The Foodie’s Guide to Bar Harbor, Maine

Best Restaurants, Lobster Rolls & Hidden Gems (2026)

Bar Harbor isn’t just the gateway to Acadia National Park; it’s one of the best food towns in all of New England. And I don’t say that lightly. When Brian and I spent six months living and working in the area in 2025, I went from “tourist who eats here a few times a year” to more of a “regular who knows exactly where to go and what to order.” Six months of eating my way through this town with Loki, Freya, and Caly in tow means I’ve done the research, the delicious, delicious research, so you don’t have to. This is your complete foodie’s guide to Bar Harbor, covering everything from 5 AM blueberry pancakes to hidden speakeasies, the best lobster roll actually in downtown Bar Harbor, and every must-eat spot in between.

One huge thing to know before we dive in: Bar Harbor is overwhelmingly seasonal. Most restaurants are only open from May through October. I’ve noted the year-round exceptions throughout this guide because if you’re visiting in the off-season, those spots become essential.

Planning your trip to Acadia? Don’t miss these guides:

Sunrise At Acadia National Park

Is Acadia National Park Dog Friendly?

15 Can’t-Miss Dog-Friendly Hikes At Acadia

15 Best Shops in Bar Harbor

The Foodies Guide To Bar Harbor, Maine

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Best Coffee in Bar Harbor

Iced coffee from Coffee Hound enjoyed at Agamont Park in Bar Harbor, Main, a Stadium Bar Harbor branded iced coffee cup held up with Frenchman Bay, anchored boats, and the Porcupine Islands visible in the background, highlighting Coffee Hound as one of the best coffee shops in Bar Harbor and Agamont Park as a must-visit waterfront spot for eating and relaxing near Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island

Coffee Hound Coffee Bar (at The Stadium)

Where: 62 Main Street, Suite A, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Hours: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM daily, April through October (some sources list 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM, so verify for the current season)
Seasonal: Yes — reopens April 2026
Find More: thestadiumbh.com | coffeehoundcoffeeco.com | Instagram: @thestadium_bh

If you’ve read my Best Shops In Bar Harbor guide, you know I stop at Coffee Hound on every single visit to Bar Harbor, and when I lived here for six months, it was basically weekly. Coffee Hound is a veteran-founded, woman-owned roastery that operates inside The Stadium, a beloved bakery run by a father-and-son team. The two brands function as one spot, and it works beautifully.

What To Order: The Nitro Chai was by far my favorite this past summer. But I also love their seasonal drinks. Last summer, it was a fluffer nutter latte, and it was so popular they kept it through the fall. The Stadium side serves popovers with blueberry jam and maple butter that rival Jordan Pond House (yes, I said it), plus crepes, blueberry donuts, and breakfast sandwiches. They even do lobster rolls. It’s takeout only, with no indoor seating, so pick up your order and walk to nearby Agamont Park. It’s the perfect spot to eat with a view.

Popover with cinnamon butter and blueberry preserves from Coffee Hound at The Stadium in Bar Harbor, Maine, a golden brown popover served on red wax paper with wild blueberry jam and whipped cinnamon butter, one of the most iconic things to eat in Bar Harbor near Acadia National Park, highlighting the best breakfast spots and must-try local foods in Bar Harbor, Maine on Mount Desert Island"

If you’re visiting Bar Harbor and only have time for one coffee stop, make it this one. Grab a nitro chai and stroll Shore Path, trust me on this one!

Acadia Perk

Where: 5 Firefly Lane, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 (across from the Village Green)
Hours: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily, May through October
Seasonal: Yes — but they operate a winter pop-up at The Village Green Cafe (164 Main Street), so you can get your fix even in the off-season
Find More: acadiaperk.com | Instagram: @acadiaperk

Acadia Perk is the kind of cozy coffee shop that makes you want to sit down and stay awhile. Locally owned with a warm, inviting atmosphere and prices that won’t make your wallet cry. There isn’t much room inside, so I recommend getting your coffee and goodies, then heading to the Village Green or Agamont Park to take in the harbor views.

