Love this place. Been around FOR-EVER and will not disappoint. I remember going on multiple occasions and seeing the lobster boats coming in and dropping off the fresh catch. Does NOT get any fresher than this. The place doesnt look like much, but its deep Maine; and at Shaw's: Get prepared to be VERY satisfied.
(5)
Shaina P.
Eating a lobster shore dinner at Shaw's brings back memories and never fails to create new ones. Once you park you have to walk by a really smelly area but once you pass it, you're on the dock leading up to the restaurant. Back in the day, you could go up to the room where they store their lobsters and pick out the dude you want to eat. Not so much anymore, but know that the lobsters here come from some of the best waters of New England. The venue is getting old, but it boasts an old school feel with it's self-ordering system. The views of Muscongus Bay are classic Maine: lobster boats moored on the water and an island in view across the way. Admittedly, you miss the rocky shore views that you get from a place like The Lobster Shack in Cape Elizabeth. The other day I tried ordering just lobster roll but couldn't get past the empty feeling when I couldn't tear a lobster apart on my own. Solution: order a naked lobster for dessert. Don't forget the steamers. They're cleaned, steamed and taste sweet and delicious. (ugh - time to go home. just felt earthquake at my office).
(5)
Matt E.
Seriously stay away from the seafood casserole. It came out lukewarm with what amounted to nacho flavored Cheezits crumbled on top. Stick with the shore dinner and you should be fine.
(2)
Tim B.
This is a true gem in eastern coastal Maine. For over 3 decades, this has been a favorite spot for me. The seafood is fresh and the view is simply breath-taking and worthy of a famous painting. Take a seat upstairs on a picnic table to watch the daily catches arrive straight from the sea. Compliment your meal with a delicious Pemaquid Ale, a local brew. Keep in mind that the bathrooms are small and usually crowded, and that seagulls like to swoop and scavenge. Above all, this is a great place to stop for a meal. Highly recommended.
(5)
Kurt N.
Beautiful spot on a working harbor. Ordered the day's "special," steamed Mussels, and they were room temperature. Disappointing. Crabcake sandwich and sweet potato fries were okay, but not great. Not a bad option if you're near by, but far from excellent.
(2)
S D.
Great experience located right in the water. Great lobster roll although I have not meet one I have not liked in ME!
(5)
Em S.
I wish I could respond directly to DF who expected "something better than a cheap hot dog bun" when he stopped here to get what was obviously his first-ever Maine lobster roll. If he stops anywhere else to try lobster roll # 2 (or 3 or 4 or) he'll learn that an authentic Maine lobster roll is indeed made with "a cheap hot dog bun." Shaw's in a great spot to enjoy what Maine is all about. Located in a true working lobster village, this is totally worth driving the 30 or so miles off Route 1 to glimpse one of the prettiest little harbor towns in Maine and the nearby Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. Go.
(5)
Alex L.
I have been coming here for a long time. The food is exactly what the people of Maine want. It is nothing fancy here as the people of Maine don't want that. Simple yet tasty is what you will find. It is worth the drive to get here. I took my girlfriend here yesterday for the day we had to drive 3 1/2 hours to get here. When your here take a trip on the Hardy boat always a great time.
(5)
Anne C.
I ate here with my family after doing the puffin tour. My father lives in the area but we didn't want to wait to get home to eat so we tried here and we all were very happy with our food. I had the lobster roll and my sister and father had the crab roll and we thought both were very good. I was actually surprised how good the lobster roll was--tons of meat, very little mayo--perfect. I also had the clams-yes, they have sand in them--they are fresh clams. Pull the skin off the necks and swish them around a bit--so good!! You are going to be hard pressed to find fresher seafood if you stick with the mainstays. It's very casual and you can't beat the view.
(4)
James T.
Very disappointed. I did not order steamed lobster. I had three items: steamed clam---dirt and sand everywhere (they claimed that they could not soak for the the health department restriction.) Fried calamari--tasted frozen calamari from Korea. Greasy batter falled apart from the meat. Same receipe but worst taste than most regular Italain restaurant in major cities. Lobster Roll--it is ok. However you can get equal or better (but cheaper) from most lobster shacks in the area. It came with a bag of chip--guess what brand they use? Lays Classic--one of the cheapest you can find in the supermarket. Simple thing like Kechup--the eco brand you have never heard. I asked for a tartar sauce--taste no better than the Red Lobster or Long John Silver--mayonnaise with chooped pickle. The price was restaurant grade but the plates were styrofoam. You can definately taste the lack of passion. It is barely a money earning spot for the owner. Too bad. Staff said: the owner liked to save cost. We could tell, too.
(1)
Brian W.
I was returning from a summer trip from Canada through Maine. I checked Yelp for a place to find a good lobster meal, and Shaw's came up in the search. It was about 30 minutes out of my way, but I thought I'd try it. I was not disappointed! Shaw's is a great place for seafood! The wharf and outside dining area looks right out into the ocean, and you can see the daily catches as the lobster boats pull up to dock. The seasfood is about as fresh as it gets! I've always been kind of ambivalent about lobster, but having fresh Maine lobster right off the dock is as good as it gets! I think it ruined me for lobster anywhere else. The ouside dining area is definitely the place to be - you can watch the boats or stare out into the ocean while you enjoy lobster, clams, oysters and other tasty treats. You can even have lobsters packed to take home or shipped to your house! If you're in the area, take the drive to New Harbor. You won't be diappointed!
(5)
Sonia C.
Food was good overall, but nothing that will make me drive that far again. Nice atmosphere, good service, good experience overall.
(4)
Lou L.
I would love to tell you that I had a fantastic meal, but when I got there at 6:15 on a Saturday night of Columbus Day weekend, the place had every indoor table full, and it was 51 degrees outside, making 65% of the seating useless. Orders -- including take-out -- were backed up for 20 minutes, and people were stalking tables like vultures on carrion. I gave up, and found another restaurant. Obviously the place is great, but if you can't get a table, there's no use going.
(1)
Devon D.
A favorite family spot for as long as I can remember. I grew up thinking they had the best grilled cheeses in the world (I might still think that!) and now have branched out to enjoy their fresh lobsters, wonderful chowder and delicious fried fish/clams/shrimp options. The atmosphere is wonderful as well - it is definitely worth it to sit outside in the warm weather as well as the not so warm so that you can watch the lobster boats come and unload as well as the Hardy Boat as it makes its tours and trips to Monhegan Island. I try to make sure that I make it to Shaw's at least once a summer!
(5)
Charles H.
First thing to know, New Harbor is a haul if you're trying to make good time along Route 1. That said if you have the time, this is a GREAT lunch place. Once you park at the lot that's shared with the ferry, stick to your guns, walk past the disgusting greasy dumpsters waiting to greet you and head upstairs. Your reward is a small, beautiful, picture-perfect Maine harbor, with working lobstermen unloading the critters right in front of your eyes. They serve beer and the prices are reasonable. A little touristy, but so what? I was, you probably will be too!
(4)
D F.
Pros: Great view, reasonable prices. Cons: Lobster roll comes on a cheap hot dog bun. For $13 for a lobster roll, I would expect something better than a cheap hot dog bun. That was disappointing. It tasted pretty decent otherwise. View, beer selection and beer prices moved this from a 3 to a 4. I wouldn't go out of my way to go there ever again.
(4)
D S.
Shaw's just screams summer to me. Every summer my family stays in the area for a few weeks, and one of our favorite outings is going to Shaw's for a DELICIOUS dinner. Clearly, the lobster is where it's at, but everything there is delicious. The atmosphere is perfectly small town Maine, and the local beers on tap are great. There is a small bar downstairs where you get some some 'local flavor' in the evenings. (I hate that term for the record, as I am from a tourist town- but it applies, so whatever). If you are in the area, you won't have many options to go out and eat, but rest assured that the option you do have-Shaw's- is a great one, and you can't go wrong with their menu! Side note: you can pick out your lobster downstairs before you go up and chow down on your little friend!
(5)
Connie D.
I love this place -- has it been around for 40 years? Well, if it hasn't, it's taken someone's place, because that's how long I've been coming here. I like lobster roll and onion rings. Both are superb. My husband likes his lobster hot, and he loved it. The scenery is like out of a movie (actually they made a movie here -- forget the name). But I found it before Hollywood did, and have so many happy memories of being there with my family over the years. This weekend my husband and I went back - still great!
(5)
Heidi D.
Delicious food! Fried clams were amazing and fresh. Steamed mussels were very sweet, this coming from someone that does not usually like them! My kids consider themselves clam chowder experts - they did not care for this one. The pieces of clam were huge and it was a thinner broth. That being said, my husband and I liked it. Very quick service, awesome view! My husband likes it better than The Lobster Shack in Cape Elizabeth. I think they are comparable. We both think Shaw's is better, much, than Nunnan's in Kennenunkport. Defiantly adding this to our favorite list!
(5)
Andy G.
I LOVE THIS PLACE. First i have to admit that i have been coming to this place for about 20 years of my life so i already knew what to expect. So I packed up the wife, ( Yes, I know that her name is Simone but today we'll just refer to her as "the wife") got in the car, and drove up Route 32 to New Harbor. Although Labor Day weekend was upon us, the parking lot was only about half full with senior citizens from Massachusetts and Canada. This was a welcomed sign as the lines at Shaws Wharf can be very long sometimes with people who apparently have never seen a fresh lobster during their life. If that happens to you don't be afraid, they put meals out at the speed of light and i have seldom had to wait more then 15-20 minutes for my meal.The first thing you notice as you are walking to the restaurant is the overwhelming smell coming from the grease dumpster. Its a disgustingly gross mix of fried (mostly seafood) leftovers and old dirty oil. Not exactly the first impression one might want to make. So after a dead sprint past the manure like oder we made our way up to the top of the stairs to the dining area overlooking the harbor. The view here is spectacular. On one side you can overlook the harbor and the lobstermen unloading their traps, and on the other you can look into the Atlantic ocean. If you are afraid of seagulls flying above and crapping on you then they do have an indoor seating area also, but really grow a pair and just go sit outside. So now to the food. The menu is large and probably 75% fresh seafood from right off the dock. Good food can be hard to find for a non fish eater on a menu like this, but people tell me the Lobster is the best they can find on the Maine coast, so if you enjoy eating these bottom feeders, then by all means go ahead, and enjoy the clams and mussels as well. But for myself i head straight to my old Shaws Wharf stand by, the chicken fingers, Buffalo Style and Original. The wife suggests we bypass the basket style ( with fries, coleslaw and roll), because the coleslaw is nothing to brag about ( to much celery seed) and the rolls come from a bag. So we order a side of Fries to go with our chicken appetizers. The service here is counter service ( no need for a large tip, but don't be a dick, give a tip anyway !) so we grab some drinks and head out to the patio. After about ten minutes our number is called and the wife grabs the food. The fried chicken tenders- both kinds- are crispy and piping hot. At first glance you may think these things are going to be dry, but they are some of the moistest fried chicken I have ever had. And they are consistently this way. Not a dry breast in the house. While we are talking about the breast I may as well admit that the size of these things are huge. So I grab them quick and shove one into my mouth. One thing I always notice is when chicken is fried in the same oil as fish, these are not. Shaws has separate fryolators for fish , French Fry's, and chicken and you can taste the difference. The Buffalo Style tenders are just the right blend of heat, not a Bathroom emergency kinda burning heat, but smooth and buttery with a little bit of fire, which quickly dissipates with some Blue Cheese Dressing. The Original Style Plain Tender has a nice white pepper southern taste. Both kinds of Tenders are hand breaded when you order with Shaws fish fry batter so they are light but somehow very filling at the same time. The Fries are good, not fresh cut ,but still perfectly crispy and a good addition to the meal. Overall this dish is a winner every time. Shaws also does a great job with Fresh Breaded Onion Rings, Broiled Chicken, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and BLT's so don't be afraid to give those a try also.To end the meal my wife suggested a Pina Colada. Not exactly dessert, but hell its got pineapple and coconut in it so close enough ! I gotta say, the Pina Colada from the dockside bar under the resturant is one of the best damn Coladas I have ever had. Cold, with just the right amount of everything. And it goes down smooth and fast (especialy fast if you are me). A Great way to end our meal at Shaws and another satisfying trip to my favorite seafood resturaunt
(5)
Will P.
The place to go, fresh but nothing special...enjoy the deck on a nice day. A real working fish port...not a tourist mecca. Bon appetit mes amis.
(3)
Lisa G.
Love it! I go for the Lobster Roll and a view. The Puffin Cruises that leave from the same dock are also awesome!! Well worth the trip!
(5)
Brittany B.
yum yum yum
(5)
Matt K.
Shaw's has a special place in my heart, as we used to go there every time we'd visit the grandparents in nearby Jefferson. Even though they long passed away, we still make it down to New Harbor occasionally, and always stop in for a delicious fresh lobster feast. Best around!
(5)
Diane S.
Worth the trip. Good food, great view of the boats and the harbor. Don't know who's saying this is "pricy" - by Los Angeles standards, this place is basically giving away meals. As anyone who's spent time in the midcoast Maine area knows, everything is about 20-30 minutes away from everything else. With no traffic and beautiful scenery, this is not a "problem" or a "con," but, in fact, a rather nice element to the area. Teh food here is really quite delicious, and the atmosphere can't be beat. A definite must-visit! Don't forget to take your picture with your head in the wooden lobster cut-out!
(5)
Haj A.
A lobster shack that's very aware of its self as a tourist destination (take your picture as a lobster!) but the local spirit is still intact. The lobsters taste fresh, the clams are fried to perfection and the service is cheerful. It's certainly a great place to go if you're on a lobster shack tour but I can't say it's a must stop. In my opinion, Five Island Lobsters and Red's Eats are definitely the ones to beat.
(3)
Kasey N.
Ok, so I'm a little biased seeing as my parents own the dock and house right across the harbor. However, I have been eating at Shaw's for 22 years and it never gets old or less delicious. Everything on their menu is good from the lobsters to the fried haddock sandwiches. However, my all-time favorite are the steamers. I can't go in there without getting at least a 1/2 pound. In fact, that's what I'm eating in my profile picture! The other great attraction to Shaw's is that it's the best local bar. If you want to see some real Mainers and hear good stories, head downstairs any time in the evening, but only until 10 pm. Yeah, small town bars close up shop early. I had my first legal drink here and have had several since. Nothing beats the view of the harbor while you enjoy your food and drinks. You can watch the lobster boats come in with the day's catch in the afternoon and watch them unload at the co-op right next door. Also, if you want to do a little fishing of your own, take your pole down on Shaw's dock. You can catch mackerel and pollock. Just watch out for the Hardy Boat!
(5)
Peter C.
Oh man, where do I start? The fish is delicious, as are the fried scallops,clams, and other goodies. I love to watch my lobstermen bretheren get their catch in. After I've relocated to Maine, I've made it a point to stop here. Shaws and Warrens down in Kittery go hand in hand with good lobster! Reccomended: Onion Rings Fried scallops Haddock Sandwiches
(5)
Joe S.
I am new to Maine and have eatin at some great places so far while here and let me tell you this is the BEST steamers and lobster chowda I have had.
(5)
Dave F.
If you made it down all this way, treat yerself to a lobster roll. It's one of the best.
(5)
adrian w.
One of the more memorable places I have ever eaten. One word... steamers! I never tried the lobster roll from here, so I am no help. Sit out on the docks, enjoy a beer or two, suck down a few dozen steamers and watch the daily catch come in. Also, if you are inexperienced in a two man inflatable dingy, don't attempt to row yourself home drunk. I will go back again, even if there are 1200 miles separating us.
(5)
Nathen S.
Great lobster roll. Steamed mussels came out cold. Kids chickenand fries were great portions and good chicken. Overall a great place and beautiful deck overlooking harbor with lobster boats in and out. Great for the family.
(4)
joe r.
I'm sad to report that despite the nice view, the worst lobster roll I had in Maine was at Shaw's. And the chowder wasn't much, either. Giant disappointment.
(2)
Megan D.
Can beat the fresh lobsters here, scenery when eating on the upper deck watching the lobster boats come in an unload. This is the way lobster should be eaten... fresh, on a picnic table, with a side of butter. Add a beautiful summer day looking out over the harbor... it can't be beat!
(5)
Catherine D.
We were a bit underwhelmed with Shaw's. While the location and view are very nice, the restaurant is pretty average lobster shack. Table was dirty, we had to clean it off ourselves and fill up the empty paper towel roll ourselves. I had the lobster roll. A good amount of nice lobster, very sweet and fresh, but the roll was stale and there was shredded lettuce underneath even though the menu explained the roll was lobster and mayo with no mention of lettuce. My husband choose the lazy man's lobster and was disappointed the moment he saw it. A very small plate of lobster meat (looked like a 1/2 pound chicken lobster) sitting in a pool of melted butter for $24.00. The cup of fish chowder had nice flavor, but was very thin with not one piece of potato that I could find. The evening was capped off by having a man use the ladies restroom after I existed. Gross.
(2)
Kirsten S.
The views are amazing. You can sit out there and watch the boats go by. The calamari and lobster were really really good and felt like they were fresh out of the water. But the crab fish cakes weren't good at all. The crab was mixed ( not just claw) and it didn't taste as fresh as the other dishes. The service and cleanliness were exemplary though.
(4)
Pat Laracy B.
So good. So fresh. Great fun family place. Would not miss a visit there when in Maine. Terrific service. Love it Love It Love it
(5)
Mike L.
Can't beat Shaw's for seafood. If you are in Maine and looking for a true Maine seafood experience, you have to make the trip to Shaw's (right on the way to Pemaquid Point Lighthouse too, so make a day of it!). You walk by the fisherman's wharf, typically with a boat or two unloading their day's catch. Step up and order your food like you were at a fast-food restaurant then sit and wait for your number. We shared the buffalo shrimp appetizer and then a Shore Platter which included a lobster and steamers. There is nothing better than drinking a cold beverage while shucking clams and cracking open a fresh lobster! Great food, great prices, great place to eat.
(5)
Andrea C.
Went here on a Sunday Night. Place was busy, waited way too long for Luke warm steamers and lobster and paid way too much. Husband got a steak and cheese which looked awful but for $11.00 u would of thought it Would of been decent. Way overpriced, Nice view but that's it! Gave a extra star because the steamers although cold were delicious!
(3)
Courtney B.
Anyone who gives this place a bad review has something wrong with them. Fresh seafood, beer, and amazing scenery/atmosphere.The end.
(5)
Jess M.
Never disappointing. Worth a drive if you're not in the neighborhood.
(5)
SeaChi N.
Got the steamed lobster and clams combo, the lobster meat was sweet and needed no butter, the clams tender and oh so tasty. The area is a small oasis from the city, sit upstairs and simply enjoy the view.
(5)
Sean L.
It doesn't get more fishing town than this place. Delicious sea food that literally cannot get any more fresh! This place is ON an actual wharf over the water in this quaint little town. The lobsters are alive just downstairs and you cant taste it! First place I ever ate lobster and it was amazing. There is a tiny little bar and the service is fast at the food counter with lots of things to choose from. There is also usually some sort of seafood of the day. Only downside is that, since it is a small town, you get the feeling that everyone there knows everyone else and they are sizing you up when you walk in and wondering who the hell/where the hell you are from. Very family oriented and when a bunch of 20 year olds from NJ, NYC, and Boston walk in... well we might stand out a bit. It's a great place though in one of my favorite towns to go when I want to get away from it all.
(5)
Mal G.
Funky lobster restaurant overlooks a small, busy working harbor near the tip of Pemaquid peninsula & the lighthouse on the US quarter in your pocket. The food's usually very good, but get there early to avoid crowds. Lobsters & steamers are the specialties, natch, but you can get a good burger or other stuff. Only complaint is sometimes you'll get food that's less than hot (i.e., steamers)--just hand 'em back & ask for hot ones. Lots of us locals eat here, too. Some of our kids even work there, so leave a good tip! The Hardy Boat, located on the dock downstairs next door, will take you out to Monhegan Island or on a tour of local islands, but don't park in Shaw's lot just for the boat ride.
(4)
D L.
Ok, so this is my kind of place. Unpretentious, very affordable and has great seafood! It's a really basic kinda place, with picnic tables inside, all wood building - really part of the dock itself.
(4)
Brian M.
I randomly discovered this place with the help of a crusty old guy who volunteered at the Pemaquid Pt. Lighthouse down the road. The harbor itself is as real as it gets, this isn't pansy Freeport, and the seagulls that dive-bomb you while you eat are playing for keeps. We went once when it was raining, and it's just not worth it. The whole point is to sit outside and watch the guys unload the lobbies and all that. One awesome personal tidbit was my dad and I took a day sailer sailboat (16' feet or so) and docked up to the side of one of the lobster wharfs and had lunch here, that was a great time, and the lobster guy's weren't surly about it like I presumed they'd be, real friendly.
(4)
Ashley M.
The ferry for Monhegan Island - my favorite place EVER - leaves from Shaw's wharf. There are those stand-up wooden pictures of a lobster and a clam there. I have pictures of myself standing behind as the clam for every year since I was little. the lobster salad sandwiches are amazing. Ok i'm about to break out into song about how much I love New England, so I'm just going to stop myself now.
(5)
Nat S.
My folks live nearby, so I frequent Shaw's often. Bring a windbreaker or fleece even in July, it can get cold on the deck. Great view and location - exactly what you look for in a lobster shack. Crab Rolls get an "A" and lobster rolls an "A-." Unless it is crowded, you can't go wrong with Shaw's. Their onion rings rule.
(4)
Chris F.
Shaw's is a New Harbor institution, popular with tourists and locals alike. Situated above a fully-functional fishing wharf, Shaw's provides fresh fish, lobsters, clams, and other seafood in filling quantities at reasonable prices. Grab a seat outside to enjoy the harbor view and ocean breeze, but watch out for voracious seagulls; they want those fried clams almost as much as you do!
(5)
Shawn B.
Want to know what it's like to pluck a lobster or clams out of the ocean, cook them, and eat them? Eat here! You will leave smelling like a lobsterman...hope it wears off by morning. I honestly thought cooking and eating a lobster that I bought live in the Midwest wouldn't be much different than here in Maine...WRONG! You can't get much fresher than this, unless you eat a raw one. Thanks to the 7 year old girl at the table next to me for teaching me how to eat fresh clams. I would have been so disappointed if left to my own devices. She taught me how to strip the nasty off and clean them...so much better than eating that sand crap! This is a MUST if in the area!
(5)
Maggi B.
The View is second to none... Lobster is a little pricey but the fried oysters are tender, not overcooked - delicious. Get the large side order of you just want oysters and don't need the sides. I'm a purest... I can make coleslaw and fries at home.
(5)
Karen B.
An excellent, barebones fresh seafood restaurant. It's counter service with indoor and outdoor tables to eat at. The outdoor tables on the deck give you a first hand view of the commercial lobstermen bringing in their haul. The lobsters and steamers we had were cooked well and had plenty of flavor. Add $2 to the lobster price and it comes with a roll and small side salad. Prices are high, but consistent with other tourist places in the area.
(4)
jeannie m.
While vacationing on the mid Coast my guests treated me to a delicious dinner at Shaws and in the past I have ordered and enjoyed fried food I especially love the blooming onion which we did in fact enjoy again this year but as a non-seafood eater I took a chance on steak tips and was so happy with my meal they were nicely marinated a generous portion very tender and cooked a perfect medium rare. My friends both enjoyed their seafood meals as usual. The place was really hopping but once I order was placed it was not long before our food was in front of us we had no trouble getting a nice table by the window to enjoy our meal. I just wanted to give a shout out to Shaws for making a non-seafood eater happy and that is why I am giving them four stars.
(4)
Ralph E.
I have been coming here since the early 70's. It was Small Brothers then, and you could eat the lobster and clams and throw the shells in the water. Over the years, things changed a bit. Can't throw the shells in the water anymore, and the upstairs where you sit and eat got a bit of an upgrade. Just a bit. So you stop in downstairs and pick you lobster from the tank, order a dozen steamers and go up to order your drinks and anything else. I have never had anything but the lobster and steamers. The tables have a board and mallet to beat the lobster.
(5)
Kelly K.
Very quicky service here with a great view while you wait on the deck upstairs. I got a single lobster with butter and it was delicious so It was worth picking out the tiny morsels of meat. Lobster ran around 17 dollars for about a 1.25-1.50 lobster. The only have one size.
(4)
Laura M.
