Julia's Bar Harbor Favorites
Ice Cream
Hands down best ice cream in Bar Harbor. Unique flavors, all homemade. Don’t miss this one. My favorite thing to do is get a “split single” you can get two flavors in a single scoop—it’s not on the menu but they will know exactly what you are asking for.
36 locals recommend
Mount Desert Island Ice Cream
7 Firefly LnHands down best ice cream in Bar Harbor. Unique flavors, all homemade. Don’t miss this one. My favorite thing to do is get a “split single” you can get two flavors in a single scoop—it’s not on the menu but they will know exactly what you are asking for.
Mount Desert Island Shopping Recommendations
Shops I send my friends and family to when they visit.
Unique natural history gifts from around the world and some made by local Maine artisans. This is my favorite shop to buy birthday presents in—or to just look around. It’s part museum, part store. Everything from jewlery to unique houseplants. I’ve never seen another store like it—do not miss this when you are in downtown Bar Harbor.
The Rock & Art Shop
23 Cottage StUnique natural history gifts from around the world and some made by local Maine artisans. This is my favorite shop to buy birthday presents in—or to just look around. It’s part museum, part store. Everything from jewlery to unique houseplants. I’ve never seen another store like it—do not miss this when you are in downtown Bar Harbor.
Historic bookstore in downtown Bar Harbor. Lots of local authors and guidebooks. Also a good place for art supplies and gifts.
8 locals recommend
Sherman's Maine Coast Book Shop Bar Harbor
56 Main StHistoric bookstore in downtown Bar Harbor. Lots of local authors and guidebooks. Also a good place for art supplies and gifts.
Dinner
Dinner Favorites on MDI
Happy Hour is from 3-5 and the special is $25 for a bottle of wine and a pizza. Delicious wood fired pizza and local fare. Excellent ambiance. Dine outside and watch the horses! Gorgeous space. One of my favorites.
31 locals recommend
Sweet Pea's Cafe
854 ME-3Happy Hour is from 3-5 and the special is $25 for a bottle of wine and a pizza. Delicious wood fired pizza and local fare. Excellent ambiance. Dine outside and watch the horses! Gorgeous space. One of my favorites.
Unique menu, great space, live music, excellent cocktails and bar selection. Outdoor and indoor seating, bocce court. Locally owned for over 30 years. This is a must visit.
My favorites: The Beehive, Bang-Bang chicken sandwich, and the shrimp po-boy.
16 locals recommend
Lompoc Cafe
36 Rodick StUnique menu, great space, live music, excellent cocktails and bar selection. Outdoor and indoor seating, bocce court. Locally owned for over 30 years. This is a must visit.
My favorites: The Beehive, Bang-Bang chicken sandwich, and the shrimp po-boy.
Lunch
Favorite places to have lunch on MDI.
BAR HARBOR—Best blackened haddock and clam chowder on the island. Pub food but very good and generous portions. Lots of options for everyone. GF bread, salads, burgers, seafood.... good place for a hearty lunch after a big hike.
53 locals recommend
The Thirsty Whale Tavern
40 Cottage StBAR HARBOR—Best blackened haddock and clam chowder on the island. Pub food but very good and generous portions. Lots of options for everyone. GF bread, salads, burgers, seafood.... good place for a hearty lunch after a big hike.
NORTHEAST HARBOR—Historic Inn with lunch and tea service. Best popovers on the island. Go on a fair weather day and sit on the deck to enjoy the view of Northeast Harbor.
30 locals recommend
Asticou Inn
15 Peabody DrNORTHEAST HARBOR—Historic Inn with lunch and tea service. Best popovers on the island. Go on a fair weather day and sit on the deck to enjoy the view of Northeast Harbor.
Breakfast
My favorite places for breakfast on MDI.
BAR HARBOR—My favorite place for brunch. Also has a great dinner menu. If you are traveling alone, dine at the bar. The bartenders are very friendly.
65 locals recommend
Cafe This Way
14 Mt Desert StBAR HARBOR—My favorite place for brunch. Also has a great dinner menu. If you are traveling alone, dine at the bar. The bartenders are very friendly.
BAR HARBOR—Great for breakfast, friendly staff, fresh squeezed juice, good coffee.
37 locals recommend
2 Cats Bar Harbor
130 Cottage StBAR HARBOR—Great for breakfast, friendly staff, fresh squeezed juice, good coffee.
Grab and go
Favorite “fast food” for breakfast and lunch on MDI.
Mount Dessert Bakery
122 Cottage StBAR HARBOR—Delicious breakfast sandwiches and baked goods.
BAR HARBOR—Health food with lots of vegetarian and vegan options. All ingredients are well labeled, staff is knowledgeable. I go here when I need a reset. Really enjoy their juices. Good for breakfast and lunch.
14 locals recommend
Thrive Juice Bar & Kitchen
51 Rodick StBAR HARBOR—Health food with lots of vegetarian and vegan options. All ingredients are well labeled, staff is knowledgeable. I go here when I need a reset. Really enjoy their juices. Good for breakfast and lunch.
Choco-Latte
240 Main StBAR HARBOR—Excellent coffee and breakfast sandwiches.
Off Island Dining Favorites
Traveling off Mount Desert Island? Here are some great places to eat.
WINTER HARBOR—Visiting Schoodic? This is the place to stop for lunch or dinner.
74 locals recommend
The Pickled Wrinkle
9 E Schoodic DrWINTER HARBOR—Visiting Schoodic? This is the place to stop for lunch or dinner.
ELLSWORTH—My go-to for lunch or dinner when I’m running errands in Ellsworth. Big wraps and burritos. Try the CBGB wrap. Locally owned.
58 locals recommend
86 This
125 Main StELLSWORTH—My go-to for lunch or dinner when I’m running errands in Ellsworth. Big wraps and burritos. Try the CBGB wrap. Locally owned.