What to order: The Blueberry Macchiato is their signature drink and the one everyone raves about. But the Blueberry Matcha Latte might be even better! They also do a Blueberry Lavender Latte, Sea Salt Macchiato, an extensive sugar-free flavor menu, cold brew, breakfast sandwiches, and baked goods. If it involves blueberries and coffee, Acadia Perk has it covered.

Best Breakfast in Bar Harbor

Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast

Where: ⚠️ NEW LOCATION — 8 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 (moved from 15 Cottage Street for the 2025 season – many review sites still show the old address, so heads up!)
Hours: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM (seasonal, approximately May through October)
Find More: jeanniesbreakfast.com | Online Waitlist: book.w8li.st/great-maine-breakfast

Most locals just call it “Jeannie’s” or “Great Maine Breakfast,” and either way, it’s one of the first names that comes up when you ask anyone where to eat breakfast in Bar Harbor. Owners Susan and Bryon Saunders relocated to 8 Cottage Street (the former Epi’s Pizza space) in 2025, so if your GPS takes you across the street, you’re at the old spot.

What to order: The blueberry pancakes made with native Maine blueberries are the star, and they come out that gorgeous deep blue-purple that tells you they’re using the real deal. The homemade oatmeal bread is incredible, and the Frenchmen Bay Benedict (five-herb biscuit, spinach, tomatoes, eggs, and Mornay cheese sauce) is a sleeper hit (it was my favorite). Real maple syrup is a $2 add-on, and it’s universally recommended; trust me, just do it.

Pro tip: Jeannie’s opens early, making it the perfect post-sunrise breakfast spot. Looking for the best sunrise spot at Acaida? Check out my Best Sunrise Spots at Acadia post. Drive to your sunrise spot, come back down, and reward yourself with pancakes. Expect a line during peak season, and use the online waitlist.

Jordan’s Restaurant

Where: 80 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Hours: 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM daily (one of the earliest-opening spots in town!)
Seasonal: Yes – reopens May 1, 2026
Find More: jordanswildblueberry.com

Jordan’s is THE wild Maine blueberry restaurant, and I don’t think anyone would argue with that. Established in 1976 by the Paine family, this classic, no-frills diner has served blueberry pancakes for nearly 50 years. This multi-generational institution is beloved by locals and tourists alike.

What to order: The wild Maine blueberry pancakes are loaded with berries and come out that deep, beautiful blue. Absolutely get the wild blueberry syrup, yes, it’s a $2 upcharge, and yes, it’s worth every penny. Their warm blueberry muffins are also incredible, and the lunch menu features solid burgers, fried haddock, and clam chowder.

Pro tip: Jordan’s opens at 5 AM, making it perfect for pre-sunrise hikers heading to Cadillac Mountain. The adjacent gift shop sells wild blueberry products (jams, syrups, pancake mixes) that make amazing gifts. If you can only do one breakfast spot, this is a coin flip with Jeannie’s — you honestly can’t go wrong with either.

Best Ice Cream in Bar Harbor

CJ’s Big Dipper

Wild blueberry ice cream at CJ's in Bar Harbor, Maine, a bowl of creamy Maine blueberry swirl ice cream served at a light blue outdoor table, highlighting CJ's as one of the best ice cream spots in Bar Harbor near Acadia National Park, a must-try local treat featuring Maine's famous wild blueberries on Mount Desert Island

Where: 150 Main Street, Suite 1, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily (in season, approximately May – October)
⚠️ Cash only (ATM on premises)

CJ’s is old-school in the best possible way; you’ll recognize the red-and-white striped awning, hand-painted signage, and the kind of ice cream that makes you want to eat it on a park bench and just watch the world go by.

