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Lobster pounds in central Maine - what to expect price wise?

Lobster pounds in central Maine - what to expect price wise?

Old Feb 7th, 2007, 03:29 PM
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Lobster pounds in central Maine - what to expect price wise?

Being from the upper Midwest, where lobster is a huge splurge, DH and I want to eat lots of lobster at the casual picnic table lobster pound places when we visit Maine in September.

Out of curiosity, about how much does a lobster dinner generally run?

Is there any lobster pound etiquette we should be aware of?
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Old Feb 7th, 2007, 03:43 PM
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prices continually change. if it's all about the lobster for you, have it steamed fresh at the local grocers and enjoy it at the beach or picnic area nearby.
 
Old Feb 7th, 2007, 03:49 PM
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We found that lobster in Maine (even on the coast) isn't much less expensive than anywhere else in the States. It's more ubiquitous, but seemed to cost about the same. (And as the previous poster said, the prices fluctuate.)
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Old Feb 7th, 2007, 04:15 PM
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Where in Maine will you be traveling? Red’s Eats in Wiscasset my favorite place for lobster rolls...and even then they cost $15-$20 per person (but oh so worth it).

(P.S. Go Pack!)
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Old Feb 7th, 2007, 05:35 PM
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The weathervane chain sometimes has a twin lobster deal for about $20...they are small but good and they sell so many that they are always FRESH. Other places we've paid $15-$20 per lobster to eat it out on a picnic table, sides cost extra.
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Old Feb 7th, 2007, 06:34 PM
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howdy happycheesehead, a well known spot near ogunguit (in perkins cove) is barnacle billy's. they list the following from last season.
1 - 1/4 lb. - 19.95 (Hard Shell)
1 - 1/2 lb. - 23.95 (Hard Shell)
1 - 3/4 lb. - 27.95 (Hard Shell)
Two - lb. - 31.95 (Hard Shell)
probably comes with slaw, a roll & fries.
they will be less in the smaller places.
and yes they are everywhere - even macdonalds does a lobster salad sandwich in summer.
i think they were 8.95 in the grocery when i looked last -not cooked. (i live in maine)
re etiquette: yes! wear old clothes. eat with your fingers. expect butter to run down your chin. you do not have to eat the roe, but my dad does.
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Old Feb 8th, 2007, 03:00 AM
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At the dock side type places you usually get lobster plus a bag of chips or maybe a roll. A 1 1/4 lb lobster makes picking out the last bit of meat from the body (around the leg joints) worthwhile. With a larger lobster you might get some slivers of meat out of the legs. A really good place also has great homemade pies. We alternate lunches of lobster roll plus onion rings with steamed lobster. At larger, but casual places, you might see families bring table cloths, side dishes, etc but for the most part picnic table eating is very casual and simple. Our favorite place is Waterman's Beach near Rockland and we head to the tables next to the water. Wear sunglasses and hats. A covered porch is available in the rear but the view by the water is best. I saw a twin lobster special at Estes in South Harpswell (go to Brunswick and head east). It's a large casual place with either picnic table or inside dining and a larger menu. We found the best prices and meals to be in smaller locations. We didn't enjoy the higher prices and skimpier roll at a place near Boothbay. It was mobbed, too. Part of the fun is discovering a place that no one has mentioned. Red's gets mixed reviews and despite spending a week in Wiscasset we were usually off exploring at lunch time and eating at the campground at supper so we missed eating at this landmark.
We've tried including cole slaw or other side dish as part of our lobster meal but mostly we just have lobster. If no pie available then a later stop for ice cream.
Whenever I've had a lobster roll at a place like McDonald's or DiAngelos, I've been disappointed because the taste just isn't there. There's a big difference between freshly picked meat and something that probably came out of a can. I agree though that the supermarket steamed lobsters are a great deal if you want to picnic back at your hotel room.
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Old Feb 8th, 2007, 04:55 AM
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When we were in Maine I was surprised that lobster was no cheaper there than at home. However, very, very good at the pounds. My favorite was the on in Ogunguit in Perkins Cove: Barnacle Billy's mentioned above. There is a trail that you can walk that hugs the water and leads you to the Pound. Virginia, is the name Marginal Way? Makes for a lovely afternoon!
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Old Feb 8th, 2007, 06:02 AM
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Barnicle bill's is on eof the more expensive places that I've found in Maine. But I like the atmosphere so it makes up for the extra 3-4 dollars per lobster.

AT a local place in NH called Brown's the last time we had lobster there I believe it was 9.95/lb for 1 1/4-1 1/2lbers.

Last summer we paid $5lb for uncooked right off the boat. Walked home, popped them into the pot and we were enjoying the freshest lobster ever within the half hour. Can't wait to go back.
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Old Feb 8th, 2007, 06:05 AM
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cd - yes marginal way is the path in ogunquit. i have never done the walk though.
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Old Feb 8th, 2007, 09:44 AM
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What great information!! Thanks for answering in such detail.

I never would have guessed that lobsters could be purchased and cooked at a grocery store for take away eating. DH and I have a roast chicken "room picnic" tradition for each trip - I think cooked lobster will fit the bill nicely for this trip.

The prices are a bit higher than I imagined they would be (except the grocery store $9 and off the boat prices - wow - $5 a pound!) but, happily, they still are way cheaper than here, so I will be able to spring for the onion rings too.

We will keep our eyes out for some little places -that hopefully have PIE and don't mind the chin butter -as we go along. I have written down a bunch of names already too.

We are spending a week, 2 nights "downeast" of Bar Harbor, 3 nights Camden, and two nights (TBD) south of Portland - maybe Kennebunkport (or Ogunguit!) so should be able to hit the high spots.

Thanks again - I just love Fodorites!

(P.S. - I am thrilled that Brett is coming back!)
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Old Feb 8th, 2007, 09:53 AM
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Don't forget breakfast. Many places in Maine serve lobster eggs Benedict.
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Old Feb 8th, 2007, 11:04 AM
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Where downeast of Bar Harbor will you be? There are some inexpensive lobster pounds near Bar Harbor and Ellsworth.
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Old Feb 8th, 2007, 01:06 PM
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Seriously. Lobster Eggs Benedict? Wish I could do the cyber equivalent of the Homer Simpson doughnut moan.

Bennnie - I don't have the downeast location picked out yet. I was going to stay in Bar Harbor but think I might find it to crowded as it would be the two nights before Labor Day weekend. Do you have any town or B&B suggestions for me for two nights along with Lobster Pound places??
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Old Feb 8th, 2007, 02:14 PM
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For those who buy live lobsters in tanks far from the East Coast, this bit of information might be helpful. Once they are captured, rubber-banded, and placed in a tank, they no longer eat. So in a day or two or three without food, your lobster will be the "shell" of its former self.
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