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Boothbay Lobster Wharf
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
23 reviews for Boothbay Lobster Wharf
Review Highlights
23 reviews in English
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Review from Scott M.
Fort Meade, MD
2/12/2012
this is the finest lobster house in maine.
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Review from Jim S.
Arlington, MA
5/17/2012
A fairly standard Maine waterfront lobster joint. This is not meant negatively since these establishments are what Maine is all about, not "fine dining". Some things that are different from the usual: It has a full bar is which is not typical of these places (usually wine & beer), has steamed mussels - cheap, has good selection of fried veggies Has more than the usual annoying multiple window ordering for different things - how tourists from Iowa figure these places out is beyond me. On the expensive side for lobster (but look where it is). Fabulous view. Plenty of boat-in docking. It's a bit of a (very pleasant) walk from the center of town, which cuts down on the crowd somewhat, but it seems to be on the tour bus route and if you have the bad luck to come in after a bus just unloaded, it can be a zoo.
Note to bus charter companies - yeah ordering at these places is a little weird, not to mention unfamiliar cuisine to many people, why don;t you take some time ON THE WAY to explain it all to the tour group before you let them loose on the wharf and total confusion. -
Review from Steve G.
Union, NJ
3/22/2012
Those who have ever questioned the incomparable experience of minimalist dining need to visit Boothbay Lobster Wharf. Sitting outdoors at a long picnic table; the salt air and gorgeous seaside views melt away all tensions, yet-- at the same time-- send all senses (but one) into ecstasy. Once the nice folks at the counter announce your order number, and you set a cafeteria tray on your table, the feast begins for your tastebuds, as well.
The fantastic fried whole clams and oysters would make an unforgettable meal in their own right. Just as the salt, sea and fishing boats have elevated the senses, the fried seafood sets the stage for amazingly succulent, incredibly juicy and flavorful steamed lobster. It doesn't get any fresher than this, and the setting further elevates spectacular food to the pinnacle of dining enjoyment.
Trying to put a monetary value on this experience . . . one which is truly priceless . . . isn't as painful as you might image. -
Review from Scott M.
9/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
This location used to be called the Lobsterman's Coop. Now the Lobster Wharf it still has the lobster pound experience. Nothing better than twin lobsters and a couple of sides. The price has gone up over the last few years. However, when you split the meal between two folks the price is tough to beat. You get a very fresh lobster prepared in boiling pots right on the dock. The lobsters get five stars. The sides get three stars. The beer well always nice with a lobster gets four stars.
The venue's view is tough to beat. It is a traditional lobster fishing village. Boothbay is great. Sitting on the dock we watched the sunset over the harbor. It was excellent. You can sit outdoors or in. This is a great lobster pound experience. The venue gets five stars.
Overall four stars and a strong recommendation to go and try it out if you are in that neck of the woods. -
Review from Michael B.
Spring Hill, TN
6/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
As part of my "Summah Lobstah-thon", I'm making a pilgrimage to as many of Maine's waterside lobster shacks, as I can. I started a year ago, at Five Islands, and need to write that review. Actually, I'll just eat there again and do a new review.
So, I'll start here, with this as Chapter 1.
It was a beautiful summer night and lobster was on the menu. Having gotten a Transformer Yellow, convertible Camaro, as my business rental car for the week, I was NOT going to waste having the top down on just jetting around Portland. Having the best culinary partner-in-crime with me, we were off to dine AND drive!!!
We left the Portland traffic, a little after 5 and quickly were heading up north, with the wind in our hair. After a little over an hour drive, we arrived. We did go up on the summer solstice and expected the place to be packed. We were surprised by the lack of people. A few tourists and some locals.
We perused the menu and decided on a game plan. I would have a nice pound and half-er, or Large/Select and my dining mate would opt for..drum roll please...drrrrrrrrrr...2.85 lbs. Yep, my culinary rock star was about to do battle with a Jumbo!! The poor lobster never had a chance.
We ordered a few sides; potato salad and corn for me and baked potato for my lobster killin' Transformer buddy!
We went and grabbed a few beers and went out and found an empty table next to the water and watched the boats roll by. BTW, the Shipyard Summer, is AWESOME.
Our lobsters finally arrived after about 15 minutes. The waitstaff cracked the claws of the Jumbo, with a hammer....yeah.. BIG hammer. We dove in and started breaking the lobsters down. The meat was wonderful, but I would not have expected anything less. The sides were great and I even wished I had more corn. It was obviously fresh picked (oh, did i mention I raised corn, in Illinois, growing up? No, well, i know CORN).
The moment finally arrived for the Jumbo to relinquish his tail. The shell was pretty hard and thick, so I did the dirty work. I managed to get the entire this, including the end, tail flipper out in one glorious piece. Muffled, snarfing noises emanated from the other side of my picnic table. I'll take that as a sign the tail ROCKED!
