Abel's Lobster in Mount Desert, Maine

Abel's sits right on the water near Acadia, slinging seasonal lobster, mussels, and fish in a casual room with a counter facing the harbor. The crowd is relaxed and hungry, mixing tourists grabbing lunch between hikes with locals coming back for the soft shell lobster and house-made cornbread. Service is friendly and quick even when things get busy, and the outdoor bar with fjord views is where you want to be on a clear evening.

• Crab rolls loaded with meat, minimal filler.
• Crispy fish and chips with tender, moist fish inside.
• Outdoor bar seating with sunset views over the fjord.
• House-made cornbread and curried mussels stand out.

Get the crab roll if lobster feels overdone, or the soft shell lobster if you're in the mood for indulgence. The fish and chips are consistently crispy with a balance of crunch and tender fish. The mussels in curry sauce and cornbread are worth the space in your stomach. Order the fries once, then order them again. Skip the lobster roll if you're picky about the bun.

Casual and warm, with a counter facing the dining room and water that lets you watch the kitchen and harbor at once. It fills up at dinner, especially indoors, but the outdoor bar tends to move faster.

Guests rave about the combo of good food and the waterfront setting. One recent visitor called it one of their best Maine vacation meals, and another praised the mussels, lobster mac and cheese, and blueberry pie. The staff, especially waitress Di, makes people feel welcome. One diner loved it so much they went back twice in one day.