Thurston's Lobster Pound

Lobster Pound dining deck under a yellow canopy at Acadia National Park, overlooking a harbor with boats.

The Flavor Hunter hits Thurston’s Lobster Pound with salt-air Bar Harbor vibes and harbor-view dining. The Whole Steamed Lobster delivers sweet, tender meat from soft-shell or hard-shell options, with the crack of shells cutting through the chatter. The Lobster Roll is stuffed with handpicked lobster and a light mayo, tucked into a grilled bun with lettuce, while the Crabcake Sandwich adds Maine crab to the lineup.

Quick facts

Meals Served: Lunch
Dinner
Signature Dishes: Whole Steamed Lobster; Lobster Roll; Crabcake Sandwich
Local Specialties: Blueberry cake and blueberry soda; locally harvested lobster and crab
Popular Items: Lobster Roll; Whole Steamed Lobster; Crabcake Sandwich

What to order

Meals Served: Lunch
Dinner
Signature Dishes: Whole Steamed Lobster; Lobster Roll; Crabcake Sandwich
Local Specialties: Blueberry cake and blueberry soda; locally harvested lobster and crab
Popular Items: Lobster Roll; Whole Steamed Lobster; Crabcake Sandwich
Menu Recommendations: Lobster Roll is the cult favorite; consider soft-shell lobster when available; blueberry cake and crabcake sandwich add regional variety
Dietary Options: Vegetarian burgers and a black bean burger
Gluten-free options may be available; confirm at counter
Vegan: not specified

Prices & reservations

Price Specifics: Lobster by the pound starting around $12.99 (2019). Jumbo lobster rolls described as extremely reasonable in price.
Reservations Policy: Walk-in only.
Typical Wait Times: Lines can form during peak season and peak hours; wait is often noted as worth it.
Cash Only: 0

Hours & seating

Operating Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Seasonal Hours: Open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October; currently closed for the season, reopen plan for 2026
Closed Days: Sunday, Monday
Happy Hour Times: Not listed
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Parking Details: Parking can be tight and challenging during peak hours/weekends.
Accessibility: Counter-service with upstairs and downstairs dining; outdoor area with harbor views; accessibility details not clearly documented.

Visit strategy

Best For: Harbor views
Lobster lovers
Family outings
Not Ideal For: Those seeking quiet, refined dining or short on time
Service Type: Counter service
Service Speed: Casual pace
Vibe: Casual
Relaxed
Harbor-view dining
Noise Level: Moderate buzz with sounds of diners cracking shells
View Type: Harbor views
Lobster boats in harbor
Busiest Times: Evenings during peak season; lines form
Best Visit Times: 12:00 PM opening; weekdays quieter; early season parking advantage
Tips Advice: Soft-shell lobsters come highly recommended for sweeter, more tender meat.
Arrive early to snag parking and a table; lines can form even in early evenings.
Blueberry cake is a must-try dessert.
Steamers/mussels get overly salty for some diners—tread carefully.
Takeout isn’t explicitly documented; expect counter-service with possible seating outside.

More details

Park Area: Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine
Takeout Available: 1
Delivery Available: 0
Dress Code: Casual
Beverage Program: Nice selection of wine and local beers; blueberry soda
Local Beers: Local craft beers
Tasting Flights: 0
Tours Available: 0
Bottle Sales: 0
Parking Available: 1
Dog Friendly Patio: 0
Wi-Fi Available: 0
Family Friendly: 1
Family Friendly Notes: Kid-friendly menu; lively atmosphere; suitable for families with noisy kids
Age Restriction: All ages welcome
Bar Seating: 1
Seasonal Rushes: Peak in summer; mid-July to August
Live Music: Outdoor area hosts live music
Special Events: Live music events in outdoor area
Has Gift Shop: 0
Unique Attractions: Harbor-side lobster pound with working lobster boats and water views
Unique Factor: Iconic Maine lobster pound with waterfront views and jumbo lobster rolls at accessible prices
Nearby Facilities: Harbor area, Bar Harbor town nearby; ample parking in peak season may be tight
Recent Updates: Currently closed for the season; plans to reopen in 2026
Best Time To Visit: Open Tue–Sat 12:00 PM–9:00 PM. Arrive at 12:00 PM to beat crowds and parking squeeze; weekdays are calmer; peak-season lines can form—plan accordingly.
The Order Strategy: Skip steamers if salty; go for Lobster Roll—jumbo chunks, lightly mayo-ed; For drinks, order local beer or blueberry soda
The Vibe Check: Bar Harbor vibe: casual, salt-air, family-friendly; harbor views and live music in the outdoor area
The Crowd Factor: Lines hit sidewalk during peak season; arrive early (12:00 PM) to secure seating; walk-ins only
Eat Here If Skip If: EAT HERE IF: you want authentic Maine lobster pound vibes with harbor views. SKIP IF: you need a quiet, upscale dining experience.
Distance From Park: approximately 8 miles from park entrance
Review Summary: Fresh lobster notes dominate; lobster rolls deliver generous meat; harbor views elevate the experience; prices are reasonable for the area; lines are common but perceived value is high