Thurston's Lobster Pound

David Little

2024-01

I was here back in June of 2023, and I’m still thinking about the meal I ate there 6 months later. The lobster was the best. Just the best I’ve ever had. Cooked fresh and delivered right to my table. Everyone working here is super nice and takes pride in what they do. The environment is really cool, as the restaurant sits right over the water with the tables jutting out over the bay. Absolutely worth stopping at if you’re visiting the area.There’s also a local cat that hangs out in front of the place and says hi to everyone.

Matthew PT Casserly

2023-09

Loved this place! Would drive up again here for sure! Counter staff were a pleasant group to chat with along with scrumptious seafood. The beer and alcohol selection is great along with non seafood items. I had the lobster dip along with the haddock chowder which was on fire! The lobster meal I selected was a warm filling portion on a dreary day. Would recommend it here and make sure you get a spot due to limited parking. I definitely would recommend coming here!

Scott Bye

2023-09

We sat on the upper level in the new area next to the bar. The service was outstanding. The food was outstanding, our party of four enjoyed the lobster stew the haddock chowder and a black bean burger, and also a few draft beers. We really enjoyed the view out over the bay and in general had a wonderful time. Well worth the drive will definitely come back again.

Ellen Coulter

2023-09

…More

Cory Edwards

2023-09

Good grief this place was delicious. Found where the locals go to get their fix with lobster. Everything we tried was outstanding including the corn on a cob.Lobster by the pound with butter dipping sauce was money. So fresh. I literally picked my lobster off the dock. Their instruction guide for helping rookies like us was so helpful.Lobster BLT was huge! So much bigger than a lobster roll.The Lobster cheese dip was insane. Salute the staff for that little genius appetizerBlueberry crisp was also excellent.Only complaint: you need gluten free bread. Everywhere else offers a lobster roll on GF.

Pete Renzi

2023-10

…More

J-Kube

2023-08

Was recommended that this may have the best Lobster around. Tough to disagree. Only stopped in for a drink and a couple apps! The Lobster Roll and Lobster Stew..Were absolutely amazing! The chunks of Lobster tasted so Fresh! The atmosphere was great as we could look out over the bay! The service was top notch and would say this place is worth going out of your way for.

Caleb Rothe

2023-07

…More

Andrew Hayman

2023-07

Counter service. They bring food to your table. Out of the way but worth the trip. About 30 mins outside Bar Harbor. Great views of bay. We had the crab rolls ($26 regular, $34 jumbo) which was on the specials board as a variation from the many lobster rolls we'd eaten. Local crab has very mild flavor, nothing special. I'd opt for a lobster roll on a do-over.

Roy

2023-08

Our visit to Thurston’s Lobster Pound was an impressive seafood journey. Despite arriving just prior to opening and being met with a line, we found that the wait was minimal. Thanks to the efficient service, we placed our order within a mere 10 minutes.At Thurston’s, you order your food and initial round of drinks at a window, which is a unique, streamlined process. If you’ve ordered drinks, you’re subsequently seated close to the bar, an arrangement that conveniently allows for easy refills. A handy tip for those who might not be in the mood for steamed lobster: you can bypass the line, settle in at the bar, and order any other item from their delectable menu.As for the food, the lobsters were nothing short of amazing—among the best we savored on our entire trip. Perfectly prepared and brimming with flavor, they were a highlight that underscored the reputation of Thurston’s.On top of the delicious lobsters, we treated ourselves to their signature blueberry mojitos—a must-try for anyone visiting! The unique, locally-inspired cocktail was the perfect companion to our seafood feast and added a refreshing twist.In summary, Thurston’s Lobster Pound is a stellar choice for its quick and efficient service, outstanding lobsters, and irresistible blueberry mojitos. For anyone seeking a high-quality seafood experience, this place is a must-visit. I look forward to my next dining adventure here.

John Shimer

2023-09

Excellent place to get a classic Maine lobster dinner. My wife and I both had a two pound lobster meal and split a pound of steam clams. Blue Berry crisp for desert ordered after we ate. It came out warm with vanilla ice cream. Worthwhile upgrade from the blue Berry cake included with the meal. Been there many times and will definitely be back!

Michael Herdeen

2023-09

…More

Karl Nelson

2023-09

…More

Cindy Clayton

2023-10

We're tourists. This is obviously where the locals go for a lobster dinner. We got in on the early end of the dinner rush. By the time we left, there was a huge line outside. Still, there were only a handful of license plates that weren't Maine. And it was on a Tuesday. I imagine they're always busy, but it's definitely worth it.There's indoor and outdoor seating. We started off outside, but it started to drizzle and we got a spot at the bar. It's a good thing, because I forgot some critical instructions on how to eat whole lobster. And I'd never eaten long neck clams, so I didn't know about removing the stringy part and rinsing them to get the sand and crud out. Between the very kind and helpful bartender and some locals, we got the advice we needed and a good laugh at ourselves.Everything was delicious and everyone was so nice. There was even a big friendly orange wharf cat out in the parking lot greeting everyone. I couldn't recommend it more highly.

Phillip Trost

2023-09

Thurston's Lobster Pound is an absolute must-visit while in Acadia National Park. Right on the water, it has spectacular views of Frenchman Bay and the rocky Maine coastline.The setting overlooking the harbor makes for an idyllic spot to enjoy outstanding lobster in Acadia. Friendly staff and reasonable prices too. I can't recommend Thurston's highly enough for a memorable lobster meal during your visit to this beautiful national park.