Shaw's, Shaw's....I love this place and have been coming here since I was a kid. Choose your own lobster from the downstairs counter if you want a bigger one. Sitting indoors or out is always a treat and virtually everything is always top notch. The steamed clams were particularly good this time around, but it seems that the clams are extra sweet everywhere right now. The only thing to avoid are the crab cakes. I had never ordered them until now and will never do so again-- they are 90% filler and taste a bit like thanksgiving stuffing.
(4)
Brown D.
You stand in line and place order. A few minutes later they will call your number and you will get a tray with the food on it. You will sit down on a wooden table with Paper Towels as napkins. If you want a beer be prepared to stand in line again. The view is nice but you must sit outside. At the end of the meal post desert I will give Shaw's Five Stars! Bathroom is downstairs and you can buy a shirt as well. Enjoy!
(5)
Hannah P.
Sitting outside on the deck overlooking the water was where it's at. Now on to the food! We ordered the steamer combo which consisted of a small lobster (fun to pick it for those who have never done it and a small one is a legit place to start) with steamed mussels that were flavorful and so incredibly fresh. The chowder however was a joke and I would never order it again. It was so watery and had a few potatoes but literally no clams!!! This was a one and done kinda place for me. If you're out here and want to try it before a puffin tour go for it but otherwise, get a lobster roll or buy your own lobsters and make a night of it.
(3)
Eric N.
Went here for a friends 40th birthday party. We came with some Canadian friends who never ate Lobstah... Great place, atmosphere and food. Lobstah and steamers were great and fast. Definitely a must see place if you are swinging through Maine.
(5)
Douglas E.
The setting is great. Hence the two stars. The food is just awful. It's overpriced fried garbage. Even the lobster roll is mediocre. If you order the lobster stew you'll pay $12 for a bowl of heated milk that they sprinkle a few crumbs of lobster in. I've eaten here many times for various reasons, and regret it each time. It is truly the worst restaurant in New Harbor, yet (owing solely to the deck overlooking the water) the most popular.
(2)
George M.
Have loved this place for 20 years! The best part of this joint is the seedy harborside bar with locals and tourists alike. Then the dog friendly atmosphere. Then the food since sometimes they can overcook the lobsters and yet they can come out COLD! What gives? The steamer portions are huge and cooked to perfection!
(5)
Lindsay S.
Fantastic lobster and lobster rolls. All 4 of us enjoyed our meal and rate it the highest of all the lobster/lobster rolls we had this week.
(5)
Archie C.
Great clam rolls. Views of New Harbor are unparalleled. Seafood doesn't get any fresher than this. Great Maine experience. The Raw Bar below is my favorite....Pemaquid Oysters are the best I've ever had. Can't wait to return!
(5)
Hillary A.
Always a good place to visit! Food was great, kind of pricey, but to be expected for a tourist place. Views make the price more tolerable. Took my grandma there for lunch and she was a little to hot outside and indoor seating is very nice too, with a great feel for Maine !!!
(5)
Lisa M.
Shaw's Wharf is a nice place to go for seafood. The lobster and steamers are good. The fried food is okay, the last time we went there was the taste of cooking fat on the food, which was kind of off-putting. I like how you can choose sides. The baked potato is good, and they will give you sour cream if you like. The salads are iceberg, cucumber, and a yummy sweet tomato. I like the salads. My husband says the coleslaw is very good. Overall, it is a nice seafood joint with a Maine appeal. I can recommend it!
(4)
Miranda H.
Great view, food was pretty good. The lobsters felt like they had been overcooked for a few minutes, which kind of sucked. The lobster rolls were more expensive here than any of the real tourist traps in town.
(3)
Tammy P.
Not a recommendation. Waited an hour for our food. Food was cold - steamed clams, fries, onion rings, shrimp included. All cold. Expensive. Very busy place all the time. We do not plan to return
(1)
Brian S.
Scruffy stinky and tasty Shaw's Lobster Restaurant definitely qualifies as a classic seafood shack. The stinky dumpster right in front is a dead give away. Used to be lots of places like this scattered around New England but they have been slowing disappearing. Nothing fancy, this is about as casual as it gets. You order your seafood at the counter and then take it to one of the picnic tables, either inside or out on the deck. The views from the deck are pretty impressive. You can watch the fishing boats go by or the seagulls fight over scraps. Since this is a real fishing area with lots of dead fish hanging around it has a distinctive odor at times but that is part of the appeal. Nothing about this place is fake or phony, this town still makes it's living from the sea. The food, especially the lobster and lobster rolls are great with the prices just what you expect for good seafood. Downstairs you can buy crummy t-shirts and check out the lobsters people are about to eat and really get a feel of what seafood is all about. The place gets packed in the summer and the same people come from long distances every summer just to eat here. You might have wait for a table if you come during the peak time of the year but in the cooler weather you can pretty much sit outside with just the seagulls for company. A classic and iconic seafood joint that just goes on doing what it has been doing for decades. If you want personal service, fine ambiance and food with names you can't pronounce find somewhere else. Shaw's might be crowded, a bit stinky at times and simple but it does what it does about as good as it can be done.
(5)
Mike S.
A true seafood restaurant. The only way to eat lobster when visiting Maine is here at Shaw's. Fresh caught and you pick out the one you want then cooked and brought to your table. Onion rings and fries are best ever. Also a full bar so I was able to enjoy my Bombay Saphire martini with my lobster.
(5)
Anna K.
I really wish that I could give this place no stars. Our service was horrid, first the prices were smudged off the menu and it looked like the prices were $6.95 and when I ordered (for 2 fried baskets and a chicken strip basket) it came to $58!! When I asked the lady what the prices were for each she told me to sign my ticket and she couldn't see it until after it printed off... WTF!?? I should have left but I figured that maybe, for the price, it was pretty epic... Boy was I wrong! My husband got a bigger piece of fish from a restaurant for the same price and his crab cakes were over cooked. My shrimp were so tiny they were mostly breading. I will say that the scallops were tasty, but there were only 4. My sons chicken was good. They also left things on our order out, like my sons salad, and when my husband went to ask about it the teen behind the counter gave him attitude, walked away, then slammed it on the counter. DO NOT GO HERE!!! Disgusting service, disgusting food, overpriced... Need I say more? And it was my birthday!! Sucky lunch for sure, and will never go back again.
(1)
Shawn B.
There's NOTHIN' like a lazy man's lobster dinner on the deck overlooking the harbor at sunset. The food is rich and flavorful and tastes like the beautiful coast looks.
(5)
Curly H.
Pros: Good view, decent food Cons: Expensive, somewhat out-of-the-way, service a bit slow Went here at the suggestion of a family member. It was a bit of a chore to get there, as New Harbor is out on one of the peninsulas and a good half-hour from tourist towns like Wiscasset and Rockland. We had a lobster roll and a "lobster pie", the latter of which consisted of lobster meat in lobster bisque covered with spiced Ritz crackers. A change of pace from the lobsters we had already decimated during this trip, but it wasn't quite my style. As for the lobster roll, there wasn't as much meat as I had at other places, and it was pretty expensive given the "no-frills" attitude of the place, not to mention the small bag of Lays and a pickle that was given as sides. I attempted to get a beer at the side bar next to the ordering kiosk, but after waiting for several minutes for someone to show up at the bar, I gave up and left. In all, worthwhile if you're staying in New Harbor, but otherwise you're probably closer to better deals on lobster.
(3)
Matt E.
Fantastic location on a working fisherman's wharf in New Harbor. We actually watched a couple fisherman loading up their boats with bait and setting out for the day from the pier right outside. Below the restaurant is a spot to buy lobsters (cooked or live) as well as a pretty cool little bar. The spot feels as Maine as you can get and I love that kind of charm. The prices are standard for seafood in the area, nothing really over or under priced but when the seafood is as fresh as this you really feel as though you're getting a good deal. The standard thing they didn't have here that they usually have in places like this is the fisherman's platter but what they did have was a pick 2 items platter which saves you money and keeps you from over eating (portions are only reasonable). The menu does have a lot more choices than the typical fried seafood places though like steamed and baked items and fish like halibut, salmon, tuna, and swordfish. I gave them 3 stars because the service was very bad (we stood by the counter for several minutes before we could find someone to help us) and I noticed other people having a hard time getting service as well. The seafood is fresh but I didn't like the way they fried things, the batter kept slipping off and the sryrofoam plates just kept a pool of oil making the bottom of the seafood soggy. I've gotten much better seafood at places like the Clam Box in Ipswich,MA. If you're going to eat here I'd stick to something fresh they can't mess up like whole lobsters.
(3)
Brian W.
I was returning from a summer trip from Canada through Maine. I checked Yelp for a place to find a good lobster meal, and Shaw's came up in the search. It was about 30 minutes out of my way, but I thought I'd try it. I was not disappointed! Shaw's is a great place for seafood! The wharf and outside dining area looks right out into the ocean, and you can see the daily catches as the lobster boats pull up to dock. The seasfood is about as fresh as it gets! I've always been kind of ambivalent about lobster, but having fresh Maine lobster right off the dock is as good as it gets! I think it ruined me for lobster anywhere else. The ouside dining area is definitely the place to be - you can watch the boats or stare out into the ocean while you enjoy lobster, clams, oysters and other tasty treats. You can even have lobsters packed to take home or shipped to your house! If you're in the area, take the drive to New Harbor. You won't be diappointed!
(5)
Sonia C.
Food was good overall, but nothing that will make me drive that far again. Nice atmosphere, good service, good experience overall.
(4)
Jon G.
Love this place. Been around FOR-EVER and will not disappoint. I remember going on multiple occasions and seeing the lobster boats coming in and dropping off the fresh catch. Does NOT get any fresher than this. The place doesnt look like much, but its deep Maine; and at Shaw's: Get prepared to be VERY satisfied.
(5)
Matt E.
Fantastic location on a working fisherman's wharf in New Harbor. We actually watched a couple fisherman loading up their boats with bait and setting out for the day from the pier right outside. Below the restaurant is a spot to buy lobsters (cooked or live) as well as a pretty cool little bar. The spot feels as Maine as you can get and I love that kind of charm. The prices are standard for seafood in the area, nothing really over or under priced but when the seafood is as fresh as this you really feel as though you're getting a good deal. The standard thing they didn't have here that they usually have in places like this is the fisherman's platter but what they did have was a pick 2 items platter which saves you money and keeps you from over eating (portions are only reasonable). The menu does have a lot more choices than the typical fried seafood places though like steamed and baked items and fish like halibut, salmon, tuna, and swordfish. I gave them 3 stars because the service was very bad (we stood by the counter for several minutes before we could find someone to help us) and I noticed other people having a hard time getting service as well. The seafood is fresh but I didn't like the way they fried things, the batter kept slipping off and the sryrofoam plates just kept a pool of oil making the bottom of the seafood soggy. I've gotten much better seafood at places like the Clam Box in Ipswich,MA. If you're going to eat here I'd stick to something fresh they can't mess up like whole lobsters.
(3)
joe r.
I'm sad to report that despite the nice view, the worst lobster roll I had in Maine was at Shaw's. And the chowder wasn't much, either. Giant disappointment.
(2)
Megan D.
Can beat the fresh lobsters here, scenery when eating on the upper deck watching the lobster boats come in an unload. This is the way lobster should be eaten... fresh, on a picnic table, with a side of butter. Add a beautiful summer day looking out over the harbor... it can't be beat!
(5)
Matt K.
Shaw's has a special place in my heart, as we used to go there every time we'd visit the grandparents in nearby Jefferson. Even though they long passed away, we still make it down to New Harbor occasionally, and always stop in for a delicious fresh lobster feast. Best around!
(5)
Sean L.
It doesn't get more fishing town than this place. Delicious sea food that literally cannot get any more fresh! This place is ON an actual wharf over the water in this quaint little town. The lobsters are alive just downstairs and you cant taste it! First place I ever ate lobster and it was amazing. There is a tiny little bar and the service is fast at the food counter with lots of things to choose from. There is also usually some sort of seafood of the day. Only downside is that, since it is a small town, you get the feeling that everyone there knows everyone else and they are sizing you up when you walk in and wondering who the hell/where the hell you are from. Very family oriented and when a bunch of 20 year olds from NJ, NYC, and Boston walk in... well we might stand out a bit. It's a great place though in one of my favorite towns to go when I want to get away from it all.
(5)
Mal G.
Funky lobster restaurant overlooks a small, busy working harbor near the tip of Pemaquid peninsula & the lighthouse on the US quarter in your pocket. The food's usually very good, but get there early to avoid crowds. Lobsters & steamers are the specialties, natch, but you can get a good burger or other stuff. Only complaint is sometimes you'll get food that's less than hot (i.e., steamers)--just hand 'em back & ask for hot ones. Lots of us locals eat here, too. Some of our kids even work there, so leave a good tip! The Hardy Boat, located on the dock downstairs next door, will take you out to Monhegan Island or on a tour of local islands, but don't park in Shaw's lot just for the boat ride.
(4)
D L.
Ok, so this is my kind of place. Unpretentious, very affordable and has great seafood! It's a really basic kinda place, with picnic tables inside, all wood building - really part of the dock itself.
(4)
Brian M.
I randomly discovered this place with the help of a crusty old guy who volunteered at the Pemaquid Pt. Lighthouse down the road. The harbor itself is as real as it gets, this isn't pansy Freeport, and the seagulls that dive-bomb you while you eat are playing for keeps. We went once when it was raining, and it's just not worth it. The whole point is to sit outside and watch the guys unload the lobbies and all that. One awesome personal tidbit was my dad and I took a day sailer sailboat (16' feet or so) and docked up to the side of one of the lobster wharfs and had lunch here, that was a great time, and the lobster guy's weren't surly about it like I presumed they'd be, real friendly.
(4)
Ashley M.
The ferry for Monhegan Island - my favorite place EVER - leaves from Shaw's wharf. There are those stand-up wooden pictures of a lobster and a clam there. I have pictures of myself standing behind as the clam for every year since I was little. the lobster salad sandwiches are amazing. Ok i'm about to break out into song about how much I love New England, so I'm just going to stop myself now.
(5)
Nat S.
My folks live nearby, so I frequent Shaw's often. Bring a windbreaker or fleece even in July, it can get cold on the deck. Great view and location - exactly what you look for in a lobster shack. Crab Rolls get an "A" and lobster rolls an "A-." Unless it is crowded, you can't go wrong with Shaw's. Their onion rings rule.
(4)
Chris F.
Shaw's is a New Harbor institution, popular with tourists and locals alike. Situated above a fully-functional fishing wharf, Shaw's provides fresh fish, lobsters, clams, and other seafood in filling quantities at reasonable prices. Grab a seat outside to enjoy the harbor view and ocean breeze, but watch out for voracious seagulls; they want those fried clams almost as much as you do!
(5)
Brown D.
You stand in line and place order. A few minutes later they will call your number and you will get a tray with the food on it. You will sit down on a wooden table with Paper Towels as napkins. If you want a beer be prepared to stand in line again. The view is nice but you must sit outside. At the end of the meal post desert I will give Shaw's Five Stars! Bathroom is downstairs and you can buy a shirt as well. Enjoy!
(5)
Hannah P.
Sitting outside on the deck overlooking the water was where it's at. Now on to the food! We ordered the steamer combo which consisted of a small lobster (fun to pick it for those who have never done it and a small one is a legit place to start) with steamed mussels that were flavorful and so incredibly fresh. The chowder however was a joke and I would never order it again. It was so watery and had a few potatoes but literally no clams!!! This was a one and done kinda place for me. If you're out here and want to try it before a puffin tour go for it but otherwise, get a lobster roll or buy your own lobsters and make a night of it.
(3)
Eric N.
Went here for a friends 40th birthday party. We came with some Canadian friends who never ate Lobstah... Great place, atmosphere and food. Lobstah and steamers were great and fast. Definitely a must see place if you are swinging through Maine.
(5)
Shawn B.
Want to know what it's like to pluck a lobster or clams out of the ocean, cook them, and eat them? Eat here! You will leave smelling like a lobsterman...hope it wears off by morning. I honestly thought cooking and eating a lobster that I bought live in the Midwest wouldn't be much different than here in Maine...WRONG! You can't get much fresher than this, unless you eat a raw one. Thanks to the 7 year old girl at the table next to me for teaching me how to eat fresh clams. I would have been so disappointed if left to my own devices. She taught me how to strip the nasty off and clean them...so much better than eating that sand crap! This is a MUST if in the area!
(5)
Maggi B.
The View is second to none... Lobster is a little pricey but the fried oysters are tender, not overcooked - delicious. Get the large side order of you just want oysters and don't need the sides. I'm a purest... I can make coleslaw and fries at home.
(5)
Douglas E.
The setting is great. Hence the two stars. The food is just awful. It's overpriced fried garbage. Even the lobster roll is mediocre. If you order the lobster stew you'll pay $12 for a bowl of heated milk that they sprinkle a few crumbs of lobster in. I've eaten here many times for various reasons, and regret it each time. It is truly the worst restaurant in New Harbor, yet (owing solely to the deck overlooking the water) the most popular.
(2)
George M.
Have loved this place for 20 years! The best part of this joint is the seedy harborside bar with locals and tourists alike. Then the dog friendly atmosphere. Then the food since sometimes they can overcook the lobsters and yet they can come out COLD! What gives? The steamer portions are huge and cooked to perfection!
(5)
Karen B.
An excellent, barebones fresh seafood restaurant. It's counter service with indoor and outdoor tables to eat at. The outdoor tables on the deck give you a first hand view of the commercial lobstermen bringing in their haul. The lobsters and steamers we had were cooked well and had plenty of flavor. Add $2 to the lobster price and it comes with a roll and small side salad. Prices are high, but consistent with other tourist places in the area.
(4)
jeannie m.
While vacationing on the mid Coast my guests treated me to a delicious dinner at Shaws and in the past I have ordered and enjoyed fried food I especially love the blooming onion which we did in fact enjoy again this year but as a non-seafood eater I took a chance on steak tips and was so happy with my meal they were nicely marinated a generous portion very tender and cooked a perfect medium rare. My friends both enjoyed their seafood meals as usual. The place was really hopping but once I order was placed it was not long before our food was in front of us we had no trouble getting a nice table by the window to enjoy our meal. I just wanted to give a shout out to Shaws for making a non-seafood eater happy and that is why I am giving them four stars.
(4)
Laura M.
Shaw's, Shaw's....I love this place and have been coming here since I was a kid. Choose your own lobster from the downstairs counter if you want a bigger one. Sitting indoors or out is always a treat and virtually everything is always top notch. The steamed clams were particularly good this time around, but it seems that the clams are extra sweet everywhere right now. The only thing to avoid are the crab cakes. I had never ordered them until now and will never do so again-- they are 90% filler and taste a bit like thanksgiving stuffing.
(4)
Ralph E.
I have been coming here since the early 70's. It was Small Brothers then, and you could eat the lobster and clams and throw the shells in the water. Over the years, things changed a bit. Can't throw the shells in the water anymore, and the upstairs where you sit and eat got a bit of an upgrade. Just a bit. So you stop in downstairs and pick you lobster from the tank, order a dozen steamers and go up to order your drinks and anything else. I have never had anything but the lobster and steamers. The tables have a board and mallet to beat the lobster.
(5)
Kelly K.
Very quicky service here with a great view while you wait on the deck upstairs. I got a single lobster with butter and it was delicious so It was worth picking out the tiny morsels of meat. Lobster ran around 17 dollars for about a 1.25-1.50 lobster. The only have one size.
(4)
Lindsay S.
Fantastic lobster and lobster rolls. All 4 of us enjoyed our meal and rate it the highest of all the lobster/lobster rolls we had this week.
(5)
Archie C.
Great clam rolls. Views of New Harbor are unparalleled. Seafood doesn't get any fresher than this. Great Maine experience. The Raw Bar below is my favorite....Pemaquid Oysters are the best I've ever had. Can't wait to return!
(5)
Hillary A.
Always a good place to visit! Food was great, kind of pricey, but to be expected for a tourist place. Views make the price more tolerable. Took my grandma there for lunch and she was a little to hot outside and indoor seating is very nice too, with a great feel for Maine !!!
(5)
Lisa M.
Shaw's Wharf is a nice place to go for seafood. The lobster and steamers are good. The fried food is okay, the last time we went there was the taste of cooking fat on the food, which was kind of off-putting. I like how you can choose sides. The baked potato is good, and they will give you sour cream if you like. The salads are iceberg, cucumber, and a yummy sweet tomato. I like the salads. My husband says the coleslaw is very good. Overall, it is a nice seafood joint with a Maine appeal. I can recommend it!
(4)
Miranda H.
Great view, food was pretty good. The lobsters felt like they had been overcooked for a few minutes, which kind of sucked. The lobster rolls were more expensive here than any of the real tourist traps in town.
(3)
Tammy P.
Not a recommendation. Waited an hour for our food. Food was cold - steamed clams, fries, onion rings, shrimp included. All cold. Expensive. Very busy place all the time. We do not plan to return
(1)
Brian S.
Scruffy stinky and tasty Shaw's Lobster Restaurant definitely qualifies as a classic seafood shack. The stinky dumpster right in front is a dead give away. Used to be lots of places like this scattered around New England but they have been slowing disappearing. Nothing fancy, this is about as casual as it gets. You order your seafood at the counter and then take it to one of the picnic tables, either inside or out on the deck. The views from the deck are pretty impressive. You can watch the fishing boats go by or the seagulls fight over scraps. Since this is a real fishing area with lots of dead fish hanging around it has a distinctive odor at times but that is part of the appeal. Nothing about this place is fake or phony, this town still makes it's living from the sea. The food, especially the lobster and lobster rolls are great with the prices just what you expect for good seafood. Downstairs you can buy crummy t-shirts and check out the lobsters people are about to eat and really get a feel of what seafood is all about. The place gets packed in the summer and the same people come from long distances every summer just to eat here. You might have wait for a table if you come during the peak time of the year but in the cooler weather you can pretty much sit outside with just the seagulls for company. A classic and iconic seafood joint that just goes on doing what it has been doing for decades. If you want personal service, fine ambiance and food with names you can't pronounce find somewhere else. Shaw's might be crowded, a bit stinky at times and simple but it does what it does about as good as it can be done.
(5)
Mike S.
A true seafood restaurant. The only way to eat lobster when visiting Maine is here at Shaw's. Fresh caught and you pick out the one you want then cooked and brought to your table. Onion rings and fries are best ever. Also a full bar so I was able to enjoy my Bombay Saphire martini with my lobster.
(5)
Anna K.
I really wish that I could give this place no stars. Our service was horrid, first the prices were smudged off the menu and it looked like the prices were $6.95 and when I ordered (for 2 fried baskets and a chicken strip basket) it came to $58!! When I asked the lady what the prices were for each she told me to sign my ticket and she couldn't see it until after it printed off... WTF!?? I should have left but I figured that maybe, for the price, it was pretty epic... Boy was I wrong! My husband got a bigger piece of fish from a restaurant for the same price and his crab cakes were over cooked. My shrimp were so tiny they were mostly breading. I will say that the scallops were tasty, but there were only 4. My sons chicken was good. They also left things on our order out, like my sons salad, and when my husband went to ask about it the teen behind the counter gave him attitude, walked away, then slammed it on the counter. DO NOT GO HERE!!! Disgusting service, disgusting food, overpriced... Need I say more? And it was my birthday!! Sucky lunch for sure, and will never go back again.
(1)
Shawn B.
There's NOTHIN' like a lazy man's lobster dinner on the deck overlooking the harbor at sunset. The food is rich and flavorful and tastes like the beautiful coast looks.
(5)
Shaina P.
Eating a lobster shore dinner at Shaw's brings back memories and never fails to create new ones. Once you park you have to walk by a really smelly area but once you pass it, you're on the dock leading up to the restaurant. Back in the day, you could go up to the room where they store their lobsters and pick out the dude you want to eat. Not so much anymore, but know that the lobsters here come from some of the best waters of New England. The venue is getting old, but it boasts an old school feel with it's self-ordering system. The views of Muscongus Bay are classic Maine: lobster boats moored on the water and an island in view across the way. Admittedly, you miss the rocky shore views that you get from a place like The Lobster Shack in Cape Elizabeth. The other day I tried ordering just lobster roll but couldn't get past the empty feeling when I couldn't tear a lobster apart on my own. Solution: order a naked lobster for dessert. Don't forget the steamers. They're cleaned, steamed and taste sweet and delicious. (ugh - time to go home. just felt earthquake at my office).
(5)
Matt E.
Seriously stay away from the seafood casserole. It came out lukewarm with what amounted to nacho flavored Cheezits crumbled on top. Stick with the shore dinner and you should be fine.
(2)
Tim B.
