Beal's Lobster Pier
Reviews
My mother and I have been traveling to Maine for the better half of a decade now. The first few years she went to Maine, she always suggested Thurston's Lobster Pound. The first year I went with her, we stayed in Southwest Harbor, so just taking a drive around we found Beal's. We ate there and were so incredibly happy with every aspect of it. Yes, the view is simple, your food is served on styrofoam, etc. But absolutely NONE of that impacted my experience here! I liked the fact that we were eating at what looked to be a working harbor. It added to the charm! Now as for the food, OH MY GOSH! Delicious! My mother and I ate there basically every day. One evening we went to Thurston's instead, and man were we disappointed. Thurston's in no way compares Beal's. The next day, we went back to Beal's and I had 2lbs of mussels, a 4.2lb lobster, french fries, and a milkshake (and that was just MY meal, not my mom's!) Go to Beal's. It's great food for a great price with a great look at REAL Maine.
Lobster was cooked perfect. The best thing was that even though we did not purchase lobster to ship from them, they did sell us everything else we needed. Very helpful and nice. Thats what I love about MDI everyone is so nice.
You're CRAZY if you go for lobster anywhere else within a radius of 50 miles. We've been there a couple of times, and the food was served promptly (allowing for the fact that it's NOT a McDonalds!). The staff was very professional and friendly (none of that insinuated - or worse - "you're from away" crap that is one of the few annoying things about going to Maine). The waterside view, granted isn't that great. If you want that, then go over to Deer Isle and visit Stonington, which has a lovely harbor.
Gear lobster if you are in the area, better than what we sampled in bar harbor. Casual atmosphere, but clean. Pretty harbor views. Overall, a nice quiet place away from the tourism of bar harbor.
Awesome softshell lobster but bring a jacket due to open air dining and there is always wind.
