About
For a no-frills, off-the-boat-fresh seafood dining experience, make a beeline for Young's Lobster Pound. And when we say fresh, we're not using hyperbole. This Belfast hotspot is a working waterfront where fishermen unload lobster at the dock, and workers immediately put them into Young's 30,000 lb. capacity tanks. The food is that fresh!
The restaurant operates as a classic New England seafood pound. You walk in, look over the tanks of live lobster, point to the one you want, and the chefs cook it fresh. The straightforward approach is honest and rooted in the traditions used for generations.
Since the 1930s, this family-run business has been providing a renowned dock-and-dine dining experience. Such longevity means that locals plan their summers around it, and returning travelers often make it a traditional stop on any trip up Route 1.
Aside from lobster, the menu features fresh mussels, scallops, shrimp, haddock, crab, and oysters. For those who don't prefer seafood, you can order a hot dog or a chicken sandwich.
The seafood restaurant's central location makes it easy to add a lobster meal to your sightseeing itinerary. For instance, after strolling the picturesque Belfast Harbor Walk, take the short drive across the Passagassawakeag River to Young's.
When seeking to dine like Mainers, head to Young's Lobster Pound, where there's no pretense, no fuss, and no shortcuts on freshness.
Vibe
You know you've found the Real McCoy when you pull off Acadia Highway and follow a side road to the waterfront. Here, a parking lot and dock greet you, along with the two-story red and white restaurant.
Step inside, and the practical, no-frills character continues. Large tanks of live lobster and fresh-caught seafood surround the kitchen area, while the walk-up counter makes ordering easy-peasy.
The decor features Maine nautical colors and memorabilia, while seating is at wooden picnic tables. The open-concept layout features upstairs seating, but most diners opt to eat outside at the picnic tables to enjoy the bay views.
This easygoing, harbor-front ambiance captures the heart of Midcoast living, making it a must when seeking an authentic taste of Maine.
Young's Lobster Pound: Menu & Drinks
As we alluded to at the start, this is not the place to visit if you don't love seafood! But with its laid-back vibe, you could probably bring in an outside meal for that certain someone while everyone else gorges on lobster!
If there is one item that travelers rave about again and again, it's the whole steamed lobster. Part of the fun and thrill is choosing the lobster from the tank, having it weighed, and cooked to order. For those who are famished (and die-hard lobster lovers), you can't beat the twin lobster dinner.
Also noteworthy are the steamed clams, mussels, and shrimp dinners. The haddock dinner and sandwich are popular, as are the crab cake dinner and sandwich, and the clam chowder. Regarding soups, the lobster stew is a winner, with its rich, buttery broth and generous lobster meat.
Beyond those standouts, the Bucket List for 2 is ideal for couples and groups alike. It features steamers, mussels, lobster, and a few extras, such as oysters and shrimp. Add the corn and toss in some sides, and you have a seafood feast.
All dinners come with chips and pickles, but you can add additional sides like corn, potato salad, and coleslaw for an additional cost.
The beverage selection is limited to a soda fountain and water, and no beer or wine. But fret not! Young's Lobster Pound encourages diners to BYOB and enjoy on-site. So plan to bring your bottle of wine or beers to enjoy with your seafood.
As its sign advertises, the restaurant is an authentic "dock and dine" eatery. Here, fresh-off-the-dock seafood, harbor views, and a low-key vibe await your Maine vacation.
Local Tips
- Yes, to reiterate, you can bring a cooler with drinks and adult beverages!
- Catering, wholesale, and shipping are available.
- Check their social media for specials and updated hours.
- Choose the upper deck for the best breeze and harbor views.
