Imagine a place where the lobsters are so fresh they practically high-five you on their way to the pot.
Welcome to Thurston’s Lobster Pound in Bernard, Maine – a seafood lover’s paradise that’s as authentic as it gets.
Nestled on the picturesque coast of Mount Desert Island, Thurston’s Lobster Pound is the kind of place that makes you wonder if you’ve stumbled into a postcard.
This isn’t just any old seafood joint; it’s a bona fide Maine institution that’s been serving up ocean-fresh delights since 1946.
As you approach the weathered wooden building, you can’t help but notice the colorful buoys adorning its exterior – a whimsical touch that screams “coastal charm” louder than a foghorn on a misty morning.
These aren’t just decorations; they’re like the lobster pound’s very own mood rings, setting the tone for the maritime adventure you’re about to embark upon.
Step inside, and you’ll find yourself in a rustic haven that feels like it was plucked straight out of a New England daydream.
The interior is all warm wood and nautical accents, with exposed beams that could tell tales of countless lobster feasts gone by.
It’s the kind of place where you half expect to see a grizzled sea captain nursing a bowl of chowder in the corner, regaling wide-eyed tourists with tales of the one that got away.
But let’s talk about what really matters here: the food.
Thurston’s menu is a love letter to the sea, featuring an array of oceanic delights that would make Poseidon himself weak in the knees (or fins, I suppose).
The star of the show, of course, is the lobster.
These aren’t just any lobsters; these are the crustacean equivalents of local celebrities.
They’re pulled fresh from the waters right outside the restaurant, making the journey from sea to plate shorter than most people’s commute to work.
You can have your lobster prepared in just about any way imaginable – steamed, in a roll, as part of a stew, or even doing the backstroke in a bowl of butter (okay, maybe not that last one, but a guy can dream).
But Thurston’s isn’t a one-trick pony – or should I say, a one-claw lobster.
Their menu is a veritable treasure trove of seafood delights.
Fancy some steamers? They’ve got ’em, and they’re so fresh you can practically hear the ocean if you hold them up to your ear.
Craving a bowl of creamy clam chowder? Theirs is so good, it might just bring a tear to your eye (though that could also be the sea breeze).
And let’s not forget about the crab cakes – these little beauties are so packed with crab meat, they make other crab cakes look like distant seafood cousins twice removed.
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?
Secondly, fear not!
Thurston’s has you covered with options like burgers and chicken for the landlubbers in your life.
Though, between you and me, bringing someone who doesn’t eat seafood to Thurston’s is like taking a vegetarian to a steakhouse – possible, but slightly missing the point.
One of the best things about Thurston’s is its location.
Perched right on the water’s edge, it offers views that are almost as delicious as the food.
You can watch lobster boats bobbing in the harbor as you crack into your own freshly caught crustacean – it’s like dinner and a show, Maine style.
The outdoor seating area is particularly magical.
On a sunny day, with the salt air in your lungs and a lobster roll in your hand, you might just forget that the rest of the world exists.
It’s the kind of place where time seems to slow down, and the only thing you need to worry about is whether to get one more order of steamers (spoiler alert: the answer is always yes).
But Thurston’s isn’t just about the food and the view – it’s about the experience.
The staff here are the real deal – friendly, knowledgeable, and more than happy to explain the difference between hard-shell and soft-shell lobsters to curious out-of-towners.
They’re the kind of folks who make you feel like you’re not just a customer, but part of the Thurston’s family.
Just don’t ask them to adopt you – I tried, and apparently, there are “laws” against that sort of thing.
Now, let’s talk about the lobster tanks.
These aren’t your average fish tanks filled with sad-looking goldfish swimming in circles.
No, these are like the lobster equivalent of a five-star hotel – if hotels were filled with water and their occupants were destined to be someone’s dinner.
You can pick out your own lobster if you’re feeling particularly choosy (or if you want to make eye contact with your meal before it’s cooked – no judgment here).
It’s a bit like lobster roulette, except everyone’s a winner, and by “winner,” I mean “delicious.”
One thing to note – Thurston’s operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
There’s no reservation system here, which means during peak season, you might find yourself waiting for a table.
