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Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound
Categories: Food Specialty Food Seafood Markets Restaurants Seafood Seafood Markets, Seafood [Edit]
1237 Bar Harbor RoadTrenton, ME 04605
(207) 667-2977
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 8 am - 8 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
57 reviews for Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound
Review Highlights
"Oh and the fresh, homemade blueberry pie a la mode def hit..."
(in 12 reviews)
"...after spending time in Acadia - it's absolutely the best."
(in 8 reviews)
"Their lobsters were cooked to perfection."
(in 5 reviews)
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57 reviews in English
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Review from Eileen S.
Philadelphia, PA
10/7/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Lobster cooked to perfection.
The slight saltiness of the sea water comes through and the texture of the perfectly cooked lobster will have you in lala-land from first bite. Come prepared to get messy and without regard for how barbaric you may appear to the people sitting at the tables nearby.
Don't forget to order some of that corn on the cob too. Very sweet and delicious.
TIP: sink inside is a good place to wash up afterwards. -
Review from Rita L.
Manhattan, NY
8/27/2011
On my first day to Bar Harbor, Maine I yelped lobster pounds and one of the top rated ones was the Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound. I got two 1.25lb hard shell lobster and a 1lb soft shell lobster, along with sides of corn and coleslaw.
First off, the hard shell lobster was JUICY AND MEATY. Do not get the soft shell if you are looking for more meat. I recommend the hard shell lobster. Looking around me, there was one family that got a $300 or possibly more of a dinner. My mouth was watering just eyeing my own dinner.
I also ordered the lobster bisque, which was NOT GOOD. There was of course, lobster meat, but the soup itself was not good. It tasted like cream only, and nothing else. I do not recommend the lobster bisque. BYOB if you wish.
We ended the dinner with some blueberry pie which comes with vanilla ice cream. OMG, the blueberry pie was hot and went well with the vanilla ice cream.
This is by far the BEST and NUMBER ONE lobster pound that I have been to in Maine. The delicacy of the meat is indescribable, it has so much flavor. But if you want cheaper lobsters, head to Lunt's Lobster Pound, which is a three minute drive away. -
Review from Caitlin G.
Boston, MA
8/22/2011
A-mazing.
My family and I have been coming here for over 20 years, and it's never been a letdown. They perfectly cook their lobsters in fresh seawater -- what more could you ask for? It's right on Route 1A/3 on the way to Bar Harbor and Acadia so Trenton can get mobbed at dinner and lunchtime, so you can expect a wait occasionally. But it's so worth it. The clams, coleslaw, everything is perfectly prepared. The inside always looks clean and neat as a pin, which is no small feat considering it's a high-traffic lobster pound. It's a family-owned business that really knows their stuff.
I always look forward to coming back here every summer. -
Review from Lani H.
Cheltenham, PA
8/2/2011
If I were a bigger lobster fan I would give this place five stars. We ate here three times over the course of one week, this says a lot.
Boiled in sea water, cooked just right, the taste is perfect as is. Imagine how much better it would be with some hot chili sauce (I am talking about soy sauce and hot chili peppers or fish sauce and hot chili pepper).
The first time, I got a two pound female, it was a lot of lobster and roe. Second and third time, I went with a one pounder, it was just right. Others in my party did not agree, they stayed with two plus.
Do also try the corn, it is buttery and sweet, so good.
Public service message: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially if you plan on goring at dusk. -
Review from Brian M.
Glenmoore, PA
8/12/2011
Seawater boiled lobster Mmmmmmm
Corn on the cob Mmmmmmm
Blueberry pie Mmmmmmm
Blueberry cake meh
Having to pay extra for butter, hot sauce or anything else irritating - 1 star! -
Review from Troy B.
Denver, CO
6/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
The lobsters we ate here were very tasty and juicy. They had a lot of meat in them. The clam chowder was warm and tasty (not overly salty) and the lobster roll, okay--it does not stand out much. The blueberry pie was ok, but not exceptionally great as one of the reviewer had described.
You order your food at the counter/cashier area, then you have to wait for your number to be called over the loud speaker. The lady who takes your order is no-nonsense. She asks what you want and you have to be prepared to tell her. This can be very intimidating when you come here for the first time.
They have a sink in the inner part of the restaurant where you can wash your hands before and after eatiing your lobster.
Prepare to spend when you come in here as the food is relatively expensive.
