery, hot, and deeply flavorful. Theresa even brought us extra of their warm fresh baked bread to dip. Amazing. Sides were great too - excellent mashed potatoes, veggies that actually had flavor to them rather than being steamed and bland, delicious coleslaw and perfectly serviceable if a little basic baked beans. I could go into the seafood stuffed shrimp (also very tasty) or the amazing lava cake to top off the meal, but that lobster stew and Theresa's service were so phenomenal that they were easily the highlights. Great place - we will be back next season, 100%. read more

Ogunquit Lobster Pound - Lobster Stew - Seafood Near Me - Ogunquit, Maine

I know it's off-season but I wanted seafood at noon time not 5 o'clock in the in the evening on a weekend

I visited the Lobster Pound twice this weekend for dinner as it was the closest restaurant to our Hotel the Dunes. We had a 5-year-old with us and the service was excellent due to our changing needs. The staff was extremely friendly/helpful and made excellent suggestions. As for the ambiance, it was the perfect family restaurant/maine lobster spot. As for the food, I had the boiled lobster and steak tips. I loved that you could pick your own lobster for them to cook (which was also delicious btw), and the steak tips were phenomenal! I also thought their wine/beverage menu was fairly priced. I would definitely go back, and recommend to those visiting with a hankering for lobster, looking for a family-friendly spot, or just a great time! read more

I was with a party of 6 put our name in and do to short staff was told it would be 30 minutes Waited more than 40 minutes went to hosted to inquire about how much longer and instead of an answer she became very rude and hostile! Other parties were called ahead of us . This is no way to treat customers! I will never go back there again ! After coming there for over 20 years I have never been treated so rudely my entire live my recommendation is not to go there ! There are so many nicer and less expensive places to eat Ps just talked to manager and she did not want to hear my complaints. Hung up on me! Very nasty people working there tonight! read more

Fresh seafood, great staff but WAY overcrowded. We waited over one hour just to get a table. Yes, it was worth the wait but we will not go there often. read more

The Lobster rolls were bad. All 4 of us got sick. As soon as we left the restaurant . I called the restaurant they said nothing they can do

We have frequented many restaurants, shacks and other dining venues along the Maine Coast. The Lobster Pound was the first time we were able to "pick-your-own" lobster, since my husband wanted a lobster bigger than 1 1/2 pounds. The preparation (cracked in all the right places) made the meal easier to eat with minimal work! Service was responsive and the waitress provided helpful advice on side dishes. Steamers were an excellent treat with the fresh taste of the ocean. Lively atmosphere and our table view of people lining up to pick their lobsters provided welcomed entertainment on a rainy summer evening. Wonderful experience, especially if you want a larger lobster! read more

This was our first time dining here and we were looking forward to some great lobster rolls during our week in Ogunquit. First, we were seated right near the kitchen, which was no fun, but aside from that, our lobster rolls tasted rubbery and not at all fresh. I had to return the first warm one because the bun actually tasted like burned grease. The server was very gracious and brought me a cold lobster roll in its place. It still was still not fresh tasting, and the seasoning was very bland. I've had many good lobster rolls over the years, and this one didn't come close. Honestly, we couldn't wait to leave. Never again. read more

Great food Great service Great drinks Great dessert. Great Lobster A place to come back to again and again. read more

Ogunquit Lobster Pound - Laura - Seafood Near Me - Ogunquit, Maine

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Great ambiance. Food was not up to expectations, some of the Entrees tasted as though previously frozen. Took 2 hrs to get a table, then another 45 mins once we sat down at our table. read more

Ogunquit Lobster Pound - Lobster holding tank - Seafood Near Me - Ogunquit, Maine

Great place and service. You pick your own lobster and size from huge tank. They cook it, split the shells so you need no special tools to get at the meat. We will be back read more

My husband is a huge Alfredo fan. He ordered the lobster Alfredo and said it was the best he has ever had! He was impressed with the amount of lobster that was in it too. Service was quick and friendly. The restaurant is very family friendly-my son enjoyed the soccer net and my daughter was excited able to hold a lobster! read more

I'm not a big fan of seafood but my family is, so we came here. As expected, the lobster dishes were pretty good here, but that was about the extent of the good food. The scallops had sand in them. The cheeseburger was mediocre. I got the sirloin and honestly it just tasted like ash and straight meat, not a very good flavor. Our waitress was nice, but she seemed to be overloaded with other tables. It was incredibly loud in the restaurant because there is no soundproofing whatsoever. We could hear the family diagonal to us the entire time and now we know their life story basically. Overall it was a negative experience, but they did have cute lobster plushies and nice servers so I'll give them 2 stars. read more

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Made it a point to visit this restaurant on my trip this summer as I have visited many times in the past. Not a fan of how they cracked the lobster for you. Some of it was crushed, could hardly get the knuckle meat out. I was actively eating my meal when the server asked me 3 times if he could clear various items from the table. I had to stop chewing tell him that I was still eating. I got frustrated and finally told him to take the plates and bring the check. He then disappeared for 5 minutes and then brought the check. I don't understand the rush. I said something to the cashier in front, she acted like she cared. After many years I think that was my final visit. read more

Poor quality food, really rude managers and a Waste of money, bottom line is: do not eat here. Cold food, low quality , seems to be all packaged microwaved, and certainly not homemade. There are many better options in Ogunquit and York. This was so bad I would not even tell any tourist to go there. I would give it a zero rating. Go anywhere else! read more