But fear not, intrepid seafood seekers!
The wait is part of the experience.
It’s a chance to soak in the atmosphere, chat with fellow lobster enthusiasts, and build up an appetite that would make a grizzly bear look like a picky eater.
Plus, the anticipation only makes that first bite of lobster all the more satisfying.
It’s like waiting in line for a roller coaster, except instead of screaming in terror, you’ll be sighing with culinary bliss.
Now, let’s talk about the art of eating lobster because, at Thurston’s, it is indeed an art form.
If you’re a lobster newbie, don’t worry – the staff are more than happy to give you a crash course in crustacean dissection.
They’ll arm you with the necessary tools – a bib (fashion be damned), a nutcracker, and a tiny fork that looks like it was stolen from a mermaid’s dollhouse.
Watching a pro tackle a lobster is like witnessing a well-choreographed dance, albeit one that ends with butter-soaked fingers and a pile of empty shells.
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For the uninitiated, it can be a bit intimidating.
But remember, there’s no shame in making a mess – in fact, it’s practically encouraged.
If you don’t end up with at least a little butter on your chin, you’re doing it wrong.
And let’s not forget about the sides.
Thurston’s doesn’t skimp on the accompaniments.
Their coleslaw is crisp and tangy, providing a perfect counterpoint to the rich, sweet lobster meat.
The corn on the cob is so fresh and sweet you’ll wonder if they have a secret corn farm hidden somewhere on the premises.
And the drawn butter?
Let’s just say it’s so good you might be tempted to drink it like a soup.
One of the things that makes Thurston’s so special is its commitment to sustainability.
They work closely with local fishermen to ensure that their seafood is not only fresh but also responsibly sourced.
It’s the kind of place where you can feel good about what you’re eating, knowing that your meal isn’t coming at the expense of the ocean’s delicate ecosystem.
Plus, it’s a great excuse to order seconds – you’re not being gluttonous, you’re supporting sustainable fishing practices!
As you sit there, cracking claws and sipping on a local craft beer (because what goes better with lobster than a cold brew?), you might find yourself wondering why you don’t eat like this every day.
Now, I know I’ve been focusing a lot on the lobster, but let’s not forget about the other unsung hero of the Maine seafood scene – the humble clam.
Thurston’s serves up steamers that are so good, they might just make you forget about lobster for a hot minute (but only a minute, let’s not get crazy here).
These briny little morsels are served with a side of clam broth and melted butter, creating a trifecta of flavors that are practically symphonic in their deliciousness.
And don’t even get me started on the fried clams.
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and so addictive you’ll be tempted to order them by the bucketful.
They’re like the potato chips of the sea – bet you can’t eat just one!
As you’re savoring your meal, take a moment to look around and soak in the atmosphere.
Thurston’s is the kind of place where you’ll see all types – locals who’ve been coming here for decades, wide-eyed tourists experiencing their first real Maine lobster, and everyone in between.
It’s a melting pot of seafood lovers, all brought together by the siren call of perfectly cooked crustaceans.
You might even strike up a conversation with your neighbors – there’s something about sharing a communal experience of wrestling with lobster shells that really brings people together.
Who knows, you might leave with a full belly and a new friend (or at least someone to commiserate with about how full you are).
As your meal comes to an end and you sit back, contentedly patting your belly and wondering if it’s possible to slip into a lobster-induced coma, you’ll realize something.
Thurston’s Lobster Pound isn’t just a restaurant – it’s a slice of Maine’s soul, served up on a plate with a side of drawn butter.
It’s a place where you can taste the salt air, feel the rhythm of the tides, and experience the heart of New England’s seafood tradition.
So the next time you find yourself in Bernard, Maine, do yourself a favor and make a beeline for Thurston’s.
Your taste buds will thank you, your Instagram followers will envy you, and you’ll have stories to tell for years to come.
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 own lobster adventure, use this map to navigate your way to seafood nirvana.
Where: 9 Thurston Rd, Bernard, ME 04612
Trust me, it’s a journey worth taking – just remember to pack your appetite and leave your diet at home!