This is a true gem in eastern coastal Maine. For over 3 decades, this has been a favorite spot for me. The seafood is fresh and the view is simply breath-taking and worthy of a famous painting. Take a seat upstairs on a picnic table to watch the daily catches arrive straight from the sea. Compliment your meal with a delicious Pemaquid Ale, a local brew. Keep in mind that the bathrooms are small and usually crowded, and that seagulls like to swoop and scavenge. Above all, this is a great place to stop for a meal. Highly recommended.
(5)
Kurt N.
Beautiful spot on a working harbor. Ordered the day's "special," steamed Mussels, and they were room temperature. Disappointing. Crabcake sandwich and sweet potato fries were okay, but not great. Not a bad option if you're near by, but far from excellent.
(2)
S D.
Great experience located right in the water. Great lobster roll although I have not meet one I have not liked in ME!
(5)
Em S.
I wish I could respond directly to DF who expected "something better than a cheap hot dog bun" when he stopped here to get what was obviously his first-ever Maine lobster roll. If he stops anywhere else to try lobster roll # 2 (or 3 or 4 or) he'll learn that an authentic Maine lobster roll is indeed made with "a cheap hot dog bun." Shaw's in a great spot to enjoy what Maine is all about. Located in a true working lobster village, this is totally worth driving the 30 or so miles off Route 1 to glimpse one of the prettiest little harbor towns in Maine and the nearby Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. Go.
(5)
Charles H.
First thing to know, New Harbor is a haul if you're trying to make good time along Route 1. That said if you have the time, this is a GREAT lunch place. Once you park at the lot that's shared with the ferry, stick to your guns, walk past the disgusting greasy dumpsters waiting to greet you and head upstairs. Your reward is a small, beautiful, picture-perfect Maine harbor, with working lobstermen unloading the critters right in front of your eyes. They serve beer and the prices are reasonable. A little touristy, but so what? I was, you probably will be too!
(4)
D F.
Pros: Great view, reasonable prices. Cons: Lobster roll comes on a cheap hot dog bun. For $13 for a lobster roll, I would expect something better than a cheap hot dog bun. That was disappointing. It tasted pretty decent otherwise. View, beer selection and beer prices moved this from a 3 to a 4. I wouldn't go out of my way to go there ever again.
(4)
Curly H.
Pros: Good view, decent food Cons: Expensive, somewhat out-of-the-way, service a bit slow Went here at the suggestion of a family member. It was a bit of a chore to get there, as New Harbor is out on one of the peninsulas and a good half-hour from tourist towns like Wiscasset and Rockland. We had a lobster roll and a "lobster pie", the latter of which consisted of lobster meat in lobster bisque covered with spiced Ritz crackers. A change of pace from the lobsters we had already decimated during this trip, but it wasn't quite my style. As for the lobster roll, there wasn't as much meat as I had at other places, and it was pretty expensive given the "no-frills" attitude of the place, not to mention the small bag of Lays and a pickle that was given as sides. I attempted to get a beer at the side bar next to the ordering kiosk, but after waiting for several minutes for someone to show up at the bar, I gave up and left. In all, worthwhile if you're staying in New Harbor, but otherwise you're probably closer to better deals on lobster.
(3)
Lou L.
I would love to tell you that I had a fantastic meal, but when I got there at 6:15 on a Saturday night of Columbus Day weekend, the place had every indoor table full, and it was 51 degrees outside, making 65% of the seating useless. Orders -- including take-out -- were backed up for 20 minutes, and people were stalking tables like vultures on carrion. I gave up, and found another restaurant. Obviously the place is great, but if you can't get a table, there's no use going.
(1)
Devon D.
A favorite family spot for as long as I can remember. I grew up thinking they had the best grilled cheeses in the world (I might still think that!) and now have branched out to enjoy their fresh lobsters, wonderful chowder and delicious fried fish/clams/shrimp options. The atmosphere is wonderful as well - it is definitely worth it to sit outside in the warm weather as well as the not so warm so that you can watch the lobster boats come and unload as well as the Hardy Boat as it makes its tours and trips to Monhegan Island. I try to make sure that I make it to Shaw's at least once a summer!
(5)
Alex L.
I have been coming here for a long time. The food is exactly what the people of Maine want. It is nothing fancy here as the people of Maine don't want that. Simple yet tasty is what you will find. It is worth the drive to get here. I took my girlfriend here yesterday for the day we had to drive 3 1/2 hours to get here. When your here take a trip on the Hardy boat always a great time.
(5)
Anne C.
I ate here with my family after doing the puffin tour. My father lives in the area but we didn't want to wait to get home to eat so we tried here and we all were very happy with our food. I had the lobster roll and my sister and father had the crab roll and we thought both were very good. I was actually surprised how good the lobster roll was--tons of meat, very little mayo--perfect. I also had the clams-yes, they have sand in them--they are fresh clams. Pull the skin off the necks and swish them around a bit--so good!! You are going to be hard pressed to find fresher seafood if you stick with the mainstays. It's very casual and you can't beat the view.
(4)
James T.
Very disappointed. I did not order steamed lobster. I had three items: steamed clam---dirt and sand everywhere (they claimed that they could not soak for the the health department restriction.) Fried calamari--tasted frozen calamari from Korea. Greasy batter falled apart from the meat. Same receipe but worst taste than most regular Italain restaurant in major cities. Lobster Roll--it is ok. However you can get equal or better (but cheaper) from most lobster shacks in the area. It came with a bag of chip--guess what brand they use? Lays Classic--one of the cheapest you can find in the supermarket. Simple thing like Kechup--the eco brand you have never heard. I asked for a tartar sauce--taste no better than the Red Lobster or Long John Silver--mayonnaise with chooped pickle. The price was restaurant grade but the plates were styrofoam. You can definately taste the lack of passion. It is barely a money earning spot for the owner. Too bad. Staff said: the owner liked to save cost. We could tell, too.
(1)
Diane S.
Worth the trip. Good food, great view of the boats and the harbor. Don't know who's saying this is "pricy" - by Los Angeles standards, this place is basically giving away meals. As anyone who's spent time in the midcoast Maine area knows, everything is about 20-30 minutes away from everything else. With no traffic and beautiful scenery, this is not a "problem" or a "con," but, in fact, a rather nice element to the area. Teh food here is really quite delicious, and the atmosphere can't be beat. A definite must-visit! Don't forget to take your picture with your head in the wooden lobster cut-out!
(5)
Haj A.
A lobster shack that's very aware of its self as a tourist destination (take your picture as a lobster!) but the local spirit is still intact. The lobsters taste fresh, the clams are fried to perfection and the service is cheerful. It's certainly a great place to go if you're on a lobster shack tour but I can't say it's a must stop. In my opinion, Five Island Lobsters and Red's Eats are definitely the ones to beat.
(3)
D S.
Shaw's just screams summer to me. Every summer my family stays in the area for a few weeks, and one of our favorite outings is going to Shaw's for a DELICIOUS dinner. Clearly, the lobster is where it's at, but everything there is delicious. The atmosphere is perfectly small town Maine, and the local beers on tap are great. There is a small bar downstairs where you get some some 'local flavor' in the evenings. (I hate that term for the record, as I am from a tourist town- but it applies, so whatever). If you are in the area, you won't have many options to go out and eat, but rest assured that the option you do have-Shaw's- is a great one, and you can't go wrong with their menu! Side note: you can pick out your lobster downstairs before you go up and chow down on your little friend!
(5)
Connie D.
I love this place -- has it been around for 40 years? Well, if it hasn't, it's taken someone's place, because that's how long I've been coming here. I like lobster roll and onion rings. Both are superb. My husband likes his lobster hot, and he loved it. The scenery is like out of a movie (actually they made a movie here -- forget the name). But I found it before Hollywood did, and have so many happy memories of being there with my family over the years. This weekend my husband and I went back - still great!
(5)
Heidi D.
Delicious food! Fried clams were amazing and fresh. Steamed mussels were very sweet, this coming from someone that does not usually like them! My kids consider themselves clam chowder experts - they did not care for this one. The pieces of clam were huge and it was a thinner broth. That being said, my husband and I liked it. Very quick service, awesome view! My husband likes it better than The Lobster Shack in Cape Elizabeth. I think they are comparable. We both think Shaw's is better, much, than Nunnan's in Kennenunkport. Defiantly adding this to our favorite list!
(5)
Andy G.
I LOVE THIS PLACE. First i have to admit that i have been coming to this place for about 20 years of my life so i already knew what to expect. So I packed up the wife, ( Yes, I know that her name is Simone but today we'll just refer to her as "the wife") got in the car, and drove up Route 32 to New Harbor. Although Labor Day weekend was upon us, the parking lot was only about half full with senior citizens from Massachusetts and Canada. This was a welcomed sign as the lines at Shaws Wharf can be very long sometimes with people who apparently have never seen a fresh lobster during their life. If that happens to you don't be afraid, they put meals out at the speed of light and i have seldom had to wait more then 15-20 minutes for my meal.The first thing you notice as you are walking to the restaurant is the overwhelming smell coming from the grease dumpster. Its a disgustingly gross mix of fried (mostly seafood) leftovers and old dirty oil. Not exactly the first impression one might want to make. So after a dead sprint past the manure like oder we made our way up to the top of the stairs to the dining area overlooking the harbor. The view here is spectacular. On one side you can overlook the harbor and the lobstermen unloading their traps, and on the other you can look into the Atlantic ocean. If you are afraid of seagulls flying above and crapping on you then they do have an indoor seating area also, but really grow a pair and just go sit outside. So now to the food. The menu is large and probably 75% fresh seafood from right off the dock. Good food can be hard to find for a non fish eater on a menu like this, but people tell me the Lobster is the best they can find on the Maine coast, so if you enjoy eating these bottom feeders, then by all means go ahead, and enjoy the clams and mussels as well. But for myself i head straight to my old Shaws Wharf stand by, the chicken fingers, Buffalo Style and Original. The wife suggests we bypass the basket style ( with fries, coleslaw and roll), because the coleslaw is nothing to brag about ( to much celery seed) and the rolls come from a bag. So we order a side of Fries to go with our chicken appetizers. The service here is counter service ( no need for a large tip, but don't be a dick, give a tip anyway !) so we grab some drinks and head out to the patio. After about ten minutes our number is called and the wife grabs the food. The fried chicken tenders- both kinds- are crispy and piping hot. At first glance you may think these things are going to be dry, but they are some of the moistest fried chicken I have ever had. And they are consistently this way. Not a dry breast in the house. While we are talking about the breast I may as well admit that the size of these things are huge. So I grab them quick and shove one into my mouth. One thing I always notice is when chicken is fried in the same oil as fish, these are not. Shaws has separate fryolators for fish , French Fry's, and chicken and you can taste the difference. The Buffalo Style tenders are just the right blend of heat, not a Bathroom emergency kinda burning heat, but smooth and buttery with a little bit of fire, which quickly dissipates with some Blue Cheese Dressing. The Original Style Plain Tender has a nice white pepper southern taste. Both kinds of Tenders are hand breaded when you order with Shaws fish fry batter so they are light but somehow very filling at the same time. The Fries are good, not fresh cut ,but still perfectly crispy and a good addition to the meal. Overall this dish is a winner every time. Shaws also does a great job with Fresh Breaded Onion Rings, Broiled Chicken, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and BLT's so don't be afraid to give those a try also.To end the meal my wife suggested a Pina Colada. Not exactly dessert, but hell its got pineapple and coconut in it so close enough ! I gotta say, the Pina Colada from the dockside bar under the resturant is one of the best damn Coladas I have ever had. Cold, with just the right amount of everything. And it goes down smooth and fast (especialy fast if you are me). A Great way to end our meal at Shaws and another satisfying trip to my favorite seafood resturaunt
(5)
Will P.
The place to go, fresh but nothing special...enjoy the deck on a nice day. A real working fish port...not a tourist mecca. Bon appetit mes amis.
(3)
Lisa G.
Love it! I go for the Lobster Roll and a view. The Puffin Cruises that leave from the same dock are also awesome!! Well worth the trip!
(5)
Brittany B.
yum yum yum
(5)
Kasey N.
Ok, so I'm a little biased seeing as my parents own the dock and house right across the harbor. However, I have been eating at Shaw's for 22 years and it never gets old or less delicious. Everything on their menu is good from the lobsters to the fried haddock sandwiches. However, my all-time favorite are the steamers. I can't go in there without getting at least a 1/2 pound. In fact, that's what I'm eating in my profile picture! The other great attraction to Shaw's is that it's the best local bar. If you want to see some real Mainers and hear good stories, head downstairs any time in the evening, but only until 10 pm. Yeah, small town bars close up shop early. I had my first legal drink here and have had several since. Nothing beats the view of the harbor while you enjoy your food and drinks. You can watch the lobster boats come in with the day's catch in the afternoon and watch them unload at the co-op right next door. Also, if you want to do a little fishing of your own, take your pole down on Shaw's dock. You can catch mackerel and pollock. Just watch out for the Hardy Boat!
(5)
Peter C.
Oh man, where do I start? The fish is delicious, as are the fried scallops,clams, and other goodies. I love to watch my lobstermen bretheren get their catch in. After I've relocated to Maine, I've made it a point to stop here. Shaws and Warrens down in Kittery go hand in hand with good lobster! Reccomended: Onion Rings Fried scallops Haddock Sandwiches
(5)
Joe S.
I am new to Maine and have eatin at some great places so far while here and let me tell you this is the BEST steamers and lobster chowda I have had.
(5)
Dave F.
If you made it down all this way, treat yerself to a lobster roll. It's one of the best.
(5)
adrian w.
One of the more memorable places I have ever eaten. One word... steamers! I never tried the lobster roll from here, so I am no help. Sit out on the docks, enjoy a beer or two, suck down a few dozen steamers and watch the daily catch come in. Also, if you are inexperienced in a two man inflatable dingy, don't attempt to row yourself home drunk. I will go back again, even if there are 1200 miles separating us.
(5)
Nathen S.
Great lobster roll. Steamed mussels came out cold. Kids chickenand fries were great portions and good chicken. Overall a great place and beautiful deck overlooking harbor with lobster boats in and out. Great for the family.
(4)
Catherine D.
We were a bit underwhelmed with Shaw's. While the location and view are very nice, the restaurant is pretty average lobster shack. Table was dirty, we had to clean it off ourselves and fill up the empty paper towel roll ourselves. I had the lobster roll. A good amount of nice lobster, very sweet and fresh, but the roll was stale and there was shredded lettuce underneath even though the menu explained the roll was lobster and mayo with no mention of lettuce. My husband choose the lazy man's lobster and was disappointed the moment he saw it. A very small plate of lobster meat (looked like a 1/2 pound chicken lobster) sitting in a pool of melted butter for $24.00. The cup of fish chowder had nice flavor, but was very thin with not one piece of potato that I could find. The evening was capped off by having a man use the ladies restroom after I existed. Gross.
(2)
Kirsten S.
The views are amazing. You can sit out there and watch the boats go by. The calamari and lobster were really really good and felt like they were fresh out of the water. But the crab fish cakes weren't good at all. The crab was mixed ( not just claw) and it didn't taste as fresh as the other dishes. The service and cleanliness were exemplary though.
(4)
Pat Laracy B.
So good. So fresh. Great fun family place. Would not miss a visit there when in Maine. Terrific service. Love it Love It Love it
(5)
Mike L.
Can't beat Shaw's for seafood. If you are in Maine and looking for a true Maine seafood experience, you have to make the trip to Shaw's (right on the way to Pemaquid Point Lighthouse too, so make a day of it!). You walk by the fisherman's wharf, typically with a boat or two unloading their day's catch. Step up and order your food like you were at a fast-food restaurant then sit and wait for your number. We shared the buffalo shrimp appetizer and then a Shore Platter which included a lobster and steamers. There is nothing better than drinking a cold beverage while shucking clams and cracking open a fresh lobster! Great food, great prices, great place to eat.
(5)
Andrea C.
Went here on a Sunday Night. Place was busy, waited way too long for Luke warm steamers and lobster and paid way too much. Husband got a steak and cheese which looked awful but for $11.00 u would of thought it Would of been decent. Way overpriced, Nice view but that's it! Gave a extra star because the steamers although cold were delicious!
(3)
Courtney B.
Anyone who gives this place a bad review has something wrong with them. Fresh seafood, beer, and amazing scenery/atmosphere.The end.
(5)
Jess M.
Never disappointing. Worth a drive if you're not in the neighborhood.
(5)
SeaChi N.
Got the steamed lobster and clams combo, the lobster meat was sweet and needed no butter, the clams tender and oh so tasty. The area is a small oasis from the city, sit upstairs and simply enjoy the view.
(5)
jeannie m.
While vacationing on the mid Coast my guests treated me to a delicious dinner at Shaws and in the past I have ordered and enjoyed fried food I especially love the blooming onion which we did in fact enjoy again this year but as a non-seafood eater I took a chance on steak tips and was so happy with my meal they were nicely marinated a generous portion very tender and cooked a perfect medium rare. My friends both enjoyed their seafood meals as usual. The place was really hopping but once I order was placed it was not long before our food was in front of us we had no trouble getting a nice table by the window to enjoy our meal. I just wanted to give a shout out to Shaws for making a non-seafood eater happy and that is why I am giving them four stars.
(4)
Brown D.
You stand in line and place order. A few minutes later they will call your number and you will get a tray with the food on it. You will sit down on a wooden table with Paper Towels as napkins. If you want a beer be prepared to stand in line again. The view is nice but you must sit outside. At the end of the meal post desert I will give Shaw's Five Stars! Bathroom is downstairs and you can buy a shirt as well. Enjoy!
(5)
Hannah P.
Sitting outside on the deck overlooking the water was where it's at. Now on to the food! We ordered the steamer combo which consisted of a small lobster (fun to pick it for those who have never done it and a small one is a legit place to start) with steamed mussels that were flavorful and so incredibly fresh. The chowder however was a joke and I would never order it again. It was so watery and had a few potatoes but literally no clams!!! This was a one and done kinda place for me. If you're out here and want to try it before a puffin tour go for it but otherwise, get a lobster roll or buy your own lobsters and make a night of it.
(3)
Eric N.
Went here for a friends 40th birthday party. We came with some Canadian friends who never ate Lobstah... Great place, atmosphere and food. Lobstah and steamers were great and fast. Definitely a must see place if you are swinging through Maine.
(5)
Shawn B.
Want to know what it's like to pluck a lobster or clams out of the ocean, cook them, and eat them? Eat here! You will leave smelling like a lobsterman...hope it wears off by morning. I honestly thought cooking and eating a lobster that I bought live in the Midwest wouldn't be much different than here in Maine...WRONG! You can't get much fresher than this, unless you eat a raw one. Thanks to the 7 year old girl at the table next to me for teaching me how to eat fresh clams. I would have been so disappointed if left to my own devices. She taught me how to strip the nasty off and clean them...so much better than eating that sand crap! This is a MUST if in the area!
(5)
Maggi B.
The View is second to none... Lobster is a little pricey but the fried oysters are tender, not overcooked - delicious. Get the large side order of you just want oysters and don't need the sides. I'm a purest... I can make coleslaw and fries at home.
(5)
Douglas E.
The setting is great. Hence the two stars. The food is just awful. It's overpriced fried garbage. Even the lobster roll is mediocre. If you order the lobster stew you'll pay $12 for a bowl of heated milk that they sprinkle a few crumbs of lobster in. I've eaten here many times for various reasons, and regret it each time. It is truly the worst restaurant in New Harbor, yet (owing solely to the deck overlooking the water) the most popular.
(2)
George M.
Have loved this place for 20 years! The best part of this joint is the seedy harborside bar with locals and tourists alike. Then the dog friendly atmosphere. Then the food since sometimes they can overcook the lobsters and yet they can come out COLD! What gives? The steamer portions are huge and cooked to perfection!
(5)
Karen B.
An excellent, barebones fresh seafood restaurant. It's counter service with indoor and outdoor tables to eat at. The outdoor tables on the deck give you a first hand view of the commercial lobstermen bringing in their haul. The lobsters and steamers we had were cooked well and had plenty of flavor. Add $2 to the lobster price and it comes with a roll and small side salad. Prices are high, but consistent with other tourist places in the area.
(4)
Laura M.
Shaw's, Shaw's....I love this place and have been coming here since I was a kid. Choose your own lobster from the downstairs counter if you want a bigger one. Sitting indoors or out is always a treat and virtually everything is always top notch. The steamed clams were particularly good this time around, but it seems that the clams are extra sweet everywhere right now. The only thing to avoid are the crab cakes. I had never ordered them until now and will never do so again-- they are 90% filler and taste a bit like thanksgiving stuffing.
(4)
Ralph E.
I have been coming here since the early 70's. It was Small Brothers then, and you could eat the lobster and clams and throw the shells in the water. Over the years, things changed a bit. Can't throw the shells in the water anymore, and the upstairs where you sit and eat got a bit of an upgrade. Just a bit. So you stop in downstairs and pick you lobster from the tank, order a dozen steamers and go up to order your drinks and anything else. I have never had anything but the lobster and steamers. The tables have a board and mallet to beat the lobster.
(5)
Kelly K.
Very quicky service here with a great view while you wait on the deck upstairs. I got a single lobster with butter and it was delicious so It was worth picking out the tiny morsels of meat. Lobster ran around 17 dollars for about a 1.25-1.50 lobster. The only have one size.
(4)
Lindsay S.
Fantastic lobster and lobster rolls. All 4 of us enjoyed our meal and rate it the highest of all the lobster/lobster rolls we had this week.
(5)
Archie C.
Great clam rolls. Views of New Harbor are unparalleled. Seafood doesn't get any fresher than this. Great Maine experience. The Raw Bar below is my favorite....Pemaquid Oysters are the best I've ever had. Can't wait to return!
(5)
Hillary A.
Always a good place to visit! Food was great, kind of pricey, but to be expected for a tourist place. Views make the price more tolerable. Took my grandma there for lunch and she was a little to hot outside and indoor seating is very nice too, with a great feel for Maine !!!
(5)
Lisa M.
Shaw's Wharf is a nice place to go for seafood. The lobster and steamers are good. The fried food is okay, the last time we went there was the taste of cooking fat on the food, which was kind of off-putting. I like how you can choose sides. The baked potato is good, and they will give you sour cream if you like. The salads are iceberg, cucumber, and a yummy sweet tomato. I like the salads. My husband says the coleslaw is very good. Overall, it is a nice seafood joint with a Maine appeal. I can recommend it!
(4)
Miranda H.
Great view, food was pretty good. The lobsters felt like they had been overcooked for a few minutes, which kind of sucked. The lobster rolls were more expensive here than any of the real tourist traps in town.
(3)
Tammy P.
Not a recommendation. Waited an hour for our food. Food was cold - steamed clams, fries, onion rings, shrimp included. All cold. Expensive. Very busy place all the time. We do not plan to return
(1)
Brian S.
Scruffy stinky and tasty Shaw's Lobster Restaurant definitely qualifies as a classic seafood shack. The stinky dumpster right in front is a dead give away. Used to be lots of places like this scattered around New England but they have been slowing disappearing. Nothing fancy, this is about as casual as it gets. You order your seafood at the counter and then take it to one of the picnic tables, either inside or out on the deck. The views from the deck are pretty impressive. You can watch the fishing boats go by or the seagulls fight over scraps. Since this is a real fishing area with lots of dead fish hanging around it has a distinctive odor at times but that is part of the appeal. Nothing about this place is fake or phony, this town still makes it's living from the sea. The food, especially the lobster and lobster rolls are great with the prices just what you expect for good seafood. Downstairs you can buy crummy t-shirts and check out the lobsters people are about to eat and really get a feel of what seafood is all about. The place gets packed in the summer and the same people come from long distances every summer just to eat here. You might have wait for a table if you come during the peak time of the year but in the cooler weather you can pretty much sit outside with just the seagulls for company. A classic and iconic seafood joint that just goes on doing what it has been doing for decades. If you want personal service, fine ambiance and food with names you can't pronounce find somewhere else. Shaw's might be crowded, a bit stinky at times and simple but it does what it does about as good as it can be done.
(5)
Mike S.
A true seafood restaurant. The only way to eat lobster when visiting Maine is here at Shaw's. Fresh caught and you pick out the one you want then cooked and brought to your table. Onion rings and fries are best ever. Also a full bar so I was able to enjoy my Bombay Saphire martini with my lobster.
(5)
Anna K.
