Fantastic meal. The decoration and layout of the restaurant is super fun. There were some fun lobster claw pillows near where we sat that made for good pictures along with all of the other great decorations. There are also some great views of the water. Clams were fantastic and tasted fresh. Onion strings were also good. Service was fantastic. A guest with me mentioned they thought their sandwich was breaded and made a mistake and they kindly and immediately told them they would happily replace it for something else to make them happy. The guest chose not to take up their offer and still enjoyed their meal. Highly recommend checking out this restaurant. Great food, great service, and a lot of charm! read more

Claws - Whole Clam Belly Basket with Onion Strings - Seafood Near Me - Rockland, Maine

Took half an hour for fried foods to come out, but it's a busy summer day, so it goes. I went here for the "whole belly clams," a New England Specialty. They were solidly fine--I'm not sure what I think of the bellies, but hey, that's part of the dish! I did think the breading was on the heavy side, although to be fair, the clams are so flavorful that it wasn't really in the way. French fries were whatever--single-cooked but very well-done to compensate. read more

First night in Maine and even though we have great lobster in RI, it just seemed like eating lobster in Maine is the thing to do. We ordered a 1 1/2 lb lobster. The shell was super hard--not a good sign The lobster stuck to the shell and would not slide out. OLD Worse part, it wasn't juicy and tasty--all signs of an old lobster. Very disappointing for $40 each. The servers were lovely and very good. The ambulance is loud music. read more

Made error when taking my order and over charged me $8.12. They made it right but the girl was clueless as to how this was going to happen. Took awhile and she was really nice about it, but it was a bit frustrating. The oysters were a bit on the small side but they were tasty as heck and the lobster roll, clam chowder were both out of this world delicious. The view out the back is gorgeous and its a traditional type food stop for the coast of Maine. You won't be disappointed. read more

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Supposed to be a good to place for fresh seafood. Perhaps it's resting on an earlier reputation but this wouldn't be a recommend for touristas & especially not locals. The fried whole clams were great my daughter said. Meh fries. I wanted a seafood combo so did the broiled haddock, shrimp, & scallops. Major mistake. No flavor. Biggest issue was the water on the platter- the seafood was "swimming" in 1/4" of water! Haddock was overcooked & dried out on one end. Cute theme & great view. Way overpriced for the poor quality. read more

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Perfect lobster shack in Rockland. Gets busy and parking is tight so plan accordingly. I picked a cool rainy day to get takeaway which worked out great. Place your order outside the main shack and either eat in or out. Small bar area if you have a wait. So in October a lobster roll was $34. Luckily it was plenty of lobster for a couple of rolls and large chunks and full claw meat. Very tasty. Since I was paying that much I figured I'd go ahead and add the Parmesan truffle fries and the blueberry cornbread. Best fries I've ever had! Portions were large enough for a few meals. Really enjoyed this spot! read more

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I looked at the menu for this spot and came here soley because of the Maine Lobster Stuffed Doughnuts. I share those with my husband and got some of the Blueberry Cornbread too. The cornbread is good, but that's not why you need to come here. The doughnuts are one of the best things I've eaten this year. They're a little bit like a Crab Rangoon, but replace the wonton with a slightly sweet doughnut and then cover it in an old bay seasoned butter. I was expecting them to be small little donut holes and I couldn't have been more off base. They were huge full size doughnuts and had so much filling. This could definitely be a full meal if you didn't share it. I would go out of my way just to eat these doughnuts again. read more

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I have been going to Claws for many years, but the last two visits were very disappointing because of their famous lobster rolls. I do like decently large pieces of claws but at the bottom of the roll was a big, tough chunk of lobster tail that was inedible. Yes, I know the tail is the least desirable section of the crustacean, but I believe that diced into smaller pieces would have made them much more appetizing. However, the servers are delightful & accommodating read more

A+ for cute lobster shack vibe! They sell a wide variety of lobster rolls and lobster-focused meals. It's not just lobster rolls, here. I did try a lobster roll (I am a sucker for a good looking lobster roll) and a cup of clam chowder. A very good portion of meat in the lobster roll and not too much mayo. Taste was a bit bland for me. The lobster was beautiful but did seem preprocessed. I admit to being a lobster roll snob, I just love when the lobster tastes like it just came out of the shell. But, again the amount of lobster was very good! Chowder was also very good. Creamy but not overly so. Full of clams and enough potatoes so that you know they are there but they don't dominate. The cup was filled to the very top! Nice! Very friendly staff from start to finish. People seemed genuinely happy we stopped in for lunch. They have three lots for parking. I can imagine it could be tight in the middle of summer but on this September Saturday we were just fine. read more

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Excellent service and food. Amazing views. Wonderful ambiance. Easy access. Watch out for the world biggest crab.

