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August 2019 by Maria C.
I waited all year to take the ride to Five Islands Lobster only to be disappointed. Despite the magnificent views, the food was average at best. The lobster roll was small and tasteless compared to other places. The onion rings, scallops and fries were greasy. The staff however were very pleasant. Won't be returning.
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July 2019 by Steve H.
Lobster roll and fried clams are amazing! Will be back a few times this week for sure.
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July 2019 by Kelsey B.
Delicious lobster but bring bug spray-- you have to sit outside and I was eaten up before I even began eating myself. That aside. Great views and great, simple food for good prices.
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July 2019 by Alison K.
Honestly I expected better. I had high expectations for this place. When we arrived (prob around 6pm) it wasn't too busy and able to order quickly - but they were already out of the 1.25-1.5lb lobsters and had no more soft shells. So we opted for a 2lb+ and a 1-1.25lb plus corn and potatoes. Keep in mind there are 3 separate stations to order from - whole seafood station, rolls/sandwich/fries station, and ice cream station. We waited til our food was cooked at a picnic table - one of the open tables smelled so bad we had to move. Suddenly a ferry pulled up to the dock and unloaded a large group of people who poured off and took over the whole dock. We had ordered just in time...long lines began to form. Seems like more of a tourist spot. When we got our food, the lobsters were good, but not the best I've had in Maine. Since they were hard shells it was difficult to get into, especially the big one. They provide crackers but it's a $4 deposit which they give back when you return it to the counter. I guess a lot of people steal them? We only had gotten 1 cracker for 2 of us. The claws of big lobsters get a little bit mealy and the texture isn't as nice. The corn was overcooked, chewy and wrinkled, not sweet and plump. Potatoes were fine but very plain - needed salt. I took a look at people's lobster rolls that came with regular potato chips but they looked about average and didnt want to spend $19 on it. I've seen cheaper rolls in Maine. I left feeling like something was left to be desired...so I thought ice cream would fill the void. We had smores and maine blueberry - both were delicious! Was probably more impressed with the ice cream than the other food.
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July 2019 by Steven B.
I got the Big Boy Lobster Roll and it was fantastic. Unfortunately my wife was, as she described it, "all fished out" and decided to order a burger. The burger was undercooked and over-greasy. I know it's a fish place but you have to have something for the land-lover as well. However, I'm still rating it 4 stars for the seafood and ambience.
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July 2019 by Sandy S.
Don't have Lobster in Portland, it is worth the short drive to Five Island Lobster. What a wonderful gem! The staff is great, friendly and helpful. The Lobster is fabulous. The atmosphere is exactly where you want to be when eating Lobster!
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June 2019 by Jody B.
I am actually replying to a previous review by Ada R about an unnannounced closure. Please note the chef/owner died a few days before. Give them a break and remove that negative review.
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June 2019 by Ada R.
We went for lunch on Friday, 14 Jun 2019. Yelp says is opens at 11:30am, we waited for a while, then we asked, they are closed today. They were getting ready for tomorrow. Please correct your schedule. Very disappointed, coming from MA on the way to Boothbay.
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May 2019 by Jeff H.
I have now made it up to Five Island Lobster Co. for the last 3 years in a row and first went about 5-6 years ago and I have yet to have anything less than the most amazing experience enjoying the beautiful seaside and amazing fresh Lobsters they have. Prices are not the cheapest compared to what you may see on sale at a supermarket or possibly other seafood markets but I would never fault them on that considering how fresh and delicious they are (by far best lobsters I've ever had each time) and worth every penny. The ice cream shop provides the perfect dessert and there are options beyond simply Lobster however let's be honest, if you are coming here it is because you want the best Lobsters on the planet! It is BYOB so pack a cooler with your favorite beverages and feel free to bring some sides if you want - they are totally OK with it all and what helps to make this one of the best places to eat in the world as far as I'm concerned. The location surrounded by water is so scenic and beautiful that you will not want to leave. The best part is after you've stuffed yourself full at Five Island Lobster Co. you have Reid State Park just a hop and a skip down the road to walk off your meal while taking in more of the beautiful Maine scenery. Totally dog and kids friendly, we bring our pup and just tie his leash to the leg of the picnic table so he can lay outside and watch the seagulls/people while we eat. Make the trip! You will not regret it!
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May 2019 by Corinne B.
Five islands lobster co is the ultimate lobster meal venue. They offer picnic bench style outdoor seating right on the waterfront where are you can watch the boats going by as you wait for your fresh lobster to be prepared. (Or you can take it to go) When selecting your lobster is done right in front of you with the option to choose what you want to eat by weight of the lobster. The food is so fresh and delicious. There is also space to order other things such as sandwiches and ice cream on the same pier area. This is the meal we most look forward to when we are all in the area. You can also order things such as a side of corn or potato with your lobster. They do have tools to crack the lobster and get the meat as well as butter to dip your lobster in for flavor.