I really wish that I could give this place no stars. Our service was horrid, first the prices were smudged off the menu and it looked like the prices were $6.95 and when I ordered (for 2 fried baskets and a chicken strip basket) it came to $58!! When I asked the lady what the prices were for each she told me to sign my ticket and she couldn't see it until after it printed off... WTF!?? I should have left but I figured that maybe, for the price, it was pretty epic... Boy was I wrong! My husband got a bigger piece of fish from a restaurant for the same price and his crab cakes were over cooked. My shrimp were so tiny they were mostly breading. I will say that the scallops were tasty, but there were only 4. My sons chicken was good. They also left things on our order out, like my sons salad, and when my husband went to ask about it the teen behind the counter gave him attitude, walked away, then slammed it on the counter. DO NOT GO HERE!!! Disgusting service, disgusting food, overpriced... Need I say more? And it was my birthday!! Sucky lunch for sure, and will never go back again.
(1)
Charles H.
First thing to know, New Harbor is a haul if you're trying to make good time along Route 1. That said if you have the time, this is a GREAT lunch place. Once you park at the lot that's shared with the ferry, stick to your guns, walk past the disgusting greasy dumpsters waiting to greet you and head upstairs. Your reward is a small, beautiful, picture-perfect Maine harbor, with working lobstermen unloading the critters right in front of your eyes. They serve beer and the prices are reasonable. A little touristy, but so what? I was, you probably will be too!
(4)
D F.
Pros: Great view, reasonable prices. Cons: Lobster roll comes on a cheap hot dog bun. For $13 for a lobster roll, I would expect something better than a cheap hot dog bun. That was disappointing. It tasted pretty decent otherwise. View, beer selection and beer prices moved this from a 3 to a 4. I wouldn't go out of my way to go there ever again.
(4)
Shawn B.
There's NOTHIN' like a lazy man's lobster dinner on the deck overlooking the harbor at sunset. The food is rich and flavorful and tastes like the beautiful coast looks.
(5)
Shaina P.
Eating a lobster shore dinner at Shaw's brings back memories and never fails to create new ones. Once you park you have to walk by a really smelly area but once you pass it, you're on the dock leading up to the restaurant. Back in the day, you could go up to the room where they store their lobsters and pick out the dude you want to eat. Not so much anymore, but know that the lobsters here come from some of the best waters of New England. The venue is getting old, but it boasts an old school feel with it's self-ordering system. The views of Muscongus Bay are classic Maine: lobster boats moored on the water and an island in view across the way. Admittedly, you miss the rocky shore views that you get from a place like The Lobster Shack in Cape Elizabeth. The other day I tried ordering just lobster roll but couldn't get past the empty feeling when I couldn't tear a lobster apart on my own. Solution: order a naked lobster for dessert. Don't forget the steamers. They're cleaned, steamed and taste sweet and delicious. (ugh - time to go home. just felt earthquake at my office).
(5)
Matt E.
Seriously stay away from the seafood casserole. It came out lukewarm with what amounted to nacho flavored Cheezits crumbled on top. Stick with the shore dinner and you should be fine.
(2)
Tim B.
This is a true gem in eastern coastal Maine. For over 3 decades, this has been a favorite spot for me. The seafood is fresh and the view is simply breath-taking and worthy of a famous painting. Take a seat upstairs on a picnic table to watch the daily catches arrive straight from the sea. Compliment your meal with a delicious Pemaquid Ale, a local brew. Keep in mind that the bathrooms are small and usually crowded, and that seagulls like to swoop and scavenge. Above all, this is a great place to stop for a meal. Highly recommended.
(5)
Kurt N.
Beautiful spot on a working harbor. Ordered the day's "special," steamed Mussels, and they were room temperature. Disappointing. Crabcake sandwich and sweet potato fries were okay, but not great. Not a bad option if you're near by, but far from excellent.
(2)
S D.
Great experience located right in the water. Great lobster roll although I have not meet one I have not liked in ME!
(5)
Em S.
I wish I could respond directly to DF who expected "something better than a cheap hot dog bun" when he stopped here to get what was obviously his first-ever Maine lobster roll. If he stops anywhere else to try lobster roll # 2 (or 3 or 4 or) he'll learn that an authentic Maine lobster roll is indeed made with "a cheap hot dog bun." Shaw's in a great spot to enjoy what Maine is all about. Located in a true working lobster village, this is totally worth driving the 30 or so miles off Route 1 to glimpse one of the prettiest little harbor towns in Maine and the nearby Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. Go.
(5)
Curly H.
Pros: Good view, decent food Cons: Expensive, somewhat out-of-the-way, service a bit slow Went here at the suggestion of a family member. It was a bit of a chore to get there, as New Harbor is out on one of the peninsulas and a good half-hour from tourist towns like Wiscasset and Rockland. We had a lobster roll and a "lobster pie", the latter of which consisted of lobster meat in lobster bisque covered with spiced Ritz crackers. A change of pace from the lobsters we had already decimated during this trip, but it wasn't quite my style. As for the lobster roll, there wasn't as much meat as I had at other places, and it was pretty expensive given the "no-frills" attitude of the place, not to mention the small bag of Lays and a pickle that was given as sides. I attempted to get a beer at the side bar next to the ordering kiosk, but after waiting for several minutes for someone to show up at the bar, I gave up and left. In all, worthwhile if you're staying in New Harbor, but otherwise you're probably closer to better deals on lobster.
(3)
Lou L.
I would love to tell you that I had a fantastic meal, but when I got there at 6:15 on a Saturday night of Columbus Day weekend, the place had every indoor table full, and it was 51 degrees outside, making 65% of the seating useless. Orders -- including take-out -- were backed up for 20 minutes, and people were stalking tables like vultures on carrion. I gave up, and found another restaurant. Obviously the place is great, but if you can't get a table, there's no use going.
(1)
Devon D.
A favorite family spot for as long as I can remember. I grew up thinking they had the best grilled cheeses in the world (I might still think that!) and now have branched out to enjoy their fresh lobsters, wonderful chowder and delicious fried fish/clams/shrimp options. The atmosphere is wonderful as well - it is definitely worth it to sit outside in the warm weather as well as the not so warm so that you can watch the lobster boats come and unload as well as the Hardy Boat as it makes its tours and trips to Monhegan Island. I try to make sure that I make it to Shaw's at least once a summer!
(5)
Alex L.
I have been coming here for a long time. The food is exactly what the people of Maine want. It is nothing fancy here as the people of Maine don't want that. Simple yet tasty is what you will find. It is worth the drive to get here. I took my girlfriend here yesterday for the day we had to drive 3 1/2 hours to get here. When your here take a trip on the Hardy boat always a great time.
(5)
Anne C.
I ate here with my family after doing the puffin tour. My father lives in the area but we didn't want to wait to get home to eat so we tried here and we all were very happy with our food. I had the lobster roll and my sister and father had the crab roll and we thought both were very good. I was actually surprised how good the lobster roll was--tons of meat, very little mayo--perfect. I also had the clams-yes, they have sand in them--they are fresh clams. Pull the skin off the necks and swish them around a bit--so good!! You are going to be hard pressed to find fresher seafood if you stick with the mainstays. It's very casual and you can't beat the view.
(4)
James T.
Very disappointed. I did not order steamed lobster. I had three items: steamed clam---dirt and sand everywhere (they claimed that they could not soak for the the health department restriction.) Fried calamari--tasted frozen calamari from Korea. Greasy batter falled apart from the meat. Same receipe but worst taste than most regular Italain restaurant in major cities. Lobster Roll--it is ok. However you can get equal or better (but cheaper) from most lobster shacks in the area. It came with a bag of chip--guess what brand they use? Lays Classic--one of the cheapest you can find in the supermarket. Simple thing like Kechup--the eco brand you have never heard. I asked for a tartar sauce--taste no better than the Red Lobster or Long John Silver--mayonnaise with chooped pickle. The price was restaurant grade but the plates were styrofoam. You can definately taste the lack of passion. It is barely a money earning spot for the owner. Too bad. Staff said: the owner liked to save cost. We could tell, too.
(1)
Brian W.
I was returning from a summer trip from Canada through Maine. I checked Yelp for a place to find a good lobster meal, and Shaw's came up in the search. It was about 30 minutes out of my way, but I thought I'd try it. I was not disappointed! Shaw's is a great place for seafood! The wharf and outside dining area looks right out into the ocean, and you can see the daily catches as the lobster boats pull up to dock. The seasfood is about as fresh as it gets! I've always been kind of ambivalent about lobster, but having fresh Maine lobster right off the dock is as good as it gets! I think it ruined me for lobster anywhere else. The ouside dining area is definitely the place to be - you can watch the boats or stare out into the ocean while you enjoy lobster, clams, oysters and other tasty treats. You can even have lobsters packed to take home or shipped to your house! If you're in the area, take the drive to New Harbor. You won't be diappointed!
(5)
Sonia C.
Food was good overall, but nothing that will make me drive that far again. Nice atmosphere, good service, good experience overall.
(4)
Jon G.
Love this place. Been around FOR-EVER and will not disappoint. I remember going on multiple occasions and seeing the lobster boats coming in and dropping off the fresh catch. Does NOT get any fresher than this. The place doesnt look like much, but its deep Maine; and at Shaw's: Get prepared to be VERY satisfied.
(5)
Connie D.
I love this place -- has it been around for 40 years? Well, if it hasn't, it's taken someone's place, because that's how long I've been coming here. I like lobster roll and onion rings. Both are superb. My husband likes his lobster hot, and he loved it. The scenery is like out of a movie (actually they made a movie here -- forget the name). But I found it before Hollywood did, and have so many happy memories of being there with my family over the years. This weekend my husband and I went back - still great!
(5)
Matt E.
Fantastic location on a working fisherman's wharf in New Harbor. We actually watched a couple fisherman loading up their boats with bait and setting out for the day from the pier right outside. Below the restaurant is a spot to buy lobsters (cooked or live) as well as a pretty cool little bar. The spot feels as Maine as you can get and I love that kind of charm. The prices are standard for seafood in the area, nothing really over or under priced but when the seafood is as fresh as this you really feel as though you're getting a good deal. The standard thing they didn't have here that they usually have in places like this is the fisherman's platter but what they did have was a pick 2 items platter which saves you money and keeps you from over eating (portions are only reasonable). The menu does have a lot more choices than the typical fried seafood places though like steamed and baked items and fish like halibut, salmon, tuna, and swordfish. I gave them 3 stars because the service was very bad (we stood by the counter for several minutes before we could find someone to help us) and I noticed other people having a hard time getting service as well. The seafood is fresh but I didn't like the way they fried things, the batter kept slipping off and the sryrofoam plates just kept a pool of oil making the bottom of the seafood soggy. I've gotten much better seafood at places like the Clam Box in Ipswich,MA. If you're going to eat here I'd stick to something fresh they can't mess up like whole lobsters.
(3)
Diane S.
Worth the trip. Good food, great view of the boats and the harbor. Don't know who's saying this is "pricy" - by Los Angeles standards, this place is basically giving away meals. As anyone who's spent time in the midcoast Maine area knows, everything is about 20-30 minutes away from everything else. With no traffic and beautiful scenery, this is not a "problem" or a "con," but, in fact, a rather nice element to the area. Teh food here is really quite delicious, and the atmosphere can't be beat. A definite must-visit! Don't forget to take your picture with your head in the wooden lobster cut-out!
(5)
Haj A.
A lobster shack that's very aware of its self as a tourist destination (take your picture as a lobster!) but the local spirit is still intact. The lobsters taste fresh, the clams are fried to perfection and the service is cheerful. It's certainly a great place to go if you're on a lobster shack tour but I can't say it's a must stop. In my opinion, Five Island Lobsters and Red's Eats are definitely the ones to beat.
(3)
D S.
Shaw's just screams summer to me. Every summer my family stays in the area for a few weeks, and one of our favorite outings is going to Shaw's for a DELICIOUS dinner. Clearly, the lobster is where it's at, but everything there is delicious. The atmosphere is perfectly small town Maine, and the local beers on tap are great. There is a small bar downstairs where you get some some 'local flavor' in the evenings. (I hate that term for the record, as I am from a tourist town- but it applies, so whatever). If you are in the area, you won't have many options to go out and eat, but rest assured that the option you do have-Shaw's- is a great one, and you can't go wrong with their menu! Side note: you can pick out your lobster downstairs before you go up and chow down on your little friend!
(5)
Heidi D.
Delicious food! Fried clams were amazing and fresh. Steamed mussels were very sweet, this coming from someone that does not usually like them! My kids consider themselves clam chowder experts - they did not care for this one. The pieces of clam were huge and it was a thinner broth. That being said, my husband and I liked it. Very quick service, awesome view! My husband likes it better than The Lobster Shack in Cape Elizabeth. I think they are comparable. We both think Shaw's is better, much, than Nunnan's in Kennenunkport. Defiantly adding this to our favorite list!
(5)
Andy G.
I LOVE THIS PLACE. First i have to admit that i have been coming to this place for about 20 years of my life so i already knew what to expect. So I packed up the wife, ( Yes, I know that her name is Simone but today we'll just refer to her as "the wife") got in the car, and drove up Route 32 to New Harbor. Although Labor Day weekend was upon us, the parking lot was only about half full with senior citizens from Massachusetts and Canada. This was a welcomed sign as the lines at Shaws Wharf can be very long sometimes with people who apparently have never seen a fresh lobster during their life. If that happens to you don't be afraid, they put meals out at the speed of light and i have seldom had to wait more then 15-20 minutes for my meal.The first thing you notice as you are walking to the restaurant is the overwhelming smell coming from the grease dumpster. Its a disgustingly gross mix of fried (mostly seafood) leftovers and old dirty oil. Not exactly the first impression one might want to make. So after a dead sprint past the manure like oder we made our way up to the top of the stairs to the dining area overlooking the harbor. The view here is spectacular. On one side you can overlook the harbor and the lobstermen unloading their traps, and on the other you can look into the Atlantic ocean. If you are afraid of seagulls flying above and crapping on you then they do have an indoor seating area also, but really grow a pair and just go sit outside. So now to the food. The menu is large and probably 75% fresh seafood from right off the dock. Good food can be hard to find for a non fish eater on a menu like this, but people tell me the Lobster is the best they can find on the Maine coast, so if you enjoy eating these bottom feeders, then by all means go ahead, and enjoy the clams and mussels as well. But for myself i head straight to my old Shaws Wharf stand by, the chicken fingers, Buffalo Style and Original. The wife suggests we bypass the basket style ( with fries, coleslaw and roll), because the coleslaw is nothing to brag about ( to much celery seed) and the rolls come from a bag. So we order a side of Fries to go with our chicken appetizers. The service here is counter service ( no need for a large tip, but don't be a dick, give a tip anyway !) so we grab some drinks and head out to the patio. After about ten minutes our number is called and the wife grabs the food. The fried chicken tenders- both kinds- are crispy and piping hot. At first glance you may think these things are going to be dry, but they are some of the moistest fried chicken I have ever had. And they are consistently this way. Not a dry breast in the house. While we are talking about the breast I may as well admit that the size of these things are huge. So I grab them quick and shove one into my mouth. One thing I always notice is when chicken is fried in the same oil as fish, these are not. Shaws has separate fryolators for fish , French Fry's, and chicken and you can taste the difference. The Buffalo Style tenders are just the right blend of heat, not a Bathroom emergency kinda burning heat, but smooth and buttery with a little bit of fire, which quickly dissipates with some Blue Cheese Dressing. The Original Style Plain Tender has a nice white pepper southern taste. Both kinds of Tenders are hand breaded when you order with Shaws fish fry batter so they are light but somehow very filling at the same time. The Fries are good, not fresh cut ,but still perfectly crispy and a good addition to the meal. Overall this dish is a winner every time. Shaws also does a great job with Fresh Breaded Onion Rings, Broiled Chicken, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and BLT's so don't be afraid to give those a try also.To end the meal my wife suggested a Pina Colada. Not exactly dessert, but hell its got pineapple and coconut in it so close enough ! I gotta say, the Pina Colada from the dockside bar under the resturant is one of the best damn Coladas I have ever had. Cold, with just the right amount of everything. And it goes down smooth and fast (especialy fast if you are me). A Great way to end our meal at Shaws and another satisfying trip to my favorite seafood resturaunt
(5)
Will P.
The place to go, fresh but nothing special...enjoy the deck on a nice day. A real working fish port...not a tourist mecca. Bon appetit mes amis.
(3)
Lisa G.
Love it! I go for the Lobster Roll and a view. The Puffin Cruises that leave from the same dock are also awesome!! Well worth the trip!
(5)
Brittany B.
yum yum yum
(5)
Kasey N.
Ok, so I'm a little biased seeing as my parents own the dock and house right across the harbor. However, I have been eating at Shaw's for 22 years and it never gets old or less delicious. Everything on their menu is good from the lobsters to the fried haddock sandwiches. However, my all-time favorite are the steamers. I can't go in there without getting at least a 1/2 pound. In fact, that's what I'm eating in my profile picture! The other great attraction to Shaw's is that it's the best local bar. If you want to see some real Mainers and hear good stories, head downstairs any time in the evening, but only until 10 pm. Yeah, small town bars close up shop early. I had my first legal drink here and have had several since. Nothing beats the view of the harbor while you enjoy your food and drinks. You can watch the lobster boats come in with the day's catch in the afternoon and watch them unload at the co-op right next door. Also, if you want to do a little fishing of your own, take your pole down on Shaw's dock. You can catch mackerel and pollock. Just watch out for the Hardy Boat!
(5)
Peter C.
Oh man, where do I start? The fish is delicious, as are the fried scallops,clams, and other goodies. I love to watch my lobstermen bretheren get their catch in. After I've relocated to Maine, I've made it a point to stop here. Shaws and Warrens down in Kittery go hand in hand with good lobster! Reccomended: Onion Rings Fried scallops Haddock Sandwiches
(5)
Joe S.
I am new to Maine and have eatin at some great places so far while here and let me tell you this is the BEST steamers and lobster chowda I have had.
(5)
Dave F.
If you made it down all this way, treat yerself to a lobster roll. It's one of the best.
(5)
adrian w.
One of the more memorable places I have ever eaten. One word... steamers! I never tried the lobster roll from here, so I am no help. Sit out on the docks, enjoy a beer or two, suck down a few dozen steamers and watch the daily catch come in. Also, if you are inexperienced in a two man inflatable dingy, don't attempt to row yourself home drunk. I will go back again, even if there are 1200 miles separating us.
(5)
Nathen S.
Great lobster roll. Steamed mussels came out cold. Kids chickenand fries were great portions and good chicken. Overall a great place and beautiful deck overlooking harbor with lobster boats in and out. Great for the family.
(4)
Catherine D.
We were a bit underwhelmed with Shaw's. While the location and view are very nice, the restaurant is pretty average lobster shack. Table was dirty, we had to clean it off ourselves and fill up the empty paper towel roll ourselves. I had the lobster roll. A good amount of nice lobster, very sweet and fresh, but the roll was stale and there was shredded lettuce underneath even though the menu explained the roll was lobster and mayo with no mention of lettuce. My husband choose the lazy man's lobster and was disappointed the moment he saw it. A very small plate of lobster meat (looked like a 1/2 pound chicken lobster) sitting in a pool of melted butter for $24.00. The cup of fish chowder had nice flavor, but was very thin with not one piece of potato that I could find. The evening was capped off by having a man use the ladies restroom after I existed. Gross.
(2)
Kirsten S.
The views are amazing. You can sit out there and watch the boats go by. The calamari and lobster were really really good and felt like they were fresh out of the water. But the crab fish cakes weren't good at all. The crab was mixed ( not just claw) and it didn't taste as fresh as the other dishes. The service and cleanliness were exemplary though.
(4)
Pat Laracy B.
So good. So fresh. Great fun family place. Would not miss a visit there when in Maine. Terrific service. Love it Love It Love it
(5)
Mike L.
Can't beat Shaw's for seafood. If you are in Maine and looking for a true Maine seafood experience, you have to make the trip to Shaw's (right on the way to Pemaquid Point Lighthouse too, so make a day of it!). You walk by the fisherman's wharf, typically with a boat or two unloading their day's catch. Step up and order your food like you were at a fast-food restaurant then sit and wait for your number. We shared the buffalo shrimp appetizer and then a Shore Platter which included a lobster and steamers. There is nothing better than drinking a cold beverage while shucking clams and cracking open a fresh lobster! Great food, great prices, great place to eat.
(5)
Andrea C.
Went here on a Sunday Night. Place was busy, waited way too long for Luke warm steamers and lobster and paid way too much. Husband got a steak and cheese which looked awful but for $11.00 u would of thought it Would of been decent. Way overpriced, Nice view but that's it! Gave a extra star because the steamers although cold were delicious!
(3)
Courtney B.
Anyone who gives this place a bad review has something wrong with them. Fresh seafood, beer, and amazing scenery/atmosphere.The end.
(5)
Jess M.
Never disappointing. Worth a drive if you're not in the neighborhood.
(5)
SeaChi N.
Got the steamed lobster and clams combo, the lobster meat was sweet and needed no butter, the clams tender and oh so tasty. The area is a small oasis from the city, sit upstairs and simply enjoy the view.
(5)
joe r.
I'm sad to report that despite the nice view, the worst lobster roll I had in Maine was at Shaw's. And the chowder wasn't much, either. Giant disappointment.
(2)
Megan D.
Can beat the fresh lobsters here, scenery when eating on the upper deck watching the lobster boats come in an unload. This is the way lobster should be eaten... fresh, on a picnic table, with a side of butter. Add a beautiful summer day looking out over the harbor... it can't be beat!
(5)
Matt K.
Shaw's has a special place in my heart, as we used to go there every time we'd visit the grandparents in nearby Jefferson. Even though they long passed away, we still make it down to New Harbor occasionally, and always stop in for a delicious fresh lobster feast. Best around!
(5)
Sean L.
It doesn't get more fishing town than this place. Delicious sea food that literally cannot get any more fresh! This place is ON an actual wharf over the water in this quaint little town. The lobsters are alive just downstairs and you cant taste it! First place I ever ate lobster and it was amazing. There is a tiny little bar and the service is fast at the food counter with lots of things to choose from. There is also usually some sort of seafood of the day. Only downside is that, since it is a small town, you get the feeling that everyone there knows everyone else and they are sizing you up when you walk in and wondering who the hell/where the hell you are from. Very family oriented and when a bunch of 20 year olds from NJ, NYC, and Boston walk in... well we might stand out a bit. It's a great place though in one of my favorite towns to go when I want to get away from it all.
(5)
Mal G.
Funky lobster restaurant overlooks a small, busy working harbor near the tip of Pemaquid peninsula & the lighthouse on the US quarter in your pocket. The food's usually very good, but get there early to avoid crowds. Lobsters & steamers are the specialties, natch, but you can get a good burger or other stuff. Only complaint is sometimes you'll get food that's less than hot (i.e., steamers)--just hand 'em back & ask for hot ones. Lots of us locals eat here, too. Some of our kids even work there, so leave a good tip! The Hardy Boat, located on the dock downstairs next door, will take you out to Monhegan Island or on a tour of local islands, but don't park in Shaw's lot just for the boat ride.
(4)
D L.
Ok, so this is my kind of place. Unpretentious, very affordable and has great seafood! It's a really basic kinda place, with picnic tables inside, all wood building - really part of the dock itself.
(4)
Brian M.
I randomly discovered this place with the help of a crusty old guy who volunteered at the Pemaquid Pt. Lighthouse down the road. The harbor itself is as real as it gets, this isn't pansy Freeport, and the seagulls that dive-bomb you while you eat are playing for keeps. We went once when it was raining, and it's just not worth it. The whole point is to sit outside and watch the guys unload the lobbies and all that. One awesome personal tidbit was my dad and I took a day sailer sailboat (16' feet or so) and docked up to the side of one of the lobster wharfs and had lunch here, that was a great time, and the lobster guy's weren't surly about it like I presumed they'd be, real friendly.
(4)
Ashley M.
The ferry for Monhegan Island - my favorite place EVER - leaves from Shaw's wharf. There are those stand-up wooden pictures of a lobster and a clam there. I have pictures of myself standing behind as the clam for every year since I was little. the lobster salad sandwiches are amazing. Ok i'm about to break out into song about how much I love New England, so I'm just going to stop myself now.
(5)
Nat S.
My folks live nearby, so I frequent Shaw's often. Bring a windbreaker or fleece even in July, it can get cold on the deck. Great view and location - exactly what you look for in a lobster shack. Crab Rolls get an "A" and lobster rolls an "A-." Unless it is crowded, you can't go wrong with Shaw's. Their onion rings rule.
(4)
Chris F.