We tried both the smaller 1.5 lb and larger Jumbo and couldn't taste any difference in texture, or flavor. Both were great. I'll admit, that I'm new to this lobster thing and maybe missed some subtle taste nuances, but I can say it didn't SUCK. I do know that! I even shared my red coral!
The final price was a staggering $75. My dinner was close to $20 and at $15 a pound, the jumbo came in a bit under $45.
It definitely wasn't the cheapest lobster dinner I've had, but with the drive up, the cold beer and the view, it was one memorable night.
The night was capped with a fantastic ride home in Bumble Bee...sans top and with tight jeans....(mental note to wear spandex running shorts, for chapter 2). -
Review from Matt F.
Boston, MA
6/10/2011
We got married over Memorial Day Weekend in Boothbay Harbor. The wedding was down the street at the Spruce Point Inn, so we wanted to select a very New England experience for our guests at the rehearsal dinner (we had people from all over the country). As a result, we chose the Boothbay Lobster Wharf for our event.
Todd the owner and his team (wife and daughter included) put together an incredible lobster bake for about 50 guests. The food was wonderful. The room was beautiful. The people working there couldn't have been nicer. The whole event was absolutely perfect. The unexpected bonus was the guy downstairs shucking oysters for $1 that many said they're the best they've ever had. -
Review from andy b.
Chicago, IL
12/8/2010
This is where you go for a true Maine lobster.
I came here with a group of around 10 and we stayed so long we actually all ate two meals. The group was all from MI and IL so we don't get this sort of thing all the time.
The food was great, we almost all had some variation of Lobster.
Later we had fresh oysters and clams.
Everything was perfect. -
Review from Hannah S.
Cupertino, CA
6/30/2010
My second time here did not disappoint. It's probably the best/cheapest place to have a fresh lobster in Boothbay Harbor without the excessive mayo/butter that's usually mixed with it when you eat a lobster dish. You get a corn on a cob, a bib, shell cracker, and a little thing of butter (so you can use as much or as little of it as you like). It comes out to be about $25 for all of that.
The experience is fun because you get to pick the lobster you want from the tank, then they go and cook it for you and call you when it's ready. They have a side shack that sells a variety of other fried seafoods, salads, burgers, soups, etc. in case you're not up for eating an entire lobster. -
Review from pete k.
7/11/2008 3 photos
Its pretty awkward to walk into a place and have to choose from 3 different lines, depending on what you want - however, its amazingly efficient once you wrap your head around the concept.
Fried/regular food straight ahead, amazingly fresh lobster and shellfish to the right, and beer behind you. Sure, its 3 places, but the lobster line FLIES - so place that order. Then wait in line to order your fried goodies and swing through the beer shack as you head back to your table. Just a few minutes later your name will be called with your lobster/clam/mussels order. It works out really well, once you realize how to get around.
I have never stood at a counter and watched fresh lobsters being added to the tank, straight off of a boat - and then ordering a couple of them to consume myself.. and then watching them get placed into the giant steamer immediately after. Talk about FRESH - and you can tell when you eat these ones - there's almost no need for butter. Of course - who can pass up melted butter? Yes, I started dipping fries into it just to use it.
My only complaint, but I cannot blame the BLW/Co-op for this, is that tourist boat that arrived just before dinner. We were in early enough to miss the rush, but you could see the boat pulling in.. and the stress in the employees faces as they saw the crowd of hungry people heading up the dock like cattle. Cattle who want piles of delicious lobsters, that is.
So make sure you arrive either before, or after, the big tour boat arrives. You will have trouble finding a seat and won't want to wait in the line that forms. -
Review from John A.
West Hartford, VT
5/28/2011
If you are looking for a fine dining experience, this is not it. If you are looking for the freshest in real Maine seafood right off the boat, go no further. Wear your casual clothes, bring a slicker if it lloks like rain, or plan to eat inside. But the best part about it is eating on the picnic tables right ON the water. Seafood, steamers, corn, steamed while you wait. Try a pitcher of mud slides for $6, share it around the table. No more authentic Maine seafood experience to be had.
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Review from Andrew M Z.
Nashua, NH
9/22/2011
Love it. I've been there several times and I always have a great meal. Fried clams, crab cakes and Leinenkugel. Just across the foot bridge and worth the short walk. This is where I start since I walk everywhere and this is the furthest from my motel so I start here and work my way back to the motel. If the trolly is running you can tak that on hot days otherwise the walk is beautiful. Try it you'll like it!
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Review from Pamela S.
