Pool Lobster at Goldthwaite's

Excellent friend scallops, fries, potato salad, and the biggest onion rings I’ve ever seen! Great outdoor seating with a beautiful view. Highly recommend!

Second time here in as many years. Cannot recommend enough. Great, quiet location! Even better views. We have an annual family trip to Old Orchard Beach and so glad we found this gem nearby. ~25 mins from OOB and easy enough to get to. Great food, great drinks. Service is great and cannot beat the view and atmosphere eating outside on the water. Such a special, little place and always something we look forward to. Can't wait to go again.

The menu describes an order of clams as "a heaping pint of whole belly clams", and at first glance, that's what we got. Until we got past the initial pile, and found that the bottom half of the pint carton was just wadded up wax paper. Probably less than half a pint of clams, artificially propped up by a half pint of wadded up wax paper like some kind of cruel joke. Absolutely unacceptable. Nobody deserves to be fleeced like that for $38. That said, the lobster was good and the view from the picnic tables was excellent. Would not return, would not recommend to a friend. Two stars.

My word, this place is straight out of a book. I’ve dreamed of going to Maine most of my life. Growing up in Canada and the Midwest, it just seemed so exotic. Fresh lobster, sweeping Atlantic views, sand dunes, and east coast charm. I conjured up these visions of what it must be like, so I was absolutely blown away when I pulled up to Pool Lobster. It’s even better than what I imagined. Add in some incredible lobster rolls, blueberry pie, and the previously mentioned sweeping views, and that’s what Pool Lobster is. I could sit on the back patio all day. It’s stunning, peaceful, and is the absolute essence of a vacation in Maine. Top notch service, great food, and the kind of slow down vibes that we all need once in awhile. Go here and stay as long as you can.

Great place I got the clams they were fresh and tender. The view is outstanding. Just go order anything off the menu. You will be very happy you did. And get some ice-cream after.

The lobster roll was delicious with the seasoning and the toasted bun. I wish the portion was larger with the market price. Gifford's Maine Black Bear is composed of a vanilla ice cream base with swirls of black raspberry syrup and chocolate candies filled with liquid black raspberry. It was a delicious treat. Got to try it. The view from the back patio was breathtaking. I felt like a million dollar enjoying the view and the delicious food. The staff were kind and flexible, as they opened up the other cash register to allow purchase of ice cream since there was a long line for ordering food.

This place is great the lobster roll was very good small though but good and I got French fries those were very good as well. Hot and fresh.

So much outdoor seating, perfect beach day lunch with beautiful views. The blueberry pie was heated up and topped with ice cream (SO GOOD). Their fries are really great too

I've been going to "the Pool" most of my life, and experienced all the different iterations of this restaurant - even when it was a little fried seafood stand where the real estate shop is now! Overall, this place is solid - prices are 20-30% higher than you'd find at seafood markets in town, but the location is beautiful, so I get it. I really like the shrimp gazpacho salad and salmon salad, when they have them. The lobster roll is fine, nothing too innovative or anything. Perhaps just get a small bite (the fries are great!) and enjoy the scenery outside.

The shrimp tacos were by far my favorite meal I had on our Maine trip this year. We love sitting outside with the beautiful view and pet friendly tables. The food takes a little while to come out but that's because everything is made fresh. The market inside is stocked with everything you need and we can't wait to return!

We stopped in after a walk and cruise by the pool and beach. I've been here before but only for ice cream, and it had been years. The place is also a general store, so they do have lots for sale. From perishable items to clothes to a deli and counter. They sell whole live lobster, and also lobster rolls and picked meat. They have a good number of staff, there to help the constant line. They have several spots behind the store to eat by the water, with a spectacular view ( see photos). We ordered a cheeseburger, which was ok for a frozen patty. We had a bomb toasted chicken salad sandwich, and bomb potato salad with an interesting dressing with mustard seed. We grabbed drinks from the cooler and got a great spot out back. They gave us a pager, and about ten minutes later it went off. The chicken salad was phenomenal, like the best I think I've ever had. We ate by the sounds of the sea, and seagulls in the distance as boats went by with their daily catch. It was almost magical. lol! Check them out. They have an extensive menu, with gluten free options as well as vegan and vegetarian. Their current menu is online, and they had a board and paper copies in store. They have a small section inside for sit down eating as well. The store and food section are handicapped accessible, and so are the seating areas. The entire experience was very good we will be back!!

