Winding downhill through a boatyard, this truly hidden gem juts into Somes Sound, delightfully so as the place hums on summer nights: adults grab a drink from the outside bar, families play cornhole, kids and dogs romp, and folks angle to watch lobsters steam in seawater over an outdoor wood fire before eating at picnic tables on the sloping lawn or heading in to the window-lined mid-century wood-walled dining room with views from every table. The one-page menu is easy to digest when you want to relax and enjoy the view. Another page lists inventive craft cocktails, including the bartender’s choice of the day.

It wouldn’t be a visit to Maine without some lobster, and at Abel’s Lobster, you can watch as they’re cooked in steamers right in front of you. This casual waterfront spot serves up Maine oysters, fried clams, and Maine crab rolls, too. More than just the classics, “They also have some of the finest elevated seafood dishes — like their Maine lobster and sweet corn chowder with crispy pork belly on top courtesy of Chef Matt Leddy,” says Santarelli.

Abel’s Lobster Pound (tel. 207/276-5827) on Route 198, 5 miles north of Northeast Harbor, overlooks the deep blue waters of Somes Sound; eat at picnic tables under the pines or indoors at the restaurant. It’s quite a bit pricier than other lobster restaurants at first glance, but they don’t charge for the extras that many other lobster joints do—and some visitors claim that lobsters here are more succulent. Near Seawall in Southwest Harbor, Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound (tel. 207/244-8021) is bohemian and fun, a roadstand with a retro diner motif, famous for getting its lobsters stoned before boiling them.

Learning the ways of the lobster via a full-cycle tour, beginning at the Oceanarium (to see a lobster hatchery), taking a 2-hour cruise on the lobster boat “Lulu” (where you can watch or participate in setting and hauling of traps, the measuring of “keepers” and getting answers to questions you never knew you had), touring the lobster docks and finally, eating at one of the ubiquitous lobster pounds, particularly those that are right on the water (like Abel’s, on Route 3 just north of Sargent Drive) or on the docks (like Beals’ in Southwest Harbor).

After a naturalist-narrated cruise out to Little Cranberry Island one morning, we decided to backtrack our way down the highway to Abel’s Lobster Pound, which we had passed on our way to Northeast Harbor for the cruise. We picked a table outside to enjoy the views of the harbor and I ordered a lobster roll, while Toby ordered a whole steamed lobster. The lobster roll (on a kaiser bun, not a split-top bun ) was so good and super packed with big chunks of meaty lobster, served with house-made potato chips.

Abel’s Lobster is a seasonal seafood restaurant where you can sit by the water enjoying salty and savory seafood plates with your favorite people. Constantly revising and adding new innovative dishes, this restaurant focuses on what’s “in-season” and makes sure that every meal is made with care you’d get from a home cooked meal. Pickles & Dips, New England Clam Cakes, a Crispy Fish Burger, a Lobster Roll, and more await you at this casual spot with a really great view.

Certain quintessential gustatory experiences inevitably cost what they cost — good luck finding a discount lobster roll, for instance. But if you’re going to have one anyway, there’s no finer setting than Abel’s Lobster, under tall pines on the shore of Somes Sound (13 Abels Ln., Mount Desert; 207-276-8221). Popovers, those specialty Maine pastries that toe the line between muffin and soufflé, are another thing that can feel like a necessity on an Acadia trip.

Abel’s Lobster Pound, less than 10 minutes away on Route 3, is tucked into a peaceful edge of Somes Sound. The owner of Bar Harbor Catering Company took over the restaurant last year and updated the menu of the longtime mainstay. Stick with the classics—the pound’s lobster roll and wood-fired steamed whole lobster are as good as you can get—or step off the well-trodden route with the pimento cheese crab melt or fried chicken sandwich.

We found Abel’s from a page in the Eventide cookbook listing the authors’ favorite classic New England seafood shacks. By now you know how I feel about Eventide, so I figured this was a good lead. Because of COVID, there was only outdoor seating on picnic tables, but with string lights and charming views of the harbor, I can’t imagine that seating could be improved upon.

Abel’s is my current favorite lobster pound on Mt. Desert Island. The setting plays a role: Abel’s is right on the shore of Somes Sound. You can wait for your order in an Adirondack chair as the kids collect pinecones and watch the boats, then grab a seat at one of the green picnic tables to enjoy full lobster dinners or classic lobster rolls.

Abel’s Lobster Pound No trip to the island is complete without a crimson claw or two, and Abel’s is an idyllic spot to enjoy your meal. Situated on the banks of Somes Sound in a yacht yard, Abel’s serves up not only delectable lobster from its roiling tanks, but atmosphere to match. It’s been a destination since 1985, and for good reason.

Abel’s Lobster Pound is another fantastic dining option on the water if you visit Bar Harbor between late spring and fall. You and your family can enjoy classic lobster rolls and scrumptious lobster dinners while watching the boats from the restaurant’s gorgeous picnic area by the shore.

Then, in 2020 it was reopened as a sister company to Bar Harbor Catering Company. Since then, the place has been booming. It’s only open seasonally, because lobster season is not year round, and Abel’s settles for nothing less than the best food they can create.

Located on Somes Sound on Mount Desert Island, Abel’s Lobster is one of my favorite lobster shacks near Acadia National Park!. Nothing is better than grabbing a seat at one of their outdoor picnic tables, which provides beautiful water views.

Abel’s Lobster: Stunning location on the water with fairy lights and sunset views. Typical Maine seafood fare – lobster rolls, chowder, blueberry pie, etc. – but unlike many lobster shacks, this one has table service.

In New England, don’t miss the lobster rolls at Abel’s Lobster in Maine, near Acadia National Park. The restaurant, originally established in 1939, offers fresh seafood and picturesque views of…