Cook's Lobster & Ale House

Lobster BLT was very good. Also ordered the captains diner. Only complaint was that the larger clams were just shy of fully cooked. Rest of the meal was great. When the waitress came to clear table and give us the check I told her about the clams. Not so much to complain, but just to give the kitchen a heads up. Came back and discounted meal and appreciated the understanding. Food was fresh and clams were clean. Will highly recommend!

We had a large party, 15, and the goat of our group chose Cook's Lobster and Ale House, on Bailey Island, and what a great choice! The first outstanding point was the help. Our group did not hold back with eating and drinking. The children were nicely accomodated, and the cleanup was...well, we are grateful for the VERY kind server! How could you not love those fresh large lobsters. Sweet, not at all tough. The 3 lb-er took more than one person. My fish and chips was the best of our trip, abs the clam chowder was also excellent, a bit different with some nice spice and little pieces of veggies, very subtle but definitely added. The atmosphere was great, both inside and out. The restaurant is very comfortable and views from inside are good. Outside, you see the many small islands and small inlets that serve the fishing community.
If you are anywhere near Cook's, you must go!

Amazing food.

This is a nice, casual place with great views. It's not at all fancy, and the decor feels like it's probably been the same for decades - but it's charming in a lived-in kind of way. There's a bit of outdoor seating that's great on warmer days, and prices are quite reasonable. Food quality has been consistently good across our 20+ visits, and service is nearly always friendly and capable.

My one and only complaint here is that some rotation on the vegetarian options would be nice (especially something like a Beyond or Impossible burger instead of the chunky bean burger thing they have on offer). An adult grilled cheese or some lobster-free pasta would be great. The Brussels sprouts are amazing, though. Yes, it's a seafood place and most people will be looking for seafood - but when you dine in groups, entire restaurants get ruled out by the person with the most restrictions or fewest options on the menu.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We have always loved going to Cook's. It is always a staple for us when we go to Bailey Island.

Last night we had our purposal down at the Island and got to celebrate dinner at the restaurant.

The restaurant gifted us two glasses of wine on the house in celebration of our purposal. It's little things like this that really makes this place special.

We always have had nothing but the best food and service at the restaurant. We never once have had a complaint while being here.

We look forward to coming again and again!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fantastic food and drinks. Accommodated a party of 10 with 2 toddlers super well. Lobster Mac n cheese is yuge.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Stepping back into time Cook's is an experience that both locals and summer visitors enjoy.

We had the pleasure of dining in the week before the holiday weekend and all of the summer tourists started to arrive but the restaurant was still bustling.

And I'm writing this review because it was at Cook's that I had the best, and I do mean the BEST, lobster roll in my life. I've had many, but none where the lobster was so sweet, so tender. I had the Jumbo buttered roll (twice the meat of the regularly roll) and there was SO much lobster in it. Yes, it was outrageously expensive $($72) but that's lobster in Maine these days. Regardless of price, it was worth it!

My wife had the slightly less expensive lobster saute (she indicates that it was at least a stick of butter that was in the skillet) and likewise it was outstanding. Kudos to the cooks, the lobstermen who went out in the morning to bring in this delicious catch, and the poor crustacean who sacrified his life so that we could enjoy his/her contribution.

And the service, it goes without saying, was prompt, oh so courteous, and delightful.

You have to go here if you want a taste of Maine seafood.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We have been to Cook’s Lovster House many times over the years. Went before new owners from Vt. ( We live in Shelburne VT)
For years, we enjoyed delicious steak and fabulous lobster. About three years ago, we had an experience - the steak was very expensive and extremely tough and disgusting!! As much as we wanted to support the new owners from Vermont and we loved the location, we decided not to go there again.
We were in Maine for our usual May trip and decision to give it another try today. My husband ordered a 2 pound lobster and was told it would be $60. I order a hamburger because there’s not a lot for people who don’t eat seafood which I get. My hamburger which I ordered medium well was well done and was not good quality beef.
I would’ve been OK with that as my husband absolutely loves lobster and has eaten it so many times in his life! The lobster that he ordered was extremely stringy and not good! We were also charged $70 not $60 which is so absolutely not OK! We will never return there and I would highly recommend what someone else said drive up, have a nice look around the parking lot at the beautiful scenery and go to a restaurant that actually cares that the people who eat their like their food.! So disappointed in this Maine experience, they should be ashamed of themselves.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 2

Great selection of seafood, perfectly prepared, not overcooked. Friendly staff, very good location. Highly recommended.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Went in to order, no one came to our table for 15 min so just walked out not busy, is you can't wait on type table get more help

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

While I’m not one to give a bad review, especially for COOKS, we were really dissatisfied. We ordered a takeout fish basket for my husband and I to share as a snack. Not only did we get 6 small pieces of fried fish in thick batter, it was soaked in oil, such that I had to take off the batter just to eat what turned out to be 6 small pieces of fish and no fries. The batter also was very dark like it was almost burnt. The person taking the order asked my husband if he wanted fries and he said no because he thought that was extra. She should have said they came with the meal. And, to boot, it cost $32. Unbelievable. We have eaten here with family many times including times we had takeout, and never had this kind of experience. Very disappointed.

Food: 1

Service: 5

Incredible bartenders (Kevin, John, Jess)
Great food
Wonderful location
Cannot say enough good things about this place. To me, it's best in the off season. But you will find me here any time of year.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Had a wonderful birthday celebration meal for my husband. Everyone had something different with no complaints. Waitstaff were very nice and fodd was delicious along with great drinks. Highly recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Went with family to eat lunch on Saturday April 25th.

Restaurant atmosphere was great, and my mom and aunt both got hamburgers, which they raved about. Service was OK, but not noteworthy.

I got the lobster roll, which was $38.00 in the off-season, so pretty high. The problem was that the roll was over half-full of lettuce, which I have never had before in all the places or times I have gotten lobster rolls. There was not much meat on top of the lettuce, and it was not flavorful, or worth it given the roll was stuffed with very stringy lettuce.

If you're going for the lobster roll, I would skip this one.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 3

This place is classic Maine seafood. The breading is light. The chowder is probably the best in NE... Fresh, homemade, loaded...
My fish sandwich was excellent. The clam basket my wife had was perfect. Cooks is out of the way... Like way way off the beaten path but well worth the trip. So, if you're looking for real, fresh traditional NE Seafood I recommend Cooks. It's always good. It's worth the special effort and it will keep you away from the over rated places in Portland. Enjoy!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5