I don't feel like this is a "good" place to eat, and people go here because it's the only show in town. This being a seafood joint, I ordered a lobster roll; one of those "toasted hot dog bun" classic style Maine rolls. It was not good... the bun was insanely small, there was barely any lobster, hardly any mayo, and was over $30. I also got onion rings, which were massive, mostly breading, and also not flavorful. Maybe the only things I liked about this place is the nice outdoor seating overlooking the ocean, and the service time was quick. Otherwise, avoid.

3.8 rounded up. Staff was nice, generous on the condiments. Honey mustard a little too liquidy, weather could be playing a factor. Great view and spots to eat at. I like the ocean near by. Refrigerators are also not working today, staff gave me cup of ice. Thank you staff. Good fries I guess, got cold a little too quick for me.

A hidden gem. Never ever would've found it if it was for recommendations from people. We had haddock tacos and haddock sandwich, both delish. But the view. Wow.

Counter service and a cute little deli/convienece store. They have it down to a science to despite long lines they had food out quickly! We enjoyed our lunch out in the back at some picnic tables by the marina. Very fresh light meals with good ingredients. I enjoyed the crab cake salad and the shrimp burger was also pretty delicious. My partner didn't especially love his fish and chip. It is pretty pricey for the portion sizes but it was a nice fresh lunch stop on our trip.

This restaurant had high reviews on the internet, so my family party of 6 made the drive to Biddeford Pool on a rainy, August afternoon. The "restaurant" is actually inside a little store - you order/pay at a counter and are given a buzzer to pick up your food and then either find space at the limited seating inside, or (weather permitting) eat outside at a few picnic tables/Adirondack chairs. The setting/scenery is lovely and charming. The clam chowder was excellent, as were the fried scallops and the Parmesan garlic fries. The fried haddock was awful - small, thin portions and way overdone.

I have no idea why this place gets so many good reviews - we paid $75 for a lobster roll that was small amount of plain lobster meat on a small hotdog bun, a haddock sandwich, and one bag of chips. We later went to a nice restaurant in Gloucester (Sea Grille) and I tried a lobster roll one more time - amazing difference for the same price....huge amount of lobster mixed with a sauce , etc including great fries. Can not recommend Pool Lobster.....

Tourist rip-off spot. $35 for a pint of fried clams is ridiculous. $3.30 for a small bottle of Coke . The haddock sandwich ($15) was tiny. $11 for an order of fries!! Clam roll ($18) was pathetically small. Service, none. Lovely spot to eat out back, but super crowded. Parking is impossible at peak hours. p.s.- the number of "Elite" Yelpers that rate this five stars confirms that the whole "Elite" thing is a total joke.

Best French fries and onion rings in the world + great views. Great service and vegan options also.

This place is amazing. They have so many unique things on the menu and it's exactly what I was looking for

This pie was AMAZING! Fresh blueberries atop vanilla custard (maybe cheesecake) with outstanding lemon curd. We stopped in to the grocery store for some beverages and I'm so happy I sprung for the desert. The store lacked AC so the doors and windows were open in this warm summer day, which added to the ocean ambiance while eating this delight by the windows facing bay.

Best lobster roll around! Breathtaking views and friendly local service. A must visit whenever in the area.

The lobster roll was delicious with the seasoning and the toasted bun. I wish the portion was larger with the market price. Gifford's Maine Black Bear is composed of a vanilla ice cream base with swirls of black raspberry syrup and chocolate candies filled with liquid black raspberry. It was a delicious treat. Got to try it. The view from the back patio was breathtaking. I felt like a million dollar enjoying the view and the delicious food. The staff were kind and flexible, as they opened up the other cash register to allow purchase of ice cream since there was a long line for ordering food.

