Gurnet Trading Company

Gurnet Trading Company is a no-frills seafood shack on the water in Brunswick where you order at the window and wait for your name. The menu is straightforward: lobster rolls, steamers, fried clams, whole-belly scallops, and fresh fish to take home. Scott Harley runs the place with genuine care, and the regulars keep coming back after a decade or more.

• Whole clams and fresh lobster in every chowder.
• Fried clams with a crispy, light batter.
• Overlooking the water with picnic tables.
• Fresh fish counter if you're cooking at home.

Start with the lobster roll if you're in the mood for butter and meat on a toasted bun. The fried clams stand out for their snap and lightness. Order the clam chowder and you'll find whole clams and a bacon-onion flavor that tastes homemade. Steamers are a good steamed option. If you're taking fish home, the haddock and other whole fish at the counter are worth considering. The blueberry pie is worth a seat at a picnic table.

Picnic tables face the water; covered benches near the order window. It's casual and a bit rough around the edges, with an outhouse instead of indoor bathrooms. Not wheelchair accessible, especially the outdoor seating.

This is a take-out operation first. Expect to order, stand around a bit, then grab a spot outside. You can buy a beverage and dessert (the blueberry pie has fans) and make an afternoon of it. The lobster rolls vary night to night, which reflects the daily catch. Some visitors find the portions generous and the meat plentiful; others say the roll doesn't always stay together as it should. Prices have climbed, and add-ons like slaw or fries cost extra. It's the kind of place that rewards patience and low expectations.

Regular guests return year after year for the fresh, homemade feel. One recent visitor noted the lobster roll had plenty of big pieces of meat and a perfectly toasted bun. The owner takes time to chat and says the food is made with love, which people say they can taste.