Some say half the fun is getting there, others say half the fun is eating there. If your “there” is Acadia National Park, you’re in luck. Bar Harbor, the main gateway to Maine’s popular national park—it welcomes more than 4 million visitors every year—may be a small town (population 5,500), but it’s also a mecca for foodies. According to the tourism board, there are 52 restaurants, 12 cafes and bakeries, and 9 ice cream shops. With so many options, where should you begin? A good strategy, if you’re short on time, is to focus on the “bests.” So whether you’re craving blueberry pancakes, lobster rolls, or Cuban food paired with award-winning wines, below are our recommendations. Bone appetit!
What Are the Best Things to Eat in Acadia National Park? Start Here!
Best Blueberry Pancakes: Jordan’s Restaurant
The inspiration behind this family-owned Bar Harbor breakfast institution? Maine’s wild blueberries! That’s why, in addition to serving up stacks of blueberry pancakes (the wild blueberry syrup is worth the $2 upcharge), they have a shop next door that sells wild blueberry products. You can even buy the pancake mix which comes with a can of wild Maine blueberries. So if you have a hankering for Maine’s signature breakfast, slide into one of their wooden booths or snag one of the stools at the counter. Jordan’s Restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch seven days/week.
Pro tip: If you order the wild Maine blueberry muffin, ask for it to be toasted on the grill.
Best New England Clam Chowder: Geddy’s
Pronounced “Jed-eez,” this restaurant across the street from the town pier has been a popular place to grab a cup of chowder for half a century. They use a family recipe, and there’s no fancy presentation, but it’s undoubtedly one of the best chowders in the state. Note: it’s more creamy than chunky. Make reservations if you can. Of course, if you walk in and have to wait for a table, you can always kill time by checking out the basement gift shop, “Geddy’s Down Under.”
Pro tip: If you want to sound like a Mainer, don’t pronounce the “r.” It’s “chowda” not “chowder.”
Best Lobster Roll (And Dog-Friendly): The Travelin Lobster
Bar Harbor’s top-rated restaurant on Trip-Advisor isn’t even in the town proper. It’s on the side of State Highway 102 just a mile south of the Bar Harbor / Oceanside KOA Holiday. Fisherman-owned and operated, it serves trap-to-table lobster rolls with garlic or sriracha aioli dipping sauces. What makes this lobster roll the best? The lobster is caught and delivered each morning by Captain Phil, and each roll features a generous portion of tail, knuckle, and claw meat. They even serve gluten-free rolls. The Travelin Lobster doesn’t take reservations; it’s a walk-up window establishment with picnic tables and an outdoor bar. It’s open daily for lunch and dinner from mid-May through mid-October.
Pro tip: Don’t show up 15 minutes before closing time (7 p.m.) because they stop the waiting line one hour before then so staff can get home on time.
Best Ethnic/Fine Dining: Havana
With its 76-page wine menu, Havana is one of only two restaurants in Maine to be awarded the prestigious Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. The food is just as noteworthy. While the menu changes seasonally (so check the website or call ahead), entrees include the likes of ponzu-glazed ribeye, herb and pistachio-crusted halibut, lobster moqueca, and a seafood paella with six proteins. If you want something more casual, sit outdoors at The Parilla, their outdoor tapas bar and grill. Havana is located on Bar Harbor’s Main Street and is open daily for dinner.
Pro tip: Order the House Cuba Libre; it’s made with Mexican coke (think cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup) and check out the after-dinner cigar menu.
Best Local Watering Hole: Thirsty Whale Tavern
Since 1988, Thirsty Whale Tavern has been welcoming locals and tourists alike who want a more laid-back (some would say dive bar) vibe and pub-style food. It’s just one block west of Bar Harbor’s Main Street and features a beautiful backyard patio. The fried haddock sandwich is the most popular menu item while the fresh haddock fish and chips are a close second. Wash them down with one of the dozen local beers on tap. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Pro tip: Check out the new late night menu if you get the munchies before bed. Last call for food is 10 p.m.
Best Craft Brews: Atlantic Brewing Company
Atlantic Brewing Company sits on a 10-acre farm in Town Hill just a five-minute drive from the Bar Harbor / Oceanside KOA Holiday. While it’s a smaller-scale facility, the setting is a destination in itself. As for the beer, it’s made with water from their well and malt and hops from England. Choose from a variety of beers—ranging from light to dark—on tap including the best-selling blueberry ale. If you get hungry, grab a bite from Mainely Meat BBQ in the backyard. And if you don’t drink alcohol, try the homemade old-fashioned root beer or blueberry soda. Atlantic Brewing Company is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Pro tip: If you want a tour of the facilities, come on the weekend. Tours are offered Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Best for Kids: Udder Heaven Ice Cream Retreat
It may be located across the street from Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf and two miles from Acadia’s Hull’s Cove entrance, but Udder Heaven Ice Cream Retreat is worth the drive out of downtown Bar Harbor. In addition to scooping up homemade handpacked hard ice cream, it offers soft serve, sorbet, yogurt, ice cream pies, and ices. Sprinkles are always free. Toppings like cotton candy crunch and maple syrup cost extra, but the base is so good you don’t even need them. If you can’t pick just one flavor, try the “flight from heaven” which features four flavors of your choice. Udder Heaven is open daily from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Pro tip: If you have the time, sign up for the Make Your Own class where you’ll learn how ice cream is made and the kids can hand-crank 2 quarts of ice cream to take home. Don’t have a freezer? No worries. Udder Heaven will store it for you in its freezer to enjoy at any time during your stay.
Best Vegetarian: Thrive Juice Bar & Kitchen
Maine is still a great place to visit even if you don’t eat lobster. And many vegetarian visitors rave about the smoothies and smoothie bowls at Thrive Juice Bar & Kitchen. Located next door to Side Street Cafe (same owners), Thrive is just around the corner from Bar Harbor’s village green. Speaking of greens, it serves up microgreens as well as plenty of vegan-friendly ingredients like soy-free veganaise, dairy-free ranch dressing, chorizo made of lentils and walnuts, house herbed cashew cream cheese, and tempeh bacon. That said, you’ll also find meat (turkey, roast beef, bacon, etc.) and real cheese on the menu. If you just need a snack, you can’t go wrong with the “healthy” protein-packed donuts paired with a class of blueberry lemonade sweetened with Maine maple syrup. The only downside is Thrive’s seating—all outdoor—is limited. Open daily for breakfast and lunch.
Pro tip: In a rush? Order online, so your food is ready when you are. You can even order your breakfast the night before.
Ready to travel to Acadia National Park and enjoy the flavors of Maine? Check in to the Bar Harbor / Oceanside KOA Holiday for the perfect basecamp. Learn more about Bar Harbor / Oceanside KOA Holiday, and reserve your stay today!
Katie Jackson is a writer and media specialist based in Montana’s Big Sky Country. Living and working everywhere from New York to Nicaragua, Katie is no stranger to adventure. When she’s not traveling the world (or writing about it!) she’s busy chasing after a Leonberger named Zeus. Follow Katie’s travels on Instagram @katietalkstravel.
