Outdoor Dining in Bar Harbor: Restaurants with a View
Published March 14, 2024 at 10:19 am
Discover the charm of oceanside dining in Bar Harbor as we explore the best restaurants offering exquisite meals accompanied by stunning views of Maine’s rugged coastline.

Discover the Delights of Outdoor Dining in Bar Harbor
If you’re craving a dining experience that combines great food with unforgettable views, Bar Harbor is the place to be.
This picturesque town, nestled on the coast of Maine, offers a variety of restaurants where the splendor of nature complements the culinary delights on your plate.
Why Choose Outdoor Dining in Bar Harbor?
Imagine savoring a lobster roll as you gaze out at the tranquil waters of the Atlantic or enjoying a warm blueberry pie beneath the vast canopy of a starlit sky.
Outdoor dining in Bar Harbor isn’t just about the food; it’s an immersive experience where each bite is seasoned with the beauty of Mount Desert Island’s coastal landscapes.
Exquisite Eateries with Waterfront Views
Looking for a place that combines succulent seafood with stunning seascapes? Consider the Terrace Grille, acclaimed for its fresh catch and scenic patio seating overlooking the harbor.
With the gentle sea breeze as your companion, dining here feels like a gentle retreat from the world, one scrumptious course at a time.
Discover the Perfect Spot for a Sunset Meal
Ever tried dining as the sky paints itself with the vivid hues of the setting sun? The Sunset Restaurant lives up to its name, offering sunset views that compete with the artistry on your plate.
Here, the end of the day is celebrated with a symphony of flavors and a panorama of changing skies—truly a photographer’s and food enthusiast’s haven.
The Charm of Al Fresco Dining Amid Nature
For those who find solace in the whispers of nature, The Garden Patio offers an al fresco dining experience surrounded by flora and fauna.
As you indulge in a farm-to-table menu, the serene ambiance and the choir of birds provide a harmonious backdrop perfect for both romantic dinners and family gatherings.
Enjoying Local Specialties: Lobster, Clams, and More
In Bar Harbor, the local specialties are a testament to the region’s rich marine life. Lobster pounds like The Dockside Inn are must-visit spots for the freshest lobster, steamers, and chowder.
Their lobster bake, served on a waterside terrace, isn’t just a meal; it’s a memorable Maine tradition that tantalizes the taste buds and enriches the soul.
Restaurants with a View: Enhancing Your Dining Experience
There are few things as enchanting as dining with a view, and the Harbor’s Edge offers just that—a culinary journey complemented by an unfettered view of Frenchman Bay.
Whether you’re enjoying a morning meal as the water sparkles under the sun or dining under the moon’s glow, the ambiance here multiplies the pleasure of each bite.
Where to Find the Coziest Outdoor Seating
The Bistro on Eden makes the most of Bar Harbor’s crisp, refreshing air with its secret garden vibe. Tucked away from the bustling streets, this spot provides a cozy retreat where every meal feels like a private celebration.
Wrapped in greenery and dappled sunlight, it’s a favorite spot for those seeking a more intimate outdoor dining experience.
Dining by the Docks: A Unique Maritime Feast
For an authentic maritime feast, head to The Wharfside. With its “straight from the docks” philosophy, you’ll dine on seafood that’s been in the water just hours before.
As you savor the catch of the day, boats bob in the harbor just a stone’s throw away—adding a touch of maritime charm to your meal.
Pairing Exquisite Meals with Breathtaking Landscapes
At The Cliffside Inn, not only do they serve an array of sophisticated dishes, but they also offer an elevated dining terrace that boasts one of Bar Harbor’s most spectacular vantage points.
Here, the grandeur of Acadia National Park provides a dramatic backdrop to meals that highlight the best of Maine’s seasonal ingredients.
Finding the Perfect Beverage to Complement Your Meal
What’s a good meal without the right drink to accompany it? The Sea Breeze Patio Bar specializes in craft cocktails that blend beautifully with their seafront setting.
You might be interested in their blueberry-infused signature drinks which capture the essence of Maine in a refreshing sip.
The Allure of Casual Eats Along the Shore
Not all waterfront dining has to be about fine china and white tablecloths. The Lobster Shack offers a laid-back, picnic-style atmosphere where casual does not compromise on quality or views.
Here, you can relish lobster rolls and fried clams as you kick back with your feet in the sand and a salty breeze in your hair.
Embracing Sustainability in Bar Harbor’s Culinary Scene
The commitment to sustainability is strong among Bar Harbor’s eateries. The Eco-Café not only provides an organic feast for the senses but also takes pride in its eco-friendly practices, from sourcing locally to minimizing waste.
Dining here feels good not just for the stomach, but also for the soul, knowing that each bite supports ethical environmental practices.
