Portland Lobster Co Menu

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  • Evie K.

    Fun place. Very relaxed and filled with tourists and locals. Lobster roll was simple - a plain roll filled mostly with claw meat. Slaw was good too :) I'd go back on a weekday when the crowds aren't so big. This is a tourist restaurant and a lot less stuffy than DiMillo's. Set your expectations appropriately

    (4)
  • Callie B.

    This place is the best! It was the first place we went to when we arrived in Portland and was a quintessential Maine experience - fabulous seafood, great views out on the docks, live music. Amazing lobster roll and delicious blueberry pie for dessert. Great atmosphere and really friendly people working there. Great time!

    (5)
  • Ju L.

    Pros: Outdoor seating that is heated in cold weather & dockside. Cons: The ratings for this place must have been rigged. I watched as the staff tried to give me someone's wrong order. First time having a lobster roll & I wasn't impressed with cold buns, cold lobster meat, burnt fries, & unseasoned cole slaw. I asked the staff for a re-order, which they did reluctantly. The second time around wasn't any better, especially when my order came in piece meals.

    (1)
  • Cody C.

    went twice this weekend - and the first time i was thinking - i don't understand the low ratings! it was a decent time with local live music and local drinks (both shipyard and maine mead co.)... and we ordered the lobster rolls that came with amazingly crisp fries. pretty happy customers. wasn't the best lobster roll ever .... but it was a warm butter version which is hard to find and the fries, drinks and atmosphere definitely warranted a 3-3.5 rating. went back today and decided to go for the namesake... a giant freaking lobster. husband and i ordered a 2 lb lobster dinner that came with corn, slaw and fries. fries still rocked... but in a two lb lobster... there was maybe.... 5 bites of lobster. it was ridiculous. i'm not a lobster wimp either... i even searched in the legs and tail fins for extra meat (to no avail). was horrible and if the wait wasn't so long we would have brought it up to complain about it. worst lobster i've ever ordered... and we paid more than 40 dollars for it with two waters.. NOT cool.

    (2)
  • Melanie M.

    Long line at this place, which gave me high expectations for the food. I ordered the lobster roll and felt like it was just okay. The meat was too chewy. Live music was playing on the back deck and everyone was just hanging out having a good time. Wouldn't go back for the lobster roll, but would go for a beer and a good time.

    (2)
  • Joel S.

    Great lobster in the rough place in Portland. You know the drill- order at a window and pick up at another one. It's a bit more refined here because you are given a lobster shaped beeper and can chill out at a table. Ordering, cooking and pick up are efficient. Extensive beer and moderately priced wine list. The food is very good overall and fairly priced. There is live music and you aren't rushed. Overall, a slightly sanitized, efficient lobster joint. Well worth a visit.

    (4)
  • Sabrina M.

    We definitely fell for this tourist trap. It's fine food, at ridiculous prices. Also, for non-pork eaters, beware! Their classic New England Clam Chowder is made with pork - something I wasn't initially made aware of. Great location, good beer selection, just way too overpriced for mediocre food & lackluster service.

    (2)
  • John C.

    Tourist trap central. Wait time = over 20 minutes. Pricing = expensive. Size of lobster = small. Lobster = really good. Seating = tented picnic table seating. Band plays live music. FYI - Grab a free water cup.

    (3)
  • Alexandra B.

    Loved the live band...great way to spend an evening as a tourist hoping to take in some local flavor. Nice selection of beer. Had the lobster roll & chowder.

    (4)
  • Paul C.

    This lobster joint is a good stop to get lobster, without having to go to a fancy restaurant. It's kind of like fast food lobster. Just go to the register and order yourself up a lobster. Looking for lobster and not have to pay an arm and leg, go here.

    (4)
  • Ashley C.

    I was a little bit skeptical and was afraid this was a tourist trap - it was actually pretty good and a fun time. We went on Saturday night... No wait for counter service and plenty of outdoor (heated) seating on the dock/deck. I had the fish and chips featuring the daily fish special which was haddock. Really good for fried fish. My husband had a crab salad sandwich that was very tasty. It looked like a lit of people were getting lobsters. They have a full outdoor bar. The best part was the live band outside. My toddler really enjoyed that! We left by about 7 pm and I can imagine that it got pretty loud and crazy later on!

    (3)
  • Cathleen M.

    My client took me here during a recent work trip. Given she is a Portland, ME local I was pretty excited to give this place a try because I was positive she knew what she was talking about. The restaurant is right on the water and has a great outdoor area. We had the lobster roll and muscles, both were super fresh and overall excellent. They also had live music which made the atmosphere great, I could see why even on a Monday night this place was packed. It really has everything, great food, an amazing location and the added ambiance of live entertainment. Who could ask for anything more? If you are visiting Portland this place is not to be missed.

    (4)
  • Janel Q.

    Great food, good atmosphere. Very laidback.

    (4)
  • N K.

    Beautiful October day for a Portland harbor side lunch. Good size lobster rolls for $15.99, Shipyard beers and a side of calamari.

    (4)
  • Rick R.

    Sure, it's on the waterfront (tourists). But lobster in Maine? Bring it! A fun, fun place with live music and great food, bar, and selection of microbrews. Bring the family.

    (4)
  • Michele R.

    Seriously, delicious!!!!!! It's down and dirty fantastic seafood! Don't go if you want posh and fancy, but GO if you want amazing steamers (not at all gritty), perfectly cooked lobster, and a lobster stew to die for! It rained when we were there, but I bet the view of the water is fantastic on a nice day.

    (5)
  • Ed N.

    Can't wait to get back to Maine for more Lobster! We had a fun time here and the Lobster was great. Every day since, my wife says "Boy that Lobster was good!

    (5)
  • Ryan B.

    Pretty cool spot. They have both bar/high tables (first come first serve) and seated tables. Deck and umbrellas so you get the best of both worlds of shade and sun! We had a few apps. Typical seafood in the rough stuff friend clams, french fries and calamari. All pretty decent. I am almost positive they had all local beers on tap. The staff were very nice and extremely patient as we had a large party (10 ppl). It was a sunny Sat evening at the end of May so we could have not really asked for anything better. They also had a local musician play a few tunes. Pretty good and helped set the chill vibe into motion.

    (4)
  • Rochelle N.

    Great lobster in a casual atmosphere. The clam chowder was nothing special, the fish and chips were hot and fresh. If you're planning on listening to the live music and drinking, ladies, plan on standing in long lines for the bathroom.

    (4)
  • Amelia B.

    Yes, we were tourists, but I still know good food when I get it. Great location right on the water, live music, and outdoor seating in the sun. The crab roll was great, but it was the fresh fried clams that were out of this world- I love clams, and these were some of the best I've ever had. Might not be a local favorite, but it was a great place to grab some food and hang out on a Saturday.

    (4)
  • Alicia M.

    We went during lunch and it was busy so we had high hopes for this place. We waited over 45 minutes after we placed our orders. The food was absolutely horrible. We had the shrimp wrap and crab wrap. It had zero flavor. My parents had the fish sandwich. My sister had the lobster roll which she said was ok. Even the french fries were terrible. With all the seafood restaurants around here, I would never give this place another shot. Btw my husband and I are from arizona and were looking for some yummy seafood. I'm giving the 1 star for the location, but no stars for the food.

    (1)
  • Shannon C.

    Excellent little outdoor place on the pier with a great vibe, excellent music, happy people, good food, and good beer. You walk in, order your food, take your buzzer, and then pick up your beer from the outdoor bar. We went in with low expectations because we were looking for lobster to satisfy one of our party and something else to satisfy the vegan in our party. They did both great! The lobster roll, full lobster, and shrimp wrap were all absolutely delicious and the veggie burger with mango salsa tasted fresh and delicious! They also had a nice variety of beers on tap, which you could buy in pitchers...thank you very much! All in all, we had a great lunch before leaving Portland!

    (4)
  • Tammy B.

    Good luck trying to get a table here. You basically just seat yourself and its chaos. After a few minutes we decided just to get our order to go. Then it took a good 30- 40 minutes for our order to be ready. The food was good but nothing that would get me to go back. Lobster roll had very little flavor, the lobster stew was equally bland & the clam chowder was more potato than clam. The highlights were the clams & fish in the portland fisherman platter, the waterfront location, and we got to listen to great live music while we waited. Good place to go to if you have a lot of time and patience.

    (3)
  • H-Linda L.

    Love the vibe of this place - a great place to mingle with the locals, enjoy some fresh sea food and live music. We went in thinking it would be a tourist hot-spot, but were surprised to find many locals there just chillin' and enjoying the live music. We loved the lobsters too, so much so that we ordered another round after devouring the first one.

    (5)
  • Lady D.

    My husband and I stopped here on our way to Bar Harbor and had a great experience. I am not much of a seafood person but he definitely is and he was extremely happy his plate of scallops. I enjoyed a chicken finger basket. It was typical food fare but it was well made and tasty. We really liked the atmosphere, it was a beautiful afternoon with a live band and made for a great day. I do wish dogs were not allowed on the premise. Most were well behaved but the occasional barking fit was a little irritating. We would definitely return!

    (4)
  • Hungry Couple N.

    On vacation and spending a few hours strolling through the main district by Portland's water front, we were hungry but didn't want a full sit-down restaurant lunch. We soon found ourselves at the Portland Lobster Company and we knew we'd found exactly the right spot. Place your order at the counter for authentic Maine lobster rolls or any one of a dozen other seafood or non-seafood options on the menu board and you'll be handed an electronic lobster that will vibrate when your order is ready. Step out to the narrow patio right over the water, find a plastic stool next to the counter and enjoy both the view and the amazing live music. This place is busy so expect a good 20-30 minute wait until your plastic lobster vibrates and you're directed to the pick-up window outside. But, this hand-off system insures that your order will be taken swiftly and efficiently. If you're not a fan of seafood, the Mediterranean lemon chicken wrap with tomatoes, olives, lettuce and feta cheese is far more flavorful than what we've ordered at fancy gourmet places in Manhattan. If you are looking for a traditional Maine lobster roll, as fresh as it could possibly be, you'll not be disappointed. All orders come with french fries nestled at the bottom of the container and a warning not to leave your food unattended lest it become a seagull's lunch. You'll pay dearly for the privilege here - nearly $30 for two sandwiches served in paper boats. But, there no arguing with the freshness, the flavor, the delight of sitting right over the water and the excellent music. If you love the smell of the ocean, the sound of shore birds crowing and watching boats come in and out of the dock...as we absolutely do...you will LOVE it here!

    (4)
  • Harry A. M.

    Disappointing. Overpriced. Tourist trap. Lobster sold as 1 1/2 pound wasn't. But it was okay eating. Cramped. Seedy. As I said, strictly for naive tourists. See Christina E.'s review.

    (1)
  • Amber-lee W.

    Great seafoods. Ordered the clam chowder today for first time and was not impressed was very watery. Have had many other things and was always very happy.

    (4)
  • Gina B.

    Loved this place! We wanted Lobster rolls and they had the best, served fresh on the water with great music. Casual enivornment and fun! I would recommend it!

    (4)
  • Tess C.

    Fresh, tasty food in a casual atmosphere by the water. It gets pretty crowded, but they have an efficient system: order at the counter and get a little light-up lobster that vibrates when your food is ready, and in the meantime you can get a beer and find a table on the patio. I plan to go back next time I'm in Portland.

    (5)
  • Taraneh D.

    Since it was my first time in Maine, I was super excited to try a lobster roll there (and be able to compare it to the Lobster Joint back in BK). And, apparently, lobster is at an all-time low in price so I was equally excited for that. I was slightly disappointed. -the lobster roll was still $17. that is how much you pay in brooklyn at lobster joint. -the coleslaw was not that tasty. it needed more seasoning or sauce. -the lobster roll had great chunks of lobster meat and was not covered in mayo (which is a plus), BUT it was missing some flavor. -the wait for the roll to come out was a little long. it was just a roll! -the place was packed since it was right on the water. i wish i had explored a different seafood joint to eat at.

    (3)
  • Fred Z.

    Great place to go on a warm summer day/ night. Live music and good food. Very unique.

    (4)
  • Joe E.

    Get the lobster roll and sit outside - great view!

    (5)
  • Dank O.

    This place is expensive and the quality of the food isn't very good. There are much better options around Portland. Avoid this tourist trap.

    (2)
  • Yamona M.

    I didnt' know what to expect of the fabled "Lobster Roll' that I had dreamed of in my youth but no mayo in the lobster was good enough for me. I enjoyed it, but it was so so pricey and so so small. Mediocre fries. I am not a fan of French fries but I still like critiquing them.

    (4)
  • Nick G.

    Coming to Portland is very clearly designed to be a lobster eating experience. While easily a superior dining experience being able to sit right on the water with a great local band (plug for the Patrick Killpatrick Band who I became of fan of on this trip to Portland) I was defeated when I ate the food. All the pieces were there for a great dining experience but my lobster roll was small and bland. How do you screw up Portland fresh lobster? Ask Portland Lobster Company. I wish I had waited the line out at J's Oyster bar just down the street. Now, perhaps if there is another menu item at this place that is good, this place would be the place to eat. Truly great atmosphere, just disappointing lobster roll. Seriously? Who serves supposedly the greatest lobster in the western world on a hot dog bun?! Put it on a nice roll at least.

    (3)
  • Jennifer H.

    I had five lobster rolls on my New England vacation and the one here was the best of them all! Steamed perfectly, great flavor with just a hint of butter, meat loaded onto the roll! Outside seating overlooking the harbor and great beer too!

    (5)
  • Kelli L.

    Other than the view this place was a flop. We both ordered the 1.5 lb lobster dinners with baked potatoes. We buy lobster several times a week...I assure you we didn't get 1.5 lb lobsters...maybe 1.25 lbs but more likely the 1 1/8 pounder. The tail was about 3 bites worth, & tiny claws. For $65 I want what I paid for. And the baked potatoes were cold. Not even warm. Cold. I wouldn't recommend this place...go to fishermens grill and have some orgasmic seafood where you get what you pay for plus some!

    (2)
  • Eric E.

    I am not in the habit of writing negative reviews. As a matter of fact, I was raised believing that if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. Today I cannot be silent. After reading the some awesome reviews of The Portland Lobster Company I trusted my fellow Yelpers to direct me to quality, inexpensive fare. What I found was a self-serve type of atmosphere, long wait times, and bland food. We ordered our food at the counter and waited at the awesome counter outside overlooking the water and the pier. The girls at the register were awesome. My fiancé wanted chicken strips - but since it was only listed on the kids menu, he was left with the kid sized portion that the cashier assured would be enough. We were given one of these plastic-vibrating things that you find at an Olive Garden - only shaped appropriately like a lobster. After about twenty minutes, the little plastic lobster started violently vibrating across the counter. I, of course, jumped backwards. The nice couple next to us explained that it startles them every time. This was reassuring that they were making a return trip to the restaurant. I walked awkwardly with my vibrating lobster up to the pick-up window for my food. The guy in the window yells "52!?!" - after a short inspection of my vibrating friend, I discovered a sticker indicating that yes, in fact, my number was 52. He hastily shoved me a bright orange cafeteria tray with some plastic forks and paper baskets that made me feel like big kid. The $16 lobster roll was seriously lacking. For all the hype, it's really just five pieces of cold lobster on a hot dog bun. No real seasoning. The coleslaw was warm and tasted like it was made a week ago. It would've even been a fail at a backyard barbeque. The French fries were mushy... like squishy and only consumed after killing them with ketchup. Let's revisit that this took twenty minutes. I will give them this: the chicken strips were awesome and actually portioned for adults or moderately obese children. They were perfectly breaded and crisp, the meat moist and flavorful. Finale: The blueberry pie. So my fiancé, though filled from the kids menu chicken strips, wanted to still try the blueberry pie. This should have been quick seeing as there was a pie under glass at the register. After another 20 minutes, the $6 slice of blueberry pie was seriously disappointing. I am not a master baker or anything, but I'm sure that this pie was meh and the iced cream slightly stale. Apparently people don't order the pie that often. (It was later hypothesized that the pie under glass at the register is actually fake for the bait & switch.) In closing, this place is probably great for tourists looking for a place to drink beer and feel like they're rolling with the hipsters of Portland. It isn't great for people who are actually hungry and/or in search of food that doesn't taste like it came fresh out of a can.

    (2)
  • Rich M.

    This place is terrible. We had to wait over 40 minutes for a TINY lobster roll (which was very ordinary) and an over cooked crabcake. Save the time and money and go anywhere else. This place is a waste of time!

    (1)
  • Gab G.

    1 1/2 stars because while the food was good, we waited about 40 minutes and 2/3 of our items were wrong.

    (1)
  • L F.

    The lobster roll and the crab sandwich were delish. And the fries were also just right. The clam sandwich was ok. Nice location-we sat outside and enjoyed the view of the water and some life music. It took a long time to get the food.

    (4)
  • Mike H.

    Most disappointing lobster I have ever eaten. The prices were reasonable and about the same as most places but the lobster roll was extremely small. The "toasted" roll was soft and was one of those cheap hot dot buns that come in frozen. The lobster in the roll was decent but had zero flavor and the size was tiny compared to almost anywhere else. Also had a regular lobster that was over cooked. While sitting we over heard a lot of people saying they had waited over 45 minutes just to get their food. Our order of 1 lobster and 1 lobster roll took about 25 min to be ready. If you are in Portland and hoping for a good lobster then try elsewhere. You will not find a quality or satisfying meal here.

    (2)
  • Mark F.

    Really good lobster rolls. The crab sandwich was great too. Skip the clam sandwich. It took a long time to get our food.

    (3)
  • Tien T.

    On my 8 day quest of all things lobster, this was the worst restaurant I had gone to. For $50 I ordered 2 lobster rolls and some steamers. The rolls were small with absolutely no flavor to them at all.....how the hell is that possible? Especially because all you have to do is steam a ME lobster and it's naturally sweet and juicy. Shame! When the steamers were given to me they didn't even give me broth and butter to rinse/dip. When I went to go ask it they just put it in my hand and nearly burnt me!! WTF?!? All the guy said to me was "oops, it was almost melting the plastic too hehehehe" All in all, bland dull food combined with bad service. One upside is the outdoor patio and live music they have while you dine.

    (1)
  • John S.

    Portland Lobster Co is a tale of two cities: One, is the wonderful dockside bar and live music venue in the summer. If they could screw up beer and wine, I'm sure they would...but they leave that for the food...which is inedible. Let me count the ways: The fried seafood involves a tastless batter that makes one long for Long John Silver's. It is devoid of flavor and masks whatever freshness the PLC is touting. The crab and lobster rolls are generally not rolls at all...Unless you like your crab and lobster on hamburger buns. The lobster and crab salads themselves are as tastless as the fried seafood. Let's talk crab: Fresh picked crab should be sweet, not dull. You'd be better off with a tuna sandwich. If you want a great Crab Roll, head to Day's in Yarmouth. The lobster roll is mildly better, but too much bread spoils the crustacean. The fries are limp and flavorless as well, but they're the best part of the meal. As for the steamed/boiled lobster or clams; how can you fool with that except leave them in too long? Bottom Line: How can Portland's possibly best location serve swill to it's tourists? I see where you're coming from on this site...where you live...many not from seafood friendly locals. Well I live here. I grew up outside of Boston...and on the North Shore: Ipswich...Essex. Here's the deal: The beer is cold, the wine is wet, Jason Spooner (trio) is adorable...but the food is AWFUL!

    (1)
  • Tim G.

    Had the luck to stumble upon the Portand Lobster Co while in Portland in late October. This was their last weekend of the season, it was close to 70 degrees, the sun was bright and they had a great local band belting out Tom Petty songs on the outdoor bar-patio area. The local female roller derby girls were dancing up a storm as well which added to the only in Portland scene. You know when you get one of those perfect days, this was one of them. Had a lobster roll which was fresh and served on a grilled hot dog roll, plenty of Shipyard brews were flowing as well. Perfect fall day. Check out the pictures I posted.

    (3)
  • Kristin Marie S.

    This place is everything I love wrapped up with a nice little bow on top. I like fresh seafood, I like decks, I like beer and I like picnic tables! I had my very first lobster roll here and I know I've been spoiled. I refused to eat them because I didn't want some mayo crap on it but this one is pure butter and lemon. Yep, just the way I like it! I wish I ordered a full on lobster but we had places to go, things to do, people to see. This will be a place I will always remember and when I need to go to a happy place I'll close my eyes and remember sitting on that dock eating fresh Maine lobster. Yum!

    (4)
  • Lesley D.

    I'm not sure it gets too much better than spending a balmy evening outdoors up to your elbows in lobster, sitting on a deck overlooking the harbor with live music playing. And at such an affordable price point! Since being handed a paper outlining about a gazillion food allergies this past July, I have been living the past three months in going-out-to-a-restaurant withdrawal. I am pretty much limited to the occasional sushi. Anything else and I start my eek-I-feel-really-bad-asking-about-ingredients-­and-asking-people-to-check-on-stuff-for-me situation, which usually I just avoid and therefore never eat out anywhere anymore. tear! But not only were the people here super nice and friendly, but they went above and beyond by even double checking with me about their french fries since they fry them in oil that other potentially glutenous and dairylicious things are fried in! I took the risk and ate them (MY GOD THESE FRIES...so delicious) and had my lobster and corn sans butter, my salad sans dressing, and they gave me lemons to use for my dressing! It was so amazing to not have to worry and be able to eat something normal for once! I just loved this place. My husband loved his meal too. It took a little while to get our order but they were super busy and it's not like we minded taking some extra time to soak up the sea air and relax. Everything about it was just perfect.

    (5)
  • Greg B.

    Small lobster shack by the water that serves fresh lobster. Like all lobster shacks in the area, there is no solitary lobster on the menu, they force you to buy a 'lobster dinner'. I didn't want the fries, coleslaw, and corn but had to pay extra for them anyway. Excellent lobster, but expensive.

    (4)
  • Randy N.

    the Lobster roll was pretty darn good, but the cole slaw served with it was just blah.

    (4)
  • Jackie T.

    So this was my 2nd stop in Portland for Lobster (had lunch at 3 Sons...), of course I got the lobster roll after hearing they were rated #1. It was a bit smaller than I expected but it's pure lobster meat...no fillers, mayo or anything else to mask the amazing taste of the lobster. It's served on a grilled hot dog bun which also threw me off but it made room for all the lobster on the bun. The roll was served with coleslaw (which was okay) and soggy fries...the lobster really steals the show.

    (4)
  • Joe P.

    I paid a lot of money for this food. Besides the Allagash beer, it was all disappointing by Denver standards, never mind Portland, Maine. I have to agree with some other Yelpers that this is a tourist trap. Be careful, they will lure you in with their fake authentic on the water appeal.