Very nice seaside convenience store that serves fried clams and lobster rolls. They have a very beautiful outdoor seating area where you can oversee the Biddeford pools and bay. Very beautiful place for visitors and residents nearby.

No question the atmosphere is beautiful. A quaint Oceanside store with outside picnic tables looking over a protected cove. The food is so so. The chicken sandwich for example was overcooked and rubbery. Buns they use for chicken and burgers do not hold up to the food they hold. With that said as mentioned the views somewhat compensate for the cost and quality of the food.

Great casual spot right on the water. Food wasn't bad, but I wouldn't say 5 stars. We had steamers, clam chowder, fish tacos, spicy crab cake salad and their wonderful raspberry peach cobbler. The steamers were a bit over cooked (wouldn't recommend), chowder was good but didn't have a lot of meat in it. The fish tacos and their pies were the best items we had. Dropped $150 so be prepared!

It's $30 for an run of the mill lobster roll that you can easily eat in three bites. Doesn't even come with any sides except a bag of chips which they wouldnt even substitute for a small cold slaw. Whack.

If you want to pay 30% more for food, this is your spot. Food is unremarkable, portions small, and you serve yourself. Only as a last resort will we patronize this spot. After 20 years, we have finally given up on this facility.

really solid place pretty basic but good a little expensive, was happy until I asked and ordered a large pizza for my crew and was charged 22$ when my order was ready I was surprised to see a small pea sized pizza and was told they only had one size after I specifically said large. The price for that is outrageous and I would have like to of known that while ordering. but like I said other than that it's a pretty nice place. Go for it but by all means do not order pizza here.

A great and beautiful spot! Couldn't find the breakfast menu anywhere, so added a photo of that as well!

Picture on menus made me laugh lobster roll full of lobster meat!!! 2 lobster rolls for $63.00 there was a tablespoon of lobster in each! Save your money!!!!!

Love love love. Goldthwaite's is a must for anyone living in, or visiting the Biddeford Pool area. You can order a great lunch and eat outside at picnic tables overlooking the lovely view of Biddeford Pool. I love the swordfish sandwich, salmon BLT and the fried haddock sandwich. They also have wonderful salads and of course, lobster. The restaurant closes after Labor Day. It always makes me sad when it closes for the season! Summer here in Maine goes by so quickly. .

Great food, staff and view. If you haven't been go. Everything I've eaten has been very good to excellent. The crab cakes and salad is probably my favorite.

The restaurant is located at the end of Biddeford Pool and beautiful location with beautiful views. It's a takeout style restaurant. Food is great. I've had lobster rolls, chicken sandwich, french fries, tacos and other things. Everything is great. The clam chowder is really wonderful. If you get the chance, definitely check it out.

Don't waste your time way way overpriced for what u get, huge disappointment !!!!!Clam Roll

Some of the best food we had on our trip to America We were in the States from the UK visiting family in Massachusetts and decided to hire a car and take a road trip up the coast through New Hampshire to Maine. The weather was set fair for us and on the day we happened upon Pool Lobster at the beautiful gem that was Biddeford Pool, the food was too! The menu looked so delicious we had a job to choose what to have and in the end both had the lobster tacos. They were fresh, mouthwatering and scrumptious. What more could you want, sunshine, sea views and a feast of lobster with avocado, horseradish, red cabbage, sweetcorn and all the trimmings. This unassuming yet vibrant place felt like it was slightly undiscovered, and long may it remain so. I want it to be like that the next time we visit. Have just got to save up now for another trip over the pond!!

The location is wonderful and that is what you're paying for! We have been trying to replace pool street market lobster rolls this year. NOT the place!! My lobster roll was $27 and had a tiny amount of meat on it. It was about a 4.5in roll. We purchased over priced alcoholic drinks then were told you can not drink them even outside while you eat! Great more $ for drinks. Husband got a cold cut sub. It was pre made wrapped in plastic and served like that. For the money you charge for everything at least make food to order. There were no condiments for the sub and we were told they did not have yellow mustard at all.... The fish and chips were adequate, fries were probably the best part of everyone's meal. Left staving off my $27 meal. Two stars for the view no stars for the value.