What to order: The wild Maine blueberry soft serve is a must-order here. CJ’s is the only shop in Bar Harbor that serves it, and it’s made with fresh wild berries. Brian’s favorite is a double scoop of the S’mores and Sea Salt Caramel Truffle (he swears by it)! They also scoop dozens of hard ice cream flavors, do milkshakes and sundaes, and have excellent vegan and non-dairy options. Fun flavor names like “Confused” and “I’m Not Sure Yet” add to the charm. Grab your cone and head across the street to the Village Green.

Just remember it’s cash only. There’s an ATM inside, but save yourself the surcharge and come prepared.

Mount Desert Island Ice Cream

Where: 7 Firefly Lane, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily (in season)
Find More: fearlessflavor.com | Instagram: @mdiicecream

If CJ’s is old-school charm, MDI Ice Cream is artisanal perfection. Their tagline is “Fearless Flavor,” and they mean it. Every batch is made in no more than five gallons at a time using locally sourced Maine dairy with high butterfat and low air content, resulting in some of the densest, creamiest ice cream you’ll ever taste. They celebrated their 20th anniversary in 2025 and have expanded to locations in Portland, Washington D.C., and even two shops in Japan.

What to order: The flavors rotate, but look for Blueberry Sour Cream Crumble, Fresh Basil, Salty Peanut Butter, or “The Dude” (white russian ice cream — yes, really). Food & Wine named them one of the top ice cream shops in the country, and President Obama famously stopped in for toasted coconut ice cream during a 2010 family vacation. Heads up: no free samples. Just commit to something fearless, and you won’t be disappointed.

Note: Their second Bar Harbor location at 325 Main Street has permanently closed, so head to the Firefly Lane shop.

Best Pizza in Bar Harbor

Rosalie’s Pizza

Where: 46 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM (closed Mondays, no reservations)
Seasonal: Yes — reopens May 2026
Find More: rosaliespizza.com | Instagram: @rosaliespizza_barharbor

Rosalie’s has been a Bar Harbor institution since 1981, run by the Crowe family for over 40 years. Voted Best Pizza and Best Takeout on MDI by the Bar Harbor Times. And honestly? The atmosphere is half the draw.

What to order: Honestly, we loved everything we tried at Rosalie’s, but our favorite was a large pepperoni, mushroom, and ricotta. The NY-style thin crust is available in sizes from 10″ to 19″, with specialty pies such as “Rosalie’s Revenge.” The calzones are massive, and the “Rosalie’s Nightmare” baked sub is a local favorite. But the real magic of Rosalie’s is the vibe, a working Wurlitzer jukebox playing vinyl 45s, vintage red neon lights, records on the walls, and two floors of casual dine-in seating. Beer, wine, and local Maine craft beers are available. Put a quarter in the jukebox, order a large pepperoni, and soak it in. This is one of those places where the experience is just as good as the food.

We got Rosalie’s probably once a week for the 6 months we were in Bar Harbor, and it’s the absolute best pizza in town!

Best Fine Dining in Bar Harbor

Table Salt

Where: 195 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Hours: Dinner 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Weekend brunch Saturdays ~10 AM – 2 PM
Seasonal: April through October (2026 reservations already live on their website)
Find More: tablesaltbarharbor.com | Reservations via Resy

Table Salt opened in May of 2025, in the former China Joy space, and immediately became the town’s premier fine-dining destination. We went to Table Salt twice and got different meals each time, and everything was incredible!

Seasonal old fashioned cocktail at Table Salt in Bar Harbor, Maine, an amber whiskey cocktail in a faceted rocks glass with a dehydrated apple chip garnish and large ice sphere, showcasing Table Salt's creative craft cocktail program and highlighting it as one of the best upscale restaurants and bars in Bar Harbor near Acadia National Park for date night dining and cocktails on Mount Desert Island, Maine

What to order: Start with the raw bar (bar harbor blonde oysters are heaven), then go for the Lobster Bisque, Pork Belly, the Lamb Shank, or Pork Chop. Their cocktails are excellent, and try the “Charred Hive” (charred rosemary, gin, honey, ginger) or “First Crush” (blueberry-infused Aperol with tequila). They have handcrafted chocolate truffles in-house, and the Carrot Cheesecake is a must-try dessert. Weekend brunch features house-made English muffin Eggs Benedict and a mimosa cart.

