Best Lobster Shacks in Maine

To enjoy lobster fresh from the ocean, there is no better place in the world than along Maine’s storied Mid-Coast. Consisting of several long, narrow peninsulas extending south into the Gulf of Maine, this region is a hotbed of salty seafood shacks, many owned and operated by lobster fishermen and their families.

“The cold and clean waters add great flavor to the lobster and other seafood,” says Gina Longbottom, owner of Five Islands Lobster Company in Georgetown. “Throw in the beautiful scenery and colorful local characters, and you’ve got some of the best of what Maine has to offer.”

Here are 5 Maine shacks well worth a visit. Weather and other issues can result in sporadic closures, so it’s best to call ahead.

1. Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster, South Freeport

Diners fill the tables in front of Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster.

Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster’s location at South Freeport’s harbor allows the crustaceans to arrive throughout the day. Photo by Mike Urban

Shop at L.L. Bean’s nearby flagship store in Freeport, then stop here for fresh Maine seafood (especially lobster). Tucked into South Freeport’s working harbor, Harraseeket is home base for some 10 commercial lobster boats that drop off their fresh catches throughout the day.

The variety of culinary experiences include lobster dinners with steamed clams, corn on the cob, and red potatoes; deep-fried seafood; and a meaty lobster roll served on a toasted and buttered split-top hot dog bun.

A roll eliminates much of the work associated with eating lobsters. Photo by Mike Urban

Deep-fried seafood baskets can include clams, shrimp, scallops, or fish, alone or in combinations, each basket accompanied by french fries and coleslaw. Open early May through mid-October. Cash only.

Be sure to try: One of the shack’s house-made whoopie pies, fluffy cream–filled devil’s food cake delights that are perfect after any seafood feast.

2. Five Islands Lobster Company, Georgetown

Exterior of Five Islands Lobster Company.

It may take longer to reach Five Islands Lobster Company than some other shacks, but the drive is worth it. Photo by Mike Urban

At the end of a winding road that dead ends on Georgetown’s modest municipal dock, magnificent water views await. The shack consists of 3 dockside buildings. One serves whole cooked lobster and lobster dinners. Another offers deep-fried seafood and sandwiches including one made with their celebrated crab cake. The third has ice cream.

On the dock, brightly painted picnic tables are perfect for tucking into the shack’s bounteous seafood offerings. If those are full, check out more tables on wooden decks suspended over the rocks on either side of the shack.

The 5 small, verdant islands bobbing just off the shore add to the setting’s beauty and serenity. Five Islands is BYOB, so feel free to augment your meal with your libation of choice. Open mid-May to early October. Hours vary over the course of the season.

Tray with a whole lobster, corn on the cob, a bag of clams, and a cup of melted butter.

The large lobsters at Five Islands come from some of the coast’s deepest and coldest waters. Be sure to visit the correct building when ordering. Photo by Mike Urban

Be sure to try: Create your own à la carte dinner from whole lobster, corn on the cob, boiled red potatoes, and steamer clams, served with melted butter and clam broth. Because the cold, deep waters of nearby Sheepscot Bay propagate large, meaty lobsters that local fishermen drop off throughout the day, Five Islands is probably the best place on the Mid-Coast for a whole-lobster dining experience.

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3. Red’s Eats, Wiscasset

This photo doesn’t do justice to the line often found at Red’s Eats in Wiscasset, which is also home to Sprague’s across US 1. Photo courtesy Blue Room/Alamy Stock Photo

For many fans, the pinnacle of lobster rolls is in the picturesque Mid-Coast town of Wiscasset. It’s easy to find—just look for the long queue beside a modest red shack along Route 1 (the wait is often at least an hour). Second-generation owner Debbie Gagnon holds dominion over this small eatery, taking orders through the lone window of a shack that goes through 14.5 tons of lobster meat each summer.

The roll is a meal unto itself, but there’s plenty more to enjoy here, including clam cakes, crab cakes, fish ’n’ chips, and perfectly battered fried clams. Those averse to seafood will find several versions of hot dogs and hamburgers. Open mid-April through mid-October.

Lobster roll, with sides of mayo and melted butter.

The abundant lobster roll at Red’s Eats can come with mayo and melted butter on the side. Photo by Mike Urban

Be sure to try: Red’s famed lobster roll, tail and claw meat from a more-than-1-pound lobster overflowing a buttered, toasted bun accompanied by mayo, melted butter, or both.

4. Boothbay Lobster Wharf, Boothbay Harbor

Boothbay Lobster Wharf also requires a detour off US 1. The lobster mac-and-cheese is recommended. Photo by Ninette Maumus/Alamy Stock Photo

Across a broad channel from Boothbay Harbor, this large, working lobster pier pairs excellent seafood with a great view of the famous town across the inlet. Beloved by tourists and locals alike, the wharf has doubled as a summertime eatery for about 20 years.

Step onto the pier to be greeted by a brightly painted overhead sign marking where to order lobsters, steamers, and corn on the cob. A large cold-water tank filled with live lobsters presents an optional opportunity to select your own.

Go to a shack off to the side for deep-fried seafood and other goodies, including the wharf’s lobster chowder and a lobster roll laden with big chunks of freshly picked meat.

Another shack features a full-service bar and tables for dining during inclement weather. But you’ll probably want to sit outside to soak in the salty sea breezes and magnificent harbor views on sunny summer days. Open late May until early October.

Be sure to try: Lobster mac-and-cheese, a bowlful of fresh lobster paired with macaroni and rich, creamy cheddar cheese, topped with breadcrumbs, and baked to perfection.

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5. McLoons Lobster Shack, Spruce Head Island

Aerial coastline view, with McLoons Lobster Shack in the distance.

McLoon’s Lobster Shack is on Spruce Head Island, about 20 miles south of Rockland. Photo by Jeremy Graham/Alamy Stock Photo

Situated on a small island reachable with about a 20-minute drive south of Rockland, this relative newcomer is an offshoot of McLoons Lobster Wharf, an adjacent lobster pound owned by the Douty family.

Bree Birns runs the seafood shack, which also serves crab cakes, clam and corn chowders, roasted littleneck clams, and excellent house-made desserts. You may go out on their dock to select a live lobster from crates tied to the pier before feasting on a whole lobster dinner that includes chips, a pickle slice, and coleslaw.

Umbrellaed picnic tables surround the modest shack building and provide wonderful views of lobster boats bobbing just offshore in picturesque Seal Harbor. Landlubbers may choose from hamburgers, veggie burgers, and a wicked grilled cheese sandwich, each accompanied by a bag of Cape Cod chips. You are welcome to bring your own beer or wine. Open late May until late September.

Lobster roll and corn chowder served with chips and lemonade.

McLoon’s menu is simpler than some other shacks, but there are rolls and corn chowder. Photo by Mike Urban

Be sure to try: McLoons acclaimed lobster roll, a buttered, toasted split-top bun lightly layered with mayo and holding a quarter pound of freshly picked lobster meat.

Food and travel writer Mike Urban has written 6 books on New England cuisine, including Lobster Shacks (Countryman Press) and is a frequent contributor to Yankee magazine.