It's a popular place, so seating could be limited. -
Review from Todd O.
East Greenwich, RI
8/17/2011
Best steamed clams ever.
My wife and I also both got lobster salad sandwiches. Though we thought it would have been better in a roll, the lobster was perfect - just how it should be done. -
Review from Aris L.
Los Angeles, CA
6/26/2011
i love their lobster very much..it was very fresh..we can see them boil the lobster...the lobster sandwich was awesome..very friendly staff..
CONCLUSION = RECOMMENDED!! MUST TRY!! -
Review from Jomnarong L.
Newark, DE
8/3/2011
Go briefly, this is the best lobster on Earth.
I drive 10 hours to Acadia park and Trenton bridge lobster pound. Lobsters are huge. I had 2+ lb. and my wife got 1 3/4 lb lobster for our lunch. Clam chowder is also extraordinary and good for appetizer. Nice and spacious space with friendly staff. Order, choose your seat and wait until your number is called. You will never disappointed with this restaurant. -
Review from Aaron H.
Cheltenham, PA
So many lobster pounds in the Bar Harbor area, but none compare to this place. The lobster is never over cooked and is always cooked to perfection. Just break a piece off and then dip in a little butter is the best way to eat it. But be sure to get there early due to limited seating and bringing bug spray would be a good idea for evening dining.
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Review from Skip R.
Monticello, MS
7/19/2011 2 photos
Best thing I ever ate. 3 years ago I toured New England. On the way to Bar Harbor, we passed the Trenton Bridge lobster pound. Then we passed another pound. Since no one was outside the other place, we turned around and went back to Trenton Bridge where there was a huge line out the door. We parked about 200 yards down the roadside and walked up, prepared to wait. I guess we were in line for about 30 minutes before we were asked by the lobster guy what size we wanted. We told him we wanted big ones, and he picked 3 out and held them up for approval. We then proceeded to order blueberry pie and a coke and waited for a table. Luckily, we got one inside before our lobsters were ready. Being from the south, we have great, great seafood. But we don't have lobsters. Sure we have frozen lobster tails in supermarkets and we have Red Lobsters to eat at. But trust me...we were not prepared for what we were about to experience. Their lobsters were cooked to perfection. They were so moist and delicious. It was without a doubt the best food I have ever had. I think the 3 of us ate for close to $150, but it was worth it. I long for another trip to New England. Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound will be on the agenda, for sure.
Do yourself a favor and eat there for possibly the best meal of your life. -
Review from Pinkjadez Z.
Philadelphia, PA
8/1/2011
This lobster pound was not only recommended by yelpers...a few locals inside the walmart also recommended this awesome place... don't wear anything nice actually a long sleeved t-shirt and pants is what i would recommend since in door seating is limited and there are plenty of mosquitoes waiting outside to feast on flesh as well.. so come prepare so you can enjoy your lobster :)
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Review from Steve W.
Federal Way, WA
9/29/2011
Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound is the best unique experience we have had while visiting Maine - Going to a lobster pound is a "must do" and this one is the best. You pick from live lobsters and they cook while you wait - the setting is informal (picnic style) which adds to the wonderful experience. The owner takes your order and has been doing this for over 55 years! She showed me the box her grandmother made for her to stand on to use the cash register! We loved this place!
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Review from Veronica E.
Austin, TX
6/14/2011 4 photos
OMG!!! I love this place. If you live in ME or ever travel to Bar Harbor Acadia you must stop and eat a yummy lobster. It was my first experience at a Lobster Pound. When I chose my Mr. Lobster we had a moment, he looked at me while he was being weighed (I even pet him). I was feeling so bad... he came back bright red... Poor Mr. Lobster... But then.... My first bite was heaven. If I did not eat him some one else would have!
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Review from Elisabeth E.
Manhattan, NY
9/8/2011
Delicious succulent sweet lobster at a reasonable price. Expect long lines. You order at a counter from snippy people and they call your order number when it's ready. It smelled fishy inside so we ate outside -wooden picnic tables under a tarp. The place was packed with tourists and we went around 4 pm.
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Review from T.K M.
Jackson Heights, NY
8/15/2011
Lobster...lobster... and LOBSTER!
After a whole morning of tumbling on the deck of a whale watching ship, an exciting afternoon of kayaking, fully exposure to the harsh sun, and chased by playful and curious seals on the open ocean, we finally had the time and opportunity to do one of the things we originally wanted to do in Maine - eat lobster.
