Watch lobstermen and fishermen haul their catch and pleasure craft come and go at this working pier with a large restaurant that's big on lobster, clams, and other seafood but also sells burgers, chicken sandwiches, and hot dogs for the kids. There’s open and covered patio seating, the latter with a bar; waterside bar tables for two along a covered pier walkway; and indoor dining (upper level). Fried, seared, and blackened seafood choices are on the menu, and of course traditional lobster sides like cornbread, corn-on-the-cob, and coleslaw.

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.

Another note about Beals - There was an odor there, not from the lobster pound itself - but a refinery or machinery kind of smell in the area that wafted in periodically and was not that pleasant.

Some of the best are concentrated on Mount Desert Island, including the famous Beal’s Lobster Pier in Southwest Harbor, one of the oldest pounds in the area. 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.

Beal’s Lobster Pier — Many would say a trip to Maine isn’t complete without boiled lobster dipped in butter (or a lobster roll, for those who prefer the delicacy in sandwich form). At Beal’s Lobster Pier in Southwest Harbor, guests pick through freshly caught lobster, steamed and fried clams, and fries while sitting at a picnic table overlooking the harbor. Lobster boats come and go throughout the day as local fishermen unload their catch, creating about as authentic an environment as you could possibly ask for.

Full disclosure: I never actually ate at Beal’s, but it was on the Eventide List, as well as many many others, so I feel obligated to recommend it here. (We actually tried to go, but we showed up at prime lunch hours one day and the line was prohibitively slow and long. Other people can tell me if that is typical.) It’s been there almost a hundred years old, and lobstermen unload their catches right on the restaurant’s back pier.

Back at the hotel, I snagged a private cabana reservation and read my book for a while before walking to Beal’s Lobster Pier for lunch. Beal’s (open from May to mid-October) embodies the Maine lobster shack experience with over-the-water seating, where guests watch the fishing boats bring in the daily haul. The service is fast and friendly, and it’s absolutely fantastic—the food (chef’s kiss), the view, and the briny ambiance.

For instance, Pomp Island, a 28-acre island in the town of Beals, is listed for sale for $920,000 and includes a cabin. Greer Island, an undeveloped 5-acre island that is connected by sand bar at low tide to Vinalhaven, is on the market for $395,000. Bareneck Island, a wooded 15-acre island with a house in the tidal Sasanoa River between Westport and Georgetown, is listed for sale for $1.25 million.

If I’m not exaggerating, a visit to Beal’s is a must for those looking for an authentic lobster pier experience and the freshest seafood you can find. At the operating lobster pier in Southwest Harbor, Maine, you and your family will have fun watching boats sail out and lobstermen unload fresh Maine lobsters. Hear the creaking sound of the rope on the anchor.

Not only has it renovated its dining area, it also hired Chef John Wight (previously with the Jordan Pond House) to upgrade and expand its menu. Of course, the lobsters are all from boats that unload right at the pier but Wight is emphasizing fresh and local, including Maine-raised beef and locally grown veggies. Wight promises plenty of gluten-free options.

Two favorites are Beal’s in Southwest Harbor, which has a fun, family-friendly vibe overlooking the harbor, and Thurston’s in Bass Harbor, which added a full bar two years ago. Thurston’s serves IslandBound Treats’ excellent berry pies for dessert. You can’t go wrong with either, but be patient because the lines can be long and cooking lobster takes time.

When you’re ready to savor the local flavor, hunting for the best lobster experience has to top your Bar Harbor bucket list!. Known for its fresh-off-the-boat lobster rolls, chowder, and more, Bar Harbor is an ideal place to try these iconic Maine foods. Firstly, locals swear by the 25-minute trek to Southwest Harbor to dine at Beal’s Lobster Pier.

If you want to experience the freshest lobster in Maine, you can’t go wrong with Beal’s Lobster Pier in Southwest Harbor. This family-owned business has been serving lobster since 1932, and they source their lobsters directly from the local fishermen. You can choose your own lobster from their tanks, and they will cook it for you on the spot.

Beals Lobster Pier offers a classic Maine lobster experience!. Personally one of my favorite lobster spots on the island, this spot nestled in Southwest Harbor right along the water is the perfect location to enjoy some lobster with your guests!. They offer a space for private events, which works well for groups around 10-50 people.

Hands down our favorite lobster pound (and we’ve sampled many). Beal’s is located in Southwest Harbor on a working lobster pier, so you can watch the lobster boats come in while you eat on the picnic tables or covered porch. If you’re looking for a classic lobster roll or whole lobster dinner (or lunch), this is our recommendation.

