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 disappointed. 🦞🦞🦞
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