The food scene in Bar Harbor, has blossomed into one of the best in the country. Many people come to explore this upscale destination because of its artsy vibe, but they also need a break from the outdoors and its bustling shopping district.
Bar Harbor isn’t just for lobster rolls and expensive boats. There’s a growing waterfront scene, with many local bars serving great cocktails and locally brewed beers.
This friendly, small-town is a true foodie destination, which means you have all sorts of amazing restaurants within walking distance. Take a break from your shopping with an adult beverage from one of these bars in Bar Harbor, ME.
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The 10 Best Bar Harbor Bars
Leary’s Landing Irish Pub
156 Main St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609, the United States // +12076643919
Leary’s Landing Irish Pub claims to be America’s closest Irish pub to Ireland. They serve a variety of craft beers, seasonal drinks, and whiskey. In addition, unlike many other restaurants and pubs in Bar Harbor, they are open all year.
I had a delicious late lunch. I ordered a lobster roll, fries, and a cup of chowder. Everything was delicious! I’ve been going to Maine for years and eating lobster rolls, and this was one of the greatest I’ve ever had.
Also, kudos to our waiter, who was attentive, polite, and always on top of things! We ate outside (and requested that our food be delivered in takeout containers), and I was relieved that we had not been forgotten – the waiter checked in on us frequently. I strongly advise you to dine at Leary’s Landing!
Dog & Pony Tavern
4 Rodick Pl., Bar Harbor, ME 04609, the United States // +12072880900
This is one of the best bars in Bar Harbor. If you are touring around Bar Harbor, make sure to stop by. Besides the excellent service and excellent food, the atmosphere is just fantastic as well.
We ordered a variety of craft and local beers. Everything was great! My personal favorite was the locally brewed Downeast Cider. It was delicious. We began with poutine fries and a cup of chili.
The poutine fries were cooked with mozzarella cubes rather than curds. However, this did not detract from the dish. It was delectable! The gravy had a delicious flavor.
The chili was also delicious. It comes highly recommended by me. It was ideal for the autumn weather. After that, we ordered a lobster roll and a burger. The lobster roll was tasty and fresh! It’s the best lobster roll I’ve ever had. It wasn’t slathered with mayo and strange toppings like it were at other places. The burger was also delicious. It was perfectly done.
If you could visit this bar in Bar Harbor, it would be awesome! The service was excellent, and the food was also great!
Cottage St. Pub
21 Cottage St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609, the United States // +12078012650
As you pass by the beautiful Agamont Park and head toward the waterfront, keep an eye out for some of the quaint shops and Bar Harbor restaurants nearby. To your right is the Cottage St. Pub. The beer, martinis, and cider at this place are all delicious.
It’s a great little bar with great drinks and a fantastic bartender among the Bar Harbor bars! The pre-bottled drinks (such as Vieux Carre) were a pleasant surprise for such a small establishment. Popcorn for free!
Their menu changes frequently, and they have some of the best cocktails in Bar Harbor. As a result, it’s the ideal summer cocktail spot.
My friend and I got a table in the outdoor sidebar right off the street. Great for people-watching and sipping a cocktail after dinner. The crowd is always entertaining. It’s a small, cramped space, but it’s well worth visiting if you’re a cocktail connoisseur.
Paddy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
50 West St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609, United States // +12078013786
While I continue to search for decent Bar Harbor bars, this has been my favorite so far. Paddy’s has become a success because of their well-done fried fish, cod fish and chips, and fish sandwiches.
But, more than likely, you’ll return to try the delicious stout, martinis, or ale. Excellent chocolate frappe, lemonade, and tea are available here.
This bar is fantastic without a doubt. And it’s right next to a fantastic pizza joint. That’s even better. The atmosphere is very clean and trendy, resembling a sports bar.
Excellent food and a spectacular view! The lobster bisque is delectably fresh. If you haven’t tried their blueberry pie, do not leave without trying it. It’s not your typical syrupy blueberry pie, and it’s the best blueberry pie I’ve ever had.
The tap list is worthwhile if you like to branch out from the standard light beers. It’s a college bar, but it has something for everyone. Where else can you order a tub of Natty Ice and a Stone Arrogant Bastard? Berkshire, Dogfish Head, Bear Republic, Wormtown, and 21st Amendment are also excellent choices. I strongly advise you to go and visit this gem amongst the Bar Harbor bars.
Geddy’s
19 Main St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609, the United States // +12072885077
Geddy’s pub in downtown Bar Harbor has a funky vibe and a great selection of local brews. They serve lunch and dinner and specialize in locally caught seafood.
Geddy’s is well-known for their Volcano Bowl cocktail, made with vodka, gin, brandy, amaretto, Bacardi 151, pineapple and orange juices, and then LIT UP! Not what you’d expect from a New England bar, but as I said, it’s a unique spot in between the plethora of Bar Harbor bars!
We arrived in Bar Harbor hungry and thirsty for a nice drink, and we settled in at Geddy’s right on the water! The food was delicious! We ordered Brussels sprouts, garden salad, salmon, and a bacon burger.
The Brussels were by far the best in Bar Harbor – you should definitely order these! The salmon was perfectly cooked – the rice, salmon, and vegetables exploded in my mouth! I adore this location!
Atlantic Brewing Midtown
52 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, the United States // +12072882326
Atlantic Brewing Company is a bar pub that serves fantastic BBQ meat that pairs perfectly with your favorite pint of beer.
Their terrace covered by trees offers outdoor seating and is dog-friendly. The Atlantic Brewing Company’s outstanding beers and sodas are available at this great post-Acadian trek location, which is 20 minutes drive from the harborside.
Atlantic Brewing has you covered if you enjoy beer. The neighborhood brewery is well-known throughout east yeast for its selection of artisan beers. From light and fruity to dark and deep, the Atlantic Brewing Company has discovered the solution.
