Side Street Cafe
49 Rodick St, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609
Side Street Cafe Menu
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Address :
49 Rodick St
Bar Harbor, ME, 04609 - Phone (207) 801-2591
- Website https://www.sidestreetbarharbor.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm
- Mon : 11:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Dogs Allowed : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Drive-Thru : No
Caters : No
Categories
Burgers
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Hamburgers are also categorized into two types in the United States. Fast food hamburger and individual hamburgers served at restaurants are two basic types of burgers served in the United States. The individual hamburgers served at restaurants are prepared using everything including lettuce, onion, tomato, and sliced pickles as well as melted cheese on the patty or crumbled on top. American restaurants also serve veggie burgers for those who don't relish meat. Cheeseburgers are also hot favorite in the United States.
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Marisa C.
We didn't even step foot into this restaurant because of the horrible service given before even entering. I called to find out the wait time and put our name on a wait list. Although it was around dinner time, and the wait time ended up being an hour and a half, the woman practically laughed in my face and acted like it was a huge deal to just put our name on a wait list. Another night, we walked up to the restaurant around dinner time after walking through town to ask the wait time. Again we were greeted very rudely. Unfortunately, we'd love to try this place with such "great" reviews on yelp but the rude service has completely turned us off.
(1)Mark S.
The food was delicious and the service was outstanding! Nothing to complain about for me!
(5)Barb M.
Nice folks, but not outstanding lobster rolls. We could not find any mayo even after being told it had mayo. Bun was small for what we had elsewhere and sides were unimpressive. Must have been an off day- lobster mac- no flavor. We were told they were known for it. Not my favorite.
(3)C C.
food is very good dog friendly restraurant service is greater Again food is amazing and also cocktail:)
(5)Ben C.
Excellent. When sharing pie always get an extra scoop of ice cream. The mac and cheese are a must. The fish tacos were good. Excellent server we had named Monica. Live music on some nights too.
(5)Maddy L.
Great atmosphere for happy hour and casual drinks. Pretty good happy hour with drink and appetizer specials. Had the lobster mac and cheese and it was pretty good, but could have used a tad more lobster for the $23 price tag. The lobster quesadilla left much to be desired and the avocado would have served the dish better as a guacamole or even spread on the tortillas instead of laid on in slices. The portion size was decent however. Service was good. Overall the place was okay. Nothing amazing. Seemed to have lots of margarita/mimosa/etc options though. Wish I could give it 3.5 stars.
(3)CB S.
We just had to go to the most reviewed restaurant in Bar Harbor, and it didn't disappoint. Came at around 1:30 on a Saturday afternoon in August and waited for just 3-4 minutes. The bar area and outdoor area are first come first serve and seemed like a great social spot when we walked past. Ordered the clam steamers (served with hot water to clean and silky butter sauce to dip in) and I also got buttered ciabatta bread on the side ($2 additional and worth it!). So yummy!! Also had some cheap local beers. Tried my fiancé's fish tacos, which were so yummy; grilled and with a slightly spicy chipotle mayo. Very positive lunch experience while on MDI.
(4)Tim P.
Fit the bill after a long day of travel. Her's: a cranberry and apple salad so succulent there was no need for dressing. Mine: A zesty-but not too hot Shrimp stir-fry with soba noodle. Nice portions both with no skimping on shrimp. A bit noise for my ears, but overall a fine welcome to BH.
(4)Elliot D.
Holy crap awesome! Totally gluten free and vegetarian friendly (super huge for us!) and just fantastic food with really friendly staff and AWESOME signature drinks (my wife had a watermelon mint margherita and LOVED it). You can build your own sandwich (which I did and if I can say it was killer) and they take little adjustments (for about a $0.50 price per addition). You're not getting as ripped off as on Main or Cottage, but it's not cheap. But the portions are big and we got 2 meals out of it. The grilled avocado app was AMAZING!
(5)Ken P.
Super lobster roll. Amazing clam chowder. Really nice and peaceful lunch spot a block off the busy tourist track in downtown Bar Harbor. Go shortly afternoon and sit outside. Really excellent service.
(5)LeeAnne P.
After trying to figure out where to eat one night, we decided on Side Street Cafe even though there was a 45 min wait. I read really good things about it, so I convinced my husband to wait. The server we had was super friendly, knowledgeable and attentitive. The beer list was pretty good with a lot of local brews, I opted for the Down East Cider and wasn't disappointed. I thought about getting one of their lobster dinners to eat, but I had just had a lobster roll earlier in the day and was trying to give my system a little break. So I was torn between their mac and cheese and a burger. The beef in the burger was calling my name, so I went with the Adam Bomb and upgraded to fries for a little extra. My husband also got a burger and fries and we both got New England Clam Chowder to start. The chowder was super delicious. Nice texture, flavor and full of clams and potatoes. The burgers came shortly after. For paying to upgrade to fries, not many came on the plate. I love fries like its my job, so when I am expecting good pub fries I want a lot of them. Maybe because they are baked, its harder to give more? I am not sure. The burger was good, not mind blowing, but tasty. My husband couldn't even finish his burger, so either that says something about me or the size of my meal since I finished mine. Maybe if I had, had the mac and cheese I wouldn't have been as disappointed based on what I had read about this place. If I was still there on vacation, I would probably go back to try the mac and cheese and see how that is.
(3)Digby C.
Well now. We ended up in Bar Harbor at the same time as a cruise ship was disgorging its passengers into town, and so we scurried away from the main thoroughfares in search of something a little less crowded. This was something of a gamble - there's nothing outside to indicate that it's anything more than a common restaurant-attached-to-a-bar, but in fact it is: it's actually a restaurant with a highly varied and interesting menu that happens to also have a bar. I'll preface by saying we liked it so much we came again; thus we ended up trying quite a few dishes: Jeff's Mac & Cheese (their "award winning recipe loaded w/ black beans, ham, onions and jalapeños"): oh my, do ya like spicy? we do, and my son had this one visit, and I had it the next. The jalapeños are right on the edge of too much, but the smoky black beans pull them back and it ends up being a fantastically smooth. The cheese is also real cheese, not synthetic cubes o' cheese. A+. Basic cheeseburger: You can build your own, and so my daughter did. It was good, as were the bread and the fries. A. Northern Cuban sandwich: This was great - none of the flavors was overpowering, and there was plenty of meat. Slightly docked because I'd like the era of pretzel rolls to end sometime soon, thank you in advance. A-. BBQ pulled pork sliders: Very promising, my daughter's second-visit order. The flavor was fine, but unfortunately it was so salty that it was almost inedible (I say 'almost' - everyone at the table tried it - "can you believe how salty that is?" - and thus it was 90% eaten). A really bad note during otherwise great visits. D. Desserts: the blueberry crumble was great; the fluffernutter sundae was intriguing but okay. B+. I'm not kidding when I say the menu is varied; you should be able to find something you really like here. And be sure to try the blueberry soda!
(4)Bing X.
Nothing else to say but amazing! We found the best grilled scallop we ever hadï¼blueberry pie was good! Of course the lobster including the rich lobster strew.
(5)Elisabeth E.
Side Street Cafe makes some tasty noms! This is definitely a place I recommend trying, especially if you are gluten free. I ate here twice during my stay and would probably have made it in more on Fridays for the lobster stew had I not been traveling most weekends. Atmosphere and service- neat little restaurant with a fireplace and bar. Great place to lunch with friends. Fun and friendly environment. Service was always good and i was seated quickly. Gluten Free- Lots and lots of options! Gluten free pasta, bread, hamburger buns, you name it! They are very gluten free friendly here and no extra charge for the items. Also their menu is labeled GF near each item to make it easy for you to navigate. Food- On my first day I was a little disappointed to see that all their seafood options aren't offered during the off season (but this seems pretty standard for this area). So I had the soup of the day, the black bean soup which was very flavorful and had and Indian spice taste to it. I enjoyed it. The pesto and mozzarella burger, with Caesar salad and potato chips was also good. Nice to have a gluten free hamburger bun. I came back on Friday for the lobster stew (offered every friday) and was very pleased! Lots of chunks of lobster and creamy deliciousness. Very rich though! I ordered a second bowl to go for the next evening. Prices for everything was reasonable and worth the portion size. Overall I think its a nice restaurant and definitely worth trying out! My favorite item was the lobster stew, the burger/salad was good but didnt knock my socks off. Also their service was always good, but never super friendly...I guess I would call it 'professional'. Their attention to gluten free is awesome! Don't leave Bar Harbor without trying this place!
(4)Shane S.
Heard and read great things. Disappointed in food, however. Steak ordered medium rare was well done, fries were chewy, awful. Broiled haddock sandwich was bland, and chips as standard side dish are basically lays. Cop out. Service was great, though. Won't be back, however. This Way Cafe is a better alternative.
(2)Amanda F.
Excellent food and margaritas. I had the monthly special margarita - the strawberry rhubarb. It was really good. Our table ordered the lobster mac and cheese, the lobster quesadilla, and the lobster stew. All were excellent. Would highly recommend for the food. Our waitress was very slow, and we had to track her down to get our check. Otherwise I would rate this place 5-stars.
(4)Kurt S.
Best restaurant in Bar Harbor by far. We went twice in 3 days, once for lunch, one for dinner. The first time we got drinks and sandwiches. Two in my group got the prime rib sandwich, which was very good, I got the Cuban and other buddy got the lobster mac and cheese. Only complaint was that the "for the table" portion of pub fries for $6.95 was enough for 1 person. I think we each got two fries. When we came back for dinner I got the Gusto Diablo which was awesome. Would definitely return if I was in Bar Harbor. PS..we didn't go during happy hour, but the HH specials were good deals!
(4)Sarah K.
Food was 8/10 Service: waitress was nice but very busy We have too young children so this place was a good choice bc it wasn't too "quiet" of an atmosphere probably again bc it was busy. We did get in and out fairly quickly and they have a TON of great items on the menu . something for every one.
(4)Bob P.
My 9 year old son loved the clam chowder, my wife loved the avocado appetizer and had an awesome customized Mac and cheese with black beans. I thought the tuna melt was great along with the lobster roll. I was not crazy about the lobster BLAT. It was overpriced with very little lobster. Other than that we stayed in Bar Harbor for five days and ate here three times. Highly recommend you eat here but make reservations. The martinis and margaritas are really good as well.
(4)Victoria S.
I had already had waaay too much lobster. I had the Cuban sandwich on a pretzel roll with a side salad, AWSOME! My husband had a hamburger that was awesome to!
(5)Will M.
Food was great. Margaritas were better! My only complaint is that I couldn't try everything on the menu. Tip: margaritas are not made from mixes but rather fresh juice!! Try them!
(5)Ami S.
LOBSTER ON A BURGER .... I REPEAT .... LOBSTER ON A BURGER! If you can't tell I had a burger with lobster on top. I got the half portion which I thought was a pretty large amount of lobster. I was pleasantly surprised. Although this wasn't my first lobster on a burger experience this place executed it really well. Our waitress was amazing. I wish I could remember her name to give her the credit. There were 6 of us and we all ordered a different burger / sandwich. Now that's 6 different meat temp, cheese, toppings, bread choice combos to remember. Each one came out correctly, which yes I know that's her job, but come on its not as easy as it sounds people. Fries were just ok, I should have went with the house made chips. Lobster stew was incredible. Buttery, lobster goodness. I would definetly give this place a try if you are in the Bar Harbor area.
(4)Nick C.
Great food at a fair price. The lobster and corn on the Cobb is $18. The service was great too.
(5)Jennifer E.
Side Street will always have a place in my heart because of two things, happy hour and their lobster deal. I found Side Street whilst perusing Bar Harbor in Yelp-O-vision. We found our way to this cute little cafe and were quickly seated. The menu looked tasty with everything from gourmet sounding entrees, to seafood and chowder, to hamburgers. It was my first time in Maine in a while so I wanted some lobster, but of course. I got the lobster a la cart with a small cup of chowder and my husband went with the mac and cheese. It was happy hour, so I was happy, and went with my own mini pitcher of hibiscus gimlet. Don't judge. The drink was perfection, and you easily got three drinks out what cost me as much as one during normal hours. So freaking good. Our food arrived and everything tasted great. Our server was friendly and I never felt rushed nor the need to seek our server out to keep our water glasses full. They also have a nice patio that I enjoyed a beer and half priced plate of nachos on another night when the weather was a bit nicer. If you not really getting food they prefer you to sit on the side where you can order from the window. This may be bothersome to some, but we were quite content.
(4)Joe C.
The best mac and cheese you'll have from a restaurant. Almost too rich, a half order was enough for me. Their specialty drinks are very well done. One of the few places in Bar Harbor I would eat at again and not overly priced.
(4)C L.
Was ok... Lobsta stew was only luke warm with cold lobsta - bit disappointing. Jeff's Mac n cheese works was decent. Waitress not on the ball.
(3)Adrienne M.
Despite coming to the area for many years, I'd never been here before. My husband and I tried this place on our recent Maine trip and enjoyed it very much. I had the half portion of lobster mac and cheese ($16) which was great. The half portion was very generous & more than I could eat, there was tons of tender lobster meat on it, and the sauce was a perfect balance of creamy & cheesy. My husband had a crab melt that he really enjoyed. Service was very friendly & attentive. This isn't likely to go on my list of "must visit" places everytime I make a trip to Maine, but I'll almost certainly go back at some point and I definitely recommend it. Prices are on the high side, even for Bar Harbor, but the portions are so big you won't need much food (seems like 2 people could easily share an app and an entree, maybe even less if you're not very hungry).
(4)Mark K.
My wife was shopping so I was just cruising around and spied this place and their sandwich board for Margarita of the Moment. Later that day we tried the cider margarita; outstanding. We returned for dinner. The lobster stew was incredible! Tender lobster in buttery sauce; very rich, but delicious.
(5)Sarah S.
They had a great happy hour deal (happy hour is from 3pm-6pm)! $3 drafts (GOOD local draft microbrews), $3 house wines, and $5 margaritas. The margaritas were phenomenal and were not from a mix. We had the clam chowder which was quite good...they put bacon in it which makes it even better. Lobster Mac and cheese is amazing!
(5)Jeremy F.
This is the best place to eat at in Bar Harbor. It is a very nice restaurant, the service was good and the food was amazing.
(5)Natacha D.
Don't go to Bar Harbor for the food. It's just not that good. It is expensive though. This place is fun to go for beers- there's a great bubbly ambiance and the waitresses and bartenders are all very warm, funny, and fast. Plus the magic beer pixie brings you beers before you even know you need one. The food is not good. Some people I was with got lobster rolls, which were just ok, and I got some sort of veggie sandwich which was kinda soggy. The fries were devastatingly bad- they had obviously been fried early in the day and left to cool in the paper towels. To our waitress' credit, she removed them from the bill.
(2)Ammie L.
We came here one lazy evening for dinner, and immediately loved the casual/ chill ambience here. The beer menu was very good. We both got the haddock sandwich and it was delicious, probably the best haddock sandwich I've ever had! We ate while watching the World Cup -- it was a lot of fun! The only complaint I have is that the AC didn't seem to work well and was a bit hot in there.
(5)Matt H.
Wow this was an amazing meal! The atmosphere is really cool and eclectic. As a Mac & cheese lover I can honestly say the double bacon Mac was some of the best I've ever had. The burger and fries were really good too and everything in the menu looked great. If you're looking for something different check this place out!
(5)Alice C.
We each had an angus burger (one with a side of ceasar salad and the other with sweet potato fries), the lobster stew and clam chowder. The angus burgers were really dry and the choice of putting it on ciabatta bread was not a wise one. It all tasted kind of brick-like. The tangy sauce inside was a pleasant kick. The lobster stew was yummy, but really wasn't a stew. There were generous chunks of lobster in a watery cream sauce. The clam chowder was yummy, but didn't have very much clam in it. Overall, a good place for a quick bite.
(3)Sarah K.
This was the most disappointing place that my boyfriend and I went to on while on our trip to Acadia National Park. It's still good but relative to all the other places we had lobster at, we were disappointed. Yelp failed us. The 4 stars is definitely a high expectation for a place with OK food. My biggest gripe was the mac and cheese. Why did so many people say the mac and cheese was good? It tasted like a cheese sauce made from powder and too much skim milk. I will say they put a good amount of lobster pieces in the mac and cheese that were good. Their mac and cheese reminded me of velveeta mac & cheese (but more watery) with pieces of lobster in it. The lobster was good too just like all the lobster in this area is but it wasn't marinaded to my liking. Frankly, Fisherman's Grill totally ruined my lobster roll experience for the rest of my trip. We stopped at Fisherman's Grill on the way to Acadia. I don't recommend this! It'll ruin your lobster roll experience for the rest of your life unless you only eat at Fisherman's Grill. This place overall seemed sort of touristy. For the price, the quality of food was good but the taste was sub par.
(2)Linda N.
Giving it a one star for at least having a great server. Other then that, the food wasn't all that great.. The Mac and cheese was at least decent but it wasn't real Mac and cheese. It was more of a Alfredo sauce. I also got the loaded fries and I thought it'd be super loaded but the only thing that was loaded was the sour cream. There was no meat or anything else much to it. The fries were cold and dried up which was a no go. Everything here is pretty pricey for what they serve to you and the quality of the food is honestly not great. If you're wanting REAL good food, you're better off somewhere else then here. Don't believe what the good reviews say on here, those people haven't had real good food in their life yet.
(1)Christina K.
this is the best and only good meal and dinning exerience in bar harbor. Our food was delivered before our beers, and our server immediatley comped our first round, without us saying a thing. I honestly didn't think the wait was that bad especially compared to some terrible service else where, but we really appreciated the gesture. It said "we care about our customers". The food was excellent, unique and fresh. I highly suggest the lobster quesadillas so delish. It seems that all bar harbor offers is steamed lobsters which gets a little old.. This place had so many creative dishes, lobster and others.. I can't wait to go back. Highly recommend and if there's a wait, it's worth it!
(5)Leigh H.
Went here for dinner twice recently while in Bar Harbor as few other places were open. However, had a great dinner each time! The atmosphere is very laid back and the staff is all very friendly and efficient. Sandwiches and burgers were delicious. One night they had $5 margaritas which were delicious!
(4)Mike H.
Always the best! Lobster stew is full of claw and knuckle meat. We usually get the nomad there, one of side street's great burgers. Also have happy hour and app specials daily at the bar or out on their deck.
(5)Danielle H.
AMAZING! Thanks Yelp, for all your help! We had a wonderful server, Sam, who was so friendly and nice. We ended up getting two beers (Atlantic Ale and BH True Blue) - great beers, great prices. Black Bean Bisque - best I've ever had, and I love love love BB soup. Lobster Mac w/Roasted Veggies and Mushrooms - they have so many Mac choices, but we loved ours. We shared a half portion - it was very rich, and I can't imagine being able to eat a whole one. The "half" was about 6 in across. Nomad (BB burger, no bacon, on ciabatta) - this BB patty was delightful and clearly fresh and homemade. We enjoyed the avocado and the bread was amazing. Clean place w/lots of colorful paint and playful tables.
(5)Larissa A.
Perfect. Really that is all I can say about everything at Side Street Cafe. Food, drinks, staff ... all perfect. I seriously would drive the 5 hours to Bar Harbor just to come here again no kidding.
(5)Alma H.
Love this place! Very underrated and yet it has become my favorite dinner spot in Bar Harbor. It has something for everyone. For those health-conscious and vegan folks, they have a few choices including really good fresh salads, awesome homemade black bean burgers and an Asian stir fry. Black bean burger is the winner for sure! Also, their homemade tapenade is delicious. You can add it to your black bean burger or it also comes with an appetizer that has yummy pita bread and hummus. Service has always been great, too!
(5)Jules S.
Holy Heaven in my Mouth Batman. This is not just our favorite meal in Maine, but one of my 10 all time favorite meal memories. Side Street Cafe sits next to Pat's Pizza near the Morning Glory Bakery just a block off the main roads of Bar Harbor. It's a popular place so we were glad to grab a table outside for 2 on the front deck (which doesn't have heaters, BTW.) I took Raisa S's cue to order the Apple Cider Margarita- what a a great sweet and sour fall combo! I think I might have had 2. :) It added to the enjoyment of the evening. A note for beer lovers: If you like Amber ales, you're kind of out of luck here and across Bar Harbor. We started with the clam chowder which was absolutely delicious- a perfect blend of clams, creaminess without being heart-stopping, and potatoes. Deee-lish. One thing we were pleased to see was the Build Your Own Mac & Cheese bar which allowed us to get exactly what we were wanting which was in our case, Lobster, Mushrooms & Jalapenos. We ordered a half order, which was a perfect size because of the richness of the perfectly blended creamy cheese that doesn't congeal, and the nice saltiness of the mushrooms and kick of the jalapenos. There was sizeable lobster in there and huge parmesan shavings which didn't bother me and I'm not a stinky cheese fan. I've had lobster mac and cheese from Capital Grille, which is by all accounts, one of the favorite steakhouses in the country, and it doesn't hold a candle to Side Street Cafe's lobster mac & cheese. Hubs ordered a lobster roll but switched the roll from the oversized hot dog bun to a more hearty ciabatta. I know, I know, boo us out of the state, but you can't deny that typically you're done eating a lobster roll and you're still hungry! So this added a little more body to it without conflicting with the flavor. The kicker? Add a little of the tasty mac and cheese into the sandwich and poof! Magic. By the end of that, we were stuffed like happy little hogs and couldn't bear eating the blueberry pie, but that's where finishing up the apple cider margarita came in handy. We didn't think it was expensive for the happiness it brought to me. $70 for a very filling dinner for 2? Not bad. One other thing I would note is that there were complaints about slow service, but we went on a fairly busy Friday night and our food was prompt and our server was friendly, informative, flexible and attentive. Bottom line: A Must for Bar Harbor. Will I be working it off the next month? Yes. Do I care? No, because it was that damn good.
(5)Adam M.
Went to side street cafe tonight and food was fantastic! I had the grilled vegetable salad with goat cheese, grilled chicken, and soy balsamic dressing and was delicious. My wife had the macaroni and cheese with bacon and pulled pork sliders and they were terrific as well. The portions were really large too. For dessert we got the fluffer nutter sundae and was to die for. Finally their wait staff is extremely friendly and their food comes out really fast and fresh. Highly recommend the side street cafe.
(5)Rebecca C.
Wow, what a treat it was to discover the Side Street Café on our latest visit to Bar Harbor. It's relatively new (I think? I don't remember it last time) and even though it's not right on Main or Cottage it's just a very short walk up Rodick. Excellent drinks, especially the martinis (and they do NOT skimp on the booze) delicious food - great salads, amazing mac & cheese (best I've ever had at a restaurant....maybe ever. I got the one with the roasted vegetables.) The half portions of the mac & cheese are more than plenty and same goes for the appetizers. The Nachos for one are good for at least two. The other thing I really love about this place is that they remember you and treat you right. We went the first night we were up there and went a couple days later and they remembered us and we were greeted warmly. We actually visited three times while we were staying on the Island and each night was wonderful and the service was excellent....had fun chatting with everyone and we had so much fun. Live music when we went on both Saturday and Sunday night. Tip: Call ahead. This place may be off the beaten path but it has been discovered. Amazing food and drink, wonderful service, great fun...it doesn't get any better.
(5)Stacey R.
Honesty really great for its price. I came here with my family for vacation around bar harbor and we were a little disappointed at where to go for the first two days. But I saw that the lobster rolls had great reviews here and I was not disappointed at all. I had the New England clam chowder and its the best I've had EVER. The waitress here is so sweet and patient and get a seat quick for lunch because this place gets packed. Overall a really friendly, yummy, bright and great place to eat at.
(5)Happy T.
Great atmosphere and the people are friendlier then most places in the northeast. They actually act like they want to wait on your. Food was good and enjoyable though nothing to remember to write about. That's my first rule of writing food reviews on yelp. Wait a week or two to write it and if you don't remember what you ate there then it probably wasn't that great. Like that they have local drafts.
(3)Westie W.
We visited this restaurant for its happy hour that runs from 3-6PM nightly. The outside deck was packed upon our arrival at 5PM so we settled in at the bar and immediately recognized the bartender from our visit 2 years prior. During happy hour, wine and margaritas are only $3. We decided to order a pitcher, approximately 4 glasses, of blueberry margaritas for $10 that were pretty good though almost completely devoid of any blueberry flavor.
(4)Theresa L.
I am sad that I live so far from this gem! Everything we had was amazing. I can't wait to go back!
(5)August G.
This place was exactly what we were looking for..... A low key, happening, non-pretentious spot for a good ol fashioned lobster meal. Everything was great.... Service was slow. Lobster stew is basically lobster meat in hot cream. This place is great, just not spectacular.
(4)Leslie G.
My boyfriend and I came here twice for dinner on a recent trip to Bar Harbor. If you want a place where you can just walk in and get seated, this place isn't for you. Wait times are very long, and they don't really take reservations in advance. You just have to call ahead and put your name in. Then you'll get an automated call back when your table is ready. We were staying close by, so this system worked well for us. On the first night, I had the highline quesadilla, which was a cheese quesadilla with lobster and avocado. Yum! Plus, the portion was pretty big, which was great after a day of hiking. My boyfriend had the lobster mac and cheese, which I tasted and didn't really care for. The mac and cheese seemed pretty runny. When we went back the following night, I had the lobster roll, which was definitely as good as advertised. As they say on the menu, it's certainly not the cheapest lobster roll around, but you get a ton of lobster in it, and it's very fresh. For dessert, I had the chocolate bread pudding, which was also delicious, and my boyfriend had the equally amazing blueberry pie. If you can accept the long wait times here, this place is well worth a visit.
(4)Michael M.
I can't hesitate to give Side Street five stars. What a terrific find. My fiancé and I went for dinner and though the entree selection was small, the food was delicious. I got the Asian style stir fry with chicken while he got pesto chicken. The great part about my dish was that it is normally made with almonds, which I'm allergic to and there was no issue making it to order with my food allergy in mind. It was delicious. I paired it with the sweet and sour, which is a drink made with down east cider and fireball - amazing. He got the blueberry basil margarita and it was also delicious. He said his meal was also great. We sat outside on the front deck and it was great. Given its set up it was a little awkward to place our order and talk with our server but that's hardly an issue. Highly recommended!!
(5)Brandon F.
Amazing food!!! Real casual. A great place for lunch. I got the turkey melt and it is one of the best sandwiches I ever had!!!!
(5)Minda G.
Amazing selection of fresh, local food, extensive beer options and specially created margaritas. Great vegetarian options- loved the "Emmy" sandwich! Waitstaff go beyond traditional servers. As much as I'd like to keep this place a secret, need to share!
(5)Ann B.
Did a take out, ordered the caprese salad, the soup and a chicken breast for my doggie. OMG, doggie didn't get the chicken breast because when I tried just *one bite* - mysteriously it was gone (surprise!! I ate it). Had to go to Hannaford to get my pup some dog food (which thankfully they had a brand she liked) - but I am still dreaming about that chicken breast. It was very simply done but just absolutely perfect. The salad and the soup were very good, but I will be back for the chicken, no question.
(4)Ann S.
We got in on a Saturday and BH was wall to wall people. At 7pm, this place had a 2 1/2 hour wait despite having tons of open tables inside so I'll assume they were reservations. As we were about to leave, I looked at their completely empty patio and while it was 48 degrees, I wasn't in the mood to encounter this everywhere we went so we inquired about sitting on the patio. We were told we could with no wait. So we ordered a hot drink and clam chowder to start and when others were turned away and saw us, that empty patio filled up within 15 minutes. I got the lobster mac and cheese and the hubby got the lobster roll and we split each dish. (I know, cliche but what do you want, it was our first meal in BH!) He was not a fan of his lobster roll and honestly, I wasn't impressed either. The lobster mac and cheese was okay but overpriced for how 'meh' it was. I wouldn't have to go back if we're in the area.
(2)Mitchell M.
We had 2 great dinners here to round out our terrific trip to Bar Harbor. The staff are amazing. Sincerely friendly, and very attentive. We were chatting with them the whole time, they were entertaining our pup, and they even gave her a stool to sit on one night! She was a paying customer after all. They made her a plain kid's burger. Roxy seemed to enjoy it. The food was great. With the abundance of lobsters this season driving the prices down to all time lows, they are doing everything they can to support the local lobstermen. Every dish we had contained some element of lobster. Their lobster dinners are great. Fresh, juicy lobsters. Tasty mussels and steamers are a great addition, and we gobbled down the corn on the cob. The lobster chowder was the best thing we had while in town. So buttery and rich. Loved it. One night they offered a great steak special which was topped with a lobster curry. The steak was a tad bit on the tough side, but it didn't matter. The delicious lobster curry could have made ground chuck taste like filet mignon. The specials make for an amazingly low bill, which is nice no matter where you are; and the friendly service made this place our favorite. The restaurant itself offers a front deck, and the inside dining area is a bit smaller than I'd originally thought. Get there early, and enjoy a drink at the bar while you wait for a table. It's worth it. Also, be sure to try the Black Velvet. It's a Guinness/cider combination. Interesting mixture that is a fun change of pace from the normal beer.
(4)Jean V.
Service was fantastic and fast. Drinks delicious.... My gimlet was loaded with fresh raspberries. Lobster was roll huge. Wish we were in town longer to try out more items on the menu along with their drinks.
(5)Margaret D.
Came here based I. The other reviews on yelp. The food is average, nothing special, not worth the hype it's given for sure.
(2)Katie C.
Want Maine seafood? Won't find it here. Want good food in general? We had a nice time here on our vacation to Bar Harbor. We were a little disappointed because menu and website both boldly testify to fresh lobster meals, which weren't on the menu at all. The menu actually includes very little seafood. The food we ordered was delicious however; lobster stew some of the best we tried. I was tempted by the Mac and Cheese...maybe next time. Waitor seemed distracted and busy.
(3)Aatna A.
Phew! that was some loaded mac n cheese - we're talking black beans, jalapenos, broccoli, sweet potatoes, cauliflower and cheese shavings on melting mac and cheese! Will totally go back!
(5)Matt L.
This place certainly has redeemed itself from last year. Start to finish one of the best meals I have had in Bar Harbor, and I have come here going on 6 years in a row. From drinks as creative as ever to a delicious grilled avocado appetizer to finally lazy lobster and clam chowder and excellent friendly service to boot, no wonder this place has a line outside on any given night! Worth every penny and finished off a great weekend in Bar Harbor with an excellent meal!
(5)Emily L.
This place is so good that my family and I went there last night and then again tonight. The menu is HUGE and has something for everyone, including lots and lots of lobster options. Last night, I ordered the Gusto Diablo sandwich with a side of the lobster stew. The sandwich was like a buffalo chicken sandwich, but it was grilled instead of fried. The chicken breast was so juicy, the sauce was tangy and spicy, and the blue cheese dressing on it was creamy and delicious. Then, the lobster stew on the side...that was probably the best stew of any kind I've ever had. And it felt like there was a whole lobster's worth of meat in the cup I had. So good. My dad had Jeff's Mac and Cheese and a Caesar salad with avocado. He said both were excellent. My mom had one of the options on their seasonal menu, roasted peppers stuffed with veggies, blue cheese, and barley. She said it was one of the best meals she's ever had. We went back the next night because my dad wanted to try the pepper dish my mom had the night before, but by the next night, they had changed the seasonal menu to their fall selections. Instead, he went with their veggie lasagna and it had a bit too much goat cheese in it for his taste, but he said it was delicious. My mom and him split another ceasar salad with avocado and she had the Jeff's mac and cheese as well. As for me, I started with a Dirty Fisherman's Lobster Martini. You heard me. A LOBSTER MARTINI. It was a dirty martini with a skewer of lobster meat in it. It was pricey($16 for one martini), but where else can you get a lobster martini? Totally worth it. For dinner, I started with the caprese salad, which was delicious and seasoned perfectly, and then I had the create your own mac an cheese with tomatoes and mushrooms. Some of the best mac and cheese I've ever had. I've been in Bar Harbor for the last week and I'm leaving tomorrow. I wish we had found this place sooner in the week so we could have gone a few more times cause there was for sure many things I wish I could have tried. I would recommend this place to anyone and everyone and the next time I'm here, you'll know where to find me.
(5)Shandon F.
Great, simple, non-tourist-trap option in Bar Harbor. My wife got the lobster in butter sauce with a cup of clam chowder and I got lobster stew. The lobster was SO fresh that it melted in your mouth and the "stew" was creamy and flavorful. Great place off the beaten tourist path.
(4)Andrea S.
Ok, so this place is going to make me go broke. if you come to Bar Harbor... ITS A MUST HAVE!! Not expensive at all. I love their iced chai with skim and their blueberry pancakes are to die for. Staff is always nice.
(5)Troy M.
Every year when we visit Bar Harbor we make it a point to go back to Side Street, this year we ate there three times! We really enjoy their unique menu and their great atmosphere.
(5)Bridget W.
From the very beginning our waiter was trying to up sell everything. The portions were extremely overpriced for how small they were. The food was very good, just way overpriced. They charge you for everything. We asked for lettuce on our burgers and it was a $.50 charge, even though it looked like it was included. Not sure we would return. Try to find a better priced meal if you're looking for dinner in Bar Harbor.
(3)Devonshire B.
I came here twice while on a week long vacation and both times, the service was great. I absolutely LOVED their mac-n-cheese. However, don't get it with the lobster. Not because it tastes bad, but because they totally jip you out of lobster. I think there were about 3 little pieces in it, and if I'm paying $23+ dollars, I expect more than that. It was a disappointment. Good thing I loved the mac though, as I got it again, but with sliced franks instead (which was delicious!). The lobster roll is absolutely drool-worthy, although a little less packed and more mayonnaisey than the Ocean Drive-In's roll. It's also $6 more, so you might as well go to the Ocean Drive-In, as they're great people and really pack on the meat! All in all, the food was a pleasant surprise. I gave it 3 stars mainly because they take advantage of you with the lack of lobster in the mac-n-cheese.
(3)Diana S.
My bf and I are probably the luckiest people on Earth because little did we know likeeeee everything in Bah Hahbah closes at 9pm. Leaving two New Yorkers desperate for food on a Saturday night! Although Yelp says Side Street Cafe closes at 9pm...LIES. They close at 10pm and were super welcoming even though we literally got to the door at 9:59pm. The bf surprised me with a trip to Maine for my quarter century and this was on the itinerary, and boy are we glad we went! Everything was amazing! We started with a cute little pitcher of blueberry margaritas with blueberries floating around. Then to eat we split, the lobster stew (the most lobster I've seen in a cup - I'm talking 50/50 soup to lobster meat), clam chowdah, a pound of steamers, lobster roll and blueberry pie with ice cream. You HAVE to get the lobster stew in my honest opinion. The amount of lobster is ridiculous for $9. The lobster roll was equally delicious - there is no skimping of lobster at all at this place. Our entire bill came to around $70...likeee are you kiddin?????? You couldn't even get 5 drinks for $70 in NYC let alone about 4 pounds total of seafood! The other items on the menu looked equally bomb...plus they can and will put lobster on anything!!! Def try if you're in Bah Hahbah!
(5)Jim B.
The waitress was definitely very busy but she was still super nice and as attentive as she could be given that the place was surprisingly busy for a Tuesday night. The service was also still pretty quick (we sat on the deck). The lobster roll was nicely seasoned and very tasty, but they are fooling themselves if they think $20 for a hot dog sized lobster roll with kettle chips and a pickle is reasonable. So I was a little disappointed with the size, but the quality was good. The bacon Mac and cheese was good and was also a much better value.
(4)Katie M.
VERY GOOD! Highly recommend the Emmy with chicken, although it's very good without too :) everyone's meals were well prepared and delicious! Would definitely come back again!!
(4)Sara R.
Apparently you can CALL AHEAD. Something I wish I knew. However food was really great, northern Cuban sandwich was excellent! Service was good after we finally scored a table. Only downside was the appetizer was still being devoured when the entrees came.
(4)Buo Z.
Paula Deen recommended the lobster mac and cheese, so that's what we ordered. The lobster on top was good but the mac and cheese was pretty bland.
(3)Jamin M.
The lobster mac was very good. I ordered the hand cut ribeye with steamed vegetables and was very disappointed. The steak was very tuff and the vegetables where over cooked . After I told them they just apologized.
(3)Allie R.
We went there first thing in the morning because the weather was yucky and our rock climbing adventure got cancelled as a result, it was empty and our food arrived lightning fast. The service was friendly and the food was hot and delicious. It was a group consensus that they have he best blueberry pancakes on the island! They were seriously so good, I'm still dreaming about them. I had Cinnamon Raisin French Toast and it was so good, not too sweet and had a lot of flavor. The prices were really reasonable for the large portions and their teas were so yummy, I wanted to try all of them! I loved how many vegetarian options they have, next time I'd like to try their tofu scrambles! I also would love to come for dinner as their dinner menu looks so good and I really love the decor and feel of the restaurant. There were also a ton of locals which is always a good sign of a good place to eat!
(5)Trisha G.
Awesome and friendly staff. Husband and I got a few beers and their happy hour lobster stuffed avocado and french fries served with three different dips. Both were AMAZING. The fries are the thick cut seasoned steak fries. It was busy but tables around the bar are open to take and that is always a plus.There were so many menu items I wanted to try but we were left so full after just the apps!
(4)Sharon H.
This place is a solid four. Mostly bc I wanted to find a healthy alternative to eating fried seafood and lobster rolls in town, and also somewhere that was affordable. I had the grilled veggie salad which was exactly what I was looking for...mixed greens, herbs, and assorted grilled cauliflower, broccoli, etc. with an asian-inspired dressing on the side. Filling and delicious, I think I'll have to try this at home. My husband had the lobster mac n cheese. He wished it had more of a cheese-flavor, but I enjoyed the creamy taste of a bechemel-style mac and cheese vs. a gloppy gooey pasta. We sat on the bar-patio outside since it was a great day.
(4)Lori W.
Walking distance from our great hotel: West Street Hotel in Bar Harbour. My fiancé had heard about the lobster rolls. Large menu - zeroed in on the lobster roll. Amazing!! Service outstanding & friendly. If I lived there I would be all smiles too! Their drink of the month was a margarita that tasted like a piña colada. And that is a good thing - coconut marg. Place was packed @ 2 pm. For a good reason. Glad to read about the success story of owners.
(5)Kaitlin S.
Stopped here for lunch on a Tuesday afternoon, and it was quite busy! We were still seated right away and the service was pretty good. I ordered the build your own macaroni and cheese, which, according to the menu, is a favorite of Paula Deen's. You get two free add-ins, so I added spinach and black bean salsa. I also paid an extra $3 to add chicken. The "half bowl was more than enough for a meal. It was super delicious! But, it was also a lot of cheese happening at once. It has a cool vibe, is locally owned and has lots of outdoor seating as well.
(4)Natalie P.
Ordered the loaded nachos and one of the lobster dinners. It came with a 1.25 lb lobster, steamed mussels, steamed clams, corn on the cob (whole ear) and a cup of clam chowder for $26 which I thought was a really good deal considering we had been paying that much for lobster rolls in New England so far on our trip. The nachos were ok. I guess they saved all their cheese for all the lobster Mac and cheese they have to make since our nachos barely had any. I couldn't really complain though because I guess that means less calories? The lobster dinner was pretty standard fare. Nothing spectacular about boiled lobster and steamers. The best part was that it was only $26. The rest of the menu looks good and anyone can find something on it. They also had a lot of things that came gluten free like the mac and cheese and GF bread. Saw a lot of lobster Mac and cheese being ordered around me and I have to say that looked really good. Would come back. Our bill was cheap since we shared everything. It's a pretty solid go-to spot.
(3)Laleh J.
I really enjoyed my dinner here. I sat outside in the bar area and had a delicious lobster mac n cheese, which was really tasty. But mostly, what made the meal super enjoyable was my drink and listening to the live band that night- they were great! It was a great ambience and I really enjoyed dining here.
(5)Vivian C.
We weren't starving, we just figured we should eat something since it was near lunch time. Side Street Cafe was still hopping at 1:30pm, but not too busy for us to be seated immediately. We jumped on the Make Your Own Mac & Cheese option - $10.95 for a full portion with our choice of two toppings. Fresh spinach and bacon were our wonderfully terrific topping choices as their bacon were crispy and crumbled into large satisfying pieces. Their Pulled Pork Sliders $9.95 3 mini buns of our pulled pork topped with marinated cabbage were tasty as well as a nice compilation of wonderful flavors and textures. We also selected the 1 lb of steamed clams $12 from their Build Your own Lobster Dinner. A pound of clams didn't turn out to be all that much, but it was sufficient as an appetizer portion for 3 lightweights. They were fresh and meaty and satisfying, and I had perhaps one crunch of sand after I finished swirling my deshelled steamers in the hot water and popped them into my mouth. Our meal at Side Street Cafe may have very well been the best meal of our trip to Bar Harbor. For instructions on how to eat steamers, read section 4 of the following recipe - simplyrecipes.com/recipe…
(4)Justin Z.
Came here since they had the most reviews and highest rating. We were quite disappointed we ordered the lobster roll and lobster mac & cheese. The lobster roll was small and overpriced at 19.99 coming only with chips (fries available for up charge). My girlfriend had the Mac & Cheese and it was $23.99 and was very bland and light on the lobster. Additionally they only provide 1 free refill on soft drinks. Service was also slow. Not worth it pick somewhere else round the block.
(3)Kate M.
Good service and excellent food. Food: Had a salad with grilled salmon- delicious, lobster roll was good, excellent fries, lobster quesadilla was great- but not worth the $$ so skip that one :). If you like beer and cider they had a great local selection!
(4)Kate B.
Fantastic service. Quick and so friendly. I wish I could have tipped that girl an entire paycheck. They were so busy but we did not feel neglected for a second. Kept our drinks topped off, kept mine loaded with ice, brought our food and check so quickly. I watched her interact with other guests as well. She gave great recommendations and attentive service even to children. I don't know her name but she had the cutest freckles. I wish I knew her name. The food was great. Beardyman got a grilled fish sandwich that he savored and raved about. I got a sandwich with sprouts, avocado, pesto, and mozzarella--so good. The flatbread which it was served on was toasted or grilled to give it a light crunch while not diminishing the softness. There was enough pesto to combat dryness but not enough to give me garlic breath. Tons of sprouts, mozzarella, and thick slices of avocado. The house-made chips were also great, though--I am a french fry kind of girl and would have preferred fries. Excellent experience here.
(4)Naeem M.
A great place for dinner or lunch in Bar Harbor (among many great options) - we opted to sit at the outdoor bar area since a wait for a table for two was about 45 min on a Monday night in July (other places were similarly booked up). I recommend the stuffed avocados, which come topped with jalapeños and chips. Warning: the jalapeños are fairly spicy. The Emmy sandwich, with fries, was also a plus. Protip: sit in the balcony area on a nice night for some people watching.
(5)Ying X.
My fiance and I stopped by for aperitifs since we'd heard that they had some pretty good drink specials. Upon arrival, we were promptly seated at a very adorable bar where the corners of the bars were tree stumps! You could even count the rings, and since we were seated at one of those corners, we felt like we had our own little special raised bar area (the corner sections were a few inches higher than the remainder of the perimeter). We tried their chaiger (chai latte with vodka) and the vodka spiked hibiscus lemonade. Adorable presentation - the chaiger is served in a funnel-shaped glass while the lemonade came in a mason jar. Between the two, I think I enjoyed the lemonade more, since the vodka and chai didn't seem to blend together too well. Unfortunately for me, I think the drinks were also significantly stronger than usual, which might be a good thing to some, but doesn't work out so well for those of us who lack the aldehyde dehydrogenase enzyme (i.e. me). My fiance didn't mind the extra alcohol, but I almost didn't make it to dinner! Nearby, we saw people ordering apps such as stuffed avocados, crabcakes, and nachos, all of which looked super appetizing, but we didn't want to stuff ourselves before dinner. Might try them out next time, our neighboring patrons certainly seemed to enjoy their orders!
(3)Eric R.
Came here based on several recommendations. We got a cup of clam chowder, lobster mac&cheese entree, and a roasted vegetable salad. I chose the lobster Mac and cheese because it was the featured entree... But what we got was mediocre at best. It was reminiscent of boxed shells & cheese with lobster bits mixed in. If a bite did not have lobster in it... There was no flavor that indicated that it was lobster mac and cheese. It didn't taste bad (Kraft/velveta doesn't taste bad), but for a 25 dollar entree, we expected something more To be fair, others love this place and rave about burgers, sandwiches... But the featured entree fell short.
(2)Yan T.
Unpretentious restaurant with a broad menu that should cover just about anyone, and reasonable prices if you don't want to keep splurging on $100+ seafood dinners. It was raging when we came in early Thursday evening. There seems to be a very strong bro factor here (at least the Bar Harbor version--I'm talking Cancun-grade pickup atmosphere). Fathers, lock up your daughters. It seems like many of the seasonal workers congregate here with strong drinks and hookup dreams. Food and drinks were pretty good. I finally broke my whole lobster seal and learned how to crack the suckers with their handy lobster-eating map (worthy of IKEA). It was pretty easy and shamed me for the years of shell-breaking anxiety. The lobster, of course, came with buttery corn on the cob, the perfect duo. All in all, a good meal, and, if you come at a quieter time, probably a better experience for dinner.
(4)Larissa P.
UPDATE - We went back the next night for dinner and were again very happy with the food. I tried the "award winning" Mac and cheese. It was indeed delicious though I can't comprehend how anyone could eat the full size entree. I got the half portion and a Caesar side salad and even then struggled to finish. I also tried the blueberry gimlet -yum! We will definitely be back next time we are Down East! This was exactly the type of meal we were looking for after a long day of exploring Bar Harbor and Acadia on foot. We sat outside, which is part of the bar area, but not as noisy as the inside was on this particular night. It was a scorching hot day, so anything heavy was unappealing, although I hear they have fantastic Mac & cheese. My husband ordered the black bean quesadilla appetizer with a half Caesar salad. I got the roasted vegetable salad and stuffed avocado appetizer for one. The food was excellent. Portions were generous and we left full, but not uncomfortably so. My roasted veggie salad was excellent and just the sort of light but hearty meal I was looking for. The house made dressing and goat cheese put it over the top. The baked stuffed avocado was also delish and came with tons of chips. I also had the "margarita of the moment" which was pineapple coconut - yum! Very refreshing. All in all, a perfect meal! I docked one star because a couple things were forgotten on our order - my husband had added grilled shrimp to his salad and avocado to the quesadilla. Neither of these things were an issue and in fact we had so much food he was glad that they were left off. The waitress was very apologetic about it and it wasn't clear if the error was with her or the kitchen.
(4)Sara R.
I had the lobster roll, it was my 5th one since being in bar harbor. That being said it wasn't the best but it was pretty good. It was pretty darn small for the price!! However the near tastes very fresh. My friend ordered the Mac and cheese and it was absolutely amazing I would definitely recommend that. Also the atmosphere and drinks are great.
(4)Joshua L.
Traveling through Bar Harbor on our way back from Acadia National Park and I need some food. Oh god do I need food. I'm so hungry. I'm dying. OK, probably not. But goddamnit I'm hungry and I don't want to just eat any old dump which has the word lobster in the title. So I pull out the trust ol' Yelp App and find a reasonably priced, high-rated cafe! The Side Street Cafe! Hey, we have one of those in CT! Heck, there's probably one of these every 10 miles across the United States. It's like naming your painting, 'Oil on Canvas 3.' Sure, that's what it is, but.. you know what, never mind. So we get there and have a quick seat out on the deck. The server is polite and comes over quickly with menus. We place orders. I shit you not maybe 6 minutes later our orders come out. How? Does this place have some kind of time machine in the kitchen? But somehow they're wasting it just shaving off a few minutes from their orders? Like Hermoine taking multiple classes instead of, oh, I don't know, SAVING SOMEONE'S LIFE? I ordered a steak n cheese cause I was seafooded out and I gotta say, that shit was pretty bangin'. It hit spots I didn't know I had. My buddy got a veggie burger with avocado and Jalapeno and at first he thought they forgot the Jalapenos but then BAM. There they were. Sizzling. We didn't order drinks I have no idea what the nightlife is like. The atmosphere was kinda.. fine? Sure? But you know what? The service was good, the service was fast, the food was good, and reasonably priced. That's more than enough. Next time I feel like driving seven hours for a steak and cheese, I'll see you there!
(4)Yuqing T.
Came here for happy hour/quick meal and it was so good that we came back the next day for dinner. Happy hour drink we got $10 pitcher blueberry margarita, which was really yummy!! But the pitcher was really small, only enough for one round or drink for 4 people in small mason jar glasses. The first time we went our waitress Lauren was super nice! We were short on time and she made sure our food came out fast and dealt with our 4 separate checks. The second time we went on Sat. night and they had live music with instrumentals! Their burger are huge! Sandwiches are great! Mac and Cheese are to die for and extremely filling. Food came out pretty fast despite it was a packed house. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. It is a ted bit pricy due to its location.
(5)Samantha S.
Let's start with the pros: delicious blueberry pie. Paula Deen endorsed mac and cheese that you can tell your friends about. Generous portions. Now. The food is absurdly expensive for the quality. The waitstaff is all young people who seemed annoyed that we were there at all. But most importantly: we were all wildly sick after the meal. Like, bed ridden (toilet ridden?) and unable to do anything else that night. Highly overrated. Go to one of the many other delicious places in that lovely town.
(2)Mary Kate R.
A bunch of new friends and I checked out Side Street because we heard that their Mac and Cheese was to dieeeee for. We were able to make a reservation for 8 on a Saturday with no problem...just a short 45 minute wait which we spent across the street grabbing beers. The server was so patient with our large party! We had several pitchers of margaritas (Mango, Strawberry Rhubarb, and Blueberry) which were all so delicious. Blueberry was definitely the highlight. While I did not get Mac and Cheese, a few in my party did, and damn was it good. I regretted getting my play it safe chicken sandwich with guac after I sneaked multiple bites of my friends Mac ;) Side street is a fun, tasty place to go with friends in Bar Harbor. Oh yeah, we loved the live music!!
(5)Courty C.
Surprised there are so many reviews and five star ones at that. Must be families and indecisive people who like "make your own" options. Reminded me of a slightly better TGI Fridays. Didn't get super offended by anything but no thanks to a return trip. Prices were high, food mediocre, drinks kind of lackluster. The fiancé did say the Bloody Mary was very good though - lots of "meatiness" and Worcestershire.
(3)P. M.
Found this place on our Maine Foodie Tour (which I highly recommend). We sampled the lobster roll which was SO GOOD that we had to come back for dinner. We were warmly greeted by the general manager who is such a friendly nice guy. We had to get the lobster roll again because the lobster is so fresh (they get it the morning off and use the best size lobsters). It is perfectly seasoned with mayo and spices and the bun is grilled to perfection, not too oily. Really just great! Update: did a same day comparison with the famous lobster roll at "Reds Eats"... Side Street Cafe wins, not in size, but it taste. GM at SSC says he only uses the meat from 1 1/4 lb and smaller lobsters, so the meat is as tender as possible.
(5)Joy G.
I will dream of the mac n cheese here for the rest of my days - ahem, even after suffering a bout of gastrointestinal distress and even though I don't usually go for mac n cheese, I could have eaten a full portion by myself. I sometimes ask myself, when I'm bored or hungry or both, what I could stand eating for every meal if I had to pick. This is it - a giant, steaming plate of mac n cheese, lobster, avocado, spinach, and bacon. Granted, I would only live for another two weeks but those two weeks would be blissful, gluttonous heaven. Lobster salad Cobb, lobster stew, and pineapple coconut margarita rounded out the first dinner in Maine but nothing held a candle to the lobster mac n cheese. There was a wait for a table indoors but the stools and tables outside are open season for lurkers. One last addition to my daily meal of mac n cheese - the buttery crisp that came with the lobster stew. My only regret is that I did not take a picture of our mac n cheese so I can stare at it when I'm five states away.
(5)Brandon C.
$10 dollar margarita pitchers for happy hour was all I had to say to my family on the group chat. Kudos to the wait staff for accommodating such a large group so quickly, especially during the busy happy hour time. We ordered off the "bar bites" menu to further take advantage of the happy hour deals and were pleasantly surprised. The house made ketchup that came with the fries was delicious as was the buffalo chicken flatbread with the balsamic reduction and for three dollars off you can't beat the price. The real MVP here though was the classic lime margarita! They definitely make the mix in house which was great. I can always tell when places use pre packaged syrups and this wasn't the case. My fiancee got the coconut pineapple special margarita and said it was amazing. There's a reason why this place is the most reviewed in Bar Harbor. Thanks for a good experience!
(5)Meli L.
When planning our trip to Bar Harbor we did some research and saw the awesome reviews for Side Street and knew we had to stop there for dinner on Saturday. Lo and behold it was our second stop on our Food Tour we did earlier in the day, where we each got half a lobster roll. After trying that we knew we needed to go back for dinner and to cash in on the $10 margarita pitchers. We snagged seats at the bar, hoping to do some people watching and maybe meet a few locals, and that we did. The two bartenders were great, super knowledgable, friendly, and answered any questions we had. We opted for a half portion of mac and cheese (added scallops), buffalo chicken dip and the stuffed avocado. All was very good and the margs went down realllll smooth.
(4)Monica B.
A group of friends went here and we all had great meals. We ordered a lobster meal, mac-and-cheese, fish sandwich, tacos, other type of sandwich and salad. Everything across the board was excellent. The seating area is a little cramped, but nothing major if you're a reasonable person... :-) Also, there's on-street parking as well as a parking lot across the street.
(5)Than P.
After meeting a few locals in Bar Harbor, two friends and I headed over to the side street cafe for happy hour (3-6) after hearing about $10 Margarita pitchers. $3 drafts as well. The Margaritas. Were. Strong. They were banging margaritas and unique flavors. We enjoyed mango and strawberry rhubarb. The mango was a little sweet for my taste, but it hid the alcohol so well that you could drink and entire pitcher. And I did. The mood was relaxed and pleasant, and the waitstaff were personable and funny. Definitely a great spot for happy hour drinking- we brought a deck of cards and had a lot of fun just relaxing.
(5)Ryan C.
This cafe has a definite "touristy" feel to it, but they oviously put a lot of pride in what they serve. You have all the Bar Harbor lobster-based dishes, but they taste great and are prepared creatively. The lobster mac and cheese is creamy and delicious (the menu claims it is a Paula Deen top 10). The clam chowder is meaty and thick. The fluffernutter sundae is a unique dessert that actually works... a grilled fluffernutter sandwich with icecream and fudge on top.
(4)David M.
I had the famed lobster mac'n'cheese, and it was pretty darn rich. I consumed at least twice as many calories as I should have, probably more. It was good, obviously, and the lobster was fresh, but it just seemed to be missing something. The grated cheese on top was a great addition, but the pasta was ordinary and under-salted (though probably a good thing given the amount of cheese in this!) and a tad overdone. And really I just felt like the cheese overpowered the lobster. I think it needed some acid or heat or something to balance out the cheese. And a little more color would have been nice. I sat on the porch and felt a little ignored by the service. Though when I asked for more water I was thankful she came back with a pitcher. I guess I had thirsty hiker written all over me (or maybe that was the moleskin on my heel).
(3)Benjamin L.
My family and I were looking forward to eating at this place and we were willing to wait for over an hour for it. Luckily for us, someone canceled their reservation so we were able to get seated within 10 minutes. I'll have to be honest, I was disappointed. The food wasn't bad but it wasn't as good and tasty as other reviewers have stated. My daughter ordered the lobster mac n cheese, which was not worth $24. My wife and I got the lobster, mine looks fresh and it was but the one my wife had; looks like it was ten days old. This place is okay but for the prices they charged, I would rather go elsewhere.
(3)John H.
I don't know why we haven't eaten here before! It's awesome! We had the beers on tap: True Blueberry and Baxter IPA -- Amazing. The Reuben was fantastic served with kettle potato chips. The fish taco had an amazing chipotle type of sauce that was to die for. Sachi, our server, was so cool. We will be back!
(5)Briit R.