Uncover Hidden Gems for the Ultimate Dining Adventure
Off the beaten path, there are hidden gems like The Nest, a boutique eatery tucked away on a side street with a picturesque patio covered in climbing vines.
It’s spots like these that offer a sense of discovery to your dining adventure, rewarding the curious with flavors as delightful as the setting.
Exclusive Gourmet Experiences with a View
To truly indulge in Bar Harbor’s dining scene, one must book a table at The Turret, a culinary experience that feels like a personal chef’s table with a view.
Their tasting menu is a sensorial journey, with each dish designed to harmonize with the seaside scenery, creating an exclusive and unforgettable dining affair.
Conclusion
Bar Harbor not only promises a feast for the eyes with its stunning natural vistas but also delivers a dining scene rich with flavors and experiences as diverse as the landscape itself.
From casual lobster shacks to gourmet eateries perched on cliffs, there’s a view and a menu for every palate, ensuring that each meal becomes a cherished memory in the heart of Maine.
Fulfilling Your Culinary Desires: Seafood Fresh from the Source
When you dine in Bar Harbor, you’re not just eating seafood; you’re enjoying it at the peak of its freshness.
The Bayview Lobster Restaurant exemplifies this, boasting dishes that are sourced from local fishers each morning.
A Brew with a View: Local Beers Meet Local Scenery
Maine is known for its craft beers, and Bar Harbor is no exception.
At The Alehouse, you can sip on a locally brewed ale while looking out over the harbor.
Affordable Luxury: Upscale Dining Without the Price Tag
Experiencing top-notch dining in Bar Harbor doesn’t have to break the bank.
The Harborview Terrace offers a fine dining experience that’s surprisingly affordable, considering the incredible oceanic tableau it provides.
Taste the Season: Seasonal Menus that Reflect the Region
Seasonal menus are a hallmark of Bar Harbor’s culinary scene, reflecting the region’s freshest ingredients throughout the year.
The Autumn Breezes Café showcases the best of fall with dishes infused with locally harvested pumpkin and apples.
Gluten-Free Goodness: Enjoying Bar Harbor Without the Gluten
For those with dietary restrictions, the availability of gluten-free options is a boon.
The Gluten-Free Gourmet Bistro caters to these needs without sacrificing taste or the waterfront dining experience.
Enrich Your Experience with a Cooking Class
If you’re looking to bring a piece of Bar Harbor back home, consider taking a cooking class.
The Culinary Cove offers classes on how to prepare Maine’s seafood classics, coupled with picturesque views.
Bar Harbor’s Best-Kept Dining Secrets
It might require a bit of exploration, but seeking out the lesser-known dining spots can lead to surprisingly delightful experiences.
Eatery 42, a quaint restaurant tucked away from the main drag, offers innovative dishes and an intimate patio that overlooks the bay.
Family-Friendly Dining with a Scenic Twist
Family vacations to Bar Harbor can be enriched with dining spots that cater to all ages.
The Shipyard Restaurant has a menu that delights both parents and kids alike, all served with a side of ocean views that the whole family can appreciate.
When Luxury Meets the Harbor: Dining in Style
For those looking to splurge on a truly upscale dining experience, the Harbor Palace is the pinnacle of luxury.
Indulge in five-star meals while surrounded by panoramic views of the bay that elevate a mere dinner into a grand occasion.
Satisfying Your Sweet Tooth with a View
No meal is complete without dessert, and in Bar Harbor, sweet treats come with a sweet view.
At the Harbor Sweets Café, try their famed wild blueberry pie with a vista of the sun setting over the water.
Cocktails and Canapés Over the Cliffs
For an evening filled with class, Cliff Edge Bar & Grill offers an impressive cocktail menu paired with elegant canapés, all with a cliffside view.
It’s a perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring Acadia National Park.
Bring Home a Taste of Bar Harbor
Take a piece of Bar Harbor home with you by visiting local shops that sell regionally made goods and ingredients.
At the Harbor Market, you can buy locally-crafted seasonings and preserves that capture the essence of Bar Harbor’s cuisine.
Plan Your Visit: Making the Most of Bar Harbor Dining
To get the most out of your dining experience, it’s wise to plan ahead.
During peak seasons, making reservations is essential, especially at popular spots like The Marina Café with its highly sought-after outdoor seats on the dock.
Embrace the Local Flavor: Menu Items You Must Try
While in Bar Harbor, there are certain local delicacies that you simply must try.
The Smoked Salmon Satchel at The Porthole is one such dish, combining local seafood with an innovative presentation that’s as photogenic as it is delicious.
Combine Entertainment with Your Entrainment
Some restaurants in Bar Harbor offer more than just good food—they provide entertainment as well.
The Cabaret at the Pier pairs their fresh seafood menu with live music, offering a feast for both the stomach and the ears.
