All along Maine’s coast, summer means that lobster pounds are open. These often inconspicuous shacks feature walk up windows and tanks of live lobsters continuously irrigated with seawater.

Some pounds resemble restaurants and offer more diverse menus, but the most authentic stick to the basics. Tablecloths and napkins are eschewed in favor of picnic tables and rolls of paper towels.

Pay by the pound (usually 1 - 2 lbs) for a limited menu of freshly caught crustacean served either as a classic meal of boiled/steamed lobster with corn, a dinner roll, and drawn butter, or a lobster roll usually with mayo.

Other possible options vary and may or may not include steamed clams and mussels, various sorts of chowder, and homemade deserts.