Shaw's is a New Harbor institution, popular with tourists and locals alike. Situated above a fully-functional fishing wharf, Shaw's provides fresh fish, lobsters, clams, and other seafood in filling quantities at reasonable prices. Grab a seat outside to enjoy the harbor view and ocean breeze, but watch out for voracious seagulls; they want those fried clams almost as much as you do!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : No
Jon G.
Love this place. Been around FOR-EVER and will not disappoint. I remember going on multiple occasions and seeing the lobster boats coming in and dropping off the fresh catch. Does NOT get any fresher than this. The place doesnt look like much, but its deep Maine; and at Shaw's: Get prepared to be VERY satisfied.
(5)Shaina P.
Eating a lobster shore dinner at Shaw's brings back memories and never fails to create new ones. Once you park you have to walk by a really smelly area but once you pass it, you're on the dock leading up to the restaurant. Back in the day, you could go up to the room where they store their lobsters and pick out the dude you want to eat. Not so much anymore, but know that the lobsters here come from some of the best waters of New England. The venue is getting old, but it boasts an old school feel with it's self-ordering system. The views of Muscongus Bay are classic Maine: lobster boats moored on the water and an island in view across the way. Admittedly, you miss the rocky shore views that you get from a place like The Lobster Shack in Cape Elizabeth. The other day I tried ordering just lobster roll but couldn't get past the empty feeling when I couldn't tear a lobster apart on my own. Solution: order a naked lobster for dessert. Don't forget the steamers. They're cleaned, steamed and taste sweet and delicious. (ugh - time to go home. just felt earthquake at my office).
(5)Matt E.
Seriously stay away from the seafood casserole. It came out lukewarm with what amounted to nacho flavored Cheezits crumbled on top. Stick with the shore dinner and you should be fine.
(2)Tim B.
This is a true gem in eastern coastal Maine. For over 3 decades, this has been a favorite spot for me. The seafood is fresh and the view is simply breath-taking and worthy of a famous painting. Take a seat upstairs on a picnic table to watch the daily catches arrive straight from the sea. Compliment your meal with a delicious Pemaquid Ale, a local brew. Keep in mind that the bathrooms are small and usually crowded, and that seagulls like to swoop and scavenge. Above all, this is a great place to stop for a meal. Highly recommended.
(5)Kurt N.
Beautiful spot on a working harbor. Ordered the day's "special," steamed Mussels, and they were room temperature. Disappointing. Crabcake sandwich and sweet potato fries were okay, but not great. Not a bad option if you're near by, but far from excellent.
(2)S D.
Great experience located right in the water. Great lobster roll although I have not meet one I have not liked in ME!
(5)Em S.
I wish I could respond directly to DF who expected "something better than a cheap hot dog bun" when he stopped here to get what was obviously his first-ever Maine lobster roll. If he stops anywhere else to try lobster roll # 2 (or 3 or 4 or) he'll learn that an authentic Maine lobster roll is indeed made with "a cheap hot dog bun." Shaw's in a great spot to enjoy what Maine is all about. Located in a true working lobster village, this is totally worth driving the 30 or so miles off Route 1 to glimpse one of the prettiest little harbor towns in Maine and the nearby Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. Go.
(5)Alex L.
I have been coming here for a long time. The food is exactly what the people of Maine want. It is nothing fancy here as the people of Maine don't want that. Simple yet tasty is what you will find. It is worth the drive to get here. I took my girlfriend here yesterday for the day we had to drive 3 1/2 hours to get here. When your here take a trip on the Hardy boat always a great time.
(5)Anne C.
I ate here with my family after doing the puffin tour. My father lives in the area but we didn't want to wait to get home to eat so we tried here and we all were very happy with our food. I had the lobster roll and my sister and father had the crab roll and we thought both were very good. I was actually surprised how good the lobster roll was--tons of meat, very little mayo--perfect. I also had the clams-yes, they have sand in them--they are fresh clams. Pull the skin off the necks and swish them around a bit--so good!! You are going to be hard pressed to find fresher seafood if you stick with the mainstays. It's very casual and you can't beat the view.
(4)James T.
Very disappointed. I did not order steamed lobster. I had three items: steamed clam---dirt and sand everywhere (they claimed that they could not soak for the the health department restriction.) Fried calamari--tasted frozen calamari from Korea. Greasy batter falled apart from the meat. Same receipe but worst taste than most regular Italain restaurant in major cities. Lobster Roll--it is ok. However you can get equal or better (but cheaper) from most lobster shacks in the area. It came with a bag of chip--guess what brand they use? Lays Classic--one of the cheapest you can find in the supermarket. Simple thing like Kechup--the eco brand you have never heard. I asked for a tartar sauce--taste no better than the Red Lobster or Long John Silver--mayonnaise with chooped pickle. The price was restaurant grade but the plates were styrofoam. You can definately taste the lack of passion. It is barely a money earning spot for the owner. Too bad. Staff said: the owner liked to save cost. We could tell, too.
(1)Brian W.
I was returning from a summer trip from Canada through Maine. I checked Yelp for a place to find a good lobster meal, and Shaw's came up in the search. It was about 30 minutes out of my way, but I thought I'd try it. I was not disappointed! Shaw's is a great place for seafood! The wharf and outside dining area looks right out into the ocean, and you can see the daily catches as the lobster boats pull up to dock. The seasfood is about as fresh as it gets! I've always been kind of ambivalent about lobster, but having fresh Maine lobster right off the dock is as good as it gets! I think it ruined me for lobster anywhere else. The ouside dining area is definitely the place to be - you can watch the boats or stare out into the ocean while you enjoy lobster, clams, oysters and other tasty treats. You can even have lobsters packed to take home or shipped to your house! If you're in the area, take the drive to New Harbor. You won't be diappointed!
(5)Sonia C.
Food was good overall, but nothing that will make me drive that far again. Nice atmosphere, good service, good experience overall.
(4)Lou L.
I would love to tell you that I had a fantastic meal, but when I got there at 6:15 on a Saturday night of Columbus Day weekend, the place had every indoor table full, and it was 51 degrees outside, making 65% of the seating useless. Orders -- including take-out -- were backed up for 20 minutes, and people were stalking tables like vultures on carrion. I gave up, and found another restaurant. Obviously the place is great, but if you can't get a table, there's no use going.
(1)Devon D.
A favorite family spot for as long as I can remember. I grew up thinking they had the best grilled cheeses in the world (I might still think that!) and now have branched out to enjoy their fresh lobsters, wonderful chowder and delicious fried fish/clams/shrimp options. The atmosphere is wonderful as well - it is definitely worth it to sit outside in the warm weather as well as the not so warm so that you can watch the lobster boats come and unload as well as the Hardy Boat as it makes its tours and trips to Monhegan Island. I try to make sure that I make it to Shaw's at least once a summer!
(5)Charles H.
First thing to know, New Harbor is a haul if you're trying to make good time along Route 1. That said if you have the time, this is a GREAT lunch place. Once you park at the lot that's shared with the ferry, stick to your guns, walk past the disgusting greasy dumpsters waiting to greet you and head upstairs. Your reward is a small, beautiful, picture-perfect Maine harbor, with working lobstermen unloading the critters right in front of your eyes. They serve beer and the prices are reasonable. A little touristy, but so what? I was, you probably will be too!
(4)D F.
Pros: Great view, reasonable prices. Cons: Lobster roll comes on a cheap hot dog bun. For $13 for a lobster roll, I would expect something better than a cheap hot dog bun. That was disappointing. It tasted pretty decent otherwise. View, beer selection and beer prices moved this from a 3 to a 4. I wouldn't go out of my way to go there ever again.
(4)D S.
Shaw's just screams summer to me. Every summer my family stays in the area for a few weeks, and one of our favorite outings is going to Shaw's for a DELICIOUS dinner. Clearly, the lobster is where it's at, but everything there is delicious. The atmosphere is perfectly small town Maine, and the local beers on tap are great. There is a small bar downstairs where you get some some 'local flavor' in the evenings. (I hate that term for the record, as I am from a tourist town- but it applies, so whatever). If you are in the area, you won't have many options to go out and eat, but rest assured that the option you do have-Shaw's- is a great one, and you can't go wrong with their menu! Side note: you can pick out your lobster downstairs before you go up and chow down on your little friend!
(5)Connie D.
I love this place -- has it been around for 40 years? Well, if it hasn't, it's taken someone's place, because that's how long I've been coming here. I like lobster roll and onion rings. Both are superb. My husband likes his lobster hot, and he loved it. The scenery is like out of a movie (actually they made a movie here -- forget the name). But I found it before Hollywood did, and have so many happy memories of being there with my family over the years. This weekend my husband and I went back - still great!
(5)Heidi D.
Delicious food! Fried clams were amazing and fresh. Steamed mussels were very sweet, this coming from someone that does not usually like them! My kids consider themselves clam chowder experts - they did not care for this one. The pieces of clam were huge and it was a thinner broth. That being said, my husband and I liked it. Very quick service, awesome view! My husband likes it better than The Lobster Shack in Cape Elizabeth. I think they are comparable. We both think Shaw's is better, much, than Nunnan's in Kennenunkport. Defiantly adding this to our favorite list!
(5)Andy G.
I LOVE THIS PLACE. First i have to admit that i have been coming to this place for about 20 years of my life so i already knew what to expect. So I packed up the wife, ( Yes, I know that her name is Simone but today we'll just refer to her as "the wife") got in the car, and drove up Route 32 to New Harbor. Although Labor Day weekend was upon us, the parking lot was only about half full with senior citizens from Massachusetts and Canada. This was a welcomed sign as the lines at Shaws Wharf can be very long sometimes with people who apparently have never seen a fresh lobster during their life. If that happens to you don't be afraid, they put meals out at the speed of light and i have seldom had to wait more then 15-20 minutes for my meal.The first thing you notice as you are walking to the restaurant is the overwhelming smell coming from the grease dumpster. Its a disgustingly gross mix of fried (mostly seafood) leftovers and old dirty oil. Not exactly the first impression one might want to make. So after a dead sprint past the manure like oder we made our way up to the top of the stairs to the dining area overlooking the harbor. The view here is spectacular. On one side you can overlook the harbor and the lobstermen unloading their traps, and on the other you can look into the Atlantic ocean. If you are afraid of seagulls flying above and crapping on you then they do have an indoor seating area also, but really grow a pair and just go sit outside. So now to the food. The menu is large and probably 75% fresh seafood from right off the dock. Good food can be hard to find for a non fish eater on a menu like this, but people tell me the Lobster is the best they can find on the Maine coast, so if you enjoy eating these bottom feeders, then by all means go ahead, and enjoy the clams and mussels as well. But for myself i head straight to my old Shaws Wharf stand by, the chicken fingers, Buffalo Style and Original. The wife suggests we bypass the basket style ( with fries, coleslaw and roll), because the coleslaw is nothing to brag about ( to much celery seed) and the rolls come from a bag. So we order a side of Fries to go with our chicken appetizers. The service here is counter service ( no need for a large tip, but don't be a dick, give a tip anyway !) so we grab some drinks and head out to the patio. After about ten minutes our number is called and the wife grabs the food. The fried chicken tenders- both kinds- are crispy and piping hot. At first glance you may think these things are going to be dry, but they are some of the moistest fried chicken I have ever had. And they are consistently this way. Not a dry breast in the house. While we are talking about the breast I may as well admit that the size of these things are huge. So I grab them quick and shove one into my mouth. One thing I always notice is when chicken is fried in the same oil as fish, these are not. Shaws has separate fryolators for fish , French Fry's, and chicken and you can taste the difference. The Buffalo Style tenders are just the right blend of heat, not a Bathroom emergency kinda burning heat, but smooth and buttery with a little bit of fire, which quickly dissipates with some Blue Cheese Dressing. The Original Style Plain Tender has a nice white pepper southern taste. Both kinds of Tenders are hand breaded when you order with Shaws fish fry batter so they are light but somehow very filling at the same time. The Fries are good, not fresh cut ,but still perfectly crispy and a good addition to the meal. Overall this dish is a winner every time. Shaws also does a great job with Fresh Breaded Onion Rings, Broiled Chicken, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and BLT's so don't be afraid to give those a try also.To end the meal my wife suggested a Pina Colada. Not exactly dessert, but hell its got pineapple and coconut in it so close enough ! I gotta say, the Pina Colada from the dockside bar under the resturant is one of the best damn Coladas I have ever had. Cold, with just the right amount of everything. And it goes down smooth and fast (especialy fast if you are me). A Great way to end our meal at Shaws and another satisfying trip to my favorite seafood resturaunt
(5)Will P.
The place to go, fresh but nothing special...enjoy the deck on a nice day. A real working fish port...not a tourist mecca. Bon appetit mes amis.
(3)Lisa G.
Love it! I go for the Lobster Roll and a view. The Puffin Cruises that leave from the same dock are also awesome!! Well worth the trip!
(5)Brittany B.
yum yum yum
(5)Matt K.
Shaw's has a special place in my heart, as we used to go there every time we'd visit the grandparents in nearby Jefferson. Even though they long passed away, we still make it down to New Harbor occasionally, and always stop in for a delicious fresh lobster feast. Best around!
(5)Diane S.
Worth the trip. Good food, great view of the boats and the harbor. Don't know who's saying this is "pricy" - by Los Angeles standards, this place is basically giving away meals. As anyone who's spent time in the midcoast Maine area knows, everything is about 20-30 minutes away from everything else. With no traffic and beautiful scenery, this is not a "problem" or a "con," but, in fact, a rather nice element to the area. Teh food here is really quite delicious, and the atmosphere can't be beat. A definite must-visit! Don't forget to take your picture with your head in the wooden lobster cut-out!
(5)Haj A.
A lobster shack that's very aware of its self as a tourist destination (take your picture as a lobster!) but the local spirit is still intact. The lobsters taste fresh, the clams are fried to perfection and the service is cheerful. It's certainly a great place to go if you're on a lobster shack tour but I can't say it's a must stop. In my opinion, Five Island Lobsters and Red's Eats are definitely the ones to beat.
(3)Kasey N.
Ok, so I'm a little biased seeing as my parents own the dock and house right across the harbor. However, I have been eating at Shaw's for 22 years and it never gets old or less delicious. Everything on their menu is good from the lobsters to the fried haddock sandwiches. However, my all-time favorite are the steamers. I can't go in there without getting at least a 1/2 pound. In fact, that's what I'm eating in my profile picture! The other great attraction to Shaw's is that it's the best local bar. If you want to see some real Mainers and hear good stories, head downstairs any time in the evening, but only until 10 pm. Yeah, small town bars close up shop early. I had my first legal drink here and have had several since. Nothing beats the view of the harbor while you enjoy your food and drinks. You can watch the lobster boats come in with the day's catch in the afternoon and watch them unload at the co-op right next door. Also, if you want to do a little fishing of your own, take your pole down on Shaw's dock. You can catch mackerel and pollock. Just watch out for the Hardy Boat!
(5)Peter C.
Oh man, where do I start? The fish is delicious, as are the fried scallops,clams, and other goodies. I love to watch my lobstermen bretheren get their catch in. After I've relocated to Maine, I've made it a point to stop here. Shaws and Warrens down in Kittery go hand in hand with good lobster! Reccomended: Onion Rings Fried scallops Haddock Sandwiches
(5)Joe S.
I am new to Maine and have eatin at some great places so far while here and let me tell you this is the BEST steamers and lobster chowda I have had.
(5)Dave F.
If you made it down all this way, treat yerself to a lobster roll. It's one of the best.
(5)adrian w.
One of the more memorable places I have ever eaten. One word... steamers! I never tried the lobster roll from here, so I am no help. Sit out on the docks, enjoy a beer or two, suck down a few dozen steamers and watch the daily catch come in. Also, if you are inexperienced in a two man inflatable dingy, don't attempt to row yourself home drunk. I will go back again, even if there are 1200 miles separating us.
(5)Nathen S.
Great lobster roll. Steamed mussels came out cold. Kids chickenand fries were great portions and good chicken. Overall a great place and beautiful deck overlooking harbor with lobster boats in and out. Great for the family.
(4)joe r.
I'm sad to report that despite the nice view, the worst lobster roll I had in Maine was at Shaw's. And the chowder wasn't much, either. Giant disappointment.
(2)Megan D.
Can beat the fresh lobsters here, scenery when eating on the upper deck watching the lobster boats come in an unload. This is the way lobster should be eaten... fresh, on a picnic table, with a side of butter. Add a beautiful summer day looking out over the harbor... it can't be beat!
(5)Catherine D.
We were a bit underwhelmed with Shaw's. While the location and view are very nice, the restaurant is pretty average lobster shack. Table was dirty, we had to clean it off ourselves and fill up the empty paper towel roll ourselves. I had the lobster roll. A good amount of nice lobster, very sweet and fresh, but the roll was stale and there was shredded lettuce underneath even though the menu explained the roll was lobster and mayo with no mention of lettuce. My husband choose the lazy man's lobster and was disappointed the moment he saw it. A very small plate of lobster meat (looked like a 1/2 pound chicken lobster) sitting in a pool of melted butter for $24.00. The cup of fish chowder had nice flavor, but was very thin with not one piece of potato that I could find. The evening was capped off by having a man use the ladies restroom after I existed. Gross.
(2)Kirsten S.
The views are amazing. You can sit out there and watch the boats go by. The calamari and lobster were really really good and felt like they were fresh out of the water. But the crab fish cakes weren't good at all. The crab was mixed ( not just claw) and it didn't taste as fresh as the other dishes. The service and cleanliness were exemplary though.
(4)Pat Laracy B.
So good. So fresh. Great fun family place. Would not miss a visit there when in Maine. Terrific service. Love it Love It Love it
(5)Mike L.
Can't beat Shaw's for seafood. If you are in Maine and looking for a true Maine seafood experience, you have to make the trip to Shaw's (right on the way to Pemaquid Point Lighthouse too, so make a day of it!). You walk by the fisherman's wharf, typically with a boat or two unloading their day's catch. Step up and order your food like you were at a fast-food restaurant then sit and wait for your number. We shared the buffalo shrimp appetizer and then a Shore Platter which included a lobster and steamers. There is nothing better than drinking a cold beverage while shucking clams and cracking open a fresh lobster! Great food, great prices, great place to eat.
(5)Andrea C.
Went here on a Sunday Night. Place was busy, waited way too long for Luke warm steamers and lobster and paid way too much. Husband got a steak and cheese which looked awful but for $11.00 u would of thought it Would of been decent. Way overpriced, Nice view but that's it! Gave a extra star because the steamers although cold were delicious!
(3)Courtney B.
Anyone who gives this place a bad review has something wrong with them. Fresh seafood, beer, and amazing scenery/atmosphere.The end.
(5)Jess M.
Never disappointing. Worth a drive if you're not in the neighborhood.
(5)SeaChi N.
Got the steamed lobster and clams combo, the lobster meat was sweet and needed no butter, the clams tender and oh so tasty. The area is a small oasis from the city, sit upstairs and simply enjoy the view.
(5)Sean L.
It doesn't get more fishing town than this place. Delicious sea food that literally cannot get any more fresh! This place is ON an actual wharf over the water in this quaint little town. The lobsters are alive just downstairs and you cant taste it! First place I ever ate lobster and it was amazing. There is a tiny little bar and the service is fast at the food counter with lots of things to choose from. There is also usually some sort of seafood of the day. Only downside is that, since it is a small town, you get the feeling that everyone there knows everyone else and they are sizing you up when you walk in and wondering who the hell/where the hell you are from. Very family oriented and when a bunch of 20 year olds from NJ, NYC, and Boston walk in... well we might stand out a bit. It's a great place though in one of my favorite towns to go when I want to get away from it all.
(5)Mal G.
Funky lobster restaurant overlooks a small, busy working harbor near the tip of Pemaquid peninsula & the lighthouse on the US quarter in your pocket. The food's usually very good, but get there early to avoid crowds. Lobsters & steamers are the specialties, natch, but you can get a good burger or other stuff. Only complaint is sometimes you'll get food that's less than hot (i.e., steamers)--just hand 'em back & ask for hot ones. Lots of us locals eat here, too. Some of our kids even work there, so leave a good tip! The Hardy Boat, located on the dock downstairs next door, will take you out to Monhegan Island or on a tour of local islands, but don't park in Shaw's lot just for the boat ride.
(4)D L.
Ok, so this is my kind of place. Unpretentious, very affordable and has great seafood! It's a really basic kinda place, with picnic tables inside, all wood building - really part of the dock itself.
(4)Brian M.
I randomly discovered this place with the help of a crusty old guy who volunteered at the Pemaquid Pt. Lighthouse down the road. The harbor itself is as real as it gets, this isn't pansy Freeport, and the seagulls that dive-bomb you while you eat are playing for keeps. We went once when it was raining, and it's just not worth it. The whole point is to sit outside and watch the guys unload the lobbies and all that. One awesome personal tidbit was my dad and I took a day sailer sailboat (16' feet or so) and docked up to the side of one of the lobster wharfs and had lunch here, that was a great time, and the lobster guy's weren't surly about it like I presumed they'd be, real friendly.
(4)Ashley M.
The ferry for Monhegan Island - my favorite place EVER - leaves from Shaw's wharf. There are those stand-up wooden pictures of a lobster and a clam there. I have pictures of myself standing behind as the clam for every year since I was little. the lobster salad sandwiches are amazing. Ok i'm about to break out into song about how much I love New England, so I'm just going to stop myself now.
(5)Nat S.
My folks live nearby, so I frequent Shaw's often. Bring a windbreaker or fleece even in July, it can get cold on the deck. Great view and location - exactly what you look for in a lobster shack. Crab Rolls get an "A" and lobster rolls an "A-." Unless it is crowded, you can't go wrong with Shaw's. Their onion rings rule.
(4)Chris F.
Shaw's is a New Harbor institution, popular with tourists and locals alike. Situated above a fully-functional fishing wharf, Shaw's provides fresh fish, lobsters, clams, and other seafood in filling quantities at reasonable prices. Grab a seat outside to enjoy the harbor view and ocean breeze, but watch out for voracious seagulls; they want those fried clams almost as much as you do!
(5)Shawn B.
Want to know what it's like to pluck a lobster or clams out of the ocean, cook them, and eat them? Eat here! You will leave smelling like a lobsterman...hope it wears off by morning. I honestly thought cooking and eating a lobster that I bought live in the Midwest wouldn't be much different than here in Maine...WRONG! You can't get much fresher than this, unless you eat a raw one. Thanks to the 7 year old girl at the table next to me for teaching me how to eat fresh clams. I would have been so disappointed if left to my own devices. She taught me how to strip the nasty off and clean them...so much better than eating that sand crap! This is a MUST if in the area!
(5)Maggi B.
The View is second to none... Lobster is a little pricey but the fried oysters are tender, not overcooked - delicious. Get the large side order of you just want oysters and don't need the sides. I'm a purest... I can make coleslaw and fries at home.
(5)Karen B.
An excellent, barebones fresh seafood restaurant. It's counter service with indoor and outdoor tables to eat at. The outdoor tables on the deck give you a first hand view of the commercial lobstermen bringing in their haul. The lobsters and steamers we had were cooked well and had plenty of flavor. Add $2 to the lobster price and it comes with a roll and small side salad. Prices are high, but consistent with other tourist places in the area.
(4)jeannie m.
While vacationing on the mid Coast my guests treated me to a delicious dinner at Shaws and in the past I have ordered and enjoyed fried food I especially love the blooming onion which we did in fact enjoy again this year but as a non-seafood eater I took a chance on steak tips and was so happy with my meal they were nicely marinated a generous portion very tender and cooked a perfect medium rare. My friends both enjoyed their seafood meals as usual. The place was really hopping but once I order was placed it was not long before our food was in front of us we had no trouble getting a nice table by the window to enjoy our meal. I just wanted to give a shout out to Shaws for making a non-seafood eater happy and that is why I am giving them four stars.
(4)Ralph E.
I have been coming here since the early 70's. It was Small Brothers then, and you could eat the lobster and clams and throw the shells in the water. Over the years, things changed a bit. Can't throw the shells in the water anymore, and the upstairs where you sit and eat got a bit of an upgrade. Just a bit. So you stop in downstairs and pick you lobster from the tank, order a dozen steamers and go up to order your drinks and anything else. I have never had anything but the lobster and steamers. The tables have a board and mallet to beat the lobster.
(5)Kelly K.
Very quicky service here with a great view while you wait on the deck upstairs. I got a single lobster with butter and it was delicious so It was worth picking out the tiny morsels of meat. Lobster ran around 17 dollars for about a 1.25-1.50 lobster. The only have one size.
(4)Laura M.
