Abel's Lobster – Coastal Maine Lobster & Seafood on Mount Desert

Red plastic chairs overlook a harbor with moored sailboats and a barrier of trees along Acadia National Park's Bar Harbor waterfront.

The wood-fired whole lobster delivers a smoky, briny kiss, finished with brown butter that clings to every sculpted edge. The lobster bisque glows aromatically, leek crisps and housemade saltines adding crack and snap. The lobster roll risks an oversized, overly toasted bun, so target the main lobster instead.

Quick facts

Meals Served: Lunch
Dinner
Signature Dishes: Wood-fired Whole Lobster; Lobster Bisque; Cornbread; Wild Maine Blueberry Pie
Local Specialties: Lobster, peekytoe crab, wild Maine blueberry pie; mussels in coconut broth; crab fritters
Popular Items: Wood-fired Whole Lobster; Lobster Bisque; Cornbread; Maine Blueberry Pie

What to order

Meals Served: Lunch
Dinner
Signature Dishes: Wood-fired Whole Lobster; Lobster Bisque; Cornbread; Wild Maine Blueberry Pie
Local Specialties: Lobster, peekytoe crab, wild Maine blueberry pie; mussels in coconut broth; crab fritters
Popular Items: Wood-fired Whole Lobster; Lobster Bisque; Cornbread; Maine Blueberry Pie
Menu Recommendations: Wood-fired Whole Lobster; Lobster Bisque; Cornbread; Wild Maine Blueberry Pie
Dietary Options: Vegetarian

Prices & reservations

Price Specifics: Entrees generally range from $30–$50.
Reservations Policy: First-come, first-served; no reservations accepted.
Typical Wait Times: Around 60 minutes at peak dinner times; indoor seating waits longer during rushes.
Payment Methods: Cash
Credit Card
Mobile Payment
Cash Only: 0

Hours & seating

Operating Hours: Lunch 12:00 PM–3:00 PM; Dinner 4:30 PM–8:30 PM
Seasonal Hours: Open seasonally; closes October 22
Closed Days: Typically closed outside the seasonal open period; no regular weekly closing days published
Happy Hour Times: No dedicated happy hour listed
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Parking Details: Ample parking in the boatyard; some dock space for boaters.
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, seating, and toilet.

Visit strategy

Best For: Seafood lovers
Families with kids
Post-hike meals
Not Ideal For: Quiet, ultra-formal dinners; those avoiding crowds
Service Type: Table service
Service Speed: Variable; peak season slows down service
Vibe: Casual waterfront dining
Boatyard setting
Relaxed
Family-friendly
Noise Level: Moderate buzz during busy summer nights; outdoor seating adds liveliness
View Type: Somes Sound harbor views
Lobster boats in sight
Harbor scenery
Busiest Times: Dinner hours, especially weekends in summer
Best Visit Times: Arrive early; September late lunch/early dinner can avoid lines
Tips Advice: Arrive early for outdoor seating; it fills quickly.
Order the wood-fired whole lobster for the best texture.
Takeout is available when the place isn’t busy.
Outdoor seating is dog-friendly; bring a leash and enjoy the harbor view.

More details

Park Area: Acadia National Park – Somes Sound, Maine
Takeout Available: 1
Delivery Available: 0
Delivery Details: Online ordering available when not busy
Dress Code: Casual
Beverage Program: Full bar with cocktails like Dark N Stormy Sargent Drive and Daley Martini; local beers available
Local Beers: Local beers on draft
House Made: Housemade saltines; cornbread
Signature Cocktails: Dark N Stormy Sargent Drive; Daley Martini (lobster-infused port)
Tasting Flights: 0
Tours Available: 0
Tour Details: No tours offered
Bottle Sales: 0
Parking Available: 1
Dog Friendly Patio: 1
Wi-Fi Available: 0
Family Friendly: 1
Family Friendly Notes: Kid-friendly vibe; mac and cheese option; casual energy welcomed by families
Age Restriction: No explicit age restriction; family-friendly
Bar Seating: 1
Seasonal Rushes: Summer crowds; open through Oct 22
Live Music: No live music reported
Has Gift Shop: 0
Unique Attractions: Boatyard setting with Somes Sound views; watching lobster boats
Unique Factor: Wood-fired lobster cooked in seawater over a wood fire delivering subtle smoke and sea flavors; strong cornbread and Maine blueberry pie
Nearby Facilities: Boatyard parking; harbor area nearby
Best Time To Visit: Arrive early to beat waits; in September, opt for a late lunch or early dinner to dodge lines.
The Order Strategy: Skip the Lobster Roll, get the Wood-fired Whole Lobster. For drinks, order the Dark N Stormy Sargent Drive; Daley Martini is an optional offbeat pick
The Vibe Check: Post-hike casual waterfront; family-friendly with outdoor energy; dog-friendly outdoor scene
The Crowd Factor: Peak times push waits around an hour; early arrival helps; outdoor seating fills quickly
Eat Here If Skip If: EAT HERE IF: you want a lobster-forward Maine dining experience with wood-fire aroma. SKIP IF: you need guaranteed reservations or a hushed, formal setting.
Distance From Park: approximately 2 miles from park entrance
Review Summary: Texture and flavor lean toward a smoky, briny wood-fired lobster, with aromatic lobster bisque and crisp cornbread; the lobster roll gets dinged for bun size/toasting; ambiance and harbor views elevate the experience; overall, a must-visit for seafood quality and atmosphere