Estes Lobster House1906 Harpswell Neck Rd
Harpswell, ME 04079
(207) 833-6340 2010 Update:
I haven't been back since the Morse family took over, but having been to their other establishments I have to believe it is a better value and pretty tasty. I don't want the Morse family affected by my previous review.
Original 2008 Review:
When I used to moor off the Dolphin Marina I could see this extraterrestrial flight path beacon across the harbor all night. I always assumed it was the renowned Cooks' Lobster, but after today's visit I discovered it was Estes Lobster House. By reputation, Estes is one of the behemoths in mid-coast lobster. I see their deceptive ads in the Times-Record for the $19.95 triple lobster roll all summer long. So, after a brief hiatus from Yelping and a journey to Maine, I decided to try either Cooks' or Estes, Estes it was- or almost.
When I pulled up and realized it was the edifice that had been blinding me all those years anchored off the Dolphin, I was immediately biased. I pressed on only to be put off more and more with each step:
1st, there is a sign at the entry with explicit instructions on how to order.
2nd, After reading the menu it became clear the triple lobster roll special was a scam. I didn't really want 3 lobster rolls. I like them, but I'm not a glutton. The fine print indicates that the lobster rolls in the special only contain 2 oz. of lobster compared to their regular roll with a reported 4 oz. The advertisements in the Times-Record do not make that distinction.
3rd, there was a sign at the cashier stating a 7% "service charge" would be placed on all orders for the delight of having the tray brought to your table. Seriously? I would have tipped......
4th, the 12 oz can of Diet Pepsi I grabbed from the cooler was 2 bucks! When the cashier rang that in and asked, " anything else," I only bought the soda and left.
5th, the crab roll was 14.95, only 2 dollars less than the lobster roll. If a crab roll ever breaks 12 bucks, something is wrong or the crab roll should make your pants feel nice.
6th, while departing, I saw an open letter from the owner about why their gazebo is no more. Apparently a neighbor had complained about their unpermitted gazebo and it was removed. I would have asked that all of Estes be removed!
This is a company that has commoditized the Maine seafood experience at a seemingly outrageous profit while disturbing the coastal tranquility of their neighbors- all the way across the bay. Estes is absolute rubbish and you are well advised to spend your money anywhere else. I'm sure the food isn't that good anyway. Head 5 miles back the other direction and go to Allen's! See my review as they are in the mid-coast top 5!
Lobster and Crab Roll List