I've been coming to Goldthwaite's for as long as I can remember. Yesterday was the perfect day to head over to Biddeford Pool to sit outside overlooking Basket & Wood Island and enjoy a lovely lunch. I always seem to get the same thing the grilled salmon salad. It's a bit small for the price-point but honestly you are paying for the amazing view so I'm ok with that. The ONION RINGS!!!! OMG! Get them, I cannot stress this enough. Best I've ever had. My lunch dates both loved their meals of fried scallops and the fried haddock sandwich. They have a very short season so get over there while they are open, you will be glad you did.

Sat behind the store overlooking the "pool" and the mouth of the Saco River, such a beautiful and relaxing spot. Two friends and I split the crab cake sliders (4 are included) around $11-$12 and the salmon BLT also around $11 and an order of their sweet potato fries. The crab cake sliders were made with slaw and roumoulade that had a nice kick. Crab cakes contained a nice amount of crab vs all filler. The salmon was perfectly cooked and served on top of slaw in a bun. Sweet potato fries were hot and crispy and were shoes strings...yum! Great spot for a causal lunch outdoors! Cute country variety store and grille rolled in to one!

got clams and lobster for $90 to start off I am from New England and this place is an embarrassment. Clams were gross and cold but the fries made up for them. 1st look at the lobster I had to ask myself if this is okay to even eat - once I broke into the shell it was full of orange gunk with no meat so that was disappointing. I get you dont know how much meat will be in a lobster until you start to get into it but for a slow day Id pick the best looking one for a couple that walked in not the oldest shitty looking one. will never go back again & you guys need to fix your clam batter it ain't good

As a local who usually avoids the touristy places in the Biddeford/Saco area, I was really impressed by the food at Goldthwaite's. The view from the picnic tables was perfect, the tourists weren't absolutely everywhere, and there was even parking on a beautiful Sunday in the summer. The salmon BLT was bigger than expected and although the lobster roll was made from the smallest hot dog bun I've ever seen, it was stuffed with more lobster than I expected. Extra points for no mayo, but I wish the bun had been toasted. French fries were really good too. Yes, I'll go back and I really wish they stayed open a few weeks at the end of the season, just for the locals. And BTW: We had two pagers, they both worked perfectly, and we had no trouble picking up our orders when they were ready.

There's nothing wrong with the food but they've gotten the point this year where the prices just aren't worth it. Hotdogs, for example, cost more than eight dollars. This nonsense has to stop. It isn't like I couldn't afford to buy an eight dollar hot dog, I just wouldn't. After many years, we will not be returning.

Decent food. Nothing special, but the location is great. Lobster, haddock, steamers and crab cakes. Desserts looked great but didnt try.

Best onion rings I've ever had. Thick and crunchy with fantastic seasoning. Lobster roll was good but I'm not a big fan of the paprika sprinkled on top but that's just my personal taste. Friendly service. Nice chip selection. Will definitely go back next summer (we're out of towners).

Wonderful hidden gem! Fish tacos and Mexican street corn are incredible. The BEST chowder in MAINE... nice area to sit outside and watch the waves and sailboats.

Too expensive for what you get. Food is just so so. Clams were cool when served, lobster roll was fresh but for the price it should of had more lobster compared to other restaurants. While the signs on the door regarding masks for unvaccinated folks are well posted it is not enforced. We saw too many kids under the age of 12 not wearing masks inside the store. We know that these kids are not vaccinated and therefore should be wearing a mask. Vaccinated people can still get COVID and pass it on unknowingly. NOT GOOD!