    (2)
  • Amoi K. T.

    I have to start out by saying that I've never been that big a fan of lobster... but I think lobster may just taste better in Maine. This place was pretty great. It's a shack sort of place but there is a deck out back where you can have a little view of the water while you dine. I couldn't decide between the Peekytoe Crab & Avocado wrap and the the Crab Roll so I had the crab roll with avocado on the side. I also tried their red tartar sauce which was pretty good. & I found myself adding some of my mom's lobster dipped in butter to my sandwich so I had myself an awesome crab & buttered lobster roll. ^_^ it was quite scrumptious. My mom & her friend enjoyed their lobster (as did I) and all in all we had a great dinner. I will definitely have to come back here if I am ever back in Maine.

    (4)
  • Justin R.

    If you're in Maine, you have to get a lobster dinner. I don't care if you are a vegetarian, you still have to say that you have eaten a Maine lobster. Went to Portland Lobster Co on our last night in town specifically for a lobster dinner. My girlfriend had never had a lobster before, so that was my number one goal on our trip to Maine. Get this girl a lobster! I succeeded in this goal. We ordered the two pound lobster dinner and a few beers to wash it down with. My girlfriend was terrified when the whole lobster came out, same reaction she had when she saw a basked of crawfish. I did all the manual labor on the lobster and pulled out all the meat. You could tell that this was a fresh lobster. It was delicious! And I think she really enjoyed it too. We really enjoyed our night sitting on the dock, eating lobster, drinking beer and listening to a live musician.

    (4)
  • Maddie K.

    THE PLACE TO GO IF YOU ARE VISITING PORTLAND, ME! Its a total tourist place but honestly there is nothing like it, especially on weekends. They have live music Friday-Sunday and the people are always really good. Lobsters are phenomenal and everything is just down right delicious. First place I've ever had a lobster roll and it was pretty good! Their fried shrimp is outstanding. The patio is heated so it is enjoyable when its gloomy out. It is also first come first serve seating but usually the wait for a table is only five minutes. You must go if you are visiting!

    (5)
  • Jenny Z.

    I shared the downeast feast which includes a lobster, some steamers (clams), clam chowder, french fries, corn on the cob and homemade coleslaw. Looked impressive, but didn't taste as such. Lobster of course was great, but coleslaw had no flavor, and because they ran out of clam chowder, they gave us lobster bisque, which I thought tasted terrible. Can't put my finger on it, but it was very off-putting -- I couldn't eat it. People we were with ordered fried clams (they said it was only ok) and lobster stew, which was delicious! Overall, food was mediocre, but a great place to catch a show if anyone is performing on a nice evening.

    (3)
  • diane l.

    You order inside and they give you a little lobster buzzer for when your food is ready. There are tables and live music in the back along the water. That's also where the bar is located. Steamed lobster dinner was so tasty. Corn on the cob really is the best compliment to a perfectly steamed, sweet lobster. The lobster roll was a good representation of what maine has to offer. Really don't understand why everyone thinks the lobster roll is overpriced, we had nine lobster rolls over the long weekend and it was par with what was being charged at other places. The clams were superb. Great place where you can enjoy a nice Maine day with live music by the water.

    (4)
  • Julie R.

    Once I arrived in Portland, I was ready for a real Maine lobster roll. It was lunch time and I knew it was happening. We wanted to sit outside and nixed some places along the way cause they were packed. I could visibly see from a distance that PLC had some open seats on the water. My fiance and I each got a lobster roll at $15 each and split an order of steamed mussels. Total was almost $50 with a bottle of water. The food took a while to arrive even though it didn't look too busy. The sandwiches were served with a small side of fries, just enough to fill the empty space in the paper boat. My first though was wow, these rolls are tiny. They are making a HUGE profit of these babies. The lobster was cold and seemed to be tossed just in butter. Taste wise it was OK, I just wish they were more generous. The mussels were a good balance to the lobster. We were hungry shortly after, which stinks when you've just spent $50 for lunch. The view might lure you with the all day music but I would go elsewhere for a substantial lobster roll.

    (3)
  • Jessica B.

    so we went on the recommendation of a local shop worker. it was saturday afternoon in old port and we were ready for some fresh seafood on the water after perusing the shops all day. that's exactly what we got. you order at the counter and make your way to find a table after they give you a cute little lobster buzzer to notify you once your order is ready. we ordered some beers (which we picked up out on the patio en route to additional seating), burgers, calamari, and a crab and avocado wrap. the sandwiches came with thick cut french fries dressed with the perfect amount of sea salt and a crisp, refreshing coleslaw. there was live music and a relaxed atmosphere. the food was delicious and the wait/prices were negligible. worth a try for sure!

    (4)
  • John S.

    If only that lobster roll was just a bit bigger! Not even that much bigger. But, you know, maybe an extra eighth of a pound. The meat of a single one pound lobster is just not enough, and I'm not going to spend $35 on a pair of lobster rolls! Heavens no! That said, the Portland Lobster Co is a solid waterfront place to get your seabug on, and you can buy a shirt that says you were there for only $10 if you order something with lobster in it. You get a lovely view of the departing sightseeing cruises and the deep Portland harbor. You may also get a view of the tourist families rolling through with their loud kids. But hey, those are the breaks when you eat at a place that has the name of the city and then the food that the city is famous for in the title. If I went to the St. Louis Ribs House or the Boston Chowder Shack, the same thing would've happened.

    (3)
  • Harry A.

    Solid lobster roll (albeit a little pricey), cool upscale lobster shack feel, live music being played on a beautiful day... I definitely enjoyed my stop at the Portland Lobster Co. The lobster roll itself was really delicious, the lobster meat was plucked right out of the freshly cooked lobster lobster and had very little (if any) mayo which is exactly how I like it. Also, the french fries were so good... I literally couldnt stop eating them!

    (4)
  • Jay Y.

    Definitely a tourist trap. Fountain drink over $2, onion rings are hard like rocks and the coatings are all falling apart. I had high expectation for New England clam chowder but honestly I've had much better clam chowders in Seattle, at least not as water thin as it is here. Lobster roll is very tiny and it costs $15. The worst part is, there is no AC... Sweated my pants off in the middle of a hot summer day.

    (2)
  • Tricia K.

    This was our first stop upon arriving in Portland and it did not disappoint. You order at the counter, and then have your choice of seating, indoors or out. They have a good selection of local beers and the prices are reasonable for waterfront casual dining. On a gorgeous Friday afternoon, we sat at the picnic tables out on the pier overlookIooking the fishing boats. I had my first authentic lobster roll here and it was delicious. The vibe is casual and laid back, and while there were a few locals there, I think due to the timeframe, most people were visitors.

    (4)
  • Hannah C.

    Great seafood on the water front. I had the lobster roll with cole slaw and fries and it was delicious. They had a pretty good band the night we were there too.

    (4)
  • Ian D.

    Nice live music. We had a table with a view. Ocean breeze, fresh air. Ahh, the life. Ordered 3 pound lobster, steamed mussels, clams, beer. Wife ordered grilled salmon. The best grilled salmon I had so far! The only reason I gave a 4 star is because their 3 pound lobster? Only shell. Barely no meat inside, except for the tail. Other than that, place was nice.

    (4)
  • Matt J.

    My first thought when we went here was that this was going to be another pricey tourist trap restaurant. I will say that it was a bit pricey, but no more than other places in the area. It is right on the water with great outdoor seating and live music. The front is tiny and packed and difficult to get in and get your order. The food was quite good. The lobster roll was good. I thought it was a bit small for the price that we ended up paying for. The fried calamari was good. Pretty standard. The fried shrimp dinner was huge with tons of well cooked and tasty shrimp. The crab sandwich was good. Needed more flavor though, but a bit of a letdown. My favorite of the day was probably the onion rings. Oh my! Probably the best onion rings I have ever had. I would go back and order a big plate of those again any day.

    (4)
  • Matt L.

    lobster roll joint. lobster roll great although roll itself awful- wet actually. burger was solid. Beer cold. Mood lite. Live music good. staff nice. #1 spot to bring your dog I'm told. Question: why is lobster 3.99 a pound, is roll still 15.99?

    (3)
  • Carrie M.

    Nothing says summer like a dinner on the pier at Portland Lobster Co. with a group of friends and a pitcher of beer. I can't eat lobster, yet I keep coming back here. Strange? Maybe so, but their burger is phenomenal. Juicy Angus burger with cheddar cheese. Mmmm. Plus, they put avocado on it for me and that is pretty much my ideal combo. They don't skimp on it either, I'm pretty sure my burger last night had 1/2 an avocado on it! The fries are delicious; thick, well-cooked, crispy on the outside, warm, just the right amount of salt. They have a good selection of beers on draught as well. The pier always has plenty of picnic tables to sit at and there is usually good live local music in the early evening. The menu isn't extensive, but there is enough variety that everyone in your group will find something. It gets crazy here in the high season of the summer, so plan accordingly. Bottom line, a great place to come and enjoy a leisurely outdoor dinner. Plus, they give you a little lobster that lights up and vibrates when your meal is ready...points for kitsch. (And if you prefer to eat lobster instead of just enjoy their kitsch factor, they are extremely fresh here, and supposedly cooked and priced well.)

    (4)
  • Sox G.

    I'm a huge lobster roll snob, so when I saw what these rolls were all about, I was extremely happy. HUGE pieces of just lobster meat; hardly any or no mayo and no celery. The rolls also come the way I like; buttered and grilled on a hot dog roll. They also come with a side of fries, that were pretty tasty and a side of cole slaw. So this place might be a bit touristy, but it was SO worth the money ($14.99). I just wish that I had taken a picture of the roll before I devoured the whole thing. :(

    (4)
  • Eric D.

    I give three stars here for three things. 1. The location on the water outside. So far to me the easiest spot to grab a beer on the water hassle free. 2. The live music they have just adds to the feeling of happy hour drinks in the sun. Who doesn't like live music ! 3. Maine beers. While that's not anything crazy in Portland. They still deserve a star for it. I've had the clam roll and lobster roll. For the lobster roll , not so great. I like lots of lobster in a great buttered roll Just hot buttery lobster in a good bun This was just sub par to my standards. The clam roll was more appropriate. Healthy portions of fried clams in a reg old bun. The Eric bottom line: come here for drinks in the sun for music. Have a snack. Don't make a meal out of it.

    (3)
  • Sarah W.

    A must go in the Portland Summer time! Open May - early Fall. Overlook the water... limited seating, has an outdoor seating area. Local brews. Seafood is their specialty, but I must say their onion rings are pretty fantastic...with some beer, of course! Kinda tourist-y....usually the mighty "Mass-holes" and snobby "Conn-et-ick-ii" all around ya, but it still floats my boat. Note: if you're looking for a non-touristy place with seafood, probably hit J's Oyster (probably not too appropriate for the children) or Gilbert's!

    (4)
  • Matt T.

    Yuck. Bland. Overpriced. Tourist trap. Worst $50 meal ever. Bleh! Tasteless cold dry lobster roll, bland milky lobster stew and bread filled crab cake. If you want good lobster, go somewhere else.

    (1)
  • Carol T.

    THE LOBSTAH CHRONICLES Day 1, Part 2 After having a light lunch at Day's we came back to Portland for our dinner. This place is also one of our favorites from past trips. It's setting is out on a wharf just off the main drag in Portland, Commercial Street. Orders are taken inside to be be picked at the take-out window. There is limited indoor seating. Otherwise, it's find a picnic table overlooking the water, grab a Sea Dog beer and wait for your pager to buzz. There was a band playing on their deck for the Labor Day holiday weekend and we wanted to wait until they started playing before eating dinner. I was sooo hungry by the time we got there (after having shared a lobster at lunch) that I indulged in sharing two appetizers: fried onion rings and fried clams (both home made and yummy). Can you see where this is going??? I was SO full even with the wait time that I ordered a cup of clam chowder and could barely finish that! Now, on the other hand, my husband did not disappoint. He ordered the Feast! A large lobster (you can select the size per pound) with a huge baked potato, ear of corn, cole slaw AND steamers. I had one bite of lobster just to say that I tasted it and it was sweet and delicious. This is a meal two could share with no problem. We shall return!!! THE LOBSTAH CHRONICLES Day 4, Part 2 Our final meal before heading home is right where we started. We each had lobster dinners, this time complete with corn on the cob, potato (for me) and slaw( double for my husband). Note: NO APPETIZERS this time! The lobster meat was sweet and easy to remove from the shell. The potato could feed a family of four and the slaw was home made. Seadog Blueberry beer completed the meal...and there was another band playing near the outdoor bar. In retrospect, every lobster we ate was sweet and delicious and each restaurant had its own home made version of cole slaw. THE LOBSTAH CHRONICLES HAVE ENDED! Our stress levels went way down but our cholesterol count went way up!

    (5)
  • Laura B.

    This restaurant saved our lobster experience in Maine. It encountered everything you think a trip to Maine should consist of: Lobster, live music, chill culture, more LOBSTER. Food was amazing! Staff was friendly! Amazing experience! Scallops wereFAB too! Totally go and fill your stomaches with their amazing sea food!

    (5)
  • John A.

    Well, you certainly won't be having a quiet evening at this place! Grab a pitcher of Allagash and make some noise! The outdoor patio section is really the only place to eat here and it's quite an interesting crowd. You have the tourists, the families with screaming children, the college kids and the young professionals all rolled together to make a rowdy dinner crowd. Don't get me wrong, the atmosphere was summery and jovial but if you're looking for a chill evening then this isn't the place for you. On the other hand, if you're down to grab a few pitchers of beer and some seafood with friends then this place might be a good option. We were here on a Saturday night and they had a fun rock/revival-ish band playing in the corner that provided good entertainment. The food itself was the average seafood options and a touch cheaper than most Portland seafood restaurants. I had the lobster roll and it was just kind of meh but then again, I don't think they're going for gourmet at the Portland Lobster Co. All in all it was a nice joint that I'd check out again.

    (3)
  • H and K.

    3.5 Stars As a tourist, it was exactly what I was looking for in my "spring trip to Maine lobster roll on a dock experience".

    (3)
  • Raymond W.

    One of the better lively atmosphere waterside dining experiences I've had. There was a live band and a lot of tables to accommodate. Just make sure the staff doesn't let you fall through the cracks and that old people swoop in and take empty seats. The lobster rolls were barely dressed with anything but lobster meat and some lettuce. The fries were hot and crisp. As far as lobster rolls go, I've had better, but with the atmosphere by the water in the summer, I was fine.

    (4)
  • Johnida D.

    Good lobster dinners. Excellent seating on outdoor patio overlooking harbor.

    (4)
  • Aman D.

    I had never eaten lobster before in my life, and figured I should at least try it while I was in New England. I wasn't brave enough to order a whole lobster because I can't handle my food looking back at me, so I ordered the next best thing...a lobster roll. Is it supposed to be rubbery and tasteless? Let's just say I'll probably never eat lobster again...whether or not I'm in New England.

    (2)
  • L T.

    Great, friendly staff. However, my lobster roll was mediocre. I have had better lobster rolls in Boston and New London, CT... Not sure why this place is so highly rated other than it is in an accessible area with a nice view on the water.

    (2)
  • Tom D.

    Ya Yelper's it's a tourist trap. So what. Outside seating in the summer with local beers and fried food with occasional live music. What's not to like?

    (4)
  • Peggy C.

    You could buy a lobster for $4-5 that you help haul from the Lucky Catch Co., bring it over to the Portland Lobster Co., where they would steam it for you for $10, and give you a dinner, complete with french fries or baked potato, as well as homemade cole slaw. We got the fried clam (strips, not whole belly clams) dinner. The clams, like so many fried clam strips, were disappointing, because the clam-to-breading ratio was such that we couldn't really tell if we were eating clams or something else. The fact that the clams were overcooked didn't help either, so they could have been battered, fried rubber bands for all we knew. I like my clams to taste and smell like clams. The clams came on a bed of fries and a small side of cole slaw, dressed lightly in mayo and what looked like mustard seeds. The salad was good, though I wished the portion was bigger than one of those little condiment cups that you pump ketchup into at fast food joints. The fries were nicely crispy on the outside and soft and potatoey on the inside. I regret that we ate a full meal before our lobstering tour, because we couldn't eat much; otherwise, I'd have ordered something else, something else less fried and more lobstery; my boyfriend did the ordering for what was supposed to be a snack. In the end, I felt a little sick from eating all this fried food, as this was day seven of our New England road trip, and apparently, many well-established seafood eateries are known for their fried clams and seafood. We ate outside, as the weather was nice, and we were prepared to fight any seagull that may have its eyes on our food. My boyfriend got a blueberry beer from the bar next door. I don't usually like beer, but this one had a nice blueberry aftertaste to it.

    (3)
  • Soo W.

    Do not be deceived by the long lines. Asides from the where they're located (by the dock) the food is terrible. Clam chowder was all cream and the clam cake was all breading. Cole slaw was bitter. Beer had to be picked up from an outside bar. Just not worth it. Walk a little further down and spend it at a pub.

    (2)
  • Kathryn G.

    Have to say we went to Portland Lobster Co. on our first day of vacation because I was told that a lobster roll was the thing to do in Maine and was well worth the 12 hour drive and three hour flight. It is sad to admit that this was the highlight of my trip but that is another story for another time. The lobster roll was fabulous-lobster was plump and succulent on a roll with just a hint of butter. I would go again and again and again.

    (5)
  • Paul L.

    You really can't beat a place like this. A meal for two deal with two 1lb lobsters and some other irrelevant side stuff, but at the time seemed to sweeten the deal, for $35. Local Maine/New England brews as well. Coming from NYC, maybe I'm just awestruck by how well-priced everything is and not super inflated like I'm used to, but it still seemed like a great deal to me. Great seating areas out back right on the harbor and everyone around me seemed to be having a great time with their lobsters, taking pictures, getting messy, trying to get their bibs off, and other shilly shenanigans. I don't know if another deal can be had like here but at the same time, I don't think this is a spot that's a must visit on my return trip. Try once, maybe try again if I can't find other suitable spots to venture into.

    (4)
  • Bill S.

    A pair of one-pound lobsters, fresh off the boat, with fries and slaw, for $35. Good deal. Add in some fried clams and a couple of beers, and the tab goes to just over $50 for dinner. We liked PLC a lot. The atmosphere is friendly, outdoor dining at picnic tables arranged along a wharf. The night we were there we were treated to some live music with a good local band as we cracked our lobsters. Yep, we wore bibs, made silly faces, took pictures and generally acted slightly nutty. We had a blast. And did we mention the lobster was really good and tender, accompanied by lots of butter and lemon? We made a mess of it, got butter on the camera lens and spilled some beer. No one seemed to care because they were having fun, too. We're sure there are a lot classier places to enjoy lobster here, but if all you care about is a tasty crustacean and decent prices, we're suggest stopping by.

    (4)
  • New F.

    This place has one of the best lobster rolls around and some of the best outdoor seating on a beautiful summer day. The lobster rolls are a bit on the small side, though they are buttery and delicious. The clam chowder is VERY bland though. I would pass on it. The biggest problem is that the place is swamped with tourists all the time. If you're willing to pay $15 or more for a lobster roll, I'd say go for it.

    (3)
  • Nalini R.

    For a waterfront seafood place in Portland, Maine, this place has a lot to improve upon. There is so much potential here with the location and the vibe of the actual spot - but the food is really not great. I had the mussels, a shrimp salad, and a lobster roll. The mussels were dry, the shrimp in the salad was tiny, dry, and relatively flavorless, and the lobster roll was nothing special. Let's just say I have had MUCH better seafood in my day. And for the hype that this place gets, they really need to step up their game.

    (2)
  • Adriana Z.

    Good food, nice environment and great music!

    (3)
  • Yui K.

    OH MAN... the lobster for two was so soft and juicy and comes with fries+coleslaw and lots of buttah for the dipping. lobster roll was spilling over with meat, even though the bun was on the small side. clam chowder........ nothing special. corn on the cob was crunchy and sweet. food came out quick. New england atmosphere sitting under a tent right next to the water. some crazy man with a guitar serenaded us with drunken songs. It's a good time.

    (4)
  • jen p.

    This was the first place we ate when we first came to portland for a visit. I love sitting on the deck, drink a beer and have some tasty seafood. In the summer it can be really busy. Bonus you can bring your dog!

    (4)
  • Phil D.

    Cold soup; cold fries; cold onion rings; small lobsters coated to others; food was slow; beer was good; before I spend 160 bucks for poor food quality. ; i would try someplace closer

    (1)
  • Erin G.

    After a VERY long day of walking the entirety of Portland, my mom and I stopped in at Portland Lobster Co for an early dinner, around 530PM. The place was mobbed inside and out, so we hopped on the line to order our dinners with the rest of the tourists. I ordered the crabmeat roll, a beer and a corn on the cob. My mom had fish and chips, shared my beer and a corn on the cob. There really aren't that many options, it's simple: fried food, beverages. eat and be happy. My sneaky mom grabbed a table from some departing blue-hairs while I waited for the grub. Luckily we had beers to sip on in the meantime because we waited for what seemed like forever. (I guess it always feels that way) Food-wise: the crab roll gets an A+ from me! wow it was so good. The crabmeat was sweet and there was only the lightest amount of mayonnaise and some green onion on a big bulkie roll with a bunch of french fries. Mum's haddock fillet was delicious, per her moaning and groaning as she ate it. We both though the corn was overcooked and watery and wouldn't suggest it for future patrons. All in all a solid seafood shack.

    (3)
  • Katie K.

    Good for some classic Maine lobster. We had lobster rolls and clam chowder. My husband said the chowder was great and very filling. The lobster on the rolls was very sweet and and fresh. There was plenty of lobster on our rolls, but not any choice pieces... Mostly knuckle. There was no mayo, just butter, which was great. The roll was a toasted bun and it was tasty.... Hot do bun or not! We came here with our small kids and it def has a more beer garden vibe... We ate inside with them. I would have like to come back and hand out on the shaded patio and drink beer and listen to the live music, but not so much with the kidlets. It was a little touristy, but not overly so. It is a good place to go if you are on commercial street and looking for lobster. However, if you can get out of town there are better places to go for lobster that are cheaper (two lights state park lobster shack) and better.

    (4)
  • amy c.

    lobster dinner was $18.99 which I found shocking, given the current drop in lobster prices. We got a one lb lobster, some very bland cole slaw, some fries. Definitely underwhelming. also ordered jumbo lobster roll for about $21, it was nothign more than cold lobster meat on a grilled hotdog bun. No seasoning of any kind as far as I could tell.

    (2)
  • John N.

