Beal’s Lobster Pier

Lines are long, drinks are strong, and the sunsets are spectacular. 

Beal’s Lobster Pier is one of the premier lobster destinations in Maine. That’s not a phrase uttered lightly in a state known as the go-to destination for the most popular crustacean in the world. A visit to Beal’s takes you to a working lobster pier in Maine’s Southwest Harbor, located on the (yes, south west) tip of Mount Desert Island. While the popular Bar Harbor looms large on island’s opposite corner, the productive nature of Southwest Harbor lends a special scenery for any meal, authentic and away from the large summer crowds.  

What To Order

For food, the lobster roll is the best we had on all of MDI on our annual Fourth of July week pilgrimage. Their Traditional roll is hot, buttered, and delicious; filled to the brim with plump lobster meat. Though, our personal preference doesn’t’ necessarily have to be yours. They offer rolls in the classic format (cold, with a touch of mayo), rolls with cucumber, dill, and mayo (Centennial), and rolls for garlic lovers, or spicy buffalo anti-purists. The main event for many, however, is their Lobster by the pound. If you’re looking to crack one open while visiting Acadia National Park, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better place to do it than at the dock at Beal’s. In fact, it’s so popular you can order online, straight to your home. Their Local Halibut Tacos were truly a standout as well. 

Lines can get long around peak dining times, but don’t shy away from a wait — it’ll be worth it.  Instead, grab a cocktail from the bar and hang your legs over the back dock while the boats come-and-go, grabbing carry out for dinner on deck.