Imagine a place where the aroma of freshly steamed lobster mingles with salty sea air, and your biggest worry is choosing between butter or mayo for your roll.
Welcome to Thurston’s Lobster Pound in Bernard, Maine!
Nestled on the picturesque coast of Mount Desert Island, Thurston’s Lobster Pound is a seafood lover’s paradise that’s been serving up some of the freshest catches in the state since 1993.
This isn’t just another run-of-the-mill seafood joint.
It’s a Maine institution that’s as much a part of the local landscape as the lobster boats bobbing in the harbor.
As you approach Thurston’s, you’ll notice its unassuming exterior – a weathered wooden building perched right on the water’s edge.
Don’t let the modest appearance fool you, though. This place is packing more flavor than a fisherman’s tale.
Step inside, and you’re immediately transported to a world where time seems to slow down, and the only thing that matters is what’s on your plate (and in your bib).
The interior is a testament to Maine’s rustic charm, with its vaulted wooden ceilings, exposed beams, and large windows that offer panoramic views of the working harbor.
It’s like dining in a cozy lighthouse, minus the vertigo-inducing spiral staircase.
The centerpiece of the dining area is a long, wooden bar that practically begs you to pull up a stool and stay awhile.
It’s the kind of place where you can easily strike up a conversation with a local fisherman or a fellow traveler, swapping stories over a cold beer and a steaming plate of seafood.
Speaking of seafood, let’s talk about the star of the show: the lobster.
Thurston’s takes pride in serving some of the freshest lobster you’ll find anywhere on the coast.
These aren’t just any lobsters; they’re the crème de la crème of crustaceans, plucked from the icy Maine waters and whisked straight to your plate faster than you can say “Pass the butter.”
The menu at Thurston’s is a seafood lover’s dream come true.
It’s written on large chalkboards hanging above the counter, giving the place a casual, no-frills vibe that perfectly matches the laid-back atmosphere.
The lobster roll is, of course, the main attraction.
Served on a perfectly toasted bun and stuffed with chunks of sweet, succulent lobster meat, it’s a simple yet sublime creation that proves that sometimes less really is more.
But don’t let the lobster hog all the spotlight.
The steamed clams are a local favorite, served with drawn butter and a side of ocean views that’ll make you wonder why you ever eat indoors.
For those who like their seafood with a crispy coating, the fried haddock is a must-try.
It’s so light and flaky you might worry it’ll float right off your plate if you don’t eat it quickly enough.
And let’s not forget about the chowder.
Thick, creamy, and chock-full of clams, it’s the kind of soup that makes you wish winter lasted just a little bit longer (but only a little bit – let’s not get crazy here).
If you’re feeling particularly hungry (or particularly brave), you might want to tackle the shore dinner.
This seafood extravaganza includes a whole lobster, steamers, corn on the cob, and coleslaw.
It’s a meal that requires both hands, several napkins, and possibly a nap afterwards.
But trust me, it’s worth every messy, delicious bite.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But what if I’m dining with someone who doesn’t like seafood?”
First of all, why are you friends with this person?
But don’t worry, Thurston’s has got you covered.
They offer a selection of landlubber-friendly options like burgers and chicken sandwiches.
Though, ordering a burger at Thurston’s is a bit like going to Italy and asking for ketchup on your pasta – it’s allowed, but you might get a few raised eyebrows.
One of the best things about Thurston’s is its commitment to sustainability.
They work closely with local fishermen to ensure their seafood is responsibly sourced.
So you can enjoy your meal knowing that you’re supporting both the local economy and responsible fishing practices.
It’s guilt-free gluttony at its finest.
The atmosphere at Thurston’s is as much a part of the experience as the food.
On a sunny day, grab a seat on the outdoor deck and watch the lobster boats come and go.
It’s better than any TV show, and the plot twists involve seagulls trying to steal your fries.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot a seal or two playing in the harbor.
They’re like the local welcoming committee, only wetter and with better whiskers.
As the sun starts to set, the view from Thurston’s becomes downright magical.
The sky turns a brilliant array of oranges and pinks, reflecting off the water and bathing everything in a warm, golden glow.
It’s the kind of sunset that makes you want to quit your job, buy a boat, and become a lobsterman.
