Thurston's Lobster Pound — Restaurant in Tremont

Perched on the edge of Bass Harbor in Bernard, Maine, Thurston’s Lobster Pound is more than just a restaurant — it’s a Maine coastal experience that’s as authentic as the granite shores and salty air that surround it. Family-run for generations, Thurston’s has become a cherished destination for locals, tourists, and seafood lovers alike, drawing visitors from all over the country who come in search of the freshest lobster and a true taste of Down East culture.

Thurston’s sets itself apart with its unmatched commitment to quality and freshness. The lobsters served here are hauled directly from the frigid Atlantic waters that lap at the restaurant’s own dock, often by local lobstermen who have been working with the Thurston family for decades. This direct, dock-to-table model means that the lobster isn’t just fresh — it’s as fresh as it gets. There are no middlemen, no warehouses, and no long journeys. What you’re eating was likely crawling on the ocean floor just hours before being steamed to perfection.

The setting of Thurston’s is just as memorable as the food. The restaurant sits right on the water, with a wide, covered deck offering panoramic views of Bass Harbor and the surrounding lobster boats. You can sit with a tray of steamed lobster or a buttery lobster roll and watch the very same boats that brought in your meal bobbing gently in the harbor. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming — picnic tables, paper napkins, and the gentle clatter of trays being picked up at the counter. It’s unpretentious, comfortable, and real.

But the real star, of course, is the lobster itself. Whether you order it steamed and served whole with melted butter and corn on the cob, or tucked into a buttery split-top bun as a lobster roll, every bite at Thurston’s is a reminder of why Maine lobster is world-famous. The meat is sweet, firm, and flavorful, perfectly cooked and served without unnecessary dressing or distractions. It’s the kind of meal that feels deeply satisfying and deeply local.

The lobster roll at Thurston’s deserves a spotlight of its own. It’s one of the best you’ll find in New England — stuffed full of tender claw and knuckle meat, lightly dressed (or undressed, if you prefer), and served on a perfectly toasted bun. No frills, no lettuce filler, just pure lobster flavor. Many visitors consider it a must-try item and make the drive from Bar Harbor or Acadia National Park just to get their hands on one.

But Thurston’s menu offers more than just lobster. Their clam chowder is rich and creamy without being overly heavy, packed with chunks of clam and potato. The crab rolls, steamed mussels, and even non-seafood options like burgers and salads are prepared with care and high-quality ingredients. Everything is made with a kind of quiet excellence that reflects the Thurston family’s decades-long dedication to their craft.

What truly elevates Thurston’s, however, is the sense of tradition and community that you feel the moment you arrive. The Thurston family has been part of the Bernard fishing community since the 1940s, and that deep-rooted connection is evident in every part of the business — from the friendly staff who know regulars by name, to the lobstermen who tie up their boats at the dock after a long day on the water. Eating at Thurston’s feels like being welcomed into a long-standing Maine tradition.

Thurston’s also prides itself on sustainable fishing practices and supporting the local working waterfront. By sourcing directly from local traps and working within the community, they help preserve the integrity of Maine’s fishing heritage and the health of its oceans. It’s not just good food — it’s responsible food, served with a deep respect for the environment and the people who make it possible.

Excellent place to eat 10 out of 10...

Thurston’s Lobster Pound isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a piece of Maine’s coastal history. Founded in 1946 as a wholesale lobster business by Fred Thurston, it started out selling fuel, bait, and supplies to local fishermen. By the 1990s, Fred’s grandson, Michael Radcliffe, and his wife, Elizabeth, expanded the business, turning it into a small, seasonal restaurant with a simple menu, just 12 tables, and views that were as stunning as the food was fresh. What started as a modest family venture grew over the years into a beloved local institution.

I recently had the chance to visit, and after meeting the owner and hearing the full history, my love for the place deepened even more. This isn’t just a business—it’s a legacy spanning generations, where the lobsters you eat are hauled in by the very boats you watch from the dock. It’s the definition of “dock to table,” with an authenticity that’s hard to find.

I went with my partner, who’s allergic to shellfish, and even with a menu that’s centered around lobster and crab, he found plenty of delicious options. Whether you’re digging into lobster or savoring a burger, the ingredients are as fresh as they come, treated with the respect and simplicity they deserve.

Through decades of expansion and change, Thurston’s has stayed true to its roots. The Radcliffe family’s commitment to the freshest lobsters, served with a laid-back, friendly vibe, remains at the heart of it all. In a world full of trends, Thurston’s shows that simplicity, done right, is the hardest thing to achieve—and they’ve been nailing it for over 20 years.

Do yourself a favor and add this to your itinerary… you will not be...

My family of 5 adults ate lunch here in August while vacationing in Maine. We were excited to eat at Thurston's which looks and feels as authentic as we imagined a lobster pound would be, with it's location right on the water in a place that clearly is a hotspot for the lobster industry. The good news is that we got lots of lobster that is clearly very fresh and at a good price. We ordered a whole (soft shell) lobster, lobster set, hot lobster dip, a lobster melt, and a lobster BLT. The whole lobster was what you'd expect. Wish I'd just stuck with a lobster roll as those looked good. But we really were disappointed by the other items. The lobster stew does have cream in it, and lots of lobster, but the consistency was very thin and ultimately it seemed pretty greasy. The lobster melt and lobster dip were pretty heavy but honestly weren't particularly flavorful - nowhere near as good as I recently had in a local NJ restaurant. The lobster BLT was fine. So our recommendation - stick with the lobster, and don't go for the "fancier" stuff. PS - one of my sons also ordered a burger which was very basic and not particularly good. The setting on the water is really nice, there is a separate seating area with a bar, and the service was prompt and quite friendly, so overall it was a nice experience to come here, but I'd have been happier sticking with the basics: lobster and lobster roll (which I didn't order as I figured I'd enjoy good...