Great restaurant. Highly recommend this place and we love good food! We had the nachos, salad, lobster roll! wow. also had the daily margarita which was great. must go.
(5)Heather W.
I don't know why but I loved this place. I am anti-mayo, so I really wanted a lobster roll without, and this place had it and the bun was buttery and toasty and phenomenal. I got it with a side salad and was set. My cousin got lobster Mac and cheese and as someone who doesn't love Mac and cheese... Its was bomb. Big shells of pasta and creamy, lobstery goodness. The drink menu is good. We ordered the margarita of the moment and it kicked so much ass. Blueberry basil...mmmm. Lastly, I really enjoyed the outdoor patio. I want to pick this place up and bring it home with me.
(5)Kristin C.
We had conflicting feelings about Side Street which is partially why we came back a second time during the same night and yet I am leaving a 2 star review. While there had been a wait preceding our arrival, we luckily hit a good time when we were able to get a table right away. However, it started off on the wrong foot. They sat us in a highly unsettling location. We were right by the noisy kitchen, and there were waitstaff constantly walking by our table. The AC unit was blowing directly on my husband and was right next to him. They had live music, and it was of a high quality. However, it was entirely too loud, and we weren't even in the same room as the music. It was hard to carry on a conversation. Despite the plethora of traffic, no wait staff stopped to help us for quite some time. Finally, my husband nagged a passing wait staff to get our waiter. We ordered clam chowder and a lobster roll. It came out suspiciously quickly. The menu advertised the lobster roll as, "This is not the most expensive lobster roll in town, nor do we want to provide the least expensive. We invest money and effort into providing the freshest lobster (it was swimming this morning). Our goal at Side Street is to provide the best lobster roll." So I had high expectations. However, despite it being rather pricey, it was really disappointing, and not one of the better rolls on the trip. First of all, it just looked like they took a plain slice of white bread, toasted it, and wrapped it around the meat. It was a tiny roll overall. I would have at least expected some specialty roll after the lengthy explanation and the type of establishment this seemed to be. The taste was nothing outstanding. Then, it was accompanied by lack luster chips. It seemed again not on par for a hip sort of restaurant that this appeared to be. It really would have been better served with nothing else or something more exciting of a side. We hurried through our food because we felt so uncomfortable and because it was so little food anyways. However, after wandering around all of Bar Harbor, the chocolate bread pudding they had on the menu sounded so appealing. Also, we saw they had some local drafts on the menu, and we felt like a beer. This time we sat on the porch. It was much more comfortable and less stressful. However, despite the many wait staff around, no one helped us for a very long time. Finally, we asked someone cleaning tables to get our waitress. We still waited for a while, and then we had to ask a second time. Finally, someone came out, and after all that, she said they were out of the bread pudding. Luckily, my husband wasn't too disappointed, so he ordered the brownie sundae. We also ordered the local blueberry ale draft. The blueberry ale was excellent. The brownie sundae lack luster. This was the sort of place I really wanted to like with live music and in a cute little house and interesting menu. I am sorry that it didn't go over so well.
(2)Anuj V.
I was in town for the weekend and ran into this place after taking a wrong turn into this small street. Turned out to be a great detour. The appearance (outside and in) is casual and inviting. The staff is very friendly and provide solid service. The food is great and the prices are low. I ordered the lobster quesadilla and was happy with both the taste and the portion size. Everyone with me was please with their experience and would definitely return. I would say that if you are in town and want a diverse menu filled with good food at fair prices come check out this off the beaten path place. DEFINITELY RECOMMEND!
(4)Peter M.
Decidedly mediocre. I understand why this place is popular - it aims for the middle, and there are clearly many people, particularly tourists, who enjoy margaritas by the pitcher alongside average, inoffensive food. The shame is that this translates to 4 stars rather than 3 on Yelp. Atmosphere is loud. If you don't sit outside or in the front of the restaurant, the other two sitting areas are hot (even on a cool evening) and feel worn. What did we have? Fries - medium to thick cut, overfried but salty. Maybe a tick above average. Fish tacos - not much fish. Too much cheese (on a fish taco?). Edible, fine, unmemorable. Didn't finishthe accompanying rice and beans primarily because there was no compelling reason to do so. Lobster mac and cheese - their regular, thin-sauced mac with lobster on top. $24. Nothing really to say other than I wouldn't spend $24 on it again. If you are in the mood for lobster this is not the way to have it. If you are looking for a happy hour type place to fill your belly any which way, this might be your place. If you typically put any effort into finding a good meal, look elsewhere.
(3)M N.
When you get tired of everything lobster, try a burger, the Mac n cheese, and a Margarita.
(5)Kyung R.
Quite the let down when it came to the reviews for this place. I ended up having the bbq ribs, which came with pub fries and some cabbage. The fries were not seasoned at all, and the consistency was horrid. It had burnt fries, undercooked, but most of all, it wasn't good to eat. No matter how much pepper or salt you used, i left most of it untouched on my plate. The cabbage was just inedible in my opinion. They tried to go for some sauerkraut flavor, but it fell in between sour and sweet, but did neither well. The ribs just weren't that great. The barbecue sauce was okay, but they weren't cooked to the point of being consistently tender throughout all the meat. If you want good ribs, visit sweet cheeks q in Boston next to Fenway. Overall, I recommend people stay away. While the service is friendly enough, it doesn't make up for the bad food. Maybe this is because of the fact that their head chef left the restaurant recently, but will not return in the future.
(1)Kristina W.
I liked this restaurant. I tried the lobster roll which was good although I don't think they needed the spice on top. My husband tried the haddock tacos which he particularly liked and said how fresh the fish was and he liked the avocado on it.
(4)Sara C.
I really enjoyed the atmosphere of this place and super friendly staff. I ordered the lobster roll after seeing it on a list of top rolls in Bar harbor and was really disappointed. The bread was toasted but had no crunch and was pretty small. It was just all around underwhelming and there are better places to try a roll in the area. The pulled pork sandwich however was amazing!! Crunchy and delicious and the cabbage was really tasty. Great fries too!! Good drink selection including house infused liquor for flavored margaritas and cocktails. They had a good happy hour with $5 margs and $3 off there small bites. Overall recommend for apps and drinks. Toodly doo
(4)Chris W.
Sat at the bar and ordered the lobster mac and cheese and an Allagash White what an amazing combination. Great people watching. Love the menu. We'll come back.
(4)Bruce L.
This place was just what we were looking for. Good food and helpful, friendly service. I had the fish tacos and my wife had the crab cakes. Both were very good and came with sides of dirty rice and beans. More than enough. I'd go back again.
(4)Ellie P.
This place is neat. It's on a "side street" in the Downtown Bar Harbor area. The service is friendly and the restaurant itself is quaint - located inside an old house. I ordered the chicken piccata special the first time I dined and it was average (chicken was a little overdone). The second time I came I got their Diablo Chicken Sandwich with a salad and it was yummy! My boyfriend ordered the lobster roll and enjoyed it. Another person with us ordered their Lobster Mac N Cheese and I have to say that dish looked ah-mazing. Most likely will get that next time. I also got their "PB & Fluff" dessert, which was SO good. It included a Peanut Butter and Fluff sandwich served warm over vanilla ice cream! They have a nice selection of drinks, as well. Recommended!
(4)Michelle L.
Came in while hiking around Acadia National Park and needed a bite to eat before heading back. I was by myself, so I ended up sitting at one of the high tops at the bar. The server came over pretty quickly and I ordered a drink, but after that, I didn't see her for at least 10 minutes. From there, I ordered a cup a clam chowder and the lobster roll for lunch. I don't know how it took 15-20 minutes to get a lobster roll, but I got my food and didn't see the server for a while. The clam chowder and the lobster roll was a disappointment. I usually love clam chowder and was excited to have some since I had a bowl of it in Cape Cod last month and it was amazing! This chowder tasted like they opened a can of Campbell's. Honestly, it tasted exactly the same. The one I had after running Cape Cod's Ragnar had fresh clams and amazing taste....this one was the exact opposite. The lobster roll was tiny...and $20. On the menu it states that it's expensive because they want it to be the best, but I paid $15 at a DC food truck and it's about on par with that one - nothing amazing. I was expecting something different - freshness, more (I am in Maine right? Lobsters are abundant here right?) lobster for the price. Overall, an OK experience. Maybe I had my expectations set too high from Yelp reviews. PS: I did walk down the street to a Japanese themed coffee shop that had AMAZING coffee!! Glad I waited and got some there..I think it was called Masamotos? Go there for some coffee!
(3)Cynthia C.
I am not going to lie - I was expecting a little something more special. It was good, but not incredibly memorable. My family are very serious about their mac & cheese, and while it was good, it was not great. It is also incredibly busy with long wait times. Perhaps we will give it another try, but we would not wait for a table for too long before trying somewhere else. The chocolate bread pudding was very good. And, the dark & stormy was also very good.
(3)J P.
This place expanded a lot, the lobster roll is still good. Lots of choices like wings, nachos, burgers, salads and sandwiches. We did try to go back for dinner but they told us the wait was 45 mins. We gave them our cell# and started looking for other places, 10 mins later they called and said the table is available. But we already were seated somewhere else. I wonder why the time estimate is so off.
(4)Emily D.
Great environment and really yummy food! I got the roasted vegetable salad + avocado and it was so great!!! Loved it. My mom got steamed clams and a side garden salad, my dad got a haddock sandwich and clam chowder. everything was great! Fun and lively place! Also loved my hibiscus spiked lemonade our server Yana was very nice!
(5)Shawn B.
We ate here after reading the reviews on Yelp. We were seated right away. The staff were not quite as friendly as we were getting used to while in Maine. It wasn't overly busy but they seemed harried. Not incompetent or completely checked out, just stressed. First we started with the half serving of lobster mac and cheese. It was...I want to say : Glorious or Divine...but I'm a middle-aged straight guy. Can I do that? I guess I just did. Super creamy and smooth cheese sauce that I believe is made with White Cheddar (one of my faves). There was enough lobster on it for the price and the fact that it was just a half serving. Having eaten enough lobster lately I ordered the Grilled Reuben with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and 1000 Island dressing on marble rye. It was one of the best I've ever had! The wife ordered a lobster roll...again. She said it was very good and it was loaded with lobster. Just look at the pic! If we find ourselves in Bar Harbor again we would make it a point to stop here!
(5)Abi D.
This place was great! The staff were so friendly and accommodating. There are also many vegetarian options here, compared to so many restaurants in the area that only have seafood. There are many options to choose from. My favorite was the customizable Macaroni. It was one of the best I've ever had. Definitely in my top 5 restaurants in the area!
(4)Daniel J.
I tried one of their lobster dishes and it was a shock to see the incredibly small portion of lobster that was served for the $24 I paid for. It's been a while since I've felt so ripped off by a restaurant. My dish consisted of lobster, salad, and chowder, and for $24 I literally got 4 very small pieces of meat floating in butter. My partner got a burger and it looked fine, but it only costed ~$10. So if you're coming for lobster, look elsewhere. Other reviewers commented on the small portions of lobster....
(1)David G.
Highly Recommend: Mac and cheese with jalapeño and bacon. The lobster roll was also delicious. I'd come back in a heart beat for these dishes in a heart beat! Just ok: clam chowder was very simple, watered down and the spinach artichoke dip wasn't very exciting.
(4)Amber L.
I have a crush on whoever is in charge of the music selection. This is the best restaurant I've been to in Maine and I've been to about a dozen. First off, the regular coffee is delicious. They have a large selection of gluten free menu items so of course I tried the lobster roll and it was amazing. I also got the stuffed avocado appetizer and it was very good. My boyfriend said his clam chowder was great. Also the prices aren't bad at all.
(5)Shari R.
Cute place! Service was ok. Must have the pineapple/coconut Margarita! Was wonderful! I've had better lobster rolls, but good/fresh.... Pub fries were awesome and my kids liked the baked chicken tenders.
(4)Food D.
Place was recommended by our Sea Kayak guide Russ. So gave it a try. I hated the table they gave us. Tables as soon as you walk in. I was ready to walk out. My daughter wanted to stay since Russ was raving about the Mac & Cheese they have. I ordered a burger. It was really good. With Guacamole in it. Everyone had a decent meal. My kids were very happy with the Mac & Cheese. If you get to sit in patio area it would be nicer.Avoid the side room & the back room.
(4)Pam T.
We're here our first night. I had a blueberry margarita and lobster mac and cheese. Waitress was awesome, drink was great! We will be back! Thank you!
(5)Judy P.
Extensive menu with many GF options. We sat on the porch which was nice. I had the lobster stew - small cup with large chunks of lobster in a light creamy soup - and GRILLED haddock tacos. My husband had the clam chowder and BLAT with chicken on GF bread. The food was delicious and the portions so generous that we skipped dinner. The service was exceptional - Kelly was busy and yet was friendly, attentive and very thoughtful. Highly recommend. It's on a side street
(5)Debra Ann Y.
This is the second year in a row my husband and I vacationed in Bar Harbor. On our last year's vacation he took me to Side street cafe on my Birthday and we loved the food . This year we made our plan to do the same thing for my birthday. We had the joy of having their waitress Jessica serve us. There is usally a wait, but worth it. This time we choose to sit at a high top table by the bar. We had Jessica cater to us from the minute we sat down. She was cheerful ,bubbly and very good prompt service. What a pleasure . We enjoyed the service and the food and amazing margeritas so much, that we went back on our last night in Bar Harbor. The scallops were amazing ... kudos for having amazing servers and food. You must try the strawberry rubarb margeritas for a real treat.
(5)Jennifer R.
Phenomenal surprise in touristy Bar Harbor. The mac and cheese was unlike any we've experienced. ...it lived up to the hype. Kids portions of mac and cheese were generous. Fish tacos rivaled San Diego's. Avacados were perfect. Decor was fun, wait was short, service friendly.
(5)Gabrielle S.
Place was packed, but we grabbed 2 seats at the bar and very happy we did! Justin was an outstanding bartender! (If you like dirty Martinis, he's your guy!) We each got build your own Mac and Cheese, (after all it was Paula Deen endorsed) and throughly enjoyed it. I got the appetizer portion and still had plenty to take home! Would definitely go again!
(5)Brett J.
I don't feel this place is worth the total chaos. The food is ok, but the dinner menu is basically just a collection of sandwiches. It's so crowded that the wait staff was stressed, things were missing from the order and took a really long time. We had used the call ahead seating option, showed up on time and still had to wait 45 min. We ate at some other places in town with similar options that were just as good, but not as crowded. It's not bad, but didn't merit the chaos.
(3)Shital S.
This is a top listing for the lobster roll, but the signature dish was sad. Very little lobster in a piece of white bread - no roll. No mayo or butter to make it great. No grilling in the roll to add flavor or give it some texture. Blah. I've had better outside of Maine! Not worth the price.
(1)Michelle O.
The "best in town" Lobster roll was all about the lobster! Perfectly toasted bun, lightly dressed lobster. Definitely tasty. Our food overall was great. Staff is average in my opinion. The restaurant needs some TLC. One definite plus is they serve Atlantic Beer from the local brewery. Would come again.
(4)Stephanie W.
There are few certainties in life. You're born, you die, and when you're on a New England road trip and you're determined to have lobster, you get it in Maine. After a long day of exploring Acadia, my husband and I decided to spin the Yelp wheel and pick a highly rated restaurant for dinner. Well thank you very much Yelpers, you've now ruined me for any other dining experience. Kudos. Side Street Cafe is just lovely. The location is so anti-mainstream and uniquely alternative. From the shadow box tables filled with pictures, postcards, and notes from customers, to the laid back soundtrack pumping through the speakers; I have never been so engrossed in a dining atmosphere. I am not an adventurous person when it comes to seafood, so my first foray into the lobster realm came in the form of the Lobster Mac & Cheese. Let me tell you how sorry I was that I ordered an appetizer (the buffalo chicken dip), because even the half portion of the Mac was so very filling. The lobster portion was very generous and mixed well with the gooey, creamy cheese sauce. Big ups to whoever decided to use the shell pasta because it holds onto just enough of that cheesy sauce and lobster to make every bite absolutely delicious. My husband, being a more cut and dried type of guy, decided on the Lobster Roll after his Clam Chowder. It was everything he wanted it to be, showing up to the table overflowing with big, juicy chunks of Maine lobster. He polished it off and immediately began lamenting the fact that he'd never be able to have another without thinking about how good this one had been. Needless to say, I'm a fan. If I'm ever in the area again (which is a damned good possibility, since it's been a month and I'm still seriously considering retiring in Bar Harbor because the trip was so amazing) I will absolutely, without a doubt, be returning to Side Street Cafe. You can put money on that one.
(5)Ben R.
This place Rules ....Period !! If you are in Bar harbor ....and dont go here for dinner ....you are a loser !!! thats how good it is
(5)Sarah J.
A little bit out of the way from the hustle and bustle, this cafe offers outdoor aeating and an extensive menu. The food was hit or miss: Lobster roll, side of lobster stew: lobster roll was lightly tossed in some mayo and was delicious and not overly creamy, which I like because you can really enjoy the sweet meat. There was a good portion of lobster in the stew but unfortunately It was also served with a ahort piece of dark wavy hair. The nomad burger: loved the crusty bread, the avocados, the chipotle sauce, and of course the bacon on the burger Chips w bean dip (app): absolutely do not get this tasteless dish, worst bean dip I've had in recent memory Overall, cute place and friendly staff but wish the food was better.
(3)Alan F.
We've been to this restaurant numerous times our last visit to Bar harbor;two years ago , the lobster Mac n' cheese is killer. This time however it became an issue with unaccommodating staff ,apathetic college kids , with a family of four we walked out and went elsewhere.
(1)Laura B.
There are many restaurants to choose from in Bar Harbor, but many of them are overpriced and not particularly spectacular. Last summer my sister and I wandered around and stumbled upon Side Street Cafe. After having a wonderful experience the first time, we knew we had to come back again. Both times that I came I had the create your own Mac and cheese. It is just so good! I added tomato, bacon, avocado, and chicken to mine and it was simply fantastic! I would definitely suggest ordering the half size as it is more than enough! My sister had one of their burgers, featuring bacon and avocado and she really enjoyed it as well. We made it in time for happy hour so we shared a pitcher of their margaritas for only $10! Their margaritas are said to be the best in Bar Harbor and they are quite delicious. They add a splash of orange juice to them and it makes it nice and refreshing. Overall the service is good and even when they are busy you don't have to wait too long for a table. They have a lot of great menu choices, lots of gluten free and vegetarian options as well as plenty of lobster and seafood. The restaurant itself is cute and each table features notes that patrons have written about their good experiences. There is also a nice looking deck out front but it has been full both times I've been. We've now been twice, and we definitely plan to come again the next time we're in Bar Harbor.
(5)Terri V.
My family came here twice on our trip to Bar Harbor. They were voted "best lobster roll" and it was definitely the best! The roll is jammed packed with lobster (1-1/2 lobsters) and comes with a side. My husband had Mac and cheese which he really liked and second time around had the nomad burger, which he loved as well! The inside is cramped but with food like theirs you would sit anywhere! :) Both times we went there was a wait, but we gave them our cell number and when a table was ready they called us, so we were able to go to a couple shops while we waited! Awesome! If you are in BH, go and enjoy a lobster roll or whatever you please.....definitely recommend!
(5)Kerry A.
I can't say enough good things about this place. The Lobster Roll was the best we had on MDI ... traditional hot dog roll buttered and toasted and just a touch of mayo and importantly...no celery! I high recommend the spiked lavender lemonade also. Staff were super attentive and sweet and we loved the Christmas in July vibe they had going on. Do make it a point to call ahead and put your name on the list. when we were heading out we overheard it was an hour long wait and with good reason. As an aside, we also ate at Stewmans Dowtown on the water and found the food was not as impressive but was more expensive. Side Street definitely won us over!!! We'll be back for sure!!
(4)Nicole C.
Side Street Cafe is one of my favorite restaurants to visit in Bar Harbor. The atmosphere is fun and energetic. The food is top quality and the staff is known for their local hospitality. With options for everyone on the menu and creative drink specials it's an experience you don't want to miss.
(5)Stink C.
The lobster roll is perfect. It's filled with lobster meat, and seasoned just right.
(5)Wes D.
Loved the place. Food was great but it was cold. We had to wear coats but the temperature outside was very cold. Almost gave 4 stars but it would not be right.
(5)Nicole L.
Ok, so the food wasn't bad but it wasn't so good I'd make a repeat visit. The lobster roll was lacking compared to one we had two days prior in Boston. The blueberry pie was alright. The bill was too high in comparison to my lack of satisfaction with the food. Visited: September 29, 2012
(3)Barbara G.
This was a great find, once again thanks to Yelp for finding us the great spots to eat. Had the pork sliders and my friend ordered the egg salad sliders and we shared. Both were very good. Only issue we had was her lobster cocktail was a bit chewy and the very quickly removed it from our bill. Nice lunch spot.
(5)PG A.
WTF, I order a caprese salad and its nothing but lettuce. Thankfully, I added lobster too it, but what happened to the tomatoes and mozzarella. Did the kitchen run out, and why was there lettuce in a caprese sald anyways?
(2)Eleanor B.
Just as great as the reviews! Lobster roll was pure lobster heaven, lobster stew was amazing and Mac and cheese was grown up Mac and Cheese with shells instead of elbow Mac? Lots of cheese and bits of lobster! Oh and if you like root beer try the local root beer from Bar Harbor, ME! Yum!!!
(5)Sam S.
Went for happy hour in June. Talk about the nicest people and places, this is it. So kind. Soft pretzels with queso and mustard dip. The sandwiches looked so good and were huge. We will certainly return.
(5)Ray P.
Came here a bit earlier (1130ish) on a weekday for lunch, so beat the crowds, which we noticed quickly formed after we were seated. Highly recommend the mac and cheese, had their version ("Jeff's?") and added roasted pork to it. Really good and hearty. A half-portion should be enough for the average person. Actually, I don't know who could eat a portion larger than that. The hummus and tapenade was good, toasted flatbread pieces were a little greasy. Mixed feelings on the lobster roll. While it was a really good and fresh lobster roll with plenty of meat, I don't know if it's really worth $20. But then again, maybe the whole idea of a lobster roll is kind of ridiculous. You know, kind of like paying $50 for a burger or a po'boy. Anyway, come here and decide for yourself. Not cheap eats exactly, but you won't leave hungry.
(4)Ashley A.
AMAZING Lobster Stew! You have to try this, you won't be disappointed! So much lobster in every bite.
(5)lindsay t.
We had a great dinner here!! I had the lobster (delish!) and my fiancé had the lobster roll which was also great. We heard from another restaurant server (!) that the blueberry pie there is amazing! Service was great and very attentive. Make a reservation.
(4)Ross C.
Good vibe, solid food. Can do without the sickly sweet reviews under the table glass. Speaking of the glass, mats wouldn't go amiss. I had to hold my plate in place when cutting my food.
(4)Amanda E.
awesome happy hour!! margarita of the moment was strawberry rhubarb, not too sweet & well balanced, got a pitcher for $10 which poured 6 Rita's. bar bites were really good, would def recommend the buffalo shrimp.
(4)Steve W.
This was my sixth time dining at side street. The five previous times were not during tourist season. I mention this because the previous five times deserved four stars unfortunately this last time 6/27/2014 barely rated one star. Food was over cooked, dry and must have been sitting around prior to being served. The waitress Yanna was the only Five Star experience. My advice wait till summers over or send in a test person before dining here!
(1)Lisa M.
Best, friendliest customer service I have ever had. Ever. And I hardly ever review restaurants on anything other than food. Food: Lobster roll was perfection. Plenty of high-quality lobster meat, not too much mayo, and a tasty buttered New England styled bun. just get this. My husband's lobster cob salad featured the same excellent lobster meat but IMO, lobster meat is only truly complimented by a toasted, buttered roll. We used my 2 year old as an excuse to also order the build-your-own mac and cheese. We added tomatoes, spinach, and hot dogs. It was very good. But get the lobster roll.
(5)Ksenia B.
Amazing food! Two lobsters for just $35!!!! Unbelievable! The place has a great homey feel. Servers are very friendly and extremely polite. A must visit for a quality seafood coupled with a comfy cute ambience.
(5)Chelly S.
Great little side street cafe. The chowder was really excellent, perfect chicken wings . Great service on a beautiful day. Go for it! Bar Harbor is super touristy so this was a refreshing change. No matter. Bar Harbor is a great destination! My husband was equally impressed.
(5)Gina S.
Can you say only order half order of the Mac and cheese with lobster. I tell ya, the pasta is the seashell type(which I know why they use it...to catch more cheeseyness!) but....I am a fan of large elbow macaroni, the way my Gramma used to make it. My husband made his own mac and cheese combo with hamburger and bacon( he's on cholesterol meds...really?) We both enjoyed the experience and just wished that where we sat in the back next to the service door wasn't so busy and noisy. Great prices, lots to select from and great service...Will be back for sure.
(4)Cindy L.
We came here around 1130 and beat the lunchtime crowds. Due to the over abundance of lobster this year, they were having a "save the lobsterman" campaign so select dishes were $5 off. Yayyy, more lobster for me!! Nom nom nom We ordered the lobster Mac n cheese as our apps even though it's an entree. We made the right decision bc it was incredibly yummy. It was deliciously cheesy and filled with huge chunks of lobster. We also added bacon to it which tasted great but def not necessary. We all ordered the coveted lobster roll which came with a side of potato chips. The lobster roll was stuffed with lobster and worth the price but I felt Lompoc had a better lobster club sandwich. Side street was still good but the lobster to small bread ratio just wasn't working for me. Friendly service, plain decor, and good food. You won't be disappointed.
(4)James B.
The options for reasonably priced meals in Bar Harbor are limited, but Side Street does well. I've had the burgers, the lobster roll, and the lobster dinner, and all were solid but not best I've ever had. The lobster roll was really good for downtown Bar Harbor, though at $20 its fairly expensive. The service here is sometimes slow, usually they are pretty swamped in the tourist season (and still pretty busy even when its not). It is a pretty popular joint with both the locals and the tourists and the staff is always super friendly. I'd recommend a visit, especially if you can sit out on the front porch, was is a treat. In the summer you might want to call ahead to check on the wait.
(4)Tina D.
Ordered the lobster roll...lobster roll arrived. Took a bite. Said "this is SO GOOD" Husband:"blah blah blah high tide." Me: "this is SO GOOD" Husband:"blah blah blah half hour drive" Me (thinking) :"why aren't you eating your roll? It's SO GOOD" Me (outloud): "I mean it, this is REALLy GOOD!"
(5)Marty L.
Early dinner with young kids. They had the Mac and cheese - plain regular stuff with potato chips. At least they didn't charge $7. Because only one of the three kids actually ate it. My husband had the lobster roll. It was yummy in the way that a lobster rolls are but nothing too different from any other claiming to be "best". I live in CT where lobster prices has gone down to $4.99/lb - my favorite lobster happens at home. Anyway - I had the fish of the day special - grilled halibut with wild rice and kale!!! Green buttery kale went well with the carefully grilled fish. Wish i could have asked for more kale. So yummy that it made up for the other so-so meals. The cook brought out the food for us which was a nice touch. I think they realized that I was Yelping!
(4)Jeffrey L.
We sat fairly close to the lobster tank and bathroom, which definitely had an odor. The food was just ok. While the kids enjoyed their mac and cheese, the burger was rather flavorless, and the "pub fries" were inedible.
(3)Clint W.
Great place. Super amazing price! Northern Cuban was bangin. Crab sandwich was just alright. I highly recommend
(4)Lili H.
The lobster roll was to die for with big chunks of lobster and not too much mayo. Just enough to hold it together. The lobster chowder had huge chunks of fresh lobster meat. Only reason it is not a five star is because the soup was luke warm but not quite hot enough. Also server forgot to bring hot water to rinse sand off clams. There was a weird smell when we walked in too like cleaning supplies. But the food was so fantastic that it Made up for the few problems. I loved the exciting and vibrant atmosphere.
(4)Emily C.
This place so ridiculously exceeded my expectations, it was worth a 5 star yelp review. Just went to MDI for an off season vaca and had both lunch and dinner there. We went for dinner, were blown away by their mac n cheese (seems simple, but so great to get a yummy version), sandwich varieties, and other offerings that we came back for lunch the next day. I would highly recommend any sandwich with the soft pretzle roll, the strawberry vinagrette on any salad, and/or the grilled fluff sandwich for dessert. I would go back to this place in a heartbeat... it's so refreshing to have down to earth food done really well and so inexpensively. I wish there was one in my town!
(5)Nancy S.
We really liked the wings, the best was my son's Mac & Cheese with add on cheese steak - mouth-watering! My husband's burger was cooked too well first time around - it was absolutely NO PROBLEM making it right! My caprese salad with mozzarella/tomatoes & addition of grilled chicken was excellent! And last but CERTAINLY not least, the awesome bartender, Troy (who also served us outside because we brought our dog) he was Everything & More! I could have come every day of my vacation!
(4)Sam S.
Such a little gem of a restaurant. Drinks are always tasty (seriously, maybe the best Bloody Mary that I've ever had) and the food is delicious. Highly recommend the Lobster Quesadilla.
(4)Nisa E.
On out third night in Bar Harbor, we stopped here for dinner. I was not impressed. They were undergoing a major construction project, and it was more dive-y than the other restaurants I had experienced in Bar Harbor, so my expectations may have colored my experience. The place was clean enough, but we had to walk through the kitchen to get to our table, and to leave. I do not like to see a restaurant kitchen. I'll admit that I'm a germ-a-phobe to an obsessive compulsive capacity, so if one thing is off or not cleaned to my preference - the whole experience is ruined for me. I tried not to look, so happily I cannot report anything out of the ordinary. I ordered a veggie burger on a pita and plain Mac n' Cheese. The veggie burger was good, not amazing, but good. I was disappointed in the Mac n' Cheese. It had been voted regions best by some travel guide multiple years in a row, but it was just Mac n' Cheese. It was average, not bad, just average. The price was fair, the food came fast and the staff was friendly, so if you are looking for a cheap place to eat simple American food, and you don't mind the construction or dive-y feel, you can get a decent meal for a decent price.
(2)Mano P.
Best lobster roll in Bar Harbour
(4)Elise B.
We came here on the Maine foodie tour. We came for the lobster tools that are said to be the best in town. And I can say that they were delish. A nice warm buttery roll and plenty of lobster and it was seasoned perfectly and far from swimming in mayo which is awesome if u ask me. The staff was friendly and gave us a big of background an the join which was neat. We would defiantly go here again.
(5)Aaron E.
Great spot on a side street of all places! Calling it a burger joint doesn't seem fair since they have a huge menu with all kinds of options. Vegetarian daughter ha the Emmy and said it was one of the best sandwiches she has had. Wife had a mini burger and I had a lobster roll. Salads were fresh and well done. Service was very good and we sat outside which was fantastic on a nice evening. Not sure about other option in town but this place seemed to have lots of locals and we were very pleased. Dinner for 3 in Bar Harbor for under $45 is great but food this good for under $45 is fantastic!
(5)Denise S.
Great margaritas, good happy hour, amazing Mac and cheese and tasty lobster roll. Nice chill place for dinner after a long day of hiking.
(4)Melanie L.
I ordered the lobster quesadilla which was delicious!! Lots of tender lobster, avocados and quality cheese with a side of sour cream and fresh salsa. Everyone else in my party liked their food as well.
(5)Gregg V.
We only made it here for lunch, but really enjoyed it. Great atmosphere, food, and service. My daughter had probably the best clam chowder I've ever tasted, too bad it was just the soup of the day and not a regular item. We mainly had burgers and salads, all were really good. The mac and cheese looked and sounded great. Hopefully will try it next summer.
(4)Michael F.
Beer and cocktail list is fantastic. Bartenders are fun. They entertained our two girls with the inventive drinks they concocted. When we got to our table a very personable waitress greeted us. We had three versions of the Mac and Cheese and the lobster roll. All of whic
(4)Jim K.
After a day full of hiking this was exactly what we needed. Great food. Great drinks. Best in Bar Harbor.
(5)Kate E.
Love Side Street in the winter. Their food is very good and their drinks are creative and tasty. In general I'd give them 5 stars except for two things: their greens in their salads can be wilted and slimy at times and their front end staff in the summer is atrocious. If you're in town between October and May, definitely the best place to go. From June to September, it requires more patience than I can generally muster.
(4)Roger F.
Alright, it's not super high end food, but for the price it's great food. I've eaten there a half dozen times or so when in Bar Harbor, and have not been let down. Constantly good is a must in my opinion. If you do need to wait, the restaurant has an automated system that notifies you that your table will be ready soon. Thus you can hit up main st and cottage st. and window shop to pass the time(plus one for sure).
(5)DJ N.
We had high expectations for dinner here given the high star rating. Our dinner didn't meet those expectations. The mac and cheese is fairly typical tasting, not really a standout dish. My wife's turkey club was below average fare. My Cuban was tasty but not 4 star worthy. The Cesar salad was only fair. Service was average and generally friendly. Not a great value for what you'll spend here.
(2)Shauna H.
We stopped by on a tip from some locals for a late lunch a few weeks ago after a long morning of hiking around Acadia National Park. We were told not to miss the mac and cheese, and I have to admit - it was some of the best I've ever had! My husband loved the lobster stew (it was his favorite of the trip), and my kids were very happy with their meals (especially my daughter, who loved her made-to-order sandwich). Our waitress was very nice and accommodating to our demanding family of five. The only (very minor) gripes I have were the tight seating arrangements and the less-than-cheery hostesses. For those complaining about the prices - well, you are in a tourist town and lobster just ain't cheap, folks! For us though, the terrific food and lovely waitress happily made this a fabulous stop for lunch!
(4)Mark H.
The place ha great service. We were seated right away since there's only two of us. The party in front of us has to wait close to an hour for a party of 6. Ordered lobster stew, lobster salad and lobster roll. - Lobster stew has great flavor, and lots of lobster chunks. Definitely a five star stew. - lobster salad is very fresh, lots lobster pieces. Presentation was superb. Almost felt bad cutting in - lobster roll is a 4 star affair. The meat is fresh and plenty. But a bigger piece of bread can make the dish shine more. As the lobster to bread ratio is way off. I had it with a side of salad. So the portions worked out in the end. Definitely recommend the place.
(4)Melanie G.
I had tomato soup and tuna Cesar salad. The tomato soup is the most flavorful I've ever had. Plenty of tuna and taste good.
(4)Lou F.
Off the beaten path as the name suggests, this little nugget was a great find. In cold weather call ahead as they don't do reservations and waiting outside wasn't fun. Was worth it though. Cute place, friendly staff, reasonably priced. Beers were cold and fresh. The food hot and equally as fresh. Had meatball sliders for an app while wife enjoyed a blueberry margarita and I quaffed an Atlantic Real Ale. While in Maine, you gotta have lobstah so we did. Lobstah rolls for both of us. Me with pub fries, her with sweet potato chips. The lobstah rolls were excellent. Although I'd agree with most that a better bread to hold up against the amount of lobstah would take this to exquisite level from excellent. Fresh, well made and delicious. One suggestion is if you don't like cumin don't get the sweet potato chips they were covered in it and while tasty when eaten, made for heartburn later. Coffee came in "home sized" mugs meaning there was plenty of it and it was good. A great place to have a great meal. I would most definitely come back and will most definitely recommend it to others.
(4)george k.
Very busy place. Large menu, most of which I didn't want. But the lobster roll and lobster stew were delicious treats. That's why we went and it hit the spot. The blueberry pie was mediocre, didn't think that was possible in Maine. Many families come here and they accommodate well.
(4)Erica B.
Great service, delicious food! I always stop here on my way thru town. They have a great lobster dish: picked out meat sautéed in butter and served with chips. I just had a devine strawberry-rhubarb margarita there today. Not sure why there's no lobster roll on menu? Also their steamers (and the broth on the side) are incredibly good.
(4)Doug K.
Sought out based on Yelp reviews...not a big fan of Bar Harbor in general but staying near Acadia we wanted a nice place to eat. Side Street provided a good venue, a little off the beaten path, which is good. We waited about 15-20 minutes, which isn't bad. The food is very good, though pricey. The lobster rolls, as mentioned, are very very good and they have decent taps for the beer lovers out there...all from Maine.
(3)Mark A.
Summary: Lobster on Anything menu. Lobster Roll is the best! Pros: Lobster Roll was absolutely outstanding. You can put lobster on anything. Clam Chowder was also absolutely amazing. BLAT. Friendly Servers Cons: Mac and Cheese was a bit too cheesy Comments. You can put Lobster on anything on the menu, but would also recommend their BLAT (Bacon Lobster, Avocado, Tomato). They say the lobsters were swimming early that morning, and you could tell! I'm not normally a lobster roll person, but Side Street Cafe's were to die for! While I did enjoy the mac and cheese, I do believe it was a bit too cheesy. We went during the off season so we were seated very quickly. However, I'd recommend waiting for this place.
(5)Tee L.
My BF and I were in Bar Harbor for four nights. We ate at Side Street Cafe three of them. Yes, I realize that's pretty lame when you're only in town for a short time and you never know when you're going to be back. Side Street was just that good. The third time we went, we only intended to go for a drink and appetizer, but didn't end up leaving. The drinks are delicious. Go during happy hour (4-6 pm) for $10 pitchers of margaritas and gimlets, plus cheap draft beer and house wine. I realize that in Maine it's practically illegal to say it, but I don't eat seafood, so I liked that there were plenty of other options (but my lobster-loving BF was also satisfied). I tried a sandwich with a black bean patty and chipotle mayo, mac & cheese, spinach & artichoke dip, and a quesadilla. All were great. You can tell everything is made with fresh ingredients. Sit outside if you can. The inside rooms are a little weird, we were in a back hallway twice. Be ready for a wait on busy nights if you go later, but during happy hour we never had to wait.
(5)Michael F.
Great service, very friendly. We had the the lobster rolls and shared a full serving of make your own Mac n Cheese. We were stuffed and it was delicious. Best Mac n Cheese I've had in a long time. Oh, and the Watermelon-Mint-Cucumber margarita was simply amazing, so refreshing. Can't wait to go back! Everything about this place screams OOOOOHHH ITS SOOO GOOD!
(5)Kelly Anne M.
Love love love! Had lunch and dinner here and both were amazing. Lobster Mac, black bean quesadilla and great fresh salsa. If you love lemonade, try the picnic basket for drinks. Local, fresh, yummy!
(5)Lacey W.
AAAAAMAZING! We had the lobster role and chowder...best I have had in Maine!
(4)Jerry Z.
We thought Side Street would be a good choice for a casual dinner. We had been there before but not yet this year. They have upgraded their outdoor seating with a nice covering. Overall, the quality of the food was good, but we felt the portion sizes were on the small side, while the prices were on the high side. Service was good. My wife ordered the loaded nachos. There was a $8 size "for one" and a $12 size "for the table". Since I was going to share and it was all my wife was getting we went for the large size. Good thing. It was the smallest portion of nachos I have ever seen, but despite the "out of a bag" corn chips and the skimpy portion, they actually were very good. I ordered the lobster roll touted as best in town. $20 plus $2 to have fries instead of chips is a pretty steep price even in Bar Harbor. The lobster roll was very good, but I would have to rate it below the a Thirsty Whale 's roll. A couple of beers, an $8 margarita (very good, btw -- they use fresh lime juice) plus tax and tip and we dropped $60 on what we would consider a pretty light dinner. I might try Side Street again because it is a pretty cool atmosphere (they even have music on certain nights), but would probably pay more attention to prices next time. It might be a good place to stop in for a couple of cold beers and an appetizer split before going somewhere else for dinner.
(3)Sabina C.
Food was good - Jeff's Mac n cheese was excellent, crab cakes and scallops about OK. Pricing reasonable. Good environment for kids and a very economical kids menu. What was terrible was the service from hostess and later, the "manager". We went by at 640pm and the hostess took down my phone number to call us. Said it would be a 30-40 minute wait. I hadn't heard back after about a half hour and when we went back, one hostess said, our reservation was marked cancelled. The original hostess came back and said, oh, yeah, it's ready. Not sure if I was ever going to get a call? Anyway, our server at least was delightful - very nice guy - and margaritas are yummy. Then we asked for our food to be wrapped (i only made a small dent in the mac n cheese). Had walked out of the restaurant forgetting it, remembered it 5 minutes later and upon returning, they said, sorry, it's been thrown out. I was like, er, I jjjjust left! Between being very busy, no one ever returning to get their food, and it being my fault for leaving it there, the reasons thrown at me were pretty nastily delivered by this manager. She then claimed that a note with a time was put on the container, which is hardly believable, and that there's nothing they can do about it. I was like, can't you offer a replacement? She cuts me off and says curtly, with a wicked sarcastic smile, "I'll get you a Mac n cheese". After about 5 minutes she comes back with a container marked "enjoy" to rub in the sarcasm! Gotta love it. Would've given this place another star if not for the nastiness and aloofness of the staff.
(3)Mark D.
Excellent special with steak, lobster, and curry... Also had the Mac and cheese.. Very rich and tasty. Lots of vegetarian options too.. We really liked it all!
(5)Eric Z.
I beg to differ with other reviewers. Went in with reasonable hopes and boy did it disappoint. Service = bad. Apps and dinner came at the same time. Food = not impressive. No effort into any of the dishes. Food was cold by the time I ate it, but no way it was every going to be anything better than average. Cost - expensive. If this is the best Bar Harbor has to offer, you should drive to Portland and eat at Duckfat. They actually care about what they serve. Drinks were decent and they had a good selection of creative ones, thus 1-star.
(1)Mac B.
Visiting Bar Harbor for a wedding and stopped in for a quick lunch. Ordered the "Jeff's Mac & Cheese" and it was some of the best Mac & Cheese I have ever had. The portion was huge, so unless you are hungry go with the half. Service was excellent. Attentive, good recommendations, but not overbearing. I would definitely go there again and get the Jeff's Mac & Cheese.
(4)Tony L.
Let it begin, call ahead if you are in a rush as this place gets busy. We didn't however but they had a local folk singer and a pretty well stocked bar with about a dozen craft beers on tap to keep us entertained while waiting on our table. It is a family atmosphere, about 30 or so indoor and outdoor tables and seating for a dozen or so in the bar area. We had a really good time socializing at the bar. Our waitress Luca (sp) and the owner Jeff apologized several times for the wait and was very attentive and friendly with out being obnoxious. As you could imagine we were famished and I was held back from ordering every appetizer on the menu. We settled on the loaded nacho platter which was large with grilled chicken, sour cream, jalopenos, beans and everything else you could imagine, gone in about 3 minutes. Next we had thebuffalo chicken wings, unexpectedly these were grilled not fried with a mild buffalo sauce, I got to say the sauce enabled the grilled taste of the wings to shine through, very enjoyable. I had my eyes on the mussels all night but was held back from odering them, I will get them the next time. My daughter got the clam chowder unlike most placesso thck that you could hang wallpaper it was loaded with clams and the broth had just the right consitency. On to dinner, all meals were cooked from scratch served with freshly cut veggies and fresh herbs. I got the pork steak, I assume it was brined from the flavor, grilled with fresh herbs, served over fresh veggies and hand cut fries, the pork was tender and delicious, veggies had just the right amount of crunch and the fries crispy and salted to perfection. My son had the halibut special, grilled served with veggies and fries, the halibut was moist and done just right. My daughter had the seafood with sorba noodles which were equally as good. My wife got the lobster roll, bun toasted and just the right amount of mayonaise. No room for dessert although everything that passed by us looked great. This place is a gem!
(5)Leslie S.
Great find; so glad we saw Yelp reviews and decided to try it. We ate around 5 - no wait! All the food we tried was fantastic. The lobster roll was excellent - very light on mayo, had lettuce, buttered toasted bun. This is what I hoped lobster rolls were like. The mac&cheese was creamy, rich, and customizable. The grilled chicken sandwich was also enjoyed. I highly recommend the lobster roll - the best we had in Maine! This was our best meal in Bar Harbor. They were having a "lobsterman" special - nearly every menu item with lobster was $5 off. I don't know how long this discount will last.
(5)Dan S.
Easily the best food we had in Bar Harbor. We had the bbq salmon and stuffed red peppers for entrees, both of which were good, and the spinach artichoke dip was a tasty way to start the meal. Everything was warm and fresh. Really friendly service too. There was some weird stuff going on with the music there though. When we came in, they had a real solid playlist going through the speakers in the restaurant. But then a cover band started playing which was really loud (so much so that the staff kept asking them to turn down) and kind of hurt the atmosphere. One woman was really into them, but for the most part, people looked annoyed and it was hard to talk. It definitely felt out of place and wasn't really appropriate for the setting. Not sure if this was just a one-night screwup or not, but it was the main negative from the place.
(4)Ai B.
This place is okay. The place didn't look too too busy, and yet the hostesses (teenagers) made us wait to be seated. They did see that we had our 3 month baby with us. Finally after what seemed to be forever, they seated us next to the bathroom (about 2 ft away). I was lucky, I get to face the bathroom. Our waitress was good, not friendly but she was prompt and attentive. I ordered the lobster Mac & cheese which was good and I had enjoyed it. My husband ordered the buffalo chicken sandwich which he said was undercooked, still pink inside. He also said the sandwich was just okay. Overall our experience was ok. We probably won't return or recommend to anyone.
(3)Harsheel S.
We ( a bunch of 6 people) visited this place for lunch on a Sunday during the Labor day weekend around noon. The waiting time was less and the coffee that we ordered was really good. As far as the food goes, it was really nice too - both vegetarian(black bean wrap & sandwich) which I had and non-veg(lobster) which my friends had. I took one star off because of the long wait to get the food but other than that the staff is pretty friendly, food was the best I believe I had in Bar Harbor and the ambiance was lively
(4)Shiloh S.
Found this spot thanks to Yelp and it more than lived up to the good reviews. My wife and I shared a cup of the creamy mushroom and corn soup. I had the Highliner quesadilla with lobster and avocado. My wife had the lobster roll. We shared the blueberry pie and vanilla ice cream for dessert. All of the food was top of the line. Loved this place! Great atmosphere and very friendly and helpful waitstaff. Oh, and the Real Ale (local brown) was great as well. Definitely will stop back in next time I am on the Island.
(5)Deanna D.
We stopped here on a Sat. night for dinner after a shop owner suggested it to us. The place was pretty empty and that should have been the first sign. The restaurant is cute and very clean. Its a cafe that serves mainly small plates on the menu. Here's what we ordered: SMOKED HADDOCK MAC and CHEESE smoked haddock, penne and peas baked in a cheesy lemon sauce-- It was OK; nothing great or memorable about it. CHALUPAS grilled cornmeal "boats" topped with garlic shrimp, black bean dip, lettuce, tomato, avocado and creamy chipotle sauce--This was the dish I enjoyed the most. I liked flavors and the presentation. OVEN FRIES baked with coriander seeds and served with homemade roasted tomato sauce- The fries were actually good and I loved the fact they were not fried. But again nothing special. These 3 items were almost $30-- Not worth that much to me but whatever. I would have given it 1.5 stars based on the food and value but I was on vacation and feeling generous+ the server was friendly and the food came out quickly. Bottom line= Cute place, good concept but served mediocre food that was overly priced.
(2)Karen P.
I'll make this brief. We have been to every restaurant in town. If you travel to Bar Harbor and go out to eat and don't make it to Side Street Cafe, you have only yourself to blame. Food is good, atmosphere is relaxed, the decor clearly demonstrates the personalities of the owners, and the wait staff is nice. The gimlet happy hour special is a much welcome recent discovery but we have been going there since it opened, and have enjoyed virtually everything the bar and menu has to offer. When we go to Bar Harbor, which is often since we have a house there, here are some key priorities: lots of hiking, time on the water kayaking, popovers at the Jordan Pond House, walking the shore path, Reel Pizza, and Side Street Cafe.
(5)Peggy B.
Took the advice from some Yelp reviews and ate here. The lobster roll was delicious! Just as it was recommended. The Nomad Burger very good! The Nachos were OK, Caesar salad was OK, nothing special. Enjoyed our meal here.
(4)Stephen H.
We found Side Street Cafe to be an excellent establishment. Service was fast, courteous, and attentive during both of our visits (once for lunch and once for dinner). Portion sizes were just right and we found the menu well executed from the clam chowder to the lobster rolls as well as from the Asian stir fry to the B.L.A.T. topped with lobster. Simply delicious. The warm wild blueberry pie is not to be missed!!!
(5)Joe F.
Lobster roll was meh. My amazing wife's burger was... Not amazing. Skip it. Sold as a great place where locals go. Never saw that while we were there. Tourist trap, stay clear.
(1)Geoffrey G.
This was definitely our favorite restaurant during our stay in Bar Harbor. It's actually the only restaurant that we went to twice during our stay. It started on the right foot since the restaurant had its own parking which saved us the standard 5 - 15 minute search for a spot. We didn't make reservations (we really have to plan better on vacation) and were told that it would be a 25 minute wait. We left our car in their parking lot and walked to the park which was right across the street and let our kids run and play while we waited. When we got back we were immediately seated by their friendly staff and our orders were promptly taken. Our waitress was very nice and gave us honest suggestions on the entrees which is greatly appreciated when you come to a new restaurant. My meal could not have been better and after we left we immediately started to plan on which night that we would return so that we could try some of the other suggestions that our waitress gave us. If you are staying in Bar Harbor, I definitely suggest your try out this restaurant and suggest you try it early during your stay, just in case you want to go back again. :-)
(5)Michael K.
Side Street was voted Best Burgers.... Well, I agree. We ate there last week, and all I can say is we'll be back when we are in BH. A laid back atmosphere.... Not pretentious, just simple. Maybe its a work in progress... The food: we both had the Nomad burgers. We've had burgers elsewhere, but these beat the competition hands down. There's no such thing as perfect food, but darn, these are close. I guess if I have to nitpick, I'd like more cheese. And, while the Ciabatta rolls are unique, they may be just a shade too much bun for a burger. Neither of these personal preferences detract from the overall burger experience though. You do have other bread choices... and extra cheese I'm sure could be asked for. We had wine, but the bartender looks like she cares. She provided home grown mint for the mojitos! Lots of care went into making those, and were I not having wine, I'd have ordered one up for myself! If you miss this place - shame on you - you missed out....
(5)Amanda W.
Came for a 7pm dinner before heading to an 8:15 movie at Reel Picture. I split a spinach salad, lobster stew, and a lobster roll with some friends and we ordered a pitcher of blueberry margaritas for the table. The salad and lobster roll were good and what you might expect, but the the stew was simply delicious and is a must order. Big chunks of lobster and a really thick and creamy base. I'd go back for the stew alone! The margaritas were a little watery tasting, but pretty good for the price. I'd probably order them again.
(4)Craig C.
Very unique place, and I loved it. One of my favorite meals while I was in Bar Harbor. I had the Southwest Burger (Cajun seasoning, fresh jalapeños, cheddar cheese and guacamole) as I'm a huge fan of spicy food and I was not disappointed. Very very good!
(4)Jamie W.
Best night we had in Bar Harbor. Our B&B keepers recommended Side Street Cafe as a place that was more local than touristy. We called ahead for reservations (a good idea - the place gets hopping!), but wound up timing it right and getting seats at the small, but cozy bar. There's a good karma in the air that lends itself to spontaneous conversation with strangers, lots of smiles, and good-hearted banter with the staff. There was a good mix of locals, first-time tourists, and perennial visitors and everyone got along famously. The food was fabulous. We kept it simple - nachos followed by a burger. Everything was delivered quickly and was hot-hot-hot and seriously tasty. "Fresh" is another word that comes to mind ... and "flavorful." The salsa that came with the nachos tasted like it had just been picked out of the garden and the steak fries that came with the burger could have been a meal in themselves - perfectly seasoned, crispy on the outside, and hearty as all get out. The ciabatta bun for the burger was the crowning touch on a very tasty and perfectly cooked burger. (Ok, must stop using the word "perfectly"!) Drinks were delish and served up with panache by the lovely Erica. Owner Jenna (with hubby and daughter) were mingling and managing with grace and the utmost hospitality. We were lucky enough to be there on a night with live music and had a fabulous time rockin' it with The Larks of Maine. Total sing-a-long and dance-a-thon. GREAT time! All in all - couldn't have asked for anything better. Left the place with big smiles, tired feet, and full bellies. Can't wait to come back.
(5)Diane W.
Lobster Curry on top of New York strip - chunks of lobster fall on rice and green beans. Green beans and rice are as fabulous as steak and lobster. Excellent meal- best of entire two weeks of our vacation!!! Go and enjoy
(5)Nicole O.
Full disclosure: My friend Jeni owns the place. But regardless of whether I knew Jeni or not, this is the kind of place I can go with friends for breakfast, take my mom for lunch, or a date for dinner. Nice ambiance and great food. And if you want a low key night out to feel classy, they have great drinks (they make their own apricot brandy for a fabulous sidecar).
(5)Alexa R.
Basic, delicious menu and really nice staff. We stopped in for drinks 4th of July and sat at the nicely packed (but not too crowded bar). We revisited for lunch on the 5th. I had the black bean wrap and my husband had the lobster roll. I also started with a reasonably priced garden salad, which had mushrooms and sprouts on it. I know it seems lame to get excited about those toppings, but side salads can be so weak sometimes. The owner Jena is so friendly and nice! I wish we lived in Bar Harbor because I know this would be a place on our regular rotation.
(4)Lilly J.
Tasty food! But it's a NOISY atmosphere and is still worth it for the mac-n-cheese. We ate there several nights on our trip there and sampled a wide variety of their offerings. All pretty darned good.
(4)L K.
terrific food at a fair price. service is solid. small restaurant so it's a busy place. I would recommend this restaurant without hesitation.
(4)F M.
We ate at Side Street Cafe twice in one week. The first time, I ordered the Mac & Cheese. It was creative,but in the end, not as good as traditional. The second time - oh boy! The Southwest Burger was outstanding, and the main reason for my 5-star rating. And the bread pudding was delicious. The playlist was, surprisingly, house music. But that's one of my favorite genres, and it made for a lively meal for our big family party.
(5)Sue H.
food was excellent - I had the Emmy, a vegetarian sandwich, Mac and cheese also excellent, and the quesadillas also great and more than adequate as a lunch. Our server was excellent.
(5)Kristen L.
Cute little place a little off the beaten path but still crowded. I got Serena Lobster "lazy Lobster" which was nice because I didn't have to pick it myself. But it was a little cold which was upsetting. It came with clam chowder and that was really good. My boyfriend got the nomad burger and it was also pretty good. Soup of the day was Italian sausage which was extremely spicy. Overall pretty good place to eat.
(4)Melissa W.
Ok Hotel recommended it, we tried it and we don't want to eat anywhere else!! I got the lobster mac and cheese, to die for!!! My husband got the lobster with mussels and clams, he ate everything! So fresh and the lobster was sweet. We had lobster stew and clam chowder for appetizers. Both were great. To finish we had the blueberry pie with ice cream. I died and went to heaven. Just a touch of lemon, so good. Our server, Riley was happy, quick and exceeded our expectations!! She was helpful with the menu and made suggestions. Highly recommend!!!!
(5)Steve D.
Has to be one of the best places in Bar Harbor ME. Grab a margarita! Grab a local brew. Atmosphere is terrific and the food plentiful.
(4)Chrisee J.
Best Gluten Free Mac N Cheese in existence so easy to eat there with food restrictions.
(5)M R.
Best fries in town! Our party had 3 lobster rolls and a half order of made to order Mac n cheese. Food was great we sat outside on rail as it was over an hour wait. Funniest thing that has ever happened to me in all the restaurants I have eaten in, ordered the blueberry margarita (which is awesome!) as the server was just about to set it down the bottom fell out of the mason jar and I got a lap full of the stuff and all over my lobster roll, they compd my meal, our kids thought it was hilarious.
(4)Angel H.
Lobster stew is delicious!!!! Great margaritas. Will be back again for more stew!! Happy hour is a great deal.
(4)Wendy G.