Stationed right off the highway and located right between Bar Harbor and Ellsworth, the town where our hotel was at, if it wasn't for the roll of long chimneys with giant boiling pots that constantly gave off white steams and the ridiculous long waiting line of customers, we would have easily mistaken this place for any regular restaurant. Warned ahead of time by my coworker about this placing closing early at 7:30pm, after the last activity of the day at Bar Harbor, we came straight to this place.
Upon seeing the restaurant, we were impressed, as it was packed with customers - its small private parking lot already full. Fortunately, we were able to find parking nearby. While getting close to the place, our attention were immediately captured by the roll of boiling giant pots fueled by blocks of firewood. Constantly, men patrolled these pots, adding firewood to burn, transferring the contends from one pot to another, or dumping nets of live lobsters to cook. When our curiosity was satisfied, we went ahead and took our position behind the long waiting line, hardly able to contain the excitement within our hearts. After about 15 minutes of waiting, as we were getting nearer, we were first given a small clip board menu to choose our lobster. The menu included choices of hard-shell, soft-shell lobster for big or small, sauces of cocktail, Tabasco or butter, other dishes such as clams and chowders, and deserts of blueberry pies and cakes. Marking the menu of what you need with a pencil was the first step. Then stopping at the right side of the counter, you were given the opportunity to see the live lobster you chose being weighted, marked with your call-number, and stuffed in to the cooking net right in front of you. We chose 4 giant hard shells, and a dozen of claims to feast. When this was done, we would then had to stop by the left side of the counter and hand in our marked menu to the cashier to pay. As it was a busy afternoon full of customers, the situation at the counter was a little "chaotic"....lol.
Anyway, the clams that we ordered came out faster than the lobsters, but since we wanted to enjoy everything together and to keep the clams warm, I asked the service-girls to hold off until the lobsters were ready. Finally, after many minutes of waiting our number was called announcing our lobsters were ready to pickup. Our lobsters along with our clams were perfect. The clams were delicious - each full of meat, tender and juicy, good with the clam juice or simply eat them plan. Our lobsters were cooked beautifully red from claws to tail, each weighing at least 3 pounds, super big. Later did we find out that my lobsters was the only male out of the four we chose. Before coming to this trip, one of my friend studied an you-tube clip on how to eat lobsters the correct way. Under his guidance, we first teared off the two claws, tipping the torn ends to our mouth and sucked the warm juices within - delicious with the taste of the freshness of sea. From there on, it was a cacophony of cracking shells, dipping meat in to sauces and stuffing them in to mouths with the occasional more sucking of juices. It was certainly more work than eating the clams. Since mine was the biggest lobster, one of its claw was so large and tough that i had to bring it back to the kitchen to ask the staffs to crack for me. Over all I enjoyed the meat from the claws the most, as they were firmer than the body. But every bite, dipped in warm butter, was like heaven in my mouth, especially when you top the meat with the lobster brain - beyond words. Of the sauces that we picked, I enjoyed the cocktail and the butter, but not the Tabasco, as it was too strong and overpowering, killing the sweet and fresh-sea taste of the lobster.
Eating at Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound was a great experience. An opportunity one should never miss when passing by Maine especially for lobster lovers. However, when dinning here, there was one thing you should look out for: they would charge you on everything, from a piece of lemon to every kind of sauces that were offered. But with wonderful food, this was just a minor setback...no? One more thing, if you don't like roe then stay away from the females - you can warn the cooks. Of the three females we bought, each of their body was filled with roe. But compare to fish, these were harder to chew and less tasty and took up a lot of weight at the scale. -
Review from matt z.
Boston, MA
10/9/2010
The lobster here was terrific. Even the precooked ones we ended up having were better than ones we had the previous day at some restaurant in town. It must be the seawater they purportedly boil them in.
That said, I think we wanted a freshly cooked lobster, but the place was so crowded and the protocol so confusing (and the staff so impatient in their limited English) we ended up ordering something we didn't want. And had to pay more for it. And she tried to overcharge us even beyond that.
And they nickel-and-dimed us for everything... be prepared to pay 80c for butter and other condiments, and pay for salads, and carbs, etc. By the end it wasn't quite as expensive as lobster in a restaurant, but more than I was expecting to pay since we were eating in a cold shack next to the pound, on gravel and picnic tables. Also note, there's porta-potties, so bring your hand sanitizer! -
Review from Lulu T.
