Shaw's Wharf is not just an ordinary seafood restaurant, it's a destination, a true Maine coastal experience, and for many a family tradition. Formerly known as Small Brothers, until 1988 when Howie Shaw purchased the restaurant and changed the name. Countless numbers of our customers recount memories of their annual summer pilgrimage to Shaw's not just for the food, but for the atmosphere and camaraderie. Visit us and you'll understand why. Hollywood liked us so much that they filmed parts of the movie "Message in a Bottle" starring Paul Newman, Kevin Costner, and Robin Wright-Penn, here at Shaw's!

 

  Watch fisherman unload their daily catch of lobster at our dock, keeping us supplied with the freshest Maine has to offer. Sit and relax on our wharf or second floor deck to view one of the most picturesque working fishing harbors still left. Or why not visit our raw bar serving up Pemaquid Oysters, considered to be among the best!! Enjoy a cocktail, glass of wine, or beer from a substantial offering. Strike up a conversation with a fellow diner and enjoy the fun.

 

 

 We are a casual restaurant that not only offers indoor dining, but upper deck and wharf seating also, with handicap accessibility. We are family friendly, and children are excited to visit the lobster room downstairs to watch the crustaceans crawl around the tank.

 

  After your meal visit our gift shop and purchase a memento. Or poke your head through the "Clam" or "Lobster" and create your own.

 

 

There are many places to visit on the Pemaquid Peninsula. Quite a few of them are within short walking and/or driving distances from Shaw's Wharf.  Here is a list of some of the  sights to see and venues to experience:

 

The Hardy Boat III Cruises: Offers daily trips to Monhegan Island right from Shaw's Wharf. They also have seal, puffin, and lighthouse cruises. Open for operation from mid May to mid October.

1-800-278-3346 cruises@hardyboat.com  www. hardyboat.com

 

Monhegan Island: Home to fishermen, artists, and summer residents, this island is picturesque and fun to explore. Hike the trails around the island. ( There are no cars and no paved roads ) Spend a night at an inn or hotel. It is only accessible by boat.

 

Pemaquid Lighthouse Park: Be awed by the crashing surf and amazing rock formations at the end of Pemaquid Point. Towering above the rocks and open ocean is the historic lighthouse which was built in 1827. Visit the Pemaquid Fishermen's Museum on the premises. The park is also a great place to enjoy a picnic. And don't forget your camera!

Open from May through October. Modest entrance fee.

www.pemaquidpoint.org/wc.cfm

 

Pemaquid Beach Park: A wonderful place for families with a sandy beach on John's Bay. Picnic tables are available, as well as a concession stand, bathhouse, and restrooms. There is a modest entrance fee.

Open: Memorial Day through Labor Day.

 

Fort William Henry: The historical stone fort overlooks John's Bay. There is a fort house, museum, and gift shop. Nominal entrance fee.

Open: Memorial Day through Labor Day.

www.friendsofcolonialpemaquid.org

 

Rachael Carson Salt Pond: Just up the road from Shaw's Wharf on Rte.32 is the Rachael Carson Salt Pond. Visit the tidal pool situated on Muscongus  Bay. Children as well as adults love to explore the crevices of the rocks in the pool to search for small ocean creatures. Enjoy the salt air, breezes, and scent of the rosa rugosa bushes that line the banks. 

 

Whether you want to kayak, sail, swim, picnic, shop for gifts or antiques, dine out, camp out, find lodging, or seasonal rentals, your best resource for the Bristol Area is: www.bristolparks.org