We were unable to eat at South Side the first time we tried - post-marathon crowd - but were SO glad we made it back for lunch. This is an adorable place with great service and local art for sale on the walls. Highlights of our meal were a lobster stew that was positively swimming with lobster meat, and a delicious salad just full of fresh, perfectly-cooked veggies. It can be hard to find veggies at restaurants, let alone good ones, but South Side's veggies were a home run. Sadly, we only found them the day before we were leaving, so were unable to do a 2nd visit, but I will DEFINITELY go here again when back in Bar Harbor. The bar area is large and there's an outdoor deck, so in season, this must be an awesome place to have a drink and real, delicious food (not just bar food). (As an aside - the B&B we stayed at runs it's own private polling of local restaurants to eat at, and South Side is rated one of the best of 6-7 places. So there's another group vote of confidence.)
(5)Alicia V.
Really overated...staff was really nice...loved them. However, ordered the Side Street Lobster, assumed it was a signature dish. What cane in about 4 minutes which was a bad sign, was really sad. Clearly they grabbed some lobster in a bin and poured some sauce which was supposed to be sherry based over it. It was neither shery, nor anything like a whole lobsrer...perhaps half if we're lucky. Lobster was cold so no chance it was sautéed in the sauce. Lots of rice and Vega tables if you're into that for $29. I assume this place was great once given the reviews...so they should return to their roots...because we would not eat there again based on this experience.
(1)Vinny G.
We went to Side Street on a recommendation from a gallery owner. The results were mixed. Their Black Bean burger was over the top great. Slightly crunchy on the outside, moist inside with tons of flavor. I would order this over most hamburgers any day. Side salads were also fresh and flavorful. Definitely 5 star. The turkey burger was another story. Dry and rather tasteless. We love restaurants where you can order blindfolded and not be dissapointed. This isn't that type of place. If you like veggie burgers, theirs is highly recommended. Otherwise, take your chances.
(3)Kirsten A.
I had my first lobster roll here and it was absolutely amazing! Good, meaty chunks of lobster - definitely claw meat! Also, if you go this month there is a rhubarb marg which will knock your socks off!
(5)Morris H.
Poor food. We went 2 summers ago and the quality has fallen quite a bit since then. Tonight the lobster bisque/soup for $19 was overpriced and underwhelming. Very little lobster meat in tepid bisque. The crab cakes may have been frozen and reheated. Small and not very tasty. The crab cakes we had at the Jordan Pond House puts these to shame, and the Jordan Pond House is a real tourist stop. The "pub fries" were soggy and greasy. The pork sliders were the only redeeming part of the meal - at least they were warm. I forgot to add - pretty expensive for this pap. I really want to give it 1 1/2 stars.
(2)Trish S.
We were referred to Side Street Café by one of the local Restaurant owners so we knew it was going to be good. We have been to Bar Harbor many times and never saw this place because it is off one of the side streets! (Hence the name). This is a place for locals and their food is fantastic! Their menu is much different from many of the other places in the are and they have a huge selection of food and its a combination of all kinds of foods.. Love our server! Taylor! She was awesome and very attentive to our needs. We had the baked avocado -Delicious- Lobster Mac and Cheese: AWESOME - but I ordered a full and its A LOT! My husband had it for breakfast the next morning and there was still leftovers! And you can actually make your own MAC and CHEESE with a list of things they will put in it for you. They have a homemade Apple Cider Margarita, which my husband loved and they made me my Patron Bloody Mary with no questions. Everything is made on the premises and they have the best lobster roll in town. It is one of the most expensive but what I like about this place, is that they tell you that right no the menu. All the Lobster is caught that day and very fresh. You can't go wrong eating here with anything! This is a must try place when you go to Bar Harbor. Ask for Taylor to be your server. She even drew us a great picture on your leftover box which I will post!
(4)Karen M.
When our first choice restaurant was closed for lunch, we tried Side Street on a recommendation from a local. Awesome restaurant with an extensive menu. I had the chicken salad which was so delish! My husband had the cuban sandwich, and aside from them forgetting his side of chips, was also very tasty.
(4)Florence R.
Great people and great food. The lobster bisque is a delicious indulgence that I highly recommend.
(4)Devon H.
I had a wonderful burger with bacon and avocado. This summer they are doing amazing BBQ on Saturday at 1pm. I was very pleased with the great food and friendly staff.
(4)Ellen C.
We came here with a large party (15) on a Saturday afternoon at 2pm we had to wait a half hour. I would recommend calling ahead. The lobster mac n cheese was fabulous! And the lobster roll also got good reviews from our party. Our only disappointment is that they ran out of the dessert we wanted. They offered something else for free-- but it was not what we wanted. Overall I would say this place has great food, but gets overcrowded during tourist season.
(4)Vin V.
Excellent jalapeño margaritas with wicked good lobster quesadilla. Lobster roll is good. Chowder quite good and better than others which were highly recommended on Desert Island. Great knowledgeable staff in relaxed casual atmosphere. Highly recommend for a nice break at any point. Kid-friendly and able to deal with food allergies and special kid requests. Only reason not 5 star is that folks bussing tables were not friendly at all.
(4)Sam S.
We loved it. Ordered the Hummus appetizer which sounded regular but was fantastic. Toasted triangles drizzled with olive oil and great olive tapenade. Entree was chicken stir fry also great and tasty. Only complaint was the fish tacos. Pretty plain - should have at least had some tomatoes. We'll be back.
(4)Kevin A.
Excellent and interesting food. Some nice twists on the seafood that's available all over town. We came for a late lunch (like 4 p.m.), so we got lucky with no wait for a table and access to the happy hour food and drink specials. Had things like crab sliders and a big salad, plus a couple of beers. All were excellent and very reasonably priced. We would definitely go there again. It's a friendly place, and it's got a bit of a "scene," in the sense that cool people like to hang out there. I wouldn't call it the cleanest restaurant I've seen (food crumbs on the floor). There are times when the wait is 2 hours. Is it worth a 2-hour wait? Probably not. Here's the trick: You can't get a reservation, but you can call them like an hour before you want a table, and they will put you on the waiting list and text you when a table is ready.
(4)Matt R.
Easily the best place to eat in Bar Harbor. Fish tacos are amazing. Great kids menu. Lobster Cobb salad was amazing. And the service was super friendly. The general manager came around working the room on a very busy lunch rush on July 4 and made us feel welcome and comfortable, which isn't totally typical for this town at peak season.
(5)Anthony H.
Good food. Good service. Good beers. I had the crab cakes--the entree came with 4 or 5. I thought that was the perfect portion for z hungry tourist like myself. Lobster mac and cheese was a hit at my table although everyone who had it was hoping for "more lobstah."
(4)Dawn C.
GREAT service! GREAT! GREAT! I got clam chowder = GREAT Salad = GREAT He got a soup = GREAT the prices were reasonable. Everyone should check this place out. It gets crowded, but the wait was not long at all. Two thumbs up
(5)Andrew G.
This place had an amazing energy, fantastic waitresses and bartenders, and is 100% kid friendly. I had the Shore special and the Lobster was the meatiest and most filling on Bar Harbor. However I did not enjoy the clams and mussels, they were cold and not seasoned. That is my only complaint. All in all a great restaurant, but it is near impossible to get it. Either get a reservation or reserve a seat with a party under 5 by calling an hour ahead. Then they will text you when your table is ready.
(4)Ashley D.
Stopped by after reading reviews about the lobster rolls - disappointed to find it didn't taste very fresh and was overall mediocre at best.
(2)A T.
Solid lunch of grilled chicken sandwich (and salad) with nachos as an appetizer. The husband got grilled chicken with fries, which were delicious. Service was prompt and attentive. Portions were huge-- couldn't finish a thing. Nachos and two grilled chicken = $38.
(4)Honey M.
I love you, Side Street Cafe. The food is good, but we come for the atmosphere and service. Every week we go back and see the same locals hanging out at the bar, and we have made some great friends with the staff there as well. They often have live music, but you can sit in one of the back rooms if you prefer a quieter dining experience. This place is all about the local community, and I feel good about supporting them. We have seen the same staff working there for years, which suggests to me they treat their employees well. They have daily specials--get the mac and cheese!--and their "margarita of the moment" is always an interesting option. Also, bread pudding. Lots of vegetarian options to choose from as well. Central location with nice outdoor eating space (too bad the view is of the parking lot across the street).
(5)Stephanie Y.
Side Street Cafe, oh you lobster heaven! This is the restaurant if you're looking to have lobster on anything and everything. Make reservations, but pro-tip: sitting outside is first come, first serve and outside is wayyyyy better. My guy and I ate late on this trip: think 8:30-9PM and for the most part every restaurant had more than enough room to accommodate us. Lobster quesadilla. Really? It was awesome. Huge portion, so much lobsters in a gargantuan 'dilla. I ended up getting the lazy man's lobster and it was weak sauce. I just realized: not a lot of meat out of a 1 1/4 lb lobster. So when my sad little dish came with just a little bit of lobster meat in a little white dish, :: womp womp :: was played in the background. The man ended up getting the lobster cobb salad and although it wasn't jacked up with lobster it was damn tasty and again, a huge portion. The fluffernutter dessert was literally a grilled sandwich. Could have been a little less bread and a bit more fluff and peanut butter. Overall, I wouldn't recommend. This place is good, the prices are on the higher side, but the food was good, the cocktail list was great and definitely a lively atmosphere.
(4)Lacey D.
This place was so good!! The staff was bright and friendly and the food was delicious. We got the crab cakes and split a full size of the make your own Mac and cheese. Seriously yummy!
(3)Amanda C.
This was our lunch destination once we arrived in Maine, and it was the best decision ever! Coming from Nova Scotia where lobster is a big deal, I was hesitant to give it a shot. It claimed to be the best lobster roll, so I had to check it out. It was, hands down, the best lobster roll I've ever had. The bun was perfect for it, crispy so it didn't lose its hold and it was all lobster meat and no filler. Must stop place!
(5)Kenneth G.
Perfect place to eat in Bar Harbor. No ocean views here, but the food far outdoes it's harbor side competition. A quaint, local spot that is open year 'round...and we happen to be there on a Wednesday night when they have live music. The buffalo chicken dip hit the spot for me and my dad as our appetizer, and Jeff's Mac n Cheese was perfect for me. I'm glad I got the half order!! By far the best place we ate on our vacation in Bar Harbor.
(5)geoff c.
We were in Bar Harbor last week for a family reunion. We ate at Side Street Cafe 3 times in2 days. Awesome lobster roll, and I ate a lot of lobster rolls last week. This was the best. And their blue berry pie...my mom and mother in law are great pie makers, but this pie was a whole different animal. It is the pinnacle of pie.
(5)Marc J.
The place was busy when we arrived so I expected slow service. The overall experience was quite the opposite. The service and food couldn't have been better!! Bar Harbor restaurants don't seem to do a good job providing good customer service but this place is head and shoulders above the rest.
(5)Gary G.
A great spot for lunch. Food was great with the Mac and cheese outstanding. Restaurant was a bit cramped and slightly warm, but not terribly unpleasant. Worth searching for, away from the crowded shopping streets.
(4)Miko H.
This is a busy place! Was told the wait would be 1hr. They texted us that the table was ready after 15 mins. We ordered the date night feast $66 which came with 2 1/14 lb lobsters, 1 lb mussels, 1lb clam ,2 cups of clam chowder and one ear of corn. Clam chowder was very watery but had decent taste. The mussels and clams were absolutely terrible. Flavorless, overcooked and cold! The lobsters were as expected, but slightly overcooked. The corn mightve been the tastiest thing. Ordered the hard cider and Blueberry ale.$5 ea Beers were good
(3)Ryan S.
Food was really good and you can tell the kitchen really cares about there presentation. We came in with a party of 12 and everyone loved all the things they got to eat. It's hard to please that many foodies in one shot but they nailed it! Thanks for a great experience!
(5)Amy Z.
Lobster roll was not flavorful, not a lot of lobster but bun was well toasted. If this is the best in Bar Harbor, then it's a sad town for food. Crab cakes were good, but ratio of crab to filling rather low. Good service. Recommend the call ahead seating, which allowed us to walk right in.
(3)Clark L.
Great ice tea!. Excellent lobster roll. And the lobster stew was excellent with traditional flavor, not necessarily for mass appeal. Loved it.
(5)Jeremy M.
Best lobster roll in Bar Harbor. Service is great. Will definitely go back while I'm here!
(5)Matthew Z.
Had lunch here with girlfriend. Lobster roll was good but pricey (20 dollars for one roll, with chips and a pickle). Mac and cheese was OK but nothing extraordinary - cheese was not super flavorful. Good selection of beers and nice outdoor deck. Would recommend, but not if you are on a tight budget.
(4)Amy K.
This is NOT American. Maybe American ingredients with a bougie twist. And lots of Gluten free options. We had an amazing ap of garlic, cheese and olive tapenad with bread ( the little bits- possibly our fav item ) . Cant explain its goodness, just tAke our word and order it!!!!For main dishes our table ordered ZUCCHINI PASTA, a SHEPHERDS PIE , and a Rib eye steak. All were tasty but a but on the oily side. One disappointing item was the polenta which accompanied the zucchini. " pasta," it was very greasy. Great atmosphere, dark walls, interesting art and candle light . We enjoyed the overall experience , but didn't feel we were really attended too. Also, we felt a little bit rushed.
(4)Sara A.
This place was pretty good, I liked the atmosphere. I had a Northern Cuban Sandwich because it sounded like something different. Most of the menu was pretty basic stuff that you couldn't go wrong with. The waiter was really nice and the place was immaculately clean. The food was really tasty but not mind blowing. Overall I enjoyed this restaurant. I would have liked to see a few more options on the dinner menu when I glanced it over, but we went for lunch, so who am I to judge?
(4)Megan S.
Buff chick dip was served warm with tortilla chips, it was pretty good. We also had the lobster mac and cheese. They claim it's the top 10 in the U.S....I wouldn't go that far but I did like it. Service was good, our waitress seemed pretty knowledgeable about the menu.
(4)Hayley W.
Every time I have eaten at Side Street I leave with an excellent experience. I absolutely love their cocktail specials. The blueberry basil margarita was amazing and freshly made. Their "make your own" Mac and cheese is beyond scrumptious-- you can put anything you could imagine in it. I tried grilled shrimp, grilled veggies, and topped it with fresh avocado. Can't beat it. You honestly cannot go wrong with any of the food here. The staff is extremely nice and helpful as well as educated- which is rare these days.
(4)Anna E.
I loved Side Street Cafe. What a fun place! We came here for lunch on our day in Bar Harbor and I am happy we did. The signage isn't easy to see from the street but if you see a bunch of people sitting outside on a patio of a lively restaurant during the warmer months, you are probably in the right place. The place was buzzing when we arrived but we were still seated pretty quickly after arriving. No outdoor tables were available so we opted to sit inside which was just fine as we enjoyed the playful and funky decor. The most memorable part of the meal was the strawberry rhubarb margarita which was as beautiful as it was tasty. If it's available, and you like strawberries, rhubarb, and margaritas, this is not to be missed. For lunch I had the Emmy - grilled pita stuffed with avocado, lettuce, tomato, fresh mozzarella, sprouts and pesto. My friend had pulled pork sandwich and a cup of New England clam chowder. All delicious. Service was great as well. I'm a fan and I will be back next time we were here.
(4)Chris S.
Had our first lobstee roll here.. it was delicious!!! Also had their mac and cheese which was great as well. Although its not located on the water i highly recommend this reataurant. Usually a wait to be seated to plan accordingly.
(5)Caroline K.
Quite possibly one of my favorite seafood restaurants. This was recommended to me as part of our weekend Maine trip, and I'm so glad I got to come here. The wait is horrific (expect anywhere between 2-3 hours) but my bf and I were lucky enough to snag a table outside for two. Perfect for summer! We may have ordered a bit too much...but that's what you get when you have two out-of-towners starving and eager for some decent seafood. We started off with beers (mine was a blueberry summer draught with cute little blueberries floating around) and a pound of steamers. This was probably the only drawback of the night. While the clams were fresh, we could still taste bits of sand even when we washed them in the salt water they provided us. Ick. Then we got the crab cakes, lobster stew, and our own lobster sandwiches. Crab cakes were good, but lobster stew was the bomb. Huge chunks of fresh lobster in a cup so you can taste the amazingness. They definitely don't skimp here. To finish off, we got the warm blueberry pie with ice cream because blueberries are what the state is supposedly well known for. I knew immediately from the first bite it was made fresh from the kitchen. None of that premixed box shit. It was so good we forced ourselves to finish it even though we were ready to burst from everything we ate. Our waitress was a total sweetheart. Her name was Abbie, I think. And our bill didn't even come out to a hundred dollars! Try ordering that much in NY and see how it pans out. Actually, don't wanna.
(5)Liviu R.
We were able to create a Vegan lunch here, which proved to be very challenging in other restaurants in Bar Harbor. Recommend the build your own sandwich option with the pita bread, bean pattie and maple mustard dressing, and side of roasted veggies. Service as great too - although they were super busy at lunch, they checked various items whether they were Vegan, and dishes came out very quickly.
(4)Carlos D.
Good drinks, mediocre food, and sub-par service. We went to this place two times during our vacation. The first time it was fantastic in every respect, deserving the full five stars. The service was fast, the food was good and cheap(er), and the cocktails were strong and delicious. Because of the great first time experience, we chose to finish off our vacation by going to this place one last time. However, it under-performed and I must give it the three stars it deserves as opposed to the five stars. The service was terrible. The waitress let our drinks to run out. The food took a good 30 some minutes before it was served, and the waitress took her sweet time to socialize with her friends rather than doing her job. In addition, the lobster roll was very disappointing. It claimed to be the best in the area but I just ended up paying $20 for a cold lobster salad served on a mini hotdog roll. If it wasn't for their strong and delicious blueberry basil margarita, I would give this place a maximum of two stars. Hope this helps.
(3)James L.
Nice cafe away from the main area. Sat in the outside dining area which was nice with the great weather and breeze that cooled us down. The lobster roll was pricey but similar to price around the area but it was very good. The simple taste of lobster on a toasted butter roll, no frills, just good old chunky Maine lobster. The strawberry rhubarb margarita was nicely refreshing, held off on the salt and sugar rim. Fries were nicely cut, thick, fried just right. The only downside was a mildly average clam chowder, slightly watery, tasty grainy, not a silky, creamy texture. Would come back for a lobster roll, and when hungrier try their dessert.
(4)Thomas A.
I can see why this place was freaking crowded with a long wait. My gf and I went here with a wait of 2-3 hours. However the outside area was 1st come 1st served, so we gambled and luckily found an empty table that we pounced on. We ordered steamers. Mmmm it was fresh but maybe a bit too fresh. Helllo sand? Can you please clean the steamers a bit. Yes i know that you give the salt water so we can do it ourselves, but it didn't help at all. The sand bits were stuck on hardcore. I had the BLAT (bacon lettuce avocado tomato) w/ lobster. Yes you can add lobster to ANY dish. ANY!!!! It said so on the menu, so I did it. I'm glad i did; although i regret ordering my sandwich with focaccia instead of marbled rye. The sandwich was too bready, but that was my own doing. Overall the dish was solid, and the homemade potato chips were crispy and solid as well. Oh my gf and I shared the lobster stew, and i wish i didn't. It was soooo good that I secretly didn't want to share it. The highlight of the dinner was the dessert. We shared a blueberry pie with vanilla ice cream... MMMMMMMMMMM! If it is on the menu when you go..I totally recommend saving room in your stomach for this dish, you will NOT be disappointed. Props to my gf for picking this place.
(4)Ellen B.
Let's say that the taste of the food was quite ok. When we go to the US we are always surprised by the good and enormous portions which is of course wonderful for the hungry men in our company. This time we were really disappointed . We ordered a Lobster stew and a Lobster roll for around Twenty dollars each. For us it was just an appetizer and we went hungry home! For that price it is ridiculous and I don't understand why everyone is so optimistic about this crowdy place. Our waitress though was very friendly but we won't return because these are portions for mice. Adding French Fries and a salad could make things better.
(2)Lauren B.
Food is decent and the portions are crazy generous (when in doubt, go for the smaller portion. The reason for this particularly high rating is the service and a particular drink that meant this was the only place that warranted a return visit while we were in Bar Harbor. 3 words. Blueberry. Spiked. Lemonade. The best drink after a long day hiking.
(4)Sebastian C.
First of all, build your own mac&cheese... Uh yes please! This place is perfect all around - atmosphere, service, food, drinks etc. While there was no wait with a seat yourself bar area and patio, this place was still packed so we weren't surprised when there was a long wait for our food. But don't be a dick, just relax and enjoy a delicious cocktail while you wait. And oh yeah, great live music. The service was on point, and I don't say that lightly--apparently I can be a little "picky," sheesh. Riley, our server, was perfectly timed, with just the right amount of presence. Checked in promptly after a few bites to assure everything was good and then gave us distance, as it should be. We were even checked in on half way through the meal by the manager which is always a great gesture especially seeing as the place was slammed. The food - whoa.. Pretty damn great. Highly recommend the "Emmy" and of course the mac&cheese (which yes, if you were wondering, I happen to be an expert on.) A woman at a table adjacent who was "a pretty good chef herself," she said quite loudly, said it was the best (whatever she ate) she'd ever had. And finally one extra round of applause to this place because when 95% of your clientele is tourists, it's easy to drop the quality of the food and especially the service since you aren't that concerned about returning customers. This is something a few of the other spots are definitely guilty of. So hopefully by the time you've finished reading this dreadfully long review, you're already on your way!
(5)Nicholas M.
You don't get over 300 reviews without being good. This place is great. Order the Mac n cheese. You will not be disappointed!
(5)Dan C.
I went here three times on my week trip to acadia. great happy hour! 3 dollar drafts for 3 hours. Beer list was average, but enough winners to keep me happy and I liked the focus on local and new england offerings. The cheap bar snacks were a nice perk, though options were limited, the menu was secretive and the food I had really wasn't great. The outdoor deck, though with barely passable views, was nice and the late june weather. Definitely recommend hitting the happy hour. (3pm - 6pm)
(4)Jess P.
Delicious all around!!! Best fish tacos with a crispy/soft corn tortilla and great fresh hand packed black bean burger. Highly recommend.
(5)annie d.
I feel like I was led astray by all the great reviews this place has. While it definitely had some redeeming qualities, the food didn't quite hit the mark. Some things were good: the roast veggie salad and the burger. Yum. And the atmosphere was really nice too, with great live music. But other things were not so good: the French fries were cold and greasy and the Mac and cheese was beyond bland. Why are people so obsessed with this Mac and cheese?! Ours was completely tasteless but definitely still packed a punch in terms of calories. Bummer.
(3)Joe C.
Where do the locals eat in Bar Harbor? Well Side Street Cafe is one place. I know this because during the off season when many local restaurants were closed, this place was open and boy-oh-boy was it packed. Lots of customers were locals. I was expecting crappy service because they were so busy but surprisingly the servers were extremely nice and super efficient. The food was great too. It was basic comfort food and I got something I had never had before; lobster quesadillas. Right, Mexican food in Bar Harbor with a Maine twist. It was very good. There's a good size bar that apparently was standing room only on the night I visited. There's a nice deck outside too. The view isn't as nice as some other places on Main Street or the docks, but the open air is the open air, and I'll take it whenever I can.
(4)William C.
Good place to eat. Food was good but style and decor was bland. Service left me with a bad taste in my mouth. It also was an over priced tourist spot. Would not recommend.
(3)Cat L.
We came here for for an affordable dinner option while visiting Bar Harbor and were not disappointed. It's a few blocks from the main stores of Bar Harbor and has ample seating inside so there was no wait on a Saturday night. The blueberry pie and lobster bisque were by far the highlights of my meal, although both were pricey compared to the rest of the menu. I would eat here again if I visit Bar Harbor again.
(4)Brian Y.
I read an news story that SSC had one of the ten best lobster rolls n Maine, so we decided to try them. Actually my wife had the lobster roll, which was the best she's had. Lots of lobster and very, very little mayo. Perfect. I had the Lazy Guy lobster, they remove all the meat and just serve the meat, a cup of chowder & some chips. Lobster & chowder were very good. Great service, prices are average for BH, which is high. Nice place for a meal
(5)Dee Dee Y.
We, four of us,went in ten minutes after they open. Plenty of seat available but the hostess put us at the table right outside the restroom and right at the entrance. Is it because we are Chinese? Service is good, so we still paid 20%. Food is ok. Lobster is fresh. Nothing special.
(1)Melinda Z.
Had a late lunch (early dinner) at the Side Street Cafe today. Had a regular margarita and a lobster roll. Both were seriously delicious! For dessert, the Fluffernutter was very tasty - a peanut butter and fluff grilled sandwich, topped with ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce. Yum! The waitress was delightful and the beverages and food arrived quickly. A bonus, they have sweet tea, a true treat for a southerner to find!
(4)Benjamin M.
The food was good, but not great (lobster mac and cheese and steak and cheese sandwich). The service however was outstanding.
(4)Chris W.
During the entire vacation on Bar Harbor this place was probably my favorite. The food was rich and hearty and delicious. Friendly staff also. Really recommend dropping by if you are on the island!
(5)Brydie H.
Great food. The place needs to be bigger. Defiantly get reservations as we had a good hour wait but it was worth it. It's pricey but worth the splurge. We had a fish sandwich, a burger and chowder.
(5)Xiao C.
Portion of lobster stew was much smaller than expected. Whole lobster dish was quite over cooked. Probably not worth the long wait.
(2)Caryn B.
Lobster mac & cheese is to die for as well as as jeffs macncheese. Also the Local Cosmo is excellent as well.
(5)John D.
This is a waste. Sad. What a waste. We had a burger. Patty was frozen. Then grotesquely overcooked. We had the lobster stew. Feh, but why pay for feh? No. We had fries. They were disgusting - baked, not fried. Huh? Then they're not "fried." The atmosphere, such as it is, is all plastic. This place is a big AVOID .
(1)Steph C.
Extremely popular restaurant. The wait for a table was over an hour, but luckily we managed to grab a small table in the bar area (first come first serve). Ordered the lobster stew, customized mac n' cheese with tomato, spinach, avocado, and corned beef, and a hometown burger. They had a nice alcohol selection, but I decided to go with a blueberry soda which was delish! The lobster stew was simple and delicious. Thick chunks of fresh lobster meat in a creamy flavorful broth that had sherry. It was a little rich, but I couldn't stop eating it. The burger was a nice thick medium cooked patty. Not particularly seasoned, but a proper burger nonetheless. The mac n'cheese with all of our random toppings turned out great! Portions were generous and we ended up taking back leftovers. The place is really busy and the bar gets overly loud and crowded. Service was friendly.
(4)Theresa M.
This is the best place we ate at in Maine! All the food and drinks were sooo good. We got to try the Lobster Stew for the first time. It was packed full of Lobster. What a treat! I had the Lobster Mac and Cheese which was very good. You need to try the Watermelon Cucumber Margarita! Happy Hour drinks is a yay! Happy hour app selection was a Ney!
(5)Trish S.
We stopped in to the side street cafe for dinner on a rainy cold Sunday and found a warm and friendly welcome. We started with crab cakes, which were pretty good. Then my sister and I both ordered the fish tacos which today were haddock. A little fishy for me with a slightly less than fresh tortilla but a dash of chalula hot sauce and they were good. After dinner we finished off with great coffee and shared a piece blueberry pie, warmed with ice cream. The pie was very tasty but the crust was a little doughy and salty for my liking. Our server was super friendly and attentive. She was consistently checking in with us and making sure all was well.
(4)Amanda N.
We found the side street on yelp and decided to give it a shot for dinner. It was busy since it was a Saturday night, but we called ahead and got our table within five minutes of arriving. They have a great selection of drinks and all of our entrees were excellent (lobster meal, lobster roll, lobster mac and cheese). The only thing that was okay instead of excellent was the guacamole. Everything else was wonderful and the service was also quite good.
(4)Catherine G.
The Side Street Cafe does not disappoint. On our most recent stay in Bar Harbor, we ate there twice and enjoyed every minute of it. The staff was attentive and friendly and the food was excellent. Lobster Mac & Cheese is to die for! The portion is very generous, so be prepared to go in hungry. The burgers and quesadillas are fabulous. The margaritas were excellent. My husband and I shared a pitcher both times and enjoyed them fully. If you want a place to eat that the whole family will enjoy, this is the place to go!
(5)Kim L.
Really nice atmosphere and food was good but it took a really long time to get our food and the server never came over to apologize or give us an update. We understand that things happen but it makes all the difference when you have wait staff who recognizes the food is late and keeps us posted. A couple that was seated after we were, got their food way ahead of us and were almost finished by the time we finally got ours.
(3)Jessica M.
Sweet, friendly and well run. Good, casual food - burgers reportedly excellent and my salad was fresh and delicious. They have a neat "build your own" Mac and cheese where you can add things like veggies or lobster. Indoor or outdoor seating. Great for kids.
(5)Mary L.
WHAT A GEM THAT ACTUALLY SERVES GOOD FOOD AND STRONG DRINKS despite being in a high tourist trap area. We came here twice in our short trip to Bar Harbor. For lunch our first day, we had the lobster bisque, cubano sandwich, and Jeff's mac 'n cheese. The bisque was good and had a good amount of lobster though a little pricey for $9 a cup considering how cheap lobsters are in general. Cubano sandwich was done well (pretzel roll it came on was different but it works!)and came with a side of chips though I prefer my cubans to be pressed. Anyone who knows me, know I dislike cheese and was unwilling to try mac 'n cheese until I was in college. Jeff's mac 'n cheese was a delicious combination of pasta, ham, black beans, jalapenos and creamy cheese sauce. We were there the second night for drinks and the bartenders were fantastic - friendly, efficient working the pass and the customers seated around the bar. Drinks were large and dangerous (tasted too good for the amount of alcohol they poured in it!!). Definately some of the largest pours I've ever seen -- GREAT VALUE! Go for Happy Hour and you can't go wrong ($3 drafts and wine and $3 off cocktails).
(5)Dan D.
Holy crap was the blueberry pie amazing! Totally worth checking out. Nice atmosphere, decent selections of drinks, and their blueberry margarita tasted pretty damn good as well.
(5)Karen L.
Great food. Live music. Friendly staff. Casual dining, so don't expect fancy. I loved that you could call ahead and get on the wait list. Walking distance from our B&B.
(4)Kim B.
Went last night for dinner and had a nice experience - nothing crazy though. Called ahead to get on the list and was told that it would be 2 hours for 2 people, which was fine with us but when they texted me 1 hour later and then called 2 minutes after the text to see if we were "still coming", I questioned their system. Nonetheless, we sat down and ordered soup/salad, nachos, a lobster roll and the lobster mac and cheese. Everything was good but only the lobster roll was great. My husband had 2 beers and the bill came out - with tip - to be almost $100.
(3)Elise W.
The staff is wonderful! The food was just ok. It could have just been what we ordered, but I don't think that this place is a must. I would almost say that it's worth going back just for the staff, though. Our waitress gave us a great tip for a hike in Acadia, and did an all around great job with our service.
(3)Scott S.
Returned to the Side Street Cafe for a wonderful dish of Macaroni and Cheese with Lobster. Delicious!!! The service was outstanding and the atmosphere was fun.
(5)Michael K.
To be honest. It wasn't the best experience. We had the pub fries loaded were boring and saggy. We were at RT few days earlier and they were crunchy seasoned and compared really good. Lobster, Lobster Mac were ok but the Chicken and the Rib Eye not. Chicken felt dry and Rib Eye ordered medium and have been well done in every way. Overall every meal under seasoned. But to their defends I did not have to pay for the chicken. Appreciate that. We expected better food. Will not return. Sorry
(2)Derek M.
Okay, awesome food. 1 hr wait on a Friday night. ..understandable, but our waitress was not good. She was very polite but didn't refill our water and it just made me question whether she even deserved a tip or if we should give the place another try. I think she needs to get a lesson from Jeb at Jalapeno down the street.
(4)Valerie V.
As many before us have said, the Lobster mac n cheese is a must! Scrumptious. Bar offerings were impressive as well. We showed up during peak hours when there was almost an hour wait, but we were able to sit right down at the "first come - first serve" bar and hi-top tables. Another Yelper mentioned the poor location, but we thought this off -the- beaten -path destination was charming. Waitress was very "perky." Up to you to decide if that's a positive or a negative.
(4)Margaret C.
We had lunch today and all agreed that it was one of the best meals we have had on vacation. The clam chowder, mini burger, turkey Reuben, Emmy sandwich and margarita's could not have been any better. Our waitress was adorable and awesome too!
(5)Ron W.
Great food, open year round and one of the widest menus in Bar Harbor! You really don't have to look any further than the build your own Mac and Cheese, but if you do, you won't be disappointed. Great food, great service!
(5)Dennis L.
The spicy hot chocolate is absolutely delicious. It's sweet with a nice slow burn, not an uncomfortable hot you wouldn't enjoy. Definitely a nice twist.
(5)Michelle P.
Yummy blueberry basil margaritas with some deeeeelicios mac n cheese. They don't take reservations, but you can call ahead and put your name on a wait list. Waitresses was great too! Bonus.... The night we were there they had live music :-)
(4)Ryan S.
We were in town for the day after driving down from Bangor (about an hour's drive) and decided to give Side Street Cafe a try. It was a beautiful late afternoon in Bar Harbor and we were surprised to be able to grab seats on the outside deck. We were excited to learn that happy hour pricing on select apps and drinks were still in effect even though it was a Saturday. The original Margarita was fantastic as were the dipping fries off of the Bar Bites menu. Great atmosphere inside and out. My son and I tried the clam chowder. The flavor was excellent but the chowder could have been warmer. My burger was excellent as was my wife's apple and chicken salad. Overall it was a great experience. Can't wait to come back and try some of the different menu items.
(5)Jessie M.
Very cool, hip spot in Bar Harbor. Went here twice for dinner while visiting Acadia. I thought this place had a great menu with a pretty large variety of meals. I got the tuna melt and make your own wrap option. Both were delicious! Very cool ambiance. The only down fall was the service. Very inattentive wait staff. We waited for almost an hour for our meal, which was 2 wraps and a turkey melt. The waitress said that there was a party of 16 and was unapologetic. But besides that, food is great, check it out!
(4)Mark R.
We stumbled into the place by accident on a Saturday night, and couldn't have been happier with our accidental choice. They had a fantastic live band (didn't catch the name, but the fiddle player was outstanding), plenty of college football games to watch, and the vibe from everyone in the bar was great. We ordered the lobster mac & cheese, which was delicious. The burger was serviceable; the Northern Cuban was a great sandwich -- a bad cuban sandwich (if you go by the absolute definition of a cuban sandwich) but was a tasty sandwich on its own. The blueberry pie was fantastic, delicious, and is a must-have. The staff was great -- attentive, friendly, and willing to trade silly jokes, jibes, and flirts. When you get tired of Bar Harbor's Main Street and its crowd of AARP members, this is the place to go!
(4)Max W.
After reading the Yelp reviews I thought this would be a good spot for dinner. All I can say is the food was average, nothing great especially not when you factor in the wait time to get seated. I get that this is a tourist town but I don't see what all the excitement is about.
(2)Sarah E.
SO GOOD! I am docking 1 star because they refuse to give you bar drink prices when you sit in the restaurant area. Mind you this place is small and we were a group of 4 and there were no tables at all to accommodate us- everything in the bar was a 2 top. Came here on a Sunday afternoon- very picky hungry family and no one could decide on what to get. We settled here on a recommendation from a friend of mine. Lobster Mac and Cheese: AWESOME - i had the lunch portion and I didnt even eat it all. So creamy and cheesy and there was a good amount of lobster in it. My dad did a burger and really liked it - his pub fries were crispy and great. My mom did the lobster wraps and was full off of them. Fresh lobster and didn't skimp on it. My sister did the tuna melt with seasoned sweet potato chips - those chips were to die for! No idea what seasoning they use, but it was really flavorful! Her tuna melt was pretty spot on too. They messed up her order and brought out the wrong side dish but fixed right right away. I did the strawberry / kiwi / banana margarita which was tangy and refreshing. My mother and sister did the $10 pitcher deal and had strawberry margarita and were pretty buzzed. Service was super friendly and the atmosphere was relaxed and casual.
(4)Beth R.
My husband and I were only in Bar Harbor for a couple days, but lucked out on finding a great dinner here. It was busy, and we were quoted a wait, but only got partway up the street before our table was ready. We were on a quest to find the local cat but gave up in the interest of eating. Sorry, kitteh. The menu has a variety of satisfying options, and you can add lobster to anything, if that's your thang. I appreciated the family and employee photos on the tables, and the general friendly-neighbor feel of the place. For a vacation town to offer something that feels authentically local is a big plus. On that note, the service was friendly and pretty good on a busy night. After a super generous appetizer of chips and guacamole, I had room for exactly half a veggie burger. It's made with black beans and chunky vegetables in the mash. It was also seasoned generously, though I can't say with what. But a black bean burger needs a kick in the pants in order to taste like something other than just black beans, and this one had it. An overall very good experience, and their popularity is deserved.
(4)Mya S.
The lobster stew was fantastic! The flavor was robust and it included a lot of lobster. I am SO glad I only had a cup, as it was really rich. This was the best dish of the evening. The happy hour is from 3-6pm and includes $3 off margaritas and $3 draft beers. I enjoyed both. The cider margarita was great. The draft beer selection is excellent and includes several Bar Harbor brews. The lobster mac and cheese and a generous amount of lobster, which made the dish worth eating. The mac and cheese itself isn't that impressive. The full size is very large. The grilled and stuffed avocado was good and I appreciated that it was $3 on the "bar bites happy hour menu." It is half of a grilled avocado topped with a fresh salsa and melted cheese topped with fresh jalapeños, creamy chipotle and corn chips. The service is great and the eclectic atmosphere is fun.
(4)Jacob V.
Alright, dude. Listen. Do people come to Maine for the food? No. But, do we (Maine) have a few good food spots? Yes. When it comes to good, quality food in Down East Maine there are only 2 spots I think of. Side Street is one of the two, and it is actually my first pick of the two. I used to only have the option to come here on vacation. Now that I live in the area, I come and go as I please. I've dined here several times. Staff is always nice, and the food is always excellent. Find better mac-n-cheese on the planet. Go ahead. Look around. You won't find it. This mac-n-chee is top of the line. I like mine with bacon. But you can add numerous things. Lobster being one. Nom. Their burgers are juicy, the Gusto chicken sandwich is spicier than my mexican ex-girlfriend and the french fries are so good, I go to the bathroom and shed a tear over it. They have a full bar as well. I had an Ellen Loves Allen yesterday. It's Ellen's Coffee Stout with Allen's Coffee Brandy. Holy shit my pants is it good! I was walking sideways outta Side Street! There is also entertainment throughout the week. Trivia, music, etc... Love this place. Thank you, Side Street for being 1 of the 2 places I can enjoy eating in the area.
(5)David K.
Waited a long time for both dinner and dessert to come out. I had 1lb. Steamed Clams. They were full of sand. I understand to expect a little grit here and there, but this was too much. My wife had the lobster, chowder, salad combo (called Keira's something or other). Lobster meat was good and tender. Chowder was good but not as good as Thirsty Whale. Kids had Mac'n'Cheese. They liked it. Blueberry pie was good but I've had better on the island.
(2)Lynn M.
Only place (so far!) that I highly, highly recommend the lobster roll AND the lobster stew to anyone who'll listen! I usually order those and lobster stew to go as I'm eating. Yes, it's that good! Great little outdoor bar area, fresh air people watching, cool vibe. As for other reviews about service - haven't experienced that at all. BTW, 5 stars for my reviews are for places like Per Se in NYC!
(4)Lisa D.
There was a pretty long wait for a table at this place but that usually means that its popular and good. The great thing is they take your phone number and text or call you when your table is ready. They gave us a time frame but we got a text and then a call much sooner than expected which was a good thing. We weren't right in the vicinity of the restaurant since we were expecting a longer wait but it was fine and we got our table. The restaurant was very crowded and loud. It was hard to hear the server and talking to each other was pretty difficult. My husband ordered the lobster "stew" but it was basically a lobster bisque. Delicious!! I ordered a lobster dinner because when in Bar Harbour you get lobster! It was very good and we very much enjoyed the food. The loud rushed atmosphere not so much.
(4)Stephen C.
Tried early bird seaside special. It is very tasty. All 5 of us tried and we all like it. The lobster is tender and fresh.
(5)Brian H.
Great menu lots to choose from , staff friendly and helpful . Build your own Mac and cheese was great
(4)Brett M.
We went for lunch today, Sunday, having read the good reviews and seen the pictures of the lobster mac and cheese, which they offer gluten free. My husband and I split a gf lobster roll and gf lobster mac and cheese, complemented with a Maine brand root beer and a sweet tea. The food was just amazing. I have yet to find lobster mac and cheese in a restaurant in Boston. But, this place set the bar high if I ever do. Additionally, the lobster roll was certainly done with care, dressed with just a hint of delicious house mayo mixture. The waiter was nice and assured me casually that if I had celiac they would be sure to wear gloves. I love when it seems like a restaurant sees that as standard procedure! I felt totally comfortable with their food handling. Overall the food was great! The place is kind of small but they have a nice deck, should you want to sit outside. Would absolutely come back if I'm ever in the area again.
(5)Bobby Y.
Great food. Expensive food. I had terrible service, but witnessed good service at surrounding tables. Get there early as they can have a really long wait. Huge menu, almost too big. You can basically have any incarnation of a lobster dish you've ever dreamed of. Want Lobster on a burger? They'll do that. Want just a great Lobster Roll, yeah they're known for that. The menu claims that lobster was swimming in the morning, and I don't doubt them...it was very fresh and tasty. Saw some fantastic Maine desserts inspired and infused with Maine blueberries. Two single holer washrooms, so you may want to plan potty breaks.
(4)Jessica S.
BLAT was delicious. Bacon cooked to perfection! Not too crunchy and just meaty enough. Yum yum. Fries were good too.
(5)Aaron S.
Side Street Café, in my opinion, is one of the best options to dine in the Bar Harbor area. The menu, from the bar to dessert, is very creative, the quality is high, and the service is always great. There are even more draft beer choices than my most recent visit last year. I could choose from several local microbrewery drafts, a special series, and a seasonal brew. I chose the seasonal brew, the Peak Organic Winter Session. This was a nice choice-- an amber (apparently) wheat malt, with a fruity, hoppy flavor. Choosing a draft is usually my preference but I did have to try my wife's cocktail-- a margarita with blackberry and thyme-- creative and tasty. To start, I attempted the clam chowder (a rare choice for me) and it was good. We also got a large order of chips and guacamole and this order was large indeed. My only issue was that the flavors in the guacamole did not come out until it had warmed a bit from the refrigeration it had been stored in. I had the Northern Cuban sandwich for a change and it was also delicious (I wouldn't have minded another helping). Roasted pork, pickles, Swiss cheese, and mustard between pretzel rolls, how can you go wrong? On the side were kettle chips (you had the option of upgrading or substituting). For "dessert", I settled on the nonfat Baxter Brewing Vanilla Bean Stout. Yes it still had calories but it won't raise my cholesterol. I don't think you can go wrong here. They do everything well and at a high quality. When we stay in the area for a week, we usually dine here more than once.
(5)Craig M.
Great experience! Lobster roll was fantastic as was the macaroni and cheese (the family ordered three different kinds). Our server Monica was very friendly and helpful as well.
(5)Anthony C.
Great little joint on a side street as the name suggests. Arrived on a busy Friday night but we were seated right away. Started with a cup of clam chowder and the broiled scallops with a balsamic reduction. Both were excellent. We had read reviews that they served the best lobster rolls in town so we both ordered them and they did not disappoint. They are pure lobster without mayo and just a little seasoning. My only gripe, which was true of everywhere we went, is that they only had local craft beer on tap. Maine seems to be as militant about craft beer as Michigan is. I certainly found something that I enjoyed drinking but I prefer to have some more options other than ales, IPAs or stouts - like a good german pilsner. Other than that, service was outstanding, food was great and the ambiance was perfect.
(4)Amy N.
Amazing service and delicious drinks! We got a lobster meal which was a bit overpriced for the portion that we got but also had a corned beef meal which was great!
(4)bubba g.
We returned to Side Street after two years. After being amazed at the quality last time, I'm happy to say they have kept up their standards. We had excellent apple, walnut, and goat cheese salad with house made strawberry vinaigrette. The the spinach can and bacon mac n cheese was savory. The lobster mac, OMG! Just go for this. Soooooo goooood!!! They also offer a preorder app for take-out, highly recommended for a picnic out on the Villiage square. Love this place!
(5)Jee C.
We didn't have much option for dinner @ 9pm. We ordered one cooked lobster, lobster mac and cheese and new england chowder. Lobster was average ( Maine average ;) ), lobster mac and cheese... not sure how they can charge $22 for this... tasted like regular mac and cheese... they just sprinkled chopped lobster meat ( very little bit of meat) over mac and cheese. New england chowder was pretty good. Cute place to chill & grab something to eat at night.
(4)Ann W.
Just here for happy hour. $3 pints of beer - good selection of craft brews from the region. $3 off margaritas and bar bites. Really nice little patio. No view but a short walk from center of town.
(4)Jennifer R.
Had a decent casual dinner at Side Street while staying in Bar Harbor. They have a large menu with a lot of variety, so it's a good choice for those times where you are in "I don't know what I am in the mood for" mode. Server very friendly and responsive - I recall her name was Megan. Place was packed (and it was a Sunday night off season). Wine list decent and not too expensive. We had the homemade hummus and tapenade for our appetizer. It was interesting - I would have likely preferred the avocado dish everyone on yelp was talking about, but I was overruled by the others at the table. I thought the tapenade part was the best part for me - not too oily, lots of nice olive flavor. For entrees, I had the nomad burger. Perfectly cooked - the chipotle mayo was nice as was the avocado. My companions had the BLAT with chicken and the Cubano, both said the sandwiches were great. This seems to be a good go to place for solid food, decent prices and a menu with tons of variety - check it out when you are in Bar Harbor.
(3)Tee A.
Love this place!!! Had the nomad burger! It was sooooooo good! Will definitely eat here again.
(5)Diane H.
Not a lot of choices for dinner on a Sunday night in early April but we were happy to end up here. I started with the ruby red grapefruit margarita which I enjoyed. We ordered very simple dishes - veggie mac n cheese for me and hubby had grilled haddock sandwich. He said it was fresh and tasty with a different type of tartar sauce. I'd have liked a few more veggies in the mac and cheese.
(4)Tracy L.
We had such a great seafood meal here! We arrived right before they opened, and they were nice to seat us and serve us drinks before their official opening time. One of the hostesses also picked up one of the live lobsters to show my son, which he found to be scary yet interesting. Here's what we ordered to share: Lobster Mac n' Cheese - very cheesy and saucy in a good way, with a very generous portion of fresh lobster cooked into it. - Seafood platter - the bowl of clam chowder it came with was delicious, and lobster was very meaty and tasted very fresh. I didn't try the clams and mussels but they were huge and meaty and my husband, brother and dad liked them a lot. - Lobster roll - probably my least favorite of the bunch, but still good. Service was also attentive and quick. We enjoyed our meal here and it was a great experience with fresh lobster.
(5)Fatemeh S.
Half portion of Lobster Mac & Cheese + Full portion of Lobster meat on it! Do it & tell me it's not the most amazing thing, ever!
(5)Scott H.
Unfortunately we left hungry, very very hungry. We called ahead to make a reservation and they told us 5:30. When we checked in at 5:30 they said it will be 10 more minutes. That turned into 15 and when asked they said 10 more... It seemed to me that the popular yelp ratings have overwhelmed this business and they are unable to handle this new found popularity. I hope things get better and they can actually seat people with reservations.
(1)Rivka B.
Stopped in for lunch in early June during a long weekend vacation just as the season was starting. The restaurant was slow so we were seated and got our drinks quickly. I ordered the Cuban sandwich, my boyfriend had the mac-n-cheese with steak, peppers, and onions, as well as the clam chowder. The chowder came out quick and was tasty (from my quick bite), but my boyfriend said there wasn't too much clam. After the chowder came out it took forever for the rest of our meal to arrive, and the waitress was MIA. I shouldn't say MIA because we could actually SEE her across the restaurant joking with a couple other of the girls, but she was great at avoiding our glances and ushers. When the food finally came we were able to ask for refills, but they still took a while to come out. My sandwich was great, and the fries were perfectly cooked, I would definitely order it again. My boyfriend loved his mac and cheese, but surprisingly thought there was too much meat compared to the veggies. It tasted just like a steak and cheese and it was great. The food makes Side Street Cafe worth visiting again for us. The fastest the waitress moved was to bring our bill and leftover boxes, and to bring back the card. If she had kept some of that speed throughout I'd have absolutely given a better rating, because the food is carrying this review. *Another Note: I went to use the bathroom at a point during our "trying to flag down our waitress" period. The door was opened, but as I walked in there was a waitress standing in the mirror picking her teeth. I was surprised someone was in there and said "Oh! Excuse me." and went to turn but she rushed out and said "Oh sorry, I was just cleaning." Cool... I saw you picking your teeth. At least close the door. It has nothing to do with our service, but it really grossed me out. They need a better quality of waitstaff.
(3)Camy C.
Was expecting a lot from this place. It was good but not mind-blowing good. We got the lobster mac and cheese. lots of lobster pieces and the mac and cheese was so cheesy with fresh and different types of cheese melted. It was definitely one of the better mac and cheese I have had. We also got a MPLT burger (topped with fresh mozzarella, pesto, lettuce and tomato) plus lobster. There weren't too much lobster but it was also a $8 upcharge so I guess we can't complain. The ciabatta bread was soft and the mozzarella/pesto combo works very well. Total was $50 including tax/tip. We got lucky and got an inside table. It was so hot during the July 4th weekend and lots of people waiting. It is a very popular restaurant!!
(3)Nicole L.
Our first night at Bar Harbor. We were just taking a walk and decided to have a drink. We sat at the patio watching passer-bys including the old guy with a three legged dog that was so sad and cute at the same time. I had the special magarita with watermelon, cucumber and mint it was a very tasty and refreshing drink, loved the bits of cucumbers in the drink. We endes up having dinner as well. As this is a lobster town everything can be made with the addition of lobster. I could not make up my mind but ended up with the steamed lobster/cherry clams/mussels. My husband knew I wanted the mac and cheese so we ended ordering a small serving to share it's make your own so I added bacon it was another delicious dish I liked the New English style it's creamy and runny not dry at all. My lobster though was over cooked, the most overcooked one of the trip. The mussels smelled bad so I did not eat them. When we were almost done we ran into some friends of a friend from DC who were also vacationing there.
(3)Brett S.
This place came highly recommended and it didn't disappapoint. My wife and I shared the buffalo chicken dip and mac and cheese with peppers, onions and philly steak. We enjoyed it all. Service was pretty good. We called ahead and they said they would try to have a table available for us and they did. I will definitely be back.
(5)Lauren H.
Awesome make your own mac and cheese, offering fresh vs. pickled jalapeños, which I appreciate (fresh all the way!) Buffalo sauce on wings was way too sweet for me (see fresh jalapeño comment above.) Loved the Baxter Brew Co. glasses!
(4)Jeff S.
Wonderful dining experience. The Lobster Mac-N-Cheese is wonderful. Also, give the Irish Pumpkin Drink a try. It will not disappoint.
(5)Alex B.
I have been coming to MDI for 20 years now and ever since I discovered this place in 2012, it has been a "must" on my itinerary every time that I've been up here. The food is great, the drinks are great, and the place has a wonderful atmosphere and sense of energy to it. I can't think of a better way to spend an evening up here than sitting on the deck with a drink and a lobster roll. In a town full of tacky tourist traps, count the side street cafe as a diamond in the rough, a place that will leave you with a smile on your face.
(5)Cynthia C.
I've just came back from a road trip to Bar Harbor, Maine and I'd have to say this was one of my favorite restaurants! The menu is typical regular food, BUT it's beyond delicious, YOU MUST try there Artichoke Dip, it's to die for. It's such a cozy spot and drinks are very affordable.
(5)Marilou A.
My husband & I decided to come here after the good reviews from Yelp. We were not disappointed...I had the Down East Cider, Lobster & corn, while my husband had the Lobster with mussels. Everything is good & fresh. The cider is really good, the corn is really sweet, the mussels is just ok & of course the lobster is so good. We also had the blueberry pie aka mode to end the dinner. It was so good the we decided come back again for our last night. My husband ordered the same thing while I decided to try the lobster stew, which is so AMAZING. I also ordered their fish special - halibut, which is just ok. Overall, I would recommend this place.
(4)Sue F.
We had the clam chowder and builder your own Mac and cheese, they were excellent. Great service.
(5)Caitlin M.
This is a place to go to in Bar Harbor for food. After looking through yelp reviews and instagram pictures, it was clear that Side Street Cafe was a winner... and after trying the food ourselves we were not disappointed. If you can refrain from ordering yet another lobster roll while in Maine (I didn't but my friend managed to), I DEFINITELY recommend their lobster quesadilla! Awesome as a quesadilla by itself.. and what else could make it even better but lobster! If we had more time we would have gone back the next day to order it again. Another holy bananas batman moment - their beer. They have a bunch of local beers and my absolute favorite was the True Blue from Bar Harbor. Never have I ever had a beer with actual blueberries in it before. I was quite shocked when it came to the table, and found myself ordering another 15 minutes later. Last thing to mention... one large perk about the menu is that it says that you can "LOBSTERFY" anything. Yes.. that means lobster mac & cheese, lobster on top of your burger, etc. Definitely worth the stop if you're in the area.
(5)Tom P.
My wife and I came here to grab some dinner after a long day of walking. I ordered a cup of the Lobster Stew and a Fish Sandwich ($11). She got the Black Bean Burger. My Lobster Stew ($10) was outstanding and loaded with fresh lobster. The Fish Sandwich was also quite good, although the accompanying vegetables were unimpressive (mediocre quality tomatoes and lettuce) and the chips were nowhere near as good as the french fries that my wife upgraded to. Her Black Bean burger wasn't great. Stick with the Seafood (duh) and you'll be fine. Even though the place was crowded, the wait staff was professional and quick. Patio seating looked lovely on a cool summer evening.
(4)Erin M.
We've been in Maine for three days now and have eaten here every day! It is absolutely a wonderful place to eat at! It is very GF friendly...everything on the menu can be made GF....everything!!!!! Even the Lobster Mac-N-Cheese!!!!!! Multiple GF breads to choose from too if you want a sandwich! I really can't get over how awesome this place is. The staff is very sweet and knowledgable about various dietary needs. Very fresh food and reasonably priced too! I would highly highly highly recommend this place!
(5)Diana K.
Many items are Gluten free and very delicious! We shared the lobster bisque and it was amazing! My lobster wraps were very fresh and the balsamic glaze was a nice addition.
(5)jena b.
My family (including two kids, ages 11 and 13) and I went for dinner on a Monday night in late August. The restaurant was busy, but we were seated within five or ten minutes. We started with classic nachos and spinach and artichoke dip. The latter is house-made and is fantastic but the nachos were about average. The service was great - there was a misunderstanding with the server on the ingredients in the nachos, and when we asked that they remake them, they were very accomodating, even though the confusion was on our part. Our main courses were good. The mac and cheese with veggies and roasted red peppers was delicious and it was great to see a gluten free option. My husband ordered the northern Cuban and enjoyed it. There were also a lot of kid-friendly choices. My kids chose burgers cooked medium and they were not overcooked, which seems to be a rarity (no pun intended). Lastly, there was a good selection of local soft drinks and microbrews. We would definitely eat there again, especially if we have children with us. Overall it was great to find a place that is kid-friendly but that also has really good food that appeals to adults.
(4)Katy N.
Cruising through Bar Harbor and read so many fabulous reviews about this place thought we would check it out. We stopped by on Thursday at 1 pm and had no problem getting a table right away. The staff was very attentive and very helpful. I ordered a lobster roll with chips and my husband ordered the fish sandwich. Both were just ok. I mean the food was good quality but didn't think the meal was that exceptional. Overall a good experience and certainly worth a stop if your in town but don't think you'll be blown away.
(3)Food Jerk X.