    After having a great time eating lobster all weekend, we wanted to drive another 1 hr down south to try the famous Clam shack but we had to drive 4 hr back to montpelier so i can go to class the next morning so we decided just to eat another lobster rolls at the local pier. The place itself look pretty cozy but it was a great disappointment.. The lobster rolls was very small and it was only the lobster knuckle and there were no tail meat. The fried clams rolls was all batter and it felt like eating frozen clams because it didn;t have the taste of freshness to it. Anyone who doesn't care about taste then this place is for you but the best part about this restaurant is the view on the pier.

    (2)
  • Jessie C.

    Lobster roll was very good. It was full of lobster flavor and not much filling. Also ordered clams which is a great new england staple. Nice view of the dock and water.

    (4)
  • S. K.

    Good place for a casual dinner. No waiter service, just wait for your food to pick up and eat. On a nice day, sitting outside will give you a great view of the dock. There is a good lobster for 2 special which is 2 1lb lobsters, 1 corn on the cob, coleslaw, and a potato for $35. Nothing special but it gives you a very satisfying dinner if you are just craving for some lobsters.

    (4)
  • Eva G.

    Market price for that lobster roll when I went last week was $16. That's more than other lobster shacks. It is a fine place if you're a lobster roll virgin. You're essentially paying for the location and the harbor view. Oh, and for that your-food-is-ready-for-pickup lobster buzzer (this thing pretty much did it for me).

    (3)
  • Cory M.

    Fried clams are great. Burger, eh. Not a fan of the French fries. The atmospheres awesome though.

    (4)
  • Kevin W.

    Seemed to be an OK place to grab a quick lunch, food was OK at best.

    (3)
  • Sogol G.

    we went there on Labor Day weekend. It has outdoor seating by the water and live band. It is self service which was OK. We had lunch at this place. My husband ordered lobster roll, I had crab-meat roll and my sister had crab-meat salad in the nest of avocado. The food was really good and good portion for lunch (not too much and not too little). we had a great time there and it is recommended.

    (4)
  • Karen B.

    Is lobster suppose to be liquidy? I could not eat more than a couple bites. It was poorly poorly cooked (steamed). Customer services was almost non existant. Also, I paid $25.00 for 1 pound. At the time of service, lobster at the market was about $3 - $5 a pound. That is not completely outrageous but I know there were other places for a better cost. So just understand that you are purchasing a name.

    (1)
  • Robert H.

    This cool little spot really deserves a 3.7 rating. I went here w/ a friend and I ordered a lobster roll, while she had a fried fish sandwich. The lobster roll had received awards for being the best lobster roll in Maine from some publication (I can't remeber which one, sorry). It was truly very tasty, but it was a bit on the small side. The fried fish sandwich was a much bigger sandwich, but not as good as the lobster roll. Not saying that the fish sandwich wasn't good, but it wasn't as delicious as their special lobster roll. The restaurant has a cool covered outside area w/ a bar. It is right by the water & it was very clean & fun. I recommend it to anyone.

    (3)
  • J R.

    Good lobster, but super over priced..

    (3)
  • Casey J.

    I was wavering between a 3 and a 4 star for this one. I'm going with a 4 because I did leave happy and full. After visiting family we stopped in thinking we would have a quick bite and be on our way. Wrong.. my boyfriend and I each ordered lobster rolls.. somehow it took 45 minutes to make. Now this would be terrible in any situation but I couldn't get too annoyed sitting on the deck looking over the ocean on a beautiful summer day listening to the live bluegrass music. The lobster roll was just how I wanted it, on a soft hot dog bun that's been buttered and toasted, with a piece of lettuce, and a lot of claw meat in there. Mmmmm.. the cole slaw was good, not too covered in dressing. I didn't pay too much attention to my french fries because at that point I was content, but the few I did have were yummy and salty like the ocean. Go if you want to take your time and soak in the ocean while enjoying some local brews.

    (4)
  • Nicole C.

    Great place to sit outside, relax, and eat your first lobster roll!!!!!! Quick service, great beer!!

    (5)
  • WINONA K.

    A very nice spot to enjoy lobster while looking out on the water. Nothing mind blowingly different from other places, and the steamer clams were lovely. You'll enjoy a nice lunch there.

    (4)
  • Anthony M.

    PLC is not that great. The lobster is nothing extraordinary, but the view is cool and they have live music. The sides are pretty awful. Go to the Lobster Shack if you're touring Portland and want to experience their famous lobster and scenery.

    (2)
  • Tim P.

    Great lobster rolls, clam chowder wasn't too shabby either. Allagash White (and Black too) on tap! Touristy, but in a good way. Had a great time there with friends.

    (4)
  • Fred L.

    We stopped by this place to get a quick snap before we cooked some seafood that we bought at the market, but I like this place alot, they have outdoor seating right next to the ocean... ok, so it's not seafood but I'm big on onion rings... and, these were probably some of the best I've ever had... yeah, cooked to perfection.... damn I want some right now.... I also had lobster bisque in a bread bowl and it was pretty delicious... it wasn't as hot as I'd like it, but I don't care... it was still tasty... we saw a guy behind us order a fish sandwich that seriously looked like a freaking commercial... yeah... like glued perfectly to be the ultimate photo... no, this was real life... damn this place is good, I will def be back and will bring all my asian friends.

    (4)
  • Dejia B.

    Let me preface this by saying that the food is good, but you are DEFINITELY paying for the location too. Boyfriend and I shared the 2 person lobster dinner (2 lobsters, fries, coleslaw, corn and a pitcher of Allagash=$60ish). Lobsters were on top of the fries so their juices soaked them into mush. Corn was overcooked and had a rotten spot. Lobsters were delicious (as per usual). It seems weird to me that they ask for tips when you pick up your own food and bus your own table. Might be back to check out the lobster rolls or to take visiting family, but this seems to be a bit tourist-y for me.

    (3)
  • Jack M.

    You have to be in the mood to go here. It's a little confusing when you first walk in. No one directs you or tells you how it operates. So, allow ME: - You walk in, place your order at the counter. They give you a little lobster thing that lights up and buzzes when your order is ready. While you find a seat (a few inside, mostly outside on the large back deck - which is always PACKED in the summer), you can fill up your own soda inside, or if you got a beer, you have to bring your receipt to the bar out back by the deck. Weird. When you DO get a beer, you aren't allowed to leave the back deck, so if your seat is inside, you're screwed. When your lobster thing lights up, you go to a window out back and pick up your order. Now this window is over-shoulder height and is completely awkward to pick up a tray full of food from. I can't imagine people not dropping stuff on a daily basis. This is a really dumb system. I think the whole design is flawed. - Now the food is another story. It's really good. The lobster was "best ever" says my friend, while the fish sandwich was really nice - very fresh and light and not overly-greasy or anything. I was surprised. - I recommend going here, but just be prepared to sit outside, and be prepared for fight for a seat. The food is worth it, if you can safely get it to your table without dropping it.

    (3)
  • H P.

    Portland Lobster Co is a mostly outdoor restaurant along the Portland waterfront.At night it can be so noisy that you can't think with the band blaring .You mostly sit outside under a tent and eat at a picnic table.The food is ok ,their haddock sandwich at $8.95 is tasty and comes with crispy fries and slaw.Softdrinks are pricey at $2.25 for a coke.In any case they proudly display a sign that proclaims they are voted the #1 lobster roll in Portland.I don't know who voted them #1 if you voted them the #1 lobster claw roll in Portland I could agree .But lobsters have tails as well as claws and the tails are preferred.There was not one piece of tail meat in that roll.A terrible disappointment and a rip off.I will no longer eat at the Lobster Co there are so many better places .This place is a tourist trap and they figure your'e never coming back .Theyre right, that includes me.The bottom line if you like lobster ,just eating claw meat is so unsatisfactory unless there is tail meat included.Stay away from the lobster roll ,if you want claw meat go to DeAngelis or Arbie's which is lousy just like Portland Lobster Co lobster roll but a hell of a lot cheaper. 7/23/2010 After my review ,which I admit was harsh.I received a letter from Portland Lobster Co's manager Ethan ,he convinced me that a mistake had been made and he wanted me to go back and try the lobster roll again ,which I did. I have now upgraded my review to 4 stars ,because the lobster roll was truly delicious ,my wife agreed.Sometimes you have a bad experience at a restaurant ,however the way management handles a complaint makes all the difference ,and I'm glad they did because I think you always should give a restaurant a second chance if things are not up to snuff.And instead of holding bad feelings and writing this place off ,I shall continue to eat here.BTW there was tail meat this time.

    (4)
  • Ridge Y.

    I love this place in the summertime! Great outdoor patio right on the water is a great place to relax with friends and enjoy a cold beer and Enjoy live music. Had the fish & chips last night and very good. A little skimpy on the portions I thought. Lets be honest, French Fries are cheap... Overall a great place to hang out and chill! :-)

    (4)
  • C. J.

    I went here two weeks ago. This place is a tourist trap.... So over rated. Save your money and go somewhere else. The lobster rolls are small and suck!!! The lobster are ridiculously over price.

    (1)
  • Sandy X.

    A little expensive: we got our lobster off of Lucky Catch Cruises and it cost $10 to steam it and add a corn on the cob and baked potato, which wasn't necessary. The service isn't great and there's a long line. Also outside people use the one bathroom there so it's difficult just to wash your hands.

    (3)
  • Terrence O.

    Nothing to write home about. Decent enough lobster roll, fried clams were pretty unappetizing.

    (3)
  • erin n.

    This was my first trip to Portland and my first meal was eaten at Portland Lobster Co. The prices are a little steep but I ate fresh and simple fried haddock. The fish was so good and sweet and the breading was thin and light. Fries were good. The chowder was sadly bland and did not have a lot of clams, not impressed by it for $6. All-in-all it was a decent meal.

    (3)
  • V. Monki. W.

    lobster for two was awesome, fries are good, good summer time hang out for dinner a drink and live band. would go back again when it's less foggy.

    (4)
  • Mykle L.

    Fun time decided to visit Maine for the day with gf n brother n his gf lobster was really good i had the lobster roll which was pretty small and pricey. we were being entertained by old man singing with all types of voices lol

    (4)
  • Thompson L.

    This is not the best lobster roll in Maine. Read my review on Red Eats. BUT I love the atmosphere and the food is good. The food rates about 3 stars... good but nothing special. The menu is diverse.. you can get anything from steamed lobsters to comfort fried foods to the classic lobster roll... but nothing really jumps out at you. I'm adding a star for the abundance of outdoor seating.. the great beers on tap.. and the overall ambiance. Nice place to just camp out after spending a few hours shopping around town. If you want a real meal then head down 2 blocks to J's oyster!

    (4)
  • Dale C.

    This is a snack bar with slow service, but the atmosphere is happy and the food is solid. The sun was shining and there were bands playing both days we were there, which added a lot to the experience. On our first visit (recommended by a local), we checked out the long line and left, but came by later for a drink. We stopped again the next day for a lobster roll...which was way better than the pricey restaurant's down the street....and discovered the trick. Don't stand in line. Order at the bar, and hang out with your lobster while you enjoy the band and the sunshine. Be patient. Be happy.

    (3)
  • Holly H.

    It took WAY TO LONG TO GET OUR FOOD!! The 'STARTERS' don't come out first but at the same time as your meal. The Lobster role was just blah for $19! I won't return.

    (2)
  • Annie M.

    The food is very mediocre. However, the service is really great! The atmosphere is even better.

    (3)
  • Alicia J.

    The spot was great, live band music, very crowded at times and good food for a decent price. We've got the lobster roll with fries and beer it was good. Would definately come back to visit.

    (4)
  • Alissa B.

    Good food, good prices, great location. We found this as we were wandering downtown and were pleasantly surprised. The prices were extremely reasonable for downtown Portland and every part of the meal was delicious. I ordered the lobster roll. Not only was it delicious but the accompanying fries were good and the coleslaw was some of the best I've ever had. The wait was a little long as we came during the lunch rush, and the seating is mostly outdoors, but it was a beautiful day and we had a splendid meal.

    (5)
  • Greg B.

    With so many better options in Portland, why do people go here? Small portions, long waits, hit or miss quality. The bit of lobster you get is great, but if you're hungry, it is such a long wait that it just isn't worth it.

    (2)
  • Gregory G.

    The concierge at my hotel told me to go to this place because it was "straight up and easy and good." I would have to totally agree with that summary.

    (4)
  • David W.

    Visited yesterday for lunch. It is not a restaurant but a walk up to order and then eat on picnic tables or a few stools. It was a beautiful day and is next to a slip so you can say a water view. The order taker was lovely, friendly and very helpful. Great experience. We ordered a Garden Salad Shrimp Wrap, Onion Rings and Fried Fish sandwich. They have a good selection of draft beers so we ordered those also. You take your receipt to the bar to pick up the beer. So stand in line again and wait to get the attention of the people serving beer. They should have a separate line for beer pickup. My Fish Sandwich (Haddock) was fantastic! Served on a nice fresh roll, it was perfectly cooked, crunchy on the outside and so moist inside. I would go back for this again. The Shrimp wrap was a joke. The Shrimp were the tiny, almost invisible tasteless type. You tasted the wrap and salad but not Shrimp. This gets a Zero and only half was eaten. The onion rings were OK, nothing special and very expensive. Perhaps if they were served Hot they would be better. Bottom line is with all the choices in Portland we will not return here.

    (2)
  • Amanda R.

    We carried our lobsters over from our Lucky Catch Lobster tour and had the restaurant cook them for us. They prepare it steamed with corn, coleslaw, and choice of either french fries or baked potato. Coleslaw was delicious (and I typically do not like ANY kind of cole slaw) but the corn was a bit blah.. tasted mostly of field corn, not of sweet corn which I guess is to be expected in September. We also ordered a clam chowder and some onion rings. Chowder was good, onion rings were okay... actually just too much food. Pricing was a bit high on the two non-lobster dinner items but as we were on vacation we weren't giving that much thought. Nice outside seating as well as average inside seating. Girls at the counter seemed more involved with each other than with customers but once you got their attention they were helpful. Overall, it was a fun experience as it included the tour next door but I probably would not visit again without that addition.

    (3)
  • Erika W.

    A little confused as to why this place was given such rave reviews. I took two friends here who were visiting from Canada, based on their request (they saw it in Travel + Leisure). It took 10 minutes to get my lobster roll, 35 minutes for my friend to get her crab and avocado wrap. Soooo yeah we didn't eat together which is pretty lame. The band sucked, but the drunk 50 year olds who clogged up the deck seemed to love the terrible renditions of cheesy early-80's pop songs. Ugh. Also, contrary to prior reviews, the onion rings were over-breaded and undercooked.... Straight up gross. The lobster roll was okay. Nothing special. I had lobster traps growing up so I appreciate the fact that it was claw and knuckle. But it was freezing cold with a butter coating (?). For $18 I expect much more. Way better lobster rolls and atmosphere over at Eventide.... Don't bother with this tourist trap.

    (1)
  • Bridget S.

    The 4 stars is for the atmosphere, location by the water, live music, beer, and friendly staff. It's a fun low key spot to go for dinner and drinks. The lobster mac and cheese and clam chowder were pretty tasty, but the lobster rolls were sub par and not very flavorful. I'd recommend skipping them and going for their other seafood options instead.

    (4)
  • Jeff W.

    Rainy Wednesday night in Portland and here's where I end up. Didn't know what I was getting into, but saw all the reviews on Yelp and figured....why the heck not?! This place has a weird layout, not what I was expecting at all, but I loved it. I ordered a scallop roll and the steamed mussels. It's pretty interesting how you get it handed off to you. You order, you get a lobster pager...yes, you read that right....and when it goes off you get your food. The mussels are left to steam in the bag that they get delivered in, not a bad thing. If you're getting it to go, they leave it all packaged up for you. So no waiters or waitresses which isn't a bad deal either. Inside there really isn't a ton of room, a few tables and benches. Outside is a deck with a bunch of tables with umbrella's, a bar, and a covered tent with picnic benches. I don't mind if I have to eat in a tent while it's raining...I knew it was raining when I left the hotel, so I can't complain. Plus you realize that's why the place is dead and I don't mind that either. Absolutely would I recommend this place and would go again.

    (5)
  • William R.

    I came here on a recommendation from a store clerk and man he was right!! This is a no frills kind of place right on the main drag in what is called the Old Port area. It was a Friday night and they had a band so it was pretty packed. I got my order to go and took a walk down the adjoining pier, found a bench and went to town. This was exactly what I was looking for in a lobster roll. A nice toasted bun, lobster meat and butter. What I wasn't expecting was that it was cold, but I guess that is how the locals typically do it. It came with fries and coleslaw. Now I will say I was apprehensive of coming here because the price said "market price" and usually that means I can't afford it. But I asked and they told me how much it was... totally reasonable. I hope to get out to Portland again one day and when I do, my first stop is here.

    (5)
  • Christine G.

    I visited the Portland Lobster Company on 7/2/15 and had a nice dining experience. I had the clam roll; which was very good. Got a good amount of clams for the money. Outside atmosphere was nice and relaxing. Will definitely be back.

    (4)
  • Anthony C.

    Great place to hang out listen to live music and grab a bite to eat while sitting in the deck overlooking the river,had the fish tacos and mussles in a white wine broth both were very tasty would highly recommend to anyone looking to enjoy a beautiful day on the water

    (4)
  • Nina S.

    I went on the lucky catch lobster tour that you can go on a boat and help with the traps and then take back lobster to cook at the Portland lobster co. Kind of a rip off that they still charge$18 just to cook it when I read in a news article that they only charge$10 as a discount if you bring your own lobster from lucky catch. The restaurant is also packed and it took a good 55 minutes to cook our two lobsters. It was good, but overall a disappointing experience. Def a tourist trap. Need to find a replacement for three sons and a lobster!

    (3)
  • Natalie J.

    This place was packed for the 4th of July weekend! The girl taking my order warned me that the kitchen was running behind schedule and it would be at least 30 minutes before my food arrived. There wasn't really anywhere to sit due to crowds on the outside balcony, but I enjoyed the live music and waited patiently for my lobster roll. I enjoyed the view of the water and the overall lively atmosphere, and the staff were all very friendly despite being busy. However, I was disappointed with the lobster roll, which was small and came with cold, dry fries that had an odd aftertaste. Maybe my expectations were too high since it's Maine and known for the best lobster, but I was really underwhelmed. For $18.50 and waiting 35 minutes for a sandwich, I would definitely expect otherwise. There are so many great little restaurants in Portland, I don't think I'd give this one a second go.

    (3)
  • Rebecca S.

    First stop after we checked in to our hotel. Waited in line to order at the bar. 2 lobster rolls, 2 draught beers and 2 lobster stews later...not a good 1st seafood impression. Lobster stew was bland and lasted like cream and lobster. Lobster roll was decent. Nothing to rave and come back for again and the fries were wet and soggy. Although our Allagash White and Black were delicious.

    (2)
  • T R.

    Very simply - terrific lobster. We were in Maine for one night so we went to get a good proper lobster. And Portland Lobster did not disappoint. The sides were good too - corn on the cob, fries , though the cole slaw needed some more taste. Do note it is outdoor picnic tables and not every table has cover

    (5)
  • Giovanni T.

    Pretty good place overall, great to eat on the back deck during a warm sunny day inside, otherwise limited spacing inside. This is sort of touristy do expect lines forming around dinner and lunch times. Parking on the street or parking lots will set you back a cool $5. The lobster tolls are good, but I've had better in the area, but the fries and onion rings are really good. Your looking at $16 got the roll, fries, and a little cole slaw. Staff is super friendly and attentive in the front area, food pickup area, and back bar. If you buy alcohol up front you actually have to bring your receipt to the bar in the back to pick it up. I'm not a drinker but they have what looks like an assortment of local beers. Men's room seemed dirty, and wet everywhere, wasn't thrilled using it.

    (3)
  • Greg K.

    I got violently ill from steamed clams last night. I have been eating clams for 45 plus years so I know I am not allergic. These were bad. When informed, the manager was gracious and took care of my bill which I appreciate This is a cool place on the waterfront, but quite simply, the food I'd horrible The steamers were full of sand and cold The burger was dry and over cooked The salads were wilted... Nothing we ordered was good.

    (1)
  • Judy L.

    I ordered to go, so perhaps the sandwich would have been better there. However, it was just lobster in a toasted, buttered bun. The lobster was very fresh and sweet, but there wasn't much flavor. I thought there would be dimension to the lobster roll in Portland. I have had it in other places and it was more flavorful.

    (3)
  • Idy T.

    I took a weekend trip to Maine to feast on the lovely lobsters! I was strolling around downtown and decided to grab lunch at Portland Lobster Co. before leaving Maine. I ordered the lobster roll ($15.99) which comes with a generous amount of lobster wrapped with a buttery roll and a side of fries and cole slaw. The lobster is so sweet and fresh! There were huge chunks of lobster. I love how it was not covered in dressing like some of the lobster rolls I find in Boston. The fries were lightly seasoned with salt and was crispy and delicious. The restaurant is the type where you order your food at the counter and you can find your own table to dine at. This restaurant is located on the pier so you can dine in front of the beautiful seaport.

    (4)
  • Fun In AZ M.

    Fabulous place, on the water, great food and drinks. Love Portland, Maine. It's a must stop. Hot Lobster roll is a must!

    (5)
  • Morgan D.

    What a great place. We stopped in for lunch on a Sunday afternoon. We just beat a tour bus unloading. My tip for you; order your food at the bar as they suggest, no one seems to take the hint. We had the crab cake burgers, clam chowder, steamers and calamari. All were very good. Service was reasonably fast considering the crowd and the smallish size of the kitchen. Nice pumpkin head ale on tap. We ate outside on the pier in a heated tent. An added plus, live music, two guts on acoustical guitars with a nice repitoire

    (4)
  • Julia S.

    Was a bit off put by the price for 1 crab cake, and not happy that the muscles I ordered were so over cooked they were like rubber and no seasoning what's so ever. Not what I expected. Thankful the beer was cold and the music was good.

    (3)
  • Kishan C.

    This is a worst place that I have ever been. Worst Lobster and worst taste. Yaaak

    (1)
  • Jenna P.

    On a beautiful sunny Maine day, sitting right on the water, live music, a blueberry ale and a lobster roll....sure, it's a tourist trap, but it works for me. It's priced for the tourist wallet, but the clam chowder is yummy, the lobster roll tasty, and the 2lb lobster fresh. The ordering system is odd (order food then put name in for a table....but our table was ready before our food). It always seems to be crowded on a nice day -- but again, the location is great.

    (4)
  • Katie F.