$100+ This past weekend, my significant other and I went up to Maine for a trip. I was looking for the best seafood place I could find I googled and this restaurant came up as one of the best to go to in Maine. We were staying up near Waterville so we were trying to find something good and something with a beautiful outlook of the ocean. It happened to be cold that day because it had been raining all day, but we were happy about just being by the ocean and finding a good place to sit and eat. First off as it was very unusual, you had to go up to the counter and order your dinner so that was no big deal. My other half had ordered the salmon. I ordered what I thought was a lobster dinner and we had also ordered some steamed clams is an appetizer. The meal did take quite a bit of time in order for it to come out, but when it finally came out, everything came out really warm and ready to eat. The first thing I was concerned about is I had a lobster on a plate paid $35 for a lobster on a plate. Back home in Vermont I could've gone down to the local grocery store. Gotten a one and a quarter pound lobster, which is only a little less than what I ordered for eight dollars. The only problem is it would've traveled several dozen miles. I was hoping for a very good one right from the ocean and I was hoping to have dinner not just a lobster. But I let it go so I started to dig into my clams. I opened up my first clam, put it in my mouth and proceeded to start chewing nothing but dirt. I looked in the shell. The shell was covered in dirt. The clam had not been cleaned out, expelling the dirt out of it. I opened a second one and it was just full of sand. I sent them back to the kitchen and was told by the chef that it's normal to have a little bit of grit. I know this because I clean my own clams at home before I eat them. There was more than a little bit of dirt. It looked like he had just gone out to the beach picked them himself, threw them in the pan and then steam them. My significant others salmon came out not even looking pink. It was a weird shade of Rosie pink. It just didn't look very appetizing. None of his dish look very appetizing. I did eat the lobster. The business offered me a couple of things and after having a amount of dirt left in my mouth I really just wanted to try and enjoy the lobster not a lobster dinner so they didn't offered me the money back. Well it's been a week later and I haven't received any of my money back Either. I don't know if it's because we were out of town or what I felt like we weren't treated very well at this restaurant as much as you all seem to enjoy it. I was looking for the best main dinner before I went home the next day and I was so letdown. If I go back to Maine, I'll have to try and pick one of the other restaurants that are labeled the best because this would not be a place I'd be willing to return to. read more

I was driving North and I saw this restaurant which caught my eye as it is bright red. They have multiple parking spaces and very accessible and convenient. They have two windows, 1 it is for eating in and the other for take out. The outside is very spacious and plenty of breeze. They have plenty of water for you to serve yourself and convenient. The food was good and very delicious! By far the best Lobster Roll that I had in Maine and I stopped 4 different places or restaurants. The calamari was crispy and good as well. The service was good and easy going. If you are driving by or near this town, I would encourage you stop by and have some fresh lobstah roll! read more

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This is what is advertised: "Chowdahs BEST OF THE BEST, KNOX COUNTY FOR 8 YRS IN A ROW!!! Made fresh daily and always gluten-free! Served with Westminster Oyster Crackers" The reality of what we experienced: First try was on Saturday, 6 June 2026. We arrived at 9:00PM. They advertise that they are open until 9:30PM. We got here at 9 and were told they were closed! We had driven for 5 hours and hadn't eaten since breakfast. No attempt to accommodate us. 2nd try next evening. We arrived around 5. Ordered a bowl of their "Best of the best Chowda"! It came literally cold! We told the woman who brought it. We were told, "Oh, some people like it cold!" Right! Tell me another one. Then took it and said she'd heat it up. Came back in 2 cups this time and it was as cold as it was before! It had a lot of pepper in it, was a putrid color, thick, and look like some kind of paste. Two bites and that was it. Neither my husband nor I could eat it. Also ordered fried calamari. Realized there were 3 options...and couldn't read the small print up on the wall (menu on the wall where you order!) I wasn't asked, "How would you like it?" So I got it covered with jalapeño peppers, pickled onions and grease that it was cooked it! We had two bites each! It was gross! And, no one ever came back .......! We paid $53.41 including tip! And left 90% of our order uneaten! Don't waste your money at Claws in Rockland, ME! read more

I have to say this was my favorite lobster roll from our entire trip to Maine!! The lobster portion was very generous and it was warm and buttery. I'm still day dreaming about this lobster roll. I only wish I lived closer! Amazing amazing amazing! read more

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In town we were told Claws is end of the block...I think they meant end of the town bec it was +5,000 steps! Long line to order at a window and then find a seat to eat. Friendly personnel and even had a free shuttle back to boat. Lobster roll was full of lobster (6oz and $34) but all the lobsters were expensive! read more

Claws - Roll - Seafood Near Me - Rockland, Maine

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Lobstah at its finest! The cornbread and dessert were pretty amazing too. Had the full lobster and roll. Reasonable prices, great staff, excellent food! read more