Fish sandwich (special) with pesto was great--very fresh haddock. Beet salad was OK but they used canned beets. Beets are not like lettuce which wilts in a day or two: what is the excuse for not having fresh? Kid's burger was tasty. Service was friendly.
(3)Karina L.
Warning: This is a VERY outdated review. I came here this past summer and was wow'd by the food here. We were lured in with the 'lobsterman's special' ($5 off any lobster dish). We almost single-handedly saved the lobstermen considering how many lobsters we must have plowed through during our meal. This was our last meal in Bar Harbor and I could not have asked for anything better. We ordered 2 lobster mac and cheeses -- one with bacon and one without (I recommend taking the gluttonous way like we did and ordering both, too). Very generous portions of lobster, but really the mac and cheese would have tasted divine without it. It's creamy, goopy, and absolutely divine! I think our lobster rolls essentially had a whole lobster in it. There were two intact pieces of claw meat on top of my roll -- that's how great it is. The rolls were a little thick, but completely necessary for all the meat it's holding! Come here if you want a quintessential Bar Harbor diner experience.
(5)Dawn P.
Such a great place! We sat at the bar, my husband had a few beers and I had two blueberry margaritas, they were sooooo good! For dinner, I had a burger and my husband had a fish sandwich. The food was awesome! The atmosphere alone is enough to bring us a back! Highly recommended!
(5)Phil S.
Dinner 10/09/14 was great both food and service. Lobster dinner was great. Megan provided us with superb service. I would rate this place 5 stars Except it is very loud inside, no wi-fi, and hard to find parking. Try it you will like it.
(4)Reshma S.
We've been to this place several times and are impressed with their consistent service and good food. Great gluten free options, including their meatballs--which were delicious!
(4)Kelly R.
We had the very good luck during a cruise stop at Bar Harbor to have had our tour guide recommend this spot for lunch. Really really good. Here is a very simple instruction - order the lobster stew. Don't worry, it's not what you think. Imagine a lobster bisque with a thinner broth and about 6 times as much lobster as you'd get with a bisque. Really flavorful. I had the lobster with the shell already removed. Very god, and reasonable price. If we lived closer than 3,500 miles away I promise we'd be there all the time..
(5)Clayton J.
Macaroni and Cheese lover's DREAM!!! Any extras you could ever want mixed right in!!! I has corned beef and onions in my Mac.... AWESOME! Great beer selection... gotta sit on the patio too!
(5)Gladie C.
Best Lobster stew, chunky lobster meat in the yummiest broth! Freshest and meatiest Lobster rolls! Creamiest Clam Chowder! Buffalo chicken dip is slamming! Steamed Lobster was sooo juicy and succulent! Blueberry pie is crack!!!!
(5)Gee E.
Pretty disappointing Southwest burger and fries.. Burger cooked ok, may have been a reheat job. Fries were horribly soggy. As with most restaurants in town... Over priced, not so great quality. You're much better off at Jordan's on Cottage Street or the Downeaster Deli on Main Street.
(3)Robert G.
Had lunch there a couple of weeks ago. The lobster roll was served on a grilled bun but the bun was cold and the lobster had almost no dressing on it. The waiter very graciously took it back to the kitchen to be reworked (hot, freshly grilled bun and added mayo) but it still was sub-par, especially for the price $20). You can get much better lobster rolls in this area for less money. My wife enjoyed her mini-burger and side but the bad lobster roll ruined our experience.
(2)Jenny H.
Very crowded on a Friday night so we sat at a table near the bar right away... Can't beat that! Decent beer selection and a delicious black bean burger! Hummus plate was yummy too!
(4)Richard R.
The lobster Mac was great. The burgers were good but not great. Cute atmosphere and friendly service
(4)David S.
Off the Main Street, less crowded. Food was great and reasonably priced. Had the lobster Mac and cheese and lobster roll...
(5)Karen S.
Side Street is consistently good. We ate here twice on our recent trip to Bar Harbor and it was two thumbs up all around. The ingredients are high quality and always fresh and the service is friendly. The margarita of the week, "Rosemerry Cranberry", hit the spot. On our second visit I ordered a shrimp quesadilla as my meal and quickly found out it's too big for one person. Better to split. The guacamole is great! Definitely a good spot for drinks and food in Bar Harbor.
(4)Vickey T.
Really good lobster roll - so much meat and prepared really well, naturally, just how I like it!
(5)Sajeewa C.
Great burgers!!!! Yummy!!!
(5)Rich R.
Great food very good service. I have been to this place a few times and have never been disappointed. The cuban sandwich is outstanding, also try the lobster mac and cheese. This is a cant miss restaurant if you are in bar harbor. Lunch or dinner you will be happy.
(5)David R.
The Yelp mobile app scored us a hit on this one--giant menu, good food, huge portions, cheerful service, and lively energy. I had such a hard time putting together my dinner because of all of the mouth-watering choices. They offer a wide range of soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, entrees, and appetizers, and devote a separate section of the menu just to lobster dishes. The build-your-own macaroni and cheese is brilliant. From an ingredients standpoint, you can make this as reasonable or decadent as you like (from various vegetables to various meats including corned beef, sliced hot dogs, and fresh lobster!) but thank the Flying Spaghetti Monster that they offer a half portion. I started with a garden salad and shared a serving of chips and guacamole with my wife, and by the time that I got to my mac and cheese, I could eat no more than a few bites. I can't imagine what a full portion would look like, and I must have been nuts to have considered also ordering a cup of lobster stew! Everything here is one and a half times bigger than it would be anywhere else. The guacamole "for one" is the size of a small dinner plate! But thankfully the mac and cheese travelled well and made a solid lunch the next day on the road. They also feature a nice selection of local beers. The salad was fresh and wonderful, the mac and cheese absolutely delicious, but the guacamole a little flat. So next time I will get that lobster stew after all.
(4)Brit F.
Went here for my birthday. I got the lobster soup and the clam chowder. This was also the first pace I had lobster. I am not giving it 5 stars because there were flies...
(4)Kevin W.
The special broiled haddock sandwich was good. My piece was a little small but was flavorful. Service was great. I called 30 minutes ahead for a group of 12 and they accommodated. Have some good local beers here too.
(4)Zack W.
After spending the afternoon in Acadia National Park looking to find something that was open during the winter. We we're very lucky to find the Side Street Cafe. I ordered the Northern Cuban Sandwich, which came on a pretzel roll that was perfect. with a healthy portion of spicy mustard. My wife had the Macaroni which also was great. We will definitely be back when in Bar Harbor!
(5)Monika N.
Excellent wait staff, amazing food, comfy and warm ambiance. Definitely a must stop for brunch or lunch. Nothing fancy, relaxes atmosphere, but everything is made with care and thought. The black bean quesadilla was perfect, and the breakfast my friend had looked amazing.
(5)Amy N.
Seriously, our new favorite restaurant. We lucked out and didn't have to wait, and even though we were crammed in a corner and had to shout over the (live) music, we could not have been happier with the experience. My husband reports that the lobster bisque was died-and-gone-to-heaven good, and devoured his cheeseburger with lobster and avocado. I did the build-your-own-mac-and-cheese, and have not been able to stop thinking about it since. Chicken, artichoke, and roasted red pepper. Divine. (The half portion is plenty!) Service was friendly and fast, and the atmosphere rocked. Wish we lived closer, we would be serious regulars!
(5)Leigh J.
Like many others point out, GREAT vibe. Fun and casual with fantastic cocktails and quite good food. I'll be craving one of their Fresh Blueberry Mojitos when I get back to California! The Lobster Highliner (basically a quesadilla with loads of lobster stuffed in it) is fantastic. Roast vegetable salad is served w/ excellent goat cheese. Really good burgers including tons of build your own options. THey do a LOT of build your own (burgers, mac and cheese, sandwiches etc). You can add lobster to a burger! Or hamburger to mac and cheese. THey dont take themselves too seriously and you shouldnt either, just go have fun!
(4)Steven A.
Ehhh. We came here after seeing the good reviews, but honestly this place was disappointing. Had the fish sandwich and the lobster Mac'n cheese and both were just ok. Is this all that New England has to offer? Not recommended.
(2)Mike L.
We had lobster stew, that it was amazing with very generous lobster portions We tried the mac n cheese w lobster, also great, good balance of cheese n cream... Not too heavy... A must!
(5)Karen H.
Best place we ate in Bar Harbor! Must have the lobster stew, and don't go for a half serving, get the FULL! Lobster mac and cheese is super. Maine steamers were definitely different from any clams I have had before, but sweet and yummy. Loved the blueberry beer with blueberries in it. Try their handcrafted drinks in mason jars as well.
(4)G. U.
The side street cafe was pretty great! They had good maine crab cakes and chowder! We got the lobster, it was god, but a little more undercooked than we are used to. Still, everything was good, and we will definitely go back if we are in the area! Also, TONS of gluten free options :)
(4)Jacquie M.
Worth the wait. There was a 45 minute wait for dinner, but we had some pork sliders and drink specials while listening to the live music at the bar. Time passed quickly. Great food, reasonable prices, excellent drinks. Nice staff. Definitely recommend.
(5)Shawn R.
Lobster roll, clam chowder and lobster stew are all excellent. Prices are good and the wait staff are great
(5)Mary F.
We stopped by this cafe on a recommendation from our Cab Driver in Bar Harbor. This place was cozy and home like. It was also packed for Lunch on a tuesday. My husband had the Diablo Chicken Sandwich, which he loved. I had the Build your own burger with my favorite items. Then we have the Fluffer Nutter Sundae for the first time. Amazing. I wish we had those back home. Keep up the good work Side Street. I will be back to your place hopeful next fall.
(5)Allen W.
Go and have the Lobster Roll. This dish speaks volumes in addition to the wonderful service.
(5)Tim B.
Thanks for the special night out. Excellent service, excellent food, excellent seating, and surprisingly good prices!!
(5)K C.
Side street cafe is a nice little cafe on well, a side street. This meant we got to people watch the locals on there outdoor counter seating. I order the lobster Mac and cheese and it was soo good. Service was fine and accommodating and attentive to my families food allergies. It was in a very "sketchy" street though with some unusual people.
(4)Lauren P.
We stopped in without a reservation and were able to grab seats at the bar immediately. Bartender (Lucca) was fantastic; prompt and responsive. Meals were great; we had the roasted veggie salad, mac and cheese, and the Cuban sandwich. Food was delicious and reasonably priced. Our favorite place thus far in Bar Harbor! Highly recommended. Also, it didn't hurt that the music (Journey, etc) was perfect. Loved the scene here.
(5)D. F.
Happy hour. Very good drink and beer menu. Grilled avocado... very good. Mac n cheese with bacon and vegetables... excellent. Pretzels... very good.
(4)KJ W.
Lobster. Stew. To die for. Ahhhhhh so damn good! Get the cup. Enjoy. So good!!!! Great service. Delicious food. Get the Cuban!!
(5)Ann V.
Food here was just okay. Ordered the lobster roll and it was actually kind of bitter tasting. I'm not sure why but it was very unappetizing. This has got to be the first time i did not devour a lobster roll in minutes. I did love their mac and cheese. It was all kinds of perfect. I loved the fact that I could add hot dogs to the dish along with a bunch of other items listed. It make it that much more delish! Brings back childhood memories. Although I did not enjoy my lobster roll. I did really like the atmosphere and would probably recommend this place to others.
(3)Eric H.
They totally lived up to the reviews here - the Create-Your-Own Mac was really good (both the spinach-pepper-scallop, and the lobster-bacon-ham versions we ordered). The "Real Ale" matched well with the cheese sauce. Unless you just hiked 15-20 miles, the half-order should be plenty for most humans ;-) Only downside was the noise. This is a boisterous neighborhood spot, but there was a guy at the bar who seemed to have been over-served, bellowing periodically at the top of his lungs. If you need a restaurant where management intervenes in these situations, keep looking. If you can live with the noise in exchange for great food and service, call them - they have an interesting service where they robo-dial your cell when they have a table. Think "vibrating coasters" for this century.
(5)Raisa S.
I cannot say enough about this place. Joe and I spent 3 nights in Bar Harbor and everywhere we ate was great, but this was by far the best! (We went twice!!) First we went for lunch on Saturday. Joe is gluten free and this went ABOVE and BEYOND our expectations. Anything you want gluten free, you can find here. MAC AND CHEESE, any sandwich (they have gf buns, sub rolls, and bread), and the staff is super educated on it. That was great, but definitely not even the main reason it was so good, and I'm not gluten free so I was able to judge along with Joe who is. For lunch, Joe got the crab melt (on gf bread) with sweet potato chips. It was way bigger than you would expect something like that to be, and the bread was tasty and fresh! I got the Turkey sandwich with swiss cheese and spicy mustard on the PRETZEL ROLL which was really delicious. The pretzel roll was soo soft and fresh, it made the entire sandwich. Joe got a bloody mary too and it was perfect. Because we had such a positive experience, we decided to go back for some drinks later that night after an adventurous day at Acadia. We luckily got seats at the bar about 20 minutes before the live music started. Our time at the bar was even better than lunch! Coming from Boston, I know ALL about what a good bartender is. I may be used to waiting 20 minutes for some acknowledgement in the city on a weekly basis, but I've also come in contact with some attentive bartenders in my day. These guys were GREAT. There were only two of them, and between a full bar of guests, small bar tables and waitresses coming over for their tables, these guys did it all in a friendly and fast manner. A person would not be standing/sitting there for longer than 10 seconds without being acknowledged. If you are in the middle of making a drink, and tell somebody you will be with them in a minute this is a VERY simple action but it is VERY hard to come by these days. Joe and I sat at the bar for a few hours, the band was great, we chatted with both bartenders for a while and they were hilarious even while busy at work. They ran out of mint leaves at one point, and one of them ran out back to get some more from the mint plant they have out back! I'm almost done talking about the bar... but this award-winning margarita (according to their menu) was spot on. It was a special, apple cider margarita. This sounds very odd but I can honestly say it was the best margarita I have ever had in my life. We could see the tequila with fresh cinnamon sticks and apples floating around and marinating in there. He used fresh cider, a LOT of tequila, a splash of lime, and last but not least a cinnamon sugar rim. Joe and I took down 2 pitchers of this stuff and it was delish. While at the bar we obviously couldn't not get an appetizer. Split the buffalo chicken dip and it was GREAT. They could use some better tortilla chips (tostitos I think) but the ridiculously good dip made up for that!
(5)B A.
A store clerk recommended this place as a "local favorite". We were seated quickly, but the service was slow and mediocre. We were very happy with the food though. Scallops on Brussels were delicious, loaded fries and chowder were good, fish sandwich was really good. Everything was well made. We would go back...
(4)Swaggy 1.
Great place to watch the World Cup. Mac And Cheese was pretty good but the grilled cheese was a little over cooked. They had a good lobster roll too.
(4)Andrew W.
Excellent food, great drink menu, and friendly staff. I also appreciated the covered outdoor space that is dog-friendly. The crab cakes were delicious, the lobster roll was scrumptious, and their lobster stew (more of a bisque in my mind) was excellent. Feeling a bit adventurous, I ordered the dirty lobster-man, which was essentially a delicious dirty martini with a massive skewer of lobster on top... I enjoyed both parts thoroughly. I'd highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a casual dinner with excellent food.
(5)Tracey J.
Don't go here for the location. It's on a very non-scenic side street. But go for the food because it's great. Design-your-own mac 'n cheese is fun for adults and kids. Lobster quesadilla was awesome and so were the watermelon cucumber martinis!
(4)Guy C.
(see explanation of ratings below) 3 of 4 stars (good, casual dining). Reminder to always check your tab: we were charged for a bottle of wine instead of a glass. Tasty, creative menu. You can add lobster to anything on their menu (for a price). $20 lobster roll. Not sure it was better than the $13 roll we had on the same trip. Create your own mac and cheese is fun: choose from 12 different add-ins. Recommended: the lobster stew. About $10-15 per person for lunch (no booze, no dessert, before tip). About my ratings: Only high-priced dining establishments can garner five stars. Until yelp realizes that a fast food joint cannot possibly be ranked equally with a $100 per person place, I need to draw the line somewhere. If we were only talking about the quality and presentation of the food, it would be a different story. But, as we know, yelp's rankings take into account the entire dining experience. Therefore, I divide restaurants into three categories (and I wish yelp would do the same): 1) fast food and "fast-casual", low-priced (no table service). 2) casual, mid-priced dining (table service, average entrée price: $10-$20). 3) fine, high-priced dining (linen napkins, no plastic cups, no TV's in dining room, average entrée priced at more than $20, can vary depending on the city). High-priced dining can earn a max of five stars. Mid-priced dining can earn a max of four stars. Fast food can earn a max of three stars.
(3)Jennifer M.
Pretty average. My fiance and I both had a 1lb boiled lobster served with corn. The lobster tasted fresh and the corn was good. Our waitress was friendly but overall I was sort of left confused by all of the 5-star reviews of this place. It's fine, but nothing to write home about, in my opinion.
(3)Deborah G.
**this review is for a visit in summer 2013** It must be really difficult to be a top-rated Yelp spot. Seriously. To be that slammed and also to keep putting out the food that got you your reputation...the pressure must be outrageous. The short version: The staff at Side Street could not have been lovelier, but the food...well... Longer version: Definitely expect a crowd. There's a small bar where you could wait; if it's mobbed, as it was during our visit, you might want to leave a number with the hostesses. You can go wander in town and they'll call you when your table is ready. Our wait was an hour. There was a family ahead of us with three young children. The staff went out of their way to make sure the kids were comfortable after their wait, which was adorable. Our waitress was great, too, totally on the ball. A++ for the whole front of house. The food: you should know that the portions are BIG. Lobster mac & cheese ~ the cheese sauce was YUM and the pasta was cooked well. The huge chunks of lobster in the dish were overcooked and a bit tough. Fish of the Moment, a swordfish steak ~ also overcooked and dry. Fingerling potatoes and summer squash served with the fish could have used a little more seasoning. Scallops ~ also, sorry to say, a bit overdone! We can see that it must have been a great place before it got so overwhelmed. Unfortunately, I just cant recommend the Side Street as it is today.
(2)Derek B.
Good food, good service. It's upscale pub food with a lot of seafood options. I had the Cuban on a custom pretzel roll which was awesome, my wife had the lobster bisque with large chunks of lobster. She said it was good
(4)Kristin J.
We used Yelp to search for a kid friendly place after our hike in Acadia. Side Street came up on every search and despite the fact it was one of the only places with a wait on a drizzly night, we decided to wait for a table. We ordered beers at the very crowded bar and put in a kids quesadilla order while we waited. We were pleasantly surprised that our table was ready before the apps were ready and they took care of transferring our tab to our table. We sat in the back by a rowdy table who sat at the same time as us, but our server was very attentive and took time to make menu recommendations for us. I chose the mac n cheese w lobster and avocado because I was trying to decide between that and the lobster quesadilla. My husband had a delicious and generously portioned lobster roll and we both had the house salad w yummy house strawberry vinaigrette. The lobster mac n cheese was as good as the many reviewers have said and our server had promised! I also appreciated all the healthy side options for the kids, including corn in the cobb and carrot sticks. The blueberry pie was also the best I have had in Bar Harbor! My only complaint was that my side of the table backed up to the wall adjacent to the swinging doors to the kitchen, so there was an almost constant thud each time a server went through the doors. Once I dove into my food, I didn't even notice and we were grateful to be seated quickly. Great service, great menu, and great staff! We will be back!
(5)Banu S.
We had a great lunch in Bar Harbor over Memorial Day weekend. We had to wait about 30 mins for a table of 6 but it was totally worth it. I highly recommend the lobster roll and the Mac and cheese. My only complaint is that our waitress was not very attentive and our food took a long time to come out, despite the fact that the restaurant wasn't that busy.
(4)J S.
Lobster stew is great! You have to have it. Great bar food. Bartenders are great ladies. Specialty drinks are fun and taste great. Nothing bad here.
(5)LD L.
During our main vacation travels in mid October my friend and I drove quite a bit and enjoyed a lot of local food. While visiting Bar Harbor we stopped here for lunch with friends and we all had great meals. The sandwich selection was outstanding and tasty as well. They also offered gluten free breads.I had a side of lobster mac and cheese which was pretty much a meal and loved it.
(4)Patrick K.
Living in Bar Harbor is great, and in the summertime there are many dining options to choose from. What I like about this place is that they stay open year round. What I like even more is that they serve up consistently good food. I can only speak for their burgers, and their lobster stew, but it is the lobster stew that I really crave. Maine style lobster stew is lobster meat in a thin milky broth with briny hints and a taste of sherry. This is not your gloppy, thickened, cream based seafood chowder. Side Street Cafe gets it right. A big bowl is served with a very generous ratio of succulent lobster meat nuggets to delicious milky broth. The broth itself is very tasty, I would be pleased to have it even without any lobster meat, and efforts to get a spoonful of the broth by itself without lobster nuggets required pushing all the lobster to the side to do so. Eating normally there is enough lobster meat in the stew to get meat with every dip of the spoon down to the bottom of the bowl, which has not always been the case in my experience with some other eateries. And, being in Bar Harbor you KNOW the lobster meat is fresh ... Chances are real good that with the local fishing fleet right there, that the lobster I had yesterday was probably rummaging around in Davey Jones Locker the day before. With my lobster stew I also had a side Caesar Salad, which was quite tasty and delicious, no complaints there. In past visits I have ordered their burgers, and am particularly fond of their nomad burger. The burgers are always cooked perfectly to order, (I like mine to moo), and served on a Ciabatta roll with potato chips on the side.
(5)Nicole M.
Awesome spot for family dinner. Really friendly staff, great service, excellent food. If you have a group and don't want to wait an hour, have someone pop by there an hour before you want to eat to put your name on the list. Voila! Bonus points for the gluten free options on the menu. Extra bonus points for having Switchback!!!
(4)Gary W.
Great, 4-star experience...very friendly staff, good service, and solid food. Perfect for families. We stopped in for some quick food and drinks (3 adults and 3 kids). Each of us walked away satisfied! In particular, the clam chowder, the burgers and the mac and cheese were excellent. The blueberry margaritas were very good and unusual...worth a try. Overall an inexpensive, good service, good food place...worth a visit if you are in Bar Harbor and looking for casual.
(4)Greg G.
I went to the Side Street Cafe on the recommendation of bartenders from two other establishments - they both recommended the lobster stew. I took the recommendation and had a bowl of lobster stew and a Baxter IPA beer. The bowl size was large, but not huge. The broth was quite thin, slightly creamy, and had a nice pink color from tons of lobster! Spoon after spoon contained large chunks of lobster! I'm sure if you controlled yourself you could get at least a small piece of lobster in every bite. The stew was served with standard oyster crackers - a hunk of crusty bread would have made the dish perfect. On my trip to Bar Harbor I had lobster most ways: lobster omelet, lobster roll, lobster mac-n-cheese, a 2.5 pounder, and the Side Street's lobster stew -- the lobster stew was my favorite!
(5)Honey D.
Decor is amazing. Super interesting. Food was good. Although the mac and cheese was good I expected a baked little plate of mac and cheese love. I imagined a baked bread crumb top with tantalizing cheese combination, lobster wrapped in between every bite! If your imagining this too - this is not what it was like. lol But it was good- cheesy warm and lobster filled.
(3)Jen M.
AMAZING food! My friends and I ate seafood for a 4-night, 5-day trip to Maine and this place is a must-go if you're in the area. I had Clam Chowder Soup and a BLAT Sandwich (Bacon Lettuce Avocado Tomato) topped with Lobster. The sandwich is probably the best sandwich i've ever eaten and the clam chowder was creamy and everything I could've asked for. I was so full but I HAD to finish my food as I couldn't let that amazing food go to waste.
(5)Marie L.
This place is a must try for lunch. I had the apple cider, mango, and cran-blueberry margaritas and all were very good. Lobster quesadillas were great too, I would definitely recommend this place!
(5)R P.
This popular side street bar provides descent meals and an interesting opportunity to check out the community. Drinks served in mason jars? Dining alfresco was, different. Service was polite and efficient. Menu is interesting, but not extensive. Grilled fluffernutter Sunday!?! Is intriguing, but the blueberry pie a-Lamode is their triumph!
(4)Matt S.
Awesome food. $50 for my wife and me (excluding tip) for a pitcher of awesome, classic margaritas, a small loaded nacho plate, a giant south western burger (with a huge scoop of guacamole) and a large salad. Awesome deal, great good, fun staff, quick service.... There was not a single miss at this place. AAA+
(5)D I.
Good lobster dishes, looks like a cool divey restaurant.
(4)Michael C.
The place is nothing to look at on the inside but the food is outstanding! Also they have a lot of local beers on tap. Get the lobster soap you get lobster in every bite.
(5)Laura K.
Hands down the best restaurant in BarHarbor. If you are looking for a non tourist trap restaurant with great food this is your place. I am from NEw England and grew up with lobster- the lobster bisque is the best I have ever had and filled with copious amts of lobster . Great happy hour specials , lots of locals eat here ..., this place should not be missed
(5)Tom C.
Excellent food and service!!! Can't go wrong here!
(5)Darren M.
We found Side Street Cafe to be fairly average overall. Service was a bit slow, though extremely friendly. We had the Lobster Mac & Cheese, and a Nomad Burger (bacon, cheese, avocado, & chipotle mayo) with Pub Fries and a bowl of clam chowder. The Mac was a pretty big letdown and probably one of the worse lobsters macs we've had. For a $12 upcharge you are given a tiny amount of lobster (maybe 1/4 lobster's worth). The mac itself was really bland - just boiled shells tossed with pretty generic American cheese sauce (not really much better than Kraft). It was not baked or topped with breadcrumbs (not that it was advertised as such, but that's pretty standard prep for mac & cheese). The Nomad Burger had all the right components to be delicious but it too fell a bit flat, mainly because the burger meat was intensely packed via a mold into a preformed patty (not hand-formed), making the meat very dense and tough despite being cooked to a perfect medium-rare. The chipotle mayo was nice and tangy, though the whole burger was a bit of a mess to eat, since it was served on a ciabatta roll, which is really too tough as it causes the burger contents to just slip out the back if you take a bite. The chowder was tasty, though it was not the authentic preparation (meaning it was thickened with a lot of flour/cornstarch and possibly cream), which is fine - I like both the traditional thinner chowder and the less authentic thicker version served in most places for different reasons, and this was a good example of the latter. The pub fries were more like giant potato wedges - their thickness did not work well. Since there was little seasoning on them to begin with, it was basically just like eating a big piece of plain potato. A note about the lobster roll - though we didn't order it several of our neighbors did. The menu makes a big fuss about how it is not the cheapest lobster roll but it is the best in town. Seeing it at other tables it appeared...average. No bigger than anywhere else, and the bun looked a bit limp and untoasted compared to others we've had nearby. I think for them to imply that theirs was somehow more special because the lobster was more fresh was untrue - there are dozens of lobster rolls nearby that are getting their catch that morning and which are perhaps better prepared. The drinks were fantastic, and cheap for the size. My drink with apple cider and bourbon was served in a large mason jar and only cost 7 bucks - by far the best thing of the day. Overall if you are in need of a variety of choices and some decent pub food we'd recommend Side Street Cafe, but it was not one of the better meals we had in Bar Harbor.
(3)Joanna W.
We waited a veeeerrryyy long time for service and for food to be served. Two of my party got lobster meals and were extremely satisfied. I got the lobster stew and it was sort of disappointing - the broth was really salty and I was hoping for a much thicker, stew-y stew with vegetables, etc. The standout was the lobster quesadilla, which was really good and devoured instantly. All in all, an OK experience - the wait was sort of frustrating, but the beer selection was good. Food was hit or miss, and a little more expensive than I expected.
(3)Tom H.
Did not eat a meal but had appetizers with Happy Hour. Bartenders very friendly and the happy hour prices are fantastic! The stuffed avocado and the shrimp cocktail were tasty.
(5)Katie D.
4.5 rounded up to 5--really excellent find! We had the lobster roll and lobster quesadilla. Both were overflowing with lobster and delicious. My daughter had the mac-and-cheese with hotdogs. She liked it and the bite I snitched was quite tasty. I think I'd try the lobster mac myself next time. I had their special drink--watermelon mint margarita. It was really fresh and delicious. I would definitely stop again!
(5)Kat R.
I'm very stingy with rating anyone with 5 stars, but Side Street Cafe deserves it. Fantastic food, fun drinks, great atmosphere! This was the highlight to our last trip to Bar Harbor. We had a blast here and will certainly be going back next time we're in town. Our waitress was awesome! She provided great suggestions (we worked our way through most of the drink menu) and was so much fun. Oh... and a toasted fluffen-nutter with ice cream for dessert... don't mind if I do! The only one (tiny) thing I didn't really like about SSC was the single co-ed bathroom and that it's right in the main dining area next to some tables.
(5)Susie A.
Delicious! If it wasn't our last night here I would go back again. Burger was really good and apple cider martini was my favorite drink. Cesar salad and nachos was yummy. Great bartender and host.
(5)Mariza P.
The soup of the day and clam chowder are great. However, the lobster roll is average and quite expensive. I had better lobster roll in Maryland.
(3)Two Fat Ladies R.
Not many places open at the end of the season but this place was perfect. It was Halloween night and kids all dressed up. Friendly, upbeat and good. Husband had a great hamburger and I had the mac & cheese. But the best - And I do mean the best thing I think I may have ever eatten was thier home made lobster stew. Absolutely amazing. We had the waiter dressed as a shark ... and he was right there when we needed him even though the place was rocking ! Would recommend and would go again.
(5)Chase F.
Side Street Cafe was the only restaurant we went to twice during our 6 days in Bar Harbor. The reason was the Clam Chowder(and the lobster stew). A few other restaurants in town had clam chowder and none was as good as we had while in town. Both times we went for lunch, their lobster roll was really flavorful and the fish sandwich was also excellent. While we were eating though we kept hearing diners mention the lobster stew and how good it was. So on our last day before we left we went back to get some more clam chowder and I got a cup of the stew along with a salad. (Also their roast veggie salad is delicious!) I would recommend only getting a cup unless you have some friends along, The stew is ridiculously rich, but oh so good. Definitely worth finding.
(4)George D.
We arrived in Bar Harbor on a overcast morning and after setting up our motor home at BH Campground we headed into town for lunch at the Side Street Cafe after reading rave reviews. We were not disappointed! When we got there it was raining so the only seating available was inside which meant we waited in the bar until we were called. The wait was pleasant while enjoying some excellent Baxter Stowaway IPA from Lewiston, Maine. We were seated near the busy but cozy bar area and my BH ordered the tuna melt while I decided on a bowl of lobster stew which I had never tried before. The melt, accompanied by a salad was okay. The stew was extraordinary! Half of it was fresh pieces of lobster, simply delicious. The soup was rich, not too thick, good to the last drop. Can you have too much lobster? Will we be back to the SSC? Most definitely!!!
(5)Kirby G.
Believe the hype :) Our waitress was awesome - explained almost everything on the menu (a big menu at that). We went with the buffalo chicken dip as an app, then mac and cheese and nomad burger as entrées. All three were fantastic. You can tell that a lot of thought and care goes into their dishes. 5 stars easily.
(5)Sarah D.
Lobster roll was seriously good, and I could take my dogs on the outdoor porch. Everyone liked their meals!
(5)Joanne J.
We were in bar harbor 5 days and ate lunch at side street 3 days. Love the ambience service food and drinks.
(5)Ayan R.
Had the steamed lobster and the cucumber mint margarita. Both were very good.
(4)Josh G.
Great food & good drink prices, staff was friendly and attentive. I would certainly go back again.
(5)Uyen N.
We had a party of ten and everyone enjoyed their meal. The food was fresh, and seasoning was on point; my husband thought the portion could have been slightly bigger since he was quite hungry. A must place to eat when in Bar Harbor.
(4)Laura G.
We ate here twice while we were in Bar Harbor. The lobster Mac and cheese was great and the Nomad burger was also excellent. They have a good happy hour also!
(5)Hiu Ting C.
This place was soooo good we came here twice in one week!!! We had Lobster Stew several places and this place was HANDS DOWN the best! We couldn't believe how much lobster was in the stew! Their drinks menu was amazing (had the Blueberry Margarita served in a mason jar), had their make your own Mac & Cheese (had it w/ hot dogs and onions), their signature burger (amazing), had their lobster roll (amazing)....yeah so EVERYTHING was on point. As for environment, it was a pretty casual place and we didn't have to wait too long. The staff was very friendly and efficient. I want to drive 10 hours back up to Bar Harbor just to eat here!
(5)Christine P.
This is a nice location with a great outdoor deck facing the street and wrapping around the side. On our first visit we sat on stools facing the street, and just had a couple of beers after a few hours of kayaking. The place has a relaxed ambience, and the deck is a nice place to chat with other patrons. We didn't eat, but the girls sitting next to us had the guacamole and lobster nacho dish, which looked amazing, and they were loving it. However, it was better for drinks than dinner. We went here on a rainy night for dinner the next day, and the restaurant was completely slammed and seemed to crack under the pressure. The estimated 45 minute wait turned into over an hour and a half. Once finally seated, dinner was prompt but just ok. My husband enjoyed the lobster mac and cheese and the lobster stew. My black bean wrap was fine but they forgot to dress it so I had to ask for the dressing. The beet and goat cheese salad I started with was nice. Overall dinner was ok but not sure why it gets such extremely high ratings.
(3)Ross W.
It wasn't our first choice, but during the low season, not many options were available. This place was happening, but food was ok. I had a mini burger with garden salad. Guacamole was pretty good, but you can't really go too wrong with it. Quick decent service.
(3)Ashley B.
Oh my. Everything was amazing here. We had Jeff's mac and cheese and it lives up to the hype. Just get it. We also had a lobster roll and the chicken salad sandwich. Both were perfect. The blueberry pie was a bit forgettable, but that was the only downside to our meal. It was packed on a Saturday afternoon. It seemed like it was mostly tourists, but I see no problem with that. We ate outside in the bar seating area. We were told that we had to go inside to the bar to order what we needed, but the bartenders tried to come out every so often to ask if we needed anything. Great staff and great food. You have to come eat here if you're in Bar Harbor.
(5)Sharon C.
Excellent! Lavender lemonade cocktail, lobster mac and cheese (warning half portion is huge) and fish sandwich, a fresh not fried piece of fish with aioli sauce. Fun atmosphere too!
(5)Mike S.
Happen to catch it for Super Hero night! Awesome family- friendly place with a great lobster roll, 1 1/4 lb lobster dinner for $16 - perfect for my daughter, with a solid kids menu. All are meals were great and perfect service. Definitely the best meal we had in Bar Harbor for the whole family.
(5)K H.
Came here on advice from cruise ship. The lobster role and lobster stew was the best lunch I've had in 10 years! Our waitress was terrific and gave us advice on where to eat dessert. Mt desert island ice cream. It was fantastic as well. Had lobster in Canada later on cruise, but nothing compared to Side Street Cafe!
(5)Lindsay B.
This place is known for their burgers, I can see why. Food was tasty, but the service was a tad slow. Luckily we were in a hurry and the tables offered lots of ways to pass time.
(4)Nancy S.
Will get right to the point: eat here. The food is fabulous, the service is genuinely friendly, and the price is reasonable given the location (it is a tourist town after after all) and the quality of the food they serve. I join in the clamor of happy patrons over the lobster roll and the chowder.
(4)Sergey S.
Went here for lunch. Very low key atmosphere and basic decor but might be the best lobster roll in Bar Harbor. Definitely upgrade the potato chips for the baked fries as they were delicious.
(4)Brett F.
Lobster-tini, loaded nachos for one, mini burger with side Caesar salad, and blueberry pie! This place is a true hidden gem a few streets away from the crowds! Prices were very reasonable and the atmosphere was fun and comfortable.
(5)hsueh y.
I went there when they had a special discount on all lobster entrees to help the local lobster fishermen. So all of our lobster dishs are $5 off the already reasonable menu price. Awesome deal. An extra star for that. 4 of us shared a large lobster mac n cheese for appetizer. It was so good that we scrapped the plate clean. It's the perfect blend of different cheeses and perfect amount of cheese to make every bite satisfyingly rich but not too heavy. And of course, there were chunks and chunks of fresh succulent lobster mixed in. It's a must try dish here. The lobster stew was also very good with tons lobster chunks. It's more watery but full of the fresh lobster briny flavor. The lobster dinner was...what more can I say about fresh whole lobsters?
(5)Bill M.
Now that was a good Lobster Roll. They admit - not the cheapest - but if your in this town you're probably on vacation... and if you're counting your pennies - stay home. Great atmosphere (and music) too... Chill with just enough trend to make you feel like your not in a dated fishing village.
(4)Ed S.
Great food, convenient location, good prices. So good we went twice. Both times during their happy hour (4-6), which saved us a few bucks on brews and lobster meals. Over the two days we had lobster stew, lobster Mac and cheese, and the nomad burger. All were great.
(5)Judy C.
We came when they were having their fisherman special and lobster entrees were discounted. The food was great and very well priced with the discount. I had the lobster with corn on the cob and chowder. It was delicious. Bf had the lobster roll, which he also liked a lot. The service was great and the atmosphere was casual and nice.
(4)Christa H.
Very laid back atmosphere. The food was fantastic. They were running a promotion where you get $5 off select lobster dishes. It made our meals a steal. I enjoyed the lobster mac and cheese, but it was the lobster stew that had me coming back a second time. It was rich and buttery, without being overwhelming. If you arrive during peak dinner hours you will wait.
(5)Kevin L.
great food great drinks! highly recommend the baxter IPA. the lobster stew is simply chunks of lobster in flavorful broth and it was delicious! so don't expect to get full off of it. the mac and cheese was amazing shells were perfectly cooked and the toppings came together nicely. burgers were cooked perfectly and everything was fresh. highly recommended!
(5)CJ E.
Seating on the patio made for a lovely dinner atmosphere. They advertise the best lobster roll in town, and my husband agrees! I had the ham sandwich and it was very tasty. Great local selection of beer, and scandalously good blueberry pie. The "pub fries" are actually potato wedges, which were overcooked and a little tough.
(4)Aaron G.
For the price, their lobster portions should be just a tad more generous
(3)Vivek M.
Lobster roll, crab cakes are the specialitys and its the best.
(5)Lindsey W.
Lobster Mac and Cheese was amazing. Husband had the fish of the moment and that was to die for. Great spot would love to eat there again!
(5)Kaitlin M.
My family and I went here twice during our visit to Bar Harbor. The food is great, the menu has lots of options including a good drink menu, and the staff was very friendly. First dinner I had a lobster roll, probably one of the largest lobster rolls offered in town. Light on mayo so you can taste the lobster. My family enjoyed the hummus platter (as dinner) and the Northern Cuban. We also ordered dessert; fluffernutter sundae (grilled fluffernutter sandwich topped with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream), chocolate bread pudding with ice cream and whipped cream, and a pie of blueberry pie -- all were yummy. The second visit I ordered a garden salad and split a full order of lobster macaroni and cheese. The lobster macaroni and cheese is fantastic! So much cheese and bits of lobster. The salad was very fresh and the dressing was good too. We also enjoyed the crab cake appetizer with dinner and it comes with a roasted red pepper sauce for a nice kick. Great place for a casual dinner with fantastic food!
(5)Sarah W.
Awesome margaritas, good lobster, and tasty mac and cheese! I like vibe at this restaurant.
(4)Steve B.
Well, this was certainly a treat! We'd asked a local artist and gallery owner for a recommendation about where to eat in Bar Harbor, and he said he liked the Side Street Cafe. Since we hardly ever go wrong when we follow the advise of local folks, there we went. The Side Street Cafe's menu is large and varied, with lots of lobster dishes, and many other interesting dishes. However, we'd been lobstering our way through restaurants up the coast of Maine, so we thought we'd order something else. I had a house salad and a half order of Jeff's mac and cheese, which has black beans, ham, onions, and jalapeños. The half order was just the right size, even with my dinner partner helping herself to a few bites from across the table. The full order would have been too much, though I probably would have eaten the while thing. This was the best mac and cheese ever! Dinner partner had the beet and goat cheese salad on spinach (with chicken). She was saving room for dessert. Her salad was very good and a nice size for an entree. Wine was a California chardonnay (Fat Monk), which was very nice, and the coffee was super. Dessert was a brownie sundae, which was excellent. The service was wonderful, and the atmosphere was casual, fun, and energetic. This was a great way to start off our visit to Bar Harbor.
(5)TS P.
Oh my goodness! Been on vacation for a week and this was the best dinner of the week! I had Jeff's Mac and Cheese and would take the recipe in a heartbeat - so good! My Dad had the lobster roll - the menu is right - it's not the least expensive but is well worth the price. My mom had make your own Mac and Cheese and she loved it too! Service by Robyn was also fantastic. Go! Go right now!
(5)Bill G.
Was going to have Lobster something, but saw loaded Nachos! OMG! Best ever. Cheesy, Jalapeño goodness at it's best. Put that together with a Blueberry Ale, & we're talking serious goodness.
(5)Joe S.
What a wonderful establishment. Extremely customer service oriented - from the seating desk through the wait staff. We were a party of 8 - with an original reservation for 5. To accomodate our group, the staff moved some guests around - thank you - and found a way to fit us in. That began a wonderful 2 hour experience of drinking, dining and desserting (is there such a word?) Personally I had Jeff's Mac and Cheese - not anything like my mom used to make - but oh so good. The flavors, bite and how I wish I had gotten the full version instead of the half. We recommend Side Street!
(5)Linda L.
A Bar Harbor local suggested this place to get the best lobster roll in town. It was really that good. It is basically a whole lobster ripped up and served on a roll. Super fresh and tasty. There was only the very slightest bit of mayo-in fact I was not sure there was any at first. Pure lobstery goodness. The cocktail I ordered was not very good (hence the 4 stars), but the food was excellent, check it out!
(4)Erica R.
Overall a good time. We got seated very quickly! Waitress was attentive enough considering the busyness of the night! My only issue was the fact that my burger was very very pink, though I ordered it well done. Was too tired to order a new one so I ate around the middle. Good burger other than that. My friend ordered their mac n cheese and it was EXCELLLENT! A very big portion which she couldn't finish so I finished it for her :) Not expensive and a large menu!
(4)D. T.
Went the other night with a group of 8...service was excellent, with a great beer local recommended; cuban sandwich was very good....others in the group enjoyed burgers and more; new deck (opened today) is going to the place to go this summer to sit, have a drink,....and watch the world go by.
(4)Dan L.
I've been here twice for lunch on two separate visits to Bar Harbor and was impressed each time. Fresh food, prepared with interesting ingredients, and efficient wait staff. I will go back and would recommend this place without hesitation.
(5)Ashlea M.
Kids and I really enjoyed this place. One of the best meals we had on vacation. Excellent menu. Great service.
(4)K L.
Great service send an awesome Lobster quesadilla definitely 5 star
(5)Sonny B.
Amazing bloody Mary!! The burger I had was superb, and the Black bean burger my girlfriend had was crazy good. Also, they let you bring your dog on the patio! Next time I am in bar harbor I am definitely going back!!!!
(5)Alexandra C.
We stopped in for lunch. Around peak lunch hours this place gets pretty crowded; we ended up waiting around 15 minutes for our table. The food was excellent and certainly made the wait worthwhile. Their lobster rolls are some of the best in town and their lobster salad is perfect if you are looking for something a bit lighter. My brother, a notoriously picky eater enjoyed the customizable options for sandwiches. I would highly recommend Side Street Cafe as a lunch spot. You can see more of my opinions of Bar Harbor restaurants and activities on the vacations page of my blog: lovingthegoodlife.wordpr…
(5)Miki M.
I had a dinner here when I visited Bar Harbor. The service was great but felt a little pricey for the food. $19 just for lobster roll, chips and a pickle...
(3)Jesse R.
Best in Bar Harbor!
(5)Jay F.
Place is good. Very good lobster roll. Service is decent. Good place to bring kids. They will call u on your cell if there is a wait which is a nice touch.
(3)Megan M.
OMG! (And I never use those kind of abbreviations.) We came here because we read the reviews saying this was the best place in Bar Harbor for lobster rolls. And indeed it is. Huge chunks of lobster, beautifully grilled roll. We also had the lobster stew which was the soup of the day. More a bisque than a stew, it seemed to be a broth of mostly cream and again, huge chunks of lobster, including claw meat. My husband ordered a cup, and after I tasted it, I didn't want to give it back, so we had to get another cup. The blueberry pie (we added ice cream) was yummy, seasoned with cinnamon. The room itself is very open without being impersonal (it's the end of May and it was raining, so we were inside rather than on the deck which has a bar along the edges so you can eat out there). The walls actually had color, which we appreciated. There's even a gas fireplace (unfortunately not on while we were there). Yes, you can get cheaper lobster rolls at the Thirsty Whale, but I have to say this was some good lobster roll, and I haven't had a better lobster bisque anywhere. The mac 'n cheese looked lovely, and the people next to us had nachos and licked the plate clean. My husband ordered their house fries which are really just thick cut potatoes with toppings (cheese, bacon, sour cream, tomatoes, olives - the canned ones, ick). Their version of potato skins. They were tasty, but only lukewarm (congealed cheese), so the waitress took them off the bill. They also have really interesting mixed drinks as well as excellent local beers on tap. Service was friendly and attentive. We'll be back during this trip. I just wish we had known about them the last few times we were in Bar Harbor!
(5)NIck A.
Recommended by a local shop keeper. a little off the beaten track but well worth the one block excursion. Great ambiance, great prices, great food. Kid friendly. Service was excellent too, from the hostess to the bartender to the server, they all were very professional, polite and upbeat. I Had a superb lobster, mussel and clam dinner. My son had a B.L.A.T (bacon, lettuce, avocado, tomato) sandwich he loved it. It had big potato wedges as fries (only criticism was they seemed like they had been kept warm for to long) Still the best meal we have had on our vacation so far and we are 8 days in! ......Great Job
(5)Molly J.
Love this place! Came here several times this week for delicious, cold, cold beers after hikes, yummy dinner with the freshest ingredients and a very friendly staff. Just a great atmosphere overall.
(4)Paula H.
Lively atmosphere, creative American menu and fabulous drinks. We had blueberry margaritas and raspberry gimlets and they're just what the doctor ordered in early Spring when we're all pining for summer time drinks. They are very sweet but worth the splurge. Unfortunately they didn't have lobster rolls on the menu but had jeff's mac & cheese and it is a rich treat. We sat at the bar because the dining room was packed and it provided entertaining conversation and people watching. Highly recommend it, would come back in a heartbeat.
(4)Kari N.
Ate there on 6/30/13. Food very good. Service EXTREMELY slow. Waitress doesn't think she needs to write orders down...she does. Had to remind on food order and forgot drinks. 1.5 hours for lunch.
(3)Anne M.
Lobster dinne with mussel special was amazing! Lobster quesadilla can not be beat, well worth the price($25). Friendly staff nice deck. Fresh fish was bland but lobster roll was very good.
(4)Shannon S.
Side street cafe was a great place to go for lunch for a family. My kids loved it. Cold beer, great food and friendly service.
(5)Selwa W.
We saw the reviews for this place and decided to check it out for lunch...we got there at 11:15 and were seated promptly by a hostess who looked like seating people was not her favorite thing in the world. Our bartender/waiter made up for it though....very friendly, quick service, and he made a fantastic blueberry margarita and bloody mary! (the skewer of lobster meat on the side made it picture taking worthy). We started out with the buffalo chicken dip with tortilla chips on the side. It was a little disappointing...the menu stated pulled chicken...ours was chunky. The chips on the side were super stale..you know, the kind that has been sitting on your counter for a week or so, and when you have a desire for chips and salsa, you reach in, grab a few, only to spit them out and throw the bag away? Yeah..those kind of chips. I think we are spoiled from the Buffalo Chicken Dip at The Holy Grail in Epping, NH...hint...maybe get that recipe (and serve with fresh chips). Not our waiters fault, just disappointing. I'm big on getting what the menu promises...and it's kind of hard to eat a chunky dip with chips (thus why you would want to use shredded chicken like your menu says). We then had the lobster mac and cheese and split it. It's definitely hearty and rich. Very buttery....the macaroni is actually mini shells, which is more filling that plain old macaroni, and the lobster was chunky. It was good...not amazing, but good. I think our drinks definitely out did the food, and the service we had from our bartender was super great. I would go back and try something else. Their menu is extensive and there was alot of other options for us to try....if you're looking for a fun place with great cocktails and bar food, this is it. Note: It was getting super busy by noon, so if you want to get a prime table and enjoy relaxing, get there before the crowds.
(3)Peter K.
Had excellent lobster rolls and was a fun place to eat and relax. Even had some live music though it made it a little loud to talk, nevertheless it was enjoyable. Also enjoyed reading stuff on the table - you'll have to go to understand what I mean.
(5)Rachel G.
Decided to try this place out on a weekend trip to Bar Harbor- it did NOT disappoint. The first night I went with my mom feeling a bit under the weather, and with just a few bites of their Mac & Cheese, I made a miraculous recovery. It was without a doubt the BEST macaroni and cheese that has passed my lips in this lifetime. The next night when mom and I went on a search for Bar Harbor's best lobster roll, what should come up again and again....but Side Street! We decided to go a second time! The lobster roll was so delicious and satisfying. It was my mom's first time eating lobster and she was nervous about it- one bite of that heavenly roll had her convinced....and we both cleaned our plates! They've also got yummy blueberry pie and great sweet tea (a southern girl's dream come true to find sweet tea in Maine!). Prices are decent too. This one has my stamp of approval! Gold star!
(5)Amy S.
Did not go wrong with our order. Lobster stew, steamed lobster, Mac and cheese. All amazing. The only thing we were disappointed in was the blueberry margarita. Not a big fan. Otherwise, delicious.
(4)Kate M.
Side street cafe served us the best lunch we've had in seven summers in Bar Harbor. It's a warm, inviting restaurant with friendly staff. The food was excellent and very reasonably priced. My husband had a great burger and I designed my own wrap that was very tasty - we can't wait to go back as there were more options we can't wait to try!
(5)Trevin L.
Love! We were looking for a diversion from lobsters and seafood in Bar Harbor and found this family-owned business. The happy hour drink special (e.g. $10 pitcher margarita between 4-6pm) caught our eye. The blueberry margarita was a great Maine vacation drink. This place is famous for their burgers -- 1/2 pound angus on ciabatta. The southwest burger with fresh jalapenos and the nomad burger with avocado/chipotle mayo were both fantastic! This place is now on my top 3 list for burgers. Great service and atmosphere as well. Highly recommend!
(5)Ron W.
Super good local spot. Bar Harbor blueberry ale with a few wild berries thrown in. So good. Great mac and cheese for kids. I had a really solid crabmeat quesadilla. Cool owner, nice staff, all around good vibe. Probably best Lobster roll in town (although I didnt try them all!) Go here.
(4)Brian M.
The atmosphere and menu selection were both unique and inviting. Great options, not super cheap but then not cheap in quality either. It's not super seafoody, so we were a little disappointed since that's what we were looking for in Bar Harbor, but if you want to try something different this is a good place! My favorite part was that you could add avocado to basically anything :) My caprese ensalata seemed small for the price, and our crabcakes appetizer seemed very expensive (although tasty!), but Brian's chipotle-avocado burger was good-priced and yet semi massive and delicious. We would probably go back if given the opportunity.
(4)Sheri J.
Everything we had here was delicious. The service was great too. We loved the lobster roll, mac & cheese, burgers, vegetarian sandwiches (the Emmy was our favorite), salads, blueberry mojito... We enjoyed it so much, we kept going back! The dessert was out of this world too! (grilled fluffernutter a la mode & spiced zucchini bread)
(5)Mark T.
Great lobster roll! This was my favorite restaurant in Maine over several days traveling through the state!
(4)Cindy C.
We went to the Side Street Café for lunch. It was very charming inside, with bright colors, and local paintings on the wall. I ordered a burger with avocado, bacon, and aioli. Wooheee, was that burger delicious! It was tender, the bacon was crispy, the meat had flavor to it, the bun was nice and soft. I devoured it. My better half ordered a lobster roll. He thought the roll was divine. It had a perfect blend of mayo, lobster, and spices. We ordered macaroni and cheese with spinach for our 20 month old daughter. It was very impressive because the kid's order was huge, it came out piping hot, and it was delicious. We were definitely sneaking our bites in as well.
(4)Peter B.
We've visited here since practically the day they first opened back in 2009. Recently, we stopped for lunch and it was packed, and-starving-we went elsewhere for a lessor meal. Last night we returned for dinner. The place was quite busy, with active bar scene and diners, plus nice, not-too-loud music. Their food, while not overly imaginative, is spot-on solid. Great burgers, lobster rolls, reasonable drinks, and friendly attentive help. I had the mini-burger with salad and cup of lobster stew; my wife, the lobster roll. Both good. The only complaint was the garden salad was a bit ho-hum, though fresh and good sized. As an added plus, these guys brave staying open year round, so it's a nice mix of locals and visitors--and the owners are always around and do a great job of remembering faces, even if it's been a year since last visit. A great place for lunch and good solid place for a casual dinner.
(4)Meg M.
Side Street Cafe is a perfect dinner date spot in Bar Harbor. All of the rooms are small, so they feel quaint, and the patio is very cute. I'd recommend a reservation if you want to sit on the patio! They also were gluten free friendly. They have fantastic and hearty gluten free bread as well as gluten free pasta. They best part? They didn't charge more for gluten free products! I had a build-your-own sandwich and my BF got gluten free mac and cheese. He isn't GF, but wanted to share, and he couldn't tell the difference. There was also a great beer list (for him) and a cheap, good house white wine (for me). If I could deduct a half a star for the cat that was wandering around, I would. I didn't want to go a whole star down, but it was pretty gross. I'm allergic and don't feel a restaurant is the place for a cat.
(5)Lam P.
The food was to die for-- at least the turkey sandwich and mac/cheese my boyfriend and I ordered. Judging by the other reviews here, I'd wager most of the food is equally delicious. The place was packed on a Wednesday night and loud as hell, but so worth it!
(5)Betsy G.
This nondescript building actually houses a really cute restaurant that's well decorated and spacious. We were desperate for lunch and were happy to find this place with a table. Being on a side street, it's not very highly trafficked...or was it the mediocre food? There were a lot of veggie options, but my black bean burger was a lot of black bean paste on toast - not attractive, not tasty, and all around not good. The menu looked good and I'd go again...but I'd probably ask for clarification so I didn't end up with something as surprising as beans on toast!
(3)Emily S.
Great pros, though some cons. Pro: Greatest mac and cheese on Earth. Ohmigosh, their signature mac and cheese has pieces of ham, black beans, and jalapenos. It sounds weird, but it was my favorite dish on the island! Be warned, the jalapenos make it much hotter than you would expect! Con: their lobster roll is more expensive than most on the island. This was our first stop, so we had not price shopped around, but this roll is several dollars more. And I'll be honest, the lobster roll was far more hyped up than it should have been. My husband and I were not impressed, and will not get them again in the future. Not sure if it was just this restaurant, or if we're just not fans of the lobster roll. Service here was 'okay'. I think we just caught them on a bad day. My order was messed up, and came later than the rest, then I was charged for a full dish, rather than the half that was ordered. The server apologized and fixed it, but didn't do anything 'above and beyond' (ie: take a few dollars off, or a free drink, or a even a more earnest apology would have done). Though my cons are longer in length than my pros, I still highly recommend going here and ordering some of the macaroni and cheese, because it is life changingly amazing!!!
(4)Suzy F.
Great way to end a day at Acadia! We had the Lobster Mac n Cheese. They use their award winning recipe with nice, fresh chunks of lobster.We also had the crab cakes which were tasty (could have had a little less filling). The cherry on top, or shall we say blueberry, was the delicious, and refreshing blueberry margaritas! Would definitely come back!
(5)LINDA B.
We only had drinks & dessert here, but it was great. After a disappointing dinner at Cafe Bluefish, we needed something sweet. We were welcomed in by a friendly lady and two adorable puppies on the porch. They have a nice wine & drink list, and although all the desserts sounded good, my husband went with the fluffernutter sundae & I had the chocolate bread pudding. Both were unbelievable delicious! Warm, decadent, and not too sweet, these were exactly what we needed to get the bad taste of dinner out of our mouths! We will be going back for dinner within the next few days.