    Great food & atmosphere. Relaxed & causal. Bustling place with live music. It was my favorite place to eat & drink on the water.

    (5)
  • Christina E.

    Our first day back on our annual summer trip to Maine and we wanted to have a bit of seafood while enjoying the convenience of Portland. We had read great reviews of this place and decided to try it out for dinner. I have to say it is too overpriced, too touristy and the food, disappointing. Save your $ Interior/Décor: ** The outdoor area has a great view of the river but it is excessively crowded. Service/Friendliness: * Our food took longer than 45 minutes and when it finally arrived, we were not too pleased with it. Critique of Food: * I can't even give the food 2 stars it's that bad Lobster Roll: There are chunks of lobster, but ours was cooked a bit tough. Don't even get me started on the buttered roll-- the lobster would've sufficed alone. Lobster Bisque in a Bread Bowl: The bisque was o-kay. There weren't many chunks of lobster in it and most of the bisque was absorbed into the bread. Not worth the $15. Calamari: The calamari was subpar. Tasted way better. Star Quality: Live Music, Pet Friendly Choice Pick(s): N/A

    (1)
  • Brian V.

    Our first night in Maine so we jumped right in with Clams and Lobster and we were not disappointed. Despite previous reviews, I thought the Lobster and Clams were delicious. Actually the fried clams were better than the lobster. There was a great band playing. Band might be overstating it, a Bass(big stand up kind) acoustic guitar, and a vocalist and they made dinner a pleasure. The location is great being right on the water as well You will enjoy the dinner and the views

    (4)
  • Michael K.

    To get it out of the way: the lobster roll was just OK. Good meat, clearly fresh, in an average bun with basically no mayo or anything to spice it up. For lobster purists, this might be great, but those people will order lobsters. I'd have liked a good homemade mayo or aioli with a bit of chive on a slightly livelier bun. The lemon wedge on the side is really what saved the sandwich. That said, the fries ruled. They beat the crap out of the fries at the reputed Duck Fat. Well textured and well flavored, these are what fries should be, and there's even malt vinegar for dipping.

    (4)
  • Linz E.

    This place is a little pricey compared to the surrounding restaurants that are similar in decor. But it's on a dock so you can sit on the waterfront and look at the boats and gulls while you eat if that's your thing. They also had live music, which was descent. The food itself was okay, but since we paid nearly $18 for a lobster roll I expected it to be amazing. It didn't come with any butter (which is a lobster roll necessity in my opinion), and the slaw and fries it did come with were flavorless and dry. I suppose if you're going for the overall experience this place is pretty good, but there's definitely better food around.

    (3)
  • Sandy X.

    I really do not know what the hype is all about. The wait took forever & we asked for take out. Our bill was $160, food wasn't as great compare to cape cod. Yet we drove from NYC all the way to Maine for this. The wait took an hour. The lobster were new shells so there were hardly any meat to it. The weight was just from the water. The atmosphere was good but it was uncomfortable to eat there since we have a dog. Our dog isn't friendly among other dogs so we chose to do take out.

    (2)
  • Yuena L.

    Food Review: Theres really not much to say. I literally was dying to try out this spot the whole three days I was in Portland. The Seafood is awesome. I love the view from the seating areas. Their format is very similar to Shake Shacks where you order food, pick it up then go sit and eat. Mainers in general are pretty nice. I think I had everything in the menu from fried oysters to shrimp cocktail to clams to lobster rolls etc. Would I recommend this to someone else: Sure why not Hope that was helpful!

    (4)
  • Robert B.

    Crabmeat roll and lobster roll were flavorless. Lobster meat seemed to have some kind of clear gel on it. Does not live up to it's reputation. Would not recommend.

    (1)
  • Peter M.

    Whenever I go to Portland Maine, I always have to drop by here for their fresh boil lobster. I order the Twin Lobster dinner for two, the lobster tasted very fresh and the shell is very soft. I can almost ripped everything open with my bare hands. Only downside about this place is that you might have to wait 30+ minutes until you get your food. Beside the wait time, this place is pretty good.

    (4)
  • Shane L.

    Totally not what I was expecting! It was way better! How can anyone not like dining outdoor on a pier with live music?! Oh, did I mention the great lobster roll and Sid - the vicious seagull?! The vibe here feels like a giant lobster party scene! Will definitely come back!

    (4)
  • Ashanti P.

    I loved it! I received the recommendation from the front desk clerk at the Holiday Inn I stayed at and it didn't disappoint. More than the food, I loved the environment. A live band (Vinyl Tap who was amazing) dancing and friendly people made the experience. The lobster was good (where else can you spend $20 on a lobster dinner) but water logged - only complaint. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area!

    (5)
  • Mark F.

    We had to go on a boat ride so we decided to eat near the pier. We decided to eat here so we could get a lobster roll. The set up for the restaurant was a bit nerve-racking since you had to order food in a long line and then put your name in for a table. The prices were a bit expected, but it took 25 minutes just to make our lobster rolls. As a result of that wait, the lobster rolls were not that spectacular to us. We regretted actually getting them; we felt we might as well have bought lobster for those prices and that wait time. Overall, its a decent place, just be cognizant of the wait time and crowded atmosphere.

    (3)
  • Durba c.

    Soothing live music and loved the crab cake burger

    (5)
  • Mimi B.

    I drove up from mass and was super disappointed in the mixed plate. Soggy breading is death! If I didn't have guests I would have returned them. YUKK. Can't say much more than that. Place was crowded and I will not be back or continue to send people.

    (2)
  • Mallory G.

    The food here is amazing but the servers kept serving people randomly everyone at my table ordered the same food and they served us in opposite order because "the kitchen just does them as they come in" when we went to ask why they said you guys are two tickets away.. The staff just smiled when we complained.

    (1)
  • Ali R.

    Shared a wonderful meal here with my father at the end of May 2014. We were being tourists in Portland and enjoyed a *delicious* lobster roll, crab sandwich, fries, and some beers on a gorgeous day on the patio/dock. It was a busy day but we were able to find a seat outside. There was a short wait on the food but I don't think it took more than 10-15 minutes. There was live music, which really added to the experience. Can't wait to go back and visit again!

    (5)
  • Carlos C.

    Like most say you are paying for the view and location. If your looking for great taste walk away. If you want to have a few beers, ok food and pay big bucks walk in. Lobster rolls are mediocre and clam chowder is watery.

    (3)
  • Scott S.

    Awesome! This place was delicious. It was everything we had heard and read about. Lobster meals were great and the fish and chips meal was good as well. You have to go here!

    (5)
  • Howie G.

    More to come. When we are finished eating Ok, this place is not fancy but the lobster is perfect. And not high priced. Picnic benches and not really enough seating. People hover waiting for you to leave. We would eat here again.

    (4)
  • Dani C.

    Pros: Outside seating, good lobster rolls Cons: Crowded, seat yourself, expensive This place was recommended by the Lucky Catch Lobster Boat company next door, they will take the lobster you catch on your tour with Lucky Catch and cook it up for you after your tour for a fee, which is kind of cool. We got a couple of lobster rools, which were good, but we've had better. It was hot that day, and there are limited tables with umbrellas so be prepared to cook in the heat. Its not a place you can linger and enjoy, the tables turn over quickly and you have to seat yourself, so ppl are always luring waiting for you to finish so that they can jump on your table before someone else does. You find a seat, then go to the window and order and pay, from what I remember (it was back in May), then a food runner brings the food out to you. The tables are wiped down between customers with damp dirty rags, which is one of my biggest pet peeves. Its nice being outside, but the seagulls can be harassing. Leashed dogs are allowed, if you have one, you might like that.

    (3)
  • Tracey H.

    When we asked yelp where the best lobster in Portland was it told us the Portland lobster company...yelp was so right...the food here is FABULOUS and the atmosphere totally makes you feel like you are in Maine. The staff is friendly and courteous as well. We will be back for sure on our next visit to Maine!!!!!

    (5)
  • John M.

    Come for the lobster roll, live music, and some beers. The lobster roll itself is top notch, but the service and ambience is sort of a cluster. It does feel touristy and you pay a few bucks extra for being on the water. But the food is legit and worth the trip.

    (3)
  • Susan G.

    Really good lobster rolls. Tons of meat, very little filler. Cool place to hang out at. Would definitely go back

    (4)
  • Michael B.

    Had the privilege of going on the Lucky Catch Lobster Boat Tour, and was able to purchase fresh lobster from them. Lucky Catch has a deal worked out with the Portland Lobster Company to cook your fresh lobster. It was very cheap compared to purchasing direct. The cost of cooking the lobster also included a bake potato or french fries, corn on the cob, and cole slaw. Only issue is you have to hand carry the lobster from the dock, on the street, and into the Portland Lobster Company. While you may get some looks from other passerbys on the street the value makes it worth it!

    (4)
  • Kimberly P.

    Came here for my husband's bday! The wait was about 30 mins but the wait was great. They had a Live band and the beers were flowing. Next thing we know we were seated and made convo with the people we shared the table with. Food came and it was delicious. I ordered the 1lb Lobster dinner. Really great but the only downfall there was too much green stuff inside the lobster (did not eat it) but over all food was amazing! Will be back to try their Lobster rolls!

    (4)
  • Rich J.

    Touristy but hey, I am a tourist and first-timer to the amazing city of Portland so yeah, why the hell not? I enjoyed the fried scallops and lobster stew, the food was solid but not great. Service was friendly and menu is extensive. Worth a shot.

    (3)
  • Neil D.

    Place- very small place and not convenient for family and difficult to sit out at evening because its cold (in summers) . leveraging social media for hyped publicity! Food- Awful! We ordered scallop dish, lobster role, clam chowder and regular steamed lobster. The lobster role was just OK. The cold slaw& chowder was awful. Nothing specials about steamed lobster. Spending approx. $70 for these dishes with no place to sit , OK food .....i don't think its worth it. I will any time go to Red Lobster in New Jersey! I think there are better places than the shacks in commercial street.

    (1)
  • Katlyn P.

    Amazing food, great vibe. Live music playing on the patio, we ate in the pier in covered heated tents since it was chilly and windy. Had fresh steamed lobster, clam chowder, and scallops.

    (5)
  • Jenny S.

    casual outdoor bar w/ seating RIGHT along the harbor the bar area has a self-seat policy & a bar right before you enter so you can order your drinks at the counter before you grab a seat ---$10 bottle of mead (honey lavender lemonade flavor): this honey wine was interesting!! slightly sweet & our first time trying mead... interesting if you are hungry there's also a shack for you to order food & picnic tables behind the bar area for eating! get your bibs ready

    (4)
  • Will C.

    Bringing your own lobster into the Portland Lobster Co should be a must-do on your list if you ever come into Portland. They are one of the busiest places on the port and rightfully so. I handcarried one of the red treasure chests into the place barehanded from the boat we captured it on. Streets and lines followed with their eyes and feet. Triumph! It's $10 for them to cook your fresh catch for you. The cashier grabbed the lobster from me after a set of trophy pictures. Then we went outside to grab a seat. The bar back there has all the refreshments so I grabbed a blueberry beer and a blueberry soda for my girl. The wait seemed a little long, don't they just dunk it in water? I went to check and it seemed like they were quite backed up. The wait totalled maybe 20min. The lobster was presented with a order of fries, corn, slaw, lemon, butter and tartare sauce. You can't forget the tartare sauce. My yelp typing cursor doesn't want to stay still so I'm going to end this now. This was the best lobster ever!!! One of the best experiences in Portland. Get it fresh, cook it here, die happy!

    (5)
  • Kenneth B.

    Great place, remember to bring your own beverages, if wine bring a opener. They have picnic tables inside and out depending on the weather. Lots of the local folk bring a picnic basket with a table cloth and all the fixings. Lobster prices are great and they have lots of options. Meat taken out, shell cracked and you remove the meat, etc. Definitely will go again when we are back in the area.

    (4)
  • Jeff F.

    Came in today and was impressed: - great outdoor seating & live music - excellent lobster roll - solid calamari - good mussels - perfect fries

    (4)
  • Lucy S.

    Omg- don't know how this place got good reviews! Walking down the street looking for some great food and atmosphere- recognized the name from doing research before our trip. This was our 1st day in Maine so my expectations were fairly high....... Fail. This is not so much about the food, but the experience. Went to the hostess- we were told we had to order food to get on the wait list .... Huh?! Went inside, ordered fried clam strips just to get on the list. Well- where are they going to bring the food to if we are not actually sitting at a table? They give you a buzzer. We got a table- then we have to go up, wait in line to order our drinks and another app. I found it amusing that I noticed there was a spot on my receipt for a tip who and what am I tipping for? I'm doing all the work!!! Well - we waited and waited- I mean- how long does it take to make fried clam strips..... You would think all of 30 secs. 30-45 min later.... I finally go up to ask. They told me my order is 3rd in line. By the time I get back to the table- the kids are bringing them while eating the tiny basket. Did I mention, I was STARVING?! Those were gone in a flash. In the meantime, we had ordered dinner. The next apps showed up in another 15 min later. Dinner in another 30 min. We were constantly up and down to get drinks. Food was ok- def not worth the wait and work it took to get it. Is this a Maine thing?! Hope not! Will not be back

    (1)
  • Vanessa T.

    Stopped by Portland Lobster Co. on a Sunday afternoon. The menu was expansive, which was a pleasant surprise! I ended up ordering a lobster roll and fried calamari as a side. The Lobster Roll was just OK for a restaurant that claims to specialize in... lobster rolls. They are served Connecticut-Style which struck me as odd. The calamari was delicious - fresh and perfectly breaded, with no complaints there. Overall, this is a good spot for tourists looking to gain a quick view of Portland, but if I was in town for longer I would look for a more authentic spot.

    (3)
  • Tu-van L.

    Lobster rolls were weird - had almost like a gelatin-like glaze topping the lobster meat. Scallop special we had was perfectly cooked and flavorful. Nice location right on the docks. Definitely makes for a casual, relaxing dining destination in town.

    (3)
  • Jenn F.

    TOURIST TRAPIST MAXIMUS. One of THOSE places- you all know what I'm talking about. Smack center in a great location- on the water, adjacent to tourist stands that sell tickets for excursions and boat rides, nice view, always crowded. I missed last call for The Fishermen's Grill so we searched around for places that served lobster rolls. We ended up getting take-out. Now before anyone mentions how food is always better eaten fresh, keep in mind, I also got take out from the FG and had no issues with the food whatsoever. But this PLC. Where to begin. The lobster roll bread was soggy by the time we got back to the hotel(14 min drive) because of the oil from the mayo they used. The fries were soggy and limp, soaking through the box it was packaged in. The lobster bisque was salty, and lacking lobster meat- an assumed component. The coleslaw salad tasted funky- generally, I'm not a fan of coleslaw, but my mom is. And she tried pawning it off to me. This place was just as expensive as FG, but no where near as fresh nor good. For a place that sits on the water, you have to wonder where the heck they get their seafood from..

    (2)
  • Heather G.

    This place had the potential to be great but it failed to live up to my expectations. We went here for two reasons: 1. It was near the pier where our boat ride was departing from. 2. They advertised they had the best lobster roll in Portland. Unfortunately, I've had better lobster rolls at my local inland supermarket for half the price. I wouldn't say $16 is unreasonable for a lobster roll if it is plentiful and tastes good, but in this case neither of those attributes applied. I also felt the seating and ordering system was disorganized. At 2 in the afternoon we had to wait 30 minutes to get a table and another 25 minutes to throw some lobster onto a roll. The view is spectacular though and it seemed like some of the other food might be good.

    (2)
  • Jeanie B.

    We knew it was a tourist trap, but it was raining and we were on a mission to eat lobstah. Wait staff was friendly. Live music was great. Lobsters were overcooked. I cook better lobster in Georgia. I could have bought it and cooked it a lot cheaper in Georgia too.

    (3)
  • Kim D.

    Ok...yes it's a bit pricey but for a nice view and fresh food I have no complaints. I ordered the special of the day which was local diver scallops with bacon and bourbon glaze with side of summer squash, fries and salad. Pricey I think...came to $28 total but I was so incredibly full. It was soooo good. I still drool thinking about it. Definitely a cute spot to try out.

    (5)
  • Jen F.

    Definitely gives you the traditional Maine feel- right on the water and plenty of seafood. The lobster roll was very small and overpriced. You will probably still be hungry after one of these. I ordered the steamed lobster dinner. It was a good deal for $18- whole lobster, baked potato (or fries), corn on the cob, and cole slaw. The seating inside is a bit limited but there is more outside right on the water. It's a beautiful location though. I liked the pagers for when your order is ready- they're shaped like lobsters!

    (3)
  • Bill M.

    Overall not a bad experience, good food at decent prices. The only negative is the place is a little hectic, lots of people coming and going. It's mostly self-serve which is OK. Kind of fast food lobster serve with decent tasting. Will come back if in Portland again.

    (4)
  • Robert A.

    Made a quick stop here before hitting the road back to Boston. I had the fish and chips, because that is what you do. My food was just great, flakey not over cooked, not heavy with oil. It made the end to a great day. I haven't been to Portland since 2005, I'm glad I finally made it back here.

    (4)
  • Joyce H.

    Good lobster rolls here! The lobster is very fresh. You get about half a lobster in the roll, with no butter and very little mayo--just the way I like it. It also comes with slaw and fries. Very succulent lobster and good texture. The downside: I was surprised by how expensive it was...but then again, it is lobster. Very cute place. It's not sit down -- you order at the counter and get a lobster shaped buzzer (I think it's called a wobstah?) We went in the afternoon and there were still a decent amount of people were getting their lobster rolls. We waited about 15 min, ate it in 7, and then headed out to jump on a ferry.

    (4)
  • Geno K.

    Yeah it's total tourist central... you even get a cheesy lobster shaped pager to pick up your order when it's ready. But nonetheless, the lobster rolls are awesome. And the view from the deck (see my photo) makes it a great place to grab lunch on a nice day.

    (4)
  • Alexia F.

    Ate a quick lunch here while waiting for our tour bus. I ordered the New England Clam Chowder in a bread bowl. The soup was hot, tasty and had big chunks of potato and clam. Much better than what I had eaten the previous day. My husband had the lobster role with fries and cole slaw. He said it tastes good, but was a little on the small side and pricey for the portion size. The presentation of the lobster roll dish was good. I loved the lobster pager to let you know when you food was ready! The food came out pretty fast considering the crowd. The outdoor seating and heated tent area are nice for cooler weather. There was very limited indoor seating.

    (3)
  • Robert S.

    Meh. Lobster Roll on a crappy looking, and bland tasting hot dog bun, at almost $20? Enough said... Should be named "Lobster Hot Dog Bun". Place had a cool vibe, but modern and trendy look and feel.

    (2)
  • Kelsey F.

    After walking around Portland for a while looking for the perfect restaurant we settled on Portland Lobster, and were not dissappointed. The live band and deck/pier location definitely drew us in. The concept of ordering took a little to figure out. You go up to a window next to the bar to order and pay there. Then you have a little buzzer (in the shape of a lobster...cute touch) that goes off once your food is ready. You then go and pick it up from the window. They were out of clam chowder which was a bummer....but their lobster bisque was really good(my first time trying it). I got a lobster roll, also my first time trying it, and it was alright. I guess it's hard when you don't have much to compare to but it seemed that it was just an average lobster roll. My friend got the salmon special and was a little worried when the center seemed to be a bit undercooked. I would say Lobster and Co is a good place for someone visiting Portland for the first time. It has a good atmosphere with some good fresh seafood. Oh and by the way....they had Allagash pitchers for about $10 bucks. Is it bad if that was the highlight for me? My tastebuds just aren't quite there yet with the lobster...but I'm trying!

    (3)
  • Cecilia T.

    3.5 Stars because food was pretty good but not for the price. What we had: The Lobster roll - not bad, the lobster was not as fresh as it could have been but still satisfactory. The grilled bun it came on was pretty good. I just can't believe how much these places charge for such a small sandwich. Corn on cob - baby corn, not luscious. Clam chowder - we both thought this was quite good. Not the absolutely best we've ever had but tasty and fresh. Coleslaw - i don't even like coleslaw but I thought this was pretty good. Not overly mayoed up but more fresh and simple, like a salad.

    (3)
  • Pat R.

    I'm a summer resident of Peaks Island and I eat out in Portland a lot. I don't generally go to the more touristy, water-view restaurants unless visiting friends want to go there. So I'd never been to Portland Lobster before and didn't know what to expect when a few of us stopped in on a busy Saturday afternoon. There was no line, but we had to catch a boat to Peaks, so just as I was about to order I asked the young order-taker: "How long will it take to get our food?" "Thirty to forty minutes," she snapped. Taken aback, I said, "Oh - wow." That's all: "Oh - wow." "Sorry, ma'am," she sniffed. "We are NOT a fast food restaurant." At this point I didn't answer - just walked away. But I will never go back. When a restaurant feels the need to be that condescending to a simple question from a potential customer, that restaurant clearly does not need or want my business. Now here's the reply I wish I had made: I've eaten multiple times at Eventide, Duckfat, Nosh, Hugo's, Central Provisions, Ribollita, just to name a few. I've never waited 35 to 40 minutes after ordering at any of those places, and they are not fast food restaurants. The management of Portland Lobster should have a word about civility with their order-takers. I regret that I didn't take the extra moment to ask for this one's name.

    (1)
  • Joe R.

    This is my new summer hot spot to tell out of town guests. When you are in the mood for Maine food, outside and fun; Portland Lobster Company is the place to go. Get the Lobster Roll or Lobster. Yes they have other items but mostly just fried food which anyone can do. I ordered a burger last night. Just ok. But the atmosphere of live music, the water, and out of town guests enjoying their Lobster and corn made it worth it. Rave reviews from the lobster eaters including a local. "Best lobster roll!"

    (3)
  • Eleanor L.

    I went here twice. I thought the food was fine, great location too. Lobster rolls are good and also tried their steamed lobster which is reasonably priced. friendly staff.

    (4)
  • Jerome B.

    I haven't eaten shell fish in over 15 years. I had to try it since everyone says Maine Lobster is the joint. I parked right in front of Portland Lobster Co. not knowing that I was going to end up inside after looking to Yelp for some advice of where to eat in Portland, ME.

    (4)
  • Thuyvi T.

    I love lobster! I love lobster so much, I planned my birthday trip around eating lobster! So coming to Maine, of course, I had to indulge. This quaint restaurant sits on the dock on the port town and has so much to take in. Even though sick, I knew I had to have the lobster meal. I wasn't expecting it to be so pricey but it was well worth it. My one pounder was perfect. It was exactly what a lobster meal should be. The crustacean was a perfect red. And the meat was just juicy enough. The side of fries and slaw weren't bad either.

