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If you’re an outdoors enthusiast, Mount Desert Island (known locally as MDI) might be a great vacation spot for you. As the island’s biggest town, Bar Harbor is a favorite place to stay.
What is Bar Harbor, Maine Famous For?
MDI plays host to most of Acadia National Park, and many visitors stay in nearby Bar Harbor. Bar Harbor itself is quite the tourist attraction. Bar Harbor offers many vacation rentals from which to enjoy the surrounding area, whether you want to relax in the quaintness of Maine life or take in the beauty of Cadillac Mountain.
Unless you’re looking to ski, tourists to Maine usually visit in the summer. Most visitors to Acadia National Park come in the late spring to late summer. From June until the end of August, you’ll find Bar Harbor a hopping vacation destination.
Most of the island’s restaurants are only open on a seasonal basis, but some are open year-round. So keep that in mind when you’re planning your vacation. You should always check the website to confirm their availability.
What Are the Best Bar Harbor Maine Restaurants?
If you’re wondering about the best restaurants in the Bar Harbor, Maine area, this list has you covered. From casual lunchtime eats to the best dining in Bar Harbor, everyone in the family is sure to find a plate they enjoy. Seafood and fresh Maine lobster are regional staples.
10 Best Restaurants in Bar Harbor, Maine
Even though Bar Harbor is a pretty cool destination on its own, don’t forget to check out the surrounding area. Some of these local eateries will take you outside of Bar Harbor proper, but venturing out a little is worth the gamble.
Havana
Havana is a fine dining establishment in a cozy New England-style cottage. The restaurant is known for its organic meat and seafood dishes, and it sources many of its ingredients from local farmers. It’s been a local favorite for over 20 years. Enjoy Havana’s outdoor seating or its newly-renovated indoor area. It does get pretty busy, so reservations or calling ahead are recommended.
Cuisine Type: American/Latin American fusion
Special Features: Local ingredients, unique dishes, sustainably sourced seafood
Open Year-Round?: Yes
Salt and Steel
Salt and Steel is located in downtown Bar Harbor. This restaurant is only a few years old, but it’s already been a hit with locals and tourists alike. Salt and Steel offers an on-site sommelier to help you curate your libations to your meal.
Cuisine Type: American
Special Features: Local ingredients, extensive wine list, locally sourced meats
Open Year-Round?: No
McKay’s Public House
McKay’s is also located in downtown Bar Harbor. McKay’s is known for focusing not only on the food it offers diners but also on its atmosphere. The establishment takes pride in its traditional and elegant New England decor. From stopping by for a pint to spending a few hours on a lovely dining experience, McKay’s has you covered.
Cuisine Type: American
Special Features: Cozy atmosphere, traditional decor, bar
Open Year-Round?: Yes
Royal Indian
Royal Indian is the local spot for traditional Indian and Nepalese dishes. Their menu boasts classics like tikka masala and chicken vindaloo, as well as a host of comforting curries. Royal Indian is quite possibly the only non-seafood restaurant on MDI (joking, of course). If you’re a fan of Indian food or just looking to shake up your palate, Royal Indian is a must.
Cuisine Type: Indian
Special Features: Traditional Indian cuisine favorites, reasonable prices
Open Year-Round?: Call for details
Islesford Dock
Islesford Dock isn’t actually in Bar Harbor, but this one is still worth visiting. This restaurant is located on the island of Little Cranberry, and you can only reach it by boat. But don’t worry! Ferry rides and water taxis can usually be found to shuttle you over.
Islesford Dock offers all the traditional Maine favorites and even more exotic dishes but with a Maine twist, such as lobster etouffee. Plus, the restaurant also has a small art gallery on its premises featuring local painters and artisans.
Cuisine Type: American
Special Features: Lobster everything, art gallery of local painters
Open Year-Round?: No
Abel’s Lobster
Fresh lobster is the reason many people come to Maine. Abel’s Lobster is one of the many lobster pounds in the area. While not within Bar Harbor city limits, Abel’s is still located on Mount Desert Island and is less than 15 minutes away from Bar Harbor. It is well worth the trip, and you will not be disappointed. Enjoy sitting in the coziness of indoors or outdoors with a fantastic view of Somes Sound. Abel’s Lobster is easily one of the best restaurants with a view in Bar Harbor, Maine. Abel’s is also located in Henry R Abel & Co. Boatyard and has been in operation for over 80 years.
Cuisine Type: Maine/New England/American
Special Features: Fresh lobster, fantastic views
Open Year-Round?: No
Side Street Cafe
Side Street Cafe is a family-run business in downtown Bar Harbor. Operated by MDI locals, Side Street specialty is its “creative comfort food.” It has won awards for its classic mac n’ cheese and mouthwatering lobster rolls. More than a traditional seafood restaurant, this little cafe serves lunches and dinners.
Cuisine Type: Modern American fusion
Special Features: Family-run business, creative twists on traditional favorites
Open Year-Round?: Partially. See website for details.
The Thirsty Whale
The Thirsty Whale Tavern features hearty and traditional entrees such as lobster rolls, burgers, clam chowder, and, of course, fantastic drinks. In Irish pub-style, “The Whale” has been a favorite local eatery for over 30 years, and it’s still going strong. The tavern features local and regional craft brews. It’s also a kid-friendly space so that the whole family can enjoy this gem.
Cuisine Type: American
Special Features: Best lobster roll in Bar Harbor
Open Year-Round?: Yes
Rose Eden Lobster
Rose Eden may not quite look like a traditional restaurant, but don’t let that fool you. This Bar Harbor lobster pound offers takeout meals, and you can also purchase fresh seafood and live lobsters from their counters. The company also offers a delivery service to surrounding campground areas and vacation rental properties, so if you want some good seafood but aren’t up for leaving the house, this one’s for you.
Cuisine Type: Maine/New England/American
Special Features: Take out and delivery meals, sells fresh seafood
Open Year-Round?: No
Mount Desert Island Ice Cream
And in case all these options have left your sweet tooth wanting, Mount Desert Island Ice Cream offers a Bar Harbor stop for chilly treats. This local favorite makes its own small-batch ice creams and has boomed in popularity over recent years. It’s also right across the street from Havana and not far from McKay’s, in case you’re in the mood for ice cream after dinner.
Cuisine Type: Dessert
Special Features: Wide variety of flavors, vegan options
Open Year-Round?: No
Let’s Eat!
Is your mouth watering yet? If it’s not, you should at least be dreaming about lobster rolls. Which local Bar Harbor restaurant should you pick first?
One of the things that makes Bar Harbor such a great vacation spot is the availability of quaint and cozy vacation rentals. If you’re looking around and thinking about your next vacation, you should definitely consider Mount Desert Island and Bar Harbor. You won’t be sorry!
Header image photo credit: Kristi Blokhin