(5)Katrina K.
Great food in a casual but classy atmosphere that has stellar service. We went twice!
(5)Sheryl L.
I'm not sure what I loved about my burger the most, the fact that it was cooked exactly as requested, the ciabetta bread it came on, or the perfectly seasoned chipotle mayo! We came during happy hour and my husband enjoyed a $3 locally brewed blueberry ale. Then came the blueberry pie...yummy! Thank you yelpers because we probably wouldn't have found this place since it sits on street behind the main drag in Bar Harbor.
(5)Kyle T.
This place is a gem. Lobster stew, lobster roll and my wife had a cheeseburger. Each bite was perfect. Service was excellent, and the restaurant was relaxing. We will be back.
(5)Mark H.
Great food and service. Had the hummus, Caesar, and Mac and Cheese. Kids loved their dishes too...
(5)John K.
Good lobster roll, horrible Bloody Mary. The server returned after I sent it back and explained that the mix had been made wrong that morning. Bad mimosa. Good service. I wasn't wild about the mac and cheese - not very cheesy, more like shells in a cream sauce.
(3)Alison H.
My hubby and I ate here on our vacation. We were told that there was a 30 minute wait, but the hostess came to get us just as we were paying for our drinks at the bar. The blueberry margarita was fantastic. We started with the guacamole, which was a tiny portion for the $9 sharing price and needed salt. Hubby had a burger and lobster Mac and cheese, both of which he said were very good, especially the Mac and cheese. I had the bowl of lobster stew. This bowl of stew was HUGE. I couldn't finish it all, but it was delicious and filled with chunks of lobster. We sat outside on the patio. Our only complaint was the dog sitting with the people behind us who had terrible gas.
(4)Wendell B.
The food was quite good, even the strawberry lemonade seemed fresh. The burgers and blueberry pie are very good. The music was fun! The only downside was the lobster stew. It tasted good, but the name is a misnomer. When I think of stew, I think of lots of large chunks of several ingredients. This was lobster bisque with chunks of lobster. Again, tasted good, but not a stew. Definitely a great experience, and would return.
(5)Dave F.
This is a relatively new restaurant on the Bar Harbor scene. My wife and I have been here twice, and both times we've been quite satisfied. This restaurant serves small plates, tapas-style. Both times we went we had a total of four plates and were quite full. The cost was around $35, not including drinks. I'm not sure exactly how to characterize the cuisine. There are some middle eastern influenced dishes, but also other dishes that are inventive and which feature local ingredients. A number of the options are sturdy, comfort-food type dishes. The macaroni and cheese and the risotto were both creamy and satisfyingly heavy. The salads we've had here have been very good, and the tofu dish we had was fantastic. All in all, the food has been very good. I like the atmosphere here. It is warm and fairly quiet. It's a nice place to unwind and have a relaxing meal. The service has been good, although not always super fast. The Side Street Cafe is a very nice addition to Bar Harbor. We'll be coming back regularly. Update: A month or so after writing this review their chef disappeared. They now have a new chef and the menu has changed with more of an emphasis on pub fare and sandwiches and burgers. I've had their veggie burger a few times and been unimpressed. Unfortunately, the menu holds a lot less interest for me now; I'm a vegetarian, and aside from the mediocre veggie burger, there's not much that I'm interested in. So I've downgraded them from four to three stars. I really hope they return to their old menu. Updated Update: Side Street seems to have regained their groove. I've been here several times for lunch and had excellent veggie sandwiches. Service is quick and reliable and the atmosphere is friendly.
(4)Anna K.
Everything we ordered was fabulous! We are picky eaters and we were in heaven in this place. Very inventive dishes and friendly staff make this place a sure thing.
(5)Michael K.
Great food, Friendly people. Ate there multiple nights while visiting Bar Harbor.
(5)Aimee S.
We decided to try this place out while vacationing in Maine after reading the reviews on yelp. I couldn't have asked for a better go to lunch destination. My husband and I ended up grabbing lunch here twice while we were in Bar Harbor. We kept it pretty simple the first time ordering a Caesar salad with grilled chicken and he had the the nomad burger. Both were prepared perfectly and with seemingly fresh ingredients. They served all their drinks in mason jars which I thought was really charming. The atmosphere and decor were very pleasing. The service was really great and I think it was a great meal for the price. When we returned I had the black bean quesadillas: simple fresh and delicious served with a huge amount of fresh salsa and sour cream. My husband had the BLAT sandwich. Again, simple well done and delicious. We will definitely be returning here next time we are in the area to try out more of their yummy food.
(5)Sarah S.
good lobster rolls, in fact rated best in town 2010!. They seemed busy but still got us in and out quickly. Very clean space, well decorated, and most important, kid friendly!
(4)Brendan W.
Side Street Cafe is a small all-american restaurant. They serve the classic burgers that any American restaurant would serve. They do have awards for best burgers and lobster roll, but as a vegetarian I'm unable to truly to comment on those. I do get a nice mac and cheese which is large shells covered in thick white and cheddar cheese. Very big portions and have to bring it home. Some nights are music, they do have a band of High School teachers playing classic rock songs like Bruce Springsteen and the Beatles, however they tend to get drunk and things can get out of hands. I call this band "The Drunken Teachers" and two of the band members are my former teachers, so kinda funny seeing them play. Also they've had solo artist performing classic country songs from Linda Ronstadt to Jim Croce. These artist can give Side Street Cafe a relaxing and entertaining atmosphere. If you go for dinner, try to get there between 4-6 for free fondue. It's Happy Hour, so good time to get dinner there. Anyway, I recommend Side Street Cafe. Nothing original and the food won't blow you away, but still good overall.
(4)Caitlin M.
This is a place to go to in Bar Harbor for food. After looking through yelp reviews and instagram pictures, it was clear that Side Street Cafe was a winner... and after trying the food ourselves we were not disappointed. If you can refrain from ordering yet another lobster roll while in Maine (I didn't but my friend managed to), I DEFINITELY recommend their lobster quesadilla! Awesome as a quesadilla by itself.. and what else could make it even better but lobster! If we had more time we would have gone back the next day to order it again. Another holy bananas batman moment - their beer. They have a bunch of local beers and my absolute favorite was the True Blue from Bar Harbor. Never have I ever had a beer with actual blueberries in it before. I was quite shocked when it came to the table, and found myself ordering another 15 minutes later. Last thing to mention... one large perk about the menu is that it says that you can "LOBSTERFY" anything. Yes.. that means lobster mac & cheese, lobster on top of your burger, etc. Definitely worth the stop if you're in the area.
(5)Tom P.
My wife and I came here to grab some dinner after a long day of walking. I ordered a cup of the Lobster Stew and a Fish Sandwich ($11). She got the Black Bean Burger. My Lobster Stew ($10) was outstanding and loaded with fresh lobster. The Fish Sandwich was also quite good, although the accompanying vegetables were unimpressive (mediocre quality tomatoes and lettuce) and the chips were nowhere near as good as the french fries that my wife upgraded to. Her Black Bean burger wasn't great. Stick with the Seafood (duh) and you'll be fine. Even though the place was crowded, the wait staff was professional and quick. Patio seating looked lovely on a cool summer evening.
(4)Erin M.
We've been in Maine for three days now and have eaten here every day! It is absolutely a wonderful place to eat at! It is very GF friendly...everything on the menu can be made GF....everything!!!!! Even the Lobster Mac-N-Cheese!!!!!! Multiple GF breads to choose from too if you want a sandwich! I really can't get over how awesome this place is. The staff is very sweet and knowledgable about various dietary needs. Very fresh food and reasonably priced too! I would highly highly highly recommend this place!
(5)Diana K.
Many items are Gluten free and very delicious! We shared the lobster bisque and it was amazing! My lobster wraps were very fresh and the balsamic glaze was a nice addition.
(5)jena b.
My family (including two kids, ages 11 and 13) and I went for dinner on a Monday night in late August. The restaurant was busy, but we were seated within five or ten minutes. We started with classic nachos and spinach and artichoke dip. The latter is house-made and is fantastic but the nachos were about average. The service was great - there was a misunderstanding with the server on the ingredients in the nachos, and when we asked that they remake them, they were very accomodating, even though the confusion was on our part. Our main courses were good. The mac and cheese with veggies and roasted red peppers was delicious and it was great to see a gluten free option. My husband ordered the northern Cuban and enjoyed it. There were also a lot of kid-friendly choices. My kids chose burgers cooked medium and they were not overcooked, which seems to be a rarity (no pun intended). Lastly, there was a good selection of local soft drinks and microbrews. We would definitely eat there again, especially if we have children with us. Overall it was great to find a place that is kid-friendly but that also has really good food that appeals to adults.
(4)Katy N.
Cruising through Bar Harbor and read so many fabulous reviews about this place thought we would check it out. We stopped by on Thursday at 1 pm and had no problem getting a table right away. The staff was very attentive and very helpful. I ordered a lobster roll with chips and my husband ordered the fish sandwich. Both were just ok. I mean the food was good quality but didn't think the meal was that exceptional. Overall a good experience and certainly worth a stop if your in town but don't think you'll be blown away.
(3)Food Jerk X.
Fish sandwich (special) with pesto was great--very fresh haddock. Beet salad was OK but they used canned beets. Beets are not like lettuce which wilts in a day or two: what is the excuse for not having fresh? Kid's burger was tasty. Service was friendly.
(3)Robert G.
Had lunch there a couple of weeks ago. The lobster roll was served on a grilled bun but the bun was cold and the lobster had almost no dressing on it. The waiter very graciously took it back to the kitchen to be reworked (hot, freshly grilled bun and added mayo) but it still was sub-par, especially for the price $20). You can get much better lobster rolls in this area for less money. My wife enjoyed her mini-burger and side but the bad lobster roll ruined our experience.
(2)Karina L.
Warning: This is a VERY outdated review. I came here this past summer and was wow'd by the food here. We were lured in with the 'lobsterman's special' ($5 off any lobster dish). We almost single-handedly saved the lobstermen considering how many lobsters we must have plowed through during our meal. This was our last meal in Bar Harbor and I could not have asked for anything better. We ordered 2 lobster mac and cheeses -- one with bacon and one without (I recommend taking the gluttonous way like we did and ordering both, too). Very generous portions of lobster, but really the mac and cheese would have tasted divine without it. It's creamy, goopy, and absolutely divine! I think our lobster rolls essentially had a whole lobster in it. There were two intact pieces of claw meat on top of my roll -- that's how great it is. The rolls were a little thick, but completely necessary for all the meat it's holding! Come here if you want a quintessential Bar Harbor diner experience.
(5)Dawn P.
Such a great place! We sat at the bar, my husband had a few beers and I had two blueberry margaritas, they were sooooo good! For dinner, I had a burger and my husband had a fish sandwich. The food was awesome! The atmosphere alone is enough to bring us a back! Highly recommended!
(5)Phil S.
Dinner 10/09/14 was great both food and service. Lobster dinner was great. Megan provided us with superb service. I would rate this place 5 stars Except it is very loud inside, no wi-fi, and hard to find parking. Try it you will like it.
(4)Reshma S.
We've been to this place several times and are impressed with their consistent service and good food. Great gluten free options, including their meatballs--which were delicious!
(4)Kelly R.
We had the very good luck during a cruise stop at Bar Harbor to have had our tour guide recommend this spot for lunch. Really really good. Here is a very simple instruction - order the lobster stew. Don't worry, it's not what you think. Imagine a lobster bisque with a thinner broth and about 6 times as much lobster as you'd get with a bisque. Really flavorful. I had the lobster with the shell already removed. Very god, and reasonable price. If we lived closer than 3,500 miles away I promise we'd be there all the time..
(5)Clayton J.
Macaroni and Cheese lover's DREAM!!! Any extras you could ever want mixed right in!!! I has corned beef and onions in my Mac.... AWESOME! Great beer selection... gotta sit on the patio too!
(5)Gladie C.
Best Lobster stew, chunky lobster meat in the yummiest broth! Freshest and meatiest Lobster rolls! Creamiest Clam Chowder! Buffalo chicken dip is slamming! Steamed Lobster was sooo juicy and succulent! Blueberry pie is crack!!!!
(5)Gee E.
Pretty disappointing Southwest burger and fries.. Burger cooked ok, may have been a reheat job. Fries were horribly soggy. As with most restaurants in town... Over priced, not so great quality. You're much better off at Jordan's on Cottage Street or the Downeaster Deli on Main Street.
(3)Jenny H.
Very crowded on a Friday night so we sat at a table near the bar right away... Can't beat that! Decent beer selection and a delicious black bean burger! Hummus plate was yummy too!
(4)Richard R.
The lobster Mac was great. The burgers were good but not great. Cute atmosphere and friendly service
(4)David S.
Off the Main Street, less crowded. Food was great and reasonably priced. Had the lobster Mac and cheese and lobster roll...
(5)Karen S.
Side Street is consistently good. We ate here twice on our recent trip to Bar Harbor and it was two thumbs up all around. The ingredients are high quality and always fresh and the service is friendly. The margarita of the week, "Rosemerry Cranberry", hit the spot. On our second visit I ordered a shrimp quesadilla as my meal and quickly found out it's too big for one person. Better to split. The guacamole is great! Definitely a good spot for drinks and food in Bar Harbor.
(4)Vickey T.
Really good lobster roll - so much meat and prepared really well, naturally, just how I like it!
(5)Sajeewa C.
Great burgers!!!! Yummy!!!
(5)Rich R.
Great food very good service. I have been to this place a few times and have never been disappointed. The cuban sandwich is outstanding, also try the lobster mac and cheese. This is a cant miss restaurant if you are in bar harbor. Lunch or dinner you will be happy.
(5)David R.
The Yelp mobile app scored us a hit on this one--giant menu, good food, huge portions, cheerful service, and lively energy. I had such a hard time putting together my dinner because of all of the mouth-watering choices. They offer a wide range of soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, entrees, and appetizers, and devote a separate section of the menu just to lobster dishes. The build-your-own macaroni and cheese is brilliant. From an ingredients standpoint, you can make this as reasonable or decadent as you like (from various vegetables to various meats including corned beef, sliced hot dogs, and fresh lobster!) but thank the Flying Spaghetti Monster that they offer a half portion. I started with a garden salad and shared a serving of chips and guacamole with my wife, and by the time that I got to my mac and cheese, I could eat no more than a few bites. I can't imagine what a full portion would look like, and I must have been nuts to have considered also ordering a cup of lobster stew! Everything here is one and a half times bigger than it would be anywhere else. The guacamole "for one" is the size of a small dinner plate! But thankfully the mac and cheese travelled well and made a solid lunch the next day on the road. They also feature a nice selection of local beers. The salad was fresh and wonderful, the mac and cheese absolutely delicious, but the guacamole a little flat. So next time I will get that lobster stew after all.
(4)Brit F.
Went here for my birthday. I got the lobster soup and the clam chowder. This was also the first pace I had lobster. I am not giving it 5 stars because there were flies...
(4)Kevin W.
The special broiled haddock sandwich was good. My piece was a little small but was flavorful. Service was great. I called 30 minutes ahead for a group of 12 and they accommodated. Have some good local beers here too.
(4)Zack W.
After spending the afternoon in Acadia National Park looking to find something that was open during the winter. We we're very lucky to find the Side Street Cafe. I ordered the Northern Cuban Sandwich, which came on a pretzel roll that was perfect. with a healthy portion of spicy mustard. My wife had the Macaroni which also was great. We will definitely be back when in Bar Harbor!
(5)Monika N.
Excellent wait staff, amazing food, comfy and warm ambiance. Definitely a must stop for brunch or lunch. Nothing fancy, relaxes atmosphere, but everything is made with care and thought. The black bean quesadilla was perfect, and the breakfast my friend had looked amazing.
(5)Amy N.
Seriously, our new favorite restaurant. We lucked out and didn't have to wait, and even though we were crammed in a corner and had to shout over the (live) music, we could not have been happier with the experience. My husband reports that the lobster bisque was died-and-gone-to-heaven good, and devoured his cheeseburger with lobster and avocado. I did the build-your-own-mac-and-cheese, and have not been able to stop thinking about it since. Chicken, artichoke, and roasted red pepper. Divine. (The half portion is plenty!) Service was friendly and fast, and the atmosphere rocked. Wish we lived closer, we would be serious regulars!
(5)Leigh J.
Like many others point out, GREAT vibe. Fun and casual with fantastic cocktails and quite good food. I'll be craving one of their Fresh Blueberry Mojitos when I get back to California! The Lobster Highliner (basically a quesadilla with loads of lobster stuffed in it) is fantastic. Roast vegetable salad is served w/ excellent goat cheese. Really good burgers including tons of build your own options. THey do a LOT of build your own (burgers, mac and cheese, sandwiches etc). You can add lobster to a burger! Or hamburger to mac and cheese. THey dont take themselves too seriously and you shouldnt either, just go have fun!
(4)Steven A.
Ehhh. We came here after seeing the good reviews, but honestly this place was disappointing. Had the fish sandwich and the lobster Mac'n cheese and both were just ok. Is this all that New England has to offer? Not recommended.
(2)Mike L.
We had lobster stew, that it was amazing with very generous lobster portions We tried the mac n cheese w lobster, also great, good balance of cheese n cream... Not too heavy... A must!
(5)Karen H.
Best place we ate in Bar Harbor! Must have the lobster stew, and don't go for a half serving, get the FULL! Lobster mac and cheese is super. Maine steamers were definitely different from any clams I have had before, but sweet and yummy. Loved the blueberry beer with blueberries in it. Try their handcrafted drinks in mason jars as well.
(4)Ann V.
Food here was just okay. Ordered the lobster roll and it was actually kind of bitter tasting. I'm not sure why but it was very unappetizing. This has got to be the first time i did not devour a lobster roll in minutes. I did love their mac and cheese. It was all kinds of perfect. I loved the fact that I could add hot dogs to the dish along with a bunch of other items listed. It make it that much more delish! Brings back childhood memories. Although I did not enjoy my lobster roll. I did really like the atmosphere and would probably recommend this place to others.
(3)Eric H.
They totally lived up to the reviews here - the Create-Your-Own Mac was really good (both the spinach-pepper-scallop, and the lobster-bacon-ham versions we ordered). The "Real Ale" matched well with the cheese sauce. Unless you just hiked 15-20 miles, the half-order should be plenty for most humans ;-) Only downside was the noise. This is a boisterous neighborhood spot, but there was a guy at the bar who seemed to have been over-served, bellowing periodically at the top of his lungs. If you need a restaurant where management intervenes in these situations, keep looking. If you can live with the noise in exchange for great food and service, call them - they have an interesting service where they robo-dial your cell when they have a table. Think "vibrating coasters" for this century.
(5)Andrew W.
Excellent food, great drink menu, and friendly staff. I also appreciated the covered outdoor space that is dog-friendly. The crab cakes were delicious, the lobster roll was scrumptious, and their lobster stew (more of a bisque in my mind) was excellent. Feeling a bit adventurous, I ordered the dirty lobster-man, which was essentially a delicious dirty martini with a massive skewer of lobster on top... I enjoyed both parts thoroughly. I'd highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a casual dinner with excellent food.
(5)Tracey J.
Don't go here for the location. It's on a very non-scenic side street. But go for the food because it's great. Design-your-own mac 'n cheese is fun for adults and kids. Lobster quesadilla was awesome and so were the watermelon cucumber martinis!
(4)Marie L.
This place is a must try for lunch. I had the apple cider, mango, and cran-blueberry margaritas and all were very good. Lobster quesadillas were great too, I would definitely recommend this place!
(5)R P.
This popular side street bar provides descent meals and an interesting opportunity to check out the community. Drinks served in mason jars? Dining alfresco was, different. Service was polite and efficient. Menu is interesting, but not extensive. Grilled fluffernutter Sunday!?! Is intriguing, but the blueberry pie a-Lamode is their triumph!
(4)Matt S.
Awesome food. $50 for my wife and me (excluding tip) for a pitcher of awesome, classic margaritas, a small loaded nacho plate, a giant south western burger (with a huge scoop of guacamole) and a large salad. Awesome deal, great good, fun staff, quick service.... There was not a single miss at this place. AAA+
(5)Raisa S.
I cannot say enough about this place. Joe and I spent 3 nights in Bar Harbor and everywhere we ate was great, but this was by far the best! (We went twice!!) First we went for lunch on Saturday. Joe is gluten free and this went ABOVE and BEYOND our expectations. Anything you want gluten free, you can find here. MAC AND CHEESE, any sandwich (they have gf buns, sub rolls, and bread), and the staff is super educated on it. That was great, but definitely not even the main reason it was so good, and I'm not gluten free so I was able to judge along with Joe who is. For lunch, Joe got the crab melt (on gf bread) with sweet potato chips. It was way bigger than you would expect something like that to be, and the bread was tasty and fresh! I got the Turkey sandwich with swiss cheese and spicy mustard on the PRETZEL ROLL which was really delicious. The pretzel roll was soo soft and fresh, it made the entire sandwich. Joe got a bloody mary too and it was perfect. Because we had such a positive experience, we decided to go back for some drinks later that night after an adventurous day at Acadia. We luckily got seats at the bar about 20 minutes before the live music started. Our time at the bar was even better than lunch! Coming from Boston, I know ALL about what a good bartender is. I may be used to waiting 20 minutes for some acknowledgement in the city on a weekly basis, but I've also come in contact with some attentive bartenders in my day. These guys were GREAT. There were only two of them, and between a full bar of guests, small bar tables and waitresses coming over for their tables, these guys did it all in a friendly and fast manner. A person would not be standing/sitting there for longer than 10 seconds without being acknowledged. If you are in the middle of making a drink, and tell somebody you will be with them in a minute this is a VERY simple action but it is VERY hard to come by these days. Joe and I sat at the bar for a few hours, the band was great, we chatted with both bartenders for a while and they were hilarious even while busy at work. They ran out of mint leaves at one point, and one of them ran out back to get some more from the mint plant they have out back! I'm almost done talking about the bar... but this award-winning margarita (according to their menu) was spot on. It was a special, apple cider margarita. This sounds very odd but I can honestly say it was the best margarita I have ever had in my life. We could see the tequila with fresh cinnamon sticks and apples floating around and marinating in there. He used fresh cider, a LOT of tequila, a splash of lime, and last but not least a cinnamon sugar rim. Joe and I took down 2 pitchers of this stuff and it was delish. While at the bar we obviously couldn't not get an appetizer. Split the buffalo chicken dip and it was GREAT. They could use some better tortilla chips (tostitos I think) but the ridiculously good dip made up for that!
(5)B A.
A store clerk recommended this place as a "local favorite". We were seated quickly, but the service was slow and mediocre. We were very happy with the food though. Scallops on Brussels were delicious, loaded fries and chowder were good, fish sandwich was really good. Everything was well made. We would go back...
(4)Swaggy 1.
Great place to watch the World Cup. Mac And Cheese was pretty good but the grilled cheese was a little over cooked. They had a good lobster roll too.
(4)Guy C.
(see explanation of ratings below) 3 of 4 stars (good, casual dining). Reminder to always check your tab: we were charged for a bottle of wine instead of a glass. Tasty, creative menu. You can add lobster to anything on their menu (for a price). $20 lobster roll. Not sure it was better than the $13 roll we had on the same trip. Create your own mac and cheese is fun: choose from 12 different add-ins. Recommended: the lobster stew. About $10-15 per person for lunch (no booze, no dessert, before tip). About my ratings: Only high-priced dining establishments can garner five stars. Until yelp realizes that a fast food joint cannot possibly be ranked equally with a $100 per person place, I need to draw the line somewhere. If we were only talking about the quality and presentation of the food, it would be a different story. But, as we know, yelp's rankings take into account the entire dining experience. Therefore, I divide restaurants into three categories (and I wish yelp would do the same): 1) fast food and "fast-casual", low-priced (no table service). 2) casual, mid-priced dining (table service, average entrée price: $10-$20). 3) fine, high-priced dining (linen napkins, no plastic cups, no TV's in dining room, average entrée priced at more than $20, can vary depending on the city). High-priced dining can earn a max of five stars. Mid-priced dining can earn a max of four stars. Fast food can earn a max of three stars.
(3)Jennifer M.
Pretty average. My fiance and I both had a 1lb boiled lobster served with corn. The lobster tasted fresh and the corn was good. Our waitress was friendly but overall I was sort of left confused by all of the 5-star reviews of this place. It's fine, but nothing to write home about, in my opinion.
(3)Deborah G.
**this review is for a visit in summer 2013** It must be really difficult to be a top-rated Yelp spot. Seriously. To be that slammed and also to keep putting out the food that got you your reputation...the pressure must be outrageous. The short version: The staff at Side Street could not have been lovelier, but the food...well... Longer version: Definitely expect a crowd. There's a small bar where you could wait; if it's mobbed, as it was during our visit, you might want to leave a number with the hostesses. You can go wander in town and they'll call you when your table is ready. Our wait was an hour. There was a family ahead of us with three young children. The staff went out of their way to make sure the kids were comfortable after their wait, which was adorable. Our waitress was great, too, totally on the ball. A++ for the whole front of house. The food: you should know that the portions are BIG. Lobster mac & cheese ~ the cheese sauce was YUM and the pasta was cooked well. The huge chunks of lobster in the dish were overcooked and a bit tough. Fish of the Moment, a swordfish steak ~ also overcooked and dry. Fingerling potatoes and summer squash served with the fish could have used a little more seasoning. Scallops ~ also, sorry to say, a bit overdone! We can see that it must have been a great place before it got so overwhelmed. Unfortunately, I just cant recommend the Side Street as it is today.
(2)Derek B.
Good food, good service. It's upscale pub food with a lot of seafood options. I had the Cuban on a custom pretzel roll which was awesome, my wife had the lobster bisque with large chunks of lobster. She said it was good
(4)Ron W.
Great food, open year round and one of the widest menus in Bar Harbor! You really don't have to look any further than the build your own Mac and Cheese, but if you do, you won't be disappointed. Great food, great service!
(5)Dennis L.
The spicy hot chocolate is absolutely delicious. It's sweet with a nice slow burn, not an uncomfortable hot you wouldn't enjoy. Definitely a nice twist.
(5)Michelle P.
Yummy blueberry basil margaritas with some deeeeelicios mac n cheese. They don't take reservations, but you can call ahead and put your name on a wait list. Waitresses was great too! Bonus.... The night we were there they had live music :-)
(4)Ryan S.
We were in town for the day after driving down from Bangor (about an hour's drive) and decided to give Side Street Cafe a try. It was a beautiful late afternoon in Bar Harbor and we were surprised to be able to grab seats on the outside deck. We were excited to learn that happy hour pricing on select apps and drinks were still in effect even though it was a Saturday. The original Margarita was fantastic as were the dipping fries off of the Bar Bites menu. Great atmosphere inside and out. My son and I tried the clam chowder. The flavor was excellent but the chowder could have been warmer. My burger was excellent as was my wife's apple and chicken salad. Overall it was a great experience. Can't wait to come back and try some of the different menu items.
(5)Jessie M.
Very cool, hip spot in Bar Harbor. Went here twice for dinner while visiting Acadia. I thought this place had a great menu with a pretty large variety of meals. I got the tuna melt and make your own wrap option. Both were delicious! Very cool ambiance. The only down fall was the service. Very inattentive wait staff. We waited for almost an hour for our meal, which was 2 wraps and a turkey melt. The waitress said that there was a party of 16 and was unapologetic. But besides that, food is great, check it out!
(4)Mark R.
We stumbled into the place by accident on a Saturday night, and couldn't have been happier with our accidental choice. They had a fantastic live band (didn't catch the name, but the fiddle player was outstanding), plenty of college football games to watch, and the vibe from everyone in the bar was great. We ordered the lobster mac & cheese, which was delicious. The burger was serviceable; the Northern Cuban was a great sandwich -- a bad cuban sandwich (if you go by the absolute definition of a cuban sandwich) but was a tasty sandwich on its own. The blueberry pie was fantastic, delicious, and is a must-have. The staff was great -- attentive, friendly, and willing to trade silly jokes, jibes, and flirts. When you get tired of Bar Harbor's Main Street and its crowd of AARP members, this is the place to go!
(4)Sarah E.
SO GOOD! I am docking 1 star because they refuse to give you bar drink prices when you sit in the restaurant area. Mind you this place is small and we were a group of 4 and there were no tables at all to accommodate us- everything in the bar was a 2 top. Came here on a Sunday afternoon- very picky hungry family and no one could decide on what to get. We settled here on a recommendation from a friend of mine. Lobster Mac and Cheese: AWESOME - i had the lunch portion and I didnt even eat it all. So creamy and cheesy and there was a good amount of lobster in it. My dad did a burger and really liked it - his pub fries were crispy and great. My mom did the lobster wraps and was full off of them. Fresh lobster and didn't skimp on it. My sister did the tuna melt with seasoned sweet potato chips - those chips were to die for! No idea what seasoning they use, but it was really flavorful! Her tuna melt was pretty spot on too. They messed up her order and brought out the wrong side dish but fixed right right away. I did the strawberry / kiwi / banana margarita which was tangy and refreshing. My mother and sister did the $10 pitcher deal and had strawberry margarita and were pretty buzzed. Service was super friendly and the atmosphere was relaxed and casual.
(4)Beth R.
My husband and I were only in Bar Harbor for a couple days, but lucked out on finding a great dinner here. It was busy, and we were quoted a wait, but only got partway up the street before our table was ready. We were on a quest to find the local cat but gave up in the interest of eating. Sorry, kitteh. The menu has a variety of satisfying options, and you can add lobster to anything, if that's your thang. I appreciated the family and employee photos on the tables, and the general friendly-neighbor feel of the place. For a vacation town to offer something that feels authentically local is a big plus. On that note, the service was friendly and pretty good on a busy night. After a super generous appetizer of chips and guacamole, I had room for exactly half a veggie burger. It's made with black beans and chunky vegetables in the mash. It was also seasoned generously, though I can't say with what. But a black bean burger needs a kick in the pants in order to taste like something other than just black beans, and this one had it. An overall very good experience, and their popularity is deserved.
(4)Mya S.
The lobster stew was fantastic! The flavor was robust and it included a lot of lobster. I am SO glad I only had a cup, as it was really rich. This was the best dish of the evening. The happy hour is from 3-6pm and includes $3 off margaritas and $3 draft beers. I enjoyed both. The cider margarita was great. The draft beer selection is excellent and includes several Bar Harbor brews. The lobster mac and cheese and a generous amount of lobster, which made the dish worth eating. The mac and cheese itself isn't that impressive. The full size is very large. The grilled and stuffed avocado was good and I appreciated that it was $3 on the "bar bites happy hour menu." It is half of a grilled avocado topped with a fresh salsa and melted cheese topped with fresh jalapeños, creamy chipotle and corn chips. The service is great and the eclectic atmosphere is fun.
(4)Jacob V.
Alright, dude. Listen. Do people come to Maine for the food? No. But, do we (Maine) have a few good food spots? Yes. When it comes to good, quality food in Down East Maine there are only 2 spots I think of. Side Street is one of the two, and it is actually my first pick of the two. I used to only have the option to come here on vacation. Now that I live in the area, I come and go as I please. I've dined here several times. Staff is always nice, and the food is always excellent. Find better mac-n-cheese on the planet. Go ahead. Look around. You won't find it. This mac-n-chee is top of the line. I like mine with bacon. But you can add numerous things. Lobster being one. Nom. Their burgers are juicy, the Gusto chicken sandwich is spicier than my mexican ex-girlfriend and the french fries are so good, I go to the bathroom and shed a tear over it. They have a full bar as well. I had an Ellen Loves Allen yesterday. It's Ellen's Coffee Stout with Allen's Coffee Brandy. Holy shit my pants is it good! I was walking sideways outta Side Street! There is also entertainment throughout the week. Trivia, music, etc... Love this place. Thank you, Side Street for being 1 of the 2 places I can enjoy eating in the area.
(5)David K.
Waited a long time for both dinner and dessert to come out. I had 1lb. Steamed Clams. They were full of sand. I understand to expect a little grit here and there, but this was too much. My wife had the lobster, chowder, salad combo (called Keira's something or other). Lobster meat was good and tender. Chowder was good but not as good as Thirsty Whale. Kids had Mac'n'Cheese. They liked it. Blueberry pie was good but I've had better on the island.
(2)Lynn M.
Only place (so far!) that I highly, highly recommend the lobster roll AND the lobster stew to anyone who'll listen! I usually order those and lobster stew to go as I'm eating. Yes, it's that good! Great little outdoor bar area, fresh air people watching, cool vibe. As for other reviews about service - haven't experienced that at all. BTW, 5 stars for my reviews are for places like Per Se in NYC!
(4)Lisa D.
There was a pretty long wait for a table at this place but that usually means that its popular and good. The great thing is they take your phone number and text or call you when your table is ready. They gave us a time frame but we got a text and then a call much sooner than expected which was a good thing. We weren't right in the vicinity of the restaurant since we were expecting a longer wait but it was fine and we got our table. The restaurant was very crowded and loud. It was hard to hear the server and talking to each other was pretty difficult. My husband ordered the lobster "stew" but it was basically a lobster bisque. Delicious!! I ordered a lobster dinner because when in Bar Harbour you get lobster! It was very good and we very much enjoyed the food. The loud rushed atmosphere not so much.
(4)Stephen C.
Tried early bird seaside special. It is very tasty. All 5 of us tried and we all like it. The lobster is tender and fresh.
(5)Brian H.
Great menu lots to choose from , staff friendly and helpful . Build your own Mac and cheese was great
(4)Brett M.
We went for lunch today, Sunday, having read the good reviews and seen the pictures of the lobster mac and cheese, which they offer gluten free. My husband and I split a gf lobster roll and gf lobster mac and cheese, complemented with a Maine brand root beer and a sweet tea. The food was just amazing. I have yet to find lobster mac and cheese in a restaurant in Boston. But, this place set the bar high if I ever do. Additionally, the lobster roll was certainly done with care, dressed with just a hint of delicious house mayo mixture. The waiter was nice and assured me casually that if I had celiac they would be sure to wear gloves. I love when it seems like a restaurant sees that as standard procedure! I felt totally comfortable with their food handling. Overall the food was great! The place is kind of small but they have a nice deck, should you want to sit outside. Would absolutely come back if I'm ever in the area again.
(5)Bobby Y.
Great food. Expensive food. I had terrible service, but witnessed good service at surrounding tables. Get there early as they can have a really long wait. Huge menu, almost too big. You can basically have any incarnation of a lobster dish you've ever dreamed of. Want Lobster on a burger? They'll do that. Want just a great Lobster Roll, yeah they're known for that. The menu claims that lobster was swimming in the morning, and I don't doubt them...it was very fresh and tasty. Saw some fantastic Maine desserts inspired and infused with Maine blueberries. Two single holer washrooms, so you may want to plan potty breaks.
(4)Jessica S.
BLAT was delicious. Bacon cooked to perfection! Not too crunchy and just meaty enough. Yum yum. Fries were good too.
(5)Aaron S.
Side Street Café, in my opinion, is one of the best options to dine in the Bar Harbor area. The menu, from the bar to dessert, is very creative, the quality is high, and the service is always great. There are even more draft beer choices than my most recent visit last year. I could choose from several local microbrewery drafts, a special series, and a seasonal brew. I chose the seasonal brew, the Peak Organic Winter Session. This was a nice choice-- an amber (apparently) wheat malt, with a fruity, hoppy flavor. Choosing a draft is usually my preference but I did have to try my wife's cocktail-- a margarita with blackberry and thyme-- creative and tasty. To start, I attempted the clam chowder (a rare choice for me) and it was good. We also got a large order of chips and guacamole and this order was large indeed. My only issue was that the flavors in the guacamole did not come out until it had warmed a bit from the refrigeration it had been stored in. I had the Northern Cuban sandwich for a change and it was also delicious (I wouldn't have minded another helping). Roasted pork, pickles, Swiss cheese, and mustard between pretzel rolls, how can you go wrong? On the side were kettle chips (you had the option of upgrading or substituting). For "dessert", I settled on the nonfat Baxter Brewing Vanilla Bean Stout. Yes it still had calories but it won't raise my cholesterol. I don't think you can go wrong here. They do everything well and at a high quality. When we stay in the area for a week, we usually dine here more than once.
(5)Craig M.
Great experience! Lobster roll was fantastic as was the macaroni and cheese (the family ordered three different kinds). Our server Monica was very friendly and helpful as well.
(5)Max W.
After reading the Yelp reviews I thought this would be a good spot for dinner. All I can say is the food was average, nothing great especially not when you factor in the wait time to get seated. I get that this is a tourist town but I don't see what all the excitement is about.
(2)Anthony C.
Great little joint on a side street as the name suggests. Arrived on a busy Friday night but we were seated right away. Started with a cup of clam chowder and the broiled scallops with a balsamic reduction. Both were excellent. We had read reviews that they served the best lobster rolls in town so we both ordered them and they did not disappoint. They are pure lobster without mayo and just a little seasoning. My only gripe, which was true of everywhere we went, is that they only had local craft beer on tap. Maine seems to be as militant about craft beer as Michigan is. I certainly found something that I enjoyed drinking but I prefer to have some more options other than ales, IPAs or stouts - like a good german pilsner. Other than that, service was outstanding, food was great and the ambiance was perfect.
(4)Amy N.
Amazing service and delicious drinks! We got a lobster meal which was a bit overpriced for the portion that we got but also had a corned beef meal which was great!
(4)bubba g.
We returned to Side Street after two years. After being amazed at the quality last time, I'm happy to say they have kept up their standards. We had excellent apple, walnut, and goat cheese salad with house made strawberry vinaigrette. The the spinach can and bacon mac n cheese was savory. The lobster mac, OMG! Just go for this. Soooooo goooood!!! They also offer a preorder app for take-out, highly recommended for a picnic out on the Villiage square. Love this place!
(5)Jee C.
We didn't have much option for dinner @ 9pm. We ordered one cooked lobster, lobster mac and cheese and new england chowder. Lobster was average ( Maine average ;) ), lobster mac and cheese... not sure how they can charge $22 for this... tasted like regular mac and cheese... they just sprinkled chopped lobster meat ( very little bit of meat) over mac and cheese. New england chowder was pretty good. Cute place to chill & grab something to eat at night.
(4)Ann W.
Just here for happy hour. $3 pints of beer - good selection of craft brews from the region. $3 off margaritas and bar bites. Really nice little patio. No view but a short walk from center of town.
(4)Kurt S.
Best restaurant in Bar Harbor by far. We went twice in 3 days, once for lunch, one for dinner. The first time we got drinks and sandwiches. Two in my group got the prime rib sandwich, which was very good, I got the Cuban and other buddy got the lobster mac and cheese. Only complaint was that the "for the table" portion of pub fries for $6.95 was enough for 1 person. I think we each got two fries. When we came back for dinner I got the Gusto Diablo which was awesome. Would definitely return if I was in Bar Harbor. PS..we didn't go during happy hour, but the HH specials were good deals!
(4)Jennifer R.
Had a decent casual dinner at Side Street while staying in Bar Harbor. They have a large menu with a lot of variety, so it's a good choice for those times where you are in "I don't know what I am in the mood for" mode. Server very friendly and responsive - I recall her name was Megan. Place was packed (and it was a Sunday night off season). Wine list decent and not too expensive. We had the homemade hummus and tapenade for our appetizer. It was interesting - I would have likely preferred the avocado dish everyone on yelp was talking about, but I was overruled by the others at the table. I thought the tapenade part was the best part for me - not too oily, lots of nice olive flavor. For entrees, I had the nomad burger. Perfectly cooked - the chipotle mayo was nice as was the avocado. My companions had the BLAT with chicken and the Cubano, both said the sandwiches were great. This seems to be a good go to place for solid food, decent prices and a menu with tons of variety - check it out when you are in Bar Harbor.
(3)Elliot D.
Holy crap awesome! Totally gluten free and vegetarian friendly (super huge for us!) and just fantastic food with really friendly staff and AWESOME signature drinks (my wife had a watermelon mint margherita and LOVED it). You can build your own sandwich (which I did and if I can say it was killer) and they take little adjustments (for about a $0.50 price per addition). You're not getting as ripped off as on Main or Cottage, but it's not cheap. But the portions are big and we got 2 meals out of it. The grilled avocado app was AMAZING!
(5)Ken P.
Super lobster roll. Amazing clam chowder. Really nice and peaceful lunch spot a block off the busy tourist track in downtown Bar Harbor. Go shortly afternoon and sit outside. Really excellent service.
(5)LeeAnne P.
After trying to figure out where to eat one night, we decided on Side Street Cafe even though there was a 45 min wait. I read really good things about it, so I convinced my husband to wait. The server we had was super friendly, knowledgeable and attentitive. The beer list was pretty good with a lot of local brews, I opted for the Down East Cider and wasn't disappointed. I thought about getting one of their lobster dinners to eat, but I had just had a lobster roll earlier in the day and was trying to give my system a little break. So I was torn between their mac and cheese and a burger. The beef in the burger was calling my name, so I went with the Adam Bomb and upgraded to fries for a little extra. My husband also got a burger and fries and we both got New England Clam Chowder to start. The chowder was super delicious. Nice texture, flavor and full of clams and potatoes. The burgers came shortly after. For paying to upgrade to fries, not many came on the plate. I love fries like its my job, so when I am expecting good pub fries I want a lot of them. Maybe because they are baked, its harder to give more? I am not sure. The burger was good, not mind blowing, but tasty. My husband couldn't even finish his burger, so either that says something about me or the size of my meal since I finished mine. Maybe if I had, had the mac and cheese I wouldn't have been as disappointed based on what I had read about this place. If I was still there on vacation, I would probably go back to try the mac and cheese and see how that is.
(3)Digby C.
Well now. We ended up in Bar Harbor at the same time as a cruise ship was disgorging its passengers into town, and so we scurried away from the main thoroughfares in search of something a little less crowded. This was something of a gamble - there's nothing outside to indicate that it's anything more than a common restaurant-attached-to-a-bar, but in fact it is: it's actually a restaurant with a highly varied and interesting menu that happens to also have a bar. I'll preface by saying we liked it so much we came again; thus we ended up trying quite a few dishes: Jeff's Mac & Cheese (their "award winning recipe loaded w/ black beans, ham, onions and jalapeños"): oh my, do ya like spicy? we do, and my son had this one visit, and I had it the next. The jalapeños are right on the edge of too much, but the smoky black beans pull them back and it ends up being a fantastically smooth. The cheese is also real cheese, not synthetic cubes o' cheese. A+. Basic cheeseburger: You can build your own, and so my daughter did. It was good, as were the bread and the fries. A. Northern Cuban sandwich: This was great - none of the flavors was overpowering, and there was plenty of meat. Slightly docked because I'd like the era of pretzel rolls to end sometime soon, thank you in advance. A-. BBQ pulled pork sliders: Very promising, my daughter's second-visit order. The flavor was fine, but unfortunately it was so salty that it was almost inedible (I say 'almost' - everyone at the table tried it - "can you believe how salty that is?" - and thus it was 90% eaten). A really bad note during otherwise great visits. D. Desserts: the blueberry crumble was great; the fluffernutter sundae was intriguing but okay. B+. I'm not kidding when I say the menu is varied; you should be able to find something you really like here. And be sure to try the blueberry soda!
(4)Bing X.
Nothing else to say but amazing! We found the best grilled scallop we ever hadï¼blueberry pie was good! Of course the lobster including the rich lobster strew.
(5)Sarah K.
Food was 8/10 Service: waitress was nice but very busy We have too young children so this place was a good choice bc it wasn't too "quiet" of an atmosphere probably again bc it was busy. We did get in and out fairly quickly and they have a TON of great items on the menu . something for every one.
(4)Bob P.
My 9 year old son loved the clam chowder, my wife loved the avocado appetizer and had an awesome customized Mac and cheese with black beans. I thought the tuna melt was great along with the lobster roll. I was not crazy about the lobster BLAT. It was overpriced with very little lobster. Other than that we stayed in Bar Harbor for five days and ate here three times. Highly recommend you eat here but make reservations. The martinis and margaritas are really good as well.
(4)Victoria S.
I had already had waaay too much lobster. I had the Cuban sandwich on a pretzel roll with a side salad, AWSOME! My husband had a hamburger that was awesome to!
(5)Will M.
Food was great. Margaritas were better! My only complaint is that I couldn't try everything on the menu. Tip: margaritas are not made from mixes but rather fresh juice!! Try them!
(5)Elisabeth E.
Side Street Cafe makes some tasty noms! This is definitely a place I recommend trying, especially if you are gluten free. I ate here twice during my stay and would probably have made it in more on Fridays for the lobster stew had I not been traveling most weekends. Atmosphere and service- neat little restaurant with a fireplace and bar. Great place to lunch with friends. Fun and friendly environment. Service was always good and i was seated quickly. Gluten Free- Lots and lots of options! Gluten free pasta, bread, hamburger buns, you name it! They are very gluten free friendly here and no extra charge for the items. Also their menu is labeled GF near each item to make it easy for you to navigate. Food- On my first day I was a little disappointed to see that all their seafood options aren't offered during the off season (but this seems pretty standard for this area). So I had the soup of the day, the black bean soup which was very flavorful and had and Indian spice taste to it. I enjoyed it. The pesto and mozzarella burger, with Caesar salad and potato chips was also good. Nice to have a gluten free hamburger bun. I came back on Friday for the lobster stew (offered every friday) and was very pleased! Lots of chunks of lobster and creamy deliciousness. Very rich though! I ordered a second bowl to go for the next evening. Prices for everything was reasonable and worth the portion size. Overall I think its a nice restaurant and definitely worth trying out! My favorite item was the lobster stew, the burger/salad was good but didnt knock my socks off. Also their service was always good, but never super friendly...I guess I would call it 'professional'. Their attention to gluten free is awesome! Don't leave Bar Harbor without trying this place!
(4)Shane S.
Heard and read great things. Disappointed in food, however. Steak ordered medium rare was well done, fries were chewy, awful. Broiled haddock sandwich was bland, and chips as standard side dish are basically lays. Cop out. Service was great, though. Won't be back, however. This Way Cafe is a better alternative.
(2)Kim B.
Went last night for dinner and had a nice experience - nothing crazy though. Called ahead to get on the list and was told that it would be 2 hours for 2 people, which was fine with us but when they texted me 1 hour later and then called 2 minutes after the text to see if we were "still coming", I questioned their system. Nonetheless, we sat down and ordered soup/salad, nachos, a lobster roll and the lobster mac and cheese. Everything was good but only the lobster roll was great. My husband had 2 beers and the bill came out - with tip - to be almost $100.
(3)Amanda F.
Excellent food and margaritas. I had the monthly special margarita - the strawberry rhubarb. It was really good. Our table ordered the lobster mac and cheese, the lobster quesadilla, and the lobster stew. All were excellent. Would highly recommend for the food. Our waitress was very slow, and we had to track her down to get our check. Otherwise I would rate this place 5-stars.
(4)Ami S.
LOBSTER ON A BURGER .... I REPEAT .... LOBSTER ON A BURGER! If you can't tell I had a burger with lobster on top. I got the half portion which I thought was a pretty large amount of lobster. I was pleasantly surprised. Although this wasn't my first lobster on a burger experience this place executed it really well. Our waitress was amazing. I wish I could remember her name to give her the credit. There were 6 of us and we all ordered a different burger / sandwich. Now that's 6 different meat temp, cheese, toppings, bread choice combos to remember. Each one came out correctly, which yes I know that's her job, but come on its not as easy as it sounds people. Fries were just ok, I should have went with the house made chips. Lobster stew was incredible. Buttery, lobster goodness. I would definetly give this place a try if you are in the Bar Harbor area.
(4)Nick C.
Great food at a fair price. The lobster and corn on the Cobb is $18. The service was great too.
(5)Jennifer E.
Side Street will always have a place in my heart because of two things, happy hour and their lobster deal. I found Side Street whilst perusing Bar Harbor in Yelp-O-vision. We found our way to this cute little cafe and were quickly seated. The menu looked tasty with everything from gourmet sounding entrees, to seafood and chowder, to hamburgers. It was my first time in Maine in a while so I wanted some lobster, but of course. I got the lobster a la cart with a small cup of chowder and my husband went with the mac and cheese. It was happy hour, so I was happy, and went with my own mini pitcher of hibiscus gimlet. Don't judge. The drink was perfection, and you easily got three drinks out what cost me as much as one during normal hours. So freaking good. Our food arrived and everything tasted great. Our server was friendly and I never felt rushed nor the need to seek our server out to keep our water glasses full. They also have a nice patio that I enjoyed a beer and half priced plate of nachos on another night when the weather was a bit nicer. If you not really getting food they prefer you to sit on the side where you can order from the window. This may be bothersome to some, but we were quite content.
(4)Joe C.
The best mac and cheese you'll have from a restaurant. Almost too rich, a half order was enough for me. Their specialty drinks are very well done. One of the few places in Bar Harbor I would eat at again and not overly priced.
(4)C L.
Was ok... Lobsta stew was only luke warm with cold lobsta - bit disappointing. Jeff's Mac n cheese works was decent. Waitress not on the ball.
(3)Alice C.
We each had an angus burger (one with a side of ceasar salad and the other with sweet potato fries), the lobster stew and clam chowder. The angus burgers were really dry and the choice of putting it on ciabatta bread was not a wise one. It all tasted kind of brick-like. The tangy sauce inside was a pleasant kick. The lobster stew was yummy, but really wasn't a stew. There were generous chunks of lobster in a watery cream sauce. The clam chowder was yummy, but didn't have very much clam in it. Overall, a good place for a quick bite.
(3)Adrienne M.
Despite coming to the area for many years, I'd never been here before. My husband and I tried this place on our recent Maine trip and enjoyed it very much. I had the half portion of lobster mac and cheese ($16) which was great. The half portion was very generous & more than I could eat, there was tons of tender lobster meat on it, and the sauce was a perfect balance of creamy & cheesy. My husband had a crab melt that he really enjoyed. Service was very friendly & attentive. This isn't likely to go on my list of "must visit" places everytime I make a trip to Maine, but I'll almost certainly go back at some point and I definitely recommend it. Prices are on the high side, even for Bar Harbor, but the portions are so big you won't need much food (seems like 2 people could easily share an app and an entree, maybe even less if you're not very hungry).
(4)Mark K.
My wife was shopping so I was just cruising around and spied this place and their sandwich board for Margarita of the Moment. Later that day we tried the cider margarita; outstanding. We returned for dinner. The lobster stew was incredible! Tender lobster in buttery sauce; very rich, but delicious.
(5)Sarah S.
They had a great happy hour deal (happy hour is from 3pm-6pm)! $3 drafts (GOOD local draft microbrews), $3 house wines, and $5 margaritas. The margaritas were phenomenal and were not from a mix. We had the clam chowder which was quite good...they put bacon in it which makes it even better. Lobster Mac and cheese is amazing!
(5)Jeremy F.
This is the best place to eat at in Bar Harbor. It is a very nice restaurant, the service was good and the food was amazing.
(5)Natacha D.
Don't go to Bar Harbor for the food. It's just not that good. It is expensive though. This place is fun to go for beers- there's a great bubbly ambiance and the waitresses and bartenders are all very warm, funny, and fast. Plus the magic beer pixie brings you beers before you even know you need one. The food is not good. Some people I was with got lobster rolls, which were just ok, and I got some sort of veggie sandwich which was kinda soggy. The fries were devastatingly bad- they had obviously been fried early in the day and left to cool in the paper towels. To our waitress' credit, she removed them from the bill.
(2)Ammie L.
We came here one lazy evening for dinner, and immediately loved the casual/ chill ambience here. The beer menu was very good. We both got the haddock sandwich and it was delicious, probably the best haddock sandwich I've ever had! We ate while watching the World Cup -- it was a lot of fun! The only complaint I have is that the AC didn't seem to work well and was a bit hot in there.
(5)Matt H.
Wow this was an amazing meal! The atmosphere is really cool and eclectic. As a Mac & cheese lover I can honestly say the double bacon Mac was some of the best I've ever had. The burger and fries were really good too and everything in the menu looked great. If you're looking for something different check this place out!
(5)Sarah K.
This was the most disappointing place that my boyfriend and I went to on while on our trip to Acadia National Park. It's still good but relative to all the other places we had lobster at, we were disappointed. Yelp failed us. The 4 stars is definitely a high expectation for a place with OK food. My biggest gripe was the mac and cheese. Why did so many people say the mac and cheese was good? It tasted like a cheese sauce made from powder and too much skim milk. I will say they put a good amount of lobster pieces in the mac and cheese that were good. Their mac and cheese reminded me of velveeta mac & cheese (but more watery) with pieces of lobster in it. The lobster was good too just like all the lobster in this area is but it wasn't marinaded to my liking. Frankly, Fisherman's Grill totally ruined my lobster roll experience for the rest of my trip. We stopped at Fisherman's Grill on the way to Acadia. I don't recommend this! It'll ruin your lobster roll experience for the rest of your life unless you only eat at Fisherman's Grill. This place overall seemed sort of touristy. For the price, the quality of food was good but the taste was sub par.
(2)Linda N.
Giving it a one star for at least having a great server. Other then that, the food wasn't all that great.. The Mac and cheese was at least decent but it wasn't real Mac and cheese. It was more of a Alfredo sauce. I also got the loaded fries and I thought it'd be super loaded but the only thing that was loaded was the sour cream. There was no meat or anything else much to it. The fries were cold and dried up which was a no go. Everything here is pretty pricey for what they serve to you and the quality of the food is honestly not great. If you're wanting REAL good food, you're better off somewhere else then here. Don't believe what the good reviews say on here, those people haven't had real good food in their life yet.
(1)Christina K.
this is the best and only good meal and dinning exerience in bar harbor. Our food was delivered before our beers, and our server immediatley comped our first round, without us saying a thing. I honestly didn't think the wait was that bad especially compared to some terrible service else where, but we really appreciated the gesture. It said "we care about our customers". The food was excellent, unique and fresh. I highly suggest the lobster quesadillas so delish. It seems that all bar harbor offers is steamed lobsters which gets a little old.. This place had so many creative dishes, lobster and others.. I can't wait to go back. Highly recommend and if there's a wait, it's worth it!
(5)Leigh H.
Went here for dinner twice recently while in Bar Harbor as few other places were open. However, had a great dinner each time! The atmosphere is very laid back and the staff is all very friendly and efficient. Sandwiches and burgers were delicious. One night they had $5 margaritas which were delicious!
(4)Mike H.
Always the best! Lobster stew is full of claw and knuckle meat. We usually get the nomad there, one of side street's great burgers. Also have happy hour and app specials daily at the bar or out on their deck.
(5)Danielle H.
AMAZING! Thanks Yelp, for all your help! We had a wonderful server, Sam, who was so friendly and nice. We ended up getting two beers (Atlantic Ale and BH True Blue) - great beers, great prices. Black Bean Bisque - best I've ever had, and I love love love BB soup. Lobster Mac w/Roasted Veggies and Mushrooms - they have so many Mac choices, but we loved ours. We shared a half portion - it was very rich, and I can't imagine being able to eat a whole one. The "half" was about 6 in across. Nomad (BB burger, no bacon, on ciabatta) - this BB patty was delightful and clearly fresh and homemade. We enjoyed the avocado and the bread was amazing. Clean place w/lots of colorful paint and playful tables.
(5)Jules S.
