Finding the Best Deals on Maine Lobster

As a seafood lover and frequent visitor to Maine, I’m always on the hunt for the best places to buy fresh, delicious lobster on a budget. Lobster is synonymous with Maine and sampling it straight from the source is a quintessential New England experience. But lobster can also be pricey, especially for travelers watching their wallet.

Through extensive research (and eating!), I’ve uncovered some of the top spots for scoring cheap lobster in Maine without sacrificing quality. Keep reading to learn where to find the best lobster deals during your Maine getaway.

Hit the Docks in Portland

Portland is Maine’s top culinary destination, with a thriving restaurant scene centered around fresh local seafood. But for the best value on lobster, head straight to Portland’s working waterfront.

Commercial Street is lined with no-frills fishmongers and lobster pounds selling fresh-off-the-boat crustaceans Top picks include Harbor Fish Market and Browne Trading Market. You can get a 1-1.25 pound lobster for $10-15, often cheaper than many restaurants in town

Insider tip Time your lobster run for late morning when the boats have just come in with their overnight hauls You’ll have your pick of the catch!

Seek Out Seafood Shacks

Low-key seafood shacks are scattered along Maine’s craggy coastline, serving lobster rolls, bisques, and whole cooked lobsters at wallet-friendly prices. These seasonal spots are relaxed and casual, with picnic table seating and classic Maine charm.

Some of my favorites include Red’s Eats in Wiscasset, Five Islands Lobster Co near Bath, and Lynnie Lobster Shack in Bar Harbor. You can get a steamed lobster dinner with sides for $15-25 at most places. Go at off-peak times to avoid the biggest crowds.

Buy Direct from Co-Ops

To cut out the middleman, purchase lobsters straight from local fishermen co-ops. These are essentially seafood markets operated collectively by fishing crews.

The Pine Point Fishermen’s Co-op in Scarborough is one of the best. It’s located harbor-side so the lobsters are as fresh as can be. You can get soft-shell lobsters for just $5-7/lb here in peak summertime.

Time Your Trip Right

Lobster prices fluctuate based on supply and demand. To score the best value, visit Maine during summer months when lobsters are most plentiful. Locals know early summer is when coveted soft-shells appear as lobsters shed their shells to grow.

September is also a good bet. Kids are back in school so demand drops a bit, but there are still plenty of lobsters being caught. Avoid peak leaf peeping season in October when tourists flock to Maine and prices surge.

Shop End of Day Sales

Keep an eye out for end of day lobster deals at seafood markets and grocery stores. Often they’ll mark down unsold live lobsters by 30-50% rather than letting them go to waste.

I once found 1.25 pound hardshell lobsters for just $5 each shortly before closing time at a Hannaford’s supermarket. That was an incredible steal!

Order Online & Ship It

Several Maine companies like GetMaineLobster.com let you order fresh lobster online and ship it nationwide. This opens up access to Maine lobster at direct-from-the source prices no matter where you live.

It’s an awesome option for gifts too. I always ship a few lobsters to my parents for special occasions. Most online retailers offer seasonal promos, so search around for coupon codes to offset shipping costs.

Go for Lobster Rolls

Whole lobster dinners are primo, but lobster rolls can offer more bang for your buck. Good rolls pack plenty of sweet lobster meat into toasted buns, without the extra cost of sides and other frills.

Some top spots for loaded rolls under $15 include Bite into Maine in Cape Elizabeth, Red’s Eats again (their rolls are iconic!), and Coastal Maine Popcorn in York Beach. Get them to go for an easy beach snack.

Seek Out Happy Hours

Lobster appetizers, rolls, and tacos tend to dominate happy hour menus at Maine restaurants. Take advantage of half-priced or discounted deals in the late afternoon or before dinner. That’s when you’ll find the cheapest lobster if you want restaurant-prepared.

Check out Havana South in Portland, Barnacle Billy’s in Ogunquit, or Newcastle Publick House for good happy hour lobster specials.

Don’t Overlook Lobster Mac & Cheese

Lobster macaroni and cheese is a divine Maine staple. The lobster meat is often baked right into the creamy mac sauce. At $15-18 a plate, it’s usually cheaper than a whole lobster, but still lets you get your fix.

Eventide Oyster Co. in Portland makes a mouthwatering lobster mac that Food Network named one of the best versions nationwide. Put this on your must-try list for sure.

BYOB (Bring Your Own Bib!)

This last tip will help you get every last morsel of flesh out of those affordable Maine lobsters: come prepared with your own lobster bib! Many restaurants will provide them, but not all, and it’d be a shame to waste even a bite of these tasty crustaceans.

I like to pack a reusable neoprene bib in my suitcase for multitasking – beach picnic protection plus lobster dinner attire. You can find disposable and commemorative bibs in souvenir shops too if you want a keepsake.

Savor the Savory Seafood

Well, that wraps up my insider guide for savoring top-quality Maine lobster without breaking the bank. From seafood shacks to direct buying off the docks, you have ample options to indulge without overindulging your wallet.

Hopefully these tips help you strategize an affordable lobster feast during your next Maine trip. Get ready for the sweetest, most tender lobster you’ve ever tasted – it’s an absolute treat and true taste of Downeast cuisine at its finest!

Frequency of Entities:

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