We love you Goldthwaite's--what summer should taste like. Can't wait for Covid to get out of your way but you're never NOT the very best xoxo

If you're going to give customers a "pager" to let them know when food is ready AND you ask for a name, it's not the customer's fault that the food sat waiting on the counter getting cold because 1) the pager wasn't used (or "wasn't charged") and 2) the name was written down so illegibly by employee A that employee B was calling for a totally different name. The onion rings (that looked pretty darn good on round 1, other than the obvious being cold) were just thrown back into the fryer and by the time we got our food on round 2, it was evident that while most of the other items weren't "reheatable," the onion rings had just been thrown back into the fryer and were cooked beyond recognition.

This is a quaint general store in a minuscule hamlet that is Biddiford Pool w amazing views of the inlet out back. Adorondack chairs, picnic tables pepper the lawn. No restrooms (um, I don't consider port o Pottys for the obvious reasons). It's also the The Pool Lobster Co. Try to keep up- This is both store & resturant (ish). The hot/cold food is really good. Fresh steaks, chicken, seafood. Now the store carries everything- high end obscure specialty gourmet items. Excellent sandwiches, burgers, wraps, hot lobster rolls, peppered haddock sandwich is really good. Produce, ice cream, cheeses, salami, local blueberry jam, Chips, crackers, bread, mustards, spices, basic baking needs, etc. Chilled white wines, Proseco, champagne, beer, sodas. Solid assortment of red wines too. Fresh French bread, coffee.

Lobster roll was very small and did not come w fries. Ordering food was very complicated p

We use to love coming here and having breakfast or lunch but we came here the other day and the lady was not nice or friendly. The lobster roll was small and dry. The views are still beautiful and hope they up their game so we can continue to come back other wise I wouldn't come back again!

This small general store also has a restaurant in the back that serves a variety of dairy bar type food (hotdogs, hamburgers, etc), as well as fresh-made lobster rolls. The hamburger is a standard frozen patty, nothing special, but the lobster roll was quite good, if a bit expensive (depending on the current market price). The tables outside are a wonderful place to kill some time on a nice summer day, they look out onto the bay and are quite pleasant (we give the view 5 of 5). If you see a big, hand-wrapped chocolate whoopie pie, make sure you pick one up, the one we had was one of the best we've had; nice and soft, and with just the right amount of filling!

amazing food and super friendly staff! beautiful outside seating!! definitely worth a visit & try!

Drove miles to come here only to find out its shut down. Windows and door bolted. :(

I had the twin lobster with onion rings. My wife had the fish and chips. My daughters had the chicken tenders and fries. It was so good, we drove 35 minutes the next day to have it again with a friend. Super friendly staff and the view from the back is simply beautiful. I wish I could give them more stars.

Skimpy, mediocre and overpriced lobster roll on our last visit. It was much better on our visit last summer. Maybe we came on a bad day?

The Pool locals are gonna hate that we are talking up one of the BEST KEPT Culinary Secrets - Pool Lobster (inside of the Goldthwaites grocery store ) and hence driving more people into their tiny remote village (with literally two stores "downtown"). That being said - this spot is definitely worth the drive (15 - 20 minutes from Kennebunkport, 40 minutes from Ogunquit, 30 minutes from Portland). Yes, putting a lobster kitchen into a local grocery store means that the store gets mighty warm, but your quest for the BEST LOBSTER ROLL anywhere can now be fulfilled. (Pool lobster used to be located across the street on the corner, but has since moved inside Goldthwaites). Seriously - couldnotbefresher local Lobster perfectly prepared and lovingly tucked into a local traditional toasted roll with the barest minimum of mayo (just enough to hold it together) and some diced celery to give it a little crunch. Spring for the "Fancy" Chowder (Seriously - that's what they call it). It is THE most flavorful clam chowder that you'll find anywhere. Served with Vermont oyster crackers. My wife and I think that this is THE BEST CHOWDER anywhere. While I didn't have a steamed lobster THIS time, but these people definitely know how to prepare lobsters. Nobody does it better. If you are looking for a carry-out lobster, this is a great one. THE PLACE - there are about 3 tables on the back porch that is glassed in, but walk past them and out the back door / down the ramp, and eat at one of the umbrella covered picnic tables on the lovely lawn that literally stops at the sea where you can watch the sail boats coming and going in "The Pool".