We are flying into Portland, Maine in late August 2005. We will be driving to a B&B the next day in Camden, Maine. Can you suggest any reasonable restaurants for "fresh seafood"? We will be visiting Portland, Camden, and Bar Harbor. My fiancee is very picky because he grew up in Maine and remembers "mom" bringing home fresh lobster from where she worked as a waitress. We are not concerned abt the ambiance, just great prices. Thanks. dlm

Portland, Maine....phew! O

For the BEST lobster roll on the coast of Maine, drive through Blus Hill on the way from Camden to Bar Harbor and go to the Fish Net. Right at the junction of 172 and 176. Not much on atmosphere, but they do it right. They also do a good lobster dinner and the price is generally good. In Bar Harbor, I like the restaurant right down on the public dock. I think it's called the Wharf or Pier or something like that. The prices are not too bad and the food is good. There are also a couple of lobster pounds right before you get on to Mt. Desert Islands. They have big steaming pots of lobster right out front and picnic tables. Enjoy!

I presume you will have a car for your trip. Therefore, not to be missed for an old fashion, sweet, mouthwatering lobster is Thurman's down in Bass Harbor. A bit tricky to get to, but ask directions---it's known to everyone who likes lobster the way it should be cooked!

The lobsters are selling at a $6.99 a pound and on up. Still hard shell season.No fresh clams for steaming because of the red tide.Look for out of the way lobster shacks located in "working waterfront" villages.

Thanks so much for the info. I am new to Fodors "talk" and I am learning how to maneuver the website. doreenie/dlm

In Portland, check out J's Oyster Bar. If you're serious about 'nothing fancy', you'll be all set. They have the best grilled haddock sandwich ever! Trust me, I live here and eat there 2 - 3 times a month. They always have a lobster, steamers and corn on the cob special on the blackboard for a reasonable price. Be advised - they do not have a fryer so if fried seafood is what you're looking for, look elsewhere.