arewethereyet2

We're planning a trip from LA for a couple of days in Boston and a couple days in Southern Maine (still looking for a place to stay there). Every time I find a referral for a good lobster place, I find that it won't be open yet for the season! Can I get some good ideas for places that will be wonderful and not too pricey? We're considering staying around York, Ogunquit area.

djkbooks

There will be plenty of restaurants open serving lobster (watch for signs with prices, 2-for-1 specials, etc.), especially on Route 1. Lobster prices are fairly low right now. It's just the lobster pounds that won't be open.

Be sure to pick up free literature everywhere you see it and look for ads and coupons.

If you have a choice, steamed is better than boiled (waterlogged). Baked stuffed is not usually worth the extra, especially if you don't care for their stuffing.

Purists order only steamed lobster with drawn butter and lobster rolls with the meat bathed in butter on a toasted roll (no mayo, celery, etc.).

You may want to stop in Newburyport, Salem, Glouceser, MA or Portsmouth, NH, along the way for lunch or dinner, as the restaurants in those places are year-round.

If you'll be in Ogunquit, check for places open in Perkins Cove, a delightful place to enjoy lobster.

dfrostnh

Lobster is frequently discussed on Chowhound. Recently Dimillo's in Portland was suggested as decent for this time of year. On your way north, there are two places in Seabrook NH that are the basic paper plates, on the water, catering to crowds kind of place - Brown's and Markey's. My friend prefers Markey's. A website for Brown's says they are open Fri-Sunday right now. They're across the road from each other. If you get desperate, the Weathervane chain has several locations. The wonderful places are usually the unheated shacks with picnic tables that aren't open yet. DJBooks made a good suggestion, pick up the local paper to find a local restaurant that doesn't have a website nor is hugely popular. Not being hugely popular is usually a good thing. Since lobster can be messy, we prefer the shacks and sitting outdoors. If you are really really desperate, most large grocery stores have lobster tanks and will steam them for you. The price is very reasonable (steaming is free). Bring something to melt butter in a hotel room and lots of napkins. Traditionally lobster shacks only give you a roll or maybe a bag of chips and a small side of coleslaw so you don't need to buy anything else. Of course, your hotel room will stink but sometimes we have to make sacrifices.

RumRita

When are you going? Ogunquit Lobster Pound, very traditional-choose your own lobster and they they steam it for you opens, April 2 - weekends only though. Barnacle Billy's in Perkins Cove (Ogunquit)opens April 9th. It's a bit more refined, good lobster, lobster rolls and clam chowder with great views of the cove and a fireplace. Billy's Chowder House in Wells, is not quite as scenic, but still good food, is open daily year round.

seascaperi

Barnacle Billy's in Perkins Cove is a great place for lobster. Theyn open for the season on April 9th. Perkins Cove is located in the town of Ogunquit. Check the Chamber of Commerce in Ogunquit for more information and places to stay.

arewethereyet2

Thanks so much! That's just what I needed to know. The only other time we were in Maine we sat outside at a dock at Boothbay Harbor and ate our lobster. I guess we can't replicate that experience this time, but we are SO looking forward to returning!

vamoodys

The Lobster Shack at Two Lights (Cape Elizabeth) opens for the season on March 27. Great food, and the view can't be beat. Fun rocks to scramble over too, when you're done with your meal.

vamoodys

Whoops -- the 27th was yesterday. So the Two Lights Lobster Shack is open now! This is especially convenient if you're going to be heading to the Portland Head Light (also in Cape Elizabeth).