Bar Harbor, Maine is famous for its scenic beauty, Acadia National Park, and of course – lobster! As a popular summertime destination, Bar Harbor has no shortage of restaurants catering to tourists looking to enjoy a taste of this Maine delicacy. However, the spots frequented by locals offer an authentic, laid-back vibe and the freshest lobster in town.

As a Maine resident and seafood lover myself, I’ve compiled this list of my favorite places to savor lobster like a local in Bar Harbor. Whether you’re a visitor looking for an authentic experience or a resident in search of your new go-to lobster joint, you’ll find the inside scoop on where to indulge in the sweet, juicy meat we Mainers rave about.

Thurston’s Lobster Pound

Perched right on the water overlooking Frenchman Bay, Thurston’s has been a beloved local institution since 1968. This rustic, no frills lobster pound epitomizes the classic Maine summer experience. Order your lobster from the counter, find a picnic table on the deck, and crack into the tender, freshly-caught crustaceans.

I recommend getting the 2-pound lobster dinner with corn on the cob and coleslaw. Their lobsters are always plump and sweet – you can tell they come right off the boats! Thurston’s also has live lobster tanks so you can personally pick out the bug you want to eat. Don’t forget to save room for their homemade blueberry pie or whoopie pie for dessert.

Thurston’s is about a 10 minute drive north of downtown Bar Harbor. It gets busy in the summer, so aim to come mid-afternoon to avoid crowds. This is one of my all-time favorite lobster spots in the area for the incredible views, laid-back setting, and of course – the delicious, juicy lobster!

The Chart Room at The Claremont Hotel

For a more upscale lobster dining experience with outstanding views head to the Chart Room at the historic Claremont Hotel. This elegant restaurant situated right on the ocean has been serving lobster in Bar Harbor since 1884!

While pricier than the more casual lobster shacks, the Chart Room offers an extensive seafood-focused menu including a fantastic baked stuffed lobster. Their lobsters are local and always impressively sized. You really can’t beat dining on the wraparound oceanfront deck on a nice summer evening. Jacket and tie are required for gentlemen after 6pm, giving the Chart Room an upscale yet relaxed vibe.

In addition to lobster, I recommend their crab cakes, oysters, and delicious cocktails like the Dark & Stormy. While touristy, the Chart Room is still beloved by locals for special occasions and deservedly so given the incredible service and food. Reservations are recommended to secure an outdoor table overlooking Frenchman Bay.

The Fish House

For a great reasonably priced lobster roll in a casual setting, check out The Fish House right in downtown Bar Harbor. It’s an order-at-the-counter spot with picnic tables outside that’s popular with locals looking for good food without fuss.

You can’t go wrong with their lobster roll overflowing with fresh lobster meat lightly dressed in mayo and served on a toasted bun Get it with a cup of their addicting New England clam chowder,

While no frills you’ll leave happy with a belly full of delicious lobster at a great price-point compared to many other spots geared more towards tourists. The Fish House is open seasonally for lunch and dinner. I like to come in the late afternoon to enjoy my lobster roll al fresco by the harbor.

Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound

Venturing about 20 minutes outside Bar Harbor, Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound is a classic waterside lobster shack favored by locals in the know. Situated next to the scenic Mt. Desert Narrows bridge, this laidback BYOB joint serves lobster that’s absurdly fresh – we’re talking straight from the traps!

Order at the counter, find a picnic table with a view, and get ready for tender, sweet lobster that’s hard to beat. Their most popular option is the lazy man’s lobster which comes cracked and served with melted butter – no work required! It’s also fun to watch the lobster boats coming and going in the harbor.

Don’t forget to complete your feast with a slice of their blueberry cake made from a local family recipe. Trenton Bridge gets crowded so come on the earlier side if you can. This out-of-the-way spot offers quintessential Downeast lobster dining liked by locals and visitors savvy enough to make the scenic drive.

The Burning Tree

Last but not least is The Burning Tree, an easygoing restaurant and tavern nestled in the woods right outside Bar Harbor. What makes it stand out is that in addition to great food, craft beer, and cocktails, it has a fun outdoorsy vibe complete with a bocce ball court, horseshoe pit, and backyard bar.

The Burning Tree’s lobster options range from a classic Maine lobster roll to more creative fusion preparations like lobster tacos and garlic butter lobster pasta. I’m a fan of their “Cheater” lobster roll overflowing with chunks of lobster drizzled in a delicious Truff hot sauce.

The restaurant has a laidback welcoming atmosphere with guests encouraged to toss bean bags, play music, and mingle. It’s the perfect spot for an afternoon or evening of lobster plus drinks and games – a uniquely local Maine experience! The Burning Tree doesn’t accept reservations so I suggest arriving when they open if it’s peak season.

Key Takeaways for Enjoying Lobster Like a Local in Bar Harbor:

• Seek out classic lobster shacks and pounds like Thurston’s and Trenton Bridge for the freshest lobsters straight off the fishing boats. Going just outside town is often worth the scenic drive.

• Don’t be afraid to patronize spots with a touristy reputation – they’re still local favorites for good reason if the food is top-notch, like the Chart Room.

• Casual order-at-the-counter places like The Fish House offer tasty affordable lobster rolls without the fuss.

• For a unique Maine vibe paired with lobster, check out relaxed local hangouts like The Burning Tree where you can dine outdoors and play games.

• Go at off-peak times to avoid crowds and have a more relaxed, local experience. The lobster will taste even sweeter without the long wait!

The core advice is simply to ditch the tourist traps and come with an open mind. Bar Harbor has no shortage of spots for savoring the freshest, juiciest lobster – you just have to know where to look as a local. Follow this guide to discover the lobster joints in Bar Harbor with authentic character and taste loved by residents. Just don’t forget the drawn butter and lobster cracker!