Holy Heaven in my Mouth Batman. This is not just our favorite meal in Maine, but one of my 10 all time favorite meal memories. Side Street Cafe sits next to Pat's Pizza near the Morning Glory Bakery just a block off the main roads of Bar Harbor. It's a popular place so we were glad to grab a table outside for 2 on the front deck (which doesn't have heaters, BTW.) I took Raisa S's cue to order the Apple Cider Margarita- what a a great sweet and sour fall combo! I think I might have had 2. :) It added to the enjoyment of the evening. A note for beer lovers: If you like Amber ales, you're kind of out of luck here and across Bar Harbor. We started with the clam chowder which was absolutely delicious- a perfect blend of clams, creaminess without being heart-stopping, and potatoes. Deee-lish. One thing we were pleased to see was the Build Your Own Mac & Cheese bar which allowed us to get exactly what we were wanting which was in our case, Lobster, Mushrooms & Jalapenos. We ordered a half order, which was a perfect size because of the richness of the perfectly blended creamy cheese that doesn't congeal, and the nice saltiness of the mushrooms and kick of the jalapenos. There was sizeable lobster in there and huge parmesan shavings which didn't bother me and I'm not a stinky cheese fan. I've had lobster mac and cheese from Capital Grille, which is by all accounts, one of the favorite steakhouses in the country, and it doesn't hold a candle to Side Street Cafe's lobster mac & cheese. Hubs ordered a lobster roll but switched the roll from the oversized hot dog bun to a more hearty ciabatta. I know, I know, boo us out of the state, but you can't deny that typically you're done eating a lobster roll and you're still hungry! So this added a little more body to it without conflicting with the flavor. The kicker? Add a little of the tasty mac and cheese into the sandwich and poof! Magic. By the end of that, we were stuffed like happy little hogs and couldn't bear eating the blueberry pie, but that's where finishing up the apple cider margarita came in handy. We didn't think it was expensive for the happiness it brought to me. $70 for a very filling dinner for 2? Not bad. One other thing I would note is that there were complaints about slow service, but we went on a fairly busy Friday night and our food was prompt and our server was friendly, informative, flexible and attentive. Bottom line: A Must for Bar Harbor. Will I be working it off the next month? Yes. Do I care? No, because it was that damn good.
(5)D I.
Good lobster dishes, looks like a cool divey restaurant.
(4)Michael C.
The place is nothing to look at on the inside but the food is outstanding! Also they have a lot of local beers on tap. Get the lobster soap you get lobster in every bite.
(5)Adam M.
Went to side street cafe tonight and food was fantastic! I had the grilled vegetable salad with goat cheese, grilled chicken, and soy balsamic dressing and was delicious. My wife had the macaroni and cheese with bacon and pulled pork sliders and they were terrific as well. The portions were really large too. For dessert we got the fluffer nutter sundae and was to die for. Finally their wait staff is extremely friendly and their food comes out really fast and fresh. Highly recommend the side street cafe.
(5)Rebecca C.
Wow, what a treat it was to discover the Side Street Café on our latest visit to Bar Harbor. It's relatively new (I think? I don't remember it last time) and even though it's not right on Main or Cottage it's just a very short walk up Rodick. Excellent drinks, especially the martinis (and they do NOT skimp on the booze) delicious food - great salads, amazing mac & cheese (best I've ever had at a restaurant....maybe ever. I got the one with the roasted vegetables.) The half portions of the mac & cheese are more than plenty and same goes for the appetizers. The Nachos for one are good for at least two. The other thing I really love about this place is that they remember you and treat you right. We went the first night we were up there and went a couple days later and they remembered us and we were greeted warmly. We actually visited three times while we were staying on the Island and each night was wonderful and the service was excellent....had fun chatting with everyone and we had so much fun. Live music when we went on both Saturday and Sunday night. Tip: Call ahead. This place may be off the beaten path but it has been discovered. Amazing food and drink, wonderful service, great fun...it doesn't get any better.
(5)Stacey R.
Honesty really great for its price. I came here with my family for vacation around bar harbor and we were a little disappointed at where to go for the first two days. But I saw that the lobster rolls had great reviews here and I was not disappointed at all. I had the New England clam chowder and its the best I've had EVER. The waitress here is so sweet and patient and get a seat quick for lunch because this place gets packed. Overall a really friendly, yummy, bright and great place to eat at.
(5)Happy T.
Great atmosphere and the people are friendlier then most places in the northeast. They actually act like they want to wait on your. Food was good and enjoyable though nothing to remember to write about. That's my first rule of writing food reviews on yelp. Wait a week or two to write it and if you don't remember what you ate there then it probably wasn't that great. Like that they have local drafts.
(3)Tee A.
Love this place!!! Had the nomad burger! It was sooooooo good! Will definitely eat here again.
(5)Diane H.
Not a lot of choices for dinner on a Sunday night in early April but we were happy to end up here. I started with the ruby red grapefruit margarita which I enjoyed. We ordered very simple dishes - veggie mac n cheese for me and hubby had grilled haddock sandwich. He said it was fresh and tasty with a different type of tartar sauce. I'd have liked a few more veggies in the mac and cheese.
(4)Leslie G.
My boyfriend and I came here twice for dinner on a recent trip to Bar Harbor. If you want a place where you can just walk in and get seated, this place isn't for you. Wait times are very long, and they don't really take reservations in advance. You just have to call ahead and put your name in. Then you'll get an automated call back when your table is ready. We were staying close by, so this system worked well for us. On the first night, I had the highline quesadilla, which was a cheese quesadilla with lobster and avocado. Yum! Plus, the portion was pretty big, which was great after a day of hiking. My boyfriend had the lobster mac and cheese, which I tasted and didn't really care for. The mac and cheese seemed pretty runny. When we went back the following night, I had the lobster roll, which was definitely as good as advertised. As they say on the menu, it's certainly not the cheapest lobster roll around, but you get a ton of lobster in it, and it's very fresh. For dessert, I had the chocolate bread pudding, which was also delicious, and my boyfriend had the equally amazing blueberry pie. If you can accept the long wait times here, this place is well worth a visit.
(4)Michael M.
I can't hesitate to give Side Street five stars. What a terrific find. My fiancé and I went for dinner and though the entree selection was small, the food was delicious. I got the Asian style stir fry with chicken while he got pesto chicken. The great part about my dish was that it is normally made with almonds, which I'm allergic to and there was no issue making it to order with my food allergy in mind. It was delicious. I paired it with the sweet and sour, which is a drink made with down east cider and fireball - amazing. He got the blueberry basil margarita and it was also delicious. He said his meal was also great. We sat outside on the front deck and it was great. Given its set up it was a little awkward to place our order and talk with our server but that's hardly an issue. Highly recommended!!
(5)Brandon F.
Amazing food!!! Real casual. A great place for lunch. I got the turkey melt and it is one of the best sandwiches I ever had!!!!
(5)Minda G.
Amazing selection of fresh, local food, extensive beer options and specially created margaritas. Great vegetarian options- loved the "Emmy" sandwich! Waitstaff go beyond traditional servers. As much as I'd like to keep this place a secret, need to share!
(5)Ann B.
Did a take out, ordered the caprese salad, the soup and a chicken breast for my doggie. OMG, doggie didn't get the chicken breast because when I tried just *one bite* - mysteriously it was gone (surprise!! I ate it). Had to go to Hannaford to get my pup some dog food (which thankfully they had a brand she liked) - but I am still dreaming about that chicken breast. It was very simply done but just absolutely perfect. The salad and the soup were very good, but I will be back for the chicken, no question.
(4)Ann S.
We got in on a Saturday and BH was wall to wall people. At 7pm, this place had a 2 1/2 hour wait despite having tons of open tables inside so I'll assume they were reservations. As we were about to leave, I looked at their completely empty patio and while it was 48 degrees, I wasn't in the mood to encounter this everywhere we went so we inquired about sitting on the patio. We were told we could with no wait. So we ordered a hot drink and clam chowder to start and when others were turned away and saw us, that empty patio filled up within 15 minutes. I got the lobster mac and cheese and the hubby got the lobster roll and we split each dish. (I know, cliche but what do you want, it was our first meal in BH!) He was not a fan of his lobster roll and honestly, I wasn't impressed either. The lobster mac and cheese was okay but overpriced for how 'meh' it was. I wouldn't have to go back if we're in the area.
(2)Mitchell M.
We had 2 great dinners here to round out our terrific trip to Bar Harbor. The staff are amazing. Sincerely friendly, and very attentive. We were chatting with them the whole time, they were entertaining our pup, and they even gave her a stool to sit on one night! She was a paying customer after all. They made her a plain kid's burger. Roxy seemed to enjoy it. The food was great. With the abundance of lobsters this season driving the prices down to all time lows, they are doing everything they can to support the local lobstermen. Every dish we had contained some element of lobster. Their lobster dinners are great. Fresh, juicy lobsters. Tasty mussels and steamers are a great addition, and we gobbled down the corn on the cob. The lobster chowder was the best thing we had while in town. So buttery and rich. Loved it. One night they offered a great steak special which was topped with a lobster curry. The steak was a tad bit on the tough side, but it didn't matter. The delicious lobster curry could have made ground chuck taste like filet mignon. The specials make for an amazingly low bill, which is nice no matter where you are; and the friendly service made this place our favorite. The restaurant itself offers a front deck, and the inside dining area is a bit smaller than I'd originally thought. Get there early, and enjoy a drink at the bar while you wait for a table. It's worth it. Also, be sure to try the Black Velvet. It's a Guinness/cider combination. Interesting mixture that is a fun change of pace from the normal beer.
(4)Jean V.
Service was fantastic and fast. Drinks delicious.... My gimlet was loaded with fresh raspberries. Lobster was roll huge. Wish we were in town longer to try out more items on the menu along with their drinks.
(5)Margaret D.
Came here based I. The other reviews on yelp. The food is average, nothing special, not worth the hype it's given for sure.
(2)Katie C.
Want Maine seafood? Won't find it here. Want good food in general? We had a nice time here on our vacation to Bar Harbor. We were a little disappointed because menu and website both boldly testify to fresh lobster meals, which weren't on the menu at all. The menu actually includes very little seafood. The food we ordered was delicious however; lobster stew some of the best we tried. I was tempted by the Mac and Cheese...maybe next time. Waitor seemed distracted and busy.
(3)Tracy L.
We had such a great seafood meal here! We arrived right before they opened, and they were nice to seat us and serve us drinks before their official opening time. One of the hostesses also picked up one of the live lobsters to show my son, which he found to be scary yet interesting. Here's what we ordered to share: Lobster Mac n' Cheese - very cheesy and saucy in a good way, with a very generous portion of fresh lobster cooked into it. - Seafood platter - the bowl of clam chowder it came with was delicious, and lobster was very meaty and tasted very fresh. I didn't try the clams and mussels but they were huge and meaty and my husband, brother and dad liked them a lot. - Lobster roll - probably my least favorite of the bunch, but still good. Service was also attentive and quick. We enjoyed our meal here and it was a great experience with fresh lobster.
(5)Fatemeh S.
Half portion of Lobster Mac & Cheese + Full portion of Lobster meat on it! Do it & tell me it's not the most amazing thing, ever!
(5)Scott H.
Unfortunately we left hungry, very very hungry. We called ahead to make a reservation and they told us 5:30. When we checked in at 5:30 they said it will be 10 more minutes. That turned into 15 and when asked they said 10 more... It seemed to me that the popular yelp ratings have overwhelmed this business and they are unable to handle this new found popularity. I hope things get better and they can actually seat people with reservations.
(1)Rivka B.
Stopped in for lunch in early June during a long weekend vacation just as the season was starting. The restaurant was slow so we were seated and got our drinks quickly. I ordered the Cuban sandwich, my boyfriend had the mac-n-cheese with steak, peppers, and onions, as well as the clam chowder. The chowder came out quick and was tasty (from my quick bite), but my boyfriend said there wasn't too much clam. After the chowder came out it took forever for the rest of our meal to arrive, and the waitress was MIA. I shouldn't say MIA because we could actually SEE her across the restaurant joking with a couple other of the girls, but she was great at avoiding our glances and ushers. When the food finally came we were able to ask for refills, but they still took a while to come out. My sandwich was great, and the fries were perfectly cooked, I would definitely order it again. My boyfriend loved his mac and cheese, but surprisingly thought there was too much meat compared to the veggies. It tasted just like a steak and cheese and it was great. The food makes Side Street Cafe worth visiting again for us. The fastest the waitress moved was to bring our bill and leftover boxes, and to bring back the card. If she had kept some of that speed throughout I'd have absolutely given a better rating, because the food is carrying this review. *Another Note: I went to use the bathroom at a point during our "trying to flag down our waitress" period. The door was opened, but as I walked in there was a waitress standing in the mirror picking her teeth. I was surprised someone was in there and said "Oh! Excuse me." and went to turn but she rushed out and said "Oh sorry, I was just cleaning." Cool... I saw you picking your teeth. At least close the door. It has nothing to do with our service, but it really grossed me out. They need a better quality of waitstaff.
(3)Larissa A.
Perfect. Really that is all I can say about everything at Side Street Cafe. Food, drinks, staff ... all perfect. I seriously would drive the 5 hours to Bar Harbor just to come here again no kidding.
(5)Alma H.
Love this place! Very underrated and yet it has become my favorite dinner spot in Bar Harbor. It has something for everyone. For those health-conscious and vegan folks, they have a few choices including really good fresh salads, awesome homemade black bean burgers and an Asian stir fry. Black bean burger is the winner for sure! Also, their homemade tapenade is delicious. You can add it to your black bean burger or it also comes with an appetizer that has yummy pita bread and hummus. Service has always been great, too!
(5)Alison H.
My hubby and I ate here on our vacation. We were told that there was a 30 minute wait, but the hostess came to get us just as we were paying for our drinks at the bar. The blueberry margarita was fantastic. We started with the guacamole, which was a tiny portion for the $9 sharing price and needed salt. Hubby had a burger and lobster Mac and cheese, both of which he said were very good, especially the Mac and cheese. I had the bowl of lobster stew. This bowl of stew was HUGE. I couldn't finish it all, but it was delicious and filled with chunks of lobster. We sat outside on the patio. Our only complaint was the dog sitting with the people behind us who had terrible gas.
(4)Sergey S.
Went here for lunch. Very low key atmosphere and basic decor but might be the best lobster roll in Bar Harbor. Definitely upgrade the potato chips for the baked fries as they were delicious.
(4)Brett F.
Lobster-tini, loaded nachos for one, mini burger with side Caesar salad, and blueberry pie! This place is a true hidden gem a few streets away from the crowds! Prices were very reasonable and the atmosphere was fun and comfortable.
(5)hsueh y.
I went there when they had a special discount on all lobster entrees to help the local lobster fishermen. So all of our lobster dishs are $5 off the already reasonable menu price. Awesome deal. An extra star for that. 4 of us shared a large lobster mac n cheese for appetizer. It was so good that we scrapped the plate clean. It's the perfect blend of different cheeses and perfect amount of cheese to make every bite satisfyingly rich but not too heavy. And of course, there were chunks and chunks of fresh succulent lobster mixed in. It's a must try dish here. The lobster stew was also very good with tons lobster chunks. It's more watery but full of the fresh lobster briny flavor. The lobster dinner was...what more can I say about fresh whole lobsters?
(5)Bill M.
Now that was a good Lobster Roll. They admit - not the cheapest - but if your in this town you're probably on vacation... and if you're counting your pennies - stay home. Great atmosphere (and music) too... Chill with just enough trend to make you feel like your not in a dated fishing village.
(4)Ed S.
Great food, convenient location, good prices. So good we went twice. Both times during their happy hour (4-6), which saved us a few bucks on brews and lobster meals. Over the two days we had lobster stew, lobster Mac and cheese, and the nomad burger. All were great.
(5)Judy C.
We came when they were having their fisherman special and lobster entrees were discounted. The food was great and very well priced with the discount. I had the lobster with corn on the cob and chowder. It was delicious. Bf had the lobster roll, which he also liked a lot. The service was great and the atmosphere was casual and nice.
(4)Christa H.
Very laid back atmosphere. The food was fantastic. They were running a promotion where you get $5 off select lobster dishes. It made our meals a steal. I enjoyed the lobster mac and cheese, but it was the lobster stew that had me coming back a second time. It was rich and buttery, without being overwhelming. If you arrive during peak dinner hours you will wait.
(5)Kevin L.
great food great drinks! highly recommend the baxter IPA. the lobster stew is simply chunks of lobster in flavorful broth and it was delicious! so don't expect to get full off of it. the mac and cheese was amazing shells were perfectly cooked and the toppings came together nicely. burgers were cooked perfectly and everything was fresh. highly recommended!
(5)CJ E.
Seating on the patio made for a lovely dinner atmosphere. They advertise the best lobster roll in town, and my husband agrees! I had the ham sandwich and it was very tasty. Great local selection of beer, and scandalously good blueberry pie. The "pub fries" are actually potato wedges, which were overcooked and a little tough.
(4)Aaron G.
For the price, their lobster portions should be just a tad more generous
(3)Wendell B.
The food was quite good, even the strawberry lemonade seemed fresh. The burgers and blueberry pie are very good. The music was fun! The only downside was the lobster stew. It tasted good, but the name is a misnomer. When I think of stew, I think of lots of large chunks of several ingredients. This was lobster bisque with chunks of lobster. Again, tasted good, but not a stew. Definitely a great experience, and would return.
(5)Dave F.
This is a relatively new restaurant on the Bar Harbor scene. My wife and I have been here twice, and both times we've been quite satisfied. This restaurant serves small plates, tapas-style. Both times we went we had a total of four plates and were quite full. The cost was around $35, not including drinks. I'm not sure exactly how to characterize the cuisine. There are some middle eastern influenced dishes, but also other dishes that are inventive and which feature local ingredients. A number of the options are sturdy, comfort-food type dishes. The macaroni and cheese and the risotto were both creamy and satisfyingly heavy. The salads we've had here have been very good, and the tofu dish we had was fantastic. All in all, the food has been very good. I like the atmosphere here. It is warm and fairly quiet. It's a nice place to unwind and have a relaxing meal. The service has been good, although not always super fast. The Side Street Cafe is a very nice addition to Bar Harbor. We'll be coming back regularly. Update: A month or so after writing this review their chef disappeared. They now have a new chef and the menu has changed with more of an emphasis on pub fare and sandwiches and burgers. I've had their veggie burger a few times and been unimpressed. Unfortunately, the menu holds a lot less interest for me now; I'm a vegetarian, and aside from the mediocre veggie burger, there's not much that I'm interested in. So I've downgraded them from four to three stars. I really hope they return to their old menu. Updated Update: Side Street seems to have regained their groove. I've been here several times for lunch and had excellent veggie sandwiches. Service is quick and reliable and the atmosphere is friendly.
(4)Anna K.
Everything we ordered was fabulous! We are picky eaters and we were in heaven in this place. Very inventive dishes and friendly staff make this place a sure thing.
(5)Michael K.
Great food, Friendly people. Ate there multiple nights while visiting Bar Harbor.
(5)Aimee S.
We decided to try this place out while vacationing in Maine after reading the reviews on yelp. I couldn't have asked for a better go to lunch destination. My husband and I ended up grabbing lunch here twice while we were in Bar Harbor. We kept it pretty simple the first time ordering a Caesar salad with grilled chicken and he had the the nomad burger. Both were prepared perfectly and with seemingly fresh ingredients. They served all their drinks in mason jars which I thought was really charming. The atmosphere and decor were very pleasing. The service was really great and I think it was a great meal for the price. When we returned I had the black bean quesadillas: simple fresh and delicious served with a huge amount of fresh salsa and sour cream. My husband had the BLAT sandwich. Again, simple well done and delicious. We will definitely be returning here next time we are in the area to try out more of their yummy food.
(5)Sarah S.
good lobster rolls, in fact rated best in town 2010!. They seemed busy but still got us in and out quickly. Very clean space, well decorated, and most important, kid friendly!
(4)Brendan W.
Side Street Cafe is a small all-american restaurant. They serve the classic burgers that any American restaurant would serve. They do have awards for best burgers and lobster roll, but as a vegetarian I'm unable to truly to comment on those. I do get a nice mac and cheese which is large shells covered in thick white and cheddar cheese. Very big portions and have to bring it home. Some nights are music, they do have a band of High School teachers playing classic rock songs like Bruce Springsteen and the Beatles, however they tend to get drunk and things can get out of hands. I call this band "The Drunken Teachers" and two of the band members are my former teachers, so kinda funny seeing them play. Also they've had solo artist performing classic country songs from Linda Ronstadt to Jim Croce. These artist can give Side Street Cafe a relaxing and entertaining atmosphere. If you go for dinner, try to get there between 4-6 for free fondue. It's Happy Hour, so good time to get dinner there. Anyway, I recommend Side Street Cafe. Nothing original and the food won't blow you away, but still good overall.
(4)Aatna A.
Phew! that was some loaded mac n cheese - we're talking black beans, jalapenos, broccoli, sweet potatoes, cauliflower and cheese shavings on melting mac and cheese! Will totally go back!
(5)Matt L.
This place certainly has redeemed itself from last year. Start to finish one of the best meals I have had in Bar Harbor, and I have come here going on 6 years in a row. From drinks as creative as ever to a delicious grilled avocado appetizer to finally lazy lobster and clam chowder and excellent friendly service to boot, no wonder this place has a line outside on any given night! Worth every penny and finished off a great weekend in Bar Harbor with an excellent meal!
(5)Emily L.
This place is so good that my family and I went there last night and then again tonight. The menu is HUGE and has something for everyone, including lots and lots of lobster options. Last night, I ordered the Gusto Diablo sandwich with a side of the lobster stew. The sandwich was like a buffalo chicken sandwich, but it was grilled instead of fried. The chicken breast was so juicy, the sauce was tangy and spicy, and the blue cheese dressing on it was creamy and delicious. Then, the lobster stew on the side...that was probably the best stew of any kind I've ever had. And it felt like there was a whole lobster's worth of meat in the cup I had. So good. My dad had Jeff's Mac and Cheese and a Caesar salad with avocado. He said both were excellent. My mom had one of the options on their seasonal menu, roasted peppers stuffed with veggies, blue cheese, and barley. She said it was one of the best meals she's ever had. We went back the next night because my dad wanted to try the pepper dish my mom had the night before, but by the next night, they had changed the seasonal menu to their fall selections. Instead, he went with their veggie lasagna and it had a bit too much goat cheese in it for his taste, but he said it was delicious. My mom and him split another ceasar salad with avocado and she had the Jeff's mac and cheese as well. As for me, I started with a Dirty Fisherman's Lobster Martini. You heard me. A LOBSTER MARTINI. It was a dirty martini with a skewer of lobster meat in it. It was pricey($16 for one martini), but where else can you get a lobster martini? Totally worth it. For dinner, I started with the caprese salad, which was delicious and seasoned perfectly, and then I had the create your own mac an cheese with tomatoes and mushrooms. Some of the best mac and cheese I've ever had. I've been in Bar Harbor for the last week and I'm leaving tomorrow. I wish we had found this place sooner in the week so we could have gone a few more times cause there was for sure many things I wish I could have tried. I would recommend this place to anyone and everyone and the next time I'm here, you'll know where to find me.
(5)Shandon F.
Great, simple, non-tourist-trap option in Bar Harbor. My wife got the lobster in butter sauce with a cup of clam chowder and I got lobster stew. The lobster was SO fresh that it melted in your mouth and the "stew" was creamy and flavorful. Great place off the beaten tourist path.
(4)Andrea S.
Ok, so this place is going to make me go broke. if you come to Bar Harbor... ITS A MUST HAVE!! Not expensive at all. I love their iced chai with skim and their blueberry pancakes are to die for. Staff is always nice.
(5)Troy M.
Every year when we visit Bar Harbor we make it a point to go back to Side Street, this year we ate there three times! We really enjoy their unique menu and their great atmosphere.
(5)Bridget W.
From the very beginning our waiter was trying to up sell everything. The portions were extremely overpriced for how small they were. The food was very good, just way overpriced. They charge you for everything. We asked for lettuce on our burgers and it was a $.50 charge, even though it looked like it was included. Not sure we would return. Try to find a better priced meal if you're looking for dinner in Bar Harbor.
(3)Devonshire B.
I came here twice while on a week long vacation and both times, the service was great. I absolutely LOVED their mac-n-cheese. However, don't get it with the lobster. Not because it tastes bad, but because they totally jip you out of lobster. I think there were about 3 little pieces in it, and if I'm paying $23+ dollars, I expect more than that. It was a disappointment. Good thing I loved the mac though, as I got it again, but with sliced franks instead (which was delicious!). The lobster roll is absolutely drool-worthy, although a little less packed and more mayonnaisey than the Ocean Drive-In's roll. It's also $6 more, so you might as well go to the Ocean Drive-In, as they're great people and really pack on the meat! All in all, the food was a pleasant surprise. I gave it 3 stars mainly because they take advantage of you with the lack of lobster in the mac-n-cheese.
(3)Diana S.
My bf and I are probably the luckiest people on Earth because little did we know likeeeee everything in Bah Hahbah closes at 9pm. Leaving two New Yorkers desperate for food on a Saturday night! Although Yelp says Side Street Cafe closes at 9pm...LIES. They close at 10pm and were super welcoming even though we literally got to the door at 9:59pm. The bf surprised me with a trip to Maine for my quarter century and this was on the itinerary, and boy are we glad we went! Everything was amazing! We started with a cute little pitcher of blueberry margaritas with blueberries floating around. Then to eat we split, the lobster stew (the most lobster I've seen in a cup - I'm talking 50/50 soup to lobster meat), clam chowdah, a pound of steamers, lobster roll and blueberry pie with ice cream. You HAVE to get the lobster stew in my honest opinion. The amount of lobster is ridiculous for $9. The lobster roll was equally delicious - there is no skimping of lobster at all at this place. Our entire bill came to around $70...likeee are you kiddin?????? You couldn't even get 5 drinks for $70 in NYC let alone about 4 pounds total of seafood! The other items on the menu looked equally bomb...plus they can and will put lobster on anything!!! Def try if you're in Bah Hahbah!
(5)Camy C.
Was expecting a lot from this place. It was good but not mind-blowing good. We got the lobster mac and cheese. lots of lobster pieces and the mac and cheese was so cheesy with fresh and different types of cheese melted. It was definitely one of the better mac and cheese I have had. We also got a MPLT burger (topped with fresh mozzarella, pesto, lettuce and tomato) plus lobster. There weren't too much lobster but it was also a $8 upcharge so I guess we can't complain. The ciabatta bread was soft and the mozzarella/pesto combo works very well. Total was $50 including tax/tip. We got lucky and got an inside table. It was so hot during the July 4th weekend and lots of people waiting. It is a very popular restaurant!!
(3)Nicole L.
Our first night at Bar Harbor. We were just taking a walk and decided to have a drink. We sat at the patio watching passer-bys including the old guy with a three legged dog that was so sad and cute at the same time. I had the special magarita with watermelon, cucumber and mint it was a very tasty and refreshing drink, loved the bits of cucumbers in the drink. We endes up having dinner as well. As this is a lobster town everything can be made with the addition of lobster. I could not make up my mind but ended up with the steamed lobster/cherry clams/mussels. My husband knew I wanted the mac and cheese so we ended ordering a small serving to share it's make your own so I added bacon it was another delicious dish I liked the New English style it's creamy and runny not dry at all. My lobster though was over cooked, the most overcooked one of the trip. The mussels smelled bad so I did not eat them. When we were almost done we ran into some friends of a friend from DC who were also vacationing there.
(3)Brett S.
This place came highly recommended and it didn't disappapoint. My wife and I shared the buffalo chicken dip and mac and cheese with peppers, onions and philly steak. We enjoyed it all. Service was pretty good. We called ahead and they said they would try to have a table available for us and they did. I will definitely be back.
(5)Lauren H.
Awesome make your own mac and cheese, offering fresh vs. pickled jalapeños, which I appreciate (fresh all the way!) Buffalo sauce on wings was way too sweet for me (see fresh jalapeño comment above.) Loved the Baxter Brew Co. glasses!
(4)Jeff S.
Wonderful dining experience. The Lobster Mac-N-Cheese is wonderful. Also, give the Irish Pumpkin Drink a try. It will not disappoint.
(5)Alex B.
I have been coming to MDI for 20 years now and ever since I discovered this place in 2012, it has been a "must" on my itinerary every time that I've been up here. The food is great, the drinks are great, and the place has a wonderful atmosphere and sense of energy to it. I can't think of a better way to spend an evening up here than sitting on the deck with a drink and a lobster roll. In a town full of tacky tourist traps, count the side street cafe as a diamond in the rough, a place that will leave you with a smile on your face.
(5)Cynthia C.
I've just came back from a road trip to Bar Harbor, Maine and I'd have to say this was one of my favorite restaurants! The menu is typical regular food, BUT it's beyond delicious, YOU MUST try there Artichoke Dip, it's to die for. It's such a cozy spot and drinks are very affordable.
(5)Marilou A.
My husband & I decided to come here after the good reviews from Yelp. We were not disappointed...I had the Down East Cider, Lobster & corn, while my husband had the Lobster with mussels. Everything is good & fresh. The cider is really good, the corn is really sweet, the mussels is just ok & of course the lobster is so good. We also had the blueberry pie aka mode to end the dinner. It was so good the we decided come back again for our last night. My husband ordered the same thing while I decided to try the lobster stew, which is so AMAZING. I also ordered their fish special - halibut, which is just ok. Overall, I would recommend this place.
(4)Sue F.
We had the clam chowder and builder your own Mac and cheese, they were excellent. Great service.
(5)Kristin J.
We used Yelp to search for a kid friendly place after our hike in Acadia. Side Street came up on every search and despite the fact it was one of the only places with a wait on a drizzly night, we decided to wait for a table. We ordered beers at the very crowded bar and put in a kids quesadilla order while we waited. We were pleasantly surprised that our table was ready before the apps were ready and they took care of transferring our tab to our table. We sat in the back by a rowdy table who sat at the same time as us, but our server was very attentive and took time to make menu recommendations for us. I chose the mac n cheese w lobster and avocado because I was trying to decide between that and the lobster quesadilla. My husband had a delicious and generously portioned lobster roll and we both had the house salad w yummy house strawberry vinaigrette. The lobster mac n cheese was as good as the many reviewers have said and our server had promised! I also appreciated all the healthy side options for the kids, including corn in the cobb and carrot sticks. The blueberry pie was also the best I have had in Bar Harbor! My only complaint was that my side of the table backed up to the wall adjacent to the swinging doors to the kitchen, so there was an almost constant thud each time a server went through the doors. Once I dove into my food, I didn't even notice and we were grateful to be seated quickly. Great service, great menu, and great staff! We will be back!
(5)Banu S.
We had a great lunch in Bar Harbor over Memorial Day weekend. We had to wait about 30 mins for a table of 6 but it was totally worth it. I highly recommend the lobster roll and the Mac and cheese. My only complaint is that our waitress was not very attentive and our food took a long time to come out, despite the fact that the restaurant wasn't that busy.
(4)J S.
Lobster stew is great! You have to have it. Great bar food. Bartenders are great ladies. Specialty drinks are fun and taste great. Nothing bad here.
(5)LD L.
During our main vacation travels in mid October my friend and I drove quite a bit and enjoyed a lot of local food. While visiting Bar Harbor we stopped here for lunch with friends and we all had great meals. The sandwich selection was outstanding and tasty as well. They also offered gluten free breads.I had a side of lobster mac and cheese which was pretty much a meal and loved it.
(4)Honey D.
Decor is amazing. Super interesting. Food was good. Although the mac and cheese was good I expected a baked little plate of mac and cheese love. I imagined a baked bread crumb top with tantalizing cheese combination, lobster wrapped in between every bite! If your imagining this too - this is not what it was like. lol But it was good- cheesy warm and lobster filled.
(3)Jen M.
AMAZING food! My friends and I ate seafood for a 4-night, 5-day trip to Maine and this place is a must-go if you're in the area. I had Clam Chowder Soup and a BLAT Sandwich (Bacon Lettuce Avocado Tomato) topped with Lobster. The sandwich is probably the best sandwich i've ever eaten and the clam chowder was creamy and everything I could've asked for. I was so full but I HAD to finish my food as I couldn't let that amazing food go to waste.
(5)Patrick K.
Living in Bar Harbor is great, and in the summertime there are many dining options to choose from. What I like about this place is that they stay open year round. What I like even more is that they serve up consistently good food. I can only speak for their burgers, and their lobster stew, but it is the lobster stew that I really crave. Maine style lobster stew is lobster meat in a thin milky broth with briny hints and a taste of sherry. This is not your gloppy, thickened, cream based seafood chowder. Side Street Cafe gets it right. A big bowl is served with a very generous ratio of succulent lobster meat nuggets to delicious milky broth. The broth itself is very tasty, I would be pleased to have it even without any lobster meat, and efforts to get a spoonful of the broth by itself without lobster nuggets required pushing all the lobster to the side to do so. Eating normally there is enough lobster meat in the stew to get meat with every dip of the spoon down to the bottom of the bowl, which has not always been the case in my experience with some other eateries. And, being in Bar Harbor you KNOW the lobster meat is fresh ... Chances are real good that with the local fishing fleet right there, that the lobster I had yesterday was probably rummaging around in Davey Jones Locker the day before. With my lobster stew I also had a side Caesar Salad, which was quite tasty and delicious, no complaints there. In past visits I have ordered their burgers, and am particularly fond of their nomad burger. The burgers are always cooked perfectly to order, (I like mine to moo), and served on a Ciabatta roll with potato chips on the side.
(5)Nicole M.
Awesome spot for family dinner. Really friendly staff, great service, excellent food. If you have a group and don't want to wait an hour, have someone pop by there an hour before you want to eat to put your name on the list. Voila! Bonus points for the gluten free options on the menu. Extra bonus points for having Switchback!!!
(4)Gary W.
Great, 4-star experience...very friendly staff, good service, and solid food. Perfect for families. We stopped in for some quick food and drinks (3 adults and 3 kids). Each of us walked away satisfied! In particular, the clam chowder, the burgers and the mac and cheese were excellent. The blueberry margaritas were very good and unusual...worth a try. Overall an inexpensive, good service, good food place...worth a visit if you are in Bar Harbor and looking for casual.
(4)Greg G.
I went to the Side Street Cafe on the recommendation of bartenders from two other establishments - they both recommended the lobster stew. I took the recommendation and had a bowl of lobster stew and a Baxter IPA beer. The bowl size was large, but not huge. The broth was quite thin, slightly creamy, and had a nice pink color from tons of lobster! Spoon after spoon contained large chunks of lobster! I'm sure if you controlled yourself you could get at least a small piece of lobster in every bite. The stew was served with standard oyster crackers - a hunk of crusty bread would have made the dish perfect. On my trip to Bar Harbor I had lobster most ways: lobster omelet, lobster roll, lobster mac-n-cheese, a 2.5 pounder, and the Side Street's lobster stew -- the lobster stew was my favorite!
(5)Laura K.
Hands down the best restaurant in BarHarbor. If you are looking for a non tourist trap restaurant with great food this is your place. I am from NEw England and grew up with lobster- the lobster bisque is the best I have ever had and filled with copious amts of lobster . Great happy hour specials , lots of locals eat here ..., this place should not be missed
(5)Tom C.
Excellent food and service!!! Can't go wrong here!
(5)Darren M.
We found Side Street Cafe to be fairly average overall. Service was a bit slow, though extremely friendly. We had the Lobster Mac & Cheese, and a Nomad Burger (bacon, cheese, avocado, & chipotle mayo) with Pub Fries and a bowl of clam chowder. The Mac was a pretty big letdown and probably one of the worse lobsters macs we've had. For a $12 upcharge you are given a tiny amount of lobster (maybe 1/4 lobster's worth). The mac itself was really bland - just boiled shells tossed with pretty generic American cheese sauce (not really much better than Kraft). It was not baked or topped with breadcrumbs (not that it was advertised as such, but that's pretty standard prep for mac & cheese). The Nomad Burger had all the right components to be delicious but it too fell a bit flat, mainly because the burger meat was intensely packed via a mold into a preformed patty (not hand-formed), making the meat very dense and tough despite being cooked to a perfect medium-rare. The chipotle mayo was nice and tangy, though the whole burger was a bit of a mess to eat, since it was served on a ciabatta roll, which is really too tough as it causes the burger contents to just slip out the back if you take a bite. The chowder was tasty, though it was not the authentic preparation (meaning it was thickened with a lot of flour/cornstarch and possibly cream), which is fine - I like both the traditional thinner chowder and the less authentic thicker version served in most places for different reasons, and this was a good example of the latter. The pub fries were more like giant potato wedges - their thickness did not work well. Since there was little seasoning on them to begin with, it was basically just like eating a big piece of plain potato. A note about the lobster roll - though we didn't order it several of our neighbors did. The menu makes a big fuss about how it is not the cheapest lobster roll but it is the best in town. Seeing it at other tables it appeared...average. No bigger than anywhere else, and the bun looked a bit limp and untoasted compared to others we've had nearby. I think for them to imply that theirs was somehow more special because the lobster was more fresh was untrue - there are dozens of lobster rolls nearby that are getting their catch that morning and which are perhaps better prepared. The drinks were fantastic, and cheap for the size. My drink with apple cider and bourbon was served in a large mason jar and only cost 7 bucks - by far the best thing of the day. Overall if you are in need of a variety of choices and some decent pub food we'd recommend Side Street Cafe, but it was not one of the better meals we had in Bar Harbor.
(3)Joanna W.
We waited a veeeerrryyy long time for service and for food to be served. Two of my party got lobster meals and were extremely satisfied. I got the lobster stew and it was sort of disappointing - the broth was really salty and I was hoping for a much thicker, stew-y stew with vegetables, etc. The standout was the lobster quesadilla, which was really good and devoured instantly. All in all, an OK experience - the wait was sort of frustrating, but the beer selection was good. Food was hit or miss, and a little more expensive than I expected.
(3)Tom H.
Did not eat a meal but had appetizers with Happy Hour. Bartenders very friendly and the happy hour prices are fantastic! The stuffed avocado and the shrimp cocktail were tasty.
(5)Katie D.
4.5 rounded up to 5--really excellent find! We had the lobster roll and lobster quesadilla. Both were overflowing with lobster and delicious. My daughter had the mac-and-cheese with hotdogs. She liked it and the bite I snitched was quite tasty. I think I'd try the lobster mac myself next time. I had their special drink--watermelon mint margarita. It was really fresh and delicious. I would definitely stop again!
(5)Kat R.
I'm very stingy with rating anyone with 5 stars, but Side Street Cafe deserves it. Fantastic food, fun drinks, great atmosphere! This was the highlight to our last trip to Bar Harbor. We had a blast here and will certainly be going back next time we're in town. Our waitress was awesome! She provided great suggestions (we worked our way through most of the drink menu) and was so much fun. Oh... and a toasted fluffen-nutter with ice cream for dessert... don't mind if I do! The only one (tiny) thing I didn't really like about SSC was the single co-ed bathroom and that it's right in the main dining area next to some tables.
(5)Susie A.
Delicious! If it wasn't our last night here I would go back again. Burger was really good and apple cider martini was my favorite drink. Cesar salad and nachos was yummy. Great bartender and host.
(5)Mariza P.
The soup of the day and clam chowder are great. However, the lobster roll is average and quite expensive. I had better lobster roll in Maryland.
(3)Two Fat Ladies R.
Not many places open at the end of the season but this place was perfect. It was Halloween night and kids all dressed up. Friendly, upbeat and good. Husband had a great hamburger and I had the mac & cheese. But the best - And I do mean the best thing I think I may have ever eatten was thier home made lobster stew. Absolutely amazing. We had the waiter dressed as a shark ... and he was right there when we needed him even though the place was rocking ! Would recommend and would go again.
(5)Chase F.
Side Street Cafe was the only restaurant we went to twice during our 6 days in Bar Harbor. The reason was the Clam Chowder(and the lobster stew). A few other restaurants in town had clam chowder and none was as good as we had while in town. Both times we went for lunch, their lobster roll was really flavorful and the fish sandwich was also excellent. While we were eating though we kept hearing diners mention the lobster stew and how good it was. So on our last day before we left we went back to get some more clam chowder and I got a cup of the stew along with a salad. (Also their roast veggie salad is delicious!) I would recommend only getting a cup unless you have some friends along, The stew is ridiculously rich, but oh so good. Definitely worth finding.
(4)George D.
We arrived in Bar Harbor on a overcast morning and after setting up our motor home at BH Campground we headed into town for lunch at the Side Street Cafe after reading rave reviews. We were not disappointed! When we got there it was raining so the only seating available was inside which meant we waited in the bar until we were called. The wait was pleasant while enjoying some excellent Baxter Stowaway IPA from Lewiston, Maine. We were seated near the busy but cozy bar area and my BH ordered the tuna melt while I decided on a bowl of lobster stew which I had never tried before. The melt, accompanied by a salad was okay. The stew was extraordinary! Half of it was fresh pieces of lobster, simply delicious. The soup was rich, not too thick, good to the last drop. Can you have too much lobster? Will we be back to the SSC? Most definitely!!!
(5)Kirby G.
Believe the hype :) Our waitress was awesome - explained almost everything on the menu (a big menu at that). We went with the buffalo chicken dip as an app, then mac and cheese and nomad burger as entrées. All three were fantastic. You can tell that a lot of thought and care goes into their dishes. 5 stars easily.
(5)Sarah D.
Lobster roll was seriously good, and I could take my dogs on the outdoor porch. Everyone liked their meals!
(5)Joanne J.
We were in bar harbor 5 days and ate lunch at side street 3 days. Love the ambience service food and drinks.
(5)Ayan R.
Had the steamed lobster and the cucumber mint margarita. Both were very good.
(4)Josh G.
Great food & good drink prices, staff was friendly and attentive. I would certainly go back again.
(5)Uyen N.
We had a party of ten and everyone enjoyed their meal. The food was fresh, and seasoning was on point; my husband thought the portion could have been slightly bigger since he was quite hungry. A must place to eat when in Bar Harbor.
(4)Laura G.
We ate here twice while we were in Bar Harbor. The lobster Mac and cheese was great and the Nomad burger was also excellent. They have a good happy hour also!
(5)Hiu Ting C.
This place was soooo good we came here twice in one week!!! We had Lobster Stew several places and this place was HANDS DOWN the best! We couldn't believe how much lobster was in the stew! Their drinks menu was amazing (had the Blueberry Margarita served in a mason jar), had their make your own Mac & Cheese (had it w/ hot dogs and onions), their signature burger (amazing), had their lobster roll (amazing)....yeah so EVERYTHING was on point. As for environment, it was a pretty casual place and we didn't have to wait too long. The staff was very friendly and efficient. I want to drive 10 hours back up to Bar Harbor just to eat here!
(5)Christine P.
This is a nice location with a great outdoor deck facing the street and wrapping around the side. On our first visit we sat on stools facing the street, and just had a couple of beers after a few hours of kayaking. The place has a relaxed ambience, and the deck is a nice place to chat with other patrons. We didn't eat, but the girls sitting next to us had the guacamole and lobster nacho dish, which looked amazing, and they were loving it. However, it was better for drinks than dinner. We went here on a rainy night for dinner the next day, and the restaurant was completely slammed and seemed to crack under the pressure. The estimated 45 minute wait turned into over an hour and a half. Once finally seated, dinner was prompt but just ok. My husband enjoyed the lobster mac and cheese and the lobster stew. My black bean wrap was fine but they forgot to dress it so I had to ask for the dressing. The beet and goat cheese salad I started with was nice. Overall dinner was ok but not sure why it gets such extremely high ratings.
(3)Ross W.
It wasn't our first choice, but during the low season, not many options were available. This place was happening, but food was ok. I had a mini burger with garden salad. Guacamole was pretty good, but you can't really go too wrong with it. Quick decent service.
(3)Ashley B.
Oh my. Everything was amazing here. We had Jeff's mac and cheese and it lives up to the hype. Just get it. We also had a lobster roll and the chicken salad sandwich. Both were perfect. The blueberry pie was a bit forgettable, but that was the only downside to our meal. It was packed on a Saturday afternoon. It seemed like it was mostly tourists, but I see no problem with that. We ate outside in the bar seating area. We were told that we had to go inside to the bar to order what we needed, but the bartenders tried to come out every so often to ask if we needed anything. Great staff and great food. You have to come eat here if you're in Bar Harbor.
(5)Sharon C.
Excellent! Lavender lemonade cocktail, lobster mac and cheese (warning half portion is huge) and fish sandwich, a fresh not fried piece of fish with aioli sauce. Fun atmosphere too!
(5)G. U.
The side street cafe was pretty great! They had good maine crab cakes and chowder! We got the lobster, it was god, but a little more undercooked than we are used to. Still, everything was good, and we will definitely go back if we are in the area! Also, TONS of gluten free options :)
(4)Jacquie M.
Worth the wait. There was a 45 minute wait for dinner, but we had some pork sliders and drink specials while listening to the live music at the bar. Time passed quickly. Great food, reasonable prices, excellent drinks. Nice staff. Definitely recommend.
(5)Shawn R.
Lobster roll, clam chowder and lobster stew are all excellent. Prices are good and the wait staff are great
(5)Mary F.
We stopped by this cafe on a recommendation from our Cab Driver in Bar Harbor. This place was cozy and home like. It was also packed for Lunch on a tuesday. My husband had the Diablo Chicken Sandwich, which he loved. I had the Build your own burger with my favorite items. Then we have the Fluffer Nutter Sundae for the first time. Amazing. I wish we had those back home. Keep up the good work Side Street. I will be back to your place hopeful next fall.
(5)Allen W.
Go and have the Lobster Roll. This dish speaks volumes in addition to the wonderful service.
(5)Tim B.
Thanks for the special night out. Excellent service, excellent food, excellent seating, and surprisingly good prices!!
(5)K C.
Side street cafe is a nice little cafe on well, a side street. This meant we got to people watch the locals on there outdoor counter seating. I order the lobster Mac and cheese and it was soo good. Service was fine and accommodating and attentive to my families food allergies. It was in a very "sketchy" street though with some unusual people.
(4)Lauren P.
We stopped in without a reservation and were able to grab seats at the bar immediately. Bartender (Lucca) was fantastic; prompt and responsive. Meals were great; we had the roasted veggie salad, mac and cheese, and the Cuban sandwich. Food was delicious and reasonably priced. Our favorite place thus far in Bar Harbor! Highly recommended. Also, it didn't hurt that the music (Journey, etc) was perfect. Loved the scene here.
(5)D. F.
Happy hour. Very good drink and beer menu. Grilled avocado... very good. Mac n cheese with bacon and vegetables... excellent. Pretzels... very good.
(4)KJ W.
Lobster. Stew. To die for. Ahhhhhh so damn good! Get the cup. Enjoy. So good!!!! Great service. Delicious food. Get the Cuban!!
(5)Ben R.
This place Rules ....Period !! If you are in Bar harbor ....and dont go here for dinner ....you are a loser !!! thats how good it is
(5)Sarah J.
A little bit out of the way from the hustle and bustle, this cafe offers outdoor aeating and an extensive menu. The food was hit or miss: Lobster roll, side of lobster stew: lobster roll was lightly tossed in some mayo and was delicious and not overly creamy, which I like because you can really enjoy the sweet meat. There was a good portion of lobster in the stew but unfortunately It was also served with a ahort piece of dark wavy hair. The nomad burger: loved the crusty bread, the avocados, the chipotle sauce, and of course the bacon on the burger Chips w bean dip (app): absolutely do not get this tasteless dish, worst bean dip I've had in recent memory Overall, cute place and friendly staff but wish the food was better.
(3)Alan F.
We've been to this restaurant numerous times our last visit to Bar harbor;two years ago , the lobster Mac n' cheese is killer. This time however it became an issue with unaccommodating staff ,apathetic college kids , with a family of four we walked out and went elsewhere.
(1)Laura B.
There are many restaurants to choose from in Bar Harbor, but many of them are overpriced and not particularly spectacular. Last summer my sister and I wandered around and stumbled upon Side Street Cafe. After having a wonderful experience the first time, we knew we had to come back again. Both times that I came I had the create your own Mac and cheese. It is just so good! I added tomato, bacon, avocado, and chicken to mine and it was simply fantastic! I would definitely suggest ordering the half size as it is more than enough! My sister had one of their burgers, featuring bacon and avocado and she really enjoyed it as well. We made it in time for happy hour so we shared a pitcher of their margaritas for only $10! Their margaritas are said to be the best in Bar Harbor and they are quite delicious. They add a splash of orange juice to them and it makes it nice and refreshing. Overall the service is good and even when they are busy you don't have to wait too long for a table. They have a lot of great menu choices, lots of gluten free and vegetarian options as well as plenty of lobster and seafood. The restaurant itself is cute and each table features notes that patrons have written about their good experiences. There is also a nice looking deck out front but it has been full both times I've been. We've now been twice, and we definitely plan to come again the next time we're in Bar Harbor.
(5)Terri V.
My family came here twice on our trip to Bar Harbor. They were voted "best lobster roll" and it was definitely the best! The roll is jammed packed with lobster (1-1/2 lobsters) and comes with a side. My husband had Mac and cheese which he really liked and second time around had the nomad burger, which he loved as well! The inside is cramped but with food like theirs you would sit anywhere! :) Both times we went there was a wait, but we gave them our cell number and when a table was ready they called us, so we were able to go to a couple shops while we waited! Awesome! If you are in BH, go and enjoy a lobster roll or whatever you please.....definitely recommend!
(5)Kerry A.
I can't say enough good things about this place. The Lobster Roll was the best we had on MDI ... traditional hot dog roll buttered and toasted and just a touch of mayo and importantly...no celery! I high recommend the spiked lavender lemonade also. Staff were super attentive and sweet and we loved the Christmas in July vibe they had going on. Do make it a point to call ahead and put your name on the list. when we were heading out we overheard it was an hour long wait and with good reason. As an aside, we also ate at Stewmans Dowtown on the water and found the food was not as impressive but was more expensive. Side Street definitely won us over!!! We'll be back for sure!!
(4)Nicole C.
Side Street Cafe is one of my favorite restaurants to visit in Bar Harbor. The atmosphere is fun and energetic. The food is top quality and the staff is known for their local hospitality. With options for everyone on the menu and creative drink specials it's an experience you don't want to miss.
(5)Stink C.
The lobster roll is perfect. It's filled with lobster meat, and seasoned just right.
(5)Wes D.
Loved the place. Food was great but it was cold. We had to wear coats but the temperature outside was very cold. Almost gave 4 stars but it would not be right.
(5)Nicole L.
Ok, so the food wasn't bad but it wasn't so good I'd make a repeat visit. The lobster roll was lacking compared to one we had two days prior in Boston. The blueberry pie was alright. The bill was too high in comparison to my lack of satisfaction with the food. Visited: September 29, 2012
(3)Barbara G.
This was a great find, once again thanks to Yelp for finding us the great spots to eat. Had the pork sliders and my friend ordered the egg salad sliders and we shared. Both were very good. Only issue we had was her lobster cocktail was a bit chewy and the very quickly removed it from our bill. Nice lunch spot.
(5)PG A.
WTF, I order a caprese salad and its nothing but lettuce. Thankfully, I added lobster too it, but what happened to the tomatoes and mozzarella. Did the kitchen run out, and why was there lettuce in a caprese sald anyways?
(2)Eleanor B.
Just as great as the reviews! Lobster roll was pure lobster heaven, lobster stew was amazing and Mac and cheese was grown up Mac and Cheese with shells instead of elbow Mac? Lots of cheese and bits of lobster! Oh and if you like root beer try the local root beer from Bar Harbor, ME! Yum!!!
(5)Sam S.
Went for happy hour in June. Talk about the nicest people and places, this is it. So kind. Soft pretzels with queso and mustard dip. The sandwiches looked so good and were huge. We will certainly return.
(5)Ray P.
Came here a bit earlier (1130ish) on a weekday for lunch, so beat the crowds, which we noticed quickly formed after we were seated. Highly recommend the mac and cheese, had their version ("Jeff's?") and added roasted pork to it. Really good and hearty. A half-portion should be enough for the average person. Actually, I don't know who could eat a portion larger than that. The hummus and tapenade was good, toasted flatbread pieces were a little greasy. Mixed feelings on the lobster roll. While it was a really good and fresh lobster roll with plenty of meat, I don't know if it's really worth $20. But then again, maybe the whole idea of a lobster roll is kind of ridiculous. You know, kind of like paying $50 for a burger or a po'boy. Anyway, come here and decide for yourself. Not cheap eats exactly, but you won't leave hungry.
(4)Ashley A.
AMAZING Lobster Stew! You have to try this, you won't be disappointed! So much lobster in every bite.
(5)lindsay t.
We had a great dinner here!! I had the lobster (delish!) and my fiancé had the lobster roll which was also great. We heard from another restaurant server (!) that the blueberry pie there is amazing! Service was great and very attentive. Make a reservation.
(4)Ross C.
Good vibe, solid food. Can do without the sickly sweet reviews under the table glass. Speaking of the glass, mats wouldn't go amiss. I had to hold my plate in place when cutting my food.
(4)Amanda E.
awesome happy hour!! margarita of the moment was strawberry rhubarb, not too sweet & well balanced, got a pitcher for $10 which poured 6 Rita's. bar bites were really good, would def recommend the buffalo shrimp.
(4)Steve W.
This was my sixth time dining at side street. The five previous times were not during tourist season. I mention this because the previous five times deserved four stars unfortunately this last time 6/27/2014 barely rated one star. Food was over cooked, dry and must have been sitting around prior to being served. The waitress Yanna was the only Five Star experience. My advice wait till summers over or send in a test person before dining here!
(1)Lisa M.
Best, friendliest customer service I have ever had. Ever. And I hardly ever review restaurants on anything other than food. Food: Lobster roll was perfection. Plenty of high-quality lobster meat, not too much mayo, and a tasty buttered New England styled bun. just get this. My husband's lobster cob salad featured the same excellent lobster meat but IMO, lobster meat is only truly complimented by a toasted, buttered roll. We used my 2 year old as an excuse to also order the build-your-own mac and cheese. We added tomatoes, spinach, and hot dogs. It was very good. But get the lobster roll.
(5)Ksenia B.
Amazing food! Two lobsters for just $35!!!! Unbelievable! The place has a great homey feel. Servers are very friendly and extremely polite. A must visit for a quality seafood coupled with a comfy cute ambience.
(5)Chelly S.
Great little side street cafe. The chowder was really excellent, perfect chicken wings . Great service on a beautiful day. Go for it! Bar Harbor is super touristy so this was a refreshing change. No matter. Bar Harbor is a great destination! My husband was equally impressed.
(5)Cindy L.
We came here around 1130 and beat the lunchtime crowds. Due to the over abundance of lobster this year, they were having a "save the lobsterman" campaign so select dishes were $5 off. Yayyy, more lobster for me!! Nom nom nom We ordered the lobster Mac n cheese as our apps even though it's an entree. We made the right decision bc it was incredibly yummy. It was deliciously cheesy and filled with huge chunks of lobster. We also added bacon to it which tasted great but def not necessary. We all ordered the coveted lobster roll which came with a side of potato chips. The lobster roll was stuffed with lobster and worth the price but I felt Lompoc had a better lobster club sandwich. Side street was still good but the lobster to small bread ratio just wasn't working for me. Friendly service, plain decor, and good food. You won't be disappointed.
(4)James B.
The options for reasonably priced meals in Bar Harbor are limited, but Side Street does well. I've had the burgers, the lobster roll, and the lobster dinner, and all were solid but not best I've ever had. The lobster roll was really good for downtown Bar Harbor, though at $20 its fairly expensive. The service here is sometimes slow, usually they are pretty swamped in the tourist season (and still pretty busy even when its not). It is a pretty popular joint with both the locals and the tourists and the staff is always super friendly. I'd recommend a visit, especially if you can sit out on the front porch, was is a treat. In the summer you might want to call ahead to check on the wait.
(4)Tina D.
Ordered the lobster roll...lobster roll arrived. Took a bite. Said "this is SO GOOD" Husband:"blah blah blah high tide." Me: "this is SO GOOD" Husband:"blah blah blah half hour drive" Me (thinking) :"why aren't you eating your roll? It's SO GOOD" Me (outloud): "I mean it, this is REALLy GOOD!"
(5)Marty L.