Shaw's, Shaw's....I love this place and have been coming here since I was a kid. Choose your own lobster from the downstairs counter if you want a bigger one. Sitting indoors or out is always a treat and virtually everything is always top notch. The steamed clams were particularly good this time around, but it seems that the clams are extra sweet everywhere right now. The only thing to avoid are the crab cakes. I had never ordered them until now and will never do so again-- they are 90% filler and taste a bit like thanksgiving stuffing.
(4)Brown D.
You stand in line and place order. A few minutes later they will call your number and you will get a tray with the food on it. You will sit down on a wooden table with Paper Towels as napkins. If you want a beer be prepared to stand in line again. The view is nice but you must sit outside. At the end of the meal post desert I will give Shaw's Five Stars! Bathroom is downstairs and you can buy a shirt as well. Enjoy!
(5)Hannah P.
Sitting outside on the deck overlooking the water was where it's at. Now on to the food! We ordered the steamer combo which consisted of a small lobster (fun to pick it for those who have never done it and a small one is a legit place to start) with steamed mussels that were flavorful and so incredibly fresh. The chowder however was a joke and I would never order it again. It was so watery and had a few potatoes but literally no clams!!! This was a one and done kinda place for me. If you're out here and want to try it before a puffin tour go for it but otherwise, get a lobster roll or buy your own lobsters and make a night of it.
(3)Eric N.
Went here for a friends 40th birthday party. We came with some Canadian friends who never ate Lobstah... Great place, atmosphere and food. Lobstah and steamers were great and fast. Definitely a must see place if you are swinging through Maine.
(5)Douglas E.
The setting is great. Hence the two stars. The food is just awful. It's overpriced fried garbage. Even the lobster roll is mediocre. If you order the lobster stew you'll pay $12 for a bowl of heated milk that they sprinkle a few crumbs of lobster in. I've eaten here many times for various reasons, and regret it each time. It is truly the worst restaurant in New Harbor, yet (owing solely to the deck overlooking the water) the most popular.
(2)George M.
Have loved this place for 20 years! The best part of this joint is the seedy harborside bar with locals and tourists alike. Then the dog friendly atmosphere. Then the food since sometimes they can overcook the lobsters and yet they can come out COLD! What gives? The steamer portions are huge and cooked to perfection!
(5)Lindsay S.
Fantastic lobster and lobster rolls. All 4 of us enjoyed our meal and rate it the highest of all the lobster/lobster rolls we had this week.
(5)Archie C.
Great clam rolls. Views of New Harbor are unparalleled. Seafood doesn't get any fresher than this. Great Maine experience. The Raw Bar below is my favorite....Pemaquid Oysters are the best I've ever had. Can't wait to return!
(5)Hillary A.
Always a good place to visit! Food was great, kind of pricey, but to be expected for a tourist place. Views make the price more tolerable. Took my grandma there for lunch and she was a little to hot outside and indoor seating is very nice too, with a great feel for Maine !!!
(5)Lisa M.
Shaw's Wharf is a nice place to go for seafood. The lobster and steamers are good. The fried food is okay, the last time we went there was the taste of cooking fat on the food, which was kind of off-putting. I like how you can choose sides. The baked potato is good, and they will give you sour cream if you like. The salads are iceberg, cucumber, and a yummy sweet tomato. I like the salads. My husband says the coleslaw is very good. Overall, it is a nice seafood joint with a Maine appeal. I can recommend it!
(4)Miranda H.
Great view, food was pretty good. The lobsters felt like they had been overcooked for a few minutes, which kind of sucked. The lobster rolls were more expensive here than any of the real tourist traps in town.
(3)Tammy P.
Not a recommendation. Waited an hour for our food. Food was cold - steamed clams, fries, onion rings, shrimp included. All cold. Expensive. Very busy place all the time. We do not plan to return
(1)Brian S.
Scruffy stinky and tasty Shaw's Lobster Restaurant definitely qualifies as a classic seafood shack. The stinky dumpster right in front is a dead give away. Used to be lots of places like this scattered around New England but they have been slowing disappearing. Nothing fancy, this is about as casual as it gets. You order your seafood at the counter and then take it to one of the picnic tables, either inside or out on the deck. The views from the deck are pretty impressive. You can watch the fishing boats go by or the seagulls fight over scraps. Since this is a real fishing area with lots of dead fish hanging around it has a distinctive odor at times but that is part of the appeal. Nothing about this place is fake or phony, this town still makes it's living from the sea. The food, especially the lobster and lobster rolls are great with the prices just what you expect for good seafood. Downstairs you can buy crummy t-shirts and check out the lobsters people are about to eat and really get a feel of what seafood is all about. The place gets packed in the summer and the same people come from long distances every summer just to eat here. You might have wait for a table if you come during the peak time of the year but in the cooler weather you can pretty much sit outside with just the seagulls for company. A classic and iconic seafood joint that just goes on doing what it has been doing for decades. If you want personal service, fine ambiance and food with names you can't pronounce find somewhere else. Shaw's might be crowded, a bit stinky at times and simple but it does what it does about as good as it can be done.
(5)Mike S.
A true seafood restaurant. The only way to eat lobster when visiting Maine is here at Shaw's. Fresh caught and you pick out the one you want then cooked and brought to your table. Onion rings and fries are best ever. Also a full bar so I was able to enjoy my Bombay Saphire martini with my lobster.
(5)Anna K.
I really wish that I could give this place no stars. Our service was horrid, first the prices were smudged off the menu and it looked like the prices were $6.95 and when I ordered (for 2 fried baskets and a chicken strip basket) it came to $58!! When I asked the lady what the prices were for each she told me to sign my ticket and she couldn't see it until after it printed off... WTF!?? I should have left but I figured that maybe, for the price, it was pretty epic... Boy was I wrong! My husband got a bigger piece of fish from a restaurant for the same price and his crab cakes were over cooked. My shrimp were so tiny they were mostly breading. I will say that the scallops were tasty, but there were only 4. My sons chicken was good. They also left things on our order out, like my sons salad, and when my husband went to ask about it the teen behind the counter gave him attitude, walked away, then slammed it on the counter. DO NOT GO HERE!!! Disgusting service, disgusting food, overpriced... Need I say more? And it was my birthday!! Sucky lunch for sure, and will never go back again.
(1)Shawn B.
There's NOTHIN' like a lazy man's lobster dinner on the deck overlooking the harbor at sunset. The food is rich and flavorful and tastes like the beautiful coast looks.
(5)Curly H.
Pros: Good view, decent food Cons: Expensive, somewhat out-of-the-way, service a bit slow Went here at the suggestion of a family member. It was a bit of a chore to get there, as New Harbor is out on one of the peninsulas and a good half-hour from tourist towns like Wiscasset and Rockland. We had a lobster roll and a "lobster pie", the latter of which consisted of lobster meat in lobster bisque covered with spiced Ritz crackers. A change of pace from the lobsters we had already decimated during this trip, but it wasn't quite my style. As for the lobster roll, there wasn't as much meat as I had at other places, and it was pretty expensive given the "no-frills" attitude of the place, not to mention the small bag of Lays and a pickle that was given as sides. I attempted to get a beer at the side bar next to the ordering kiosk, but after waiting for several minutes for someone to show up at the bar, I gave up and left. In all, worthwhile if you're staying in New Harbor, but otherwise you're probably closer to better deals on lobster.
(3)Matt E.
Fantastic location on a working fisherman's wharf in New Harbor. We actually watched a couple fisherman loading up their boats with bait and setting out for the day from the pier right outside. Below the restaurant is a spot to buy lobsters (cooked or live) as well as a pretty cool little bar. The spot feels as Maine as you can get and I love that kind of charm. The prices are standard for seafood in the area, nothing really over or under priced but when the seafood is as fresh as this you really feel as though you're getting a good deal. The standard thing they didn't have here that they usually have in places like this is the fisherman's platter but what they did have was a pick 2 items platter which saves you money and keeps you from over eating (portions are only reasonable). The menu does have a lot more choices than the typical fried seafood places though like steamed and baked items and fish like halibut, salmon, tuna, and swordfish. I gave them 3 stars because the service was very bad (we stood by the counter for several minutes before we could find someone to help us) and I noticed other people having a hard time getting service as well. The seafood is fresh but I didn't like the way they fried things, the batter kept slipping off and the sryrofoam plates just kept a pool of oil making the bottom of the seafood soggy. I've gotten much better seafood at places like the Clam Box in Ipswich,MA. If you're going to eat here I'd stick to something fresh they can't mess up like whole lobsters.
(3)Brian W.
I was returning from a summer trip from Canada through Maine. I checked Yelp for a place to find a good lobster meal, and Shaw's came up in the search. It was about 30 minutes out of my way, but I thought I'd try it. I was not disappointed! Shaw's is a great place for seafood! The wharf and outside dining area looks right out into the ocean, and you can see the daily catches as the lobster boats pull up to dock. The seasfood is about as fresh as it gets! I've always been kind of ambivalent about lobster, but having fresh Maine lobster right off the dock is as good as it gets! I think it ruined me for lobster anywhere else. The ouside dining area is definitely the place to be - you can watch the boats or stare out into the ocean while you enjoy lobster, clams, oysters and other tasty treats. You can even have lobsters packed to take home or shipped to your house! If you're in the area, take the drive to New Harbor. You won't be diappointed!
(5)Sonia C.
Food was good overall, but nothing that will make me drive that far again. Nice atmosphere, good service, good experience overall.
(4)Jon G.
Love this place. Been around FOR-EVER and will not disappoint. I remember going on multiple occasions and seeing the lobster boats coming in and dropping off the fresh catch. Does NOT get any fresher than this. The place doesnt look like much, but its deep Maine; and at Shaw's: Get prepared to be VERY satisfied.
(5)Matt E.
Fantastic location on a working fisherman's wharf in New Harbor. We actually watched a couple fisherman loading up their boats with bait and setting out for the day from the pier right outside. Below the restaurant is a spot to buy lobsters (cooked or live) as well as a pretty cool little bar. The spot feels as Maine as you can get and I love that kind of charm. The prices are standard for seafood in the area, nothing really over or under priced but when the seafood is as fresh as this you really feel as though you're getting a good deal. The standard thing they didn't have here that they usually have in places like this is the fisherman's platter but what they did have was a pick 2 items platter which saves you money and keeps you from over eating (portions are only reasonable). The menu does have a lot more choices than the typical fried seafood places though like steamed and baked items and fish like halibut, salmon, tuna, and swordfish. I gave them 3 stars because the service was very bad (we stood by the counter for several minutes before we could find someone to help us) and I noticed other people having a hard time getting service as well. The seafood is fresh but I didn't like the way they fried things, the batter kept slipping off and the sryrofoam plates just kept a pool of oil making the bottom of the seafood soggy. I've gotten much better seafood at places like the Clam Box in Ipswich,MA. If you're going to eat here I'd stick to something fresh they can't mess up like whole lobsters.
(3)joe r.
I'm sad to report that despite the nice view, the worst lobster roll I had in Maine was at Shaw's. And the chowder wasn't much, either. Giant disappointment.
(2)Megan D.
Can beat the fresh lobsters here, scenery when eating on the upper deck watching the lobster boats come in an unload. This is the way lobster should be eaten... fresh, on a picnic table, with a side of butter. Add a beautiful summer day looking out over the harbor... it can't be beat!
(5)Matt K.
Shaw's has a special place in my heart, as we used to go there every time we'd visit the grandparents in nearby Jefferson. Even though they long passed away, we still make it down to New Harbor occasionally, and always stop in for a delicious fresh lobster feast. Best around!
(5)Sean L.
It doesn't get more fishing town than this place. Delicious sea food that literally cannot get any more fresh! This place is ON an actual wharf over the water in this quaint little town. The lobsters are alive just downstairs and you cant taste it! First place I ever ate lobster and it was amazing. There is a tiny little bar and the service is fast at the food counter with lots of things to choose from. There is also usually some sort of seafood of the day. Only downside is that, since it is a small town, you get the feeling that everyone there knows everyone else and they are sizing you up when you walk in and wondering who the hell/where the hell you are from. Very family oriented and when a bunch of 20 year olds from NJ, NYC, and Boston walk in... well we might stand out a bit. It's a great place though in one of my favorite towns to go when I want to get away from it all.
(5)Mal G.
Funky lobster restaurant overlooks a small, busy working harbor near the tip of Pemaquid peninsula & the lighthouse on the US quarter in your pocket. The food's usually very good, but get there early to avoid crowds. Lobsters & steamers are the specialties, natch, but you can get a good burger or other stuff. Only complaint is sometimes you'll get food that's less than hot (i.e., steamers)--just hand 'em back & ask for hot ones. Lots of us locals eat here, too. Some of our kids even work there, so leave a good tip! The Hardy Boat, located on the dock downstairs next door, will take you out to Monhegan Island or on a tour of local islands, but don't park in Shaw's lot just for the boat ride.
(4)D L.
Ok, so this is my kind of place. Unpretentious, very affordable and has great seafood! It's a really basic kinda place, with picnic tables inside, all wood building - really part of the dock itself.
(4)Brian M.
I randomly discovered this place with the help of a crusty old guy who volunteered at the Pemaquid Pt. Lighthouse down the road. The harbor itself is as real as it gets, this isn't pansy Freeport, and the seagulls that dive-bomb you while you eat are playing for keeps. We went once when it was raining, and it's just not worth it. The whole point is to sit outside and watch the guys unload the lobbies and all that. One awesome personal tidbit was my dad and I took a day sailer sailboat (16' feet or so) and docked up to the side of one of the lobster wharfs and had lunch here, that was a great time, and the lobster guy's weren't surly about it like I presumed they'd be, real friendly.
(4)Ashley M.
The ferry for Monhegan Island - my favorite place EVER - leaves from Shaw's wharf. There are those stand-up wooden pictures of a lobster and a clam there. I have pictures of myself standing behind as the clam for every year since I was little. the lobster salad sandwiches are amazing. Ok i'm about to break out into song about how much I love New England, so I'm just going to stop myself now.
(5)Nat S.
My folks live nearby, so I frequent Shaw's often. Bring a windbreaker or fleece even in July, it can get cold on the deck. Great view and location - exactly what you look for in a lobster shack. Crab Rolls get an "A" and lobster rolls an "A-." Unless it is crowded, you can't go wrong with Shaw's. Their onion rings rule.
(4)Chris F.
Shaw's is a New Harbor institution, popular with tourists and locals alike. Situated above a fully-functional fishing wharf, Shaw's provides fresh fish, lobsters, clams, and other seafood in filling quantities at reasonable prices. Grab a seat outside to enjoy the harbor view and ocean breeze, but watch out for voracious seagulls; they want those fried clams almost as much as you do!
(5)Brown D.
You stand in line and place order. A few minutes later they will call your number and you will get a tray with the food on it. You will sit down on a wooden table with Paper Towels as napkins. If you want a beer be prepared to stand in line again. The view is nice but you must sit outside. At the end of the meal post desert I will give Shaw's Five Stars! Bathroom is downstairs and you can buy a shirt as well. Enjoy!
(5)Hannah P.
Sitting outside on the deck overlooking the water was where it's at. Now on to the food! We ordered the steamer combo which consisted of a small lobster (fun to pick it for those who have never done it and a small one is a legit place to start) with steamed mussels that were flavorful and so incredibly fresh. The chowder however was a joke and I would never order it again. It was so watery and had a few potatoes but literally no clams!!! This was a one and done kinda place for me. If you're out here and want to try it before a puffin tour go for it but otherwise, get a lobster roll or buy your own lobsters and make a night of it.
(3)Eric N.
Went here for a friends 40th birthday party. We came with some Canadian friends who never ate Lobstah... Great place, atmosphere and food. Lobstah and steamers were great and fast. Definitely a must see place if you are swinging through Maine.
(5)Shawn B.
Want to know what it's like to pluck a lobster or clams out of the ocean, cook them, and eat them? Eat here! You will leave smelling like a lobsterman...hope it wears off by morning. I honestly thought cooking and eating a lobster that I bought live in the Midwest wouldn't be much different than here in Maine...WRONG! You can't get much fresher than this, unless you eat a raw one. Thanks to the 7 year old girl at the table next to me for teaching me how to eat fresh clams. I would have been so disappointed if left to my own devices. She taught me how to strip the nasty off and clean them...so much better than eating that sand crap! This is a MUST if in the area!
(5)Maggi B.
The View is second to none... Lobster is a little pricey but the fried oysters are tender, not overcooked - delicious. Get the large side order of you just want oysters and don't need the sides. I'm a purest... I can make coleslaw and fries at home.
(5)Douglas E.
The setting is great. Hence the two stars. The food is just awful. It's overpriced fried garbage. Even the lobster roll is mediocre. If you order the lobster stew you'll pay $12 for a bowl of heated milk that they sprinkle a few crumbs of lobster in. I've eaten here many times for various reasons, and regret it each time. It is truly the worst restaurant in New Harbor, yet (owing solely to the deck overlooking the water) the most popular.
(2)George M.
Have loved this place for 20 years! The best part of this joint is the seedy harborside bar with locals and tourists alike. Then the dog friendly atmosphere. Then the food since sometimes they can overcook the lobsters and yet they can come out COLD! What gives? The steamer portions are huge and cooked to perfection!
(5)Karen B.
An excellent, barebones fresh seafood restaurant. It's counter service with indoor and outdoor tables to eat at. The outdoor tables on the deck give you a first hand view of the commercial lobstermen bringing in their haul. The lobsters and steamers we had were cooked well and had plenty of flavor. Add $2 to the lobster price and it comes with a roll and small side salad. Prices are high, but consistent with other tourist places in the area.
(4)jeannie m.
While vacationing on the mid Coast my guests treated me to a delicious dinner at Shaws and in the past I have ordered and enjoyed fried food I especially love the blooming onion which we did in fact enjoy again this year but as a non-seafood eater I took a chance on steak tips and was so happy with my meal they were nicely marinated a generous portion very tender and cooked a perfect medium rare. My friends both enjoyed their seafood meals as usual. The place was really hopping but once I order was placed it was not long before our food was in front of us we had no trouble getting a nice table by the window to enjoy our meal. I just wanted to give a shout out to Shaws for making a non-seafood eater happy and that is why I am giving them four stars.
(4)Laura M.
Shaw's, Shaw's....I love this place and have been coming here since I was a kid. Choose your own lobster from the downstairs counter if you want a bigger one. Sitting indoors or out is always a treat and virtually everything is always top notch. The steamed clams were particularly good this time around, but it seems that the clams are extra sweet everywhere right now. The only thing to avoid are the crab cakes. I had never ordered them until now and will never do so again-- they are 90% filler and taste a bit like thanksgiving stuffing.
(4)Ralph E.
I have been coming here since the early 70's. It was Small Brothers then, and you could eat the lobster and clams and throw the shells in the water. Over the years, things changed a bit. Can't throw the shells in the water anymore, and the upstairs where you sit and eat got a bit of an upgrade. Just a bit. So you stop in downstairs and pick you lobster from the tank, order a dozen steamers and go up to order your drinks and anything else. I have never had anything but the lobster and steamers. The tables have a board and mallet to beat the lobster.
(5)Kelly K.
Very quicky service here with a great view while you wait on the deck upstairs. I got a single lobster with butter and it was delicious so It was worth picking out the tiny morsels of meat. Lobster ran around 17 dollars for about a 1.25-1.50 lobster. The only have one size.
(4)Lindsay S.
Fantastic lobster and lobster rolls. All 4 of us enjoyed our meal and rate it the highest of all the lobster/lobster rolls we had this week.
(5)Archie C.
Great clam rolls. Views of New Harbor are unparalleled. Seafood doesn't get any fresher than this. Great Maine experience. The Raw Bar below is my favorite....Pemaquid Oysters are the best I've ever had. Can't wait to return!
(5)Hillary A.
Always a good place to visit! Food was great, kind of pricey, but to be expected for a tourist place. Views make the price more tolerable. Took my grandma there for lunch and she was a little to hot outside and indoor seating is very nice too, with a great feel for Maine !!!
(5)Lisa M.
Shaw's Wharf is a nice place to go for seafood. The lobster and steamers are good. The fried food is okay, the last time we went there was the taste of cooking fat on the food, which was kind of off-putting. I like how you can choose sides. The baked potato is good, and they will give you sour cream if you like. The salads are iceberg, cucumber, and a yummy sweet tomato. I like the salads. My husband says the coleslaw is very good. Overall, it is a nice seafood joint with a Maine appeal. I can recommend it!
(4)Miranda H.
Great view, food was pretty good. The lobsters felt like they had been overcooked for a few minutes, which kind of sucked. The lobster rolls were more expensive here than any of the real tourist traps in town.
(3)Tammy P.
Not a recommendation. Waited an hour for our food. Food was cold - steamed clams, fries, onion rings, shrimp included. All cold. Expensive. Very busy place all the time. We do not plan to return
(1)Brian S.
Scruffy stinky and tasty Shaw's Lobster Restaurant definitely qualifies as a classic seafood shack. The stinky dumpster right in front is a dead give away. Used to be lots of places like this scattered around New England but they have been slowing disappearing. Nothing fancy, this is about as casual as it gets. You order your seafood at the counter and then take it to one of the picnic tables, either inside or out on the deck. The views from the deck are pretty impressive. You can watch the fishing boats go by or the seagulls fight over scraps. Since this is a real fishing area with lots of dead fish hanging around it has a distinctive odor at times but that is part of the appeal. Nothing about this place is fake or phony, this town still makes it's living from the sea. The food, especially the lobster and lobster rolls are great with the prices just what you expect for good seafood. Downstairs you can buy crummy t-shirts and check out the lobsters people are about to eat and really get a feel of what seafood is all about. The place gets packed in the summer and the same people come from long distances every summer just to eat here. You might have wait for a table if you come during the peak time of the year but in the cooler weather you can pretty much sit outside with just the seagulls for company. A classic and iconic seafood joint that just goes on doing what it has been doing for decades. If you want personal service, fine ambiance and food with names you can't pronounce find somewhere else. Shaw's might be crowded, a bit stinky at times and simple but it does what it does about as good as it can be done.
(5)Mike S.
A true seafood restaurant. The only way to eat lobster when visiting Maine is here at Shaw's. Fresh caught and you pick out the one you want then cooked and brought to your table. Onion rings and fries are best ever. Also a full bar so I was able to enjoy my Bombay Saphire martini with my lobster.
(5)Anna K.
I really wish that I could give this place no stars. Our service was horrid, first the prices were smudged off the menu and it looked like the prices were $6.95 and when I ordered (for 2 fried baskets and a chicken strip basket) it came to $58!! When I asked the lady what the prices were for each she told me to sign my ticket and she couldn't see it until after it printed off... WTF!?? I should have left but I figured that maybe, for the price, it was pretty epic... Boy was I wrong! My husband got a bigger piece of fish from a restaurant for the same price and his crab cakes were over cooked. My shrimp were so tiny they were mostly breading. I will say that the scallops were tasty, but there were only 4. My sons chicken was good. They also left things on our order out, like my sons salad, and when my husband went to ask about it the teen behind the counter gave him attitude, walked away, then slammed it on the counter. DO NOT GO HERE!!! Disgusting service, disgusting food, overpriced... Need I say more? And it was my birthday!! Sucky lunch for sure, and will never go back again.
(1)Shawn B.
There's NOTHIN' like a lazy man's lobster dinner on the deck overlooking the harbor at sunset. The food is rich and flavorful and tastes like the beautiful coast looks.
(5)Shaina P.
Eating a lobster shore dinner at Shaw's brings back memories and never fails to create new ones. Once you park you have to walk by a really smelly area but once you pass it, you're on the dock leading up to the restaurant. Back in the day, you could go up to the room where they store their lobsters and pick out the dude you want to eat. Not so much anymore, but know that the lobsters here come from some of the best waters of New England. The venue is getting old, but it boasts an old school feel with it's self-ordering system. The views of Muscongus Bay are classic Maine: lobster boats moored on the water and an island in view across the way. Admittedly, you miss the rocky shore views that you get from a place like The Lobster Shack in Cape Elizabeth. The other day I tried ordering just lobster roll but couldn't get past the empty feeling when I couldn't tear a lobster apart on my own. Solution: order a naked lobster for dessert. Don't forget the steamers. They're cleaned, steamed and taste sweet and delicious. (ugh - time to go home. just felt earthquake at my office).
(5)Matt E.
Seriously stay away from the seafood casserole. It came out lukewarm with what amounted to nacho flavored Cheezits crumbled on top. Stick with the shore dinner and you should be fine.
(2)Tim B.
