11 Best Restaurants Around Acadia National Park!

Acadia National Park is 47,000 acres of beautiful landscape that consists of rocky beaches, forest, wildlife, and glaciated coasts. You’ll find there are many sights to see when you’re out on the trails, lots of moments to share with your loved one, or a perfect place to get away from all of the hustle and bustle of people. And while you’re out exploring Acadia- you might be staying in or near Bar Harbor which is a gorgeous island town that visitors flock to every year. Enjoy a bit of shopping and relax with a good meal at one of the many restaurants near Acadia National Park.

But before we start, just a reminder that if you haven’t checked out GiftYa digital gift cards then you might want to do that. This gift card functions just like every other gift card. It lets you make purchases at a participating bar, restaurant, or store up to the face value of the gift card. However, unlike traditional gift cards, GiftYa gift cards come with a few additional benefits. For instance, a GiftYa can be sent straight to your phone in seconds. That way you don’t need to deliver a GiftYa in person, so if you want to give it as a surprise, just send it via text or email! GiftYa makes gift card buying easier than ever.

1. Cafe This Way

Best breakfast and brunch you can find near Acadia!

‍

14 Mt Desert St | Bar Harbor | cafethisway.com

Cafe This Way is coming in at number one on the list today for a few reasons. They have a four and half star rating from their customers with nearly 1000 reviews in and locals rave about this spot being the one to go to. 

Providing excellent service and quality, Cafe This Way serves breakfast and brunch, so if you’re a big breakfast fan, you’ll have at least one dish that is going to knock your socks off. Lots of classic dishes on the menu and a “Create Your Own” scramble too!

Not only will you get a great meal, you will also get a great price on it. So whether you’re stocking up on calories for your big day of hiking at the park, or you are replenishing after a long morning hike, check out Cafe This Way!

“So delicious! Lovely outdoor seating area with great vibes. Wonderful food and service. I loved the scramble (recommend the chorizo!) and an ice coffee. Would go back in a heart beat.” -Yelp Review

2. Tap & Barrel Tavern

Grab a drink, get some greasy food, and laugh with your friends!

2 Mt Desert St | Bar Harbor | tap-barrel-tavern.business.site

If you and the family are headed to Acadia National Park/Bar Harbor for vacation or passing by on a roadtrip and you’re looking for somewhere to grab a bite with a nice cold drink after a long day out in the sun, then the Tap & barrel Tavern is going to be for you! 

This place is really great if you’re looking for somewhere lowkey to enjoy some quality time- along with a tasty meal of course. Expect an array of delicious pub classics like burgers, sandwiches, cheesesteaks, salads, wings, and a wide selection of beer, wine, and cocktails!

“This place is a hidden gem! They had a wonderful inventory of whiskey and beer as well as delicious food! We came here 5 times during our week in Bar Harbor and made friends from all over the country! Great times!!” -Yelp Review

3. Side Street Cafe

This dog-friendly restaurant is here to make you feel like a local!

49 Rodick St | Bar Harbor | sidestreetbarharbor.com

You might need to make a reservation if you want to go to Side Street Cafe as they seem to be one of the busiest restaurants in the whole town, and for good reason too. They have some of the best foods, along with an atmosphere that's not easily beat. With their pet policy you get a chance to see some furry friends, along with meeting smiling faces.

Expect to see some of the absolute best breakfast and lunch you can find anywhere in Bar Harbor. A lot of people say that the “Lobstah Mac & Cheese” is out of this world. Enjoy bites like Blackened Tacos, Brussel Sprouts, and the Cheesy Chicken Melt on their “all-day” menu, while the “Late Night” menu has favorites like Pretzel Bites and Maple Bourbon Riblets.

“Excellent place to stop after a day of site seeing or shopping. The lobster roll was buttery and very full of lobster. The clam chowder was also fresh and very good. Service was attentive and friendly. Great casual place for a good meal” -Yelp Review

4. 2 Cats Bar Harbor

A bakery serving homemade pastries, baked goodies, and early lunch favorites!

130 Cottage St | Bar Harbor | twocatsbarharbor.com

2 Cats Bar Harbor is a great place if you have the feel of a fresh home cooked meal because everything here is handmade! That’s right, they make everything on their menu right in their own kitchen; including a ridiculous array of delicious baked goods like muffins and biscuits. Enjoy handcrafted plates of breakfast staples like Omelettes, Pancakes, and French Toast, plus they have vegetarian friendly options like the Tofu Scramble!

“The amount of food you get is amazing. Service was fast and attentive. It's a bit of a diner so it was fairly busy even going in towards lunch time. They can be super busy during breakfast hours.” -Yelp Review

5. Thirsty Whale

A local hang-out spot for seafood lovers in Bar Harbor!

40 Cottage St | Bar Harbor | thirstywhaletavern.com

If you're a late-riser and missed breakfast, but still want delicious hearty food, and are looking to try some fresh seafood since you’re close to the ocean, then do we have the spot for you! 

Thirsty Whale Tavern has “Great Food. Great Drinks. Great People.” 

Whether you want a filling lunch or an incredible seafood dinner, the Thirsty Whale is going to be able to provide exactly what you are looking for. Whether it be a classic lobster roll, a warm bowl of clam chowder, or another New England seafood classic, you’ll be able to find it at the Thirsty Whale!

“Lobster rolls were really good, clam chowder soup was very tasty and creamy. It was a busy day but I got seated at the bar right away. Great atmosphere, good food and good customer service. Definitely a must go place to try Lobster rolls after a hike at Acadia national park.” -Yelp Review

6. West Street Cafe

Get some of the best food on the East Coast at West Street!

