McLaughlin's Lobster Shack

I've been going to this restaurant since the 70's. From the old Lobster Pound named restaurant, inside and outside, the food is the most consistent in all of Maine. I can't say enough about this family establishment. My parents brought me here as a kid. I brought my kids here for years now. This year, I brought my young grandson for the next generation. Notably the favorites are the fried scallops which are the best ever. The steamed clams are unmatched and scrumptious. The whole belly clam Chowder is the best ever. And let's not forget about the best onion rings ever. Lobster stew and fish Chowder are insanely delish also amongst several other menu items. There's so much more to list. I recommend this place whole heartedly. I go here every chance I get. You will not be disappointed. Support this business! And thank you for being my go to seafood place all of these years! 5.0 all the way! I wish I could score higher.

Food: 5

This was our first visit and probably our last. Maybe it was an off night, but service was quite slow and our food was a bit overcooked and not impressive for the typically, high price for coastal seafood.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 3

Tables with dirty dishes on them never cleared for our entire meal. Otherwise good!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

This place is amazing!
The food and the staff are wonderful!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Excellent food and friendly staff.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great experience and view!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great, family owned lobster shack. If you like steamed whole lobsters, this is the place.
Steamers, whole belly clams, fried scallops, all excellent.
Will eat here every time I’m in town!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Do not stop here. We tried to go for lunch today. There was a sign when you stepped inside that said take a menu and seat yourself. We did as told, all the seats downstairs were taken so we went upstairs and took a table next to another couple that also had menus. After about 2 minutes at the table a waitress came over and said “you can’t sit at these tables that is why they were roped off”, the other couple turned and looked and I said “oh, we did not remove any rope, it was not up when we got here two minutes ago”. She then let out a huge exasperated huff and said “fine, just stay here!” Two minutes after that a very agitated man came out said “we roped this off for a reason, we won’t server you here”. Again I said “ we did not remove any rope” he told us to leave the area. I would have understood but he was SO RUDE and accusatory, he should not be working with the public!!

Service: 1

We stopped here for clam chowder and were really disappointed. It tasted really fishy. Spent $50 on two cups and a bowl of clam chowder we couldn’t eat. Great views on second floor and cool building. Just have a beer and eat elsewhere.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 3

Quick stop for lunch. Food and service were good.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Fried Clams and Lobster

The lobster role is AMAZING!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is by far the best lobster in the area. Went there twice in 5 days, family ordered, lobsters, steamers, fried clams, blackened haddock tacos and fish chowder. All of it was excellent. Service is great and it's family owned- and it shows!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Scallops and Prime Rib special were very special. Try the onion rings!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We went in for lunch, where you order at the bar and the food is delivered to your table. The staff was perfectly pleasant and a great addition to the overall experience.

The chowder style is more of a milk and butter base. I prefer a thicker, creamy base- but to each their own. The clam chowder was full of whole belly clams. My fried scallop basket was also good.

Opportunity lied with my wife's fried clams. The batter needs seasoning. It was very bland. She ordered the lobster stew as well which was solid, but I prefer a richer tasting stew. Again, to each their own. I would recommend giving it a try for lunch or dinner!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Some of the best fried clams I have ever eaten.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5