    (4)
  • Maeling L.

    Over all it was alright. I definitely thought the lobster rolls was a little pricey. $22 for a roll. They keep it simple maybe too simple for me. Just lobster, drawn butter and the roll. I like flavor. And the calm chowder wasn't bad, but i've had better. the seating is really nice. You can seat outside next to the dock. The food was good, but not worth the price. Will not be going back.

    (3)
  • John M.

    Good fish and chips and bisque. Good beers.

    (3)
  • Thomas S.

    Worst lobster I ever had. The 1.5 lb lobster was barely a 1 lb. And there was so little meat in it, that it could be sold as a 0.5 lb lobster. The chowder was okay, but I had better, the fries actually were good. It's a overpriced tourist trap.

    (1)
  • Molly P.

    Another must try. If your walking around tourning downtown Portland and want a quick bite I would recomend going here it its nice weather. Live music on the patio, world famous lobster rolls...what more could you ask for. (It does have more of a fast food feel to it but the food is so much better.)

    (4)
  • Peter C.

    Just not a fan of this place. Not sure if I caught it on a bad night or what...but I found the service to be uninterested and the lobster stew both bland and paltry. Has all the frills of a tourist trap with a great ocean harbor deck view, but falls into the dreaded "tourist trap" category for me.

    (2)
  • Jinny P.

    Not as good as Lobster Shack, but still excellent for its proximity to the city. Ordered the lobster roll, 2 lobsters with corn and coleslaw, fries, and new england clam chowder...Lobster Roll has no mayo, which i usually like in the roll, but it's still pretty damn good from the sweetness of the lobster meat. the bun is nice and toasty and buttery, a little on the small side, but aren't they all? The first lobster we had was delicious and sweet. my bf was going through every inch of the lobster finding every bit of meat. so after that we decided we were sad and ordered a second one. the second lobster was bitter....dunno why exactly... I think it had something to do with the fact that we ordered the second one 15 minutes before closing and the cashier didn't put in the order at the same time. not until the kitchen told the cashier that they were closed did the cashier ask about our second lobster.....even though it was bitter, we ate it anyway, cuz it was gonna be the last lobster we had in maine. surprised it didn't make us sick. i think it was the bitterness was a fluke tho....clam chowder was nice and hearty too, lots of potatoes which i like. All in all, a great place to go when you can't make it to lobster shack in cape elizabeth. PS. LOTS OF MOSQUITOS at night. I got eaten alive in the 1 hour we were there (7 bites)

    (4)
  • Mel L.

    Live music out on the deck for most of the day/evening. Came here for fish and chips, lobster rolls and fried clams. Decent food and a bar out the back. The fried fish was nice and fleshy and the batter wasn't too thick.

    (4)
  • M L.

    I like this place for the atmosphere and location and the 4 star rating reflects this. Have eaten here many times, mostly good food but inconsistent . Usually a few good strong local beers, but no Whiskey so I cannot spend an entire night here. Decent local bands on the weekends and Dog friendly.

    (4)
  • Jean B.

    Gluten Free cider and a band on a nice summer's evening...a little crowded, but it was still fun.

    (3)
  • R E M.

    Great place to take out of town visitors ... nice lobster roll.

    (3)
  • Mina I.

    Darn good lobster rolls! This was my boyfriend's first taste of Maine - and other than cooking a lobster and doing everything myself, this is the next best thing .. actually, the best thing since I don't really want to do all that work myself! We both had a lobster roll and shared some fries.. I liked everything (even though I am not used to the butter on my lobster roll!).. We loved the little lobster shaped buzzer that went off when our food was ready too! Wicked easy to get to location; 180 Commercial St. This place is a MUST for your stop into Portland!!!!! portlandlobstercompany.c…

    (5)
  • M. M.

    This place is basically a tourist trap restaurant located right on the pier, where the tour boats and trolleys depart. Given that it wasn't a cruise ship day and the place therefore was busy but not mobbed, I decided to stop by for a beer and lunch before heading to my next activity. I ordered steamers and a local beer. The steamers were kind of overpriced but I expected that. If you buy a beer, you get it from the world's slowest bartender and then you have to drink it on the pier in the "alcohol area", you cannot bring it back inside the restaurant. Although on a nice day the pier is pleasant to sit on, they had some overly loud amplified "live music" happening out there which just seemed unnecessary. I don't need some guy singing James Taylor and Simon and Garfunkel covers at full volume while trying to sell me his cd's, and the fact that everybody was sitting well away from the music should have clued someone to the fact that it was just too damn loud. Whatever. My steamers and beer were OK (it's hard to mess up a steamed clam with butter, which is why I ordered that) but I had to put up with some older couple basically barging on my table near the end of the meal because, although there were other tables available, mine was in the shade. WTF? Fortunately I was just about to finish when they arrived. Like I said, this was on a relatively uncrowded day. On a very busy tourist day I would not want to get near this joint with a ten-foot pole. Finally, they have ONE ladies room with ONE toilet in it....this for a restaurant serving alcohol? Plus the people going on the tour trolleys and boats have to use this restroom as there is nowhere else to go. I was glad it was there but needless to say it was very dirty and having to wait on line constantly for it (I used it twice) was a big fat fail. I don't think I'd eat here again.

    (2)
  • T C.

    Very disappointing. I can not score it low enough! After 40 minutes, our buzzer never went off so I asked the lady behind the counter how much longer we were going to have to wait. She went in the back and miraculously our food was ready. She insisted they had just finished cooking it after I asked how long it was siting. The food ended up being cold. She lied, it must have been sitting for quite awhile. We will never go back.

    (1)
  • Dave W.

    What a tourist trap. I got sucked in. Me being a tourist and all. $22 for their jumbo lobster roll. Fatboys in Brunswick costs $6 and their lobster rolls are waaaay better. The lobster rolls here are a buttered hoagie roll that tastes of cheap bread. It's an unmistakable flavor like when your eating a hotdog and get all bun and no meat. That flavor comes with every bite. The lobster meat comes completely unadorned. Actually I take that back. It came adorned with coagulated butter on a couple of the pieces. I'm guessing they drizzle the meat with melted butter before it goes into the fridge. If they're going to serve lobster unadorned why woul you put it on a $hitty hoagie roll? It would have been better served w hot drawn butter. The live music sucked as well. $hitty reggae and $hitty lobster roll surrounded By tourists is a horrible soulless place.

    (1)
  • Cecilia L.

    Came back the following year. This time it seemed crowded, cheesy and touristy, and the portions were definitely smaller than before. Couldn't talk over the loud music. Deflated price of lobster didn't seem reflected at all.

    (3)
  • Ron U.

    All we had there was the fried clams. Very fresh and very plump. There are half a dozen tables inside, and plenty of outdoor seating. After you place your order, they provide you with a plastic lobster buzzer, and you pick up your order in a window outside the kitchen. Friendly service, and if the clams are any indication, very fresh seafood.

    (4)
  • Karyl A.

    I went to this restaurant last night, I was disappointed. My lobster was good, buy my husbands burger was awful. He had to send it back twice because it was under cooked, in the end he could not eat it and they did refund our money. The place is not as I expected, and I would not go back.

    (1)
  • Karen B.

    Prices not bad, food not great. The lobster was cooked well enough. The fried clams were plentiful, but overcooked and not that tasty. The coleslaw tasted like plain chopped cabbage. The biggest ripoff was the "clam" chowder. It should have been called potato chowder with bits of clam, though the bits were hard to find and the taste was nonexistent. Beautiful setting along the water, but I go to restaurants for the food and not the view.....this one just doesn't deserve a second chance.

    (2)
  • Lola N.

    Went here w my little bro on my first night in my new town. Thought it was pretty expensive, a 1lb lobster w potato/corn/cole slaw and a lobster roll, and 2 bud lights set us back around $50. However the portions were quite large, and the lobster was pretty good... it's possible I'm not a lobster person. Two stars for the awesome back deck overlooking the water and the cool live music, not very edgy but some nice laid back 90s covers. Minus 2 stars for the super tourist crowd... I realize it was my first night in town so that may make me sound like a hack. However when you're trying to chill and have a couple beers the presence of so many grandmas and stressed out moms with triple strollers and crying toddlers doesn't quite do it. One star for the not bad, but not too memorable food. Overall this place would be really nice for a date because of the cozy romantic-ness of the music and back deck, were it not for the old folks and kids killing the vibe. But I don't want to be a hater, they gotta eat too. So I shall keep on searching for greener pastures in Portland.

    (3)
  • Sarah G.

    Fun place to go in the summer. Deck on the water is huge so there are always seats, and there's a large covered area that's nice to sit under when it rains. This is definitely our favorite out of all the other touristy fish places on the water in portland. I agree that the bisques are overpriced, but everything else is really reasonable and quality is solid. Drinks are reasonable and food is ready pretty quickly. I'm usually sick from the amount of tartar sauce I eat here, but thats a good sign, right?

    (4)
  • Catherine D.

    I seem to having more misses than hits lately when it comes to food. We stopped in Portland for lunch while on our way further north. Sat in probably the best stools at the counter looking over the harbor. It was a great view, although, the previous occupant had a lobster and spilled their butter. I must have used about 15 napkins to soak up the butter he left all over the counter. The person who took our order for a fried clam dinner told us it would be 15-20 minutes. 40 minutes later we went up to the pick up window and were told there were 4 more orders ahead of ours. Six orders later we went back and our order was just coming up. Our pager never vibrated. Happy to have food...we were starving. We sat down to eat what turned out to be the saltiest clams I've ever had. The bellies were very small which lead to not being able to taste the actual clams. We could only taste the breading and salt, salt, salt. The fries were better, but still overly salted. To add to the disappointing meal, we returned to our car to find a ticket for the expired meter. Thanks to the restaurant for taking twice as long for our food as they initially said it would take.

    (2)
  • David C.

    good food but very touristy

    (3)
  • Stella S.

    Great place. I had the lobster roll. It literally had chunks of lobster. No mayo..just lobster with a little bit butter and lemon sauce.

    (5)
  • C H.

    Get the whole lobster. Why mess around with anything else? Well, ok, the onion rings are freaking awesome too. Sit outside on a picnic table, get down and dirty with your lobster.

    (4)
  • Doris K.

    This is the place where most of the buses bring all of the tourists! We found this place by just looking on the side of a bus - marketing works people! Now for the food. The lobster roll certainly wasn't the best I've ever had. It was way too expensive for what I got and it certainly wasn't spilling over. The clam chowder didn't have much flavor which was so disappointing! I expected a lot more from Portland, ME and ME lobster.

    (3)
  • Matt S.

    average. touristy. still, middling (2.5 to 3 star) place with good lobsters and decent lobster roll. apparently the quality of the fish n' chips and the clam strips lies in direct proportion to the mood of the staff. there's so much better, and when I visit portland in the off season and find it closed, I don't really miss it. BUT it's nice to sit with the fiance on the deck, drink allagash, listen to bad covers of poppy standards, and eat a "downeast feast"... when we can afford it. I'd rather go straight to gilbert's. there's sooooo much better seafood in portland alone.

    (3)
  • kurt a.

    Good lobster rolls. However, very over priced for not much meat. The meat is supposedly equivalent to the meat in a one pound lobster. However, I didn't see any tail meat. They didn't use mayo in their rolls (which i view as a plus). Lots of different microbrews on tap. I wouldn't go back here.

    (3)
  • Robert F.

    This is the kind of place that traps alright. Tourist trap and for those unfortunate ones who get lured in by the cute sign and the location on the water you will certainly be disappointed. Over priced, small portions and just OK food makes for a meal that leaves one empty. Go down Commercial street a little further to Gilbert's or Jay's and get one there. The best move would be to ask anyone how to get to Two Lights Lobster Shack in Cape Elizabeth over the bridge. But please, if you must go here (and I realize there are those of you who will) do not hold this bland , under filled over priced lobster roll against Mainers in general.

    (1)
  • Sarah D.

    Right on the dock., cool atmosphere! You order and then are given a beeper to come back to the counter to get your food. Overpriced! The loster stew was fourteen, ninety-five and the size of a cup of soup!

    (3)
  • Abby F.

    The best lobster rolls in ALL of Maine! It's just a little shack near the water in downtown Portland but they do lobster like no one else. Also, the college dudes who work there are goodlooking - so if you're into men and you're into lobster (like I am), head to the Portland Lobster Company.

    (5)
  • Mike R.

    Everyone I asked Recomended this place and now I recommend it as well The lobster is so sweet tasting and wicked good As a Mainer would say

    (5)
  • Sarah G.

    Came here for dinner. My cousin had the 1-1/4 pound lobster dinner (originally she wanted the smaller one, but the girl behind the counter suggested the next size up, saying that she usually gets the 1-1/4 pound and can finish it herself), and I had the avocado cheddar wrap. It was crowded, so we were seated at a picnic table with a couple, which we were fine with. The food was a bit of a wait, but worth it. The lobster comes with corn on the cob and a choice of fries or baked potato, and my cousin devoured everything. The wrap was delicious, too. The fries were clearly made at the restaurant and were awesome. I'd come back here.

    (4)
  • Karina L.

    Definitely a tourist location. We were tourists, so I guess that's fine. Our preferred Three Sons was still closed, so we opted for this place. The lobster is a tad expensive, so if you're looking for super cheap lobster (who isn't?), I'd suggest going to Three Sons or driving outside of Portland to a lobster shack/pound that will steam it for you. The lobster, though, was definitely very tasty. You can buy them based on sized (I bought a medium one and it was around $25), and it comes with reasonably tasty fries and juicy corn. You can order at a booth outside or inside -- for some odd reason, the line outside was SUPER long and nobody was inside, so we put our orders in inside pretty quickly. They give you these adorable toy lobsters that beep and blink when your order is ready, and you bring your tray back to their outdoor dining area. The dining area isn't big at all -- it was around 5pm and we had to struggle to find a seat to accommodate 4 of us. Their Maine blueberry pie with ice cream was also delicious. The only complaint I had was the crowd (although it's completely expected) and the blaring loud music from the band playing in the outside area. Certainly doesn't make for a very zen lobster experience. I'd still recommend this place if you're looking for lobster in downtown Portland that comes with a bar.

    (4)
  • Rebecca W.

    The customer service was really the kicker with this restaurant. I was looking forward to the the experience being that it was our first time in Maine and when you are in Maine...EAT THE LOBSTER for crying out loud...it is what they are known for!! The kid at the register...I think his name was Mike...was not very pleasant! When you are working the front, you are one of the first impressions people get once they walk in, so you gotta work it!! Like RuPaul says, "Work it girl"...should apply to everyone!! The food was great. We got some great lobster at a great price that filled us all up. The music does get loud, when they have a live band outside, which I did not mind at all...it really sets the tone. If you do not like, loud music, there is seating on the inside, but limited. I would recommend to others, I just hope you do not get the same guy we got at the check-out counter!!

    (3)
  • Jerilyn H.

    Went this week .. We ordered a 2lbs lobster steamer ... Yet another place I love & it dog friendly and local band was awesome too!

    (3)
  • Valerie M.

    Meh lobster was somehow just okay, 1 1/2 lb steamed but maybe overly so? Clam chowder was too thick, floury and potatoes

    (3)
  • Genna P.

    Great wraps and burgers on a causal atmosphere. Sit on the dock If you can and come back at night for live music. Not the best seafood but great view and place to people watch.

    (4)
  • Greg E.

    My wife and daughter and I stopped here for a light lunch while visiting Portland. This place is overpriced. They had live entertainment, and a ton of people there but for what you get, you pay a fortune. Been here both times I've been to Portland and I do not plan on going a third.

    (2)
  • Kelly Y.

    LOVE! The food was great, the atmosphere was greater! We had lobster rolls ($16), fish & chips, fried shrimp, calamari, and draft beers. loved it all, the coleslaw was light, the fries were crispy. You find your own table outside, floating over the water, surrounded by fishing boats, order at the window, wait for your lobter to glow, then go get it. bar outside. When I visit, I like to explore, but this place might be hard to beat... uber-Mainey :)

    (5)
  • Andre M.

    Overrated. Lobster roll just ok and my friends soft shell lobster looked and tasted mediocre. Waited 45 minutes to pick up our meal, granted it was a Sunday. I would search for better places out there.

    (3)
  • Pootums P.

    I don't know what I was expecting except the group of people I sat with agreed that we needed to find a Jack in the Box real quick cause we were starving after that mess.

    (2)
  • Liza And Nick B.

    Onions rings are amazing

    (3)
  • Kim D.

    This is a great lobster stop long as you know what you're in for. They were kind enough to separate the lobster body so I didn't have to deal with that, and I just had the tail and the claws on my plate. Served with corn on the cob and baked potato it was $29. Only three tables inside. In the cooler months it can be uncomfortable outside. They had a heated tent today. I had twin boiled lobsters and my husband had the scallops sauteed in a bourbon cream sauce with Applewood smoked bacon. They were perfectly cooked clean and delicious. For a lobster shack this rates 5 stars.

    (5)
  • Meg B.

    Mostly been there for drinks, live music is great. Drinks prices are awesome for right on the water in Portland. Wine prices best in town and atmosphere nice & relaxed also a good place to walk right in with a large or small group. In the warmer season definitely a place that you have to stop into when in Portland.

    (4)
  • Adam A.

    Satisfied the Maine lobster roll experience that we were looking for on a Saturday afternoon. Great atmosphere with a live band and a very well organized flow to seating in the picnic table area. After placing our order and receiving our beers, we alerted the hostess who then put us in the queue - the wait time was less than 10 minutes to be seated. Everyone enjoyed the food (buttered lobster rolls), cold drinks and live music. The coleslaw was the only underwhelming aspect to the meal since it was flavorless, but the fries were nice. Overall good experience and conveniently located in the marina of the Old Port area.

    (4)
  • Curtis R.

    Was in town for business and decided to give this place a try. Overall, great atmosphere right in the Old Port area. Outdoor seating was great for a summer day. The outdoor bar was nice and had a great selection of local beer. Had a lobster roll that was really good. Also recommend the onion rings. Be prepared for a wait. We found a table extremely quick but our food took 40 minutes.

    (4)
  • Janice K.

    My family and I have made Portland Lobster Co a regular stop for lunch for the past seven years. Today was a Big disappointment! We ordered clam chowder, lobster rolls, fried clams, steamers and an avacado chicken wrap. We waited about 25 minutes for the order, not a big deal when your expecting the best lobster roll in Portland (as there sign states)No, what we got was sandy, tough steamers, watery, tasteless clam chowder, soggy lobster meat, cold fried clams. The chicken wrap was just ok. For the money we spent $120+ NEVER AGAIN!

    (1)
  • Mary P.

    We didn't quite know what we were supposed to do when we showed up, but we figured it out. Fried shrimp was quite tasty. Lobster roll was decent. Eating out on the dock was fantastic too!

    (4)
  • Julie F.

    I couldn't leave Maine without trying some fried haddock. I'm used to fish and chips with cod and other kinds of fish. The haddock portion was generous with three pieces of golden fish plus pretty tasty fries. The small cole slaw portion didn't have much flavor but was good to off-balance all the fried stuff. I liked the haddock, but I couldn't finish it all. You order your food, take your adorable lobster shaped beeper to your table, and then go to the window to pick up your food when it is ready. They also had cute mini lobster lights (for Christmas) adorning the walls that I wish I was able to find in a souvenir shop to purchase. It reminded me of those chili lights you find in Santa Fe, NM that are so cute. This place is located right on Commercial Street overlooking the water. They have an outdoor bar and played live music in the evening.

    (4)
  • Candace B.

    We only had a brief moment here before taking a sightseeing cruise. I had a local bottled mead and husband had an organic IPA on tap. Split a shrimp cocktail. Nice ambiance and staff were so friendly. I definitely hope to come back for a full meal. A live band was setting up as we were leaving. Downside--I spent half of my time there in line for the ladies room.

    (4)
  • Pierre K.

    The food was good but I expected better from the prices. This not your classic sit down restaurant you order inside then you go in the back deck with a pager they give you and wait on 1 of the dozen bench tables for your pager to ring. Expect to see a large crowd there when you arrive you'll get to order fast but you'll wait about 15-30min for your food. While your waiting thought they sometime have entertainment like music or stand up comedy so its not a grueling wait you also have a nice view of a part of the bay. Look out for Sid the seagull though he will steal your food, especially your French fries. The service was top notch by the way.

    (4)
  • Emily B.

    This place is not a bad as I originally expected, since it's a popular tourist spot. Food, although not cheap, is decent and the atmosphere is fun. There is often music and extensive seating outside, perfect for summer evenings. While I've had the "Sea Burger" and thought that was a pretty good value, I've also paid $14 for steamers that were small and stringy. It's a fun place to hang out, but don't waste your money on anything too expensive, since quality is hit-or-miss.

    (3)
  • T C.

    Lobster roll was supposed to be 1 lb...it was about 4 oz, cold, and the itty bitty sandwich was served on a hot dog bun. Haddock was just ok, not in anyway noteworthy. Ordered a garden salad which was supposed to have balsamic vinegarette...but it was plain balsamic vinegar..just awful. Disappointing and expensive. I'm wondering who is actually writing reviews on Yelp after this place.

    (1)
  • Gary M.

    Great lobster stew and lobster rolls!

    (5)
  • Brook A.

    Had lobster roll, Scallop roll, steamed clams and mussels. Rolls were good but nothing special for Portland. Steamed clams were very sandy and upon inspection they offered steamed mussels which were ok.

    (3)
  • Kim K.

    My review definitely needs an update! The Portland Lobster Co. may be touristy but it's the best! The fried clams are totally delicious. They are lightly fried, not leaving the delicate clams beneath charred and withered. The clams are still fresh, moist, and flavorful. The onion rings are the best though. Thick cut and they have the most perfectly seasoned breading I've ever had. The whole place is a lot cleaner than my last trip and the staff definitely improved.

    (4)
  • Aaron P.

    Maine soul food served fresh on the water with live music. This is the casual outdoor Portland summer dining experience you're looking for. It's nothing fancy, and there's minimal, if any, table service. You place your order at the counter, and when your cute lobster buzzer lights up and rattles, you go pick it up. The seating is split between raised tables near the bar/stage area, and rows of picnic tables in rows further out on the dock. It can get hectic out in the picnic table area with people shuffling in and out of it. The quality of the musical acts they have is high and always appropriate for venue. I've ended up dancing around with my toddler before or after a meal on multiple occasions. More than just a "nice touch," the music is central to the experience. The food is simple and good, but I don't understand the "best seafood in Portland" claims I've seen. It's casual fare, and it fills that role well. A perfect place to bring guests to the area for a "taste of Maine" in the summer.

