Shaw's Fish & Lobster Wharf in New Harbor, Maine

Shaw's is a working seafood shack on the Boothbay Harbor waterfront, the kind of place where you watch fishing boats unload while you eat. They're known for lobster rolls that don't skimp on the meat, fried clams, scallops, and chowder. It's casual, seasonal (closed winters), and draws families, tourists between puffin tours, and anyone craving fresh seafood without the fuss.

• Lobster rolls stuffed with fresh meat, butter-dipped, not skimpy.
• Direct harbor views from a working Maine wharf.
• Straightforward seafood done right at fair prices.
• Family-friendly, casual vibe with live music some nights.

Order the lobster roll, butter version, though a single roll can feed two people if you're not ravenous. The scallops are fresh and worth trying, and the chowder shows up on most tables. Fried clams are reliable. The blueberry pie is solid if you have room. Skip the BLT unless you're desperate.

Rustic and true to its wharf setting, with working harbor views that are the real draw. It can feel a little rough around the edges indoors, but the trade-off is authenticity and the views.

The kitchen keeps it straightforward. Lobster rolls come butter-poached (the Connecticut style), piled generous enough that two or three people could share one. Scallops and clams are fried fresh. They also do chowder and a few non-seafood options, though those can be hit or miss. Portions of protein can run small for the price, and it's worth confirming sides like rolls come with your order.

Guests rave about the lobster meat count and the harbor setting. One visitor called it heaven, watching fish boats while eating in the sun. Families with kids report everyone leaves happy. Fair warning: cleanliness can be uneven, and seafood portions don't always match the price tag.