MDI Lobster & BBQ: Waterfront Seafood & BBQ with Lobster Roll and

Outdoor seating area with blue umbrellas at a seaside restaurant in Acadia National Park.

MDI Lobster & BBQ sits along the harbor with a casual, laid-back vibe. Pulled Pork Nachos deliver tender pork, crisp chips, and a molten queso halo. The Lobster Roll piles generous lobster on a perfectly toasted bun, especially tasty Justin style with garlic aioli. Ribs bring a chew with a clean, fall-off-the-bone finish while smoke coats the air.

Quick facts

Cuisine Type: bbq
Meals Served: Lunch
Dinner
Signature Dishes: Pulled Pork Nachos, Lobster Roll (Justin style), Ribs
Local Specialties: Lobster, clams, haddock

What to order

Cuisine Type: bbq
Meals Served: Lunch
Dinner
Signature Dishes: Pulled Pork Nachos, Lobster Roll (Justin style), Ribs
Local Specialties: Lobster, clams, haddock
Popular Items: Pulled Pork Nachos, Lobster Roll Justin style, Ribs
Menu Recommendations: Pulled Pork Nachos—tender pork with a smoky edge; Lobster Roll Justin style; Ribs—fall-off-the-bone
Dietary Options: Vegetarian options: dry rub cauliflower, street corn

Prices & reservations

Price Specifics: Pulled Pork Nachos $12.95; Lobster Roll and Ribs prices vary.
Reservations Policy: Walk-in only.
Typical Wait Times: Wait times can be lengthy during peak season; arrive early to secure favorites.
Payment Methods: Credit cards
Cash
Cash Only: 0

Hours & seating

Operating Hours: Lunch and dinner; seasonal hours vary; check in advance; often close at dusk during peak season.
Seasonal Hours: Seasonal; hours shift with season; peak season hours extend later.
Closed Days: Open daily
Happy Hour Times: Not advertised.
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Parking Details: Free parking lot.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance. The main area and seating paths are accessible; ramps at entry and most seating zones; some tent seating may have uneven ground; request accessible seating at the counter.

Visit strategy

Best For: Seafood lovers
BBQ devotees
Families
Not Ideal For: Quiet, formal dining seekers; vegan-only diners
Service Type: Counter service with staff delivering to tables
Service Speed: Fast casual; lines possible during peak season
Vibe: Casual
Laid-back
Harbor views
Noise Level: Casual and relaxed
View Type: Harbor view
Waterfront
Busiest Times: Dinner rush in peak season
Best Visit Times: 11:30 AM for lunch; after 5 PM for dinner; arrive early for BBQ
Tips Advice: Start with Pulled Pork Nachos to gauge the smoke.
Ask for Lobster Roll Justin style with garlic aioli.
Takeout helps you beat the line.
Arrive early for BBQ; items can sell out in peak season.

More details

Park Area: Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, Southwest Harbor, Maine
Takeout Available: 1
Delivery Available: 0
Dress Code: Casual
Beverage Program: Alcohol, beer, and wine
Tasting Flights: 0
Tours Available: 0
Bottle Sales: 0
Parking Available: 1
Dog Friendly Patio: 1
Wi-Fi Available: 1
Family Friendly: 1
Family Friendly Notes: Kids' menu available; family-friendly environment
Age Restriction: All ages
Bar Seating: 0
Seasonal Rushes: Peak in summer
Live Music: Not advertised
Special Events: Not advertised
Has Gift Shop: 0
Unique Attractions: Harbor views and waterside seating
Unique Factor: Justin-style Lobster Roll on a harborfront BBQ spot
Nearby Facilities: Free parking lot; harbor access; dog-friendly area
Recent Updates: No recent updates provided.
Best Time To Visit: Lunch service starts around noon; aim for 11:30 AM to dodge BBQ lines. Dinner rush is common in peak season; plan to go early or late.
The Order Strategy: Skip the bland bites; get Pulled Pork Nachos for a flavor anchor. For seafood, go Lobster Roll Justin style with garlic aioli. For drinks, pair with a local beer or wine.
The Vibe Check: Post-harbor casual HQ. It is breezy, laid-back, and welcoming; not a formal dining scene; great for groups and families.
The Crowd Factor: Line can stretch to the sidewalk during peak season; arrive around 11:30 AM for lunch or use takeout to bypass waits.
Eat Here If Skip If: EAT HERE IF: You want fresh seafood and BBQ with harbor views in a casual setting. SKIP IF: You seek a quiet, upscale dining vibe or vegan-focused menu.
Distance From Park: approximately 5 miles from park entrance
Review Summary: Pulled Pork Nachos deliver tender pork, crispy chips, and a balanced topping lineup of smoky pork, molten queso, pico de gallo, and sour cream—toppings are evenly distributed for easy bites. The Lobster Roll comes with generous lobster on a perfectly toasted bun; the Justin-style garlic aioli is available, and some reviews note the lobster filling is lightly tossed with chive mayo while the roll stays toasty without being bread-heavy. Clam Chowder is a solid option. Local specialties center on lobster and fresh seafood. Vegetarian option: dry-rub cauliflower; vegan and gluten-free options aren’t documented in reviews. Allergens aren’t clearly listed in reviews, and beverages aren’t detailed. The dining setup is casual with counter service, picnic tables, waterfront seating, and some tented space; harbor views add atmosphere and staff are described as friendly and attentive. Pulled Pork Nachos run $12.95, and the nachos are cited as good value. Expect waits during peak times due to outdoor seating and popularity. Hours are Monday–Saturday 12 PM–9 PM; Sundays are closed. A note from one reviewer mentions undercooked empanada dough and cole slaw that could be improved.