Charlotte's Legendary Lobster Pound
A classic roadside lobster pound famous for its legendary lobster rolls and innovative approach to preparing lobsters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Charlotte's Legendary Lobster Pound
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A classic roadside lobster pound famous for its legendary lobster rolls and innovative approach to preparing lobsters.
"This is by far my favorite lobster roll in Maine and the best one I’ve ever had."
Visit in Spring
Reopens in spring; plan your visit after their seasonal closure for the best experience.
Don't Miss Clam Chowder
Exceptional clam chowder is highly recommended by reviewers.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(207) 244-8021
Address
566 Seawall Rd, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Legendary Lobster Rolls
Praised as some of the best in Maine, these lobster rolls are a must-try, packed with sweet, fresh lobster.
Innovative Lobster Prep
Known for its unique approach of using CBD and valerian to calm lobsters for sweeter, lighter meat.
Picturesque Outdoor Dining
Enjoy picnic benches with a cozy atmosphere, surrounded by nature, perfect for a relaxed meal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit in Spring
Reopens in spring; plan your visit after their seasonal closure for the best experience.
Don't Miss Clam Chowder
Exceptional clam chowder is highly recommended by reviewers.
Dog-Friendly Patio
Bring your furry friends along to enjoy the outdoor seating and picnic areas.
Cozy Rainy Day Option
A covered porch with a wood-burning stove offers comfort on cooler or rainy days.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit in Spring
Reopens in spring; plan your visit after their seasonal closure for the best experience.
Don't Miss Clam Chowder
Exceptional clam chowder is highly recommended by reviewers.
Dog-Friendly Patio
Bring your furry friends along to enjoy the outdoor seating and picnic areas.
Cozy Rainy Day Option
A covered porch with a wood-burning stove offers comfort on cooler or rainy days.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Charlotte's Legendary Lobster Pound is a highly acclaimed seafood spot, celebrated for its outstanding lobster rolls, unique lobster preparation, and charming outdoor dining. While most diners rave about the fresh seafood and friendly service, a few have noted issues with specific dishes like the lobster bisque being underwhelming or lobster rolls lacking sufficient meat.
"Delicious food and great service! The outside seating area has some heaters so if it's chilly you can still enjoy the food. Lobster rolls, mac and cheese, and pie were delicious!"
Bridget Kviten
"We have been coming here for years and always look forward to it. We love the fried clams and the lobster roll is also excellent. The people are the nicest you could every hope for. They recently moved down the road to the parking lot behind the Seawall Motel, so don't miss them!"
Emile Brown
"This place is absolutely amazing!! The service is perfect, staff was super friendly, and the food was heavenly!! If I could give the food a 10 star that still wouldn't be good enough!!! The menu is the best lobster pound menu I have seen!! I have been coming to Maine for 9 years and would never have thought I'd see a menu with such variety as I did here!!! The owner even greeted us, in parking lot, about our vehicle!! Charlotte was such a ray of sunshine!! I highly recommend this place!! You will leave with a full, satisfied tummy!!"
Susan Wright
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
It's most famous for its legendary lobster rolls, considered by many to be the best in Maine, and its innovative method of preparing lobsters using CBD and valerian.
Yes, dogs are welcome at this outdoor dining spot. It's a perfect place to enjoy a meal with your furry friend.
The restaurant reopens in the spring. Visiting during peak season ensures the freshest ingredients and a lively atmosphere.
Reviewers have enjoyed other items like their haddock sandwich and the blueberry pie. The grilled cheese is also a good option for non-seafood lovers.
Yes, they have a covered porch with a wood-burning stove, making it a comfortable option even on rainy or cooler days.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
48 Hours on Mount Desert Island
Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound in Southwest Harbor made international news last fall when owner Charlotte Gill announced that the roadside restaurant was experimenting with using marijuana to sedate lobsters before cooking them. This season she is using a combination of CBD and valerian to calm the lobsters and make what she says is a sweeter, lighter lobster meat. Along with a large lawn, there are picnic tables and Adirondack chairs surrounding the small shack, and I sit to enjoy my first heaping-full, lightly mayo-ed, sweet lobster roll of the season.