Locals say that Beal’s is THE place to experience an authentic Maine Lobster eatery, right on the water in Southwest Harbor. It is worth the 25-minute drive from Bar Harbor. You choose your lobster (or lobster roll, salad, stew, etc., as well as drink(s)) and they cook it while you sit and enjoy views of the harbor.

But Thurston's location and view on Bass Harbor beat Beals and the Trenton pounds by at least 20,000 leagues atop the sea. And maybe it's just because I haven't had them for two years, but the hardshell lobsters (three pounds in two sittings) and clams (five pounds in three sittings) tasted better than ever.

At another restaurant, The Captains Galley at Beal’s Lobster Pier, we found blueberry pie made from the same small but really sweet berries that grow in Maine. The crusts at both were slightly sweet and insanely flaky. Those two places—less than a mile apart—serve two of the best pies I’ve ever eaten.

One of the most popular casual dining spots in Acadia is the family-friendly Beal’s Lobster Pier, located in the quaint coastal town of Southwest Harbor. This iconic restaurant is a local favorite, serving up fresh seafood and traditional Maine dishes in a casual and welcoming atmosphere.

A visit to Beal’s Lobster Pier is always a highlight – a restaurant that’s on the water, with an atmosphere that’s down to earth. A visit to Beal’s Lobster Pier is always a highlight – a restaurant that’s on the water, with an atmosphere that’s down to earth. Southwest Harbor ME 04679

If you need to grab a bite to eat after a long day on the water, you can just dock outside the restaurant. If you want to get it from home, order online and pick it up in-store. You can choose from the many Seafood options and a variety of other foods, including gluten-free options.

Beal’s Lobster Pier is a staple in the area and you’ve got to love their motto “eat, drink and be messy”. Serving up delicious Maine classics like fresh steamers, fried haddock, and of course plenty of lobster options!. For delicious Southern style pub food try Peter Trout’s Tavern.

$$ | Seafood 182 Clark Point RdSouthwest Harbor, ME 04679Rating: 5/5. This might’ve been my favorite lobster place in Maine when we were in Acadia. The lobster was extremely good, a little more tender then other places, and the clams and mussels we got exceeded my expectations.

No trip to Great Wass is complete without a stop at Bayview Takeout in Beals, located just before you head over the bridge to Jonesport. Their fried clams are famous and some of the best I’ve ever had. They also will give you the largest portion of ice cream you’ve ever seen.

– 182 Clark Point Rd, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679 9 am – 4 pm daily I’ve always wanted to stop here!. I’ve never had time, or I’ve always remembered it after I’ve already eaten. They’ve got 5 different lobster rolls on their menu including a spicy buffalo, intriguing.

It's a bit of a drive away, but locals agree that Beal's is THE spot for the most authentic Bar Harbor lobster experience. They're about to celebrate their 91st season!. The lobster comes straight from their pier and all the vegetables are grown by local farmers.

If Bar Harbor & Acadia Park are at “2:00” on a clock, Southwest Harbor is at “6:00.” This was a great stopping point for lunch as we traversed the island on Rt 102. Lunch HAD to include lobster rolls so we chose Beal’s Lobster Pier, right next to the U.S.

Whether you stay in Southwest Harbor or visit on a day trip, you MUST stop by Beal’s Lobster Pier. This family owned fish and lobster pier opened in 1932. The pier is in operation year-round, shipping their delicious lobsters all over the country.

Beal’s is a working fish and lobster pier in Southwest Harbor. Their restaurant is open from June through September, but the rest of the year they’re still hauling in the seafood. So when you go for some lobster, you know it’s fresh.

Beal's Lobster Pier is located on the "Quiet" side, in Southwest Harbor, of Mount Desert Island. It is the quintessential Maine dockside restaurant experience with lobster traps being pulled up not far from where you're sitting.

It is closer to Bar Harbor than Thurston’s and in a charming community. Beal’s is just outside of town and located on the water. Inside, there’s a casual counter to order from, and the staff is accommodating.

Nothing makes seafood taste better than fresh sea air, and Beal’s is an iconic option for seafood on Mt Desert Island. Nestled in SW Harbor, it’s a great place to go after visiting Seal beach.

Afterward, we went to dinner at Beal’s lobster pier where we enjoyed some Maine lobsters. Even J decided that lobster was the only thing she wanted to eat the whole trip.

You can go on an Aqua-Safari kayak tour and explore the area by sea, then head to Beal’s Lobster Pier for some scrumptious fresh caught lobster.

For a casual yet delicious meal, Beal’s Lobster Pier is one of the oldest lobster pounds in the area, serving up fresh catches daily.