Mmmm, mmmm, GOOD! My very first bite into these absolutely fresh and tasty lobsters was like eating lobster for the first time. It taste so uniquely different in terms of taste and texture. You have not had lobster until you have tried fresh Maine lobster. There's nothing that compares.
When you arrive, you are greeted with a staff member that will help you pick out your lobster, small, medium, large. They charge by the pound. If you like lobster roe, ask for a female lobster when you pick out your lobster.
Trenton's Lobster Pound is located conveniently on the main road into Bar Harbor, you can't miss it. They also serve a number of sides like corn on the cob, clams and stone crab claws. I didn't like the stone crab claws they served. Wait until you get to Florida to try stone crab claws.
We tried another lobster pound during our trip and ultimately came back to this place 2 other times because they cook it perfectly here. They also pack live lobsters for your trip home. The lobsters were still alive when we got it home. Amazing.
This place is no frills. There are benches available indoors and outside on a covered patio. -
Review from Jonathan L.
Bergen, NJ
8/22/2010
LOBSTER LOVER'S HEAVEN.
My wife and I went there for two days in a row.
My advice.
1. TAKE MOSQUITO REPELLENT. I cannot emphasize this more. I doused by feet, shirt, all exposed areas with OFF. When it got dark and when we brought the steaming lobsters on our table, swarms of mosquitoes descended. When they discovered that the lobsters were dead, they swarmed around more tender meat; moi.
Or even better, get there early. Get out before it gets dark. It takes about 20~25 minutes from the time you pick the bugs, pay for them and get them on your table. And it takes less than that to finish eating them. So you do the calculation.
They have indoor seating (limited), but it's not air conditioned. It was pretty hot inside.
2. Get the big bugs with hard shell.
No use in getting bugs that weigh less than 2 lbs. It's not worth the effort. The bigger the better. Instead of getting two or three 1 1/2 pounders, get two 2 1/2 pounders. The hard shell and larger bugs costs more, but only a few more dollars a pound. But there is so much more to eat. You've driven all this way and spent a lot of money on gas, might as well dole out a few more bucks to get the real lobster experience. We paid $48 for two 2 1/2 pounders. OMG. We were in heaven. My wife and I our 6 years old ate to our heart's content. Two days in a row.
Oh. BYOB or BYOW.
ENJOY. -
Review from Joe J.
Gilbert, AZ
10/5/2010
This is quite the lobster adventure and worth the drive. The place is located about 10 miles East of Bar Harbor and is just off of the island after you cross over the Trenton Bridge. It is a small cottage-like affair with a tented outdoor seating area (picnic tables) and more tables scattered under trees. A set of birch-fired lobster pots with smoke stacks are lined up outside in a brick counter.
Once inside, you select from the live lobster, which they weigh, bag, and send out to the lobster pots. Also available are lobster rolls, chowder, and side dishes. Hot sauce, drawn butter, and such are all extra. We ordered 2 x 2.5lb lobsters, potato salad, corn on the cob, lobster stew, and blueberry pie ($65 before tax, for four people). It is BYOB so we choose tea.
After a bit, our number was called and we dived into sweet succulent lobster. The stew was quite good, if a bit lacking in lobster meat. Potato salad was great and the corn on the cob was okay (cooked in sea water). We completely devoured each of the lobsters.
The Trenton Bridge Lobster Pond is a primitive, delicious experience. It is rare to be at a place where a live lobster is caught, held, cooked, and served. The difference that freshness makes is evident. The setting and "realness" of the place only amplifies the enjoyment. It is certainly worth a visit. Do bring your own beer or crisp white wine. -
Review from Evelyn C.
Alexandria, VA
6/6/2010
I absolutely love this place. Unfortunately, our trip to Maine ended before Trenton opened for the season. But that certainly did not stop us from getting our lobstah fix!
My sister called ahead just to make sure that they still did live pick up. When we got there later in the afternoon, there were several people telling us that they weren't opened yet. Whatever...we didn't listen to them. We knew that we wouldn't be expecting our lobsters to be cooked on premises.