This is a true gem in eastern coastal Maine. For over 3 decades, this has been a favorite spot for me. The seafood is fresh and the view is simply breath-taking and worthy of a famous painting. Take a seat upstairs on a picnic table to watch the daily catches arrive straight from the sea. Compliment your meal with a delicious Pemaquid Ale, a local brew. Keep in mind that the bathrooms are small and usually crowded, and that seagulls like to swoop and scavenge. Above all, this is a great place to stop for a meal. Highly recommended.
(5)Kurt N.
Beautiful spot on a working harbor. Ordered the day's "special," steamed Mussels, and they were room temperature. Disappointing. Crabcake sandwich and sweet potato fries were okay, but not great. Not a bad option if you're near by, but far from excellent.
(2)S D.
Great experience located right in the water. Great lobster roll although I have not meet one I have not liked in ME!
(5)Em S.
I wish I could respond directly to DF who expected "something better than a cheap hot dog bun" when he stopped here to get what was obviously his first-ever Maine lobster roll. If he stops anywhere else to try lobster roll # 2 (or 3 or 4 or) he'll learn that an authentic Maine lobster roll is indeed made with "a cheap hot dog bun." Shaw's in a great spot to enjoy what Maine is all about. Located in a true working lobster village, this is totally worth driving the 30 or so miles off Route 1 to glimpse one of the prettiest little harbor towns in Maine and the nearby Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. Go.
(5)Charles H.
First thing to know, New Harbor is a haul if you're trying to make good time along Route 1. That said if you have the time, this is a GREAT lunch place. Once you park at the lot that's shared with the ferry, stick to your guns, walk past the disgusting greasy dumpsters waiting to greet you and head upstairs. Your reward is a small, beautiful, picture-perfect Maine harbor, with working lobstermen unloading the critters right in front of your eyes. They serve beer and the prices are reasonable. A little touristy, but so what? I was, you probably will be too!
(4)D F.
Pros: Great view, reasonable prices. Cons: Lobster roll comes on a cheap hot dog bun. For $13 for a lobster roll, I would expect something better than a cheap hot dog bun. That was disappointing. It tasted pretty decent otherwise. View, beer selection and beer prices moved this from a 3 to a 4. I wouldn't go out of my way to go there ever again.
(4)Curly H.
Pros: Good view, decent food Cons: Expensive, somewhat out-of-the-way, service a bit slow Went here at the suggestion of a family member. It was a bit of a chore to get there, as New Harbor is out on one of the peninsulas and a good half-hour from tourist towns like Wiscasset and Rockland. We had a lobster roll and a "lobster pie", the latter of which consisted of lobster meat in lobster bisque covered with spiced Ritz crackers. A change of pace from the lobsters we had already decimated during this trip, but it wasn't quite my style. As for the lobster roll, there wasn't as much meat as I had at other places, and it was pretty expensive given the "no-frills" attitude of the place, not to mention the small bag of Lays and a pickle that was given as sides. I attempted to get a beer at the side bar next to the ordering kiosk, but after waiting for several minutes for someone to show up at the bar, I gave up and left. In all, worthwhile if you're staying in New Harbor, but otherwise you're probably closer to better deals on lobster.
(3)Lou L.
I would love to tell you that I had a fantastic meal, but when I got there at 6:15 on a Saturday night of Columbus Day weekend, the place had every indoor table full, and it was 51 degrees outside, making 65% of the seating useless. Orders -- including take-out -- were backed up for 20 minutes, and people were stalking tables like vultures on carrion. I gave up, and found another restaurant. Obviously the place is great, but if you can't get a table, there's no use going.
(1)Devon D.
A favorite family spot for as long as I can remember. I grew up thinking they had the best grilled cheeses in the world (I might still think that!) and now have branched out to enjoy their fresh lobsters, wonderful chowder and delicious fried fish/clams/shrimp options. The atmosphere is wonderful as well - it is definitely worth it to sit outside in the warm weather as well as the not so warm so that you can watch the lobster boats come and unload as well as the Hardy Boat as it makes its tours and trips to Monhegan Island. I try to make sure that I make it to Shaw's at least once a summer!
(5)Alex L.
I have been coming here for a long time. The food is exactly what the people of Maine want. It is nothing fancy here as the people of Maine don't want that. Simple yet tasty is what you will find. It is worth the drive to get here. I took my girlfriend here yesterday for the day we had to drive 3 1/2 hours to get here. When your here take a trip on the Hardy boat always a great time.
(5)Anne C.
I ate here with my family after doing the puffin tour. My father lives in the area but we didn't want to wait to get home to eat so we tried here and we all were very happy with our food. I had the lobster roll and my sister and father had the crab roll and we thought both were very good. I was actually surprised how good the lobster roll was--tons of meat, very little mayo--perfect. I also had the clams-yes, they have sand in them--they are fresh clams. Pull the skin off the necks and swish them around a bit--so good!! You are going to be hard pressed to find fresher seafood if you stick with the mainstays. It's very casual and you can't beat the view.
(4)James T.
Very disappointed. I did not order steamed lobster. I had three items: steamed clam---dirt and sand everywhere (they claimed that they could not soak for the the health department restriction.) Fried calamari--tasted frozen calamari from Korea. Greasy batter falled apart from the meat. Same receipe but worst taste than most regular Italain restaurant in major cities. Lobster Roll--it is ok. However you can get equal or better (but cheaper) from most lobster shacks in the area. It came with a bag of chip--guess what brand they use? Lays Classic--one of the cheapest you can find in the supermarket. Simple thing like Kechup--the eco brand you have never heard. I asked for a tartar sauce--taste no better than the Red Lobster or Long John Silver--mayonnaise with chooped pickle. The price was restaurant grade but the plates were styrofoam. You can definately taste the lack of passion. It is barely a money earning spot for the owner. Too bad. Staff said: the owner liked to save cost. We could tell, too.
(1)Diane S.
Worth the trip. Good food, great view of the boats and the harbor. Don't know who's saying this is "pricy" - by Los Angeles standards, this place is basically giving away meals. As anyone who's spent time in the midcoast Maine area knows, everything is about 20-30 minutes away from everything else. With no traffic and beautiful scenery, this is not a "problem" or a "con," but, in fact, a rather nice element to the area. Teh food here is really quite delicious, and the atmosphere can't be beat. A definite must-visit! Don't forget to take your picture with your head in the wooden lobster cut-out!
(5)Haj A.
A lobster shack that's very aware of its self as a tourist destination (take your picture as a lobster!) but the local spirit is still intact. The lobsters taste fresh, the clams are fried to perfection and the service is cheerful. It's certainly a great place to go if you're on a lobster shack tour but I can't say it's a must stop. In my opinion, Five Island Lobsters and Red's Eats are definitely the ones to beat.
(3)D S.
Shaw's just screams summer to me. Every summer my family stays in the area for a few weeks, and one of our favorite outings is going to Shaw's for a DELICIOUS dinner. Clearly, the lobster is where it's at, but everything there is delicious. The atmosphere is perfectly small town Maine, and the local beers on tap are great. There is a small bar downstairs where you get some some 'local flavor' in the evenings. (I hate that term for the record, as I am from a tourist town- but it applies, so whatever). If you are in the area, you won't have many options to go out and eat, but rest assured that the option you do have-Shaw's- is a great one, and you can't go wrong with their menu! Side note: you can pick out your lobster downstairs before you go up and chow down on your little friend!
(5)Connie D.
I love this place -- has it been around for 40 years? Well, if it hasn't, it's taken someone's place, because that's how long I've been coming here. I like lobster roll and onion rings. Both are superb. My husband likes his lobster hot, and he loved it. The scenery is like out of a movie (actually they made a movie here -- forget the name). But I found it before Hollywood did, and have so many happy memories of being there with my family over the years. This weekend my husband and I went back - still great!
(5)Heidi D.
Delicious food! Fried clams were amazing and fresh. Steamed mussels were very sweet, this coming from someone that does not usually like them! My kids consider themselves clam chowder experts - they did not care for this one. The pieces of clam were huge and it was a thinner broth. That being said, my husband and I liked it. Very quick service, awesome view! My husband likes it better than The Lobster Shack in Cape Elizabeth. I think they are comparable. We both think Shaw's is better, much, than Nunnan's in Kennenunkport. Defiantly adding this to our favorite list!
(5)Andy G.
I LOVE THIS PLACE. First i have to admit that i have been coming to this place for about 20 years of my life so i already knew what to expect. So I packed up the wife, ( Yes, I know that her name is Simone but today we'll just refer to her as "the wife") got in the car, and drove up Route 32 to New Harbor. Although Labor Day weekend was upon us, the parking lot was only about half full with senior citizens from Massachusetts and Canada. This was a welcomed sign as the lines at Shaws Wharf can be very long sometimes with people who apparently have never seen a fresh lobster during their life. If that happens to you don't be afraid, they put meals out at the speed of light and i have seldom had to wait more then 15-20 minutes for my meal.The first thing you notice as you are walking to the restaurant is the overwhelming smell coming from the grease dumpster. Its a disgustingly gross mix of fried (mostly seafood) leftovers and old dirty oil. Not exactly the first impression one might want to make. So after a dead sprint past the manure like oder we made our way up to the top of the stairs to the dining area overlooking the harbor. The view here is spectacular. On one side you can overlook the harbor and the lobstermen unloading their traps, and on the other you can look into the Atlantic ocean. If you are afraid of seagulls flying above and crapping on you then they do have an indoor seating area also, but really grow a pair and just go sit outside. So now to the food. The menu is large and probably 75% fresh seafood from right off the dock. Good food can be hard to find for a non fish eater on a menu like this, but people tell me the Lobster is the best they can find on the Maine coast, so if you enjoy eating these bottom feeders, then by all means go ahead, and enjoy the clams and mussels as well. But for myself i head straight to my old Shaws Wharf stand by, the chicken fingers, Buffalo Style and Original. The wife suggests we bypass the basket style ( with fries, coleslaw and roll), because the coleslaw is nothing to brag about ( to much celery seed) and the rolls come from a bag. So we order a side of Fries to go with our chicken appetizers. The service here is counter service ( no need for a large tip, but don't be a dick, give a tip anyway !) so we grab some drinks and head out to the patio. After about ten minutes our number is called and the wife grabs the food. The fried chicken tenders- both kinds- are crispy and piping hot. At first glance you may think these things are going to be dry, but they are some of the moistest fried chicken I have ever had. And they are consistently this way. Not a dry breast in the house. While we are talking about the breast I may as well admit that the size of these things are huge. So I grab them quick and shove one into my mouth. One thing I always notice is when chicken is fried in the same oil as fish, these are not. Shaws has separate fryolators for fish , French Fry's, and chicken and you can taste the difference. The Buffalo Style tenders are just the right blend of heat, not a Bathroom emergency kinda burning heat, but smooth and buttery with a little bit of fire, which quickly dissipates with some Blue Cheese Dressing. The Original Style Plain Tender has a nice white pepper southern taste. Both kinds of Tenders are hand breaded when you order with Shaws fish fry batter so they are light but somehow very filling at the same time. The Fries are good, not fresh cut ,but still perfectly crispy and a good addition to the meal. Overall this dish is a winner every time. Shaws also does a great job with Fresh Breaded Onion Rings, Broiled Chicken, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and BLT's so don't be afraid to give those a try also.To end the meal my wife suggested a Pina Colada. Not exactly dessert, but hell its got pineapple and coconut in it so close enough ! I gotta say, the Pina Colada from the dockside bar under the resturant is one of the best damn Coladas I have ever had. Cold, with just the right amount of everything. And it goes down smooth and fast (especialy fast if you are me). A Great way to end our meal at Shaws and another satisfying trip to my favorite seafood resturaunt
(5)Will P.
The place to go, fresh but nothing special...enjoy the deck on a nice day. A real working fish port...not a tourist mecca. Bon appetit mes amis.
(3)Lisa G.
Love it! I go for the Lobster Roll and a view. The Puffin Cruises that leave from the same dock are also awesome!! Well worth the trip!
(5)Brittany B.
yum yum yum
(5)Kasey N.
Ok, so I'm a little biased seeing as my parents own the dock and house right across the harbor. However, I have been eating at Shaw's for 22 years and it never gets old or less delicious. Everything on their menu is good from the lobsters to the fried haddock sandwiches. However, my all-time favorite are the steamers. I can't go in there without getting at least a 1/2 pound. In fact, that's what I'm eating in my profile picture! The other great attraction to Shaw's is that it's the best local bar. If you want to see some real Mainers and hear good stories, head downstairs any time in the evening, but only until 10 pm. Yeah, small town bars close up shop early. I had my first legal drink here and have had several since. Nothing beats the view of the harbor while you enjoy your food and drinks. You can watch the lobster boats come in with the day's catch in the afternoon and watch them unload at the co-op right next door. Also, if you want to do a little fishing of your own, take your pole down on Shaw's dock. You can catch mackerel and pollock. Just watch out for the Hardy Boat!
(5)Peter C.
Oh man, where do I start? The fish is delicious, as are the fried scallops,clams, and other goodies. I love to watch my lobstermen bretheren get their catch in. After I've relocated to Maine, I've made it a point to stop here. Shaws and Warrens down in Kittery go hand in hand with good lobster! Reccomended: Onion Rings Fried scallops Haddock Sandwiches
(5)Joe S.
I am new to Maine and have eatin at some great places so far while here and let me tell you this is the BEST steamers and lobster chowda I have had.
(5)Dave F.
If you made it down all this way, treat yerself to a lobster roll. It's one of the best.
(5)adrian w.
One of the more memorable places I have ever eaten. One word... steamers! I never tried the lobster roll from here, so I am no help. Sit out on the docks, enjoy a beer or two, suck down a few dozen steamers and watch the daily catch come in. Also, if you are inexperienced in a two man inflatable dingy, don't attempt to row yourself home drunk. I will go back again, even if there are 1200 miles separating us.
(5)Nathen S.
Great lobster roll. Steamed mussels came out cold. Kids chickenand fries were great portions and good chicken. Overall a great place and beautiful deck overlooking harbor with lobster boats in and out. Great for the family.
(4)Catherine D.
We were a bit underwhelmed with Shaw's. While the location and view are very nice, the restaurant is pretty average lobster shack. Table was dirty, we had to clean it off ourselves and fill up the empty paper towel roll ourselves. I had the lobster roll. A good amount of nice lobster, very sweet and fresh, but the roll was stale and there was shredded lettuce underneath even though the menu explained the roll was lobster and mayo with no mention of lettuce. My husband choose the lazy man's lobster and was disappointed the moment he saw it. A very small plate of lobster meat (looked like a 1/2 pound chicken lobster) sitting in a pool of melted butter for $24.00. The cup of fish chowder had nice flavor, but was very thin with not one piece of potato that I could find. The evening was capped off by having a man use the ladies restroom after I existed. Gross.
(2)Kirsten S.
The views are amazing. You can sit out there and watch the boats go by. The calamari and lobster were really really good and felt like they were fresh out of the water. But the crab fish cakes weren't good at all. The crab was mixed ( not just claw) and it didn't taste as fresh as the other dishes. The service and cleanliness were exemplary though.
(4)Pat Laracy B.
So good. So fresh. Great fun family place. Would not miss a visit there when in Maine. Terrific service. Love it Love It Love it
(5)Mike L.
Can't beat Shaw's for seafood. If you are in Maine and looking for a true Maine seafood experience, you have to make the trip to Shaw's (right on the way to Pemaquid Point Lighthouse too, so make a day of it!). You walk by the fisherman's wharf, typically with a boat or two unloading their day's catch. Step up and order your food like you were at a fast-food restaurant then sit and wait for your number. We shared the buffalo shrimp appetizer and then a Shore Platter which included a lobster and steamers. There is nothing better than drinking a cold beverage while shucking clams and cracking open a fresh lobster! Great food, great prices, great place to eat.
(5)Andrea C.
Went here on a Sunday Night. Place was busy, waited way too long for Luke warm steamers and lobster and paid way too much. Husband got a steak and cheese which looked awful but for $11.00 u would of thought it Would of been decent. Way overpriced, Nice view but that's it! Gave a extra star because the steamers although cold were delicious!
(3)Courtney B.
Anyone who gives this place a bad review has something wrong with them. Fresh seafood, beer, and amazing scenery/atmosphere.The end.
(5)Jess M.
Never disappointing. Worth a drive if you're not in the neighborhood.
(5)SeaChi N.
Got the steamed lobster and clams combo, the lobster meat was sweet and needed no butter, the clams tender and oh so tasty. The area is a small oasis from the city, sit upstairs and simply enjoy the view.
(5)jeannie m.
While vacationing on the mid Coast my guests treated me to a delicious dinner at Shaws and in the past I have ordered and enjoyed fried food I especially love the blooming onion which we did in fact enjoy again this year but as a non-seafood eater I took a chance on steak tips and was so happy with my meal they were nicely marinated a generous portion very tender and cooked a perfect medium rare. My friends both enjoyed their seafood meals as usual. The place was really hopping but once I order was placed it was not long before our food was in front of us we had no trouble getting a nice table by the window to enjoy our meal. I just wanted to give a shout out to Shaws for making a non-seafood eater happy and that is why I am giving them four stars.
(4)Brown D.
You stand in line and place order. A few minutes later they will call your number and you will get a tray with the food on it. You will sit down on a wooden table with Paper Towels as napkins. If you want a beer be prepared to stand in line again. The view is nice but you must sit outside. At the end of the meal post desert I will give Shaw's Five Stars! Bathroom is downstairs and you can buy a shirt as well. Enjoy!
(5)Hannah P.
Sitting outside on the deck overlooking the water was where it's at. Now on to the food! We ordered the steamer combo which consisted of a small lobster (fun to pick it for those who have never done it and a small one is a legit place to start) with steamed mussels that were flavorful and so incredibly fresh. The chowder however was a joke and I would never order it again. It was so watery and had a few potatoes but literally no clams!!! This was a one and done kinda place for me. If you're out here and want to try it before a puffin tour go for it but otherwise, get a lobster roll or buy your own lobsters and make a night of it.
(3)Eric N.
Went here for a friends 40th birthday party. We came with some Canadian friends who never ate Lobstah... Great place, atmosphere and food. Lobstah and steamers were great and fast. Definitely a must see place if you are swinging through Maine.
(5)Shawn B.
Want to know what it's like to pluck a lobster or clams out of the ocean, cook them, and eat them? Eat here! You will leave smelling like a lobsterman...hope it wears off by morning. I honestly thought cooking and eating a lobster that I bought live in the Midwest wouldn't be much different than here in Maine...WRONG! You can't get much fresher than this, unless you eat a raw one. Thanks to the 7 year old girl at the table next to me for teaching me how to eat fresh clams. I would have been so disappointed if left to my own devices. She taught me how to strip the nasty off and clean them...so much better than eating that sand crap! This is a MUST if in the area!
(5)Maggi B.
The View is second to none... Lobster is a little pricey but the fried oysters are tender, not overcooked - delicious. Get the large side order of you just want oysters and don't need the sides. I'm a purest... I can make coleslaw and fries at home.
(5)Douglas E.
The setting is great. Hence the two stars. The food is just awful. It's overpriced fried garbage. Even the lobster roll is mediocre. If you order the lobster stew you'll pay $12 for a bowl of heated milk that they sprinkle a few crumbs of lobster in. I've eaten here many times for various reasons, and regret it each time. It is truly the worst restaurant in New Harbor, yet (owing solely to the deck overlooking the water) the most popular.
(2)George M.
Have loved this place for 20 years! The best part of this joint is the seedy harborside bar with locals and tourists alike. Then the dog friendly atmosphere. Then the food since sometimes they can overcook the lobsters and yet they can come out COLD! What gives? The steamer portions are huge and cooked to perfection!
(5)Karen B.
An excellent, barebones fresh seafood restaurant. It's counter service with indoor and outdoor tables to eat at. The outdoor tables on the deck give you a first hand view of the commercial lobstermen bringing in their haul. The lobsters and steamers we had were cooked well and had plenty of flavor. Add $2 to the lobster price and it comes with a roll and small side salad. Prices are high, but consistent with other tourist places in the area.
(4)Laura M.
Shaw's, Shaw's....I love this place and have been coming here since I was a kid. Choose your own lobster from the downstairs counter if you want a bigger one. Sitting indoors or out is always a treat and virtually everything is always top notch. The steamed clams were particularly good this time around, but it seems that the clams are extra sweet everywhere right now. The only thing to avoid are the crab cakes. I had never ordered them until now and will never do so again-- they are 90% filler and taste a bit like thanksgiving stuffing.
(4)Ralph E.
I have been coming here since the early 70's. It was Small Brothers then, and you could eat the lobster and clams and throw the shells in the water. Over the years, things changed a bit. Can't throw the shells in the water anymore, and the upstairs where you sit and eat got a bit of an upgrade. Just a bit. So you stop in downstairs and pick you lobster from the tank, order a dozen steamers and go up to order your drinks and anything else. I have never had anything but the lobster and steamers. The tables have a board and mallet to beat the lobster.
(5)Kelly K.
Very quicky service here with a great view while you wait on the deck upstairs. I got a single lobster with butter and it was delicious so It was worth picking out the tiny morsels of meat. Lobster ran around 17 dollars for about a 1.25-1.50 lobster. The only have one size.
(4)Lindsay S.
Fantastic lobster and lobster rolls. All 4 of us enjoyed our meal and rate it the highest of all the lobster/lobster rolls we had this week.
(5)Archie C.
Great clam rolls. Views of New Harbor are unparalleled. Seafood doesn't get any fresher than this. Great Maine experience. The Raw Bar below is my favorite....Pemaquid Oysters are the best I've ever had. Can't wait to return!
(5)Hillary A.
Always a good place to visit! Food was great, kind of pricey, but to be expected for a tourist place. Views make the price more tolerable. Took my grandma there for lunch and she was a little to hot outside and indoor seating is very nice too, with a great feel for Maine !!!
(5)Lisa M.
Shaw's Wharf is a nice place to go for seafood. The lobster and steamers are good. The fried food is okay, the last time we went there was the taste of cooking fat on the food, which was kind of off-putting. I like how you can choose sides. The baked potato is good, and they will give you sour cream if you like. The salads are iceberg, cucumber, and a yummy sweet tomato. I like the salads. My husband says the coleslaw is very good. Overall, it is a nice seafood joint with a Maine appeal. I can recommend it!
(4)Miranda H.
Great view, food was pretty good. The lobsters felt like they had been overcooked for a few minutes, which kind of sucked. The lobster rolls were more expensive here than any of the real tourist traps in town.
(3)Tammy P.
Not a recommendation. Waited an hour for our food. Food was cold - steamed clams, fries, onion rings, shrimp included. All cold. Expensive. Very busy place all the time. We do not plan to return
(1)Brian S.
Scruffy stinky and tasty Shaw's Lobster Restaurant definitely qualifies as a classic seafood shack. The stinky dumpster right in front is a dead give away. Used to be lots of places like this scattered around New England but they have been slowing disappearing. Nothing fancy, this is about as casual as it gets. You order your seafood at the counter and then take it to one of the picnic tables, either inside or out on the deck. The views from the deck are pretty impressive. You can watch the fishing boats go by or the seagulls fight over scraps. Since this is a real fishing area with lots of dead fish hanging around it has a distinctive odor at times but that is part of the appeal. Nothing about this place is fake or phony, this town still makes it's living from the sea. The food, especially the lobster and lobster rolls are great with the prices just what you expect for good seafood. Downstairs you can buy crummy t-shirts and check out the lobsters people are about to eat and really get a feel of what seafood is all about. The place gets packed in the summer and the same people come from long distances every summer just to eat here. You might have wait for a table if you come during the peak time of the year but in the cooler weather you can pretty much sit outside with just the seagulls for company. A classic and iconic seafood joint that just goes on doing what it has been doing for decades. If you want personal service, fine ambiance and food with names you can't pronounce find somewhere else. Shaw's might be crowded, a bit stinky at times and simple but it does what it does about as good as it can be done.
(5)Mike S.
A true seafood restaurant. The only way to eat lobster when visiting Maine is here at Shaw's. Fresh caught and you pick out the one you want then cooked and brought to your table. Onion rings and fries are best ever. Also a full bar so I was able to enjoy my Bombay Saphire martini with my lobster.
(5)Anna K.