Early dinner with young kids. They had the Mac and cheese - plain regular stuff with potato chips. At least they didn't charge $7. Because only one of the three kids actually ate it. My husband had the lobster roll. It was yummy in the way that a lobster rolls are but nothing too different from any other claiming to be "best". I live in CT where lobster prices has gone down to $4.99/lb - my favorite lobster happens at home. Anyway - I had the fish of the day special - grilled halibut with wild rice and kale!!! Green buttery kale went well with the carefully grilled fish. Wish i could have asked for more kale. So yummy that it made up for the other so-so meals. The cook brought out the food for us which was a nice touch. I think they realized that I was Yelping!
(4)Jeffrey L.
We sat fairly close to the lobster tank and bathroom, which definitely had an odor. The food was just ok. While the kids enjoyed their mac and cheese, the burger was rather flavorless, and the "pub fries" were inedible.
(3)Clint W.
Great place. Super amazing price! Northern Cuban was bangin. Crab sandwich was just alright. I highly recommend
(4)Gina S.
Can you say only order half order of the Mac and cheese with lobster. I tell ya, the pasta is the seashell type(which I know why they use it...to catch more cheeseyness!) but....I am a fan of large elbow macaroni, the way my Gramma used to make it. My husband made his own mac and cheese combo with hamburger and bacon( he's on cholesterol meds...really?) We both enjoyed the experience and just wished that where we sat in the back next to the service door wasn't so busy and noisy. Great prices, lots to select from and great service...Will be back for sure.
(4)Lili H.
The lobster roll was to die for with big chunks of lobster and not too much mayo. Just enough to hold it together. The lobster chowder had huge chunks of fresh lobster meat. Only reason it is not a five star is because the soup was luke warm but not quite hot enough. Also server forgot to bring hot water to rinse sand off clams. There was a weird smell when we walked in too like cleaning supplies. But the food was so fantastic that it Made up for the few problems. I loved the exciting and vibrant atmosphere.
(4)Emily C.
This place so ridiculously exceeded my expectations, it was worth a 5 star yelp review. Just went to MDI for an off season vaca and had both lunch and dinner there. We went for dinner, were blown away by their mac n cheese (seems simple, but so great to get a yummy version), sandwich varieties, and other offerings that we came back for lunch the next day. I would highly recommend any sandwich with the soft pretzle roll, the strawberry vinagrette on any salad, and/or the grilled fluff sandwich for dessert. I would go back to this place in a heartbeat... it's so refreshing to have down to earth food done really well and so inexpensively. I wish there was one in my town!
(5)Nancy S.
We really liked the wings, the best was my son's Mac & Cheese with add on cheese steak - mouth-watering! My husband's burger was cooked too well first time around - it was absolutely NO PROBLEM making it right! My caprese salad with mozzarella/tomatoes & addition of grilled chicken was excellent! And last but CERTAINLY not least, the awesome bartender, Troy (who also served us outside because we brought our dog) he was Everything & More! I could have come every day of my vacation!
(4)Sam S.
Such a little gem of a restaurant. Drinks are always tasty (seriously, maybe the best Bloody Mary that I've ever had) and the food is delicious. Highly recommend the Lobster Quesadilla.
(4)Nisa E.
On out third night in Bar Harbor, we stopped here for dinner. I was not impressed. They were undergoing a major construction project, and it was more dive-y than the other restaurants I had experienced in Bar Harbor, so my expectations may have colored my experience. The place was clean enough, but we had to walk through the kitchen to get to our table, and to leave. I do not like to see a restaurant kitchen. I'll admit that I'm a germ-a-phobe to an obsessive compulsive capacity, so if one thing is off or not cleaned to my preference - the whole experience is ruined for me. I tried not to look, so happily I cannot report anything out of the ordinary. I ordered a veggie burger on a pita and plain Mac n' Cheese. The veggie burger was good, not amazing, but good. I was disappointed in the Mac n' Cheese. It had been voted regions best by some travel guide multiple years in a row, but it was just Mac n' Cheese. It was average, not bad, just average. The price was fair, the food came fast and the staff was friendly, so if you are looking for a cheap place to eat simple American food, and you don't mind the construction or dive-y feel, you can get a decent meal for a decent price.
(2)Mano P.
Best lobster roll in Bar Harbour
(4)Elise B.
We came here on the Maine foodie tour. We came for the lobster tools that are said to be the best in town. And I can say that they were delish. A nice warm buttery roll and plenty of lobster and it was seasoned perfectly and far from swimming in mayo which is awesome if u ask me. The staff was friendly and gave us a big of background an the join which was neat. We would defiantly go here again.
(5)Aaron E.
Great spot on a side street of all places! Calling it a burger joint doesn't seem fair since they have a huge menu with all kinds of options. Vegetarian daughter ha the Emmy and said it was one of the best sandwiches she has had. Wife had a mini burger and I had a lobster roll. Salads were fresh and well done. Service was very good and we sat outside which was fantastic on a nice evening. Not sure about other option in town but this place seemed to have lots of locals and we were very pleased. Dinner for 3 in Bar Harbor for under $45 is great but food this good for under $45 is fantastic!
(5)Denise S.
Great margaritas, good happy hour, amazing Mac and cheese and tasty lobster roll. Nice chill place for dinner after a long day of hiking.
(4)Melanie L.
I ordered the lobster quesadilla which was delicious!! Lots of tender lobster, avocados and quality cheese with a side of sour cream and fresh salsa. Everyone else in my party liked their food as well.
(5)Mike S.
Happen to catch it for Super Hero night! Awesome family- friendly place with a great lobster roll, 1 1/4 lb lobster dinner for $16 - perfect for my daughter, with a solid kids menu. All are meals were great and perfect service. Definitely the best meal we had in Bar Harbor for the whole family.
(5)Gregg V.
We only made it here for lunch, but really enjoyed it. Great atmosphere, food, and service. My daughter had probably the best clam chowder I've ever tasted, too bad it was just the soup of the day and not a regular item. We mainly had burgers and salads, all were really good. The mac and cheese looked and sounded great. Hopefully will try it next summer.
(4)Michael F.
Beer and cocktail list is fantastic. Bartenders are fun. They entertained our two girls with the inventive drinks they concocted. When we got to our table a very personable waitress greeted us. We had three versions of the Mac and Cheese and the lobster roll. All of whic
(4)Jim K.
After a day full of hiking this was exactly what we needed. Great food. Great drinks. Best in Bar Harbor.
(5)Kate E.
Love Side Street in the winter. Their food is very good and their drinks are creative and tasty. In general I'd give them 5 stars except for two things: their greens in their salads can be wilted and slimy at times and their front end staff in the summer is atrocious. If you're in town between October and May, definitely the best place to go. From June to September, it requires more patience than I can generally muster.
(4)Roger F.
Alright, it's not super high end food, but for the price it's great food. I've eaten there a half dozen times or so when in Bar Harbor, and have not been let down. Constantly good is a must in my opinion. If you do need to wait, the restaurant has an automated system that notifies you that your table will be ready soon. Thus you can hit up main st and cottage st. and window shop to pass the time(plus one for sure).
(5)DJ N.
We had high expectations for dinner here given the high star rating. Our dinner didn't meet those expectations. The mac and cheese is fairly typical tasting, not really a standout dish. My wife's turkey club was below average fare. My Cuban was tasty but not 4 star worthy. The Cesar salad was only fair. Service was average and generally friendly. Not a great value for what you'll spend here.
(2)Shauna H.
We stopped by on a tip from some locals for a late lunch a few weeks ago after a long morning of hiking around Acadia National Park. We were told not to miss the mac and cheese, and I have to admit - it was some of the best I've ever had! My husband loved the lobster stew (it was his favorite of the trip), and my kids were very happy with their meals (especially my daughter, who loved her made-to-order sandwich). Our waitress was very nice and accommodating to our demanding family of five. The only (very minor) gripes I have were the tight seating arrangements and the less-than-cheery hostesses. For those complaining about the prices - well, you are in a tourist town and lobster just ain't cheap, folks! For us though, the terrific food and lovely waitress happily made this a fabulous stop for lunch!
(4)Mark H.
The place ha great service. We were seated right away since there's only two of us. The party in front of us has to wait close to an hour for a party of 6. Ordered lobster stew, lobster salad and lobster roll. - Lobster stew has great flavor, and lots of lobster chunks. Definitely a five star stew. - lobster salad is very fresh, lots lobster pieces. Presentation was superb. Almost felt bad cutting in - lobster roll is a 4 star affair. The meat is fresh and plenty. But a bigger piece of bread can make the dish shine more. As the lobster to bread ratio is way off. I had it with a side of salad. So the portions worked out in the end. Definitely recommend the place.
(4)Melanie G.
I had tomato soup and tuna Cesar salad. The tomato soup is the most flavorful I've ever had. Plenty of tuna and taste good.
(4)Lou F.
Off the beaten path as the name suggests, this little nugget was a great find. In cold weather call ahead as they don't do reservations and waiting outside wasn't fun. Was worth it though. Cute place, friendly staff, reasonably priced. Beers were cold and fresh. The food hot and equally as fresh. Had meatball sliders for an app while wife enjoyed a blueberry margarita and I quaffed an Atlantic Real Ale. While in Maine, you gotta have lobstah so we did. Lobstah rolls for both of us. Me with pub fries, her with sweet potato chips. The lobstah rolls were excellent. Although I'd agree with most that a better bread to hold up against the amount of lobstah would take this to exquisite level from excellent. Fresh, well made and delicious. One suggestion is if you don't like cumin don't get the sweet potato chips they were covered in it and while tasty when eaten, made for heartburn later. Coffee came in "home sized" mugs meaning there was plenty of it and it was good. A great place to have a great meal. I would most definitely come back and will most definitely recommend it to others.
(4)george k.
Very busy place. Large menu, most of which I didn't want. But the lobster roll and lobster stew were delicious treats. That's why we went and it hit the spot. The blueberry pie was mediocre, didn't think that was possible in Maine. Many families come here and they accommodate well.
(4)Erica B.
Great service, delicious food! I always stop here on my way thru town. They have a great lobster dish: picked out meat sautéed in butter and served with chips. I just had a devine strawberry-rhubarb margarita there today. Not sure why there's no lobster roll on menu? Also their steamers (and the broth on the side) are incredibly good.
(4)Doug K.
Sought out based on Yelp reviews...not a big fan of Bar Harbor in general but staying near Acadia we wanted a nice place to eat. Side Street provided a good venue, a little off the beaten path, which is good. We waited about 15-20 minutes, which isn't bad. The food is very good, though pricey. The lobster rolls, as mentioned, are very very good and they have decent taps for the beer lovers out there...all from Maine.
(3)Mark A.
Summary: Lobster on Anything menu. Lobster Roll is the best! Pros: Lobster Roll was absolutely outstanding. You can put lobster on anything. Clam Chowder was also absolutely amazing. BLAT. Friendly Servers Cons: Mac and Cheese was a bit too cheesy Comments. You can put Lobster on anything on the menu, but would also recommend their BLAT (Bacon Lobster, Avocado, Tomato). They say the lobsters were swimming early that morning, and you could tell! I'm not normally a lobster roll person, but Side Street Cafe's were to die for! While I did enjoy the mac and cheese, I do believe it was a bit too cheesy. We went during the off season so we were seated very quickly. However, I'd recommend waiting for this place.
(5)Tee L.
My BF and I were in Bar Harbor for four nights. We ate at Side Street Cafe three of them. Yes, I realize that's pretty lame when you're only in town for a short time and you never know when you're going to be back. Side Street was just that good. The third time we went, we only intended to go for a drink and appetizer, but didn't end up leaving. The drinks are delicious. Go during happy hour (4-6 pm) for $10 pitchers of margaritas and gimlets, plus cheap draft beer and house wine. I realize that in Maine it's practically illegal to say it, but I don't eat seafood, so I liked that there were plenty of other options (but my lobster-loving BF was also satisfied). I tried a sandwich with a black bean patty and chipotle mayo, mac & cheese, spinach & artichoke dip, and a quesadilla. All were great. You can tell everything is made with fresh ingredients. Sit outside if you can. The inside rooms are a little weird, we were in a back hallway twice. Be ready for a wait on busy nights if you go later, but during happy hour we never had to wait.
(5)Michael F.
Great service, very friendly. We had the the lobster rolls and shared a full serving of make your own Mac n Cheese. We were stuffed and it was delicious. Best Mac n Cheese I've had in a long time. Oh, and the Watermelon-Mint-Cucumber margarita was simply amazing, so refreshing. Can't wait to go back! Everything about this place screams OOOOOHHH ITS SOOO GOOD!
(5)Kelly Anne M.
Love love love! Had lunch and dinner here and both were amazing. Lobster Mac, black bean quesadilla and great fresh salsa. If you love lemonade, try the picnic basket for drinks. Local, fresh, yummy!
(5)Lacey W.
AAAAAMAZING! We had the lobster role and chowder...best I have had in Maine!
(4)Eric Z.
I beg to differ with other reviewers. Went in with reasonable hopes and boy did it disappoint. Service = bad. Apps and dinner came at the same time. Food = not impressive. No effort into any of the dishes. Food was cold by the time I ate it, but no way it was every going to be anything better than average. Cost - expensive. If this is the best Bar Harbor has to offer, you should drive to Portland and eat at Duckfat. They actually care about what they serve. Drinks were decent and they had a good selection of creative ones, thus 1-star.
(1)Jerry Z.
We thought Side Street would be a good choice for a casual dinner. We had been there before but not yet this year. They have upgraded their outdoor seating with a nice covering. Overall, the quality of the food was good, but we felt the portion sizes were on the small side, while the prices were on the high side. Service was good. My wife ordered the loaded nachos. There was a $8 size "for one" and a $12 size "for the table". Since I was going to share and it was all my wife was getting we went for the large size. Good thing. It was the smallest portion of nachos I have ever seen, but despite the "out of a bag" corn chips and the skimpy portion, they actually were very good. I ordered the lobster roll touted as best in town. $20 plus $2 to have fries instead of chips is a pretty steep price even in Bar Harbor. The lobster roll was very good, but I would have to rate it below the a Thirsty Whale 's roll. A couple of beers, an $8 margarita (very good, btw -- they use fresh lime juice) plus tax and tip and we dropped $60 on what we would consider a pretty light dinner. I might try Side Street again because it is a pretty cool atmosphere (they even have music on certain nights), but would probably pay more attention to prices next time. It might be a good place to stop in for a couple of cold beers and an appetizer split before going somewhere else for dinner.
(3)Sabina C.
Food was good - Jeff's Mac n cheese was excellent, crab cakes and scallops about OK. Pricing reasonable. Good environment for kids and a very economical kids menu. What was terrible was the service from hostess and later, the "manager". We went by at 640pm and the hostess took down my phone number to call us. Said it would be a 30-40 minute wait. I hadn't heard back after about a half hour and when we went back, one hostess said, our reservation was marked cancelled. The original hostess came back and said, oh, yeah, it's ready. Not sure if I was ever going to get a call? Anyway, our server at least was delightful - very nice guy - and margaritas are yummy. Then we asked for our food to be wrapped (i only made a small dent in the mac n cheese). Had walked out of the restaurant forgetting it, remembered it 5 minutes later and upon returning, they said, sorry, it's been thrown out. I was like, er, I jjjjust left! Between being very busy, no one ever returning to get their food, and it being my fault for leaving it there, the reasons thrown at me were pretty nastily delivered by this manager. She then claimed that a note with a time was put on the container, which is hardly believable, and that there's nothing they can do about it. I was like, can't you offer a replacement? She cuts me off and says curtly, with a wicked sarcastic smile, "I'll get you a Mac n cheese". After about 5 minutes she comes back with a container marked "enjoy" to rub in the sarcasm! Gotta love it. Would've given this place another star if not for the nastiness and aloofness of the staff.
(3)Mark D.
Excellent special with steak, lobster, and curry... Also had the Mac and cheese.. Very rich and tasty. Lots of vegetarian options too.. We really liked it all!
(5)Mac B.
Visiting Bar Harbor for a wedding and stopped in for a quick lunch. Ordered the "Jeff's Mac & Cheese" and it was some of the best Mac & Cheese I have ever had. The portion was huge, so unless you are hungry go with the half. Service was excellent. Attentive, good recommendations, but not overbearing. I would definitely go there again and get the Jeff's Mac & Cheese.
(4)Tony L.
Let it begin, call ahead if you are in a rush as this place gets busy. We didn't however but they had a local folk singer and a pretty well stocked bar with about a dozen craft beers on tap to keep us entertained while waiting on our table. It is a family atmosphere, about 30 or so indoor and outdoor tables and seating for a dozen or so in the bar area. We had a really good time socializing at the bar. Our waitress Luca (sp) and the owner Jeff apologized several times for the wait and was very attentive and friendly with out being obnoxious. As you could imagine we were famished and I was held back from ordering every appetizer on the menu. We settled on the loaded nacho platter which was large with grilled chicken, sour cream, jalopenos, beans and everything else you could imagine, gone in about 3 minutes. Next we had thebuffalo chicken wings, unexpectedly these were grilled not fried with a mild buffalo sauce, I got to say the sauce enabled the grilled taste of the wings to shine through, very enjoyable. I had my eyes on the mussels all night but was held back from odering them, I will get them the next time. My daughter got the clam chowder unlike most placesso thck that you could hang wallpaper it was loaded with clams and the broth had just the right consitency. On to dinner, all meals were cooked from scratch served with freshly cut veggies and fresh herbs. I got the pork steak, I assume it was brined from the flavor, grilled with fresh herbs, served over fresh veggies and hand cut fries, the pork was tender and delicious, veggies had just the right amount of crunch and the fries crispy and salted to perfection. My son had the halibut special, grilled served with veggies and fries, the halibut was moist and done just right. My daughter had the seafood with sorba noodles which were equally as good. My wife got the lobster roll, bun toasted and just the right amount of mayonaise. No room for dessert although everything that passed by us looked great. This place is a gem!
(5)Leslie S.
Great find; so glad we saw Yelp reviews and decided to try it. We ate around 5 - no wait! All the food we tried was fantastic. The lobster roll was excellent - very light on mayo, had lettuce, buttered toasted bun. This is what I hoped lobster rolls were like. The mac&cheese was creamy, rich, and customizable. The grilled chicken sandwich was also enjoyed. I highly recommend the lobster roll - the best we had in Maine! This was our best meal in Bar Harbor. They were having a "lobsterman" special - nearly every menu item with lobster was $5 off. I don't know how long this discount will last.
(5)Dan S.
Easily the best food we had in Bar Harbor. We had the bbq salmon and stuffed red peppers for entrees, both of which were good, and the spinach artichoke dip was a tasty way to start the meal. Everything was warm and fresh. Really friendly service too. There was some weird stuff going on with the music there though. When we came in, they had a real solid playlist going through the speakers in the restaurant. But then a cover band started playing which was really loud (so much so that the staff kept asking them to turn down) and kind of hurt the atmosphere. One woman was really into them, but for the most part, people looked annoyed and it was hard to talk. It definitely felt out of place and wasn't really appropriate for the setting. Not sure if this was just a one-night screwup or not, but it was the main negative from the place.
(4)Ai B.
This place is okay. The place didn't look too too busy, and yet the hostesses (teenagers) made us wait to be seated. They did see that we had our 3 month baby with us. Finally after what seemed to be forever, they seated us next to the bathroom (about 2 ft away). I was lucky, I get to face the bathroom. Our waitress was good, not friendly but she was prompt and attentive. I ordered the lobster Mac & cheese which was good and I had enjoyed it. My husband ordered the buffalo chicken sandwich which he said was undercooked, still pink inside. He also said the sandwich was just okay. Overall our experience was ok. We probably won't return or recommend to anyone.
(3)Harsheel S.
We ( a bunch of 6 people) visited this place for lunch on a Sunday during the Labor day weekend around noon. The waiting time was less and the coffee that we ordered was really good. As far as the food goes, it was really nice too - both vegetarian(black bean wrap & sandwich) which I had and non-veg(lobster) which my friends had. I took one star off because of the long wait to get the food but other than that the staff is pretty friendly, food was the best I believe I had in Bar Harbor and the ambiance was lively
(4)Shiloh S.
Found this spot thanks to Yelp and it more than lived up to the good reviews. My wife and I shared a cup of the creamy mushroom and corn soup. I had the Highliner quesadilla with lobster and avocado. My wife had the lobster roll. We shared the blueberry pie and vanilla ice cream for dessert. All of the food was top of the line. Loved this place! Great atmosphere and very friendly and helpful waitstaff. Oh, and the Real Ale (local brown) was great as well. Definitely will stop back in next time I am on the Island.
(5)F M.
We ate at Side Street Cafe twice in one week. The first time, I ordered the Mac & Cheese. It was creative,but in the end, not as good as traditional. The second time - oh boy! The Southwest Burger was outstanding, and the main reason for my 5-star rating. And the bread pudding was delicious. The playlist was, surprisingly, house music. But that's one of my favorite genres, and it made for a lively meal for our big family party.
(5)Sue H.
food was excellent - I had the Emmy, a vegetarian sandwich, Mac and cheese also excellent, and the quesadillas also great and more than adequate as a lunch. Our server was excellent.
(5)Deanna D.
We stopped here on a Sat. night for dinner after a shop owner suggested it to us. The place was pretty empty and that should have been the first sign. The restaurant is cute and very clean. Its a cafe that serves mainly small plates on the menu. Here's what we ordered: SMOKED HADDOCK MAC and CHEESE smoked haddock, penne and peas baked in a cheesy lemon sauce-- It was OK; nothing great or memorable about it. CHALUPAS grilled cornmeal "boats" topped with garlic shrimp, black bean dip, lettuce, tomato, avocado and creamy chipotle sauce--This was the dish I enjoyed the most. I liked flavors and the presentation. OVEN FRIES baked with coriander seeds and served with homemade roasted tomato sauce- The fries were actually good and I loved the fact they were not fried. But again nothing special. These 3 items were almost $30-- Not worth that much to me but whatever. I would have given it 1.5 stars based on the food and value but I was on vacation and feeling generous+ the server was friendly and the food came out quickly. Bottom line= Cute place, good concept but served mediocre food that was overly priced.
(2)Karen P.
I'll make this brief. We have been to every restaurant in town. If you travel to Bar Harbor and go out to eat and don't make it to Side Street Cafe, you have only yourself to blame. Food is good, atmosphere is relaxed, the decor clearly demonstrates the personalities of the owners, and the wait staff is nice. The gimlet happy hour special is a much welcome recent discovery but we have been going there since it opened, and have enjoyed virtually everything the bar and menu has to offer. When we go to Bar Harbor, which is often since we have a house there, here are some key priorities: lots of hiking, time on the water kayaking, popovers at the Jordan Pond House, walking the shore path, Reel Pizza, and Side Street Cafe.
(5)Peggy B.
Took the advice from some Yelp reviews and ate here. The lobster roll was delicious! Just as it was recommended. The Nomad Burger very good! The Nachos were OK, Caesar salad was OK, nothing special. Enjoyed our meal here.
(4)Stephen H.
We found Side Street Cafe to be an excellent establishment. Service was fast, courteous, and attentive during both of our visits (once for lunch and once for dinner). Portion sizes were just right and we found the menu well executed from the clam chowder to the lobster rolls as well as from the Asian stir fry to the B.L.A.T. topped with lobster. Simply delicious. The warm wild blueberry pie is not to be missed!!!
(5)Joe F.
Lobster roll was meh. My amazing wife's burger was... Not amazing. Skip it. Sold as a great place where locals go. Never saw that while we were there. Tourist trap, stay clear.
(1)Geoffrey G.
This was definitely our favorite restaurant during our stay in Bar Harbor. It's actually the only restaurant that we went to twice during our stay. It started on the right foot since the restaurant had its own parking which saved us the standard 5 - 15 minute search for a spot. We didn't make reservations (we really have to plan better on vacation) and were told that it would be a 25 minute wait. We left our car in their parking lot and walked to the park which was right across the street and let our kids run and play while we waited. When we got back we were immediately seated by their friendly staff and our orders were promptly taken. Our waitress was very nice and gave us honest suggestions on the entrees which is greatly appreciated when you come to a new restaurant. My meal could not have been better and after we left we immediately started to plan on which night that we would return so that we could try some of the other suggestions that our waitress gave us. If you are staying in Bar Harbor, I definitely suggest your try out this restaurant and suggest you try it early during your stay, just in case you want to go back again. :-)
(5)Michael K.
Side Street was voted Best Burgers.... Well, I agree. We ate there last week, and all I can say is we'll be back when we are in BH. A laid back atmosphere.... Not pretentious, just simple. Maybe its a work in progress... The food: we both had the Nomad burgers. We've had burgers elsewhere, but these beat the competition hands down. There's no such thing as perfect food, but darn, these are close. I guess if I have to nitpick, I'd like more cheese. And, while the Ciabatta rolls are unique, they may be just a shade too much bun for a burger. Neither of these personal preferences detract from the overall burger experience though. You do have other bread choices... and extra cheese I'm sure could be asked for. We had wine, but the bartender looks like she cares. She provided home grown mint for the mojitos! Lots of care went into making those, and were I not having wine, I'd have ordered one up for myself! If you miss this place - shame on you - you missed out....
(5)Amanda W.
Came for a 7pm dinner before heading to an 8:15 movie at Reel Picture. I split a spinach salad, lobster stew, and a lobster roll with some friends and we ordered a pitcher of blueberry margaritas for the table. The salad and lobster roll were good and what you might expect, but the the stew was simply delicious and is a must order. Big chunks of lobster and a really thick and creamy base. I'd go back for the stew alone! The margaritas were a little watery tasting, but pretty good for the price. I'd probably order them again.
(4)Craig C.
Very unique place, and I loved it. One of my favorite meals while I was in Bar Harbor. I had the Southwest Burger (Cajun seasoning, fresh jalapeños, cheddar cheese and guacamole) as I'm a huge fan of spicy food and I was not disappointed. Very very good!
(4)Jamie W.
Best night we had in Bar Harbor. Our B&B keepers recommended Side Street Cafe as a place that was more local than touristy. We called ahead for reservations (a good idea - the place gets hopping!), but wound up timing it right and getting seats at the small, but cozy bar. There's a good karma in the air that lends itself to spontaneous conversation with strangers, lots of smiles, and good-hearted banter with the staff. There was a good mix of locals, first-time tourists, and perennial visitors and everyone got along famously. The food was fabulous. We kept it simple - nachos followed by a burger. Everything was delivered quickly and was hot-hot-hot and seriously tasty. "Fresh" is another word that comes to mind ... and "flavorful." The salsa that came with the nachos tasted like it had just been picked out of the garden and the steak fries that came with the burger could have been a meal in themselves - perfectly seasoned, crispy on the outside, and hearty as all get out. The ciabatta bun for the burger was the crowning touch on a very tasty and perfectly cooked burger. (Ok, must stop using the word "perfectly"!) Drinks were delish and served up with panache by the lovely Erica. Owner Jenna (with hubby and daughter) were mingling and managing with grace and the utmost hospitality. We were lucky enough to be there on a night with live music and had a fabulous time rockin' it with The Larks of Maine. Total sing-a-long and dance-a-thon. GREAT time! All in all - couldn't have asked for anything better. Left the place with big smiles, tired feet, and full bellies. Can't wait to come back.
(5)Diane W.
Lobster Curry on top of New York strip - chunks of lobster fall on rice and green beans. Green beans and rice are as fabulous as steak and lobster. Excellent meal- best of entire two weeks of our vacation!!! Go and enjoy
(5)Nicole O.
Full disclosure: My friend Jeni owns the place. But regardless of whether I knew Jeni or not, this is the kind of place I can go with friends for breakfast, take my mom for lunch, or a date for dinner. Nice ambiance and great food. And if you want a low key night out to feel classy, they have great drinks (they make their own apricot brandy for a fabulous sidecar).
(5)Alexa R.
Basic, delicious menu and really nice staff. We stopped in for drinks 4th of July and sat at the nicely packed (but not too crowded bar). We revisited for lunch on the 5th. I had the black bean wrap and my husband had the lobster roll. I also started with a reasonably priced garden salad, which had mushrooms and sprouts on it. I know it seems lame to get excited about those toppings, but side salads can be so weak sometimes. The owner Jena is so friendly and nice! I wish we lived in Bar Harbor because I know this would be a place on our regular rotation.
(4)Lilly J.
Tasty food! But it's a NOISY atmosphere and is still worth it for the mac-n-cheese. We ate there several nights on our trip there and sampled a wide variety of their offerings. All pretty darned good.
(4)L K.
terrific food at a fair price. service is solid. small restaurant so it's a busy place. I would recommend this restaurant without hesitation.
(4)K H.
Came here on advice from cruise ship. The lobster role and lobster stew was the best lunch I've had in 10 years! Our waitress was terrific and gave us advice on where to eat dessert. Mt desert island ice cream. It was fantastic as well. Had lobster in Canada later on cruise, but nothing compared to Side Street Cafe!
(5)Lindsay B.
This place is known for their burgers, I can see why. Food was tasty, but the service was a tad slow. Luckily we were in a hurry and the tables offered lots of ways to pass time.
(4)Nancy S.
Will get right to the point: eat here. The food is fabulous, the service is genuinely friendly, and the price is reasonable given the location (it is a tourist town after after all) and the quality of the food they serve. I join in the clamor of happy patrons over the lobster roll and the chowder.
(4)Vivek M.
Lobster roll, crab cakes are the specialitys and its the best.
(5)Lindsey W.
Lobster Mac and Cheese was amazing. Husband had the fish of the moment and that was to die for. Great spot would love to eat there again!
(5)Kaitlin M.
My family and I went here twice during our visit to Bar Harbor. The food is great, the menu has lots of options including a good drink menu, and the staff was very friendly. First dinner I had a lobster roll, probably one of the largest lobster rolls offered in town. Light on mayo so you can taste the lobster. My family enjoyed the hummus platter (as dinner) and the Northern Cuban. We also ordered dessert; fluffernutter sundae (grilled fluffernutter sandwich topped with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream), chocolate bread pudding with ice cream and whipped cream, and a pie of blueberry pie -- all were yummy. The second visit I ordered a garden salad and split a full order of lobster macaroni and cheese. The lobster macaroni and cheese is fantastic! So much cheese and bits of lobster. The salad was very fresh and the dressing was good too. We also enjoyed the crab cake appetizer with dinner and it comes with a roasted red pepper sauce for a nice kick. Great place for a casual dinner with fantastic food!
(5)Sarah W.
Awesome margaritas, good lobster, and tasty mac and cheese! I like vibe at this restaurant.
(4)Erica R.
Overall a good time. We got seated very quickly! Waitress was attentive enough considering the busyness of the night! My only issue was the fact that my burger was very very pink, though I ordered it well done. Was too tired to order a new one so I ate around the middle. Good burger other than that. My friend ordered their mac n cheese and it was EXCELLLENT! A very big portion which she couldn't finish so I finished it for her :) Not expensive and a large menu!
(4)D. T.
Went the other night with a group of 8...service was excellent, with a great beer local recommended; cuban sandwich was very good....others in the group enjoyed burgers and more; new deck (opened today) is going to the place to go this summer to sit, have a drink,....and watch the world go by.
(4)Steve B.
Well, this was certainly a treat! We'd asked a local artist and gallery owner for a recommendation about where to eat in Bar Harbor, and he said he liked the Side Street Cafe. Since we hardly ever go wrong when we follow the advise of local folks, there we went. The Side Street Cafe's menu is large and varied, with lots of lobster dishes, and many other interesting dishes. However, we'd been lobstering our way through restaurants up the coast of Maine, so we thought we'd order something else. I had a house salad and a half order of Jeff's mac and cheese, which has black beans, ham, onions, and jalapeños. The half order was just the right size, even with my dinner partner helping herself to a few bites from across the table. The full order would have been too much, though I probably would have eaten the while thing. This was the best mac and cheese ever! Dinner partner had the beet and goat cheese salad on spinach (with chicken). She was saving room for dessert. Her salad was very good and a nice size for an entree. Wine was a California chardonnay (Fat Monk), which was very nice, and the coffee was super. Dessert was a brownie sundae, which was excellent. The service was wonderful, and the atmosphere was casual, fun, and energetic. This was a great way to start off our visit to Bar Harbor.
(5)TS P.
Oh my goodness! Been on vacation for a week and this was the best dinner of the week! I had Jeff's Mac and Cheese and would take the recipe in a heartbeat - so good! My Dad had the lobster roll - the menu is right - it's not the least expensive but is well worth the price. My mom had make your own Mac and Cheese and she loved it too! Service by Robyn was also fantastic. Go! Go right now!
(5)Bill G.
Was going to have Lobster something, but saw loaded Nachos! OMG! Best ever. Cheesy, Jalapeño goodness at it's best. Put that together with a Blueberry Ale, & we're talking serious goodness.
(5)Joe S.
What a wonderful establishment. Extremely customer service oriented - from the seating desk through the wait staff. We were a party of 8 - with an original reservation for 5. To accomodate our group, the staff moved some guests around - thank you - and found a way to fit us in. That began a wonderful 2 hour experience of drinking, dining and desserting (is there such a word?) Personally I had Jeff's Mac and Cheese - not anything like my mom used to make - but oh so good. The flavors, bite and how I wish I had gotten the full version instead of the half. We recommend Side Street!
(5)Linda L.
A Bar Harbor local suggested this place to get the best lobster roll in town. It was really that good. It is basically a whole lobster ripped up and served on a roll. Super fresh and tasty. There was only the very slightest bit of mayo-in fact I was not sure there was any at first. Pure lobstery goodness. The cocktail I ordered was not very good (hence the 4 stars), but the food was excellent, check it out!
(4)Dan L.
I've been here twice for lunch on two separate visits to Bar Harbor and was impressed each time. Fresh food, prepared with interesting ingredients, and efficient wait staff. I will go back and would recommend this place without hesitation.
(5)Ashlea M.
Kids and I really enjoyed this place. One of the best meals we had on vacation. Excellent menu. Great service.
(4)K L.
Great service send an awesome Lobster quesadilla definitely 5 star
(5)Sonny B.
Amazing bloody Mary!! The burger I had was superb, and the Black bean burger my girlfriend had was crazy good. Also, they let you bring your dog on the patio! Next time I am in bar harbor I am definitely going back!!!!
(5)Alexandra C.
We stopped in for lunch. Around peak lunch hours this place gets pretty crowded; we ended up waiting around 15 minutes for our table. The food was excellent and certainly made the wait worthwhile. Their lobster rolls are some of the best in town and their lobster salad is perfect if you are looking for something a bit lighter. My brother, a notoriously picky eater enjoyed the customizable options for sandwiches. I would highly recommend Side Street Cafe as a lunch spot. You can see more of my opinions of Bar Harbor restaurants and activities on the vacations page of my blog: lovingthegoodlife.wordpr…
(5)Miki M.
I had a dinner here when I visited Bar Harbor. The service was great but felt a little pricey for the food. $19 just for lobster roll, chips and a pickle...
(3)Jesse R.
Best in Bar Harbor!
(5)Jay F.
Place is good. Very good lobster roll. Service is decent. Good place to bring kids. They will call u on your cell if there is a wait which is a nice touch.
(3)Anne M.
Lobster dinne with mussel special was amazing! Lobster quesadilla can not be beat, well worth the price($25). Friendly staff nice deck. Fresh fish was bland but lobster roll was very good.
(4)Shannon S.
Side street cafe was a great place to go for lunch for a family. My kids loved it. Cold beer, great food and friendly service.
(5)Kate M.
Side street cafe served us the best lunch we've had in seven summers in Bar Harbor. It's a warm, inviting restaurant with friendly staff. The food was excellent and very reasonably priced. My husband had a great burger and I designed my own wrap that was very tasty - we can't wait to go back as there were more options we can't wait to try!
(5)Megan M.
OMG! (And I never use those kind of abbreviations.) We came here because we read the reviews saying this was the best place in Bar Harbor for lobster rolls. And indeed it is. Huge chunks of lobster, beautifully grilled roll. We also had the lobster stew which was the soup of the day. More a bisque than a stew, it seemed to be a broth of mostly cream and again, huge chunks of lobster, including claw meat. My husband ordered a cup, and after I tasted it, I didn't want to give it back, so we had to get another cup. The blueberry pie (we added ice cream) was yummy, seasoned with cinnamon. The room itself is very open without being impersonal (it's the end of May and it was raining, so we were inside rather than on the deck which has a bar along the edges so you can eat out there). The walls actually had color, which we appreciated. There's even a gas fireplace (unfortunately not on while we were there). Yes, you can get cheaper lobster rolls at the Thirsty Whale, but I have to say this was some good lobster roll, and I haven't had a better lobster bisque anywhere. The mac 'n cheese looked lovely, and the people next to us had nachos and licked the plate clean. My husband ordered their house fries which are really just thick cut potatoes with toppings (cheese, bacon, sour cream, tomatoes, olives - the canned ones, ick). Their version of potato skins. They were tasty, but only lukewarm (congealed cheese), so the waitress took them off the bill. They also have really interesting mixed drinks as well as excellent local beers on tap. Service was friendly and attentive. We'll be back during this trip. I just wish we had known about them the last few times we were in Bar Harbor!
(5)NIck A.
Recommended by a local shop keeper. a little off the beaten track but well worth the one block excursion. Great ambiance, great prices, great food. Kid friendly. Service was excellent too, from the hostess to the bartender to the server, they all were very professional, polite and upbeat. I Had a superb lobster, mussel and clam dinner. My son had a B.L.A.T (bacon, lettuce, avocado, tomato) sandwich he loved it. It had big potato wedges as fries (only criticism was they seemed like they had been kept warm for to long) Still the best meal we have had on our vacation so far and we are 8 days in! ......Great Job
(5)Molly J.
Love this place! Came here several times this week for delicious, cold, cold beers after hikes, yummy dinner with the freshest ingredients and a very friendly staff. Just a great atmosphere overall.
(4)Paula H.
Lively atmosphere, creative American menu and fabulous drinks. We had blueberry margaritas and raspberry gimlets and they're just what the doctor ordered in early Spring when we're all pining for summer time drinks. They are very sweet but worth the splurge. Unfortunately they didn't have lobster rolls on the menu but had jeff's mac & cheese and it is a rich treat. We sat at the bar because the dining room was packed and it provided entertaining conversation and people watching. Highly recommend it, would come back in a heartbeat.
(4)Kari N.
Ate there on 6/30/13. Food very good. Service EXTREMELY slow. Waitress doesn't think she needs to write orders down...she does. Had to remind on food order and forgot drinks. 1.5 hours for lunch.
(3)Selwa W.
We saw the reviews for this place and decided to check it out for lunch...we got there at 11:15 and were seated promptly by a hostess who looked like seating people was not her favorite thing in the world. Our bartender/waiter made up for it though....very friendly, quick service, and he made a fantastic blueberry margarita and bloody mary! (the skewer of lobster meat on the side made it picture taking worthy). We started out with the buffalo chicken dip with tortilla chips on the side. It was a little disappointing...the menu stated pulled chicken...ours was chunky. The chips on the side were super stale..you know, the kind that has been sitting on your counter for a week or so, and when you have a desire for chips and salsa, you reach in, grab a few, only to spit them out and throw the bag away? Yeah..those kind of chips. I think we are spoiled from the Buffalo Chicken Dip at The Holy Grail in Epping, NH...hint...maybe get that recipe (and serve with fresh chips). Not our waiters fault, just disappointing. I'm big on getting what the menu promises...and it's kind of hard to eat a chunky dip with chips (thus why you would want to use shredded chicken like your menu says). We then had the lobster mac and cheese and split it. It's definitely hearty and rich. Very buttery....the macaroni is actually mini shells, which is more filling that plain old macaroni, and the lobster was chunky. It was good...not amazing, but good. I think our drinks definitely out did the food, and the service we had from our bartender was super great. I would go back and try something else. Their menu is extensive and there was alot of other options for us to try....if you're looking for a fun place with great cocktails and bar food, this is it. Note: It was getting super busy by noon, so if you want to get a prime table and enjoy relaxing, get there before the crowds.
(3)Peter K.
Had excellent lobster rolls and was a fun place to eat and relax. Even had some live music though it made it a little loud to talk, nevertheless it was enjoyable. Also enjoyed reading stuff on the table - you'll have to go to understand what I mean.
(5)Rachel G.
Decided to try this place out on a weekend trip to Bar Harbor- it did NOT disappoint. The first night I went with my mom feeling a bit under the weather, and with just a few bites of their Mac & Cheese, I made a miraculous recovery. It was without a doubt the BEST macaroni and cheese that has passed my lips in this lifetime. The next night when mom and I went on a search for Bar Harbor's best lobster roll, what should come up again and again....but Side Street! We decided to go a second time! The lobster roll was so delicious and satisfying. It was my mom's first time eating lobster and she was nervous about it- one bite of that heavenly roll had her convinced....and we both cleaned our plates! They've also got yummy blueberry pie and great sweet tea (a southern girl's dream come true to find sweet tea in Maine!). Prices are decent too. This one has my stamp of approval! Gold star!
(5)Amy S.
Did not go wrong with our order. Lobster stew, steamed lobster, Mac and cheese. All amazing. The only thing we were disappointed in was the blueberry margarita. Not a big fan. Otherwise, delicious.
(4)Trevin L.
Love! We were looking for a diversion from lobsters and seafood in Bar Harbor and found this family-owned business. The happy hour drink special (e.g. $10 pitcher margarita between 4-6pm) caught our eye. The blueberry margarita was a great Maine vacation drink. This place is famous for their burgers -- 1/2 pound angus on ciabatta. The southwest burger with fresh jalapenos and the nomad burger with avocado/chipotle mayo were both fantastic! This place is now on my top 3 list for burgers. Great service and atmosphere as well. Highly recommend!
(5)Ron W.
Super good local spot. Bar Harbor blueberry ale with a few wild berries thrown in. So good. Great mac and cheese for kids. I had a really solid crabmeat quesadilla. Cool owner, nice staff, all around good vibe. Probably best Lobster roll in town (although I didnt try them all!) Go here.
(4)Brian M.
The atmosphere and menu selection were both unique and inviting. Great options, not super cheap but then not cheap in quality either. It's not super seafoody, so we were a little disappointed since that's what we were looking for in Bar Harbor, but if you want to try something different this is a good place! My favorite part was that you could add avocado to basically anything :) My caprese ensalata seemed small for the price, and our crabcakes appetizer seemed very expensive (although tasty!), but Brian's chipotle-avocado burger was good-priced and yet semi massive and delicious. We would probably go back if given the opportunity.
(4)Sheri J.
Everything we had here was delicious. The service was great too. We loved the lobster roll, mac & cheese, burgers, vegetarian sandwiches (the Emmy was our favorite), salads, blueberry mojito... We enjoyed it so much, we kept going back! The dessert was out of this world too! (grilled fluffernutter a la mode & spiced zucchini bread)
(5)Mark T.
Great lobster roll! This was my favorite restaurant in Maine over several days traveling through the state!
(4)Cindy C.
We went to the Side Street Café for lunch. It was very charming inside, with bright colors, and local paintings on the wall. I ordered a burger with avocado, bacon, and aioli. Wooheee, was that burger delicious! It was tender, the bacon was crispy, the meat had flavor to it, the bun was nice and soft. I devoured it. My better half ordered a lobster roll. He thought the roll was divine. It had a perfect blend of mayo, lobster, and spices. We ordered macaroni and cheese with spinach for our 20 month old daughter. It was very impressive because the kid's order was huge, it came out piping hot, and it was delicious. We were definitely sneaking our bites in as well.
(4)Peter B.
We've visited here since practically the day they first opened back in 2009. Recently, we stopped for lunch and it was packed, and-starving-we went elsewhere for a lessor meal. Last night we returned for dinner. The place was quite busy, with active bar scene and diners, plus nice, not-too-loud music. Their food, while not overly imaginative, is spot-on solid. Great burgers, lobster rolls, reasonable drinks, and friendly attentive help. I had the mini-burger with salad and cup of lobster stew; my wife, the lobster roll. Both good. The only complaint was the garden salad was a bit ho-hum, though fresh and good sized. As an added plus, these guys brave staying open year round, so it's a nice mix of locals and visitors--and the owners are always around and do a great job of remembering faces, even if it's been a year since last visit. A great place for lunch and good solid place for a casual dinner.
(4)Meg M.
Side Street Cafe is a perfect dinner date spot in Bar Harbor. All of the rooms are small, so they feel quaint, and the patio is very cute. I'd recommend a reservation if you want to sit on the patio! They also were gluten free friendly. They have fantastic and hearty gluten free bread as well as gluten free pasta. They best part? They didn't charge more for gluten free products! I had a build-your-own sandwich and my BF got gluten free mac and cheese. He isn't GF, but wanted to share, and he couldn't tell the difference. There was also a great beer list (for him) and a cheap, good house white wine (for me). If I could deduct a half a star for the cat that was wandering around, I would. I didn't want to go a whole star down, but it was pretty gross. I'm allergic and don't feel a restaurant is the place for a cat.
(5)Emily S.
Great pros, though some cons. Pro: Greatest mac and cheese on Earth. Ohmigosh, their signature mac and cheese has pieces of ham, black beans, and jalapenos. It sounds weird, but it was my favorite dish on the island! Be warned, the jalapenos make it much hotter than you would expect! Con: their lobster roll is more expensive than most on the island. This was our first stop, so we had not price shopped around, but this roll is several dollars more. And I'll be honest, the lobster roll was far more hyped up than it should have been. My husband and I were not impressed, and will not get them again in the future. Not sure if it was just this restaurant, or if we're just not fans of the lobster roll. Service here was 'okay'. I think we just caught them on a bad day. My order was messed up, and came later than the rest, then I was charged for a full dish, rather than the half that was ordered. The server apologized and fixed it, but didn't do anything 'above and beyond' (ie: take a few dollars off, or a free drink, or a even a more earnest apology would have done). Though my cons are longer in length than my pros, I still highly recommend going here and ordering some of the macaroni and cheese, because it is life changingly amazing!!!
(4)Suzy F.
Great way to end a day at Acadia! We had the Lobster Mac n Cheese. They use their award winning recipe with nice, fresh chunks of lobster.We also had the crab cakes which were tasty (could have had a little less filling). The cherry on top, or shall we say blueberry, was the delicious, and refreshing blueberry margaritas! Would definitely come back!
(5)LINDA B.
We only had drinks & dessert here, but it was great. After a disappointing dinner at Cafe Bluefish, we needed something sweet. We were welcomed in by a friendly lady and two adorable puppies on the porch. They have a nice wine & drink list, and although all the desserts sounded good, my husband went with the fluffernutter sundae & I had the chocolate bread pudding. Both were unbelievable delicious! Warm, decadent, and not too sweet, these were exactly what we needed to get the bad taste of dinner out of our mouths! We will be going back for dinner within the next few days.
(5)Katrina K.
Great food in a casual but classy atmosphere that has stellar service. We went twice!
(5)Sheryl L.
I'm not sure what I loved about my burger the most, the fact that it was cooked exactly as requested, the ciabetta bread it came on, or the perfectly seasoned chipotle mayo! We came during happy hour and my husband enjoyed a $3 locally brewed blueberry ale. Then came the blueberry pie...yummy! Thank you yelpers because we probably wouldn't have found this place since it sits on street behind the main drag in Bar Harbor.
(5)Kyle T.
This place is a gem. Lobster stew, lobster roll and my wife had a cheeseburger. Each bite was perfect. Service was excellent, and the restaurant was relaxing. We will be back.
(5)Mark H.
Great food and service. Had the hummus, Caesar, and Mac and Cheese. Kids loved their dishes too...
(5)Lam P.
The food was to die for-- at least the turkey sandwich and mac/cheese my boyfriend and I ordered. Judging by the other reviews here, I'd wager most of the food is equally delicious. The place was packed on a Wednesday night and loud as hell, but so worth it!
(5)Betsy G.
This nondescript building actually houses a really cute restaurant that's well decorated and spacious. We were desperate for lunch and were happy to find this place with a table. Being on a side street, it's not very highly trafficked...or was it the mediocre food? There were a lot of veggie options, but my black bean burger was a lot of black bean paste on toast - not attractive, not tasty, and all around not good. The menu looked good and I'd go again...but I'd probably ask for clarification so I didn't end up with something as surprising as beans on toast!
(3)John K.
Good lobster roll, horrible Bloody Mary. The server returned after I sent it back and explained that the mix had been made wrong that morning. Bad mimosa. Good service. I wasn't wild about the mac and cheese - not very cheesy, more like shells in a cream sauce.
(3)CB S.
We just had to go to the most reviewed restaurant in Bar Harbor, and it didn't disappoint. Came at around 1:30 on a Saturday afternoon in August and waited for just 3-4 minutes. The bar area and outdoor area are first come first serve and seemed like a great social spot when we walked past. Ordered the clam steamers (served with hot water to clean and silky butter sauce to dip in) and I also got buttered ciabatta bread on the side ($2 additional and worth it!). So yummy!! Also had some cheap local beers. Tried my fiancé's fish tacos, which were so yummy; grilled and with a slightly spicy chipotle mayo. Very positive lunch experience while on MDI.
(4)Allie R.
We went there first thing in the morning because the weather was yucky and our rock climbing adventure got cancelled as a result, it was empty and our food arrived lightning fast. The service was friendly and the food was hot and delicious. It was a group consensus that they have he best blueberry pancakes on the island! They were seriously so good, I'm still dreaming about them. I had Cinnamon Raisin French Toast and it was so good, not too sweet and had a lot of flavor. The prices were really reasonable for the large portions and their teas were so yummy, I wanted to try all of them! I loved how many vegetarian options they have, next time I'd like to try their tofu scrambles! I also would love to come for dinner as their dinner menu looks so good and I really love the decor and feel of the restaurant. There were also a ton of locals which is always a good sign of a good place to eat!
(5)Trisha G.
Awesome and friendly staff. Husband and I got a few beers and their happy hour lobster stuffed avocado and french fries served with three different dips. Both were AMAZING. The fries are the thick cut seasoned steak fries. It was busy but tables around the bar are open to take and that is always a plus.There were so many menu items I wanted to try but we were left so full after just the apps!
(4)Sharon H.
This place is a solid four. Mostly bc I wanted to find a healthy alternative to eating fried seafood and lobster rolls in town, and also somewhere that was affordable. I had the grilled veggie salad which was exactly what I was looking for...mixed greens, herbs, and assorted grilled cauliflower, broccoli, etc. with an asian-inspired dressing on the side. Filling and delicious, I think I'll have to try this at home. My husband had the lobster mac n cheese. He wished it had more of a cheese-flavor, but I enjoyed the creamy taste of a bechemel-style mac and cheese vs. a gloppy gooey pasta. We sat on the bar-patio outside since it was a great day.
(4)Lori W.
Walking distance from our great hotel: West Street Hotel in Bar Harbour. My fiancé had heard about the lobster rolls. Large menu - zeroed in on the lobster roll. Amazing!! Service outstanding & friendly. If I lived there I would be all smiles too! Their drink of the month was a margarita that tasted like a piña colada. And that is a good thing - coconut marg. Place was packed @ 2 pm. For a good reason. Glad to read about the success story of owners.
(5)Kaitlin S.
Stopped here for lunch on a Tuesday afternoon, and it was quite busy! We were still seated right away and the service was pretty good. I ordered the build your own macaroni and cheese, which, according to the menu, is a favorite of Paula Deen's. You get two free add-ins, so I added spinach and black bean salsa. I also paid an extra $3 to add chicken. The "half bowl was more than enough for a meal. It was super delicious! But, it was also a lot of cheese happening at once. It has a cool vibe, is locally owned and has lots of outdoor seating as well.
(4)Natalie P.
Ordered the loaded nachos and one of the lobster dinners. It came with a 1.25 lb lobster, steamed mussels, steamed clams, corn on the cob (whole ear) and a cup of clam chowder for $26 which I thought was a really good deal considering we had been paying that much for lobster rolls in New England so far on our trip. The nachos were ok. I guess they saved all their cheese for all the lobster Mac and cheese they have to make since our nachos barely had any. I couldn't really complain though because I guess that means less calories? The lobster dinner was pretty standard fare. Nothing spectacular about boiled lobster and steamers. The best part was that it was only $26. The rest of the menu looks good and anyone can find something on it. They also had a lot of things that came gluten free like the mac and cheese and GF bread. Saw a lot of lobster Mac and cheese being ordered around me and I have to say that looked really good. Would come back. Our bill was cheap since we shared everything. It's a pretty solid go-to spot.
(3)Laleh J.
I really enjoyed my dinner here. I sat outside in the bar area and had a delicious lobster mac n cheese, which was really tasty. But mostly, what made the meal super enjoyable was my drink and listening to the live band that night- they were great! It was a great ambience and I really enjoyed dining here.
(5)Vivian C.
We weren't starving, we just figured we should eat something since it was near lunch time. Side Street Cafe was still hopping at 1:30pm, but not too busy for us to be seated immediately. We jumped on the Make Your Own Mac & Cheese option - $10.95 for a full portion with our choice of two toppings. Fresh spinach and bacon were our wonderfully terrific topping choices as their bacon were crispy and crumbled into large satisfying pieces. Their Pulled Pork Sliders $9.95 3 mini buns of our pulled pork topped with marinated cabbage were tasty as well as a nice compilation of wonderful flavors and textures. We also selected the 1 lb of steamed clams $12 from their Build Your own Lobster Dinner. A pound of clams didn't turn out to be all that much, but it was sufficient as an appetizer portion for 3 lightweights. They were fresh and meaty and satisfying, and I had perhaps one crunch of sand after I finished swirling my deshelled steamers in the hot water and popped them into my mouth. Our meal at Side Street Cafe may have very well been the best meal of our trip to Bar Harbor. For instructions on how to eat steamers, read section 4 of the following recipe - simplyrecipes.com/recipe…
(4)Justin Z.
Came here since they had the most reviews and highest rating. We were quite disappointed we ordered the lobster roll and lobster mac & cheese. The lobster roll was small and overpriced at 19.99 coming only with chips (fries available for up charge). My girlfriend had the Mac & Cheese and it was $23.99 and was very bland and light on the lobster. Additionally they only provide 1 free refill on soft drinks. Service was also slow. Not worth it pick somewhere else round the block.
(3)Kate M.
Good service and excellent food. Food: Had a salad with grilled salmon- delicious, lobster roll was good, excellent fries, lobster quesadilla was great- but not worth the $$ so skip that one :). If you like beer and cider they had a great local selection!
(4)Kate B.
Fantastic service. Quick and so friendly. I wish I could have tipped that girl an entire paycheck. They were so busy but we did not feel neglected for a second. Kept our drinks topped off, kept mine loaded with ice, brought our food and check so quickly. I watched her interact with other guests as well. She gave great recommendations and attentive service even to children. I don't know her name but she had the cutest freckles. I wish I knew her name. The food was great. Beardyman got a grilled fish sandwich that he savored and raved about. I got a sandwich with sprouts, avocado, pesto, and mozzarella--so good. The flatbread which it was served on was toasted or grilled to give it a light crunch while not diminishing the softness. There was enough pesto to combat dryness but not enough to give me garlic breath. Tons of sprouts, mozzarella, and thick slices of avocado. The house-made chips were also great, though--I am a french fry kind of girl and would have preferred fries. Excellent experience here.
(4)Naeem M.
A great place for dinner or lunch in Bar Harbor (among many great options) - we opted to sit at the outdoor bar area since a wait for a table for two was about 45 min on a Monday night in July (other places were similarly booked up). I recommend the stuffed avocados, which come topped with jalapeños and chips. Warning: the jalapeños are fairly spicy. The Emmy sandwich, with fries, was also a plus. Protip: sit in the balcony area on a nice night for some people watching.
(5)Ying X.
My fiance and I stopped by for aperitifs since we'd heard that they had some pretty good drink specials. Upon arrival, we were promptly seated at a very adorable bar where the corners of the bars were tree stumps! You could even count the rings, and since we were seated at one of those corners, we felt like we had our own little special raised bar area (the corner sections were a few inches higher than the remainder of the perimeter). We tried their chaiger (chai latte with vodka) and the vodka spiked hibiscus lemonade. Adorable presentation - the chaiger is served in a funnel-shaped glass while the lemonade came in a mason jar. Between the two, I think I enjoyed the lemonade more, since the vodka and chai didn't seem to blend together too well. Unfortunately for me, I think the drinks were also significantly stronger than usual, which might be a good thing to some, but doesn't work out so well for those of us who lack the aldehyde dehydrogenase enzyme (i.e. me). My fiance didn't mind the extra alcohol, but I almost didn't make it to dinner! Nearby, we saw people ordering apps such as stuffed avocados, crabcakes, and nachos, all of which looked super appetizing, but we didn't want to stuff ourselves before dinner. Might try them out next time, our neighboring patrons certainly seemed to enjoy their orders!