We got four 1.5lb lobsters for about $40. All wrapped up in a brown paper bag and tucked away in the trunk of the car. Before we left, we made sure we got cooking instructions. The guy who expertly picked out our dinner gave us a slip with the simplest cooking directions: Bring lots of water to a boil, add salt, immerse lobsters, return to a boil...in 20 min....dinnah!
Let me tell you, I think it was the most satisfying dinner my husband had during our trip to Maine. Whether you eat there or are brave enough to cook your own...you can't go wrong with Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound! -
Review from Amanda K.
Phoenix, AZ
Updated - 10/7/2010 1 photo
Oh lord do I love this place. We came back again for our second Acadia trip, and ate there two nights out of three. I would have eaten there a third night if it didn't close Sundays.
The lobsters were amazing, fresh, sweet, out of this world good. And they stay so hot after steaming in the sea water, on top of a fire fueled by birch wood. The wood and sea water give the lobster such a fantastic aroma.
We got an order of steamers this time, and they were just perfect -- big, fat, and full of clammy briny goodness.
Even the fellas working the order line warm my heart now. Just don't forget what your assigned number was!
I wish I had a big enough stomach to eat everything on the menu -- I still haven't tried their chowder, or blueberry pie. But to be honest, if I could fit it, I'd just order a bigger lobster.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/1/2009
I am just in love with this place. It's so no-nonsense and simple, and the food is equally simple… Read more »
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Review from Jade H.
6/23/2010
All you need is the lobster.
They boil it in sea water so the saltiness and the minerals in the water adds to the delicious flavour of the sea bug. I did not feel the need for clarified butter, lemon or cocktail sauce (each small 3 oz package costed an extra 88 cents.) I also felt no need to eat the rather plain mayonaisse based salads (either potato or cole slaw for an extra 2 dollars and change.) The corn on the cob was boiled in the same water as the lobsters and tasted fantastic but 3 bucks for a cob?
Basically, you don't need anything but the lobster here. It was the main and most wonderful dish. I can't eat giant lobsters in NYC and thus having a lobster over 3 pounds was a delight. The larger the lobster means the larger the lobster nuggets and that is my favorite meat on the lobster. -
Review from Michael L.
Englewood Cliffs, NJ
8/31/2010 8 photos
A great place to go for a whole lobster and steamer clams. They use seawater to cook everything which flavors the food. Depending on the season, they usually give you the soft shelled lobsters. You can ask for a hard shell, but it'll be a little more expensive. The clam's are delicious steamed and usually ready within a few minutes. The lobsters will take a little longer, again cooked to perfection. I also got the potato salad instead of the coleslaw and enjoyed that as well.
If you're going to Bar Harbor/Acadia; I would recommend stopping off here to eat first instead of in town. -
Review from K M.
Fresh Meadows, NY
7/13/2011
A wonderful roadside hut serving deliciously fresh food. I love how it's very simple ingredients- fresh lobster boiled on the spot, pure butter, and sweet corn on the cob- and yet tasted like a gourmet meal. A bit pricey but definitely worth the experience. Be ready to pick your own live lobster (which they serve cooked or for take home), and get messy with your food. Was very grateful for the picnic style tables outside and the tin trays they served our meal in. Oh and the fresh, homemade blueberry pie a la mode def hit the spot at the end of our meal.
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Review from Shaun-mathieu S.
North Hollywood, CA
8/30/2009
Did you know that there are Vampires in Maine? I did not and I got bitten...let me elaborate. My friend Wendy and I ventured a little off Mount Desert Island and dined at the Trenton Lobster Pound, just over from Bar Harbor on the Trenton Bridge. This quaint lobster shack is housed in a white clapboard building, with most of the seating outside. Only about five or six tables are held within, and those were constantly packed. It was nice night out, so we chose to sit outdoors. Here's what I had.
Lobster - Rich and succulent, this little guy met his end in boiling salt water so that I could feast. Full of meat, I pried apart Fred (yes, I had to name him) like a monkey on a cupcake. The best lobster I had in Maine hands down.
Roll - Light, fluffy and big.
Potato Salad - I don't know why, but I feel that a potato side dish needs to be consumed with any Lobster. It just seems wrong if one chooses not to. Absolutely excellent, and the portion was generous.
We ordered our food and took our seats around 7:00. The restaurant closes at 7:30, which I thought was a little early. Once our food arrived, I understood completely why they close before nights shrouds the world. It was the Vampires. Or rather, Vampire-like Mosquitoes. They swarmed our faces and necks, drawing blood to feed their life force. It was AWFUL. We couldn't move inside because there were no seats available. We kept spraying repellent on ourselves throughout the meal. Wendy ran for the security of the car as soon as she finished, leaving me alone to finish disposing of Fred.