I really wish that I could give this place no stars. Our service was horrid, first the prices were smudged off the menu and it looked like the prices were $6.95 and when I ordered (for 2 fried baskets and a chicken strip basket) it came to $58!! When I asked the lady what the prices were for each she told me to sign my ticket and she couldn't see it until after it printed off... WTF!?? I should have left but I figured that maybe, for the price, it was pretty epic... Boy was I wrong! My husband got a bigger piece of fish from a restaurant for the same price and his crab cakes were over cooked. My shrimp were so tiny they were mostly breading. I will say that the scallops were tasty, but there were only 4. My sons chicken was good. They also left things on our order out, like my sons salad, and when my husband went to ask about it the teen behind the counter gave him attitude, walked away, then slammed it on the counter. DO NOT GO HERE!!! Disgusting service, disgusting food, overpriced... Need I say more? And it was my birthday!! Sucky lunch for sure, and will never go back again.
(1)Charles H.
First thing to know, New Harbor is a haul if you're trying to make good time along Route 1. That said if you have the time, this is a GREAT lunch place. Once you park at the lot that's shared with the ferry, stick to your guns, walk past the disgusting greasy dumpsters waiting to greet you and head upstairs. Your reward is a small, beautiful, picture-perfect Maine harbor, with working lobstermen unloading the critters right in front of your eyes. They serve beer and the prices are reasonable. A little touristy, but so what? I was, you probably will be too!
(4)D F.
Pros: Great view, reasonable prices. Cons: Lobster roll comes on a cheap hot dog bun. For $13 for a lobster roll, I would expect something better than a cheap hot dog bun. That was disappointing. It tasted pretty decent otherwise. View, beer selection and beer prices moved this from a 3 to a 4. I wouldn't go out of my way to go there ever again.
(4)Shawn B.
There's NOTHIN' like a lazy man's lobster dinner on the deck overlooking the harbor at sunset. The food is rich and flavorful and tastes like the beautiful coast looks.
(5)Shaina P.
Eating a lobster shore dinner at Shaw's brings back memories and never fails to create new ones. Once you park you have to walk by a really smelly area but once you pass it, you're on the dock leading up to the restaurant. Back in the day, you could go up to the room where they store their lobsters and pick out the dude you want to eat. Not so much anymore, but know that the lobsters here come from some of the best waters of New England. The venue is getting old, but it boasts an old school feel with it's self-ordering system. The views of Muscongus Bay are classic Maine: lobster boats moored on the water and an island in view across the way. Admittedly, you miss the rocky shore views that you get from a place like The Lobster Shack in Cape Elizabeth. The other day I tried ordering just lobster roll but couldn't get past the empty feeling when I couldn't tear a lobster apart on my own. Solution: order a naked lobster for dessert. Don't forget the steamers. They're cleaned, steamed and taste sweet and delicious. (ugh - time to go home. just felt earthquake at my office).
(5)Matt E.
Seriously stay away from the seafood casserole. It came out lukewarm with what amounted to nacho flavored Cheezits crumbled on top. Stick with the shore dinner and you should be fine.
(2)Tim B.
This is a true gem in eastern coastal Maine. For over 3 decades, this has been a favorite spot for me. The seafood is fresh and the view is simply breath-taking and worthy of a famous painting. Take a seat upstairs on a picnic table to watch the daily catches arrive straight from the sea. Compliment your meal with a delicious Pemaquid Ale, a local brew. Keep in mind that the bathrooms are small and usually crowded, and that seagulls like to swoop and scavenge. Above all, this is a great place to stop for a meal. Highly recommended.
(5)Kurt N.
Beautiful spot on a working harbor. Ordered the day's "special," steamed Mussels, and they were room temperature. Disappointing. Crabcake sandwich and sweet potato fries were okay, but not great. Not a bad option if you're near by, but far from excellent.
(2)S D.
Great experience located right in the water. Great lobster roll although I have not meet one I have not liked in ME!
(5)Em S.
I wish I could respond directly to DF who expected "something better than a cheap hot dog bun" when he stopped here to get what was obviously his first-ever Maine lobster roll. If he stops anywhere else to try lobster roll # 2 (or 3 or 4 or) he'll learn that an authentic Maine lobster roll is indeed made with "a cheap hot dog bun." Shaw's in a great spot to enjoy what Maine is all about. Located in a true working lobster village, this is totally worth driving the 30 or so miles off Route 1 to glimpse one of the prettiest little harbor towns in Maine and the nearby Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. Go.
(5)Curly H.
Pros: Good view, decent food Cons: Expensive, somewhat out-of-the-way, service a bit slow Went here at the suggestion of a family member. It was a bit of a chore to get there, as New Harbor is out on one of the peninsulas and a good half-hour from tourist towns like Wiscasset and Rockland. We had a lobster roll and a "lobster pie", the latter of which consisted of lobster meat in lobster bisque covered with spiced Ritz crackers. A change of pace from the lobsters we had already decimated during this trip, but it wasn't quite my style. As for the lobster roll, there wasn't as much meat as I had at other places, and it was pretty expensive given the "no-frills" attitude of the place, not to mention the small bag of Lays and a pickle that was given as sides. I attempted to get a beer at the side bar next to the ordering kiosk, but after waiting for several minutes for someone to show up at the bar, I gave up and left. In all, worthwhile if you're staying in New Harbor, but otherwise you're probably closer to better deals on lobster.
(3)Lou L.
I would love to tell you that I had a fantastic meal, but when I got there at 6:15 on a Saturday night of Columbus Day weekend, the place had every indoor table full, and it was 51 degrees outside, making 65% of the seating useless. Orders -- including take-out -- were backed up for 20 minutes, and people were stalking tables like vultures on carrion. I gave up, and found another restaurant. Obviously the place is great, but if you can't get a table, there's no use going.
(1)Devon D.
A favorite family spot for as long as I can remember. I grew up thinking they had the best grilled cheeses in the world (I might still think that!) and now have branched out to enjoy their fresh lobsters, wonderful chowder and delicious fried fish/clams/shrimp options. The atmosphere is wonderful as well - it is definitely worth it to sit outside in the warm weather as well as the not so warm so that you can watch the lobster boats come and unload as well as the Hardy Boat as it makes its tours and trips to Monhegan Island. I try to make sure that I make it to Shaw's at least once a summer!
(5)Alex L.
I have been coming here for a long time. The food is exactly what the people of Maine want. It is nothing fancy here as the people of Maine don't want that. Simple yet tasty is what you will find. It is worth the drive to get here. I took my girlfriend here yesterday for the day we had to drive 3 1/2 hours to get here. When your here take a trip on the Hardy boat always a great time.
(5)Anne C.
I ate here with my family after doing the puffin tour. My father lives in the area but we didn't want to wait to get home to eat so we tried here and we all were very happy with our food. I had the lobster roll and my sister and father had the crab roll and we thought both were very good. I was actually surprised how good the lobster roll was--tons of meat, very little mayo--perfect. I also had the clams-yes, they have sand in them--they are fresh clams. Pull the skin off the necks and swish them around a bit--so good!! You are going to be hard pressed to find fresher seafood if you stick with the mainstays. It's very casual and you can't beat the view.
(4)James T.
Very disappointed. I did not order steamed lobster. I had three items: steamed clam---dirt and sand everywhere (they claimed that they could not soak for the the health department restriction.) Fried calamari--tasted frozen calamari from Korea. Greasy batter falled apart from the meat. Same receipe but worst taste than most regular Italain restaurant in major cities. Lobster Roll--it is ok. However you can get equal or better (but cheaper) from most lobster shacks in the area. It came with a bag of chip--guess what brand they use? Lays Classic--one of the cheapest you can find in the supermarket. Simple thing like Kechup--the eco brand you have never heard. I asked for a tartar sauce--taste no better than the Red Lobster or Long John Silver--mayonnaise with chooped pickle. The price was restaurant grade but the plates were styrofoam. You can definately taste the lack of passion. It is barely a money earning spot for the owner. Too bad. Staff said: the owner liked to save cost. We could tell, too.
(1)Brian W.
I was returning from a summer trip from Canada through Maine. I checked Yelp for a place to find a good lobster meal, and Shaw's came up in the search. It was about 30 minutes out of my way, but I thought I'd try it. I was not disappointed! Shaw's is a great place for seafood! The wharf and outside dining area looks right out into the ocean, and you can see the daily catches as the lobster boats pull up to dock. The seasfood is about as fresh as it gets! I've always been kind of ambivalent about lobster, but having fresh Maine lobster right off the dock is as good as it gets! I think it ruined me for lobster anywhere else. The ouside dining area is definitely the place to be - you can watch the boats or stare out into the ocean while you enjoy lobster, clams, oysters and other tasty treats. You can even have lobsters packed to take home or shipped to your house! If you're in the area, take the drive to New Harbor. You won't be diappointed!
(5)Sonia C.
Food was good overall, but nothing that will make me drive that far again. Nice atmosphere, good service, good experience overall.
(4)Jon G.
Love this place. Been around FOR-EVER and will not disappoint. I remember going on multiple occasions and seeing the lobster boats coming in and dropping off the fresh catch. Does NOT get any fresher than this. The place doesnt look like much, but its deep Maine; and at Shaw's: Get prepared to be VERY satisfied.
(5)Connie D.
I love this place -- has it been around for 40 years? Well, if it hasn't, it's taken someone's place, because that's how long I've been coming here. I like lobster roll and onion rings. Both are superb. My husband likes his lobster hot, and he loved it. The scenery is like out of a movie (actually they made a movie here -- forget the name). But I found it before Hollywood did, and have so many happy memories of being there with my family over the years. This weekend my husband and I went back - still great!
(5)Matt E.
Fantastic location on a working fisherman's wharf in New Harbor. We actually watched a couple fisherman loading up their boats with bait and setting out for the day from the pier right outside. Below the restaurant is a spot to buy lobsters (cooked or live) as well as a pretty cool little bar. The spot feels as Maine as you can get and I love that kind of charm. The prices are standard for seafood in the area, nothing really over or under priced but when the seafood is as fresh as this you really feel as though you're getting a good deal. The standard thing they didn't have here that they usually have in places like this is the fisherman's platter but what they did have was a pick 2 items platter which saves you money and keeps you from over eating (portions are only reasonable). The menu does have a lot more choices than the typical fried seafood places though like steamed and baked items and fish like halibut, salmon, tuna, and swordfish. I gave them 3 stars because the service was very bad (we stood by the counter for several minutes before we could find someone to help us) and I noticed other people having a hard time getting service as well. The seafood is fresh but I didn't like the way they fried things, the batter kept slipping off and the sryrofoam plates just kept a pool of oil making the bottom of the seafood soggy. I've gotten much better seafood at places like the Clam Box in Ipswich,MA. If you're going to eat here I'd stick to something fresh they can't mess up like whole lobsters.
(3)Diane S.
Worth the trip. Good food, great view of the boats and the harbor. Don't know who's saying this is "pricy" - by Los Angeles standards, this place is basically giving away meals. As anyone who's spent time in the midcoast Maine area knows, everything is about 20-30 minutes away from everything else. With no traffic and beautiful scenery, this is not a "problem" or a "con," but, in fact, a rather nice element to the area. Teh food here is really quite delicious, and the atmosphere can't be beat. A definite must-visit! Don't forget to take your picture with your head in the wooden lobster cut-out!
(5)Haj A.
A lobster shack that's very aware of its self as a tourist destination (take your picture as a lobster!) but the local spirit is still intact. The lobsters taste fresh, the clams are fried to perfection and the service is cheerful. It's certainly a great place to go if you're on a lobster shack tour but I can't say it's a must stop. In my opinion, Five Island Lobsters and Red's Eats are definitely the ones to beat.
(3)D S.
Shaw's just screams summer to me. Every summer my family stays in the area for a few weeks, and one of our favorite outings is going to Shaw's for a DELICIOUS dinner. Clearly, the lobster is where it's at, but everything there is delicious. The atmosphere is perfectly small town Maine, and the local beers on tap are great. There is a small bar downstairs where you get some some 'local flavor' in the evenings. (I hate that term for the record, as I am from a tourist town- but it applies, so whatever). If you are in the area, you won't have many options to go out and eat, but rest assured that the option you do have-Shaw's- is a great one, and you can't go wrong with their menu! Side note: you can pick out your lobster downstairs before you go up and chow down on your little friend!
(5)Heidi D.
Delicious food! Fried clams were amazing and fresh. Steamed mussels were very sweet, this coming from someone that does not usually like them! My kids consider themselves clam chowder experts - they did not care for this one. The pieces of clam were huge and it was a thinner broth. That being said, my husband and I liked it. Very quick service, awesome view! My husband likes it better than The Lobster Shack in Cape Elizabeth. I think they are comparable. We both think Shaw's is better, much, than Nunnan's in Kennenunkport. Defiantly adding this to our favorite list!
(5)Andy G.
I LOVE THIS PLACE. First i have to admit that i have been coming to this place for about 20 years of my life so i already knew what to expect. So I packed up the wife, ( Yes, I know that her name is Simone but today we'll just refer to her as "the wife") got in the car, and drove up Route 32 to New Harbor. Although Labor Day weekend was upon us, the parking lot was only about half full with senior citizens from Massachusetts and Canada. This was a welcomed sign as the lines at Shaws Wharf can be very long sometimes with people who apparently have never seen a fresh lobster during their life. If that happens to you don't be afraid, they put meals out at the speed of light and i have seldom had to wait more then 15-20 minutes for my meal.The first thing you notice as you are walking to the restaurant is the overwhelming smell coming from the grease dumpster. Its a disgustingly gross mix of fried (mostly seafood) leftovers and old dirty oil. Not exactly the first impression one might want to make. So after a dead sprint past the manure like oder we made our way up to the top of the stairs to the dining area overlooking the harbor. The view here is spectacular. On one side you can overlook the harbor and the lobstermen unloading their traps, and on the other you can look into the Atlantic ocean. If you are afraid of seagulls flying above and crapping on you then they do have an indoor seating area also, but really grow a pair and just go sit outside. So now to the food. The menu is large and probably 75% fresh seafood from right off the dock. Good food can be hard to find for a non fish eater on a menu like this, but people tell me the Lobster is the best they can find on the Maine coast, so if you enjoy eating these bottom feeders, then by all means go ahead, and enjoy the clams and mussels as well. But for myself i head straight to my old Shaws Wharf stand by, the chicken fingers, Buffalo Style and Original. The wife suggests we bypass the basket style ( with fries, coleslaw and roll), because the coleslaw is nothing to brag about ( to much celery seed) and the rolls come from a bag. So we order a side of Fries to go with our chicken appetizers. The service here is counter service ( no need for a large tip, but don't be a dick, give a tip anyway !) so we grab some drinks and head out to the patio. After about ten minutes our number is called and the wife grabs the food. The fried chicken tenders- both kinds- are crispy and piping hot. At first glance you may think these things are going to be dry, but they are some of the moistest fried chicken I have ever had. And they are consistently this way. Not a dry breast in the house. While we are talking about the breast I may as well admit that the size of these things are huge. So I grab them quick and shove one into my mouth. One thing I always notice is when chicken is fried in the same oil as fish, these are not. Shaws has separate fryolators for fish , French Fry's, and chicken and you can taste the difference. The Buffalo Style tenders are just the right blend of heat, not a Bathroom emergency kinda burning heat, but smooth and buttery with a little bit of fire, which quickly dissipates with some Blue Cheese Dressing. The Original Style Plain Tender has a nice white pepper southern taste. Both kinds of Tenders are hand breaded when you order with Shaws fish fry batter so they are light but somehow very filling at the same time. The Fries are good, not fresh cut ,but still perfectly crispy and a good addition to the meal. Overall this dish is a winner every time. Shaws also does a great job with Fresh Breaded Onion Rings, Broiled Chicken, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and BLT's so don't be afraid to give those a try also.To end the meal my wife suggested a Pina Colada. Not exactly dessert, but hell its got pineapple and coconut in it so close enough ! I gotta say, the Pina Colada from the dockside bar under the resturant is one of the best damn Coladas I have ever had. Cold, with just the right amount of everything. And it goes down smooth and fast (especialy fast if you are me). A Great way to end our meal at Shaws and another satisfying trip to my favorite seafood resturaunt
(5)Will P.
The place to go, fresh but nothing special...enjoy the deck on a nice day. A real working fish port...not a tourist mecca. Bon appetit mes amis.
(3)Lisa G.
Love it! I go for the Lobster Roll and a view. The Puffin Cruises that leave from the same dock are also awesome!! Well worth the trip!
(5)Brittany B.
yum yum yum
(5)Kasey N.
Ok, so I'm a little biased seeing as my parents own the dock and house right across the harbor. However, I have been eating at Shaw's for 22 years and it never gets old or less delicious. Everything on their menu is good from the lobsters to the fried haddock sandwiches. However, my all-time favorite are the steamers. I can't go in there without getting at least a 1/2 pound. In fact, that's what I'm eating in my profile picture! The other great attraction to Shaw's is that it's the best local bar. If you want to see some real Mainers and hear good stories, head downstairs any time in the evening, but only until 10 pm. Yeah, small town bars close up shop early. I had my first legal drink here and have had several since. Nothing beats the view of the harbor while you enjoy your food and drinks. You can watch the lobster boats come in with the day's catch in the afternoon and watch them unload at the co-op right next door. Also, if you want to do a little fishing of your own, take your pole down on Shaw's dock. You can catch mackerel and pollock. Just watch out for the Hardy Boat!
(5)Peter C.
Oh man, where do I start? The fish is delicious, as are the fried scallops,clams, and other goodies. I love to watch my lobstermen bretheren get their catch in. After I've relocated to Maine, I've made it a point to stop here. Shaws and Warrens down in Kittery go hand in hand with good lobster! Reccomended: Onion Rings Fried scallops Haddock Sandwiches
(5)Joe S.
I am new to Maine and have eatin at some great places so far while here and let me tell you this is the BEST steamers and lobster chowda I have had.
(5)Dave F.
If you made it down all this way, treat yerself to a lobster roll. It's one of the best.
(5)adrian w.
One of the more memorable places I have ever eaten. One word... steamers! I never tried the lobster roll from here, so I am no help. Sit out on the docks, enjoy a beer or two, suck down a few dozen steamers and watch the daily catch come in. Also, if you are inexperienced in a two man inflatable dingy, don't attempt to row yourself home drunk. I will go back again, even if there are 1200 miles separating us.
(5)Nathen S.
Great lobster roll. Steamed mussels came out cold. Kids chickenand fries were great portions and good chicken. Overall a great place and beautiful deck overlooking harbor with lobster boats in and out. Great for the family.
(4)Catherine D.
We were a bit underwhelmed with Shaw's. While the location and view are very nice, the restaurant is pretty average lobster shack. Table was dirty, we had to clean it off ourselves and fill up the empty paper towel roll ourselves. I had the lobster roll. A good amount of nice lobster, very sweet and fresh, but the roll was stale and there was shredded lettuce underneath even though the menu explained the roll was lobster and mayo with no mention of lettuce. My husband choose the lazy man's lobster and was disappointed the moment he saw it. A very small plate of lobster meat (looked like a 1/2 pound chicken lobster) sitting in a pool of melted butter for $24.00. The cup of fish chowder had nice flavor, but was very thin with not one piece of potato that I could find. The evening was capped off by having a man use the ladies restroom after I existed. Gross.
(2)Kirsten S.
The views are amazing. You can sit out there and watch the boats go by. The calamari and lobster were really really good and felt like they were fresh out of the water. But the crab fish cakes weren't good at all. The crab was mixed ( not just claw) and it didn't taste as fresh as the other dishes. The service and cleanliness were exemplary though.
(4)Pat Laracy B.
So good. So fresh. Great fun family place. Would not miss a visit there when in Maine. Terrific service. Love it Love It Love it
(5)Mike L.
Can't beat Shaw's for seafood. If you are in Maine and looking for a true Maine seafood experience, you have to make the trip to Shaw's (right on the way to Pemaquid Point Lighthouse too, so make a day of it!). You walk by the fisherman's wharf, typically with a boat or two unloading their day's catch. Step up and order your food like you were at a fast-food restaurant then sit and wait for your number. We shared the buffalo shrimp appetizer and then a Shore Platter which included a lobster and steamers. There is nothing better than drinking a cold beverage while shucking clams and cracking open a fresh lobster! Great food, great prices, great place to eat.
(5)Andrea C.
Went here on a Sunday Night. Place was busy, waited way too long for Luke warm steamers and lobster and paid way too much. Husband got a steak and cheese which looked awful but for $11.00 u would of thought it Would of been decent. Way overpriced, Nice view but that's it! Gave a extra star because the steamers although cold were delicious!
(3)Courtney B.
Anyone who gives this place a bad review has something wrong with them. Fresh seafood, beer, and amazing scenery/atmosphere.The end.
(5)Jess M.
Never disappointing. Worth a drive if you're not in the neighborhood.
(5)SeaChi N.
Got the steamed lobster and clams combo, the lobster meat was sweet and needed no butter, the clams tender and oh so tasty. The area is a small oasis from the city, sit upstairs and simply enjoy the view.
(5)joe r.
I'm sad to report that despite the nice view, the worst lobster roll I had in Maine was at Shaw's. And the chowder wasn't much, either. Giant disappointment.
(2)Megan D.
Can beat the fresh lobsters here, scenery when eating on the upper deck watching the lobster boats come in an unload. This is the way lobster should be eaten... fresh, on a picnic table, with a side of butter. Add a beautiful summer day looking out over the harbor... it can't be beat!
(5)Matt K.
Shaw's has a special place in my heart, as we used to go there every time we'd visit the grandparents in nearby Jefferson. Even though they long passed away, we still make it down to New Harbor occasionally, and always stop in for a delicious fresh lobster feast. Best around!
(5)Sean L.
It doesn't get more fishing town than this place. Delicious sea food that literally cannot get any more fresh! This place is ON an actual wharf over the water in this quaint little town. The lobsters are alive just downstairs and you cant taste it! First place I ever ate lobster and it was amazing. There is a tiny little bar and the service is fast at the food counter with lots of things to choose from. There is also usually some sort of seafood of the day. Only downside is that, since it is a small town, you get the feeling that everyone there knows everyone else and they are sizing you up when you walk in and wondering who the hell/where the hell you are from. Very family oriented and when a bunch of 20 year olds from NJ, NYC, and Boston walk in... well we might stand out a bit. It's a great place though in one of my favorite towns to go when I want to get away from it all.
(5)Mal G.
Funky lobster restaurant overlooks a small, busy working harbor near the tip of Pemaquid peninsula & the lighthouse on the US quarter in your pocket. The food's usually very good, but get there early to avoid crowds. Lobsters & steamers are the specialties, natch, but you can get a good burger or other stuff. Only complaint is sometimes you'll get food that's less than hot (i.e., steamers)--just hand 'em back & ask for hot ones. Lots of us locals eat here, too. Some of our kids even work there, so leave a good tip! The Hardy Boat, located on the dock downstairs next door, will take you out to Monhegan Island or on a tour of local islands, but don't park in Shaw's lot just for the boat ride.
(4)D L.
Ok, so this is my kind of place. Unpretentious, very affordable and has great seafood! It's a really basic kinda place, with picnic tables inside, all wood building - really part of the dock itself.
(4)Brian M.
I randomly discovered this place with the help of a crusty old guy who volunteered at the Pemaquid Pt. Lighthouse down the road. The harbor itself is as real as it gets, this isn't pansy Freeport, and the seagulls that dive-bomb you while you eat are playing for keeps. We went once when it was raining, and it's just not worth it. The whole point is to sit outside and watch the guys unload the lobbies and all that. One awesome personal tidbit was my dad and I took a day sailer sailboat (16' feet or so) and docked up to the side of one of the lobster wharfs and had lunch here, that was a great time, and the lobster guy's weren't surly about it like I presumed they'd be, real friendly.
(4)Ashley M.
The ferry for Monhegan Island - my favorite place EVER - leaves from Shaw's wharf. There are those stand-up wooden pictures of a lobster and a clam there. I have pictures of myself standing behind as the clam for every year since I was little. the lobster salad sandwiches are amazing. Ok i'm about to break out into song about how much I love New England, so I'm just going to stop myself now.
(5)Nat S.
My folks live nearby, so I frequent Shaw's often. Bring a windbreaker or fleece even in July, it can get cold on the deck. Great view and location - exactly what you look for in a lobster shack. Crab Rolls get an "A" and lobster rolls an "A-." Unless it is crowded, you can't go wrong with Shaw's. Their onion rings rule.
(4)Chris F.
Shaw's is a New Harbor institution, popular with tourists and locals alike. Situated above a fully-functional fishing wharf, Shaw's provides fresh fish, lobsters, clams, and other seafood in filling quantities at reasonable prices. Grab a seat outside to enjoy the harbor view and ocean breeze, but watch out for voracious seagulls; they want those fried clams almost as much as you do!
(5)