Primarily a seasonal community, the majority of Bar Harbor’s restaurants close for at least a portion of the winter—but there are still a few year-round dining places in town, as noted in these reviews.
Map Of Bar Harbor Restaurants
The map below shows the locations of every restaurant mentioned in this post:
Bar Harbor Lobster Company
Dubbed “Maine’s favorite lobster joint and rum bar,” BHLC is open daily from 11-9, year-round, thus making them one of the go-to favorites for locals and tourists alike. With a simple, seafood-centric menu and two pages of libations—including a long list of both local and international rums—this lively spot is perfect for nibbles, conversation, and cocktails.
Bar Harbor Lobster Co. | Photo via bhlobster
Location: 297 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Website: Bar Harbor Lobster Company
La Bella Vita
Located at the Harborside Hotel, La Bella Vita is one of the more upscale dining options in Bar Harbor. In the style of an authentic Italian trattoria, this eatery is filled with warm colors and delicious aromas; you can dine inside amongst the beautiful mosaics, or outside on the terrace—complete with harbor views. Their expansive dinner/lunch menu is full of classic Italian favorites—and be sure to check their house specialties.
Location: 55 West St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Website: La Bella Vita
Finback Alehouse
This historic, upscale restaurant is open all year, keeping residents and visitors alike fed and happy with their thoughtfully assembled menus of delightful fare. With their top-notch service, locally-sourced ingredients, and all-around convivial atmosphere, I could see myself becoming a regular at their half-round bar, chatting up the locals and bartender throughout those dark Maine winter months…alas, if only I lived here.
Finback Alehouse | Photo via finbackalehousebh
Location: 30 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Website: Finback Alehouse
Aloha
Fresh poke (po-KAY) bowls in Bar Harbor, Maine? Absolutely. This spot has everyone talking—justifiably so. Not only does their menu include the aforementioned fresh-as-fresh-can-be bowls (vegetarian and meat substitute options available), but they also feature other options: Sandwiches, pizza, salads, soups, and burgers, for those of you who don’t poke.
Location: 131 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Website: Aloha
Leary’s Landing Irish Pub
Having snagged the bragging rights as “closest Irish pub to Ireland in the U.S.,” Leary’s is also open all year—which is cause for a cry of “Sláinte!” while raising your pint of Guinness. Whether you’re there for the above-mentioned pint, some camaraderie while watching the game, a smidgen of whiskey, or some tummy-filling fare, rest assured you’ll get what you came for.
Leary’s Landing Irish Pub | Photo via learyslandingbarharbor
Location: 156 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Website: Leary’s Landing Irish Pub
McKay’s Public House
Touted as “creative twists on classic pub fare,” the menu at McKay’s is definitely that; you’ll enjoy an elevated, tavern-style dining experience here, from stem to stern. Cocktails, appetizers, entrees, and desserts—all delicious and beautifully presented. McKay’s closes for a short spell in winter and reopens in March to the folks that surely missed the beautiful copper-topped tables and bar, the professional, friendly staff, and the spectacular food.
Location: 111 SW 1st St, Ontario, OR 97914
Website: McKay’s Public House
Havana
Except for a six-week break from mid-February through April 1st, you can find the hard-working folks at Havana serving up their signature style of Latin-influenced American food five days a week. Winner of the Wine Spectator Award for Excellence for the last 18 years, Havana has recently expanded and now features The Parrilla, an outdoor tapas bar and grill.
Humba dish at Havana | Photo via havanamaine
Location: 318 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Website: Havana
Geddy’s
This seasonal local favorite is self-touted as “the best lobster bar in Bar Harbor,” and there’s no argument from this quarter. With their iconic, circular bar, signature lobster rolls, and gorgeous water views, Geddy’s has certainly earned the kudos. Their menu has plenty to offer both seafood lovers and landlubbers alike—and has been doing so for over 40 years.