    (4)
  • Kris D.

    Live music & cold beers! We were walking around Portland and heard the tunes calling to us. In the back of the small lobster restaurant, high tables & stools a small stage area next to the bar and a large heated tent with picnic tables. Rustic water front lobster shack. We grabbed a couple beers and listened to the music. The band was great! It was busy but not crowded. We left after we finished our beers and finished our shopping only to come back later for lobster dinners. When we arrived the second time the band was gone so we ordered our pound & half lobster dinners at the counter inside sat down at a picnic table and got busy devouring a scrumptious lobster. We don't need no bib! Corn on the cob & baked potato were good, the slaw too vinegary for me. A great time and very tasty lobster!

    (4)
  • Katherine C.

    REALLY? We drove two hours from visiting Bethal, Maine to Portland for the best lobster roll in the pouring rain, with people telling me that "you can't go wrong in Portland".. and to find the fries and onion rings surpassing the lobster rolls. OVER RATED and NOT IMPRESSIVE at all. The roll was small but the lobster does not taste that fresh, it feel like their lobster rolls were their for touristy business and not flavor. We could have definitely saved the trip and head back towards Boston at James Hook & Co or Belle Island. The ambiance was decent, laid back, by the water but what's the ambiance without the good food? We didn't have time to try another place but Portland Lobster, come on!

    (2)
  • Young R.

    Kind of deceptive! Looks like a small lobster shack from the street, but there's a ton of outdoor seating in the back down into the water. Cool setup. You get a little lobster buzzer and there was a 30-45 minute wait for food around 2pm on weekday. Some people were kind of upset about that... Order more than you think you'll want because you'll just get hungrier as you wait! We had the lobster roll and lobster salad. It was good, but the lobster meat was not as tender as I've had at places in New York.

    (3)
  • Alex K.

    Seems like a tourist trap, but some good food here. I love how no matter where you go in Maine, you will always have good beer and good seafood. The lobster roll was great, maybe not $16 (market rate) great, but pretty damn good. I liked that it wasn't super sweet and just a dab of butter on top. I also had a bread bowl of clam chowder which was good, but not amazing. I think one stop to Portland Lobster Co. should be in order on your trip, but if I lived here this would definitely be a "take my visitors" stop. They also have a wonderful outdoor seating area where you can look onto the water.

    (3)
  • Milo R.

    Bob's Clam Hut lobster roll was just a bit better. The fish sandwich was really good. The outdoor atmosphere was awesome, live music in the background.

    (3)
  • Christine F.

    Cue Gasp, I'm a Mainer who doesn't like Lobster but I still frequent the Lobster Company and not because of the food. I love their dock, happy hour and the nightly live music. As a restaurant, this gets a solid 3 stars, but any place where I can have a beer and sit outside deserves the extra star.

    (4)
  • Darlene A.

    After a long drive from San Diego, California, I was looking for a taste of authentic Maine lobster rolls. Money was no object and after some research, I decided to settle on this place AND according to their phone message they were still open. With 30 minutes to spare, I pulled up in front, jumped out of the car and found the doors locked!! I don't know of their food is any good but I can assure you that J's Oyster a block away is AMAZING and the kitchen is open until 10:30. Try J's Oyster instead. Being closed before listed closing time is an indicator that they don't have a crowd to sustain a late night crowd.

    (1)
  • David T.

    It's a trap! A tourist trap... Service is more a collection traffic directors than waiters. You order in the shack and then take your seat and serve yourself when your wireless plastic lobster (cute) vibrates. Outside you can sit at a cramped wooden bar that overlooks a couple of boats, but not the full harbor in any way. The bigger option is a deck that also has "limited views" (being very generous here) and more cramped seating on park style benches and tables. B got a caesar salad with lobster added. Three small bites of lobster on what would well be a premade salad you'd buy at the airport. My lobster roll was better--the glaze on the lobster is butter, not gelatin, as one of the less than sharpest knife in the drawer reviewers here wrote. The roll is done right and the lobster delicate and delicious. Unfortunately the roll is about the size of a hotdog and $15.99. This is just theft and shameful taking advantage of tourists who don't know beforehand that the lobster part of the lobster roll amounts to about a claw, a knuckle, and maybe half of another knuckle. Total ripoff. And while we're at it PLEASE no live band outside! These guys wail and whine at eleven while you're just trying to enjoy a nice summer's day and conversation. Forget it--you're going to have the worst of the early 90's blaring in your ears. Just find another place, like the oyster dive next door.

    (2)
  • Teresa D.

    Great live music! Yummy beer! Outside seating! And obviously good food :) the kids haddock bites are big enough for an adult, amazing fried clams, and delish lobster rolls. We went back twice on our week long trip.

    (5)
  • Sana A.

    We ate here a few times during our vacation and really liked the food. I had a lobster salad here and a lobster dinner (from the lobster we bought after our lobstering cruise with lucky catch). I thought the food was extremely delicious and they were able to accommodate my gluten and dairy allergy very well. My boyfriend had 2 lobster rolls here and really liked them. I enjoyed eating outside with the great views of the harbor. They have live music some nights and it was fun to eat and hear the music in the background. The place is quite popular however and at night can get very crowded which means food takes a long time and seats can be hard to find. Regardless, the food is worth the wait :)

    (4)
  • Kassy M.

    Two damn good reasons to come to Portland Lobster Co: 1. The clam chowder 2. The patio: not big by any means, but there are several stools there where you can enjoy your chowder while looking out on the ocean and watching boats of all sizes pass by. It's super relaxing. Definitely not for big groups expecting lots of comfortable outdoor seating.

    (4)
  • Neelo S.

    From the outside it looks like a shack, but the party is in the back. Picnic tables + tent + live music + awesome crowd + good food = a very successful trip to Portland I wasn't too hungry, so I got a small lobster plate (coleslaw, corn on the cob, butter), which was the perfect portion. All around $20. The atmosphere is so welcoming and friendly, I could've hung out for hours if I didn't have a flight to catch

    (5)
  • Andrew C.

    We came here based on Yelp reviews. It's a simple eatery with classic seafood dishes like Clam Chowder, steamed lobster and fried stuff. I ended up ordering the Clam Chowder & the Lobster Roll Clam Chowder= watery, diluted and not very tasty. There was a decent amount of seafood in it but, the flavor was really lacking. Lobster Roll= The Lobster Roll was not as big as I expected. It came with a side of fries. It wasn't as tasted as the ones I've had in Boston and the Lobster roll was on the small side. My girlfriend ended up ordering the Crab Burger and Fried Calamari The Crab Burger= Probably the best dish among the bunch. They packed a large amount of Crab meat and the burger was tasty in general. Perfect blend of mayo and crabmeat. Fried Calamari= Average dish.... the portion was decent but it was just breaded calamari. I personally did not think the calamari was fresh and at times, I felt like I was eating more fried batter than anything else. Overall, the place is well located and the outdoor seating was perfect. Service was quick and there was a live band playing outside which really enhanced the atmosphere. However, the food was distinctly average considering that it was Maine!

    (3)
  • Amy L.

    I shared a 1 1/4 pound lobster that comes with fries, coleslaw, corn and fried calamari with my friend. The lobster was good and we devoured it. The calamari was okay; wasn't the best I've ever had. The lobster was good but really... 1 1/4 was just NOT enough, especially sharing between two people. I loved the fries although there aren't a lot that comes with it. I love the view of this place. There's outdoor seating and you can just have a nice view of the water. I would recommend to come here if you want to eat and enjoy the water view :)

    (4)
  • Geoff J.

    Oh Man! I will never eat lobster outside of Maine again! This place delivers on freshness all around! Stopped in for lunch before I flew back to Chicago. Great spot right on the water. Ordered lobster roll and a root beer (would have loved an IPA, but I was working). Roll was not as massive as some others I have had, but it filled me up. The lobster was very fresh, best I have ever had. A little on the pricey side for lunch, but oh so good! They also had an outdoor bar and looked like a stage for some small music acts. Would be a perfect spot to chill on a summer evening drinking beers, eating lobster and listening to music!

    (4)
  • John T.

    For $33 we managed to have a 1 1/4 lb lobster with a bowl of clam chowder. Overall both meals were great. Comparing the lobster to what we had in Cape Cod, I think this Lobster tasted a lot better. We really enjoyed the casual dining. You order inside and then go to a pick up window around back where you can decide to eat under a tent on picnic tables with live music or, what we chose, to just have it on the pier where there are little ledges and bar stools for you to enjoy.

    (4)
  • Jacky C.

    Are you a tourist looking to do touristy? Are you cheerfully snapping picture of upon picture, then Posting it on your Wall, Instagram or Yelp? Well Baby, this is your place! It's overpriced, over packed and located right next to several cruise/bus tours, making it an ideal, "Hey! Look at that place!" Fiancé and I took a short drive from Dover, NH to take a gander about town! To be frank, we wanted to eat lobster, MAINE LOBTER! We walked around, tried some treats from a nearby gluten-free bakery and came upon this place. I read the mixed reviews but still decided to give it a-go. We placed our order. Given the alarm and searched for a seat. EXCELLENT. Window seats with a view of the street. I am people watcher. Downside. A family with two little ones hogging up two tables. I was half attempted to ask to use the empty table that they were using simply as a place to park their ginormous stroller and shopping bags on. Fiancé ended up using his seductive charm to lure my devilish glares out to the store front where I watch the repurposed fire truck take half a dozen tourist on a ride. After about 30 minutes we started to get worried about our meals. I asked and was told they weren't ready. OK. 15 minutes later I ask again. The guy goes to look. He comes back and our alarm goes off. Foods Up! So 45 min for two lobster rolls! I jokingly said, "These better be fresh!" gesturing toward the boat across the way. The kid didn't share my humor. Meh, the lobster rolls weren't that great nor were they bad. Of course, they're always pretty small so after our drive home ended up eating AGAIN!

    (3)
  • Sung K.

    I went here a few years a go with my fam. We went out on a boat to catch our own lobster, and brought it back to Portland lobster co. and they cooked it for us along with cole slaw and french fries. From what i recall, the lobster was cooked perfectly - moist and succulent. Fries had a bite along with the crisp. Cole slaw was balanced between tangy and creamy. All in all, our meal was delicious and def would go back to this joint for the ultimate experience.

    (4)
  • Kate W.

    This is a great casual restaurant with fresh and delicious food! We drive up to Maine a few times a year, and stop here almost every time. There is a large dog-friendly deck right on the water, relaxed atmosphere and offers a great laid-back lunch spot to enjoy great food. The last time we were there we ordered the Cesar salad and the avocado wrap. We were a bit nervous that because it was not fish, it may not be as splendid as our previous meals. However, were were very happy with the quality, freshness, flavors and seasoning. The only reason I did not give it a higher rating, is because the menu appears to be overpriced. Yes, it is a touristy area, and naturally the restaurants will be a bit higher, the price on their fish items is quite steep... The people who joined us for lunch paid $20 for a lobster sandwich and about $20 for fried clams. While both were delicious and fresh, that is quite a price tag for a casual lunch.

    (4)
  • Amy A.

    Be prepared to wait! Food was good and seafood was fresh. I read that they feature local produce. However the small portions and limited views simply don't warrant the extended wait. We waited a bit more than 1.5 hours for counter service for two (lobster roll and lobster dinner) for lunch on a summer day. Lobster roll was remarkably small as was the portion of (delicious) fries that accompanied it. The onion rings looked absolutely amazing, but there is no realistic way of adding to your order without extending lunch to a ridiculous level.

    (3)
  • Joie S.

    I loved this place!! Great location, great food, great staff, what more could you want? It's right on the water but it is counter service so if you are looking for someone to wait on you you should go somewhere else. I had the steamers and a lobster salad both were delicious. I was with my mom and she had the fried seafood plate and she loved it. The seafood was so fresh and well prepared. There is a bar and even though it was raining we still sat outside because they have plenty of umbrellas. Menu was pricey but typical for what seafood is going for these days. I will definitely be going back!

    (5)
  • Jennifer T.

    Awesome lobster! I loved the live music in the background. It was a perfect lobster dinner for my family and I. We had some confusion with our table, but they remedied that quickly and we got our table. I wish they had more than one bathroom, though. Just to wash my hands, I had to wait a while on line to get into the bathroom. Other than that, the meal was great and the recommendations by the staff were spot on!

    (5)
  • Zach K.

    Had a deliciously overpriced Lobster roll here with a side of fries and a pumpkin head. This spot is on the water in the old port and has the feel of a tourist trap. I will say the lobstaaaa was faaaaaabulousssss. If your walking by the water and have $30 to drop give it a shot.

    (3)
  • Christina G.

    This was a perfect pick for lunch on a recent day trip to Portland. The place has a wonderful coastal charm to it, and the food was delicious. I had a great lobster roll just how I like them, toasted with butter, and a delicious slice of blueberry pie a la mode. If you are visiting in the warmer months, and even into the fall, they have a lovely patio that overlooks the water and there is usually live music of some sort. It's the perfect setting for knocking back a few Allagash and taking in some fresh ocean air.

    (4)
  • Ted K.

    Touristy, packed, but they try hard. Live music, good fried seafood and some of the best onion rings in the old port. Fun off- season- impossible and annoying in season. Best fried stuff in the old port.

    (3)
  • jed k.

    My wife and I had just finished a tour around the bay. We talked about going to the Lobster Shack based upon the reviews and recommendations of family members who had been there. However, it was Saturday and we were down in the marina district and based upon those same reviews I knew it was going to be a drive out there and then a long wait at the Lobster Shack on top of that. Based on that we asked for a recommendation from someone we met on the cruise and ended up here. We walked in around 1:00 pm on Saturday. It is a small building with an ordering area with maybe three tables inside. The staff taking the orders are very friendly. There was a table available inside so my wife grabbed it right away. Once you order you are given a device that tells you when your food is ready. The person taking your order then directs you to the person on the outside who will find you a seat. Since we already had a table I cant comment on this process. There did seem to be a large seating area outside. Regardless of the size of the party, who ever is not ordering should go outside and give your name to the person, who is handling the outside seating, right away. When your device buzzes you walk outside to a kitchen window where you pick up your order. The kitchen person was friendly and you take your food away on a tray. The lobster roll was clearly smaller than the one that I purchased at the "Bite into Maine" the day before. And this place only offers one style of lobster roll. That being said the sandwich was tasty and you also received french fries and coleslaw with the order. There were also many other options on the menu besides the lobster roll. There are chicken tenders for children. I also order the fried clams as a starter. They were plump and nicely done. They did not taste oily. There were assorted beer and soft drink options. I can not speak to the view from the outside seating since we did not eat outside. However, you are in a marina with boats and you are going to get marina views. The outside area was packed. I don't know how long it took to get seated outside. It took about 15-20 minutes for our food to be ready which wasn't too bad. All in all, it was a good experience for us. It did get more crowded as we sat there so I would expect a longer wait for food for those who arrived after us. When you're down in the touristy area of town you are going to get touristy food options. There were several other restaurants along Commercial Street with inside and outside seating. The other places were more traditional waitress taking your order while you wait for your food. These places all seemed to be doing business. Portland Lobster Co was a different type of option. I would go back there.

    (4)
  • Kaiulani W.

    This was a good place to unwind after a long day of driving the Maine coastline on Labor Day. This place is fun and casual. We sat at the picnic tables at the end of the pier. The music wasn't at loud and we could enjoy a conversation. We ate the standard tourist faire, lobster rolls and fried shrimp and beer. All of it was great. For fun waterfront, causal food, go here.

    (4)
  • David R.

    My first time in Maine! I came here to have Lobster! The lobster was great! Lots of good meat in the claws and tail! The french fries and the cole slaw were great too! I also had the blueberry ale, another good choice. I highly recommend this place!

    (4)
  • Stephanie H.

    Went here on Friday night with the hubby, a friend and her boyfriend. First time in a long time in Portland.......since I was five......anyways we were told to sit outside it would be about a 15 minute wait. Fine by us. We barely got done ordering our drinks and got seated. Each sharing a table with another couple but next to each other. Kind of akward but the friends boyfriend ended up knowing the husband of the couple they were sitting with. On to the process. Staff friendly. Order process was not explained to us when we sat down. So we didn't know until we talked to our table mates (who were visiting from TX and had to ask) that we went up to the bar and ordered there, were given a blinky lobster thing that would go off when our food was ready. So we decided. Ordered food. It was ready in a reasonable amount of time. Food was good. Portions decent. Prices great. Would give them more stars for having us wait a little longer to sit at the same table and explain the process better. I got the fried scallops. They were good but on the small side for what I am used to ordering in MA. Don't know if it is a maine thing or what. They were good though. Hubby was happy with his fish and chips and our friends were pleased with their fried scallops, fried clams and onion rings.

    (3)
  • Morris M.

    First of all, it is a very famous place at Long Wharf in Portland. They provide almost all kinds of lobster dishes you can find in New England. I stopped by in early July, it was quite shinny and hot that day. Not a very good day for lunch there. Anyway, I had a steam lobster dish. Like all other tourism place, all the food are overpriced even the soda as well. Didn't feel any special for the lobster. Guess the lobster roll would be a better choice.

    (3)
  • Stacy J.

    By far the highlight of our trip to New England. The server Amanda was awesome. The food was excellent. The atmosphere was really laid back. Being from Alaska and having just had lunch at an overpriced hole in the wall where the waitstaff was rude, this place was a welcome surprise.

    (5)
  • Alex G.

    First place I went on my trip to Maine this past long weekend. Loved the fact that this was a shack with a TON of outdoor seating. The people behind the counter were incredibly nice and did not rush us to order since we had some questions. I ordered the fried clams starter and, of course, the lobster roll. The wait was about 25 minutes since its made to order and there was a long line ahead of us waiting, but it was fine. They even had buzzers shaped like lobsters. Loved that and the decoration of the shack inside and out. The fried clams were extremely breaded. Delicious, but I was missing some of the clam. However, they did go very well with the tartar sauce. The lobster roll was out of this world. Just barely mixed in mayo, the meat was plentiful and incredibly fresh and sweet. Simply a knockout.

    (4)
  • Phuong N.

    Nice place to eat seafood while people watching. The only downside is the long wait times for the food to be cooked.

    (4)
  • Steve P.

    Stopped with my wife today on our ride home from northern Maine. She wanted a lobster role. I let the woman know that took our order that we are in a bit of a rush as we had just driven 2+ hours and had another 2+ to go. She said no problem you'll have it within 10 minutes. The place inside and out was not crowded at all. She was attentive and after about 10 minutes she went out back and I could see her talking to one of the chefs. She came out and said they're working on it now. I'm standing near the kitchen door and can see in. It's a small take out area so that's pretty typical to stand there. She went back in about 5 minutes later and when she came out I asked how's it going. She yells "well it's only been 8 minutes" Nice, very nice.. After another 15 minutes she goes in and speaks to the same guy and comes out says they're working on it now. BTW, I've been watching this guy through the window and he's pretty much standing there drinking a soda and doing nothing the entire time. Why because it wasn't busy. Finally he turns around and guess what, out comes the lobster role. The no problem 10 minute lobster role took over 30 minutes because the guy was standing there doing nothing. Look I'm patient and have no problem waiting. But, I set their expectation that we are in a rush and was told no problem. My wife really liked the lobster role, fries and slaw. 3 stars for the food. Service from the kitchen was deplorable. We will not go back. There's plenty of other options that will treat their customers right.

    (3)
  • Peter S.

    Bad service and mediocre food. What's not to love?

    (1)
  • Mark T.

    This place is a fun place in the summer. It's primarily outdoor seating with a live band --obviously in the warmer seasons. It's a cafe-style ordering system and very causal. The food was pretty good, though comparing it to other restaurants in Portland, it's difficult to rate. Overall the atmosphere was really cool and food was decent.

    (3)
  • Alesia S.

    A solid 3 maybe 3.5. We ordered the lobster roll, lobster stew, and sangria. I guess there isnt much to expect from a lobster roll but lobster and thats what we got. A good portion pilled on a hotdog bun, that is it. the fries are not good but I wasn't there to eat those. The stew was tasty along with the sangria. I guess this place was too hyped up for me. Overall its a great meal but not overly impressive. Note: we were there in the rain but still choose to sit outside on the tent. This place would be great on a sunny day because of the outdoor seating and bar.

    (3)
  • Albert K.

    I stopped in Portland during my cross-America road trip ( KananAcrossAmerica.blogs… ) and I had Lobster on my mind. I stopped at the the Portland Lobster Company because it was right on the dock and it was lively. Now I'm no lobster connoisseur, but I loved my lobster, I also recommend the New England Clam Chowder. You can eat outside and they have live music, great atmosphere.

    (4)
  • Arturo H.

    This review is for visitors. We had 2 1.25 lb. lobsters with fries, and the special the day applewood bacon grilled scallops and 2 local draft beers, for less than $80 including tip. its not a fancy restaurant. they have about 3 -4 person tables and loads of bar spaces and an outside heated patio area. their beer selection is good will local brews. and a descent wine selection. i didn't get the name guy who help us, but he was very knowledgable and helpful. i heard him give good advise and choices to other customers. he also recommended a great bar off the beaten path to us. (Novare Res, which i will right a review) places like this prove you don' t need a fancy restaurant setting and white table cloths and multiple utensils and a F'n waiter constantly hovering over you for a tip. the same guy who took our order brought it out to us with plastic fork and knife and bib. as it says on their bibs " time to get cracking"

    (4)
  • Momo K.

    must try their fisherman's platter for 23 dollars, you get scallops, clams, shrimps, and fries. it's all fried however. i ordered a crab meat salad, not bad they give you alot of crab. i was pretty satisfied w/ my meal.

    (4)
  • Neva N.

    Okay, we were here in 05 and had the best lobster stew in town, Then came back in 06 and they didnt have it, so we went somewhere else. That somewhere else was so good that we stayed...Well in Oct. 09 we thought we stopped by just for some lobster and the lobster stew was back and it was okay. We also tried other things on the menu, and they were okay as well. The customer service was okay too.

    (3)
  • Robby S.

    In Portland, ME for the night, so I wanted to find a good lobster dinner. I tried Yelp, but wasn't impressed, so I just headed down to the wharf area and came across this place. I actually walked in, checked out the menu (was impressed), then walked out and went to a few other restaurants and checked out their menus, then came back here! This is not a "service" restaurant. You stand in line and order your food. When it's ready, your plastic lobster buzzes and you go pick up your meal. If you want a beer, they give you a ticket where you get your beer in their outside bar. I ordered the 1 1/4lb lobster, which comes with corn on the cob, a baked potato, and a little cole slaw. Lobster prices start at $19.99 for the 1 1/8lb. I also had a Allegash White brew, which hit the spot! The food took a little while to prepare, but it was good albeit a little small when it came out. They've got live entertainment in the outside area. When the weather was as perfect as it was last night, it's a great place to have a meal and enjoy the Portland wharf area.

