A list of places compiled via thorough research, always cross-referencing reliable blogs, top lists, and Yelp. The following are Victor’s review of each place we went.

Beal’s Lobster Pier

$$ | Seafood
182 Clark Point Rd
Southwest Harbor, ME 04679
Rating: 5/5

This might’ve been my favorite lobster place in Maine when we were in Acadia. The lobster was extremely good, a little more tender then other places, and the clams and mussels we got exceeded my expectations. I normally don’t enjoy those two that much, but I decided why not since Maine has good seafood. I’m so glad I did. The meat on them were bigger and just tasted really fresh, idk how else to describe it.

Also got the fillet of haddock, but that was really nothing special…and frankly quite expensive.

This place overall was more expensive than others, so if you’re looking for cheaper options, this might not be the best one. Imo it was worth it and I really enjoyed it.

Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound

$$ | Seafood Markets, Seafood
1237 Bar Harbor Rd
Trenton, ME 04605
Rating: 4/5

Came here multiple times. First time I had my first Maine lobster. It was cheap and delicious. After going to a couple of places was surprised they charged two bucks for butter.

Came here and got a lobster and a lobster roll. Was the first time I’ve ever intentionally got soft shell lobster. Honestly, not savvy enough to tell the difference between soft and hard shell. You could just crack and rip the shells with your bare hands. Everything about the lobster was just delicious, my only negative feedback was I think the lobster was a little more tough than what my preference would be, still delicious though.

Also got the lobster roll and it was more expensive and less delicious. The bread wasn’t that special, it’s like they know what should go into the bun, toasted and a butter, but the execution was lacking. And then for the lobster itself, no butter or mayo or anything on it. Get less lobster and pay more for a roll? Na just give me the whole lobster.

The second time we came was to get some lobsters to go to bring on our flight. We went to another vendor and were advised against it, but it was easy and encouraged here. 8 bucks a pound! And then we got some really fresh clams as well. Ended up getting 2 pounds of clams and 4 lobsters and was around 70 bucks.

Jordan Pond House

$$ | American (New), Seafood, Sandwiches
1 Park Loop Rd
Seal Harbor, ME 04675
Rating: 3/5

You hear that this place is really famous in Acadia. And it is. Why is it famous? It’s next to arguably the prettiest place in the park (definitely the most accessible trail). Came here because you hear of all the stories on popovers, and then also had to try some seafood here since we are in Maine after all.

Got the popovers, the scallops, clam chowder. The popovers were the highlight, but to be fair I’ve never had popovers before so I can’t say how it compares. It was soft on the inside, and a thin crispy layer on the outside. Adding some jam and it was delicious. The scallops were decent as well, and I just wish they didn’t put any sweet sauce on it and just let me focus on the quality of the scallops. The worst item by far was the clam chowder. Not much seafood inside, and quite bland. Creamywise, it was good, but not that tasty (had to add salt myself).

This place is expensive, but you’re paying for the convenience. I really only recommend the popovers here, get some to go and enjoy immediately!

Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound

$$ | American (New), Seafood
465 Seawall Rd
Southwest Harbor, ME 04679
Rating: 4/5

I’m going to go against the grain and say that the lobster roll here was one of the worst I’ve had. They didn’t do enough to the bun, the bun was not well toasted, too thick, and no butter. It was actually an embarrassment imo. Spent 40 bucks on the foot long for that…

However, everything else was great. Also got the clam chowder and fried clams. Those two were reasonably priced. The clam chowder was my favorite one on the island. There was a very generous portion of seafood inside and I didn’t have to add salt this time . The fried clams were also amazing. Normally you fry stuff and the taste of the clams is masked by all the batter and oil. Here, you could still taste how fresh the clams were and the pieces were so large so you’re not just eating batter.

Also got the blueberry pie since apparently that’s a thing in Maine, and it didn’t disappoint but I also don’t have a lot of experience with blueberry pies.

Lastly I asked to buy lobster to pack on the plane, and was advised against it from the owner. I ended up buying from another vendor and it was easy to bring back home.

This might have been a 5 star had I not gotten the lobster roll, that was honestly terrible… I’d advise others to just get the full lobster instead.