We went in since we like to try new beers. Immediately after being welcomed, we were instructed to select a table. We were offered a choice of beers to sample after we had a seat. About nine different beers in various styles were presented, and our host was very enthused about them.
They were a little full, so we decided to wait at the bar instead of the desk, which a pleasant bartender immediately cleaned.
We ordered a flight of Blueberry Ale, Real Ale, A Bigger Boat, Faust, and SOB. All were excellent, but our favorites were the NE IPA A Bigger Boat and the Blueberry. Even though we didn’t order any, they also had meals. It’s a good spot and one of the coolest Bar Harbor bars to unwind while drinking beer.
La Bella Vita
55 West St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, the United States // +12072882110
La Bella Vita is one of those Bar Harbor bars where you can enjoy a glass of wine and a hearty meal with family and friends. It features flatbread pizza, antipasti, tapas-style appetizers, and Italian entrees. The views of Frenchman’s Bay are evocative of the quaint villages and harbor towns that along the Italian coastline.
Every day that we stayed in Bar Harbor, we ate breakfast and dinner here. The position and view are unbeatable! Everything we tasted was great, and the only thing that could have been better was the kind and knowledgeable service. There are numerous options for dining in Bar Harbor, but I suggest stopping by this one. We’ll definitely go back to Bar Harbor if we can.
The wide windows that overlook the ocean are where we were seated to begin our lunch. Although the pool at the Regency Hotel, where the restaurant is located, is still visible, it is still lovely. It was the ideal location to sip a beverage as the sun set.
And we did enjoy it. The “Indian Summer” that my friend made was amazing, though I would have liked a little less vermouth in my martini. Fruity and potent, that drink is dangerous!
Later in the evening, I had the “Quatro Assi,” a delightful herbal, fruity cocktail made with vodka, Domain de Canton, lime, grape, and basil. My buddy enjoyed the “5PM,” a tea drink with Grand Marnier, which she had after dinner.
We chose a fig salad and a tomato soup for dinner, both of which were outstanding, with the salad earning higher marks for its creativity and freshness. Pizza with mushrooms and Pomodoro pasta came next. Some of the greatest pizza dough I’ve ever had in the United States was really thin and light. We both felt quite full after the thick, delicious pasta.
The vibe was casual despite the dining room being a little formal. We were at ease and joyful during supper thanks to our kind and accommodating waitress. Despite the costs, I believe the meal and beverages were worthwhile. and the view of the sunset!
Side Street Cafe
49 Rodick St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, the United States // +12078012591
This quite hidden gem amongst the Bar Harbor bars is conveniently nestled away from the hubbub but is nevertheless equally accessible as other downtown eateries. Come here for burgers, lobster rolls, or their specialty, mac and cheese. While you wait, relax on the deck and sip a cocktail!
The cafe was bustling when we passed it the day before on a weird Bar Harbor side lane, so we made a note to check it out for supper the following night. This is the spot for you if you want a lively atmosphere, excellent service, and fantastic music!
The current “margarita of the moment,” which was a lovely blueberry lavender drink, rotates every so often. Then we placed a large order to taste a variety of foods, and we ended up with leftovers to take home.
Bar Harbor Beer Works
119 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, the United States // +12072882886
The rooftop terrace at Bar Harbor Beer Work is the ideal place to watch people as you eat because it is located directly at the intersection of Rodick Pl and Main St. In addition to traditional pub fare like burgers and sandwiches, this lively bar specializes in beer and cider brewed in Maine. Both the burgers and the Bavarian pretzel, which is served with cheese and mustard for dipping, are really tasty here.
A great environment and a wide selection of draft beers! The beer and buffalo cauliflower were enjoyed while we relaxed on the upstairs patio. There was a lot of helpful personnel talking to everyone and sharing their recommendations for interesting treks and local activities. Get a beer flight! There are several to explore!
The helpful bartender was also a great assistant. He told me about the local brews and let me to sample the ones I was interested in. Many Maine beers are available on draft.
This location is enormous, with indoor and outdoor seating on two floors. Darts, pool tables, etc. Located in the heart of the city’s shopping and tourist districts. Excellent location for both locals and visitors amongst the Bar Harbor bars.
Thirsty Whale Tavern
40 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, the United States // +12072889335
The Thirsty Whale Tavern is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a relaxed setting to eat some delicious food. The meal is pub-style and wonderful, and the staff is polite and quick to serve.
In addition to the standard lobster meals, you may also order robust sandwiches, fried oysters, and a tasty beverage from the bar.
There was a heater on their back patio, so we sat there. I ordered the clam chowder because the lobster bisque had already run out. The lobster roll was fantastic! And they are all extremely reasonably priced.
It’s worth trying their Allagash white beer. Their homemade sweet cream salad dressing is highly recommended. The Service was prompt and caring. You gotta try it!
Summary About The Top Ten Bar Harbor Bars
Bar Harbor is attracting foodies across the country, not just because of its delicious seafood. In addition, Bar Harbor has flourished into quite an artsy scene that offers a wide range of shops and cafes.
But why bother venturing outside when there are so many great restaurants along the waterfront? After a long day of sightseeing at Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, people gather over a drink and catch up over conversation. Locals, visitors, and tourists mix in Bar Harbor bars. Such a pleasing experience which I highly recommend.
Visiting other destinations in Maine? Check out our other guides:
- 10 Must-Try Bar Harbor Restaurants
- 7 Fun Things To Do In Bar Harbor Maine
- The 13 Best Rockland Maine Restaurants
- 9 Best Camden Restaurants
- The 10 Best Seafood Restaurants In Bar Harbor, Maine
Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food. He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started his mission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever