Lodge + Dine announces a 5-star rating for Ogunquit Lobster Pound after a day’s visit evaluating the guest experience. The restaurant delivered exceptionally in its signature lobster cuisine, inviting rustic ambiance, and warm attentive service.
Established in 1931, the Ogunquit Lobster Pound has been proudly serving the best Maine lobster for generations. Guests are invited to choose their own live lobster to be boiled in seawater, a time-honored Maine tradition that captures the essence of coastal dining. Now in its 93rd year, this establishment continues to uphold and expand upon its legacy of consistency, quality, and heartfelt service.
The ambiance is a perfect reflection of its history, combining rustic charm with a sense of warmth that immediately puts diners at ease. Wooden beams stretch across the ceilings, polished tables are carefully arranged, and the stone fireplace glows with a welcoming fire. Depending on where you sit, you may be bathed in the soft glow of the flames or enjoy views through the windows that frame Maine’s natural scenery.
The menu captures the heart of Maine, with dishes that are both traditional and indulgent. Appetizers set the tone with offerings such as Maine Steamer Clams—sweet and tender longnecks served with broth and drawn butter—or the golden-baked Hot Artichoke Dip, paired with crisp pita triangles. The Hot Boiled Maine Lobster remains the star of the show, praised by Phantom Gourmet as New England’s “Best Boiled Lobster.” Boiled in seawater and expertly cracked for ease, it is the kind of dish where simplicity reveals perfection. For those seeking a richer interpretation, the Lobster Pie, baked with butter, sherry, and a cracker crumb topping, offers indulgence in every bite.
Soups here deserve special mention. The Lobster Stew is hearty and creamy, brimming with chunks of lobster that bring comfort with every spoonful, while the Lobster Bisque delivers a velvety smoothness and a depth of shellfish flavor that lingers long after the last taste. Pasta lovers will be drawn to the Lobster Alfredo, where lobster mingles with penne in a parmesan cream sauce that feels both decadent and satisfying. To finish, the Old-Fashioned Lace Oatmeal Cookie strikes a nostalgic chord, its crisp edges and chewy center making for a simple yet memorable ending.
The service throughout enhances the experience with genuine warmth. The staff balance attentiveness with a relaxed ease, ensuring drinks are replenished and meals are perfectly timed without ever feeling intrusive. Their friendliness feels authentic, echoing the long-standing tradition of hospitality that has kept this establishment thriving for nearly a century.
What remains after a visit here is not only the flavor of perfectly prepared lobster but also the sense of being part of something enduring. This is a restaurant that carries its legacy with pride, delivering tradition without ever feeling outdated. For anyone seeking a true Maine dining experience—whether gathering with family, enjoying a romantic evening, or celebrating life’s milestones—this 5-star establishment offers everything one could hope for in a meal to remember.
Ogunquit, Maine Series: Experience Upscale Seaside Dining with Atlantic Views at MC Perkins Cove
Ogunquit, Maine Series: Bright Mediterranean Plates With Untapped Potential at The Front Yard
Ogunquit, Maine Series: The Crooked Pine, A Hidden Gem of Contemporary American Dining at Its Best