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Cute little spot on the water. Fresh lobster, long line, fun decorations. Make sure to visit when you're here. read more

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I can't say enough good things about this lobster house, we visit every time we're in Maine, sometimes more than once !! We stopped in 15 minutes before closing after a long day of driving and they were more than happy to serve us !!! A must stop or take a drive to eat here. read more

Great stop along the road to Acadia. To-Go Lobster Roll warm buttered and a Vodka Lemonade with Blueberry. Ended up eating in on the back deck with a great view. Staff was friendly and helpful. read more

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Every single part of the Rockland lobster dinner was delicious. The corn was perfectly cooked and so fresh. The lobster was not watery- tasted freshly plucked from the ocean you're overlooking on the cute patio. Steamers were heavenly! And generous serving of them. Plenty of drawn butter ! Coleslaw could have been mediocre and I'd have been happy with the rest but it was amazing homemade Cole slaw with little golden raisins. Yummy blueberry corn bread tucked into a little paper raft keeps it dry from all the seafood. Drinks were delicious with homemade fruit purées. All staff were incredibly friendly and kind. Such a great start to a Maine vacation! read more

Claws - Rockland lobster dinner and lobster roll - Seafood Near Me - Rockland, Maine

Whenever I'm in Maine, I make sure to stop at Claws! The food is always fast, fresh, and delicious! The waitress was polite and service was great. We sat with views of the water which is also lovely! read more

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Had a nice late lunch/happy hour at Claws when I was in Rockland the other week (tip: weekdays around 3-4pm seem to be a bit less crowded). Otherwise, there's usually a line outside, and it's easy to see why! Lots of folks enjoying their lobster rolls and full lobster dinners--seriously, the portions are huge--and there are a lot of other options on the menu too. I got in on the happy hour oyster special and had that along with a basket of calamari and fries (nice crunch, a tad greasy). Fantastic view sitting on their covered deck overlooking the harbor, and friendly staff at the counters and dining area as well. A wonderful way to get your seafood fix for good value at a classic Maine summer shack! Bonus: Claws makes their own dog treats, which you can buy to take home to your lucky pooch. read more

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We went on a Sunday at noon, it was our first visit. You order and pay and then sit and wait for your food. We had a whole belly clam basket, shrimp basket, clam strip basket a ginger ale and ice water. The portion sizes were plenty. The food was very tasty. All of the seafood tasted nice and fresh. We all loved the fries, they are seasoned and crispy. The coleslaw was good. Tartar sauce was good. They give you ketchup packets. There are no free refills on the sodas, you have to pay $1. The ice water was free and there's a big water jug for refills. It cost $75 for the three of us. The table next to us had onion rings and they looked so good, I'll definitely get those if we are in the area again! We enjoyed sitting out on the deck, it was heated and very comfortable. The guy that brought our food was friendly and very nice. We had a great lunch! read more

Claws - Sign at the restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Rockland, Maine

$30 for one piece of fried fish on a bed of barely warm fries; coleslaw extra. Lobster roll $38 for 6 ounces and nothing else. Used to be fav local place in summer but no more! Will not return! Tourist trap now to be avoided! read more

Take me back to Claws! Honestly had lobster almost every day when I was visiting Maine, but Claws was bar far the best tasting lobster & best atmosphere I found. Exactly how a lobster shack should be- you can have your lobster on salad, in bisque, on a roll, as a blt, etc etc. I chose a lobster salad and it was to die for (see my pics!) Lobster was so fresh, tender and moist. Huge chunks of lobster, and awesome colorful fresh salad too. Their signature blueberry croutons were such a surprise! Portion IMO was huge for the taste. Staff was friendly & quick, plus the waterfront view was lovely too. I could feel myself smiling and doing the happy food dance as I had lunch at Claws. 1000% recommend! read more

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Friends told us we needed to stop here when in the area. We decided to go early as we found lost places are packed around 6:30. So glad we did because the line was to the street when we left at 6 pm. The menu board shows all the options, which are numerous. There is also a board that shows the drink menu. I settled on the lobster macaroni and cheese and a beer. After paying, they give you a wooden lobster claw with a number, you pick up your drink at the bar and go find a table. The server brings the food out and calls your number and you wave them down. My dish was huge and had a nice amount of lobster. The sauce on the penne pasta was good and I will be scaring away the vampires tonight. Not sure I would call this Mac and cheese, more like penne pasta with lobster sauce. Either way, it was very good, but not what I expected. The blueberry cornbread was good as well. The patio view is very nice and everyone that works here was friendly. read more

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I stopped by for lunch last summer, en route South on Route 1. Parking was available and the line wasn't too bad. I ordered the lobster roll with butter and the blueberry corn bread. It felt like quite a long wait for the food to come out, but maybe I was just very hungry. The portion of the cornbread was ginormous. I actually offered some to the people at the next table, because I was solo and couldn't eat it all. The lobster roll was very good. read more

