I’m sure if I tried hard enough, I could come up with a really clever tongue twister for the title of this write-up…but I’d rather just dive right in without straining my brain cells right off the bat.
Bar Harbor teems with touristy fervor come summertime—which undoubtedly means folks will be jonesing for vacation-style libations.
And yeah, sure—there are plenty of seasonal places on this list (remember to always check websites before venturing out)…but there are also a few long-standing local fixtures, ready and waiting with a cold pint or cocktail no matter what month of the year it is.
Map of Bar Harbor Bars
Here are all of the bars we’ve mentioned in this article, so you can plan out your next drink:
Leary’s Landing Irish Pub
One of the latter establishments mentioned above, Leary’s is thankfully open all year—I say thankfully because these dark Maine winters can seem interminable.
And nothing feels cozier than nursing a hearty pint of Guinness or a shot of stellar whiskey in a dimly lit Irish pub while the flakes fly outside.
With a sizeable comfort food menu and the largest list of whiskeys in Bar Harbor, Leary’s is a favorite for locals and tourists alike.
Location: 156 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Website: Leary’s Landing Irish Pub
Dog & Pony Tavern
Open 7 days a week all year long, the Dog & Pony is another reliable spot to belly up to the bar, no matter what month it is.
A sort of mashup between a sports bar and local pub, the Dog & Pony kitchen is open until 11 p.m., which means you’ll have plenty of delicious pub fare to nosh on when the post-tipple hangries set in.
Location: 4 Rodick Pl, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Website: Dog & Pony Tavern
Thirsty Whale Tavern
Established in 1988, The Thirsty Whale is been another late-night, year-round favorite in Bar Harbor.
Cozy pub fare, a full bar, service with a smile, and affordable prices mean this spot is popular with everyone, whether or not you call Bar Harbor home.
“The Whale” is always come-as-you-are and has several HDTVs for news and sports, but the atmosphere isn’t raucous or rowdy—just fun and friendly.
Location: 40 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Website: Thirsty Whale Tavern
Finback Alehouse
Designed to look like the interior of a Prohibition-era yacht, the Finback’s bar area is a work of nautical art.
With plenty of seating to go around (literally; the bar is a semi-circle), folks can pull up a stool and watch as their craft cocktail of choice is expertly mixed before their very eyes.
I recommend trying the Blueberry Island Pirate: Goslings, Grand Marnier, Wild Maine Blueberries (is there any other kind?), lime, pineapple, and simple syrup.
Location: 30 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Website: Finback Alehouse
Aloha Poke Bowl Restaurant
Although known for its menu full of flavorful, fun poke bowls, Aloha also has a full-size, full- service bar.
The creatively concocted craft cocktails brim with color and zip—perfectly suited to pair with your poke.
There is always a rotating list of daily drink specials, depending on your bartender’s stock and mood—and if it’s on offer, give the Blue Pine-Lemon Drop Martini a try.
Location: 131 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Website: Aloha Poke Bowl Restaurant
Bar Harbor Lobster Company
The first of the seasonal establishments on this list, BHLC serves up specialty spirits from around the globe, signature craft cocktails, and local brews alongside fresh, local fare and pub food.
Located near the termination of the popular Shore Path, it’s a great spot to rest your wander-weary feet whilst you replenish with an ice-cold libation and snack.
The BHLC Bermuda Triangle (dark rum, pineapple, peach, and orange juice) is especially reviving.
Location: 297 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Website: Bar Harbor Lobster Company
Black Friar Pub
While probably one of the smallest bars on this list, the seasonal Black Friar is arguably the coziest.
Located at the Black Friar Inn, this spot feels like a page out of a Dickens novel—all glowing wood and low lighting. Happy Hour is from 4-6 every day, featuring both food and drink specials, and the specialty cocktails here are legendary.
I adore The Friar’s Blueberry Gin: Gin shaken with blueberries, fresh lemon juice, and muddled mint, topped with soda water.
Location: 10 Summer St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Website: Black Friar Inn & Pub
The Loft Raw Bar & Seafood Lounge
The vibe at the seasonal Loft Raw Bar is bright, lively, and fun—and this “contemporary craft seafood experience” is made only more exciting by the next-level cocktails on offer.
Whether or not you’re a fan of oysters, this is a must-do for your Bar Harbor bar tour list (and if you are an oyster lover, the On Another Level oyster shot is a flavor-fest for the senses).
The gorgeous signature cocktails change with the weather and available ingredients—so be sure to check the specials before ordering your drink.
Location: 53 Main St 2nd Floor, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Website: The Loft Raw Bar & Seafood Lounge
Side Street Café
These folks like to describe their menu as offering comfort food AND drink.
With both indoor and outdoor seating—as well as seats at the beautiful, inlaid-wood bar—this seasonal spot is very busy, indeed, during high season.
The signature cocktails alone are reason enough to stop by Side Street—especially if you’re a gin girl, like me. On a hot summer day, there’s nothing better than the Chamomile Citrus Gin Collins: House chamomile tea-infused gin, sweet lemon, and club soda.
Location: 49 Rodick St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Website: Side Street Café
The Barnacle
Another popular seasonal oyster bar, The Barnacle also envelops you with that old-world feel as soon as you walk in the door.
The gorgeous, mirror-backed bar itself is surrounded by burnished, carved wood and soft lighting, setting the tone for an intimate conversation over drinks or a mellow night out.
If you’re a fan of having a cocktail with a serious kick, try the Ghost Pepper Margarita: Local ghost pepper kombucha, tequila, triple sec, and sour mix.
Location: 112 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Website: The Barnacle
Salt & Steel
Salt & Steel is a seasonal, upscale gastro-pub offering elevated menus—of both food and cocktails—that feature in-season local ingredients.
The beer, wine, and cocktail lists are extensive, and your bartender or server can recommend the perfect pairing for whatever you’ve chosen for your meal.
I, for one, feel that one of Salt & Steel’s Sinfonia Agridulce cocktails pairs well with anything: Blanco tequila, St. Germain, oregano, grapefruit, and bitters.
Location: 321 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Website: Salt & Steel
West Street Café
Light, airy, and chic, the seasonal West Street Café feels urban—without the typical pretension and showiness of most city bars.
The bar is fully stocked, the bartenders are friendly, and the food is fresh and affordable; there are even water views from certain spots at the bar and in the spacious, multi-level dining room.
Location: 76 West St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Website: West Street Café
Geddy’s
When Geddy’s closes its doors for the season each year, I swear you can hear the wailing and gnashing of loyal customers’ teeth for miles around.
There is plenty of bar space at Geddy’s for you to pull up a stool and peruse the lively cocktail menu—I recommend Geddy’s famous Volcano Bowl, especially if you’re with a fun group of friends: Vodka, gin, brandy, Amaretto, pineapple juice, orange juice, and Bacardi—on fire.
Location: 19 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Website: Geddy’s
As expected, I’ve run out of time and space way before making my way through the rest of my list—so promise me you’ll take a moment and check out the websites for these equally-visit-worthy establishments before setting out for your Bar Harbor bar crawl: Fogtown Brewing, Atlantic Brewing Company, Jalapeños Mexican Cantina, Paddy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, Veranda, Blaze, Havana, Project Social, and McKay’s Public House.
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