On the quieter west side of Mount Desert Island, Beal’s Lobster Pier in Southwest Harbor and Thurston’s Lobster Pound in Bass Harbor make great stops for mouthwatering Maine lobster, crab rolls, chowder and other fresh seafood, as well as salads, burgers and sandwiches.

Not sure of the name..but we had the BEST lobster experience EVER in Bar Harbor.. Right at the waterfront.. over the bridge, away from the cruise ships docking is a lobster shack..You go in...

Thurston’s Lobster Pound in tiny Bernard (across the water from Bass Harbor) is atmospheric enough to have been used as a backdrop for the Stephen King miniseries Storm of the Century; it’s a fine place to linger toward dusk, with great water views from the upstairs level. 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.

Lobster Dinner at Thurston’s Lobster Pound: What we love best about Thurston’s Lobster Pound is its off-the-beaten-path location in Bernard, a blue collar community right on the shore of Mt. Desert’s busiest working harbor. Which means you (and the bare minimum of tourists) can watch lobstermen haul the days catch from boat to wharf to restaurant, before tucking in to the impeachably fresh goods; such as whole Lobster Dinners with steamers, mussels, sweet corn and slabs of moist blueberry cake.

Situated on the rugged coast of Bernard, Thurston’s Lobster Pound offers a quintessential Maine dining experience. Guests can watch as lobstermen unload their daily catch before indulging in a feast of fresh lobster, steamers, and other seafood delights. The rustic charm of the lobster pound, with its weathered shingles and picnic tables overlooking the harbor, adds to the authentic coastal atmosphere.

We do go every year and love Thurstons for lobster...however, we are looking for other suggestions...in Southwest Harbor or any of the towns on the "quiet side of the Island". Anyone know the name of a deli in Northeast Harbor for sandwiches...we saw someone eating one last summer that looked great. Mexican food is really not our thing...all other healthy suggestions are welcome...thanks in advance...

We tried out this place on our second night and wanted to have the same lobster pound experience on our last night on the island too. This was a no frills kind of place, where you walk up to a counter, pick your lobster, then sit at our table while they cook your lobster in seafood bags in the steamers out back. Simply, yet deliciously, served with drawn butter, corn on the cob and coleslaw.

If Beal’s is getting fancy, wait until you see Thurston’s Lobster Pound. I’ve long favored Thurston’s thanks to its dreamy views over Bass Harbor. Always a few steps above bare-bones shack, thanks to its covered and screened seating area, now it’s gone downright upscale with the addition of an adjacent, deck-connected indoor/outdoor bar/lounge complete with marble bar and massive hearth.

Perched above Bass Harbor, Thurston’s Lobster Pound is easily one of the prettiest lobster shacks in New England. The meat in their lobster roll is wonderfully plump and tender, and it’s extra rewarding to enjoy such a classic summer staple in such a beautiful spot. In fact, it’s so good it nabbed a spot on Yankee‘s 2017 list of the best lobster rolls in Maine.

Thurston’s Lobster Pound is the real thing, serving steamed lobster, chowder, and ales from local micro-breweries in a casual setting overlooking the working lobster boats of Bass Harbor. The folks who own Thurston’s are smart. They keep parents happy with steamers and lobster, kids thrilled with burgers, hot dogs, and peanut butter and jelly.

We’re not restaurant critics, Steve and Janet, but among the places where we’ve had enjoyable lobster meals: Galyn’s in Bar Harbor, Thurston’s Lobster Pound in Bernard, and Stewman’s Lobster Pound on West Street in Bar Harbor (where President Obama and his family dined in July 2010). (NOTE: See sidebar about TripAdvisor(R) links on this site.)

If you haven’t gotten enough lobster yet, visit Thurson’s Lobster Pound located right next to a working harbor in a quintessentially Maine setting on the way to Bar Harbor. If a departure from lobster is more in order, you might try Poor Boy’s Gourmet, a local favorite casual hangout where everything is delicious on the way in to Bar Harbor.

Tucked away in the tiny fishing village of Bernard, on MDI’s southwest corner, Thurston’s marries an Acadia visitor’s dual passions: grubbing and sightseeing. Dinner’s served on a two-level deck overhanging Bass Harbor (start with the bubbling hot, unexpectedly great lobster-and-cream-cheese dip). 9 Thurston Rd., Bernard.

Behold: the most fresh, delicious lobster on Mount Desert Island. Thurston’s Lobster Pound catches their seafood right off of their location Bass Harbor, then serves it to you that same day. You can choose from soft or hard shell lobsters, as well as a variety of sides such as steamed mussels or corn on the cob.

Thurston’s Lobster Pound: It’s a restaurant by the water about 1 hour from Acadia National Park. They are known for their steamed lobsters and nice view from the restaurant. More details on the restaurant below but they are a great place to eat if you want to watch sunset at the famous Bass Harbor Lighthouse.

So we’re starting strong with the best lobster around at Thurston’s Lobster Pound. The lobster is seriously so fresh that you will get seated for your meal and look out the window to see the lobster wharfs coming in with the food you will be eating in a few minutes. It doesn’t get fresher than that.

Thurston’s Lobster Pound, on the quieter side of the island near Tremont, is a perennial favorite for its delectable crustaceans. On the way there, you can stop for a look at the 1858 Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, overlooking one of Maine’s most photogenic seascapes.

It’s only five minutes to famous Bass Harbor Lighthouse and Thurston’s Lobster Pound, and five minutes more to seaside hikes at Wonderland, Ship Harbor, and Flying Mountain — not to mention all the shops and restaurants in the quaint town of Southwest Harbor.

We are the Maine tourists who eat it daily as they are hard to find in the South (and honestly, just not as good). On our 2nd trip to Acadia, we went out of our way to experience Thurstons’ and we all agreed- it was our favorite and the best place.

Thurstons Lobster Pound is in Bernard, near the southern most tip of Mount Desert Island. This was recommended by a friend. We never made it there, but it is said to have the best lobster on the Island and excellent blueberry pie.

Thruston’s Lobster Pound: A great spot in Southwest Harbor for fresh lobster!. They have a full menu with counter service and the restaurant is located right on the water.