We were both bitten in several places. I do realize this is Maine in Summer , but something needs to be done about the mosquitoes. Our meal was essentially ruined due to this, and not relaxing at all. Now, despite our blood thirty dinner companions, this was still the best Lobster I had in Maine. The service here by everyone is topnotch, and the place is very New England. My advice to those coming here is either A) Sit inside if you can, or B) Come here in the day before the sun dies, otherwise you will be at the mercy of the Insect Nosferatu.Listed in: My Trip to Bar Harbor
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Review from Hideki K.
12/16/2008
Trenton Bridge is more touristy than local, and is a ways away (located on Acadia National Park, all the way up in the Northern part of Maine), but is well worth a day trip (check out Acadia and Bar Harbor afterwards).
This was the first place my merry lobstah seeking crew stopped off at in Aug 2007. We were forewarned about how Trenton Bridge is pricier than most Maine lobster shacks (still very cheap compared to NY), and how they charge for everything including the butter sauce.
The lobsters are very fresh, you get to watch them pick your critter and boil them in the outdoor salt water vats! The soft shelled lobsters were so sweet and delicious. The hard shelled suckers were impossible to crack open.Listed in: Best of Maine
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Review from Just M.
Colts Neck, NJ
6/25/2011
This is a typical lobster pound - great food, but don't expect any fancy establishment or any kind of service.
Their food deserves five stars - no questions asked. The lobsters are fresh and cooked to perfection. But their service is not only non-existent, they are just rude there. When you enter the shack, they expect you to rattle down your order. Don't even dare asking a question. Can be quite intimidating when you're new to the world of yummy lobster dinners. They also charge extra for every little thing you add - butter, corn, cole slaw. Additional charges for every little thing. We ended up paying around $75,- for three lobster dinners. And make sure you don't forget something when ordering - when we went back to get ONE additional paper plate for our kids, we had to argue with the disgruntled lady behind the counter.
Overall - five stars for the food, zero stars for the non-existing service, makes three stars overall. -
Review from Matt K.
Springfield, MO
6/23/2011
Ate here our first day in Maine. Great lobster and a good, simple atmosphere. The lobster is cooked over a fire in seawater. You can eat in the restaurant, but on a nice day you'll want to sit outside. The only catch is that everything is a la carte, even butter. It can get a bit costly.
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Review from Robert S.
7/26/2009 5 photos
TBLP was tied with another location for the best lobster we had on this trip. This place was the best lobster restaurant we tried in the Bar Harbor vicinity.
The lobster was totally fresh and the counter person was helpful in getting our order put together. I was not used to the ala carte ordering, but it seems to work for them. I preferred the regular lobster (not the soft shell) because the meat fills the shell and I think I am paying for lobster meat versus seawater inside the shell, and regular lobster was the only type of lobster they carried!
It does get crowded inside, but if it is raining or drizzling, there's not much choice. We ended up sharing a table with a couple from New Jersey.
I will push this restaurant as a great place for locals and for tourists. -
Review from CORINNE S.
Voorhees, NJ
10/23/2011
Wanted to try one of the lobster pounds while visiting Bar Harbor Me. It looked interesting from the outside as they were cooking the lobsters outside and they smelled great. The lobsters were overpriced compared to better restaurants so we ordered the lobster chowder and clam chowder. The first was milk and lobster with very few seasonings and pretty much tasteless. The clam chowder had very few clams and many many potatoes. It also had very few seasonings and was thin and watery. Both were overpriced and we needed another meal when we returned to our hotel
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Review from Serena R.
Jersey City, NJ
8/8/2010
My family has been going to this place for 14 years. We eat here every single night we're in town. No other lobster pound compares. The lobsters are always perfectly cooked and the staff is very friendly. The steamers and the blueberry cake are also very good.
It has become a lot more popular in the past few years but we've never had to wait more than 10 minutes for a table. If you plan on eating outside, BRING BUG SPRAY. -
Review from Judy C.
New York, NY
2/14/2009
I went to Bar Harbor, ME for short vacation, and eating lobster was definitely on my agenda. I read mixed reviews about TBLP (too tourist, great lobsters), so I thought that we should try it to decide for ourselves.
