Stewman's Lobster Pounds are the only authentic oceanfront lobster pounds in Bar Harbor, Maine. Enjoy a downeast lobster bake in a relaxed atmosphere at our two ocean-side lobster pounds.
All of the traditional ingredients are here: Lobsters, steamers, mussels, clam chowder, corn on the cob, and fresh blueberry pie for dessert. Your favorite beverages too, including domestic and imported beers, tasty local brews and a nice selection of wines. And with a menu of sandwiches and other items, there is something for everyone. Did we mention the views?
STEWMANS SLOOPY SCOOP “ICE CREAM” When on Mount Desert Island, be sure to visit Stewman’s Sloopy Scoops for all of your Ice Cream Favorites and Souvenirs
In the early morning hours, before the sun is even awake, you can hear it; the low drone of a diesel engine
echoing off the ocean from every coastal port in Maine. Some of these quaint little harbor town’s they say
never sleep. Others will arouse or wake you at the crack of dawn.
You’ve seen him. The rugged guy in seaboots with a love for the ocean and its resources no matter what
the days catch may bring. Idling the engines of his low-slung boat at the dock. Piling weird-looking
green wire cages in the back of his pickup truck. Or jaw set, standing at the helm, armed with nothing
but a pair of gloves and long gaff, carving a thin line through the still water and rising mist on an early
morning run to sea. Perhaps one of the most intelligent, stern minded and saltiest people you will
ever meet.
He (and every now and then, she) is the famed lobsterman of Maine.
Lobstering is as much a part of Maine’s coastal soul as cod are to Gloucester fishermen. And the
work is just as long, hard and uneven in result – at least financially. But ask a Mainer to give up
lobstering for a desk job – despite the frigid mornings and the back-breaking loads -- and he’ll
look at you as if you have half the wits he once gave you credit for and may start edging away
as if you’re about to put a leash, or noose, around his neck.
The rugged independence of the rocky coast of Maine is what keeps lobstermen lobstering.
This freedom is obvious and irresistible to kids who pay their way through college as the
sternman or hauler on a summer boat; the ones who leave with sun-bleached hair and
deep bronze tans, muscles honed from hauling traps and fresh cash in their jeans. But
for the ones – often a “next” generation who save those dollars for the day they can
buy their own boat – it’s time served as apprentices. One day they claim their rights
to a full share of that universe that swims in the cool grey haze just over the horizon.
No knight riding with his coat of arms was ever prouder than the lobsterman laying
out the buoys with their newly-registered, unique color codes that mark his pots.
No flagship captain more earnestly studies the sea and skies that spell good fortune
and a good day’s run or the sudden disaster of a squall and mountainous seas.
Bite into that succulent claw, tasting of cold Maine waters, fresh with the briny
snap made possible by a fast running boat and a skipper who knows where
to find the best “bugs.” Then thank your lobsterman for knowing how to
get them to dock before they know they’ve left the deep. He’ll be
glad you noticed – and keep enjoying his art.
