There’s no better way to spend a summer day in Maine than cracking into fresh seafood with a view. At Youngs Lobster Pound in Belfast, you don’t just eat crabs, you smash them!

Whether you’re walking in from town or driving straight to the dock, this local gem is a must for seafood lovers looking for something a little different. Here is a look into my visit.

Youngs Lobster Pound in Belfast

Founded in 1928, Youngs Lobster Pound has been a family-run operation for nearly a century, serving up some of the freshest seafood on the coast of Maine.

What started as a small lobster business has grown into a beloved local staple where visitors can enjoy ocean-to-table meals right on the water.

Perched along the Belfast harbor, the pound offers sweeping views, picnic tables, and the ocean breeze.

You can drive right up—there’s a big parking lot out front—but if it’s a nice day, the scenic walk over the Belfast pedestrian bridge makes the experience even better.

As you approach, you’ll spot the large seafood pound out back and buckets of live lobsters and crabs lining the entrance.

Ordering is simple: head inside, check out the day’s catches, and place your order right at the counter, just steps from where the lobsters were pulled from the sea.

My Visit To Young’s Lobster Pound

We drove out to Belfast on a sunny summer afternoon, just looking to walk around and soak up the small-town charm.

After wandering through the shops and enjoying the harbor views, we made our way across the pedestrian bridge—partly for the scenery, partly because I was determined to hit my step goal.

That walk led us straight to Youngs Lobster Pound.

The second I saw the big outdoor tanks and buckets of fresh lobsters and crabs, I knew we made the right call.

All You Can Eat Crabs

When I saw all-you-can-eat rock crab on the menu for just $21.95, it was an easy yes.

The crabs took a little while to prepare, but once they arrived, the tray was overflowing, a true mountain.

I grabbed a wooden mallet and was told to smash the crabs right on the table. At first, I hesitated.

Smashing food into a table felt a little chaotic, but once I got going, it was honestly one of the most satisfying things I’ve done all summer.

Especially after the long work week I had just gotten through!

The rock crabs are tougher than the Maryland blue crabs I’ve had before, but the meat inside was sweet and worth the effort.

It was messy, it was a workout, and it was a blast.

Grilled Halibut

We also tried the grilled halibut because let’s be honest, crab meat doesn’t fill you up. It’s more of a really fun appetizer.

It came out flaky, fresh, and perfectly cooked. Just look at the size of it, too!

A nice surprise for a place that’s known for its lobster, it proved that the kitchen at Youngs does more than just the classics.

Lobster Roll

At this point, we were starting to get pretty full, but I knew there was one more thing to eat.

Okay, I know I said I wasn’t coming here to eat lobster. But, I couldn’t leave without trying their take on a lobster roll.

Especially if I was going to decide whether it deserved a spot on my growing list of the best in Maine.

Read my Local’s Guide to the Best Lobster Rolls in Maine 2025

And honestly? It did. It wasn’t your standard buttered or mayo-heavy roll. Instead, the lobster was so fresh it didn’t need much.

It was different than your normal lobster roll due to the roll itself, and I liked the shakeup.

The lobster was chilled, tender, and paired with crisp lettuce for a little crunch. Simple, clean, and full of flavor.

Blueberry Pie

Let’s be real—no meal in Maine is complete without blueberry pie.

So when I saw Young’s had blueberry pie slice from Joanie’s Bakery in Belmont, I was game.

We enjoyed the slice after our feast of crab, lobster, and halibut, and it was the perfect sweet-and-tart combo with that classic flaky crust.

It made the whole experience feel even more like summer, and I’d absolutely come back just for another slice.

What to Know Before You Go

To make the most of your visit to Youngs Lobster Pound in Belfast, here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:

• It’s BYOB – Bring a bottle of rosé or a few beers to enjoy with your seafood feast.
• Expect a wait – It gets busy, especially on nice days, so plan ahead and be patient.
• Indoor and outdoor seating – Choose your vibe; both options come with ocean views.
• Don’t forget sunscreen – The Maine sun can be stronger than it feels by the water.
• Pack a rain jacket – Weather in Maine changes fast, and a little rain won’t ruin the fun.

Where Is Young’s Lobster Pound?

You can find this iconic lobster shack in Belfast, Maine, not downtown but across the river.

Explore More of Maine

If you loved Young’s Lobster Pound, you have to try some of Maine’s other lobster shacks that I love.

Visit all of my favorite lobster shacks by reading A Local’s Guide to the Best Lobster Rolls in Maine 2025.

Visiting Portland? Take this Self-Guided Food Tour of Portland, Maine: By A Local!

Visiting Acadia National Park? Read all of my Acadia Travel Guides for best lobster shacks, hiking trails, and more!

Read all of my Maine Travel Guides!