Vegan and Vegetarian Delights by the Sea
Bar Harbor is considerate to those following plant-based diets too, with several eateries offering vegan and vegetarian menus.
The Green Sprout is renowned for its creative vegan twists on traditional Maine dishes, without compromising on the genuine harbor-side dining experience.
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Capturing the Perfect Moment: Dining and Photography in Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor isn’t just a feast for your palate, it’s a paradise for photographers too.
A place like the Chart Room offers a dual delight for amateur and professional photographers who can capture the stunning scenery while enjoying fresh catches from the ocean.
Eco-Friendly Souvenirs to Remember Your Meal By
Remember your exceptional outdoor dining experience with a sustainable souvenir.
Harbor Crafters sells eco-friendly merchandise made by local artisans, perfect for bringing a piece of Bar Harbor’s sustainability ethos back home.
Expert Tips for Choosing the Best Outdoor Dining Spot
When seeking the ultimate outdoor dining experience, consider the time of day and the direction of the sunlight or sunset for maximum ambiance impact.
Seasoned visitors to Bar Harbor often opt for eateries like West Street Cafe because of its optimal positioning for both sunlit lunches and golden-hour dinners.
Waterfront Weddings: Saying ‘I Do’ to Bar Harbor Dining
Imagine saying your vows against the backdrop of the ocean, celebrated with a meal at a waterfront venue like The Ebb Tide Restaurant, catering especially to weddings.
Here, you can create unforgettable memories with sumptuous dishes served against the soundtrack of lapping waves.
Themed Dinners: Experience Bar Harbor’s History
Some restaurants, like The Gilded Spoon, organize themed dinners that take you back in time to experience Bar Harbor’s rich historical past.
These events pair local traditional dishes with historical narratives that enhance your dining experience.
Supporting Local Farmers Markets
Prior to your outdoor dining adventure, you might want to visit Bar Harbor’s farmers markets, like The Island Farmers’ Market.
It allows you to appreciate the source of the fresh ingredients used by many local restaurants and perhaps inspires a picnic of your own.
Wine and Dine: Bar Harbor’s Finest Wineries
No gourmet dining experience would be complete without fine wines, and Bar Harbor has its gems like the cottage-style Bar Harbor Cellars.
Pair your seafood with a bottle from their selection and enjoy the crisp maritime air that enhances the flavors.
Boost Your Dining Experience with Local Events
Throughout the year, Bar Harbor hosts various food festivals and events, like the Taste of Bar Harbor, that showcase the region’s culinary feats.
Such events could provide a unique opportunity to taste a variety of dishes all in one go.
The Best Time to Visit for Outdoor Dining
While Bar Harbor is beautiful year-round, the summer and fall months provide the perfect climate for outdoor dining.
Restaurants like The Seafood Kettle thrive in these seasons, offering their best dishes in the most comfortable weather.
A Guide to Pet-Friendly Dining Establishments
For those traveling with four-legged companions, Bar Harbor is quite accommodating with places like Porches Café that welcome pets at their outdoor seating areas.
It’s a thoughtful touch that makes the dining experience enjoyable for the whole family.
Bar Harbor’s Signature Cocktails
From blueberry mojitos to lobster bloody Marys, Bar Harbor’s signature cocktails at The Drift Inn are as adventurous and local as its cuisine.
Such drinks not only offer refreshment but serve as toasts to the local culture and produce.
Fine Dining Meets Farm-to-Table Freshness
For those who appreciate the fine dining approach, The Vineyard Table offers meticulously crafted dishes that source ingredients straight from local farms.
It’s a must-visit for food enthusiasts who not only want to taste but also learn about the provenance of their food.
Finding Peace and Quiet: Secluded Outdoor Dining Spots
Seek tranquility in secluded spots like The Shore Path Cottage, where you can dine in peace, away from the hustle and bustle.
This hidden refuge serves up delectable meals with a serenity that makes them taste even better.
How to Dress for the Bar Harbor Dining Scene
While some restaurants may require a dress code, most outdoor spots encourage a casual and comfortable attire.
At places like The Casual Clam, you can enjoy a relaxed meal without worrying about formal dress, perfect for a spontaneous visit after a day of sightseeing.
Making Memories: Group Dining Experiences in Bar Harbor
Organizing a group meal? Consider reserving a spot at The Laughing Gull Restaurant.
They specialize in accommodating groups, ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table with a spectacular view.
Breakfast with a Breeze: Starting Your Day Right in Bar Harbor
A fresh morning meal at The Sunrise Café with a view of boats setting out to sea can set a positive tone for the entire day.
A hearty breakfast with a waterfront view is one of the best ways to start your Bar Harbor adventures.

Avery Ingram
Contributor