I have to admit that I didn't get the vibe that it was too touristy. Sure, there were tourists (myself including), but it wasn't like they were holding up the line. The staff was efficient in getting the orders (they help you decide how much you want to eat) and the sides to go with the order.
OMG! The lobster is one of the best lobsters I've ever had. It was juicy and fresh! With butter or lemon, it was simply finger-licking good!
Overall, a wonderful experience for me! If I go back to Bar Harbor again, then I'd definitely go back to TBLP for more! -
Review from Cathy C.
Brewer, ME
3/16/2010
Absolute tops in fresh, Maine lobster. When I moved to Maine, I tried about 30 or so different places in my quest for the perfect lobster and this place is it: The seafood is absolutely fresh fresh fresh and always delicious.
Just be warned: In the height of tourist season, this place is swamped! You may have to wait in line for up to 20 minutes just to order! But the wait is worth it. The only thing better is if you have the know how and ability to cook your own at home. -
Review from Kristin W.
Montclair, NJ
9/6/2007
So, there are tons to choose from, and we love Thurston's in Bernard, but I have to put in a word for the Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound. It's on Route 3, just before crossing over to MDI - it's on your right on the way to the Island.
There are the BEST crab sandwiches here. No, not rolls, sandwiches. They cost $12, but they are twice the size of rolls anywhere else. And SO GOOD. The Lobster stew also rocked, as did the clam chowder. From what I hear, the Lobsters were pretty great too.
Apparently, you can order lobster on-line and have it shipped. Certified Maine Lobster. :)
http://trentonbridgelo... -
Review from Critic E.
Fallbrook, CA
7/1/2010
Every time I visit Bar Harbor I have to stop at Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound. The last time when I arrived I had a 3 pound Lobster with all the trimmings, then the next day I ventured back for another 3 pounder for lunch. If I was there for a third day I would do it all over again. They are the best.
BYOB -
Review from Liz B.
Hartford, CT
6/22/2009
I would like to start out by saying that there are not enough stars in this solar system to award to Trenton Bridge. Because of this lobster pound, I can no longer eat lobster anywhere else.
What a wonderful little family-run place. Small and unassuming, Trenton Bridge is a gem in northern Maine. I have never gotten a vibe that it's super touristy; instead, from conversations I have had with various patrons it's often crowded with people who have been coming up to Maine every summer for their entire lives. I guess they wouldn't be considered locals, but certainly not the type who come to buy a 1-pounder and a keychain.
The beauty of Trenton Bridge is that they focus on the food, not marketing, not fancy dining amenities, and not kitsch souveniers. The lobster is succulent and delicious, the key to its taste being that it's boiled in salt water over a wood-burning stove. Try out the homemade blueberry pie if you still have room!
Trenton Bridge is warm and inviting, and because it's a family-run business, you can tell that great attention to detail is taken to make sure the place is run smoothly but also with great pride. This place is simplicity at its best. -
Review from Cindy H.
Mechanicsburg, PA
8/29/2011
Come on people. This place is awful. We ate here years ago and it was great. Ate here a couple of days ago. What happened. Food was terrible. Lobster stew awful. Tepid greasy bland milk with tough lobster. My daughter is still having nightmares about it. charged for butter. WHAT! The lobster is more expensive here than most restaurants. If I were you I would drive by the Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound!
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Review from PatMal J.
Brooklyn, NY
10/16/2010
We had the soft shell lobsters, blueberry pie, blueberry cake, clam chowder and lobster stew. This was our first time having lobster stew which seems to be a specialty of Mt. Desert Island. The soups were decent but we found better elsewhere. This is the only reason we removed a star. This first time having soft shell was not the sweet paradise promised. They were good, but we found a whole lot of salty seawater in the lobsters and less meat than in regular lobsters. For you novices like me, I thought they would be like soft shell crabs, you eat everything including the shell. Nope! But they were a whole lot easier to crack open. The corn on the cob was like eating dessert. It was so sweet! The seating is no frills, but clean. You can bring your own wine.
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Review from Chi N.
12/23/2008
first stop on the lobster expedition right before the bridge to acadia national park.
note:
female lobsters are smaller but juicier
male lobsters are bigger but meatier and firmer
pick ur crab... they weight it... and into the pot it goes...
eating grounds are outdoors so don't come when its raining!