One of the things that sets Thurston’s apart is its unpretentious, come-as-you-are vibe.
This isn’t a place where you need to worry about which fork to use or whether your shoes match your belt.
Here, it’s perfectly acceptable to wear your “I Got Pinched in Maine” t-shirt and shorts still damp from your earlier beach excursion.
In fact, if you show up in a suit and tie, people might assume you’re lost and try to give you directions to the nearest corporate retreat.
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The staff at Thurston’s are as much a part of its charm as the food and the view.
They’re friendly, knowledgeable, and always ready with a recommendation or a joke.
Ask them about the catch of the day, and you might get a story about the fisherman who brought it in, complete with colorful local expressions that’ll have you scratching your head and chuckling at the same time.
If you’re new to the whole lobster-eating experience, don’t be shy about asking for help.
The staff are more than happy to give you a crash course in crustacean dismantling.
They’ll show you how to crack, twist, and extract every last morsel of meat from your lobster with the precision of a surgeon and the enthusiasm of a kid on Christmas morning.
One word of advice: wear the bib they offer you.
It’s not just a fashion statement; it’s a shield against the inevitable spray of lobster juice that comes with enthusiastic shell-cracking.
Trust me, you don’t want to spend the rest of your vacation explaining to people why your shirt looks like a Jackson Pollock painting.
For those who prefer their seafood experience to be more hands-off, Thurston’s also offers a selection of sandwiches and salads.
The lobster salad is a particular standout – all the flavor of a lobster roll, but with the added bonus of being able to claim you’re eating healthy because, you know, there’s lettuce involved.
If you’re feeling thirsty, Thurston’s has got you covered there too.
They offer a selection of local beers that pair perfectly with seafood.
There’s something deeply satisfying about sipping a cold, crisp Maine-brewed ale while watching the sun set over the harbor.
It’s like the universe is giving you a high-five for your excellent life choices.
For the non-beer drinkers, they also offer wine, soft drinks, and some of the best lemonade this side of a child’s front yard stand.
It’s tart, sweet, and refreshing – the perfect counterpoint to a rich, buttery lobster roll.
One of the best things about Thurston’s is that it’s not just a restaurant; it’s a window into the local way of life.
As you sit there, cracking claws and soaking up the atmosphere, you’ll see lobstermen coming in from a day on the water, their boats laden with traps and the day’s catch.
It’s a reminder that the delicious meal on your plate is the result of hard work, generations of knowledge, and a deep respect for the sea.
If you time your visit right, you might even catch one of the local festivals or events that Thurston’s participates in.
From lobster boat races to seafood cook-offs, these events are a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and maybe pick up a few tips on how to make the perfect lobster roll at home.
As your meal at Thurston’s comes to an end, you might find yourself reluctant to leave.
The combination of great food, stunning views, and a relaxed atmosphere has a way of making time slip by unnoticed.
But don’t worry – Thurston’s isn’t going anywhere.
It’s been a fixture of the Bernard harbor for decades, and with any luck, it’ll be here for decades more, serving up lobster rolls and ocean views to locals and visitors alike.
Before you go, take a moment to soak it all in one last time.
The salty breeze, the creaking of boat ropes, the satisfied sighs of fellow diners – these are the sounds and sensations that make Thurston’s more than just a meal; it’s a full-on Maine experience.
As you leave, full of lobster and contentment, you might find yourself already planning your next visit.
Maybe you’ll try the clam chowder next time, or finally work up the courage to tackle that whole lobster.
Whatever you choose, you can be sure that Thurston’s will be here, ready to serve up another slice of Maine magic.
So the next time you find yourself in Bernard, or anywhere on Mount Desert Island for that matter, make sure Thurston’s Lobster Pound is on your itinerary.
Your taste buds will thank you, your Instagram followers will envy you, and you’ll have stories to tell that don’t involve getting lost hiking in Acadia National Park (though that’s fun too).
For more information about Thurston’s Lobster Pound, including their seasonal hours and any special events, be sure to check out their website or Facebook page.
And when you’re ready to embark on your lobster-fueled adventure, use this map to guide you to seafood nirvana.
Where: 9 Thurston Rd, Bernard, ME 04612
Remember, in Maine, the journey to good food is always worth it – especially when there’s butter involved.