Charlotte's Legendary Lobster Pound — Restaurant in Southwest Harbor

EDIT: My review below still stands, but I wanted to edit in reply to the owner’s response. When a customer is dissatisfied with quality, value, ambience, service, or any other component of a dining experience, readers can usually read between the lines and decide for themselves whether or not the reviewer is being unjustifiably critical. For example, when a reviewer dings an establishment in a review because rain ruined the view, or a large, rowdy group ruined the ambiance, such reviews do not reflect the intrinsic quality of the establishment under review. However, when a customer speaks specifically to that which was consumed, and assuming the reviewer has a reasonable breadth of experience dining out, an owner response that disparages the reviewer by suggesting he or she just doesn’t get it, only adds distaste to the experience. To the owner I would say this: please consider the possibility that on the day I dined at your establishment, the quality of your food was not to par with what you strive for and expect.

—- Original Review:

I really wanted to give this place more than 2 stars, but just can’t. It’s a cute place, and maybe our expectations were high because of the word “Legendary” in the name. We had a lobster roll and the lobster grilled cheese. This was our third lobster roll during our visit to Acadia, and this one was just so-so, with the lobster a little on the tough side (over cooked, perhaps), and the tiny bit of mayo not even enough to see or taste, but just enough to make the flavor a little odd. The worst part was the bread roll itself - not very fresh. A $20 three-ingredient sandwich really does require that each component be good. I was so disappointed. My husband’s lobster grilled cheese was pretty good, although don’t be fooled by the “three cheeses”. It wasn’t very cheesy at all! It had mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar (if I remember correctly), but they must have been three very thin slices. As for the lobster, same issue as...

This place is doing god's work, and I'm not even sure I believe in a god. At least I didn't until I started coming here. After our first visit, we ate here 5 times in one week. If you see someone who gave this a low rating, you should immediately dismiss their opinion on all subjects. In fact, they should have their reviewing privileges permanently revoked. Ideally they would also be subsequently tarred and feather, but I suppose that's just wishful thinking. I only say all of this to express to you, dear reader, that this IS ONE OF THE BEST PLACES I'VE EVER BEEN IN MY LIFE. Everything on the menu is delicious. The owner takes the kind of time and care that few ever do; meticulously hand-purchasing every ingredient they use, to ensure quality. And while you're eating, you may be greeted by some of the friendly local whitetails, as they graze the neighboring meadow. You may have a chat with the owner's father, who just happens to be the friendliest guy ever. They have a cozy little outdoor fireplace that he regularly stokes with care. The most important part of all the this is that Charlotte's is a small, family-owned business, and they care deeply about what they do. If you're headed to MDI, and you want to have a REAL Downeast food experience, skip the pile of festering cow dung that is Bar Harbor, and head toward Seawall. It will be the best decision...

Not just great food, Charlotte's is an experience in and of itself. You might plan your trip to be Acadia National Park's Seawall campground knowing that every day you could come for lunch or dinner less than a mile up the road to Charlotte's. there's a wood-burning stove and a seating area protected from the wind for those chilly Maine days. I recommend the bisque-owder ( lobster bisque and chowder combo). Beyond the food, Charlotte has old-fashioned games such as stick horses, hula hoops and potato sacks for having a race. The highlight for kids might be feeding the miniature goats. She has yoga mats available if you need to stretch out. The goats are not available for goat yoga. If you're a history buff, the oldest cemetery on the island is right on Charlotte's property. One headstone documents a woman's years, months, and days of her life. Something to think about. Just Google Charlotte's legendary lobster and you can learn about her involvement in supporting the lobster industry at the state level. She was also involved a worldwide debate over the use of cannabis to reduce the pain felt by the lobsters before they become our food. I found an a article in DownEast Maine magazine to be very informative. I didn't get any free lobster for writing this long review for Charlotte's Legendary Lobster Pound. I just really enjoyed...