My lovely bride and I were driving up to Camden on a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon in August, and we stopped into Claws for a late lunch. We really enjoyed the lobster roll with light mayo. The roll was $34, but the amount of fresh lobster meat was quite generous. Service is fast and friendly. The onion rings rock, and so does the dessert, blueberry crisp with vanilla ice cream. Highly recommended! read more

Love this place!! It's exactly what we were looking for: - something on the water - lobster roll- it was the first time we've had one - great clam chowder - a good Chardonnay - very friendly service The wife and I split a lob roll, a cup of chowder, and a bottle of Cupcake chard. The roll was good, just not sure it was my thing. It was certainly a lot of lobster in the roll. The chowder was very good, but my homemade chowder is better the Chard was good but way overpriced Total bill:$168 with tip. I'm told 'ya gotta pay to play' and we certainly did read more

Atmosphere - Great. About a mile from downtown Rockland, this is the quintessential roadside restaurant. Orders and payment are taken at a window and a number assigned. Drinks are picked up at a small bar situated on the way to a covered deck that overlooks the inlet. Service - Very Good. The staff is friendly and the food was delivered in a reasonable amount of time. Food - Excellent. I ordered the Lazy Lobster (the meat is removed from a 1 1/2 lb lobster and placed in a tray of hot butter) and a cup of clam chowder. The meal came with corn on the cob and a blueberry corn muffin. The lobster was very tender and delicious. The corn was fresh and the muffin was excellent. The soup was a disappointment for me. It was a variation of the traditional version. It was very salty and much of the clam was chewy. Overall Value - Excellent. The portions are large, the food great and the price is very reasonable. read more

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Budget friendly? Not in the eyes of the locals. The food is good but way more than competitive stands. read more

Loved everything about this place! The staff, the food, the view, all of it! If I ever go back to Maine, I hope I get to visit this place again! read more

Claws - Lobster roll , clam chowder, blueberry lemonade - Seafood Near Me - Rockland, Maine

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Stayed overnight in Rockland, ME and after traveling from Manhattan for more than 10 hours of driving, I wanted something I'd really like and preferred seafood. While driving down a local street I ran into a couple and they directed me to Claws. Turns out it was one of the best meals I'd ever had! The service was accommodating and helpful, and every member of the staff was clearly committed to assisting every customer. Finally, knowing that all taste is relevant to that person, I had the best coleslaw in my life of 72 years! It made the drive from New York City worth every mile! One last thing...the counter I was sitting at had an unobstructed view of the dock, bay, boats, etc. Couldn't be better! read more

Food is good but the service is slower than slow. If you don't mind waiting than yes. If not better to go somewhere else.

Best lobster roll I've had a week! Get the old bay honey butter seasoning. We also had a salad with lobster shrimp and crab and it was great but lobster roll was the best Service was eh read more

Claws - Lobster roll and salad - Seafood Near Me - Rockland, Maine

Phenomenal fresh comfort seafood right by the water, with great views. The smell of the ocean water really accompanies well your freaking awesome seafood. The lobster roll here is magnificent. Honestly, I'd go as far as to say it's probably my favorite lobster roll of all time. The bread is soft and buttery and there is sooo much lobster packed in for that perfect bite. Mayo all the way, but you do you! The fried fish sandwich is absolutely delicious, too, with a really thin crunchy batter. The chowder here isn't overly thick and creamy, it's just right. I have no complaints about the food. The line can look super long but it moves fast! That and all the staff are really friendly and helpful. When you come when it's warm out, the flies can get a little out of control so be prepared to fight them off! If you're in town or driving through, you gotta check out Claws. read more

A must every summer when I am here but what happened to the LOBSTER BISQUE??? I almost cried this year when I learned its not longer available lol read more

Food excellent, price good, service excellent., menu complete, facility good. Competively priced for the market and easily found. Onion Rings are a good value too. read more

Wait was long for our to go order of six lobster rolls. Over a half hour when they said 15 minutes. Nevertheless butter lobster rolls and light mayo rolls were good. They were doing a big biz. Good for Claws! read more

Claws - Seafood Near Me - Rockland, Maine

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If you're ever in Rockpory Maine, you must eat at Claws. Sure, some may say is a tourist trap restaurant, but it's not. They are popular for a reason. The amount of lobster that came with the lobster roll was enough to make three sandwiches!! French Fried Asparagus is a MUST! I've never had it before and ordered it out of curiosity since I like asparagus. It was one of the most delicious food I've had in a long time! The breading is flavorful and fried to perfection! The website says it's closed until May 21,2025. It's a seasonal restaurant that opens from May 22 to mid October. Do not miss it if you're visiting Rockport during the opening season! read more

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