‍

76 West St | Bar Harbor | weststreetcafe.com

West Street Cafe is another excellent cafe style restaurant you can find around Bar Harbor. The great thing about this place is that apparently they have the “best blueberry pie” you can find in New England according to many five star ratings.

West Street Cafe is a seasonal restaurant, so their hours may change as the days start getting colder. Be sure to make sure you’re headed over at the right time so you don’t miss out on what they have to offer. Enjoy salads, apps like Fried Calamari, sandwiches, pasta, and more!

“This place is my new go to every time we are in the area. I absolutely love the friendly staff, beautiful environment, absolutely delicious food and drinks, and reasonable prices.

Seriously, give this place a try. You won't be disappointed.” -Yelp Review

7. Havana

A modern blend of Latin & American foods come together at this gorgeous spot!

318 Main St | Bar Harbor | havanamaine.com

Committed to serving local, organic meats and seafood, along with using the best ingredients ever since it first opened, Havana in Bar Harbor has been delighting patrons with their tasty “American Fine Dining With Latin Flair.”

At Havana reservations are not required but they do encourage them as they can get quite busy, especially with vacationers coming in to try out their delicious foods. Seek out their cocktails to start and then take a look at their dishes which includes but isn’t limited to the:

• Seafood Paella, Stuffed Aubergine, and Oysters, for the savory part of your meal.
• And the Velvet Chocolate Cake and Guava Creme Brulee for dessert. Get dressed up and go out for a classy meal at one of the best restaurants near Acadia National Park!

“Amazing food, friendly service and calm atmosphere. We came here on our honeymoon last year and decided to come back this year as well. It was become our favorite restaurant in Bar Harbor. Enrique is an excellent server and always treats us well!” -Yelp Review

8. Abel's Lobster

A seasonal seafood spot specializing in lobster with seats right by the water!

13 Abels Ln | Bar Harbor | abelslobstermdi.com

Abel’s Lobster is a seasonal seafood restaurant where you can sit by the water enjoying salty and savory seafood plates with your favorite people. Constantly revising and adding new innovative dishes, this restaurant focuses on what’s “in-season” and makes sure that every meal is made with care you’d get from a home cooked meal.

Pickles & Dips, New England Clam Cakes, a Crispy Fish Burger, a Lobster Roll, and more await you at this casual spot with a really great view. Be sure to keep up with when they’re open, you won’t wanna miss out!

“We stumbled upon Abel's during our vacation to Acadia National Park. The setting is right on the harbor with a view of the bay. The servers were extremely helpful and the food was delicious. Next time we're in town, we'll definitely be back!” -Yelp Review

9. McKay's Public House

Capturing the old and making it a-new at one of the best restaurants near Acadia National Park!

231 Main St | Bar Harbor | mckayspublichouse.com

Right on Main Street in Bar Harbor, McKay’s Public House is here to bring a bit of that Victorian elegance from Bar Harbor’s past back to modern times. Serving fine-fresh foods, you’ll get to choose from a variety of dishes like the Jamaican bean & Vegetable Soup, McKay’s Wings, Truffled Seafood Risotto, and Coconut Curry.

Enjoy dining in a building with pieces of the original architecture still in place like the fireplaces, tables, and other pieces that add a different kind of feel than you’d get at other restaurants in the area.

“Been to a few places in bar harbor and this place outshined them all. We had the meatloaf,  the chicken and the steak. The food was fantastic and the atmosphere was great. I highly recommend if you are looking for a satisfying dinner. A+” -Yelp Review

10. Leary's Landing Irish Pub

“Closest Irish Pub to Ireland in the U.S. Open Year Round”

156 Main St | Bar Harbor | learyslanding.com

Leary’s Landing Irish Pub welcomes all who want to get a taste of Ireland on this side of the Atlantic. You’ll get to experience authentic flavors of brews and dishes all made with love, care, and the Irish spirit. If you’re looking for a community, then Leary’s has got it, enjoy watching the latest game or chatting with locals at this Bar Harbor favorite. From Hummus, Chicken Wings, and Pub Fries, to Shepard’s Pie and Butternut Squash Curry, you’ll love it at Leary’s!

“We absolutely loved this restaurant/bar. Great staff &  great food. For five days in Bar Harbor Maine we were here four times. Not fancy but comfortable and fun environment. Highly recommend!” -Yelp Review

11. Dunkin’

Need a quick breakfast before a big day of hiking? Grab a donut!

Buy A Dunkin’ Gift Card

15 Kingsland Crossing | Ellsworth | dunkindonuts.com

Sometimes good fast-food is what we need for an adventure out in the forest, and that’s why we recommend Dunkin’ as a go-to for when you need something reliable and full of sugar. 

There are a few Dunkin Donuts near Acadia National Park so you can find whichever one is convenient on your route. They make for a great breakfast you can have in the car on the way to the park. And for those family members that might not be as much of a morning person as you are, a caffeinated beverage like a coffee or tea will work wonders before a hike.

“Great Dunkin coffee. They are super busy, but the line moved along steadily. It took about 10 minutes for us to get our order, with about 12 cars ahead of us. We enjoy their coffee rolls, as well as hot and iced coffee.” -Yelp Review

You can Purchase a GiftYa Gift Card to Dunkin’ here!

Breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner are all covered at the best restaurants near Acadia National Park. You’ll enjoy a spread of tasty seafood, sweet breakfast foods, and a wide spread of carbs for your big hike at any of these places.