Lobster shacks: the best of the best

Five Islands Lobster Co. is hard to beat for cold water, hard-shell lobster. Photo: Flickr

On the East Coast, lobster season is in full swing, so grab your bib and prepare to dive into meaty claws, sweet tails and chock-full rolls along Maine’s scenic oceanfront. These are a few of the shacks that shine, now through October.

It appeared in the Kevin Costner movie Message in a Bottle, but that’s not the main draw of Shaw’s Fish & Lobster Wharf Restaurant, a quintessential, casual spot for New England fare. You can sit indoors, but don’t bother: the best seats are on the wharf or second-level deck overlooking the boat-dotted working harbor. Then, indulge in the classics, from excellent lobster rolls to raw bar selections and fried clams. 129 State Rte. 32, New Harbor, ME; 207-677-2200.

Located along its namesake creek, year-round BYO Chauncey Creek Lobster is a go-to for lobster, crab or tuna rolls as well as full-fledge lobster feasts, complete with steamers, cole slaw and potato salad. 16 Chauncey Creek Rd., Kittery Point, ME; 207-439-1030; chaunceycreek.com.

Five Islands Lobster Co. is hard to beat for cold-water, hard-shell lobster, fried clams and sweeping views of Sheepscot Bay, site of some of the chilliest, deepest waters in the region. Head to the grill for casual seafood baskets, or hit the lobster building for its namesake, served with corn on the cob, slaw and potatoes. But remember to stock your cooler—alcohol is not served. 1455 Five Islands Rd., Georgetown, ME;207-371-2990; fiveislandslobster.com.

Situated along Maine’s mid-coast on the Harpswell peninsula, Estes Lobster House is an inviting, ocean-side option for creamy lobster dip, steamed lobster and shrimp-stuffed lobster not to mention seafood baskets brimming with haddock, whole belly clams and scallops. 1906Harpswell Neck Rd., Harpswell, ME; 207-833-6340; esteslobsterhouse.com.

There’s no pretense at Roy Moore Lobster Company, a takeout and restaurant institution in sleepy Rockport, where your lobster arrives simply as intended—which is to say, on a tray with melted butter. Get it—and a dozen fresh-shucked oysters—and leave happy. 29 Bearskin Neck Rockport, Rockport, MA; 978-546-6696.

Tagged: Uncategorized