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January 2019 by April M.
Great location and breathtaking views, especially if your new to maine. The food is fresh and delicious. I would recommend to people with family's and groups of friends. Very open place to eat and picnic and near lots of beaches and shops.
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September 2018 by N.R. K.
Without a doubt the best "lobster shack" in Maine...which means it's probably safe to say it's the best lobster shack period. Amazing food, great atmosphere, great service. This is the real deal. Don't fall for tourist traps. This is the place you need to go for all of your seafood needs!
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September 2018 by Jaana S.
Super fresh and delicious lobster roll overflowing with meat. The view is spectacular, and the whole feel is really cute. The line is out the door for "miles" so be prepared to wait, but the view is so amazing that you won't even mind (well, you might mind, but not THAT much). This is truly the perfect spot to come for lunch on a warm day. It's....the way life should be
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September 2018 by Hannah H.
Five Islands Lobster Co is right at the end of Sheepscot Bay with an active fishing wharf. Because the lobsters are pulled right from the surrounding waters, this place has always been listed as one of the best places in Maine to get lobster. There are 3 separate buildings - one for fried seafood and lobster rolls; one for steamed seafood; and, one for ice cream (called Annabelle's Ice Cream). Depending on what you want, you have to stand at each respective lines. It's definitely more strategic if you have at least 3 of you, so that each can stand in line to order the items. We ordered: The "Big Boy" Lobster Roll (stuffed 'twice' amount of the lobster meat in a homemade potato roll, with a touch of mayo; it was definitely a generous portion of the lobster, but I felt that it was missing something; the lobster itself wasn't as sweet and flavorful as I thought it would be); and, a twin lobster special, each about 1.25 pounds. We were a little disappointed that the fried belly clams were sold out, so you definitely have to come here earlier! I heard that those who are non-seafood eaters, their steak and cheese is pretty delicious; I'd like to try that out the next time! Besides the 3 main 'food groups' Five Islands offer, there are also shirts and stickers you can purchase. There are a handful of picnic tables, and people can BYOB as well as bring their fur babies. You definitely don't come here for the views or for a white napkin type of a meal, but it's definitely a place for you to just get your grub on. Unmarked parking spots available up the hill. +fried belly clams run out FAST +3 separate 'shacks' for 3 different items - steamed lobster, rolls/fried seafood, and ice cream +unmarked spots for your vehicle +BYOB +can bring your fur babies
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September 2018 by Si W.
Out of many shacks I've tried on a recent trip, Five Islands falls behind by a hair, but the race was super close. First the steamed lobster was ordered a la carte, you state what kind, hard or soft shell and choose your size, under 1 1/4, 1 1/4- 2, over 2lbs. The sides are extra, for example, corn or potatoes for a couple dollars more. They also provide crackers you to use as long as you bring them back after you use them. There was a $4 deposit for their safe return. The Lobster was deliciously steamed and served with butter. The steamed clams were about 25-30 in the order. These were fresh and definitely tasty. These clams came with a water wash and another small tub of butter. The Jenny special, a crab cake on top of a grilled Haddock with slice of lettuce/pickles on the side with chips. This came with a cilantro mayonnaise that was good enough for me to continue dipping my fries into. Finally the lobster roll was accompanied with chips. This lobster roll fell behind a few others on the trip although delicious in its own right. The bun was a bit light on toasting, either that or it sat too long behind the counter. The views from the dock are unbelievable. You can see boats come up and unload their lobster catch right in front of you. Nothing better than see that the lobster you are eating just came off the boat. I'm sure the reader is wondering why not 5 stars if the food is fresh/great and the views unbelievable. Well here we go, there is a somewhat complicated setup for ordering your steamed fare (whole lobsters / steamers) versus everything else. There are two lines to navigate as a result if you want both. I had to wait on one line for the lobster/steamed clams first, then get on another to order the lobster roll, sandwiches/rolls and anything fried. I understand that perhaps you can't have them in the same hut, but there wasn't anything to inform the customer where to stand to order what. I had to ask a local waiting on line for the instructions. Another downer is that they were out of a few items I was interested in like fried oysters and scallops right after noon on a holiday weekend. Parking is also really tight and painful. There is a lot further away I think but again, no signage to indicate that before you get up to the dock and need to uturn in tight quarters. Five Islands does output great food and I would not have to be convinced really hard to come back, if anything I would come earlier to avoid the sell outs and parking issues.