Peter Testa

2023-08

Another can’t miss waterfront lobster spot on MDI, this one on the quiet side! It’s a 30 min drive from Bar Harbor but worth it. Nice staff and a killer covered porch elevated off the water. There are a ton of boats out and the amount of lobster caught here is substantial. Blueberry crunch is heaven in a cup. Jumbo roll was a big value at $33. Fair prices and the beers were delicious also.

Lynne DeCamp

2023-10

…More

Julia Gooding

2023-05

Quiet side of the island not-so-quiet but exceptional all-in-one Maine seafood experience! Solid lobster roll, even if I don’t prefer Mayo on there, lobster stew was very intense and rich. You order and then sit down, we continued to ‘upgrade’ till we were dock side. And if you happen to fly a drone, it’s a great harbor at sunset to lift off from and then eat at.

Kristiana Nasto

2023-05

Quick service, very affordable, great lobster! I really enjoyed the food but be aware if you go in the middle of the day it can get really really hot and there is no AC or fans. It's still a great place to stop by especially if you are planning on visiting the lighthouse nearby. Would recommend!!

Lyla Maiello

2023-05

Worth the wait! Husband had the soft shell lobster and was thrilled with it. I had the big lobster roll and it was great. Sides of Cole slaw and corn were just as good and their mussels were deliciously fresh and clean, I enjoyed them and I don't usually enjoy mussels. Outdoor seating was so serene and relaxing, watching the boats come and go.

Boris Begun

2023-06

Got a jumbo lobster roll, jumbo crab roll, and crab cakes. It was so so good we had to get a second lobster roll. Finished off with a small size whole steamed lobster. What a meal. One of the best seafood meals we’ve had. The location is cute and outside seating is warm when the sun is shining on you. If you go to bar harbor this place is a must try.

Jea Kim

2023-05

Best lobster rolls on the island.Came here to try their lobster rolls and crab rolls on our last day in Acadia. We arrived 15 minutes after their opening time, but the restaurant was almost full. We got the jumbo crab roll, lobster roll, and the steamed clams, and everything was extremely fresh. Seasoning was minimal, but the quality of the seafood definitely compensated for it. The only disappointments were the local drinks made by Atlantic Brewing Co as the blueberry soda tasted like a watered down version of the grape Welch’s.Highly recommend trying the rolls from this place, but make sure to come before their opening time if you want to grab a table overlooking the ocean.Parking: Parking around the property

Ke Hu (Kevin)

2023-05

Maybe my expectation is too high after eating at Trenton lobster. There are a few things that I think should not happen here, although the lobster here is as good as Trenton’s. The mussel here is too salty, and you have to pair it with a wine or a drink. The salty taste covers the deliciousness of the mussel itself, I think. Second, the clam has much sand in it and you cannot really enjoy it with sand in your mouth and teeth. The sand is visible. The lobster is good. We also ordered corn, hot dog, and lobster salad, which is good. As a 4.9 rating restaurant, I would hope all aspects exceed my expectation.

Sally Jean Moore

2023-05

Such fun! Order at the window and they bring your food to the table. This was our Maine whole lobster experience. The corn and slaw were good- corn not overcooked. Dining was sort of a “screened porch” casual experience. Blueberry crisp with ice cream is worth sharing with a friend to top off your meal. There is also a full bar.

Jason Martin

2023-10

Delicious lobster roll!! The salad was so fresh with LOTS of baby greens. The salad was enough for 2 large salads when taken out of the plastic container.Highly recommend!!

Meg Pfoutz

2023-07

…More

Jenn S

2023-05

First off i cant recommend this place enough. You come in and you order your dinner cafeteria style and then you sit and they bring you your order after it is prepared. There is a separate bar for drinks. Its a clean no frills place with views for days. Two levels so plenty of seating but im sure it can get packed at busy times. I ordered the large soft shell lobster plate it comes with corn potatoes and blueberry bread thing. By ordered medium regular lobster with clams added. All came out fast and hot. And what a massive lobster i had and it was so delicious. If i lived close by i would eat there until i was broke lol. Highly highly recommend

Anthony Scenna

2023-09

It's a traditional Maine lobster pound! In a lobsterman-only harbor where they get the daily catch. (Think of the harbor where Quint docked The Orca) The women (no men. they fish for the lobsters) that work there are pleasant and fun. (Not like those in a Philly cheese steak place that send you to the end of the line if you order incorrectly)The large lobster roll was giant. Nothing but chunks of claw and tail meat, a piece of lettuce, and a bun. The photos from the top don't do it justice, so I showed how thick the meat was. Worth the $35.The whole lobster was just well prepared, and freshness is the key. Even the corn was good.The lobster stew is a must. Don't know who is responsible for preparing it, but she should be coronated.It's off the beaten path, but the scenery getting there made the destination that much better.It ain't a tourist trap!They do have options for those that don't eat seafood. Grilled cheese. Hamburgers.

Amy Cummiskey

2023-07

…More

brianlidawg

2023-05

The BEST lobster ive had and at such an amazing price, it's a must have! The staff are super friendly, the food is delicious, the lobster is FRESH, and the ambiance is top notch. If I could give this place 10 stars I would. But I can only give it 10/10, would recommend!