San Diego, CA
6/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
We headed to the Boothbay Lobster Wharf (used to be the co-op) that was recommended by a friend and it was good. We had our 1 1/4 pound lobsters cooked to perfection along with some corn and butter. It was really good. Seating outside and some inside. This place is casual and not upscale but, to us just our kind of place. Good prices for good food. It was our last night in Boothbay but, when we come back I will definitely be back. They also have clams and oysters. They have another area you can order fried clams, lobster rolls and most anything seafood you can think of. They also have ice cream.
Listed in: Maine Finds
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Review from joe r.
Brooklyn, NY
7/9/2007 1 photo
Not the best lobster roll I had, and the crab roll was supposedly great but actually lame. But it wasn't the worst lobster roll, either. And Friday was "local night" when cheap domestic beers were A DOLLAR EACH!!!! A DOLLAR FOR A BEER!
Do you know what that is to a alcohol-abusing New Yorker? Heaven. -
Review from b f.
Schoharie, NY
8/4/2011
Great lunch.
You can eat in or out.
Service was professional and quick- lobster was properly cooked.
A nice view of harbor, unloading boats, etc.
This was my first time eating a lobster away from home- it was great, and reasonably priced.
Would definitely go again. -
Review from Michael C.
Auburn, ME
Wow, what a wonderful place for lunch. Pick your lobster, add steamers and wait 15 minutes. Then enjoy a delicious lunch fit for...well....anyone!!! Add sitting Oceanside near a real working dock with incoming boats and it doesn't get any better. They also served various seafood that smelled great, but my wife and I stuck with the lobster, and we are glad we did........
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Review from Jerry P.
Summit, NJ
5/28/2009
Been visiting Maine and Boothbay Harbor for years. Formerly the Lobsterman's Coop, the Boothbay Lobster Wharf is the vision of the perfect Maine Lobster eating experience in every way. The lobster boats circle traps right in front of the place and off load lobsters before your eyes. You walk down a staircase and walk straight to a row of tanks and steamers. Pick your lobster and POW!, 5 minutes later, you are cracking lobster shells and drinking cold beer from a pitcher overlooking a harbor full of lobster boats, sailboats, and cruisers.
Spent a week in Boothbay Harbor last summer and hit the Lobster Wharf 4 times. My arteries finally screamed uncle and I had to stop. -
Review from Xavier S.
Jersey City, NJ
8/14/2010 1 Check-in Here
Great place on a sunny day with awesome views of Boothbay harbor. Since my first visit last year, I've been drawn back again. I love the twin 1lb lobsters with an ear of corn, perfect for two. I ordered some steamers and was not disappointed. The onion rings here are also very good.
Listed in: Visit Maine
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Review from Sara L.
New York, NY
8/15/2010
Delicious lobster by the pier, amazing scenery and seating location... i was here two times already and can't wait to go a third time. pls stop by this place when you plan a trip out to ME!
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Review from Jerry C.
Naples, FL
Clean. Order at counter. Great view of harbor. Terrific Maine seafood. Beer and wine too.
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Review from Richard J.
4/7/2009
For lobstah, steamed clams and chowdah this place can't be beat. I have been spending summers on the coast of Maine all my life and this place epitomizes what a lobster wharf is all about. The lobster rolls are heaven despite joe r's opinion. These are what a lobster roll should be. I love to stop by here if the Fall when the season has slowed down and enjoy lobster and clams overlooking the harbour. Don't forget to order some chowder!
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Review from Ryan M.
Sacramento, CA
7/22/2008
I get more of a local vibe from this place since it is further away from the touristy area. Like how Pete said, the 3 line system could be confusing, but is amazingly efficient. Friendly people behind all the counters and it was a cool sight when they started loading up lobster off the side of the dock a couple of feet away from the tables, letting you know it is straight from the ocean to their restaurant. The food was great and we had quick service. The girl behind the bar was super friendly and let me know of a couple of local beers and breweries I should try.
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Review from Bob M.
Larkspur, CA
2/24/2011
in 1973 my girlfriend and I were in Me in October, and didn't know a thing about the town but somehow wound up here for breakfast. We had freshly steamed lobsters and a loaf of french bread with a bottle of beaujolais on the hood of our car. At the time, a "cull" lobster (only one big claw) cost a dollar each. We ate about half a dozen. Still great here, even if it's pricier - everything else is, so why should these lobstermen not join in. Lots of good memories here for me.
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Review from Nat S.
New Haven, CT
6/13/2008
It is early summer '08 and I had a crab roll there and a Shipyard Export on tap. Despite Joe R's review from '07, the crab roll was a top 10. Often times meat in a crab roll is already macerated from too much mayo stirring and other handling. The meat had light chunks with mayo gently folded in. Good size roll in proper bun with no lettuce. I went on a Thursday just after Memorial Day, so there were no crowds at lunch time. Beer was 4 bucks for 16 oz, and generous crab roll was $9.95. I liked the place, but will not return on weekends during high season. I had low expectations, since Boothbay is very touristy. I was pleasantly surprised.