Caramel ice cream sundae dessert at Table Salt restaurant in Bar Harbor, Maine, a decadent layered sundae with whipped cream, candied pecan crumble, and caramel drizzle served in a dark footed glass, highlighting Table Salt as one of the best upscale farm-to-table restaurants in Bar Harbor near Acadia National Park and a top dining destination for dessert and cocktails on Mount Desert Island, Maine

Pro tip: Make reservations early. This place blew up fast, and it’s only going to get busier in 2026. Book through Resy or directly on their website.

Best New Mexican Food in Bar Harbor

Salsa Verde Grill

Where: 191 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 (moved from original 270 Main St location in early 2025)
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM (winter hours updated weekly on Instagram)
Year-Round (with reduced winter hours — one of the few places open off-season!)
Find More: salsaverdegrill.com | Instagram: @salsaverdegrill

Authentic New Mexican enchiladas and cocktails at Salsa Verde in Bar Harbor, Maine, red sauce enchiladas with cheese, rice, and refried beans on a rustic ceramic plate alongside a chili-rimmed cocktail on the outdoor patio, highlighting Salsa Verde as a unique and beloved Mexican restaurant in Bar Harbor near Acadia National Park and one of the most interesting dining options on Mount Desert Island, Maine

OK, I know what you’re thinking, New Mexican food in coastal Maine? Trust me on this one. Salsa Verde Grill is a family-owned, New Mexico-inspired restaurant opened in 2023 by chef Lisa Parkin and her family, who moved to Bar Harbor from Los Angeles. And they are doing it RIGHT.

What to order: The stacked enchiladas with a fried egg on top are unreal. The street tacos on blue corn tortillas come in carne asada, pollo, carnitas, and calabacitas. The stuffed sopapillas are a rare find, and this is one of the few restaurants outside New Mexico that serves them. And the margaritas (particularly the tamarind and spicy pineapple) are some of the best I’ve had anywhere. Strong gluten-free options throughout the menu, too.

The fact that Salsa Verde is open year-round makes it even more valuable, when most of Bar Harbor shuts down for winter, this is one of the spots that keeps the lights on.

Best Lunch Spots in Bar Harbor

West Street Cafe

Where: 76 West Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Hours: 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM daily (in season)
Seasonal
Find More: weststreetcafe.com | Instagram: @weststreetcafebh

This is the kind of place that just does classic Maine seafood really, really well. Brian and I went here often when I would go meet him for lunch. The atmosphere is very MAINE, and the food is excellent.

What to order: I love the Crabby Patty here, and we love the scallops in Maine in general. The “Downeast Special” is the move – a 1¼ lb Maine lobster, cup of clam chowder, fries, coleslaw, and blueberry pie. Outstanding value. Their baked stuffed haddock, lobster scampi, and crab cakes are all excellent, too. And multiple people have told me their blueberry pie is one of the best on the island. The upstairs seating offers harbor views, and the bar features happy hour.

Melt

Where: 27B Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM ⚠️ (that’s it — very short window!)
Seasonal
Find More: meltmaine.com | Instagram: @meltmaine

Melt started as a food truck and has since graduated to a brick-and-mortar spot on Main Street. It’s exactly what you think, a cheesy, melty, glorious grilled cheese sandwich and loaded fries.

What to order: The Buffalo Chicken melt is my favorite, and Brian loved the Mac & Cheese Melt. The Philly melt, caprese melt, and mac & cheese melt are all incredible. The loaded fries are next-level. Make sure to try the Cheeto dust fries or the lobster fries. They also do lobster and crab rolls, and Momo’s Cheesecakes. Mostly takeout with very limited counter seating, so grab your food and head across the street to Agamont Park.

Pro tip: Note the hours – 11 AM to 2 PM only, Monday through Saturday. If you show up at 2:30, you’re out of luck. Plan accordingly!

Side Street Cafe

Where: 49 Rodick Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (in season); Winter: Wed–Sat, noon – 8:00 PM
Year-Round (with reduced winter hours)
Find More: sidestreetbarharbor.com | Instagram: @sidestreetbarharbor

Side Street might be the most popular restaurant in all of Bar Harbor. It’s one of the most-reviewed restaurants in town, and it landed on Eater’s “16 Essential Maine Lobster Rolls” list. Family-owned since 2009 by Jeff and Jena Young, this place consistently delivers.

What to order: The award-winning mac & cheese is legendary. Their lobster roll comes with a signature Old Bay finish that sets it apart. Fish tacos, specialty burgers, and creative comfort food round out a menu that has something for everyone. The Margarita of the Month program and house-infused liquors are a nice touch, too. Dog-friendly patios!

Pro tip: Expect long waits during peak season – use the online waitlist and don’t make the mistake of showing up at 6 PM on a Saturday in July without a plan.

Downeast Deli

Where: 65 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily (in season)
Find More: downeastdeli.com

Self-described as “Super Fast, Super Friendly, Home of the Naked Lobster Roll,” they deliver on all three promises. Downeast Deli is a takeout-only spot with no indoor seating (benches outside), making it ideal for a quick bite between activities. We ate here whenever we were in a rush.

What to order: The “Day After Thanksgiving” sandwich is a crowd favorite and our favorite too! It’s HUGE, and we used to split the sandwich between us. The lobster roll comes four ways — Classic (light mayo), Hot (warm butter), Naked (no butter, no mayo, just pure lobster), or Tarragon Mayo. They also make great deli sandwiches, wraps, New England clam chowder, and box lunches, perfect for Acadia picnics. Grab one before you head into the park and eat at one of the scenic overlooks. Their sister shop, Pink Pastry Shop & Espresso Bar, is just around the corner on Cottage Street if you need a sweet finish.

LUNCH

Seasonal
Find More: lunchbarharbor.com

The name says it all. LUNCH is a cute little spot for exactly what it sounds like, a quick, delicious bite in the middle of your day. It’s the kind of place you pop into between hiking and shopping, grab something amazing, and get back to your adventure.

What to order: The paninis are the star here — perfectly pressed, great flavor combinations, and the kind of thing you’ll be thinking about on the trail the next day. Pair one with a cup of soup, and you’ve got the ideal quick lunch. It’s not trying to be fancy, it’s just really good food done well in a charming little space. If you’re looking for something lighter and faster than a full sit-down restaurant, this is your spot.

Best Pubs in Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor isn’t exactly known for its pub scene, but these two spots absolutely deserve your attention. If you’re looking for hearty comfort food, well-made cocktails, and a break from the typical lobster-and-chowder tourist circuit, these are your places.

Black Friar Inn & Pub

Where: 10 Summer Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Hours: Breakfast 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM (open to the public!); Pub 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Happy hour at 4 PM
Seasonal: Mid-April through October
Phone: (207) 288-5091
Find More: blackfriarinn.com

The building is constructed from materials salvaged from mansions that burned in the devastating 1947 Bar Harbor fire, and the interior feels like stepping into a cozy English pub, think dark wood, intimate rooms, and that roof deck that’s perfect for a summer evening.

Hearty beef stew with mashed potatoes and a biscuit at the Black Friar Inn in Bar Harbor, Maine, a rich bowl of slow-braised beef and vegetable stew with whipped potatoes and a craft beer, highlighting the Black Friar Inn pub as one of the most cozy and atmospheric dinner spots in Bar Harbor near Acadia National Park, perfect for a warming meal on a cool Maine evening on Mount Desert Island

What to order: The bangers and mash are outstanding, like proper British pub bangers and mash, and the butternut squash curry is one of my personal favorites. It’s not what you’d expect from a pub menu, but it’s SO good. Brian is a creature of habit here and goes straight for the shepherd’s pie and fish and chips every time, and honestly, both are excellent. Happy hour starts at 4 PM with $6 drafts (always Maine selections on tap), and the scotch eggs and crab cakes are great starters.

The vibe is cozy and intimate with multiple small rooms, an outdoor roof deck, and that charming little detail where your check arrives tucked inside a children’s reading book. Locals and chefs from other restaurants in town eat here regularly because the food is consistently done right and not overpriced like some other spots in Bar Harbor.

Leary’s Landing Irish Pub

Where: 156 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Hours: Monday – Saturday 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM; Closed Sunday
Seasonal: Check for off-season hours
Phone: (207) 664-3919

If the Black Friar is the hidden British pub tucked off the main drag, Leary’s Landing is the Irish pub sitting right in the middle of all the action on Main Street. And it’s really, really good. We met up with friends here in a large group a few times over the summer.

This place has the kind of menu that makes choosing hard. The bangers and mash here are fantastic, and the butternut squash curry is one of those dishes that surprises you in the best way. It’s hearty, flavorful, and the perfect thing when you don’t want another lobster roll. Brian went with the shepherd’s pie and the fish and chips and was in his happy place. I’ve heard people say the shepherd’s pie is the best they’ve ever had, and honestly, I get it.

Group dinner at Leary's Landing Irish Pub in Bar Harbor, Maine, a large group of friends from Coastal Kayak and Acadia Bike enjoying fish and chips and pints around a pub table, showcasing Leary's Landing as a perfect spot for group dining and après-adventure meals near Acadia National Park, one of the most fun and welcoming bars and restaurants in Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island, Maine

What to drink: You absolutely need to try the Blueberry Mule, it’s one of those drinks that screams Maine and tastes like summer. The Leary’s Old Fashioned is also delicious and perfectly balanced. Both are dangerous because they go down way too easily after a long day of hiking.

The outdoor seating is prime for people-watching on Main Street, and the indoor seating is cozy without being cramped. With a 4.5-star rating across nearly 1,500 Google reviews, this isn’t a hidden gem, but it’s just genuinely great, and the locals know it.

Insider Tip: They close at 8 PM (and closed on Sundays), so don’t plan this as a late-night spot. Hit it for a late lunch or early dinner after your hikes and before everything in Bar Harbor starts shutting down for the night.

Best Bars in Bar Harbor

Rebel Lobster Speakeasy

Where: Inside The Maine Store, 152 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Seasonal (likely May – October)

I wrote about The Maine Store in my shops guide and mentioned the hidden speakeasy in the back, but it deserves its own spotlight in this food guide. Walk through the gift shop, head toward the back, and you’ll discover a tiny bar with about six to eight seats. Owner Darrin serves up an all-Maine selection of craft wines, beers, spirits, and custom cocktails. He’s one of the most personable people you’ll meet in Bar Harbor; he’ll share stories about the area, recommend hikes, and has an incredible music playlist going at all times.

Tap & Barrel Tavern

Where: 2 Mount Desert Street / 41 Rodick Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Hours: 11:30 AM – midnight daily (hours may vary)
Find More: thebarbarharbor.com

Craft cocktail at The Bar in downtown Bar Harbor, Maine, a golden amber rocks cocktail with a salted rim on a brewing coaster with a well-stocked full back bar in the background, highlighting The Bar as one of the best cocktail bars and nightlife spots in Bar Harbor near Acadia National Park, a go-to destination for craft drinks and a lively bar scene on Mount Desert Island, Maine

Important: This is NOT the famous sandbar/land bridge to Bar Island (also called “The Bar”). This is a real bar. Tap & Barrel Tavern (also listed online as “The Bar”) is a casual neighborhood sports bar specializing in craft beer and bourbon. It’s one of the few late-night spots in Bar Harbor, which is something you’ll appreciate when you realize most of this town shuts down by 9 PM.

Great spot for a cold beer after a long day hiking in Acadia. Dogs allowed, games, sports on TV, and a local rather than touristy vibe. Exactly what you need sometimes.

The Best Lobster Roll in Downtown Bar Harbor

OK, here’s the thing — if you’ve read my Best Lobster Rolls in Maine guide, you know that my all-time favorites on Mount Desert Island are places that aren’t IN Bar Harbor. Keep an eye out, as I’ll be writing a Best Lobster Rolls On MDI soon!

But excellent lobster rolls absolutely exist downtown. Here are my top three:

Best overall: Frenchman Bay Lobster Rolls (5 Main Street) — This seasonal takeout spot near Agamont Park is owned by the same family behind the famous Travelin Lobster, and the quality shows. Both hot butter and cold mayo styles are available, with overflowing portions of steamed lobster. They even provide red picnic blankets so you can eat in the park overlooking Frenchman Bay. It’s newer, so the review volume is still growing, but the ratings are exceptional.

Best sit-down: Side Street Cafe (49 Rodick Street) — Already on Eater’s “16 Essential Maine Lobster Rolls” list, Side Street’s signature Old Bay finish makes their roll stand out. The “Lobster Feast” combo (roll + bisque + fries + pie) is excellent value.

Best year-round: Thirsty Whale Tavern (40 Cottage Street) — Open daily, 11 AM to 1 AM, year-round. One of the only spots where you can get a lobster roll outside tourist season. Classic Maine-style cold roll with mayo on a buttered, grilled hot dog bun. Generous portions and 14 craft beer taps.

Other Spots Worth Your Time

Blueberry ale pint at Atlantic Brewing Company in Bar Harbor, Maine, a cold golden blueberry craft beer on the bar with stainless steel brewing tanks visible in the taproom background, highlighting Atlantic Brewing Company as one of the best breweries and craft beer destinations in Bar Harbor near Acadia National Park, famous for their Maine wild blueberry ale and a must-visit spot for beer lovers on Mount Desert Island, Maine

Breweries: Atlantic Brewing Company (famous for Bar Harbor Blueberry Ale, with a Midtown Tasting Room at 52 Cottage Street), Bar Harbor Beer Works (rooftop deck, 45 taps), Fogtown Brewing (woodfired pizza alongside creative brews), and Jack Russell’s Steakhouse & Brewery.

Fine Dining: Havana (318 Main Street) is a fine dining spot with Latin flair, a Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence, and year-round hours. McKay’s Public House (231 Main Street) serves elevated pub food year-round in a gorgeous Victorian building.

Classic Restaurants: Galyn’s Restaurant (17 Main Street, operating since 1986) for pan-seared scallops and crab cakes. Cafe This Way (14½ Mount Desert Street) for breakfast (Kit’s Burrito is the move). 2 Cats Restaurant (130 Cottage Street) for a charming breakfast with a wraparound porch.

Sweets: Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium for their famous lobster ice cream (yes, it’s real — butter-flavored vanilla with actual chunks of lobster meat, a novelty since 1988). Udder Heaven for 65+ homemade flavors and whoopie pies.

Cooking Class: Ambrosia Cooking School (19 Rodick Street) offers 1.5-hour cooking demonstrations covering Maine specialties such as chowders, popovers, and blueberry cake. Standard classes start at $75/person – check their website for the current schedule.

Food Events & Farmers Market

Local finds from the Bar Harbor Farmers Market in Maine, a spread of Maine-made small batch products including spruce tip syrup, natural dog treats from Georges Road Farm and AlphaDiets, and fresh baked artisan bread, showcasing the Bar Harbor Farmers Market as a must-visit local shopping experience near Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island for unique Maine-made goods, local food, and pet-friendly products in Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor’s Eden Farmers’ Market runs Sundays, 9:00 AM – noon, May through October. This was a staple for me living in the area for 6 months. You’ll find it at the YMCA parking lot (corner of Main and Park Street). Local vendors sell produce, bread, seafood, meats, goat cheese, preserves, and prepared foods. Some of my favorites included Pen & Cob, the focaccia, and Fuzzy Udder’s goat cheese.

Maine Day Ventures (formerly Maine Foodie Tours) offers guided food tours that were voted Top 10 Best Food Tours by USA Today. They run three options May through October: a 3-hour Culinary Walking Tour, a 2-hour Lunchtime Tasting Tour, and a 2-hour Happy Hour Tour.

The Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce also runs a self-guided Lobster Roll Tour through the free Visit Bar Harbor app, which maps all the participating restaurants.

And the biggest food-related event of the year? Bar Harbor’s Fourth of July celebration, which was voted the #1 Fourth of July celebration in America by the Today Show. The day includes a 6 AM Blueberry Pancake Breakfast at the Athletic Field, an 11 AM – 2 PM Seafood Festival run by the MDI Rotary Club (with Lobster Races at noon!), a parade, live music, and fireworks over Frenchman Bay. If you’re in the area around July 4th, do not miss this. But be aware that it’s CRAZY and that people start getting their spots at Agamont Park as early as 5 AM.

Quick Reference: Year-Round vs. Seasonal

One of the most common questions I get is: “What’s actually open in Bar Harbor in the winter?” Here’s your cheat sheet:

Open year-round: Side Street Cafe, Salsa Verde Grill, Havana, McKay’s Public House, Thirsty Whale Tavern, Acadia Perk (winter pop-up at Village Green Cafe)

Seasonal (May – October): Coffee Hound, Jeannie’s, Jordan’s, CJ’s Big Dipper, MDI Ice Cream, Rosalie’s, Table Salt, West Street Cafe, Melt, Downeast Deli, Black Friar Inn, Rebel Lobster Speakeasy, Frenchman Bay Lobster Rolls

FAQ

What are the best restaurants in Bar Harbor, Maine? The best restaurants in Bar Harbor include Side Street Cafe for comfort food and lobster rolls, Jordan’s Restaurant for wild blueberry pancakes, Table Salt for fine dining, Rosalie’s Pizza for a classic experience, and Salsa Verde Grill for surprisingly excellent New Mexican cuisine. For the full list of my favorites (based on six months of living in the area), check the guide above.

Where is the best lobster roll in Bar Harbor? Frenchman Bay Lobster Rolls at 5 Main Street is my top pick for downtown Bar Harbor, same family as the famous Travelin Lobster. For sit-down dining, Side Street Cafe made Eater’s “16 Essential Maine Lobster Rolls” list. For year-round availability, Thirsty Whale Tavern is your best bet.

What restaurants in Bar Harbor are open year-round? Year-round options include Side Street Cafe, Salsa Verde Grill, Havana, McKay’s Public House, and Thirsty Whale Tavern. Most restaurants in Bar Harbor are seasonal and close from November through April.

Where should I eat breakfast in Bar Harbor? Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast (opening at 7 AM) and Jordan’s Restaurant (opening at 5 AM) are the two best breakfast spots. Both serve incredible blueberry pancakes. Note: Jeannie’s moved to a new location at 8 Cottage Street in 2025.

Is Bar Harbor good for foodies? Absolutely. Bar Harbor packs an incredible concentration of quality restaurants into a walkable downtown, from 5 AM blueberry pancakes to farm-to-table fine dining, hidden speakeasies, artisanal ice cream, and some of the best lobster rolls in Maine. For a town of about 5,500 year-round residents, the food scene is remarkably diverse and consistently high quality.

There are so many ways to enjoy Bar Harbor beyond the food – make sure to check out 18 Best Things To Do In Bar Harbor and my Best Shops In Bar Harbor guide for the full picture. And if you’re heading into Acadia with your pup, don’t miss 15 Can’t Miss Dog-Friendly Hikes at Acadia.

The Foodie’s Guide to Bar Harbor, Maine

Best Restaurants, Lobster Rolls & Hidden Gems (2026)