    (4)
  • David H.

    love the lobster rolls here wait is long though, last time i went my fried clams came out cold

    (4)
  • H T.

    This review is only for their lobster roll which I was very disappointed with. The roll was very bland. I don't think they dressed the lobster meat at all and the roll was a little mushy. I didn't see a lick of mayo on my roll either. There are much better places to get lobster rolls in and around Portland so I say head elsewhere if you want a decent lobster roll.

    (1)
  • Alison M.

    My fiance and I had a fabulous time here eating lobster we caught with our own hands! We bought our lobsters for $5 from Lucky Catch Lobsters next door after our Lobster cruise carried them over and then had the Portland Lobster Co. cook it up for us with corn on the cob and a baked potato for $10. We sat on the pier as the sun set, sipping on delicious Maine beer such as white and black Alagash and Seadog blueberry wheat while waiting for our lobster. We then proceeded to make a huge and delicious mess cracking our soft shelled lobster with our bare hands and slurping down sweet, sweet lobster doused in butter. We did all this while being serenaded by a live, local blue grass band. It was the definition of a good night. I just don't know why every night can't be as fun as a vacation night in Maine!

    (5)
  • C B.

    Stopped for a lobster roll in Portland on the way down the Maine coast from Acadia with a friend and our dogs. Since we're New Englanders, we have pretty high expectations of what a lobster roll should include, and unfortunately, Portland Lobster Co. was only sub par. After waiting at least 25 minutes for two lobster rolls, which included fries and cole slaw, we were sorely disappointed when we opened our take out boxes. Any good lobster roll we've had at a place like this has been hot, which we figured these would be too considering they took soooo long. But for anyone wondering, they're cold, tiny and not what we'd consider worth the price tag. The best part of the roll was that there was a pretty good amount of meat, but it didn't make up for the rest. tl dr; Long wait for two take out lobster rolls which were small, cold meat and not worth the tourist price. Drive out of Portland and you'll find cheaper and better

    (2)
  • Eric C.

    Simple, well-done casual seafood shack on the wharf. I really enjoyed the lobster roll: the large, meaty, buttery chunks of lobster on a simple roll really hit the spot. The lobster bisque was fantastic: smooth and creamy with a rich, tangy flavor just as I'd hoped. We also really enjoyed being able to sit outside on the dock side to watch the ships as we ate. The food took a little while to get to us, though; the place was less than half-full, but we still waited about 15-20min before being called to the service window (you get a little lobster-shaped buzzer when you order). A great place to get seafood in Old Port; I would go again, but only if I can sit for bit and relax.

    (4)
  • Katherine H.

    Great prices! Calamari is great, as are the crab roll and sea burger. Blueberry soda is amazing. Sangria is just ok. Live band was lots of fun.

    (5)
  • John L.

    This is a cool place to grab some lobster to eat. You get to sit on some picnic tables outside and have the view of the harbor. You get to see some nice yachts come in and out. For the lobster it was good. How can you go wrong with lobsters for any meal on the water. If your around the area and want to be outdoors this is a real cool place to chill and eat.

    (4)
  • Danielle H.

    We came to Portland just 40 min before our scheduled boat ride and had to rush to grab some lunch before we left. We spotted this place just next door and decided to order a lobster roll and crab sandwich that we could take to go. We told the guy taking our order that we had to leave in half an hour and asked if our food would arrive in time. He assured us it would be no problem. 40 minutes later, we still did not have our food. I don't work in a restaurant kitchen, but for a seafood place, how could putting together two simple sandwiches take that long?! When we went to the takeout counter which looked into the kitchen, you could tell the people cooking were flustered and disorganized. It was only with our harried prompting that they seemed to have gotten started on our food. When we finally did get our food after 45 minutes of waiting, we had to hightail it to the boat ride and luckily got on right before it left. The sandwiches no doubt had fresh seafood in it (a given in Maine, I would assume) but was very underseasoned and completely underwhelming. Such a disappointing experience!

    (2)
  • Tom B.

    If you're in Portland, this must be a stop for dinner. Seafood is fresh and prices are reasonable. It's right on the water. I had the traditional lobster dinner with corn on the cob. Also ordered fried clams. All were yummy! There's nothing fancy about this place, so don't worry. It's a great lobster shack!

    (3)
  • Lauren L.

    Great space on the deck if you get there in time- beware on beautiful days and weekend nights! Great music selection, but it can get loud quickly- which is great it that's what you're coming for. Don't miss the lobster bisque- perfect blend of lobster and not too much cream.

    (4)
  • Alyssa S.

    Just what you want in a Portland restaurant. Great full belly clams, good price for whole lobsters with sides, & a great outside deck with bar to buy local brews and listen to live music.

    (5)
  • David L.

    Solid place, right on the water with a big deck and lots of room. Covered heated tent for dine in. Good food, straightforward seafood done well and served up quickly. Good selection of local beers (and mead!) on tap. Great for a quick bite on a nice day if you're at the waterfront!

    (4)
  • Samuel F.

    The lobster roll is a winner, and that's why we were there. The roll comes with a bit of fries and coleslaw, plus I got a side salad. All pretty good. They also have a good selection of beer available. Order at the counter, grab your food at the window outside. Then eat on the deck or about-face to the indoor tables or counter. It's a fair-weather place, doesn't really seem like the best rainy day venue. But back to the lobster roll: I'm familiar with two types of lobster roll, the cold lobster salad with mayo, and the warm with melted butter. This one was the "with butter" (which I favor), but the lobster was cold (as I was informed is the style here). The contrast between the warm butter and the cool lobster seemed strange to me at first, but as I dug in, I ended up liking it. The lobster was certainly very tasty. The big lobster dinners seemed like a favorite here, too. But I generally want my lobster lazy-mode.

    (4)
  • J G.

    A great choice for getting whole lobster in Portland if that's what you're shooting for, but nothing exceptional about most of the food we had. The whole lobster was probably the best thing that I tried out of the 8 dishes our party ordered. The Scallop Roll was good, scallops were a little overdone, but you're not expecting perfection when you order something deep fried. The crabcake just seemed like more breading and filler than crab, popcorn shrimp were pretty bland. We walked back by this place later in the evening both Friday and Saturday night and a great deal of its draw seems to be those nights with the live music and outdoor bar. It was quite busy and looked like a lot of fun!

    (3)
  • KMan C.

    I'm surprised there aren't more restaurants like this, which serves whole lobsters, in the "tourists trap" of Portland downtown. We were going to go to Street & Co but it was closed at 9:00pm!! This place was still open and we were pleasantly surprised. This place has a pretty sizable outdoor dinning area and it was packed. The lobsters are fresh and meaty. The sides are delicious too. The corns on the cob are sweet, sweet, sweet. French fries are hearty and excellent. Live music gives this place a lively atmosphere. All in all a great experience. Some people don't like the ordering system, which is more like a fast food restaurant. You pay for your food up front before sitting down. They page you when your food is ready and you go pick it up yourself. I think it works well and is more efficient than having waiters take the order. Not to mention you save a bit on tips too.

    (3)
  • Ashley C.

    Would give this place 3.5 stars. Recommend the twin lobster meal, which comes with two 1 lb lobster, fries and a corn on the cob. If you're really hungry, this can definitely be a meal for one person or you can share it like my friend and I did (we wanted to save room for dessert haha). Food: The lobster was fresh - dip it into the hot butter for flavor. Fries were standard and the corn was sweet as it should be. There was really nothing "special" about the food - nothing that stood out compared to the other restaurants we ate at in Maine. Service: Not a very service-oriented place. You order inside, wait for the buzzer to go off, pick up your food at the window and also throw your own trays. Of course being the "tourist trap" that it is, this place was extremely packed. We waited about 20 min to get outside seating (inside seating was available right away) and waited 45+ minutes for our food. Ambiance: Very lively as there was a band playing and lots of people sitting around the shack bar. The outside seating in the waterfront was a nice touch. It was a good experience, but I don't think it was worth the wait. If I came back, I would just try another place in Old Portland.

    (3)
  • John C.

    Okay. This is a tourist trap of sorts. Being a seafood place and all. But it is also a great venue to listen to great local musicians play and have a beverage and dance. The local food is great and the beer selection is also good. Highly recommended.

    (4)
  • Jim H.

    Hey, hey, hey; it may be a "tourist trap" but then again it's near a number of hotels full of tourists, within walking distance, on the water, has everything food wise that you came to Maine for, the food is good and it's kinda fun. Order at a counter inside that includes just a few tables, get the famous flashing lobster pager to await your feast. The weather was cold (the reason Floridians come to Maine in June) and we sat outside at picnic style tables on a pier over the water, which had the see through sides in place and was heated. Took the "beer chit" to the bar and tried our first pitcher of Allagash White Ale. Did I sense a sneer from the barmaid that drew the pitcher? I did, but I don't really think I need to tip for 25 seconds of someone doing their job. This was our first meal in town and we started with steamed clams. Large and plump soft shells served with a seasoned flavorful clam broth for rinsing and of course later drinking, followed by steamed lobster dinners. I was taught as a little kid how to "COMPLETELY" eat lobster, and it's a long time ordeal of pleasure. Served with french fries, excellent cole slaw and corn on the cob. All the sides were good, but it's hard to compete with the greatest prize in food; the two pound lobster. BTW, this was our go to place after our delicious but scant meal at Eventide (where the portions would be considered small even by starving Ethiopians) and we had fried belly clams (is it the unique texture or the wonderful flavor that's so good?) and shared a lobster roll. It was all good! They have music starting in the early evening and gotta say; sometimes it's good to be a tourist. NOTE TO ALL FUTURE TOURISTS: As I remember the layout here, although it's a short walk to the outdoor/covered dining area and the bar, much of it is outside and uncovered and it would seem like a place to avoid in rainy weather.

    (4)
  • Kacie C.

    Nice experience but didn't start out that way. You need to know the process. First - place order, get a buzzer. Fix your drinks and head outside. Then put your name on the list for a table. Pick up your drinks at the bar. Pick up your food when the buzzer goes off. The process was overwhelming at first. ***No table service**** Maine lobster dinner = excellent Jumbo shrimp cocktail = great Portland Fisherman's platter = great (little over-priced) Child's chicken tenders = great Sangria = excellent Shipyard Seasonal Ale = great Meal and drinks totaled $85ish but no one to tip so that was a plus. Except that there was no one to wait on us either. @@@-It looked super crowded, but we got a table in 15 minutes and our food was ready for pick up no more than 15 more minutes.@@@

    (4)
  • Victoria P.

    I enjoyed my experience here. Great location right on the water in downtown Portland. Prices are fair, food tastes good. No real complaints at all, just nothing stood out to me. Lobster roll was good. I loved my view on the patio. Service was great. The girls that helped me were super friendly. The people working the kitchen are amazing under pressure. Price seemed fair for what I got. Lobster Roll, fries, and coleslaw for $18. My preference for a great lobster roll still stays with Fisherman's Grill on 849 Forest Ave. It's a little more expensive there, but totally worth it.

    (3)
  • C P.

    They are located on the water, dirty port water. You can wait to be seated or sit anywhere along the rail, under the hot sun. It was over a half hour wait for our food and we ordered at the counter. We sat against the railing with the sun blazing down on us. They had live music and the place was packed. They have one restroom with a long line. Our hotel valet attendant recommended this place. The roll was small. The first bite was so rich. The lobster plump and fresh. Our roll made of buttered toasty white bread. The cole slaw lacked acid but the cabbage had a fresh crunch and plenty of caraway seeds. Fries golden brown. Many restaurants in the area serve lobster rolls. This may not be the best place.

    (3)
  • Tiffany F.

    Solid lobster roll. No frills. Fresh seafood. Friendly staff. And if you sit on the patio, you get a pretty view of the water too. TIP: try and get there a little before noon if you're going for lunch to get a good seat because within the minutes after 12pm, the crowds come rolling in.

    (4)
  • Darya S.

    First foodie stop in Portland! Portland Lobster Co is doing it right. Both outdoor and indoor seating, by the water, live music, and delicious food. You order at the counter, they give you a cutesy plastic lobster that buzzes when your food is ready, and in the meantime, you go hunt down a table. Lobster roll - a bit small for the price, but quality was outstanding. Clam chowder - possibly the best clam chowder I've had in my 25 years of life. Blueberry soda - not bad. Not bad at all.

    (5)
  • Peter W.

    Really 3.5 stars. The central location, water view, and classic shack seafood make this place an easy choice to have lunch. We stepped off the trolley tour and were craving lobster after our tour guide started describing the lobster business and facts related to Portland. The clam chowder is the thinner style which I enjoy. The fisherman platter is very filling with fried fish, tiny shrimp, scallops, clams, and fries. I liked the three sauces - tartar, cocktail, and a roulade. The lobster roll was meaty. The grilled cheese was ok. Staff was friendly. The key thing is having nice weather to enjoy the view.

    (3)
  • Stefanie P.

    My husband and I ate here last week when we got into Portland. After reading reviews, I chose PLC because of their lobster roll. I despise mayo so I was pleased to see they make them with butter. The wait seemed a bit long, but we didn't care... We grabbed our beers at the bar outside and relaxed at one of many outside tables on the back deck. I must say, we both loved the lobster rolls! The fries were also delicious with just the right amount of sea salt. I was tempted to go back for another one the next day, but a cruise ship had come in and the place was packed. I was nosey and looked around at other tables and it seemed a lot of people were eating the full lobster too. We will definitely be back for another roll on our next trip to Portland!

    (5)
  • Katie H.

    I have nothing but good things to say about this place. I mayyy or may not have gone on a Lobster Roll binge on my trip to Maine... eating every roll I could get my hands on. And I have to say, Lobster Co. had the best one of the trip. From asking around, this is a spot locals flock to. And why wouldn't they? It's got everything you'd want in a seafood joint. Live music, outdoor seating, awesome scenery, fresh seafood options and wait for it... $3.75 happy hour pints. Never have I ever seen that kind of deal in NY. I see you Portland! Yes, your experience may depend on the permitting weather but luckily we visited on a crystal clear night and it was just the perfect ending to our time in Portland. This place is casual. You order your food at the bar/kiosk and then they hand you the cutest plastic lobster that lights up to let you know your food is ready for pickup. We ordered Steamed Clams, Fried Haddock and I got a Lobster Roll with fries. Everything was fantastic. SUPER fresh and flavorful. A live band comprised of Professors played that night. Not only were they good but they were pretty hilarious! Overall, we had a fantastic experience at Portland Lobster Co. When I return to Maine (which is gonna happen) this will be my first stop in Portland.

    (5)
  • Jimmy J.

    After seeing a long line in the afternoon we decided to check this place out after our sunset cruise. The lobster roll was delicious, A+ but the New England clam chowder was very watery without much clams or potatoes. Live music was a plus. I would recommend if you're in town.

    (4)
  • Jack R.

    The best thing about this place is the lobster pager. You're basically paying for the view and the Maine feel. Be warned it's more expensive than other lobster rolls that you could get along Highway 1. My friends wanted, what else, the lobster roll of course. Comes with crappy thick cut fries. Give me McDonald's fries any time over this stuff and flavorless coleslaw. "Are you writing this all down?" One of my buddies asks. "Yup," I said. "Good, because it's so not worth the price!" Looking at that overpriced sandwich, I knew he was going to say that.

    (3)
  • Linda B.

    I wasn't really impressed, but the crab cake was very delicious with out the bun. D enjoyed his fried clams. You get a very small portion of fries with your meal. The coleslaw was nasty. They have out door seating, which is nice. Its a nice place .

    (3)
  • Michelle T.

    My hotel recommended this place for casual lobster. I ordered the 1 3/4 pound lobster with the beef medallions. It was their version of surf and turf. Overall the lobster was easy to crack. The meal also came with a potato and corn. The corn on the cob was incredibly sweet. The outdoor eating area is is on the water so it can smell like salt water. Very friendly service. The beef was cooked more than I normally like but overall the meal was good.

    (3)
  • Yelena S.

    Our friends had some buddies visiting from California so they decided to give them the ultimate Maine experience; we're talking lighthouses, lobster rolls, the Old Port, Bar Harbor, cute B&B's, camping, you name it. They were headed into town to go to the PLC, go figure being Mainers we'd never actually been so we tagged along to join in on the first-time experience. It's definitely a cool place to bring family and friends who have never been to Maine before, it's right on a dock off Commercial Street. You have to order your meal inside the little restaurant, they give you a vibrating lobster that lights up when your meal is done, and you sit picnic table style with a million other people while listening to live music, it's like a party but without the chaos. The staff are super helpful, even on a busy Saturday night when you have no idea where you're supposed to go. My only gripe was the food, it wasn't that great. I kinda feel like you're paying more for the experience. I had a different picture in mind when I ordered the shrimp wrap, it was disappointingly filled with those tiny itty bitty shrimp which weren't fried to a crisp or even seasoned, they tasted like they were just defrosted and thrown in with a lot of lettuce, tomatoes, and sauce. The fries were basic fries, nothing special. The onion rings were meh, tasted more like breading than anything else. I would recommend coming here for the experience and letting the bland food slide.

    (3)
  • Ben Y.

    Overrated. Food was ok. I went here, just to say I ate a Maine lobster...been there done that kind of deal. If u want lobster, just go buy a lobster tail from your grocery store and steam it. I rather eat snow crabs.

    (3)
  • Ralph L.

    Amazing lobster roll! I can see why they're voted the best of 2015. Wow delicious!!! I cannot wait to come back again! Yummmmmmmy!

    (5)
  • Allison C.

    This place was the lucky winner of the vote in our group! Glad it won :) the food was excellent and the beer menu was awesome. Lots of local brews and meads to choose from. The place is small but you can find a spot to sit on the pier. Give this place a try

    (5)
  • Jane C.

    Decent lobster roll lightly coated with mayo, lobster stew had big chunks of lobsters. You have to order your food and then find the waiters with iPads to get on the wait list for a seat. Live music was okay.

    (3)
  • Jennah A.

    The best lobster roll I had when I came to Maine!! And i caught a lobster on my lucky catch cruise boat tour and brought it here to get cooked up. The staff was friendly and the ambience was nice. A shack feel with local touches

    (5)
  • Paul K.

    Pretty cool spot. Lots of outdoor seating with live music sometimes. Had the twin lobster meal which is always tons of fun. Any meal you eat wearing a bib is fun. Lobster was perfect and the fries were also really good. The slaw felt a bit naked to me but everything else was great. Try their ginger beer if you're feeling adventurous. Lots of kick!

    (4)
  • Neil A.

    This may take the top spot for grabbing a casual dinner in Portland. I was visiting for 2 weeks for work and tried out numerous spots, but I fell in love with Portland Lobster. There was a huge amount of outdoor seating - fairly comfortable albeit park bench style. Their bar had surprisingly good taps and was one of the few I found Maine Beer Co. Plus they had a decent cover band playing all the jams throughout dinner. Most importantly though, the food was awesome. I was very impressed with the lobster roll, with fresh-tasting large chunks of meat and awesome slaw. A friend got a steamed lobster and sung its praises too. I even got a 'pint' of fried Maine shrimp and it was delightful. This will definitely be a go-to on my next visit.

    (5)
  • Toby R.

    I loved the clam cake and definitely the lobster roll!!!! I felt like the sweet butter they drizzled on top helped bring out the flavor of the lobster.

    (4)
  • Leo K.

    If you are looking for a no frills, quick and easy lobster roll to get your fix, this is the spot. Interior has the ship look with about 4 tables for seating, and more seating outside. Order at the counter and pick up at the window outside. -Lobster roll is delicious, good amount of meat and bun is well toasted and buttery -Solid fries to go along with the roll -Not a fan of the Slaw that comes with it, had to add a lot of salt to it -Fried calamari were also delicious here, good portion and great tartar sauce While the prices here seem a bit high for a no frills spot, the taste here is great and you don't have to have a full on dinner, and still get your lobster roll fix

    (4)
  • Travis S.

    I came here last year and wanted to eat at this place due to its reviews but unfortunately it was out of lobster season so they were closed. So I went back to get some nice fresh lobster. I had some pretty high expectations due to having to wait a whole year. I got the best seller and the lady's recommendation the Maine Lobster Roll. When I got it I was overwhelmed by how much lobster there was on it but it was cold, not sure if all lobster rolls are like that though but I would think having it warm might have been better maybe. The BIG downside was that it was pretty plain. There was no sauce on it whatsoever so it was just bread, lettuce, and lobster. Don't get me wrong the lobster was good but there was nothing exciting about it. If it had a nice sauce on it or drizzle of something it would have been a lot better.

    (3)
  • Lindsay W.

    Maybe 4.5? It's pretty great for what it is. It's a perfect spot for tourists - gives you the full-on Portland, ME experience. Live music, good lobster rolls, and you're on the water. Staff is nice too. I great spot to have some drinks outside. Downside is the wait sometimes. I've heard music I've liked and not liked. It can be a bit crowded but it's a fun spot! The lobster roll is really good but I've heard not necessarily the best in town.

    (4)
  • Tiffany C.

    Portland Lobster Co is a must visit. Some people say it's a tourist trap. Whether that's true or not, this place still has delicious and fresh tasting lobsters! I shared the twin lobster dinner and fried clams with my husband. However, I would say the portions are very small. But The harbor view makes up for everything!

    (4)
  • Keith W.

    This place gets a lot of tourist hype and I don't really get it. Yes, it gets ultra crowded and they have live music but the ordering system is completely bizarre. They want you to go inside and stand in line to put a food order in. Once you do that go outside and put your name on the list to get a table but you have to order food first. You also pay for your first drinks when you order food and take your receipt to the outdoor bar to receive your drink. Oddly enough getting our table and our food worked out as planned but there has to be a better way. Now the food.....meh. I had eaten about 5 lobster rolls the entire weekend and started ranking them....this one came in last. There are a plethora of options for great lobster in Portland and Portland Lobster Co. did not impress me. The trick is usually the bun because fresh lobster is easy to come by.....below par.

    (3)
  • Christine L.

    It was years ago, but I think this is where I had my first authentic Maine Lobster Roll! It was a beautifully sunny summer day back in '12 when I first moved out here, and this place hasn't changed too much since. Quick indoor orders, cute lobster shaped buzzers, and live-music that just can't be beat. Two years later, I'm still happy to come to this somewhat tourist trap for their fresh lobster rolls and their LOBSTER STEW! That stuff is super pricey but delicious. There's no way I could afford to get a cold roll + hot stew for lunch if it costs me over $20, but it's definitely worth sharing when friends come from out of town! The fries that come with the lobster roll are pretty darn tasty too! Just don't come sick like I did, because I wasn't allowed to eat any of those greasy goodies.