Best Restaurants in Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park
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. Then there’s Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound ( tel. 207/667-2977) on Route 3 in Trenton (on the mainland) just before the bridge across to the Island, a personal favorite of mine where the lobsters are boiled in seawater. It’s salty and unpretentious as all get-out.
Best Things To Do With Your Dog in Acadia National Park
Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound is a traditional 50’s-style lobster shack offering what many consider to be the best lobster rolls in Maine. This nostalgic spot is located on the southern part of the island, outside of the national park and is the perfect spot for a mid-way stop around the park or after a hike at Wonderland Trail. This lobster pound offers outside seating making it a perfect spot for you and your fur baby to enjoy together.
Things to Do in Acadia National Park in the Fall
Craving local seafood, we stumbled upon this incredibly delicious roadside stand – Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound. Sweet, welcoming faces greeted us and a bonfire to warm us up while waiting on our food. We love New England Clam Chowder fan so we ordered that with a side of their “Ultimate Fries” some of the best fries I’ve ever had.
10 Best Dog-friendly Hikes In Acadia National Park
Stop at Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound on the calm side of the island for the greatest lobster rolls in Acadia while staying at Seawall Campground or after hiking Wonderland Trail. Because the dining is outside, the dogs are welcome to join you!. For dessert, acquire some ice cream and split it with them.
QSJ guide to the Quietside’s pandemic-ravaged restaurant scene
The legendary Charlotte Buchanan Gill of the Legendary Charlotte’s Lobster Pound is basking in her second tranche of media publicity for her valerian-induced crustaceans. If you drug the lobsters they will suffer less when cooked, her theory goes. Unclear whether that benefit accrues to the diner.
6 Can’t Miss Shops + Sips & Eats Guide To Bar Harbor, Maine
465 Seawall Road, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679 11 am – 8:30 pm. This is by far my favorite lobster roll in Maine and the best one I’ve ever had (and I’ve had a lot of lobster rolls). It was explained to me that there was a recent study done that found that lobsters do feel pain.
Best Places to Eat Around Acadia National Park
$$ | American (New), Seafood 465 Seawall RdSouthwest Harbor, ME 04679Rating: 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.
Top 5 Places to Eat Outside Bar Harbor, Maine
About 30 minutes southwest from Bar Harbor, this is a must stop at if you plan to visit Southwest Harbor. It is a little more south, but worth the extra time to get here. Its a small food truck on the side of the road that does not disappoint with their seafood.
What to Do and Where to Eat in Bar Harbor, Maine
Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound is not located in Bar Harbor, but it is a great eatery in the neighboring town of Southwest Harbor. This is about 25-30 minutes southwest of Bar Harbor. This casual joint offers a plethora of regional seafood fare.
Popovers, lobster, and pie on Acadia's Quiet Side
Even more low key is Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound an order-at-the-window joint that gets raves for its lobster rolls and lobster. No view, only a few picnic tables, but you can always take it to go and head for Acadia’s Seawall Picnic Area.
The Best Bar Harbor Lobster Pounds for Your Trip
Charlotte’s was the first lobster pound I wanted to try on my trip to Mount Desert Island in 2022. And it did not disappoint. This small roadside lobster pound just south of Southwest Harbor was my parents favorite lobster pound.
Road Trip - Chasing the Maine Lobster Roll
Charlotte Gill the owner of Charlottes grew up in Southwest Harbor. This beautiful fifties-style drive-in/lobster shack serves delicious food near the Seawall section of Acadia National Park.
Visit Southwest Harbor, Maine for Cruisers and Boaters
Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound – Delicious lobster, window service, and picnic tables. Her unique approach to cooking lobster made National Geographic.
Complete Guide To The Best Campgrounds & RV Camping in Acadia National Park
Eat at a local lobster pound (we recommend Bar Harbor Lobster Pound and Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound, but be prepared…they are expensive!)
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit