If you find yourself in this stunning coastal town, there’s no doubt you want to find the best restaurants in Bar Harbor Maine to enjoy some of the freshest seafood and local food. Bar Harbor is known for its friendly and down-home “ocean to table” dining that comes at affordable prices.
Planning your visit to Bar Harbor will most likely include venturing to find the best lobster rolls. Don’t settle for the first place you see when you get into town, use this list to find where all the locals get their lobster rolls and fresh seafood!
When I worked on cruise ships, I spent a few itineraries traveling to New England. While visiting the coastal towns of Maine, Bar Harbor was one of my favorites!
This town, in my opinion, is quintessential Americana. The small town vibes are not lost on this extremely popular tourist attraction and it translates through every restaurant, every bite.
Whether you’re looking for a pint and a lobster roll or fine dining in Bar Harbor Maine, this dining guide has you covered.
11 Best Restaurants in Bar Harbor Maine
1. Rose Eden Lobster
864 State Hwy 3, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Monday – Friday, 3pm – 7pm, May through October
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Formerly known as Travelin’ Lobster, Rose Eden Lobster is the quintessential Maine experience. Thought of by many as one of the best restaurants in Bar Harbor Maine for lobster, Rose Eden is a seafood take-out stand that offers a casual experience, low prices, and high quality seafood!
This seasonal spot offers to-go lobster dinners, clams, mussels, and even live lobsters you can cook up at home. It would be a mistake to miss out on a dining experience that is so unique to Bar Harbor.
If you are cruising to Bar Harbor, this would be about a 10 minute Uber from the marina. Bar Harbor Maine dining is usually a casual affair – get down and dirty with lobster rolls and crab legs!
2. Geddy’s
19 Main Street Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Open Daily 11am – 8:30pm
*One of Few Bar Harbor Restaurants Open Year Round
Geddy’s Pub is another local favorite when it comes to enjoying lobsters in Bar Harbor. Located right in the center of town, this almost 50 year old establishment offers fresh seafood with waterfront views.
Most tourists come to Maine for lobster, and locals come to Geddy’s! It’s one of the best seafood restaurants in Bar Harbor Maine and can’t be missed.
Enjoy a lobster roll or a lobster straight from the tank. Geddy’s offers a menu that celebrates the bounty of Maine with a cocktail menu to compliment. Most menu items are gluten free and they offer vegan and vegetarian options as well.
If you are wondering … Where do locals eat in Bar Harbor? This is one of the spots!
3. Thirsty Whale Tavern
40 Cottage Street Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Open Daily 11am – 8:30pm (Bar Open Late), Year Round
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The Thirsty Whale Tavern is another casual spot that hosts tourists and Maine locals alike! This tavern is known for its lobster rolls, chowders, seafood dinners, and burgers.
Thirsty Whale prides itself on large portions and reasonable prices, with 14 local and craft beers on tap to wash it all down. This spot is number 3 on my list as it is one of the most popular and really encapsulates the true essence of the coastal town.
This historical establishment is one of the best restaurants in Bar Harbor Maine downtown and can’t be missed!
I’m starting to wonder if Bar Harbor is named for it’s many .. bars? 😉
4. Reading Room Restaurant
1 Newport Drive Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Breakfast 7am-10:30am, Dinner 5pm-9pm, April 7 – November 6
If you’ve checked out casual pubs for lunch and are looking for a Bar Harbor fine dining experience for dinner, the Reading Room Restaurant is the perfect spot! It’s one of the best restaurants in Bar Harbor Maine on the water, offering an upscale dining experience.
Located in the Bar Harbor Inn, the menu offers fresh fare including local oysters, lobster tail, filet mignon and Maine blueberry pie. Truly the best bites of Maine in one luxurious experience!
The Reading Room is one of the best restaurants in Bar Harbor Maine with a view of the ocean and the marina.
Be sure to snag reservations and dress smart casual for this truly unmatched Bar Harbor dining experience.
5. Side Street Cafe
49 Rodick Street Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Open Daily, 11am – 9pm
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Next on the list is another local favorite – Side Street Cafe. Known for it’s world famous mac and cheese, lobster rolls, and specialty burgers this family-owned restaurant will feel just like home.
Come for the lobster mac and cheese and stay for their locally-famous margaritas!
Dogs, children, and large parties are all welcome to this gem of a local spot. Side Street Cafe accepts reservations and provides take out. Don’t miss out on some of the best dining in Bar Harbor Maine for breakfast.
6. Paddy’s Irish Pub
50 West Street Bar Harbor, Maine 04609 (inside West Street Hotel)
Open Daily, Breakfast 7am – 11am , All Day Menu 12pm – 10pm
No coastal town is complete without a token Irish Pub, am I right? Paddy’s foots and bill and then some. If you are looking for a variety of fare, a nice pint of beer, and a view of the marina, Paddy’s Irish Pub has you covered.
Located just steps from the marina inside the West Street Hotel, Paddy’s is a great spot for a lobster chowder on a breezy day.
Jonnie and I stopped here at the end of our day in Bar Harbor and had delicious chowder and an order of mussels. The food was incredibly fresh and the soups warmed us up on the September afternoon we were there.
Enjoy local seafood, Irish fare, and one of the many whiskey’s available at one of the most charming and centrally located Bar Harbor waterfront restaurants.
Speaking of beers, if you’re taking a Canada New England Cruise, odds are you’ll stop in Portland, Maine. This town is SO much fun and Portland has so many unique breweries… definitely check that out!!
7. Route 66 Restaurant
21 Cottage Street Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Open Daily, 11am – 8pm, April through October
If you’re looking for comfort food and Americana vibes, Route 66 Restaurant in Bar Harbor is for you. This quirky spot is home to one of the largest menus of New England comfort food in town.
Cozy up in a retro booth and take in some seriously cool fifties memorabilia as you enjoy fresh cut fries and fresh caught lobster!
This restaurant is a great family-friendly pick that has vegan and gluten-free options. Stop by this locally owned and operated gem for delicious food and cool vibes. Great for a photo op as well – you can see we took time for that!
8. Havana
318 Main Street Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Open Daily, 4pm -9pm, May through October
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Of course, Bar Harbor is known for its fresh seafood and New England comfort dishes… but sometimes you gotta shake it up! Head over to Havana to add some Latin flair to your day.
Priding itself on serving organic and locally grown ingredients, Havana is another spot for fine dining Bar Harbor style! Nestled right in the center of town, Havana adds its own style to classic Maine dishes.
Seafood paella, lobster moqueca, mango and prosciutto salad – I’m telling you this spot is like no other in town. If you are a more adventurous eater and are looking for an upscale dining experience after a day exploring the coast, Havana is a fantastic choice.
Havana also has the Parrilla – their outside tapas bar and grill that offers a different and daily-changing menu to be enjoyed at casual bar seats.
Be sure to stop by Havana, one of the best (and only!) Bar Harbor restaurants that offer fresh seafood with a latin kick!
9. Jennie’s Great Maine Breakfast
15 Cottage Street Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Open Daily, 6am – 1pm
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Who’s hungry for breakfast? If you are in Bar Harbor early enough for breakfast or brunch, Jennie’s is the go-to choice. Located close to Acadia National Park, this is also the perfect place to fuel up before a great day of hiking.
With a large, accommodating, and affordable menu, Jennie’s is where all the locals start their morning! Whether you are in the mood for their famous fresh Maine Blueberry Pancakes or a made-to-order omelet, starting your morning off at Jennie’s always a great idea.
They make everything in house with local ingredients and have many gluten free and vegan options. Be sure to stop at Jennie’s Great Maine Breakfast to start off your day in Bar Harbor.
Brunch is one of the most important activities while on vacation so make it great at Jennie’s!
10. Pink Pastry Shop
14 Cottage Street Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Open Daily, Summer: 8am – 10pm, Spring: 8am – 4pm
Although this isn’t technically a restaurant, leaving Pink Pastry Shop off this list would be a sin. Blueberry Pie is a stable in Bar Harbor and the best slice is found here!
We stopped here for a slice of pie for breakfast (no judgment) and I can confidently say it’s the best we’ve ever had! You can see Jonnie posing with it before it was devoured in seconds. 🙂
Pink Pastry Shop offers more than just blueberry pies. Stop by for a morning coffee paired with any one of their homemade pastries, muffins, and cupcakes. And you cannot miss their blueberry iced tea, a Bar Harbor favorite!
Stop by Pink Pastry Shop for a sweet treat to have on the go as you explore the quaint town.
11. Jordan Pond House Restaurant
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Last, but definitely not least, is a beautiful restaurant located in the heart of Acadia National Park. The only reason this is last on my lineup, is because this is not in the center of Bar Harbor, but actually in the middle of Acadia National Park.
Acadia National Park is one of Maine’s (and the country’s) most beautiful national parks. It makes it on many bucket lists and brings tons of tourism to Bar Harbor. If you are taking a day to explore the trails of Acadia, Jordan Pond House Restaurant is the perfect spot to refuel.
Sit in the rustic dining room overlooking the gorgeous lawn as you enjoy New England staples – lobster rolls, chicken pot pie, BLTs, and more! Be sure to stop in for their famous afternoon tea and popovers with fresh strawberry jam!
They also have a connected retail shop where you can snag a souvenir to remember your epic day at Acadia National Park and the Jordan Pond House.
Bar Harbor Maine Restaurants: Wrap Up
And there you have my list of the top 11 best bar and restaurants in Bar Harbor. Hopefully now you know exactly where to eat in Bar Harbor Maine to get your fix.
Whether you’re looking for Bar Harbor restaurants on the water or a local lobster shack, this incredible place has you covered!
Be sure to take time in this charming coastal town to enjoy all the lobster, chowder, and blueberry pie your heart desires! There are so many exciting places to eat, it’s probable you’ll have to visit more than once to try all the best food in Bar Harbor!
I loved traveling here on the Canada and New England Cruises when I worked for Royal Caribbean. Between the breweries in Portland, the beautiful day trips in Halifax Nova Scotia and the occasional itinerary switch to Bermuda, it truly was a dream.
Hopefully I can make it back there to the coastal towns of Maine, maybe a road trip!? Stay tuned!
Map of The Best Restaurants Bar Harbor, ME
Going on a Canada and New England Cruise with Royal Caribbean?
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