    (4)
  • LC D.

    This place had what I'm told are delicious lobster rolls. I'm honestly not the best person to ask but I think they were just alright. My boyfriend said the same and he knows his lobster rolls as he is from Massachusetts and says Rockport has the best lobster he's had. What I can comment on is the ambiance. Love it! We sat outside on a gorgeous day and really enjoyed ourselves except for how crowded it was. I say it's worth checking out. Split a lobster roll, grab a local brew and. Enjoy the views. A couple things to note: - bathroom lines are really long - if you have to wait in line for the bathroom ask someone in the party to order and grab a table (the food service takes forever!) big it wasn't so beautiful outside, it wouldn't have been worth the wait.

    (3)
  • Jer H.

    The good: great seating, nice drink selection, awesome location. The bad: there were hardly any fries on the side and the lobster roll was very small. The hot dog roll on which it was served was also a bit dry. For the sake of the biggest city in the number one lobster state, I hope that nobody takes their "Portland's Best Lobster Roll!" sign seriously.

    (2)
  • Jane P.

    We've been many times, we always have the lobster and it doesn't disappoint. It's conveniently located downtown Portland and their beer selection is decent. The outside seating is a plus and there is live music. I haven't had any of their fried seafood so I can't say how it is, but did have the bourbon scallops once and they were exquisite. The lobster dinner comes with corn on the cob which I typically ignore but this time I tried it and boy am I glad I did. It was really good sweet corn! I was surprised because frankly it's pretty difficult to get good corn on the cob in a restaurant. This place is a solid choice if you're downtown and want lobster. True of many lobster places it seems, this place lacks an outside sink to wash your hands. One-person bathroom stalls result in a long line, usually filled with many who just want to wash their hands. I'm a fan of the Allagash Black Ale. They have it on tap.

    (4)
  • Jayson J.

    Awesome Atmosphere! Located right on the docks. The bar is right outside next to the deck seating. Food is fantastic! My wife was a little disappointed with the lobster roll, felt it was a little small for the price ($17). I got the Fishermen's platter, portion was huge, seafood was cooked perfectly. The next time I come to Portland with friends, this will be the place I will go to have some beers!

    (5)
  • Bill K.

    Right on the dock. We came here for dinner although it seemed very crowded, we didn't have a long wait for our food The fried dinners we both had satisfied that once a year craving for fried seafood and fried with a beer Very large selection of brews We enjoyed the 4 piece band ... A very festive atmosphere !

    (4)
  • Chris M.

    Had dinner. The location was great. We got the lobster stew, it was ok. Not the best I've had. The lobster mac and cheese was also just ok. Not spectacular. The woman behind the counter were rude and so snotty. The music was fun and the deck was fun. Would not go back.

    (3)
  • Katie M.

    The ordering style was a bit confusing. Loud when we were there (band playing), and hard to get through the mob of people by the bar after you got your food from the window. Great food, got the shrimp wrap, lobster roll, and a bacon and scallop special. All delicious.

    (3)
  • Larissa P.

    Great food, nice casual ambiance with outdoor seating and live music, but you do need to know the protocol for ordering and getting seated - it's a bit confusing for newbies. Place your order inside and get a buzzer, then put your name in for a table. Drinks are ordered from the bar after that (if you want them). We had the crab burger, seafood burger, and onion rings. We didn't realize the burgers also came with fries, otherwise we probably would have skipped the o-rings. Burgers were excellent: nice buttery buns and great flavor. Onion rings were good too - light breading that stayed on and the onion didn't slide out when you bit into it. Negatives: Cole slaw wasn't my favorite (it was pretty dry) and we had to wait longer than I expected (nearly 45 mins) for our food to arrive, which seems like a long time for that type of food.

    (4)
  • Jillian W.

    Great casual atmosphere. We are repeat customers. I think many people view this place as a touristy place.. Who cares? It has great food and a great ambiance. Live music on the dock.. Bar with lots of good options... Fresh cool air in the summer night. Can't beat it. The last few times we were here, our only complaint was that seating took a long time. However, now they have a system that seems to work. Granted, we usually visit with a larger group, and this time it was just me and my husband. They might consider working on their food prep time next. Still takes a while for food to be ready. You have to go pick it up at the window, which we don't mind, but it just takes a little longer than expected for what we ordered. Again, it isn't the worst thing in the world to hang out and listen to the music while we wait.. But when you're hungry, you're hungry. Maybe they should even consider having the host or hostess leave you with some sort of snack on the table to hold you over while you wait? Bread, popcorn, chips? I recommend the lobster dinner. I also LOVE their bourbon bacon scallop special. Melt-in-your-mouth delicious!

    (5)
  • Harmony H.

    Really good and affordable lobster rolls and fries in a great location in Portland! It is right on the water and they have live music and outdoor seating. They also have beer and wine that you can get at the bar outside if you aren't getting food. I highly recommend it!

    (5)
  • Jason Y.

    Heard this place was one of the places that you had to visit while you're in Portland so this was the first place I visited. It was a great place, right on the water, with an awesome vibe. When we were there, they had a live band playing which was perfect for the warm weather. We ordered two lobster roles with fries and a pitcher of beer as well. I thought the lobster roll was great; there was no mayo, dressing, that weighed the roll down and the lobster itself was so fresh and clean. We also ordered a pitcher of Blueberry beer which was great as well. With an awesome vibe, and great service, I would say this place is a must go to in Portland.

    (4)
  • Euge L.

    It was an hour long wait for the food. The lobster stew was lackluster. Just floury lobster bisque with some lobster knuckles sprinkled on top. The clam chowder was ok. The main (Maine) issue was that the food was so slow that we waited an hour for the fries and chicken fingers. The cashier was unapologetic an. The bathroom situation was a long wait. Skip this place.

    (1)
  • Jason H.

    This is a low key type of joint. You order at front or the bar and get a lobster buzzer for your order. The food is good and they have a nice view of the harbor in the back. It is less expensive than other places on Commercial Street. They cooked our lobsters and gave us fries, corn and slaw for $10. Their chowder is good too.

    (5)
  • Kelli T.

    Food and atmosphere was great! It was highly recommended and didn't disappoint. Nothing like having a lobster roll over looking the water. It was packed (July 4th weekend) but we got lucky with a high table next to the beautiful boats. We shared a lobster roll along with a local craft beer and glass of wine.

    (4)
  • Dawn C.

    BOOOOOO! HISSSSS!!!! My mother in law bought dinner and 2 beers for four at 77 bucks. I ate my lobster roll in 5 bites. It was my first (of about 12 rolls) roll when I hit Maine. Without anything to compare it to, one would think I would LOVE this roll. Erm uhno I prefer my buns toasted (heyoh) and I noticed they are not toasted - no biggie *shrug*. Oh wait - the FRIES were also not warm. So I do not know if this place DOES in fact warm their bun buns.. (which is bothering me now) or they are into serving cold, limp food. Roll = cold Fries = cold Beer = Deeelish and Cold (yummy) I wanted to flip the table after my retired MIL spend that gob of cash on half -a$$ food (but I would have lost my beer) but the service was great.... and I did not have it in my heart to make them clean it.. But in my mind?!?!? That crap food should have been thrown in the water. We got snacks later. Everything tasted pretty bitter after that meal. Booooneesssss Waste of money on the real. it is a good place to drink and listen to music outside. If you order anything - order crap that is already cold. less disappointment that way

    (1)
  • Drake D.

    WORST SERVICE AND FOOD I HAVE HAD IN OVER 7,000 MILES OF TRAVEL. If I could give zero stars I certainly would. 20$ for a piece of bread topped with a pinch of lobster and browning lettuce. Oh forgot to mention the tablespoon of tasteless coleslaw and half handful of soggy fries that accompanied this truly sad representation of a lobster roll. Did I mention I waited almost an hour for it? Do yourself a favor and go somewhere with flavor. This place blows. Denny's could do better.

    (1)
  • Emily C.

    I really love the vibe here - it just screams New England! Waterfront picnic tables, live music, lobster, fried seafood and a generally pleasant atmosphere. The lobster wasn't the best I've had and for a $16 measly lobster roll on a hot dog bun I certainly expected to be more impressed! The wait was considerable for slapping together lobster meat on a hot dog bun - we waited about half an hour. Still though, we weren't in a rush and enjoyed our experience overall - it just could have been improved upon!

    (3)
  • Jennifer T.

    We had a lot of good food in Maine. This was just ok. The best thing to get here was lobster. We got haddock sandwiches. A lot of bread. The staff was fun and dock was fun but food just ok.

    (3)
  • K W.

    The location and atmosphere are great. There is outdoor and open air seating and on a nice day it's a perfect place to enjoy a meal. As for the food....it's ok. We ordered four lobster rolls and they each come with a small cup of slaw and a generous portion of fries. I was surprised to wait 30+ minutes for our food. The slaw was good. The lobster was served cold and a little on the tough side. I prefer the roll itself to be warm and buttered (these were just toasted).

    (3)
  • Marissa Grace M.

    Loved the atmosphere here. Live music, solid seafood (exception: we didn't like the calamari) and an outdoor patio bar. Read more here: marissagrace.com/reviews…

    (4)
  • Jeremy S.

    This is really more of a three and a half stars. The lobster here was great. Really, really good. The ambiance was fun, shacky. Maybe a little touristy. The staff was nice. The corn and fries were just okay. The clam chowder was very good but just too thick. So all in all, come for the food but don't expect the best sides or environment. Oh, and the prices are slightly expensive.

    (4)
  • Marni P.

    As a non lobster eater, I really wasn't expecting much in terms of excitement here. But the love of the waterfront, not just those sea-bugs, is palpable. Almost makes me want to eat the little guys myself! Well... Almost ;) This place is a tiny shack on the waterfront with a back "porch" stretching into a bar/music stage/picnic tables. It was the perfect atmosphere to enjoy the Portland waterfront! And they did have non lobster options but from what was being said (or rather, consumed vigorously) from my friends eating lobster, the catch was quite good. Again, I have no idea what entails "good" icky sea bug from "bad" so you'll have to take their appetite as the final word there. I had a chicken wrap and was not dissapointed. After placing your order, they give you a buzzer (lobster shaped of course) and you wait anxiously for your food. Or you act like you're too cool for that and hit the bar which is stocked with portland's own unique brews as well as some classics. Once your buzzer buzzes you pick up your meal from the little shack window and hit the picnic table. My only complaint is that the bathrooms are one person only but it's an old small shack on the port so not exactly lots of expansion room. If I travel here again with sea food lovers, I'll be happy to have another go at it!

    (4)
  • Jennifer L.

    Wouldn't go as far as saying that this is the #1 spot for lobster or seafood in Portland, but damn if it doesn't have the best view! I carried over my lobster from Lucky Catch, and I was kind of worried about how to go about my order, but I had heard a woman who worked our boat tell someone else "just bring it over, and they will do it all for you" and they did. I walked up, they put it in a bowl, asked if I wanted a baked potato or fries, and that was it! My boyfriend got some salmon special, and his was pretty good. I thought the corn on the cob was overcooked, cole slaw no bueno, and the baked potato was nothing to write home about. The guy next to us got some kind of amazing fried fisherman's feast, and when he saw me staring at it lovingly, he said "just a little snack" and we shared a chuckle. There is nothing like sitting on that dock and watching boats come in and out. So Maine, so Wow. The order took about 20 minutes, but I got an individual bottle of prosecco for $7.50 and had a priceless view so who's counting the minutes? Not me.

    (4)
  • Emily T.

    Best lobsta roll I had while visiting for a long weekend. The location also can't be beat. This is a great spot to catch some live music and have a cold beer on a hot summer day. It

    (5)
  • Elvi W.

    Lobster roll taste better than the steamed lobster.seafood platter was average.clam chowder was good. Fries is salty.waited 40 minutes for the food.

    (3)
  • Carlos M.

    We loved the lobster and by the look of the picture, our boys did too! My husband had the scallops and he really enjoyed it as well. The live music and outside seating was a plus.

    (4)
  • Alex L.

    Step 1) Catch a lobster at Lucky Catch Cruises. Step 2) Buy said-lobster from Lucky Catch Cruises for $5-6 and bring it on next door. Step 3) Ask them to cook it for you. Comes with corn, choice of french fries or baked potato and coleslaw. They'll charge you $10 for it and it'll be the most delicious and freshest lobster you've ever had at a restaurant. The end.

    (5)
  • Mark L.

    Another business trip another chance to try a new place. Stopped by another place but they weren't open for a late lunch. The recommended this place. You can order inside or at the outdoor bar. I ordered inside and then went outside to pick up my adult beverage. The place was packed around 2 pm on a Monday and getting an outdoor table was a challlenge. I ended up sitting at the bar and chatted with the people next to me. The wait staff were great. It took about 35 minutes for my lobster roll to show up. It was pretty good, but not knock your socks off, "you gotta try this". I eat a lot of lobster in the Caribbean and while it is a different lobster, I was really expecting something on par with the spiny lobster. The lobster roll was basically cold steamed lobster with butter on top. No dressings, no condiments or added flavoring. Loved the outdoor seating on the pier.

    (4)
  • Michael G.

    Great atmosphere, a trey east coast experience. Friendly staff and great lobster, the tail was a bit tuff but overall great flavor. Neat bayside dining.

    (4)
  • Kathy H.

    Lobster was cold which rendered the lobster tasteless. Disappointed after a long wait.

    (1)
  • Nancy B.

    Totally disappointed with the meal. Lobster stew was barely a stew. No flavor. Just great lobster chunks thrown in at last minute. Lobster roll was a good size. Just surprised lobster was freezing cold. Wished it was warm. Shrimp dinner had shrimp that were tiny and didn't seem freshly cooked. Stews and chowder were bland. Frustrating since we spent $$$ on a dinner four.

    (2)
  • Geoffrey B.

    Had the lobster roll and lobster stew. Expected better. Lobster roll is served cold which some may like but I prefer it hot with butter. Lobster stew was bland. Not worth the money. Will not return.

    (2)
  • Catie C.

    Since I was a tourist, I might as well go for a tourist trap! Or was it Yelp that trapped me!? Going for the touristy vibe? Just great. Going for awesome seafood? Ehh, not quite there. Since their sidewalk board was overhyping the lobster roll, I decided to try it. Maybe because I'm from Boston.. Who freaking invented cold lobster meat with warm butter!? Ya ha, that's what it is in this Portland joint. Portland Style eh? After the first bite, the image racing thru my head was congealing butter on my cold lobster meat. Ya man, I know how to fantasize on making my meal 100x more savory!

    (3)
  • Mary M.

    Good local seafood restaurant. Great value and excellent food. We always visit when we are in Portland.

    (5)
  • Joe D.

    Food was good but the wait was incredibly long (after we ordered) for some lobster rolls. Took 40 minutes to get our food.

    (3)
  • S D.

    It's just not that great. Fried clam were more fried matter than clams....at leat a 6 to 1 ratio. Beers were $7.. just not worth the cost.

    (3)
  • Ronald K.

    Food location and people were great!! Just down from boats, within walking distance of shops and hotels.

    (4)
  • Marc L.

    The largest portion of fish & chips I have ever had. The fish was great & the fries came out extra crispy as requested. The clam chowder was less than stellar- hardly had any clams in it & the broth was flavorless. The fried calamari was a small portion & just so so with only rings & no tentacles. The upside we will return & try other items.

    (4)
  • Sara P.

    This place was absolutely packed, so we stood in line to order and then - lobster buzzer in hand - braved the Seat Search. The back deck had tons of picnic tables and a host was helping to maintain a sort-of list of people waiting and then ushering them in when other folks left. Pretty smooth system, all things considered, and we had a place to sit within about 20 minutes of arriving. We both had the lobster roll, which came with cole slaw and fries. Everything was delish! No complaints there. This is definitely a touristy place but the food is good and the experience seemed worth it. The staff was friendly and accommodating, and there was live music and lots of sunshine. Highly recommend if you're trying to cram some quintessential Portland activities into just a day or two, like we were.

    (4)
  • Paulas B.

    It was not as good as I thought it'd be to be completely honest but still good though.

    (3)
  • Tommy L.

    Portland Lobster Co fits the bill of a waterfront dining spot that can pack you full of lobster and other seafood. Touristy? Everywhere on the water is. Yummy? For sure. It can get absolutely packed but if you can snag a table, which are plentiful, enjoy the fresh ocean air and dig in. lobster roll comes beautifully unadorned and you can drench in butter til you're hearts content. Fries (not just chips) come standard and are apparently actually thoughtfully made (crispy and tossed w sea salt). Make note, you seat yourself, then order at the bar, getting a buzzer to pick up your food. And they have pitchers! Save yourself a couple bucks if you are going to have more than 4 beers at your table!

    (4)
  • Mike Y.

    Went in today to place a simple to-go order. 15 mins later I asked, how much longer? "Another 15 mins" they told me. 30 minutes for 2 lobster salads?? Hell no. I asked for a refund and left immediately. Thanks for wasting my time. Next time, let the customer know what to expect before we place an order!

    (1)
  • Dani M.

    I had my first "bug on a plate" here. Order at the front and wait for your lobster buzzer to light up. Then go grab your food and get ready to enjoy a nice juicy lobster- coleslaw, fries and a sweet whole corn on the cob. The restaurant is right on the dock. It was a little cold the night we went, but they had a tent with heatlamps.

    (3)
  • Mog V.

    Really 2.5 but I gave them the benefit of the doubt. I had to stop by to see if it lived up to its vaulted reviews. Meh, it wasn't bad but it wasn't the Great Wall of China either. If I lived there I'm not convinced I would return as it was incredibly expensive for what I got and the quality. The "hot dog bun" for roll was stale and cheap. I think it thrives on the tourist crowds but was essentially unremarkable it just about every way you could evaluate it.

    (3)
  • John K.

    Extremely overrated. Came up from New York with a group of friends to find good lobsters- this place was the only place that gave us an unsatisfactory experience. We all got lobster rolls with clam chowder and lobster stew. The lobster rolls were very bland and very small portions for the price we paid. Clam chowder, also very bland. Lobster stew, however, was well seasoned and had a good balance. This place is right by the water, which is a great view plus the live band playing at the time we were there but, we literally went there for the food experience and it was very disappointing. Will not come back when back in Maine.

    (1)
  • Brandy C.

    The live music and outdoor atmosphere is great, but it took 45 minutes for us to get our meal. Granted it was a Saturday night in summer, but still. Do not recommend the lobster roll or lobster stew. The lobster roll was tiny and a little confusing - it was buttered lobster like would be in a hot roll, but it was cold. The stew was not very flavorful and had more potatoes than lobster. We DO recommend the twin lobster dinner, however, and definitely indulge in the lobster mac and cheese if it is available. Possibly the best lobster mac we've tried, and a pretty big portion.

    (3)
  • Pao T.

    I came here as they were opening at 11am. They have an expansive deck and outside dinning area. They also have an outside bar. If it is your first time here, as it was mine, there is something you should know. You first order at the counter and get a lobster buzzer. The. You have to pick up your beer order from the bar outside and wait for the buzzer to ring to get the food from the pick up window. Foodwise I received large pieces of lobster claw in my lobster roll. The roll also came with Cole slaw so I was surprised by that. Aside from that it was a nice warm day so the view and atmosphere was perfect.

    (4)
  • Jackie M.

    We ordered a clam chowder and lobster stew. My sisters meal arrived 30 minutes before mine and both were cold. Soup itself was a white tasteless fluid and the clam and lobster thrown in on top. Won't be returning, regardless of the ok view.

    (1)
  • Tony M.

    Was visiting Maine for the first time ever for work, so I definitely wanted to try a lobster roll. 19 dollars later for one of the most unfilling sandwiches ever. I asked myself , what the hell!? That's it?! And for the cost of my right arm. I was not impressed. 19 dollars?! Really?! I thought this was Maine, the best place in the country to get lobster. I've have better lobster in Nebraska. And for a lot less? I mean, shit! The lobster comes straight off the boat, 100 yards away from the restaurant and they charge me almost 19 dollars for a tiny lobster roll. I won't be going back to this tourist trap. Do better Portland.

    (2)
  • Jamey S.

    The lobster, a seat by the water, and the live music made this meal one I'll remember for a long time. I ordered an IPA named "Lunch" which was the icing on the cake.

    (5)
  • Anna D.

    This is where you go when you want very casual, outdoor dining, a typical Maine clambake-type menu, and live music. You stand in line, order what looks divine, and wait for your red lobster to vibrate! There is a large space w/ about 15 pub style tables with umbrellas near the bar and live music area and then a larger, designated, sit down, covered eating area as well. The music can get very loud if you're too close. The pub tables also get filled quickly on beautiful days, to be expected; the restaurant sits parallel to the wharf that the Odyssey and Lucky Catch Cruises dock at. Last night, we shared an order of the mussels and onion rings. Delightful! The mussels were steamed and served with a side of white wine, butter, garlic, & fennel. The size was a perfect starter for two people. The onion rings (which I probably order twice a year) were also very flavorful. They were hand cut and lightly herb battered - very different, but such a good touch! I wish the summer wasn't coming to an end, but unfortunately, it's time for me to start frequenting indoor spaces soon :)

    (5)
  • Mikey H.

    Without a doubt the most disappointing lobster roll experience of my life. I wanted to love it. It's a nice spot on the water with lots of people. And it's called Portland lobster co so it's gotta be the real deal. First of all, 18 bucks is a little stiff for lobster roll but we had been paying 12-15 at other places, so we could live with price. It was about a ten minute for the highly anticipated lobster roll. The first bite - totally bland. Incredibly tasteless. Then the second bite - more of the same. We felt cheated, almost violated. Literally not an ounce of flavor. An incredible waste of time and money.

    (1)
  • Stephanie G.

    I spent 2 nights in Portland. Basically it seems like it is raining lobsters wherever you go. Last night I ate at J's Oyster. Tonight I ate at the Portland Lobster Company. If you can only go to J Ouster's and Portland Lobster, go to Portland Lobster first so that you won't be disappointed like I was. J. Oyster's is far better. Portland Lobster has competitive prices. At both locations I got mussels and a lobster roll. Both were better at J. Oyster's. Portland Lobster has a nice deck and also had live music. Also located within eyeshot of Portland Lobster is, surprisingly, a chunk of the actual Berlin Wall. What? That was kinda cool.

    (3)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:00 am - 10

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Lunch, Dinner
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Loud
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : No
    Caters : No

Portland Lobster Co

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