Mabel's Lobster Claw

Mabel's Lobster Claw is the kind of place locals keep coming back to, and visitors understand why the moment they sit down. You get straightforward coastal food, clam chowder and lobster rolls alongside fancier stuff like Seafood Newburg and baked stuffed lobster, all served in a casual, unpretentious room. The staff genuinely seems glad you're there. Book ahead, though, because this place fills up fast.

• Seafood Newburg gets mentioned again and again with real devotion.
• Staff has genuine warmth, not just going through motions.
• Fresh fish and lobster cooked without pretension or overcooking.
• Lobster-stuffed mushrooms in cast iron are worth the trip alone.

Start with the stuffed mushrooms if they're available, two generous ones in a cast iron pan with lobster, roasted red peppers, and provolone. The clam chowder is the kind that sticks with you. The Seafood Newburg, whatever's in it, has a following for good reason. The Duke brings scallops, shrimp, haddock, and lobster in garlic wine, also cast iron. Lobster rolls are dependable, and the baked stuffed lobster comes stuffed with scallops, shrimp, bacon, and creamy clam stuffing. Ask if the blueberry pie's warm.

Casual and busy, with the sort of purposeful noise that comes from a full room of people eating well. The front porch and bar offer overflow seating if you drop by without a reservation.

The kitchen keeps things honest, not fussing too much with the seafood. The Seafood Newburg is the standout for a reason, with real depth. Lobster rolls are solid, the Duke (scallops, shrimp, haddock, lobster in garlic wine, served in cast iron) shows some ambition, and the stuffed mushrooms with lobster and roasted red peppers are a fine start. Blueberry pie shows up, though one guest had better luck when it was served warm.

Guests describe the place as unpretentious and genuinely welcoming, with servers like Jennifer who strike the right balance between attentive and unbothered. One recent visitor called the Seafood Newburg "life changing." The main complaint isn't the food, just that parking is rough and the blueberry pie sometimes arrives cold.