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Bar Harbor Maine Dining Guide
The best part of Maine can be tasted and Bar Harbor has tastes for every palate. From rustic lobster pounds to exquisite fine dining, there is truly something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a family style restaurant, oceanfront dining, or just a casual place to grab a drink and get a bite to eat, you can find it here in our area dining guide. Check out some of our favorite restaurants that Bar Harbor has to offer before you get here so you can spend more time enjoying your trip and less time planning it on the run. Below you will find a collection of local favorites that we have laid out for you by category. Check them out and see which ones catch your eye. Put them on your itinerary and be ready to hit the best spots on your next trip to Bar Harbor!
Breakfast
While many of the guests at the Highbrook are fully satisfied with our complimentary “Grab & Go” continental breakfast each morning, some folks still want a more traditional sit down breakfast. Fortunately, Bar Harbor has some great options for you…
A truly unique breakfast experience! 2 Cats offer a one-off breakfast variety featuring fresh baked goods, gourmet selections, and truly original dishes. Get here early as people wait in line just to start their day off with 2 Cats!
For more info check out some search results and see what everyone is saying!
One part hip coffee house, one part casual-gourmet, Cafe This Way serves eclectic offerings for breakfast and dinner seven days a week. Tucked away just across from the Village Green in Downtown Bar Harbor, you’ll want to find your way to this hidden gem!
Check them out at www.cafethisway.com
A local, family run business, Jordan’s has been a staple of the Bar Harbor community for many years. This home-style restaurant is known for their Wild Maine Blueberry Pancakes and Muffins which are made fresh every day. Providing fast, efficient service starting at 5am each morning, you can sit down to a full hearty breakfast and be on with your day in no time.
Check them out at www.jordanswildblueberry.com.
Pub Fare
If you’re looking for a place where the local’s go, then these two places are it. With their casual, relaxed atmospheres and reasonable prices, the options here are just right for those looking for that casual little spot. And just because we call it lighter fare, doesn’t mean you’ll leave hungry.
Part cozy restaurant, part lively bar, Side Street prides itself on creative cocktails, hearty comfort foods, and a casual relaxed atmosphere. Live music and local art compliment it’s unique character which is part of what makes Side Street a haven for locals and visitors.
Check them out at www.sidestreetbarharbor.com.
“The Whale” as the locals call it, is a casual pub full of character and charm. It is well known by locals for its fresh seafood, lobster rolls, chowders, burgers, salads and sandwiches all at a great price. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better value in Bar Harbor than the Thirsty Whale!
Check them out at www.thirstywhaletavern.com.
Pizza
If you’re going to be in Bar Harbor for a few days chances are you’ll need a break from the lobster and seafood at some point. Fortunately, Bar Harbor has some great options for pizza lovers.
Reel Pizza is a movie theater and pizza parlor in one. Here you can sit back and watch a great movie while enjoying fresh, made to order pizza in the comfort of their stadium seating. They also offer popcorn and candy just like your traditional theaters as well as soft drinks, beer and wine. It’s dinner and a movie all wrapped in one.
See what’s playing and check them out at www.reelpizza.net.
If there is one place any local will tell you to go for pizza, it’s Rosalie’s. Another family owned and operated gem in Bar Harbor, Rosalie’s offer a great experience inside their retro 1950’s style pizza parlor. Watch from your seat as they twirl scratch made pizza dough from the open kitchen while listening to classic oldies on their Wurlitzer jukebox.
Check them out at www.rosaliespizza.com.
Lobster Pound
A term native to Maine, a lobster pound is by definition a holding tank where lobsters are stored using circulated sea water. Traditionally a lobster pound is what wholesalers use to hold their stocks of lobster while waiting to sell them. What this means for the everyday visitor to Maine and Bar Harbor is that when you visit a traditional Maine lobster pound you’re getting to enjoy the freshest Maine lobster. These pounds buy all of their lobsters right from the local Maine lobstermen. Often found in rustic buildings, with picnic table seating, you can pick out your own lobster fresh from the waters of Maine. It will be freshly cooked for you along with some of the traditional fixings including items such as clams, mussels, corn, home-made bread, coleslaw or chowder. It’s an experience everyone has to try at least once.
The quintessential Maine experience, Thurston’s Lobster Pound sits on a dock hovering over the bay. From their awning covered decks, you can watch local lobster boats come and go as the crews haul their day’s catch up to Thurston’s Lobster Pound. It’s a little off the beaten path but well worth the drive to experience a little piece of Maine culture.
Check them out at www.thurstonforlobster.com.
You’ll quickly discover on your next trip to Maine that there are many ways you can cook a lobster. Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound only does it one way, boiled in fresh, clean seawater over a wood fire. This method produces what many would call the best lobster in the rough. This simple recipe has been bringing patrons back to Trenton Bridge for over five decades. They are located on the right-hand side of Rt. 3, just before you cross the bridge onto Mount Desert Island. Since you have to drive right by them in order to get to Bar Harbor you might as well stop in.
Check them out at www.trentonbridgelobster.com.
Dining with a View
One of the reasons why so many visitors travel to Bar Harbor and Acadia is to enjoy the views. If you wish to bask in some of the areas beautiful scenery while you enjoy a delicious meal, we’ve got you covered. Here are some spots that serve up great food with spectacular views!
