The Lobster Pool, Rockport

Since 1954, the chefs at The Lobster Pool have connected seafood lovers with ocean-fresh catches of steamed clam, hot boiled lobster, and fresh crab at their no-frills hotspot. They let their succulent lobster meat and the beautiful views of Ipswich Bay, New Hampshire, and Maine speak for themselves, as they offer a stripped-down dining experience. Here, there are no waiters, tip jars, or lobster races to bet on—instead, the dining room is self-service. After the chefs whip up orders, diners take their trays out to the picnic tables on the lawn, where clam chowder, crab roll, or oysters make for an excellent pairing with a lungful of salty sea air from Folly Cove.