A summer trip to Maine might just be one of America’s most quintessential experiences. Between its breathtaking natural scenery, access to water, unrivaled seafood, and charming small towns, it’s no wonder that generations of East Coasters make an annual pilgrimage to the Pine Tree State. The southern coast of the state is popular for a reason, but true Maine devotees know that Mount Desert Island, home to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, is unmatched in its beauty.
Tradewind Aviation makes arriving to this remote coastal destination seamless, operating private charters to Hancock County Bar Harbor Airport (BHB/KBHB) from popular origin cities such as Boston, Westchester, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C, to name a few.
The main draw of Mount Desert Island is the scenery and extensive hiking trails. In recent years, Bar Harbor has also emerged as a culinary destination. From lobster shacks to summer ice cream stands, here are the best Bar Harbor restaurants.
Thrive Juice Bar & Kitchen
Located right in the heart of town, this bustling juice bar offers the kind of light fare perfect for breakfast before a long hike in Acadia National Park, or as a respite from Maine’s unofficial state food — the lobster roll. Think juices and other healthful fare such as avocado toast, smoothie bowls, and lobster poke bowls.
Sunrise Cafe
Fueling up before a day of hiking should naturally involve caffeine as well, which you’ll find at Sunrise Cafe, a cheerful breakfast and lunch spot located on the waterfront. It specializes in sweet and savory crepes, but it also offers grab-and-go bagged lunches meant for taking along on a hike. It also serves coffee — and its famous frozen blended drinks — all day long.
Coffee Matter and Mother’s Kitchen
Though it’s slightly outside of Bar Harbor proper in Town Hill, this combination coffee bar and takeout lunch spot is perfectly positioned as a pit stop during a day spent exploring the island. With local roasters and high quality espresso, The Maple Oat Latte makes a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
C-Ray Lobster
This no-frills roadside lobster stand is consistently named one of the best lobster spots in the area, if not the state. It offers classic items like lobster rolls and steamed clams, but the menu also occasionally includes more creative ways to indulge in the state’s most famous crustacean, such as a lobster melt and lobster-topped mac and cheese.
Jordan Pond House
This historic haven located in Acadia National Park has been operating in various capacities since 1893, when Nellie McIntire, its first proprietor, started serving popovers and tea to hungry park visitors. Situated on a hill overlooking Jordan Pond, this restaurant has an expansive lawn that fills with travelers from all over the world enjoying afternoon tea or a full meal.
Atlantic Brewing Company
The Bar Harbor outpost of this popular Mount Desert Island brewing company offers beers, snacks, ping-pong tables, and a dog-friendly patio, making it popular with both tourists and locals.
Rosalie’s Pizza
This classic pizza parlor serves up specialty and build-your-own pies as well as salads and other Italian specialties. Rosalie’s Pizza is located right by the water. Repeat visitors love to pick up a pie and take it to Agamont Park for an easy picnic.
CIAO Food and Drink
Perfect for a casual date night or family dinner, CIAO Food and Drink is set away from the most bustling part of town, offering a welcome respite from the crowds. Its small plates menu changes daily, and its signature cocktails often incorporate Maine’s famous blueberries.
The Veranda
One of Bar Harbor’s hidden gems, The Veranda at Balance Rock Inn offers a fresh alternative to the typical hotel restaurant. Each meal starts with fresh-baked bread and butter, then diners can indulge in luxurious starters like caviar and foie gras. There is lots to enjoy before selecting a main course from its menu of seasonal specialties.
Sweet Pea’s Cafe
One of the region’s bastions of farm-to-table dining, Sweet Pea’s Cafe focuses on everything local and seasonal, utilizing produce from its on-site farm whenever possible. Sample a few items from the long list of vegetable-heavy starters and salads. Then finish the meal with a creatively topped wood-fired pizza.
Islesford Dock Restaurant & Gallery
Though getting to this waterside restaurant requires a bit of planning (it’s only accessible by boat), the journey is worth it when you arrive at Little Cranberry Island for spectacular sunset views and dinner literally on the water. Ferries and water taxis are available to shuttle guests to and from the island.
Udder Heaven Ice Cream Retreat
What’s a summer night without ice cream? Luckily, you don’t have to find out on a visit to Bar Harbor, where ice cream shops abound. This roadside stand (located directly across from a mini golf course) has hard ice cream, soft serve, and over-the-top sundaes.
Mt. Desert Island Ice Cream
Cheerful flowers welcome you to this popular ice cream shop in town, which focuses on small batches of rotating seasonal flavors. It now has outposts in Portland, Maine, Washington, D.C., and even Matsumoto, Japan. But there’s nothing like enjoying a cone on the island where it all started.
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