Located just minutes from Downtown Bar Harbor and the Highbrook, The Chart Room is the most convenient spot to dine on the water. Enjoy the view of Frenchman’s Bay from their outdoor patio or inside their cozy dining room. The Chart Room has been a longtime local favorite serving up sumptuous shore dinners and fresh Maine seafood.
Check them out at www.chartroombarharbor.com.
Famous for serving afternoon tea and popovers, the Jordan Pond House is the only restaurant located inside of Acadia National Park. Sit out on their expansive lawn or inside their large, open dining room and enjoy the gorgeous views of Jordan Pond and the Bubble Mountains. Not limited to tea and popovers, the Jordan Pond House is one of the best places to enjoy a delicious meal with a stunning view. Since it is the only restaurant inside of Acadia, it can get very busy. But check out our Dining Tips for advice on how to beat the crowds!
Check them out at www.acadiajordanpondhouse.com.
Casual Dining
Laid back, casual dining is available in many forms here in Bar Harbor. In fact, it’s probably the most prevalent category you could group all the area restaurants into. And because there are so many options, this is the area where so many people feel lost trying to pick that perfect spot. Fortunately, you have our years of experience and local knowledge at your disposal to help you narrow it down. The restaurants highlighted here are often frequented by locals and have been consistent for years in their approach to providing quality food in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere.
Galyn’s is a family-run restaurant offering fresh, well-prepared foods, served by a friendly, professional staff. Their menu features fresh local fish, Maine lobster, prime rib, steaks, and gluten-free and vegetarian choices. An extensive wine list, local beers, and full bar selection complement their food offerings. Historic architecture and contemporary art create a relaxed and inviting setting. Just steps from the Bar Harbor waterfront, if you’re fortunate enough to get a seat by one of their picture windows, you can enjoy a view of the harbor right from your table.
Check them out at www.galynsbarharbor.com.
A year-round local favorite, McKay’s pride themselves in serving creatively prepared, locally grown, locally sourced products. Inside the historic Victorian home that houses it’s dining rooms, you can relax in its old-fashioned charm. On those beautiful Summer days that everyone comes to Maine for, their outside patio provides the ideal spot to relax and grab a bite.
Check them out at www.mckayspublichouse.com.
Just steps from the Downtown waterfront, the West Street Cafe offers a relaxed dining experience in true New England fashion. It’s bright dining area and contemporary seaside decor offers a charming place to stop for lunch or dinner. Featuring a wide variety of seafood and American comfort foods the West Street Cafe has always been a consistent spot for good food at a good price. There’s nothing pretentious here, just down to Earth New England charm in a cozy seaside cafe.
Check them out at www.weststreetcafe.com.
Upscale Dining
If you are someone who appreciates the finer things in life, Bar Harbor has some amazing dining options for you to try. Whether you’re looking for that one-off experience, celebrating a special occasion or just looking for something exceptional, we can show you the way. These upscale restaurants offer an elevated dining experience you won’t just find anywhere.
See what folks are saying about The Burning Tree.
Havana is a colorful spot featuring a sophisticated menu with a Latin flair. If you’re looking for somewhere truly unique in Bar Harbor, Havana is it. For lighter fare or drinks, stop into their outside tapas bar and grill, Parrilla. Featuring its own menu and open-air seating, Parrilla offers a taste of Havanna without the need for reservations.
Check them out at www.havanamaine.com.
Steakhouse
There are plenty of places to get a great steak in Bar Harbor but only one devotes themselves to it…
Bar Harbor’s only steakhouse, Jack Russell’s prides itself on serving up the highest quality beef just the way you like it. Also home to Maine Coast Brewing, you can enjoy a local craft beer at their full-service bar. Open nightly, Jack Russell’s Steakhouse and Brewery is only a few doors down from the Highbrook, so you can walk over for drinks or dinner.
Check them out at www.jackrussellssteakhouse.com/
Ice Cream
There’s something about ice cream on a warm summer day. And if you find yourself strolling through Downtown Bar Harbor you may notice the variety of shops serving up this delectable treat. With so many options at your convenience, we’re here to give you the local scoop (no pun intended).
Just off the main drag of the Downtown, these two locations are well worth the extra steps. Serving up hand-made ice cream in some of the most creative, funky flavors you could ever imagine. You won’t find ice cream like this anywhere else and you never know what you might find as the menus are always changing. If you want to try a new spin on an old creation you have got to try Mount Desert Island Ice Cream.
Check them out at www.mdiic.com.
By booking direct with us you can rest assured you are getting the best available rate anywhere. In fact we guarantee it!
Best Price Gaurantee…Dining Tips
The Jordan Pond House is the only restaurant in Acadia National Park. It can be very busy during peak dining times (mid day – afternoon) when most folks are in the park. Go for dinner when most people head toward Downtown Bar Harbor and beat the crowd! Great views, great food, and more relaxed!
Most area restaurants close between 9pm-10pm during the season. If you’re going to be arriving to the area late you may want to stop for dinner on your way to Bar Harbor. Late night options are very limited.
Lobster pounds tend to close even earlier than the restaurants, so don’t wait too late in the evening to experience them.
Many people that have one of the Upscale Dining options planned for an evening during their trip will make reservations days in advance. This is the only way to ensure you don’t miss out on one of these popular eateries.