Five restaurants you should try if you're in Bar Harbor, Maine
Back in July 2022, I decided to take a relaxing trip to the East Coast and the first state that came to my mind was Maine. I’ve heard people saying how rich in nature, how green, and how fresh the food is. So here it was, all that I was looking for this summer: the sea, nature, and great food. I didn’t ask for much, and Maine did a great job offering me what I want.
Just like every other trip I go on, I did some research on where to go in Maine and made a list of the different areas I want to explore: Bar Harbor, Camden, Portland, and Kennebunkport - that’s what my roadmap looked like.
The first stop on my Maine road trip was Bar Harbor, and I can’t tell you enough about how beautiful that place is. I felt the freshness and the smell of the sea wherever I walked in Bar Harbor, the taste of the sea salt in my mouth; the sound of the waves; and the feeling of a peaceful relaxed state of mind; exactly what I needed.
My best friend and I spent three days exploring Bar Harbor and the many restaurants it offers. I would give these restaurants a five-star rating - five stars for the entire experience: food, staff, atmosphere, and scenery. All those restaurants will give you a glimpse of Bar Harbor’s cultural background and history.
After a long day at the beach under the sun, seafood and beer calls! You get the whole waterfront dining experience at MDI Lobster & BBQ - from the dock to your plate. This restaurant sits on the pier overlooking the harbor on Mount Desert island. We sat on one of those picnic-looking tables; taking in the fresh air and contemplating the fishers catching lobster the old way; “using traps that haven’t changed in over 100 years”.
This place serves the freshest clams and saltiest mussels I’ve ever had. My best friend and I were discussing how we’ve never seen clams as big as those in Maine! We had a variety of seafood; clams, mussels, and cold water lobsters, paired with a fresh cold beer! Sweet, tender, and delicious. The restaurant is located minutes away from the Bass Harbor Head Light Station on the South West corner of Mount Desert island. You can catch some of the most breathtaking sunsets over there.
This restaurant is just spectacular. To get there, you have to get through the Acadia National Park and take the park loop trail and get down on the Jordan Pond stop. The restaurant sits on a hill overlooking a beautiful lawn along the Jordan Pond. Jordan pond house also has a little shop where I bought my locally sourced blueberry tea and blueberry jam! They serve a delicious Artisanal Cheese Plate and a variety of salads. I had my first blueberry sorbet at that place. It tasted just like the natural fruit blueberry, smooth and creamy. I would advise you to book your table in advance as this place is a popular one.
A local spot for over 40 years, Geddy’s is like one of these old local diners that have vintage and photo-designed walls, and a souvenir store downstairs “Geddy’s Down-Under" souvenir store. You can buy yourself a nice “Geddy’s Pub” t-shirt or a cute mug. At the restaurant, you have the choice to pick your own Maine lobster straight from the tank; so pick the one that catches your attention. The diner isn’t limited to seafood; it also serves firewood pizza, clam chowder, tacos, sandwiches, and more. If you’re in for a desert, go for the classic Maine blueberry pie.
This is the first place we ate at when we got to Bar Harbor; it opened the doors for everything seafood. Family-owned and operated for over 30 years, it offers inside and outside seating overlooking the water. We had our first boiled lobster there along with tasty oysters. Very scenic, and very yummy.
Located in the heart of Bar Harbor village, Project Social is a lively modern restaurant and cocktail bar. It has both indoor and outdoor seating. I personally really enjoyed their outdoor seating. It looks like a cute little vintage garden that has a little creek and a pond. I would recommend going for an afternoon cocktail or a romantic dinner.