Location: 19 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Website: Geddy’s
Galyn’s
Describing their own aesthetic as cozy-contemporary, Galyn’s is a seasonal, family-run eatery with a well-curated menu. With fresh Maine seafood options (the Frenchman Bay Stew will make you want to pick up the bowl and slurp) as well as entrees born on a farm (like their andouille-Stuffed Pork Chop or the Roasted Cauliflower Steaks), Galyn’s gives careful attention to every culinary detail…right down to the last bite of that Flourless Chocolate Cake.
Jamaican fish tacos at Galyn’s | Photo: Galyn’s Facebook page
Location: 17 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Website: Galyn’s
Side Street Café
This seasonal, family-run hot spot is a local favorite for many reasons: Their weekly Wednesday happy hour donates proceeds to local charities; their staff is warm, welcoming, and inclusive; and their food and drink menus are wonderful. Side Street’s most popular items are their signature mac ‘n cheese, lobster rolls, fish tacos, specialty burgers, and house margaritas…but you really can’t go wrong with anything.
Location: 49 Rodick St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Website: Side Street Café
Salt & Steel
This upscale bistro’s dining and cocktail offerings are works of art—as beautiful to look at as they are delicious—and it’s a pity they aren’t open all year. But then again, it gives you something to look forward to each spring! Their menus are constantly changing with whatever local purveyors are providing, so if you want to know what is on offer, be sure to call.
Braised Rabbit Leg dish at Salt & Steel | Photo via saltandsteelbh
Location: 321 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Website: Salt & Steel
Paddy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
Paddy’s can be found in the West Street Hotel—and because the hotel is seasonal, so is this local favorite. Feeling more like a secret, posh, gentleman’s club or library than an Irish pub, Paddy’s makes you want to order an Irish coffee and settle in for a long, leisurely dinner—although they are open all day, and feature breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus.
Location: 50 West St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Website: Paddy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
The Reading Room
One of the dining options at the seasonal Bar Harbor Inn, The Reading Room is a delight for the senses: Panoramic ocean views allow you to enjoy the sights and sounds of their iconic waterfront location, and just one bite of anything from their creatively assembled menu will surely alert your palate to the fact that this is dining at its best. Oh, and be sure to leave room in your belly for one of their “after dinner desserts and finales.”
Duck Confit at The Reading Room | Photo via barharborinn1887
Location: 1 Newport Dr, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Website: The Reading Room
Thirsty Whale Tavern
Locally owned and operated for more than three decades, this spot has earned its popularity by offering delicious, pub fare in oversize portions—and at fair prices. While typically open year-round, the Thirsty Whale was closed for the winter in 2022—which surely meant that many locals were chomping at the bit for the return of the Thirsty Whale’s comfort food menu.
Location: 40 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Website: Thirsty Whale Tavern
As you can see, I’ve covered so much already…but there’s an island’s worth of fantastic dining options in Bar Harbor, and I’ve barely scratched the surface. So here is a list—vaguely categorized—of spots I was unable to review here. But—me being me—I’ve provided links so that you can take a peek for yourself and see what floats your boat in Bar Harbor.
MORE SEASONAL SPOTS:
Project Social Kitchen and Bar (modern, locally-sourced food, craft cocktails)
West Street Café (elevated, industrial-chic, large menu)
Ciao (upscale vibe, creative menu)
Peekytoe Provisions (outdoor seating, seafood)
The Chart Room (family-friendly, waterfront)
Travelin’ Lobster (popular lobster shack, outdoor seating)
Melt (sandwich shop and food truck)
The Barnacle (raw bar and cocktails)
Mama DiMatteo’s (elevated comfort food)
Jalapeños Cantina and Mexican Grill (top-notch Mexican fare and margs)
Route 66 Restaurant (enormous menu, flashy 50s vibe)
DESSERT:
Mt. Desert Island Ice Cream
Bar Harbor Cheesecake Company (seasonal)
Jordan Pond Ice Cream and Fudge (seasonal)
Choco-Latte Café
MICROBREWERY RESTAURANTS:
Jack Russell’s Steak House and Brewery (seasonal)
Bar Harbor Beer Works
Mainely Meat BBQ at Atlantic Brewing Company
PUBS AND TAVERNS:
Tap & Barrel Tavern (seasonal)
The Black Friar Pub
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