(3)Eric R.
Came here based on several recommendations. We got a cup of clam chowder, lobster mac&cheese entree, and a roasted vegetable salad. I chose the lobster Mac and cheese because it was the featured entree... But what we got was mediocre at best. It was reminiscent of boxed shells & cheese with lobster bits mixed in. If a bite did not have lobster in it... There was no flavor that indicated that it was lobster mac and cheese. It didn't taste bad (Kraft/velveta doesn't taste bad), but for a 25 dollar entree, we expected something more To be fair, others love this place and rave about burgers, sandwiches... But the featured entree fell short.
(2)Tim P.
Fit the bill after a long day of travel. Her's: a cranberry and apple salad so succulent there was no need for dressing. Mine: A zesty-but not too hot Shrimp stir-fry with soba noodle. Nice portions both with no skimping on shrimp. A bit noise for my ears, but overall a fine welcome to BH.
(4)Yan T.
Unpretentious restaurant with a broad menu that should cover just about anyone, and reasonable prices if you don't want to keep splurging on $100+ seafood dinners. It was raging when we came in early Thursday evening. There seems to be a very strong bro factor here (at least the Bar Harbor version--I'm talking Cancun-grade pickup atmosphere). Fathers, lock up your daughters. It seems like many of the seasonal workers congregate here with strong drinks and hookup dreams. Food and drinks were pretty good. I finally broke my whole lobster seal and learned how to crack the suckers with their handy lobster-eating map (worthy of IKEA). It was pretty easy and shamed me for the years of shell-breaking anxiety. The lobster, of course, came with buttery corn on the cob, the perfect duo. All in all, a good meal, and, if you come at a quieter time, probably a better experience for dinner.
(4)Larissa P.
UPDATE - We went back the next night for dinner and were again very happy with the food. I tried the "award winning" Mac and cheese. It was indeed delicious though I can't comprehend how anyone could eat the full size entree. I got the half portion and a Caesar side salad and even then struggled to finish. I also tried the blueberry gimlet -yum! We will definitely be back next time we are Down East! This was exactly the type of meal we were looking for after a long day of exploring Bar Harbor and Acadia on foot. We sat outside, which is part of the bar area, but not as noisy as the inside was on this particular night. It was a scorching hot day, so anything heavy was unappealing, although I hear they have fantastic Mac & cheese. My husband ordered the black bean quesadilla appetizer with a half Caesar salad. I got the roasted vegetable salad and stuffed avocado appetizer for one. The food was excellent. Portions were generous and we left full, but not uncomfortably so. My roasted veggie salad was excellent and just the sort of light but hearty meal I was looking for. The house made dressing and goat cheese put it over the top. The baked stuffed avocado was also delish and came with tons of chips. I also had the "margarita of the moment" which was pineapple coconut - yum! Very refreshing. All in all, a perfect meal! I docked one star because a couple things were forgotten on our order - my husband had added grilled shrimp to his salad and avocado to the quesadilla. Neither of these things were an issue and in fact we had so much food he was glad that they were left off. The waitress was very apologetic about it and it wasn't clear if the error was with her or the kitchen.
(4)Sara R.
I had the lobster roll, it was my 5th one since being in bar harbor. That being said it wasn't the best but it was pretty good. It was pretty darn small for the price!! However the near tastes very fresh. My friend ordered the Mac and cheese and it was absolutely amazing I would definitely recommend that. Also the atmosphere and drinks are great.
(4)Joshua L.
Traveling through Bar Harbor on our way back from Acadia National Park and I need some food. Oh god do I need food. I'm so hungry. I'm dying. OK, probably not. But goddamnit I'm hungry and I don't want to just eat any old dump which has the word lobster in the title. So I pull out the trust ol' Yelp App and find a reasonably priced, high-rated cafe! The Side Street Cafe! Hey, we have one of those in CT! Heck, there's probably one of these every 10 miles across the United States. It's like naming your painting, 'Oil on Canvas 3.' Sure, that's what it is, but.. you know what, never mind. So we get there and have a quick seat out on the deck. The server is polite and comes over quickly with menus. We place orders. I shit you not maybe 6 minutes later our orders come out. How? Does this place have some kind of time machine in the kitchen? But somehow they're wasting it just shaving off a few minutes from their orders? Like Hermoine taking multiple classes instead of, oh, I don't know, SAVING SOMEONE'S LIFE? I ordered a steak n cheese cause I was seafooded out and I gotta say, that shit was pretty bangin'. It hit spots I didn't know I had. My buddy got a veggie burger with avocado and Jalapeno and at first he thought they forgot the Jalapenos but then BAM. There they were. Sizzling. We didn't order drinks I have no idea what the nightlife is like. The atmosphere was kinda.. fine? Sure? But you know what? The service was good, the service was fast, the food was good, and reasonably priced. That's more than enough. Next time I feel like driving seven hours for a steak and cheese, I'll see you there!
(4)Yuqing T.
Came here for happy hour/quick meal and it was so good that we came back the next day for dinner. Happy hour drink we got $10 pitcher blueberry margarita, which was really yummy!! But the pitcher was really small, only enough for one round or drink for 4 people in small mason jar glasses. The first time we went our waitress Lauren was super nice! We were short on time and she made sure our food came out fast and dealt with our 4 separate checks. The second time we went on Sat. night and they had live music with instrumentals! Their burger are huge! Sandwiches are great! Mac and Cheese are to die for and extremely filling. Food came out pretty fast despite it was a packed house. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. It is a ted bit pricy due to its location.
(5)Samantha S.
Let's start with the pros: delicious blueberry pie. Paula Deen endorsed mac and cheese that you can tell your friends about. Generous portions. Now. The food is absurdly expensive for the quality. The waitstaff is all young people who seemed annoyed that we were there at all. But most importantly: we were all wildly sick after the meal. Like, bed ridden (toilet ridden?) and unable to do anything else that night. Highly overrated. Go to one of the many other delicious places in that lovely town.
(2)Mary Kate R.
A bunch of new friends and I checked out Side Street because we heard that their Mac and Cheese was to dieeeee for. We were able to make a reservation for 8 on a Saturday with no problem...just a short 45 minute wait which we spent across the street grabbing beers. The server was so patient with our large party! We had several pitchers of margaritas (Mango, Strawberry Rhubarb, and Blueberry) which were all so delicious. Blueberry was definitely the highlight. While I did not get Mac and Cheese, a few in my party did, and damn was it good. I regretted getting my play it safe chicken sandwich with guac after I sneaked multiple bites of my friends Mac ;) Side street is a fun, tasty place to go with friends in Bar Harbor. Oh yeah, we loved the live music!!
(5)Courty C.
Surprised there are so many reviews and five star ones at that. Must be families and indecisive people who like "make your own" options. Reminded me of a slightly better TGI Fridays. Didn't get super offended by anything but no thanks to a return trip. Prices were high, food mediocre, drinks kind of lackluster. The fiancé did say the Bloody Mary was very good though - lots of "meatiness" and Worcestershire.
(3)P. M.
Found this place on our Maine Foodie Tour (which I highly recommend). We sampled the lobster roll which was SO GOOD that we had to come back for dinner. We were warmly greeted by the general manager who is such a friendly nice guy. We had to get the lobster roll again because the lobster is so fresh (they get it the morning off and use the best size lobsters). It is perfectly seasoned with mayo and spices and the bun is grilled to perfection, not too oily. Really just great! Update: did a same day comparison with the famous lobster roll at "Reds Eats"... Side Street Cafe wins, not in size, but it taste. GM at SSC says he only uses the meat from 1 1/4 lb and smaller lobsters, so the meat is as tender as possible.
(5)Joy G.
I will dream of the mac n cheese here for the rest of my days - ahem, even after suffering a bout of gastrointestinal distress and even though I don't usually go for mac n cheese, I could have eaten a full portion by myself. I sometimes ask myself, when I'm bored or hungry or both, what I could stand eating for every meal if I had to pick. This is it - a giant, steaming plate of mac n cheese, lobster, avocado, spinach, and bacon. Granted, I would only live for another two weeks but those two weeks would be blissful, gluttonous heaven. Lobster salad Cobb, lobster stew, and pineapple coconut margarita rounded out the first dinner in Maine but nothing held a candle to the lobster mac n cheese. There was a wait for a table indoors but the stools and tables outside are open season for lurkers. One last addition to my daily meal of mac n cheese - the buttery crisp that came with the lobster stew. My only regret is that I did not take a picture of our mac n cheese so I can stare at it when I'm five states away.
(5)Brandon C.
$10 dollar margarita pitchers for happy hour was all I had to say to my family on the group chat. Kudos to the wait staff for accommodating such a large group so quickly, especially during the busy happy hour time. We ordered off the "bar bites" menu to further take advantage of the happy hour deals and were pleasantly surprised. The house made ketchup that came with the fries was delicious as was the buffalo chicken flatbread with the balsamic reduction and for three dollars off you can't beat the price. The real MVP here though was the classic lime margarita! They definitely make the mix in house which was great. I can always tell when places use pre packaged syrups and this wasn't the case. My fiancee got the coconut pineapple special margarita and said it was amazing. There's a reason why this place is the most reviewed in Bar Harbor. Thanks for a good experience!
(5)Meli L.
When planning our trip to Bar Harbor we did some research and saw the awesome reviews for Side Street and knew we had to stop there for dinner on Saturday. Lo and behold it was our second stop on our Food Tour we did earlier in the day, where we each got half a lobster roll. After trying that we knew we needed to go back for dinner and to cash in on the $10 margarita pitchers. We snagged seats at the bar, hoping to do some people watching and maybe meet a few locals, and that we did. The two bartenders were great, super knowledgable, friendly, and answered any questions we had. We opted for a half portion of mac and cheese (added scallops), buffalo chicken dip and the stuffed avocado. All was very good and the margs went down realllll smooth.
(4)Monica B.
A group of friends went here and we all had great meals. We ordered a lobster meal, mac-and-cheese, fish sandwich, tacos, other type of sandwich and salad. Everything across the board was excellent. The seating area is a little cramped, but nothing major if you're a reasonable person... :-) Also, there's on-street parking as well as a parking lot across the street.
(5)Than P.
After meeting a few locals in Bar Harbor, two friends and I headed over to the side street cafe for happy hour (3-6) after hearing about $10 Margarita pitchers. $3 drafts as well. The Margaritas. Were. Strong. They were banging margaritas and unique flavors. We enjoyed mango and strawberry rhubarb. The mango was a little sweet for my taste, but it hid the alcohol so well that you could drink and entire pitcher. And I did. The mood was relaxed and pleasant, and the waitstaff were personable and funny. Definitely a great spot for happy hour drinking- we brought a deck of cards and had a lot of fun just relaxing.
(5)Ryan C.
This cafe has a definite "touristy" feel to it, but they oviously put a lot of pride in what they serve. You have all the Bar Harbor lobster-based dishes, but they taste great and are prepared creatively. The lobster mac and cheese is creamy and delicious (the menu claims it is a Paula Deen top 10). The clam chowder is meaty and thick. The fluffernutter sundae is a unique dessert that actually works... a grilled fluffernutter sandwich with icecream and fudge on top.
(4)David M.
I had the famed lobster mac'n'cheese, and it was pretty darn rich. I consumed at least twice as many calories as I should have, probably more. It was good, obviously, and the lobster was fresh, but it just seemed to be missing something. The grated cheese on top was a great addition, but the pasta was ordinary and under-salted (though probably a good thing given the amount of cheese in this!) and a tad overdone. And really I just felt like the cheese overpowered the lobster. I think it needed some acid or heat or something to balance out the cheese. And a little more color would have been nice. I sat on the porch and felt a little ignored by the service. Though when I asked for more water I was thankful she came back with a pitcher. I guess I had thirsty hiker written all over me (or maybe that was the moleskin on my heel).
(3)Benjamin L.
My family and I were looking forward to eating at this place and we were willing to wait for over an hour for it. Luckily for us, someone canceled their reservation so we were able to get seated within 10 minutes. I'll have to be honest, I was disappointed. The food wasn't bad but it wasn't as good and tasty as other reviewers have stated. My daughter ordered the lobster mac n cheese, which was not worth $24. My wife and I got the lobster, mine looks fresh and it was but the one my wife had; looks like it was ten days old. This place is okay but for the prices they charged, I would rather go elsewhere.
(3)John H.
I don't know why we haven't eaten here before! It's awesome! We had the beers on tap: True Blueberry and Baxter IPA -- Amazing. The Reuben was fantastic served with kettle potato chips. The fish taco had an amazing chipotle type of sauce that was to die for. Sachi, our server, was so cool. We will be back!
(5)Briit R.
Great restaurant. Highly recommend this place and we love good food! We had the nachos, salad, lobster roll! wow. also had the daily margarita which was great. must go.
(5)Heather W.
I don't know why but I loved this place. I am anti-mayo, so I really wanted a lobster roll without, and this place had it and the bun was buttery and toasty and phenomenal. I got it with a side salad and was set. My cousin got lobster Mac and cheese and as someone who doesn't love Mac and cheese... Its was bomb. Big shells of pasta and creamy, lobstery goodness. The drink menu is good. We ordered the margarita of the moment and it kicked so much ass. Blueberry basil...mmmm. Lastly, I really enjoyed the outdoor patio. I want to pick this place up and bring it home with me.
(5)Westie W.
We visited this restaurant for its happy hour that runs from 3-6PM nightly. The outside deck was packed upon our arrival at 5PM so we settled in at the bar and immediately recognized the bartender from our visit 2 years prior. During happy hour, wine and margaritas are only $3. We decided to order a pitcher, approximately 4 glasses, of blueberry margaritas for $10 that were pretty good though almost completely devoid of any blueberry flavor.
(4)Theresa L.
I am sad that I live so far from this gem! Everything we had was amazing. I can't wait to go back!
(5)Kristin C.
We had conflicting feelings about Side Street which is partially why we came back a second time during the same night and yet I am leaving a 2 star review. While there had been a wait preceding our arrival, we luckily hit a good time when we were able to get a table right away. However, it started off on the wrong foot. They sat us in a highly unsettling location. We were right by the noisy kitchen, and there were waitstaff constantly walking by our table. The AC unit was blowing directly on my husband and was right next to him. They had live music, and it was of a high quality. However, it was entirely too loud, and we weren't even in the same room as the music. It was hard to carry on a conversation. Despite the plethora of traffic, no wait staff stopped to help us for quite some time. Finally, my husband nagged a passing wait staff to get our waiter. We ordered clam chowder and a lobster roll. It came out suspiciously quickly. The menu advertised the lobster roll as, "This is not the most expensive lobster roll in town, nor do we want to provide the least expensive. We invest money and effort into providing the freshest lobster (it was swimming this morning). Our goal at Side Street is to provide the best lobster roll." So I had high expectations. However, despite it being rather pricey, it was really disappointing, and not one of the better rolls on the trip. First of all, it just looked like they took a plain slice of white bread, toasted it, and wrapped it around the meat. It was a tiny roll overall. I would have at least expected some specialty roll after the lengthy explanation and the type of establishment this seemed to be. The taste was nothing outstanding. Then, it was accompanied by lack luster chips. It seemed again not on par for a hip sort of restaurant that this appeared to be. It really would have been better served with nothing else or something more exciting of a side. We hurried through our food because we felt so uncomfortable and because it was so little food anyways. However, after wandering around all of Bar Harbor, the chocolate bread pudding they had on the menu sounded so appealing. Also, we saw they had some local drafts on the menu, and we felt like a beer. This time we sat on the porch. It was much more comfortable and less stressful. However, despite the many wait staff around, no one helped us for a very long time. Finally, we asked someone cleaning tables to get our waitress. We still waited for a while, and then we had to ask a second time. Finally, someone came out, and after all that, she said they were out of the bread pudding. Luckily, my husband wasn't too disappointed, so he ordered the brownie sundae. We also ordered the local blueberry ale draft. The blueberry ale was excellent. The brownie sundae lack luster. This was the sort of place I really wanted to like with live music and in a cute little house and interesting menu. I am sorry that it didn't go over so well.
(2)Anuj V.
I was in town for the weekend and ran into this place after taking a wrong turn into this small street. Turned out to be a great detour. The appearance (outside and in) is casual and inviting. The staff is very friendly and provide solid service. The food is great and the prices are low. I ordered the lobster quesadilla and was happy with both the taste and the portion size. Everyone with me was please with their experience and would definitely return. I would say that if you are in town and want a diverse menu filled with good food at fair prices come check out this off the beaten path place. DEFINITELY RECOMMEND!
(4)Barb M.
Nice folks, but not outstanding lobster rolls. We could not find any mayo even after being told it had mayo. Bun was small for what we had elsewhere and sides were unimpressive. Must have been an off day- lobster mac- no flavor. We were told they were known for it. Not my favorite.
(3)C C.
food is very good dog friendly restraurant service is greater Again food is amazing and also cocktail:)
(5)Ben C.
Excellent. When sharing pie always get an extra scoop of ice cream. The mac and cheese are a must. The fish tacos were good. Excellent server we had named Monica. Live music on some nights too.
(5)Maddy L.
Great atmosphere for happy hour and casual drinks. Pretty good happy hour with drink and appetizer specials. Had the lobster mac and cheese and it was pretty good, but could have used a tad more lobster for the $23 price tag. The lobster quesadilla left much to be desired and the avocado would have served the dish better as a guacamole or even spread on the tortillas instead of laid on in slices. The portion size was decent however. Service was good. Overall the place was okay. Nothing amazing. Seemed to have lots of margarita/mimosa/etc options though. Wish I could give it 3.5 stars.
(3)Jim B.
The waitress was definitely very busy but she was still super nice and as attentive as she could be given that the place was surprisingly busy for a Tuesday night. The service was also still pretty quick (we sat on the deck). The lobster roll was nicely seasoned and very tasty, but they are fooling themselves if they think $20 for a hot dog sized lobster roll with kettle chips and a pickle is reasonable. So I was a little disappointed with the size, but the quality was good. The bacon Mac and cheese was good and was also a much better value.
(4)Katie M.
VERY GOOD! Highly recommend the Emmy with chicken, although it's very good without too :) everyone's meals were well prepared and delicious! Would definitely come back again!!
(4)Sara R.
Apparently you can CALL AHEAD. Something I wish I knew. However food was really great, northern Cuban sandwich was excellent! Service was good after we finally scored a table. Only downside was the appetizer was still being devoured when the entrees came.
(4)Buo Z.
Paula Deen recommended the lobster mac and cheese, so that's what we ordered. The lobster on top was good but the mac and cheese was pretty bland.
(3)Jamin M.
The lobster mac was very good. I ordered the hand cut ribeye with steamed vegetables and was very disappointed. The steak was very tuff and the vegetables where over cooked . After I told them they just apologized.
(3)Bruce L.
This place was just what we were looking for. Good food and helpful, friendly service. I had the fish tacos and my wife had the crab cakes. Both were very good and came with sides of dirty rice and beans. More than enough. I'd go back again.
(4)Ellie P.
This place is neat. It's on a "side street" in the Downtown Bar Harbor area. The service is friendly and the restaurant itself is quaint - located inside an old house. I ordered the chicken piccata special the first time I dined and it was average (chicken was a little overdone). The second time I came I got their Diablo Chicken Sandwich with a salad and it was yummy! My boyfriend ordered the lobster roll and enjoyed it. Another person with us ordered their Lobster Mac N Cheese and I have to say that dish looked ah-mazing. Most likely will get that next time. I also got their "PB & Fluff" dessert, which was SO good. It included a Peanut Butter and Fluff sandwich served warm over vanilla ice cream! They have a nice selection of drinks, as well. Recommended!
(4)Michelle L.
Came in while hiking around Acadia National Park and needed a bite to eat before heading back. I was by myself, so I ended up sitting at one of the high tops at the bar. The server came over pretty quickly and I ordered a drink, but after that, I didn't see her for at least 10 minutes. From there, I ordered a cup a clam chowder and the lobster roll for lunch. I don't know how it took 15-20 minutes to get a lobster roll, but I got my food and didn't see the server for a while. The clam chowder and the lobster roll was a disappointment. I usually love clam chowder and was excited to have some since I had a bowl of it in Cape Cod last month and it was amazing! This chowder tasted like they opened a can of Campbell's. Honestly, it tasted exactly the same. The one I had after running Cape Cod's Ragnar had fresh clams and amazing taste....this one was the exact opposite. The lobster roll was tiny...and $20. On the menu it states that it's expensive because they want it to be the best, but I paid $15 at a DC food truck and it's about on par with that one - nothing amazing. I was expecting something different - freshness, more (I am in Maine right? Lobsters are abundant here right?) lobster for the price. Overall, an OK experience. Maybe I had my expectations set too high from Yelp reviews. PS: I did walk down the street to a Japanese themed coffee shop that had AMAZING coffee!! Glad I waited and got some there..I think it was called Masamotos? Go there for some coffee!
(3)Cynthia C.
I am not going to lie - I was expecting a little something more special. It was good, but not incredibly memorable. My family are very serious about their mac & cheese, and while it was good, it was not great. It is also incredibly busy with long wait times. Perhaps we will give it another try, but we would not wait for a table for too long before trying somewhere else. The chocolate bread pudding was very good. And, the dark & stormy was also very good.
(3)J P.
This place expanded a lot, the lobster roll is still good. Lots of choices like wings, nachos, burgers, salads and sandwiches. We did try to go back for dinner but they told us the wait was 45 mins. We gave them our cell# and started looking for other places, 10 mins later they called and said the table is available. But we already were seated somewhere else. I wonder why the time estimate is so off.
(4)Emily D.
Great environment and really yummy food! I got the roasted vegetable salad + avocado and it was so great!!! Loved it. My mom got steamed clams and a side garden salad, my dad got a haddock sandwich and clam chowder. everything was great! Fun and lively place! Also loved my hibiscus spiked lemonade our server Yana was very nice!
(5)Shawn B.
We ate here after reading the reviews on Yelp. We were seated right away. The staff were not quite as friendly as we were getting used to while in Maine. It wasn't overly busy but they seemed harried. Not incompetent or completely checked out, just stressed. First we started with the half serving of lobster mac and cheese. It was...I want to say : Glorious or Divine...but I'm a middle-aged straight guy. Can I do that? I guess I just did. Super creamy and smooth cheese sauce that I believe is made with White Cheddar (one of my faves). There was enough lobster on it for the price and the fact that it was just a half serving. Having eaten enough lobster lately I ordered the Grilled Reuben with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and 1000 Island dressing on marble rye. It was one of the best I've ever had! The wife ordered a lobster roll...again. She said it was very good and it was loaded with lobster. Just look at the pic! If we find ourselves in Bar Harbor again we would make it a point to stop here!
(5)Abi D.
This place was great! The staff were so friendly and accommodating. There are also many vegetarian options here, compared to so many restaurants in the area that only have seafood. There are many options to choose from. My favorite was the customizable Macaroni. It was one of the best I've ever had. Definitely in my top 5 restaurants in the area!
(4)Daniel J.
I tried one of their lobster dishes and it was a shock to see the incredibly small portion of lobster that was served for the $24 I paid for. It's been a while since I've felt so ripped off by a restaurant. My dish consisted of lobster, salad, and chowder, and for $24 I literally got 4 very small pieces of meat floating in butter. My partner got a burger and it looked fine, but it only costed ~$10. So if you're coming for lobster, look elsewhere. Other reviewers commented on the small portions of lobster....
(1)David G.
Highly Recommend: Mac and cheese with jalapeño and bacon. The lobster roll was also delicious. I'd come back in a heart beat for these dishes in a heart beat! Just ok: clam chowder was very simple, watered down and the spinach artichoke dip wasn't very exciting.
(4)Amber L.
I have a crush on whoever is in charge of the music selection. This is the best restaurant I've been to in Maine and I've been to about a dozen. First off, the regular coffee is delicious. They have a large selection of gluten free menu items so of course I tried the lobster roll and it was amazing. I also got the stuffed avocado appetizer and it was very good. My boyfriend said his clam chowder was great. Also the prices aren't bad at all.
(5)Shari R.
Cute place! Service was ok. Must have the pineapple/coconut Margarita! Was wonderful! I've had better lobster rolls, but good/fresh.... Pub fries were awesome and my kids liked the baked chicken tenders.
(4)Food D.
Place was recommended by our Sea Kayak guide Russ. So gave it a try. I hated the table they gave us. Tables as soon as you walk in. I was ready to walk out. My daughter wanted to stay since Russ was raving about the Mac & Cheese they have. I ordered a burger. It was really good. With Guacamole in it. Everyone had a decent meal. My kids were very happy with the Mac & Cheese. If you get to sit in patio area it would be nicer.Avoid the side room & the back room.
(4)Pam T.
We're here our first night. I had a blueberry margarita and lobster mac and cheese. Waitress was awesome, drink was great! We will be back! Thank you!
(5)Judy P.
Extensive menu with many GF options. We sat on the porch which was nice. I had the lobster stew - small cup with large chunks of lobster in a light creamy soup - and GRILLED haddock tacos. My husband had the clam chowder and BLAT with chicken on GF bread. The food was delicious and the portions so generous that we skipped dinner. The service was exceptional - Kelly was busy and yet was friendly, attentive and very thoughtful. Highly recommend. It's on a side street
(5)Debra Ann Y.
This is the second year in a row my husband and I vacationed in Bar Harbor. On our last year's vacation he took me to Side street cafe on my Birthday and we loved the food . This year we made our plan to do the same thing for my birthday. We had the joy of having their waitress Jessica serve us. There is usally a wait, but worth it. This time we choose to sit at a high top table by the bar. We had Jessica cater to us from the minute we sat down. She was cheerful ,bubbly and very good prompt service. What a pleasure . We enjoyed the service and the food and amazing margeritas so much, that we went back on our last night in Bar Harbor. The scallops were amazing ... kudos for having amazing servers and food. You must try the strawberry rubarb margeritas for a real treat.
(5)Jennifer R.
Phenomenal surprise in touristy Bar Harbor. The mac and cheese was unlike any we've experienced. ...it lived up to the hype. Kids portions of mac and cheese were generous. Fish tacos rivaled San Diego's. Avacados were perfect. Decor was fun, wait was short, service friendly.
(5)Gabrielle S.
Place was packed, but we grabbed 2 seats at the bar and very happy we did! Justin was an outstanding bartender! (If you like dirty Martinis, he's your guy!) We each got build your own Mac and Cheese, (after all it was Paula Deen endorsed) and throughly enjoyed it. I got the appetizer portion and still had plenty to take home! Would definitely go again!
(5)Brett J.
I don't feel this place is worth the total chaos. The food is ok, but the dinner menu is basically just a collection of sandwiches. It's so crowded that the wait staff was stressed, things were missing from the order and took a really long time. We had used the call ahead seating option, showed up on time and still had to wait 45 min. We ate at some other places in town with similar options that were just as good, but not as crowded. It's not bad, but didn't merit the chaos.
(3)Shital S.
This is a top listing for the lobster roll, but the signature dish was sad. Very little lobster in a piece of white bread - no roll. No mayo or butter to make it great. No grilling in the roll to add flavor or give it some texture. Blah. I've had better outside of Maine! Not worth the price.
(1)Michelle O.
The "best in town" Lobster roll was all about the lobster! Perfectly toasted bun, lightly dressed lobster. Definitely tasty. Our food overall was great. Staff is average in my opinion. The restaurant needs some TLC. One definite plus is they serve Atlantic Beer from the local brewery. Would come again.
(4)Stephanie W.
There are few certainties in life. You're born, you die, and when you're on a New England road trip and you're determined to have lobster, you get it in Maine. After a long day of exploring Acadia, my husband and I decided to spin the Yelp wheel and pick a highly rated restaurant for dinner. Well thank you very much Yelpers, you've now ruined me for any other dining experience. Kudos. Side Street Cafe is just lovely. The location is so anti-mainstream and uniquely alternative. From the shadow box tables filled with pictures, postcards, and notes from customers, to the laid back soundtrack pumping through the speakers; I have never been so engrossed in a dining atmosphere. I am not an adventurous person when it comes to seafood, so my first foray into the lobster realm came in the form of the Lobster Mac & Cheese. Let me tell you how sorry I was that I ordered an appetizer (the buffalo chicken dip), because even the half portion of the Mac was so very filling. The lobster portion was very generous and mixed well with the gooey, creamy cheese sauce. Big ups to whoever decided to use the shell pasta because it holds onto just enough of that cheesy sauce and lobster to make every bite absolutely delicious. My husband, being a more cut and dried type of guy, decided on the Lobster Roll after his Clam Chowder. It was everything he wanted it to be, showing up to the table overflowing with big, juicy chunks of Maine lobster. He polished it off and immediately began lamenting the fact that he'd never be able to have another without thinking about how good this one had been. Needless to say, I'm a fan. If I'm ever in the area again (which is a damned good possibility, since it's been a month and I'm still seriously considering retiring in Bar Harbor because the trip was so amazing) I will absolutely, without a doubt, be returning to Side Street Cafe. You can put money on that one.
(5)Kristen L.
Cute little place a little off the beaten path but still crowded. I got Serena Lobster "lazy Lobster" which was nice because I didn't have to pick it myself. But it was a little cold which was upsetting. It came with clam chowder and that was really good. My boyfriend got the nomad burger and it was also pretty good. Soup of the day was Italian sausage which was extremely spicy. Overall pretty good place to eat.
(4)Melissa W.
Ok Hotel recommended it, we tried it and we don't want to eat anywhere else!! I got the lobster mac and cheese, to die for!!! My husband got the lobster with mussels and clams, he ate everything! So fresh and the lobster was sweet. We had lobster stew and clam chowder for appetizers. Both were great. To finish we had the blueberry pie with ice cream. I died and went to heaven. Just a touch of lemon, so good. Our server, Riley was happy, quick and exceeded our expectations!! She was helpful with the menu and made suggestions. Highly recommend!!!!
(5)Steve D.
Has to be one of the best places in Bar Harbor ME. Grab a margarita! Grab a local brew. Atmosphere is terrific and the food plentiful.
(4)Chrisee J.
Best Gluten Free Mac N Cheese in existence so easy to eat there with food restrictions.
(5)M R.
Best fries in town! Our party had 3 lobster rolls and a half order of made to order Mac n cheese. Food was great we sat outside on rail as it was over an hour wait. Funniest thing that has ever happened to me in all the restaurants I have eaten in, ordered the blueberry margarita (which is awesome!) as the server was just about to set it down the bottom fell out of the mason jar and I got a lap full of the stuff and all over my lobster roll, they compd my meal, our kids thought it was hilarious.
(4)Angel H.
Lobster stew is delicious!!!! Great margaritas. Will be back again for more stew!! Happy hour is a great deal.
(4)Wendy G.
We were unable to eat at South Side the first time we tried - post-marathon crowd - but were SO glad we made it back for lunch. This is an adorable place with great service and local art for sale on the walls. Highlights of our meal were a lobster stew that was positively swimming with lobster meat, and a delicious salad just full of fresh, perfectly-cooked veggies. It can be hard to find veggies at restaurants, let alone good ones, but South Side's veggies were a home run. Sadly, we only found them the day before we were leaving, so were unable to do a 2nd visit, but I will DEFINITELY go here again when back in Bar Harbor. The bar area is large and there's an outdoor deck, so in season, this must be an awesome place to have a drink and real, delicious food (not just bar food). (As an aside - the B&B we stayed at runs it's own private polling of local restaurants to eat at, and South Side is rated one of the best of 6-7 places. So there's another group vote of confidence.)
(5)Alicia V.
Really overated...staff was really nice...loved them. However, ordered the Side Street Lobster, assumed it was a signature dish. What cane in about 4 minutes which was a bad sign, was really sad. Clearly they grabbed some lobster in a bin and poured some sauce which was supposed to be sherry based over it. It was neither shery, nor anything like a whole lobsrer...perhaps half if we're lucky. Lobster was cold so no chance it was sautéed in the sauce. Lots of rice and Vega tables if you're into that for $29. I assume this place was great once given the reviews...so they should return to their roots...because we would not eat there again based on this experience.
(1)Vinny G.
We went to Side Street on a recommendation from a gallery owner. The results were mixed. Their Black Bean burger was over the top great. Slightly crunchy on the outside, moist inside with tons of flavor. I would order this over most hamburgers any day. Side salads were also fresh and flavorful. Definitely 5 star. The turkey burger was another story. Dry and rather tasteless. We love restaurants where you can order blindfolded and not be dissapointed. This isn't that type of place. If you like veggie burgers, theirs is highly recommended. Otherwise, take your chances.
(3)Kirsten A.
I had my first lobster roll here and it was absolutely amazing! Good, meaty chunks of lobster - definitely claw meat! Also, if you go this month there is a rhubarb marg which will knock your socks off!
(5)Morris H.
Poor food. We went 2 summers ago and the quality has fallen quite a bit since then. Tonight the lobster bisque/soup for $19 was overpriced and underwhelming. Very little lobster meat in tepid bisque. The crab cakes may have been frozen and reheated. Small and not very tasty. The crab cakes we had at the Jordan Pond House puts these to shame, and the Jordan Pond House is a real tourist stop. The "pub fries" were soggy and greasy. The pork sliders were the only redeeming part of the meal - at least they were warm. I forgot to add - pretty expensive for this pap. I really want to give it 1 1/2 stars.
(2)Trish S.
We were referred to Side Street Café by one of the local Restaurant owners so we knew it was going to be good. We have been to Bar Harbor many times and never saw this place because it is off one of the side streets! (Hence the name). This is a place for locals and their food is fantastic! Their menu is much different from many of the other places in the are and they have a huge selection of food and its a combination of all kinds of foods.. Love our server! Taylor! She was awesome and very attentive to our needs. We had the baked avocado -Delicious- Lobster Mac and Cheese: AWESOME - but I ordered a full and its A LOT! My husband had it for breakfast the next morning and there was still leftovers! And you can actually make your own MAC and CHEESE with a list of things they will put in it for you. They have a homemade Apple Cider Margarita, which my husband loved and they made me my Patron Bloody Mary with no questions. Everything is made on the premises and they have the best lobster roll in town. It is one of the most expensive but what I like about this place, is that they tell you that right no the menu. All the Lobster is caught that day and very fresh. You can't go wrong eating here with anything! This is a must try place when you go to Bar Harbor. Ask for Taylor to be your server. She even drew us a great picture on your leftover box which I will post!
(4)Karen M.
When our first choice restaurant was closed for lunch, we tried Side Street on a recommendation from a local. Awesome restaurant with an extensive menu. I had the chicken salad which was so delish! My husband had the cuban sandwich, and aside from them forgetting his side of chips, was also very tasty.
(4)Florence R.
Great people and great food. The lobster bisque is a delicious indulgence that I highly recommend.
(4)Devon H.
I had a wonderful burger with bacon and avocado. This summer they are doing amazing BBQ on Saturday at 1pm. I was very pleased with the great food and friendly staff.
(4)Ellen C.
We came here with a large party (15) on a Saturday afternoon at 2pm we had to wait a half hour. I would recommend calling ahead. The lobster mac n cheese was fabulous! And the lobster roll also got good reviews from our party. Our only disappointment is that they ran out of the dessert we wanted. They offered something else for free-- but it was not what we wanted. Overall I would say this place has great food, but gets overcrowded during tourist season.
(4)Vin V.
Excellent jalapeño margaritas with wicked good lobster quesadilla. Lobster roll is good. Chowder quite good and better than others which were highly recommended on Desert Island. Great knowledgeable staff in relaxed casual atmosphere. Highly recommend for a nice break at any point. Kid-friendly and able to deal with food allergies and special kid requests. Only reason not 5 star is that folks bussing tables were not friendly at all.
(4)Sam S.
We loved it. Ordered the Hummus appetizer which sounded regular but was fantastic. Toasted triangles drizzled with olive oil and great olive tapenade. Entree was chicken stir fry also great and tasty. Only complaint was the fish tacos. Pretty plain - should have at least had some tomatoes. We'll be back.
(4)Kevin A.
Excellent and interesting food. Some nice twists on the seafood that's available all over town. We came for a late lunch (like 4 p.m.), so we got lucky with no wait for a table and access to the happy hour food and drink specials. Had things like crab sliders and a big salad, plus a couple of beers. All were excellent and very reasonably priced. We would definitely go there again. It's a friendly place, and it's got a bit of a "scene," in the sense that cool people like to hang out there. I wouldn't call it the cleanest restaurant I've seen (food crumbs on the floor). There are times when the wait is 2 hours. Is it worth a 2-hour wait? Probably not. Here's the trick: You can't get a reservation, but you can call them like an hour before you want a table, and they will put you on the waiting list and text you when a table is ready.
(4)August G.
This place was exactly what we were looking for..... A low key, happening, non-pretentious spot for a good ol fashioned lobster meal. Everything was great.... Service was slow. Lobster stew is basically lobster meat in hot cream. This place is great, just not spectacular.
(4)Marisa C.
We didn't even step foot into this restaurant because of the horrible service given before even entering. I called to find out the wait time and put our name on a wait list. Although it was around dinner time, and the wait time ended up being an hour and a half, the woman practically laughed in my face and acted like it was a huge deal to just put our name on a wait list. Another night, we walked up to the restaurant around dinner time after walking through town to ask the wait time. Again we were greeted very rudely. Unfortunately, we'd love to try this place with such "great" reviews on yelp but the rude service has completely turned us off.
(1)Peter M.
Decidedly mediocre. I understand why this place is popular - it aims for the middle, and there are clearly many people, particularly tourists, who enjoy margaritas by the pitcher alongside average, inoffensive food. The shame is that this translates to 4 stars rather than 3 on Yelp. Atmosphere is loud. If you don't sit outside or in the front of the restaurant, the other two sitting areas are hot (even on a cool evening) and feel worn. What did we have? Fries - medium to thick cut, overfried but salty. Maybe a tick above average. Fish tacos - not much fish. Too much cheese (on a fish taco?). Edible, fine, unmemorable. Didn't finishthe accompanying rice and beans primarily because there was no compelling reason to do so. Lobster mac and cheese - their regular, thin-sauced mac with lobster on top. $24. Nothing really to say other than I wouldn't spend $24 on it again. If you are in the mood for lobster this is not the way to have it. If you are looking for a happy hour type place to fill your belly any which way, this might be your place. If you typically put any effort into finding a good meal, look elsewhere.
(3)M N.
When you get tired of everything lobster, try a burger, the Mac n cheese, and a Margarita.
(5)Kyung R.
Quite the let down when it came to the reviews for this place. I ended up having the bbq ribs, which came with pub fries and some cabbage. The fries were not seasoned at all, and the consistency was horrid. It had burnt fries, undercooked, but most of all, it wasn't good to eat. No matter how much pepper or salt you used, i left most of it untouched on my plate. The cabbage was just inedible in my opinion. They tried to go for some sauerkraut flavor, but it fell in between sour and sweet, but did neither well. The ribs just weren't that great. The barbecue sauce was okay, but they weren't cooked to the point of being consistently tender throughout all the meat. If you want good ribs, visit sweet cheeks q in Boston next to Fenway. Overall, I recommend people stay away. While the service is friendly enough, it doesn't make up for the bad food. Maybe this is because of the fact that their head chef left the restaurant recently, but will not return in the future.
(1)Kristina W.
I liked this restaurant. I tried the lobster roll which was good although I don't think they needed the spice on top. My husband tried the haddock tacos which he particularly liked and said how fresh the fish was and he liked the avocado on it.
(4)Sara C.
I really enjoyed the atmosphere of this place and super friendly staff. I ordered the lobster roll after seeing it on a list of top rolls in Bar harbor and was really disappointed. The bread was toasted but had no crunch and was pretty small. It was just all around underwhelming and there are better places to try a roll in the area. The pulled pork sandwich however was amazing!! Crunchy and delicious and the cabbage was really tasty. Great fries too!! Good drink selection including house infused liquor for flavored margaritas and cocktails. They had a good happy hour with $5 margs and $3 off there small bites. Overall recommend for apps and drinks. Toodly doo
(4)Chris W.
Sat at the bar and ordered the lobster mac and cheese and an Allagash White what an amazing combination. Great people watching. Love the menu. We'll come back.
(4)Mark S.
The food was delicious and the service was outstanding! Nothing to complain about for me!
(5)Kenneth G.
Perfect place to eat in Bar Harbor. No ocean views here, but the food far outdoes it's harbor side competition. A quaint, local spot that is open year 'round...and we happen to be there on a Wednesday night when they have live music. The buffalo chicken dip hit the spot for me and my dad as our appetizer, and Jeff's Mac n Cheese was perfect for me. I'm glad I got the half order!! By far the best place we ate on our vacation in Bar Harbor.
(5)geoff c.
We were in Bar Harbor last week for a family reunion. We ate at Side Street Cafe 3 times in2 days. Awesome lobster roll, and I ate a lot of lobster rolls last week. This was the best. And their blue berry pie...my mom and mother in law are great pie makers, but this pie was a whole different animal. It is the pinnacle of pie.
(5)Marc J.
The place was busy when we arrived so I expected slow service. The overall experience was quite the opposite. The service and food couldn't have been better!! Bar Harbor restaurants don't seem to do a good job providing good customer service but this place is head and shoulders above the rest.
(5)Gary G.
A great spot for lunch. Food was great with the Mac and cheese outstanding. Restaurant was a bit cramped and slightly warm, but not terribly unpleasant. Worth searching for, away from the crowded shopping streets.
(4)Miko H.
This is a busy place! Was told the wait would be 1hr. They texted us that the table was ready after 15 mins. We ordered the date night feast $66 which came with 2 1/14 lb lobsters, 1 lb mussels, 1lb clam ,2 cups of clam chowder and one ear of corn. Clam chowder was very watery but had decent taste. The mussels and clams were absolutely terrible. Flavorless, overcooked and cold! The lobsters were as expected, but slightly overcooked. The corn mightve been the tastiest thing. Ordered the hard cider and Blueberry ale.$5 ea Beers were good
(3)Ryan S.
Food was really good and you can tell the kitchen really cares about there presentation. We came in with a party of 12 and everyone loved all the things they got to eat. It's hard to please that many foodies in one shot but they nailed it! Thanks for a great experience!
(5)Amy Z.
Lobster roll was not flavorful, not a lot of lobster but bun was well toasted. If this is the best in Bar Harbor, then it's a sad town for food. Crab cakes were good, but ratio of crab to filling rather low. Good service. Recommend the call ahead seating, which allowed us to walk right in.
(3)Clark L.
Great ice tea!. Excellent lobster roll. And the lobster stew was excellent with traditional flavor, not necessarily for mass appeal. Loved it.
(5)Jeremy M.
Best lobster roll in Bar Harbor. Service is great. Will definitely go back while I'm here!
(5)Matthew Z.
Had lunch here with girlfriend. Lobster roll was good but pricey (20 dollars for one roll, with chips and a pickle). Mac and cheese was OK but nothing extraordinary - cheese was not super flavorful. Good selection of beers and nice outdoor deck. Would recommend, but not if you are on a tight budget.
(4)Amy K.
This is NOT American. Maybe American ingredients with a bougie twist. And lots of Gluten free options. We had an amazing ap of garlic, cheese and olive tapenad with bread ( the little bits- possibly our fav item ) . Cant explain its goodness, just tAke our word and order it!!!!For main dishes our table ordered ZUCCHINI PASTA, a SHEPHERDS PIE , and a Rib eye steak. All were tasty but a but on the oily side. One disappointing item was the polenta which accompanied the zucchini. " pasta," it was very greasy. Great atmosphere, dark walls, interesting art and candle light . We enjoyed the overall experience , but didn't feel we were really attended too. Also, we felt a little bit rushed.
(4)Sara A.
This place was pretty good, I liked the atmosphere. I had a Northern Cuban Sandwich because it sounded like something different. Most of the menu was pretty basic stuff that you couldn't go wrong with. The waiter was really nice and the place was immaculately clean. The food was really tasty but not mind blowing. Overall I enjoyed this restaurant. I would have liked to see a few more options on the dinner menu when I glanced it over, but we went for lunch, so who am I to judge?
(4)Megan S.
Buff chick dip was served warm with tortilla chips, it was pretty good. We also had the lobster mac and cheese. They claim it's the top 10 in the U.S....I wouldn't go that far but I did like it. Service was good, our waitress seemed pretty knowledgeable about the menu.
(4)Anna E.
I loved Side Street Cafe. What a fun place! We came here for lunch on our day in Bar Harbor and I am happy we did. The signage isn't easy to see from the street but if you see a bunch of people sitting outside on a patio of a lively restaurant during the warmer months, you are probably in the right place. The place was buzzing when we arrived but we were still seated pretty quickly after arriving. No outdoor tables were available so we opted to sit inside which was just fine as we enjoyed the playful and funky decor. The most memorable part of the meal was the strawberry rhubarb margarita which was as beautiful as it was tasty. If it's available, and you like strawberries, rhubarb, and margaritas, this is not to be missed. For lunch I had the Emmy - grilled pita stuffed with avocado, lettuce, tomato, fresh mozzarella, sprouts and pesto. My friend had pulled pork sandwich and a cup of New England clam chowder. All delicious. Service was great as well. I'm a fan and I will be back next time we were here.
(4)Chris S.
Had our first lobstee roll here.. it was delicious!!! Also had their mac and cheese which was great as well. Although its not located on the water i highly recommend this reataurant. Usually a wait to be seated to plan accordingly.
(5)Caroline K.
Quite possibly one of my favorite seafood restaurants. This was recommended to me as part of our weekend Maine trip, and I'm so glad I got to come here. The wait is horrific (expect anywhere between 2-3 hours) but my bf and I were lucky enough to snag a table outside for two. Perfect for summer! We may have ordered a bit too much...but that's what you get when you have two out-of-towners starving and eager for some decent seafood. We started off with beers (mine was a blueberry summer draught with cute little blueberries floating around) and a pound of steamers. This was probably the only drawback of the night. While the clams were fresh, we could still taste bits of sand even when we washed them in the salt water they provided us. Ick. Then we got the crab cakes, lobster stew, and our own lobster sandwiches. Crab cakes were good, but lobster stew was the bomb. Huge chunks of fresh lobster in a cup so you can taste the amazingness. They definitely don't skimp here. To finish off, we got the warm blueberry pie with ice cream because blueberries are what the state is supposedly well known for. I knew immediately from the first bite it was made fresh from the kitchen. None of that premixed box shit. It was so good we forced ourselves to finish it even though we were ready to burst from everything we ate. Our waitress was a total sweetheart. Her name was Abbie, I think. And our bill didn't even come out to a hundred dollars! Try ordering that much in NY and see how it pans out. Actually, don't wanna.
(5)Carlos D.
Good drinks, mediocre food, and sub-par service. We went to this place two times during our vacation. The first time it was fantastic in every respect, deserving the full five stars. The service was fast, the food was good and cheap(er), and the cocktails were strong and delicious. Because of the great first time experience, we chose to finish off our vacation by going to this place one last time. However, it under-performed and I must give it the three stars it deserves as opposed to the five stars. The service was terrible. The waitress let our drinks to run out. The food took a good 30 some minutes before it was served, and the waitress took her sweet time to socialize with her friends rather than doing her job. In addition, the lobster roll was very disappointing. It claimed to be the best in the area but I just ended up paying $20 for a cold lobster salad served on a mini hotdog roll. If it wasn't for their strong and delicious blueberry basil margarita, I would give this place a maximum of two stars. Hope this helps.
(3)James L.
Nice cafe away from the main area. Sat in the outside dining area which was nice with the great weather and breeze that cooled us down. The lobster roll was pricey but similar to price around the area but it was very good. The simple taste of lobster on a toasted butter roll, no frills, just good old chunky Maine lobster. The strawberry rhubarb margarita was nicely refreshing, held off on the salt and sugar rim. Fries were nicely cut, thick, fried just right. The only downside was a mildly average clam chowder, slightly watery, tasty grainy, not a silky, creamy texture. Would come back for a lobster roll, and when hungrier try their dessert.
(4)Thomas A.
I can see why this place was freaking crowded with a long wait. My gf and I went here with a wait of 2-3 hours. However the outside area was 1st come 1st served, so we gambled and luckily found an empty table that we pounced on. We ordered steamers. Mmmm it was fresh but maybe a bit too fresh. Helllo sand? Can you please clean the steamers a bit. Yes i know that you give the salt water so we can do it ourselves, but it didn't help at all. The sand bits were stuck on hardcore. I had the BLAT (bacon lettuce avocado tomato) w/ lobster. Yes you can add lobster to ANY dish. ANY!!!! It said so on the menu, so I did it. I'm glad i did; although i regret ordering my sandwich with focaccia instead of marbled rye. The sandwich was too bready, but that was my own doing. Overall the dish was solid, and the homemade potato chips were crispy and solid as well. Oh my gf and I shared the lobster stew, and i wish i didn't. It was soooo good that I secretly didn't want to share it. The highlight of the dinner was the dessert. We shared a blueberry pie with vanilla ice cream... MMMMMMMMMMM! If it is on the menu when you go..I totally recommend saving room in your stomach for this dish, you will NOT be disappointed. Props to my gf for picking this place.
(4)Ellen B.
Let's say that the taste of the food was quite ok. When we go to the US we are always surprised by the good and enormous portions which is of course wonderful for the hungry men in our company. This time we were really disappointed . We ordered a Lobster stew and a Lobster roll for around Twenty dollars each. For us it was just an appetizer and we went hungry home! For that price it is ridiculous and I don't understand why everyone is so optimistic about this crowdy place. Our waitress though was very friendly but we won't return because these are portions for mice. Adding French Fries and a salad could make things better.
(2)Hayley W.
Every time I have eaten at Side Street I leave with an excellent experience. I absolutely love their cocktail specials. The blueberry basil margarita was amazing and freshly made. Their "make your own" Mac and cheese is beyond scrumptious-- you can put anything you could imagine in it. I tried grilled shrimp, grilled veggies, and topped it with fresh avocado. Can't beat it. You honestly cannot go wrong with any of the food here. The staff is extremely nice and helpful as well as educated- which is rare these days.
(4)Liviu R.
We were able to create a Vegan lunch here, which proved to be very challenging in other restaurants in Bar Harbor. Recommend the build your own sandwich option with the pita bread, bean pattie and maple mustard dressing, and side of roasted veggies. Service as great too - although they were super busy at lunch, they checked various items whether they were Vegan, and dishes came out very quickly.
(4)Lauren B.
Food is decent and the portions are crazy generous (when in doubt, go for the smaller portion. The reason for this particularly high rating is the service and a particular drink that meant this was the only place that warranted a return visit while we were in Bar Harbor. 3 words. Blueberry. Spiked. Lemonade. The best drink after a long day hiking.
(4)Sebastian C.
First of all, build your own mac&cheese... Uh yes please! This place is perfect all around - atmosphere, service, food, drinks etc. While there was no wait with a seat yourself bar area and patio, this place was still packed so we weren't surprised when there was a long wait for our food. But don't be a dick, just relax and enjoy a delicious cocktail while you wait. And oh yeah, great live music. The service was on point, and I don't say that lightly--apparently I can be a little "picky," sheesh. Riley, our server, was perfectly timed, with just the right amount of presence. Checked in promptly after a few bites to assure everything was good and then gave us distance, as it should be. We were even checked in on half way through the meal by the manager which is always a great gesture especially seeing as the place was slammed. The food - whoa.. Pretty damn great. Highly recommend the "Emmy" and of course the mac&cheese (which yes, if you were wondering, I happen to be an expert on.) A woman at a table adjacent who was "a pretty good chef herself," she said quite loudly, said it was the best (whatever she ate) she'd ever had. And finally one extra round of applause to this place because when 95% of your clientele is tourists, it's easy to drop the quality of the food and especially the service since you aren't that concerned about returning customers. This is something a few of the other spots are definitely guilty of. So hopefully by the time you've finished reading this dreadfully long review, you're already on your way!
(5)Nicholas M.
You don't get over 300 reviews without being good. This place is great. Order the Mac n cheese. You will not be disappointed!
(5)Dan C.
I went here three times on my week trip to acadia. great happy hour! 3 dollar drafts for 3 hours. Beer list was average, but enough winners to keep me happy and I liked the focus on local and new england offerings. The cheap bar snacks were a nice perk, though options were limited, the menu was secretive and the food I had really wasn't great. The outdoor deck, though with barely passable views, was nice and the late june weather. Definitely recommend hitting the happy hour. (3pm - 6pm)
(4)Jess P.
Delicious all around!!! Best fish tacos with a crispy/soft corn tortilla and great fresh hand packed black bean burger. Highly recommend.
(5)annie d.
I feel like I was led astray by all the great reviews this place has. While it definitely had some redeeming qualities, the food didn't quite hit the mark. Some things were good: the roast veggie salad and the burger. Yum. And the atmosphere was really nice too, with great live music. But other things were not so good: the French fries were cold and greasy and the Mac and cheese was beyond bland. Why are people so obsessed with this Mac and cheese?! Ours was completely tasteless but definitely still packed a punch in terms of calories. Bummer.
(3)Joe C.
Where do the locals eat in Bar Harbor? Well Side Street Cafe is one place. I know this because during the off season when many local restaurants were closed, this place was open and boy-oh-boy was it packed. Lots of customers were locals. I was expecting crappy service because they were so busy but surprisingly the servers were extremely nice and super efficient. The food was great too. It was basic comfort food and I got something I had never had before; lobster quesadillas. Right, Mexican food in Bar Harbor with a Maine twist. It was very good. There's a good size bar that apparently was standing room only on the night I visited. There's a nice deck outside too. The view isn't as nice as some other places on Main Street or the docks, but the open air is the open air, and I'll take it whenever I can.
(4)William C.
Good place to eat. Food was good but style and decor was bland. Service left me with a bad taste in my mouth. It also was an over priced tourist spot. Would not recommend.
(3)Cat L.
We came here for for an affordable dinner option while visiting Bar Harbor and were not disappointed. It's a few blocks from the main stores of Bar Harbor and has ample seating inside so there was no wait on a Saturday night. The blueberry pie and lobster bisque were by far the highlights of my meal, although both were pricey compared to the rest of the menu. I would eat here again if I visit Bar Harbor again.
(4)Brian Y.
I read an news story that SSC had one of the ten best lobster rolls n Maine, so we decided to try them. Actually my wife had the lobster roll, which was the best she's had. Lots of lobster and very, very little mayo. Perfect. I had the Lazy Guy lobster, they remove all the meat and just serve the meat, a cup of chowder & some chips. Lobster & chowder were very good. Great service, prices are average for BH, which is high. Nice place for a meal
(5)Dee Dee Y.
We, four of us,went in ten minutes after they open. Plenty of seat available but the hostess put us at the table right outside the restroom and right at the entrance. Is it because we are Chinese? Service is good, so we still paid 20%. Food is ok. Lobster is fresh. Nothing special.
(1)Melinda Z.
Had a late lunch (early dinner) at the Side Street Cafe today. Had a regular margarita and a lobster roll. Both were seriously delicious! For dessert, the Fluffernutter was very tasty - a peanut butter and fluff grilled sandwich, topped with ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce. Yum! The waitress was delightful and the beverages and food arrived quickly. A bonus, they have sweet tea, a true treat for a southerner to find!
(4)Benjamin M.
The food was good, but not great (lobster mac and cheese and steak and cheese sandwich). The service however was outstanding.
(4)Chris W.
During the entire vacation on Bar Harbor this place was probably my favorite. The food was rich and hearty and delicious. Friendly staff also. Really recommend dropping by if you are on the island!
(5)Brydie H.
Great food. The place needs to be bigger. Defiantly get reservations as we had a good hour wait but it was worth it. It's pricey but worth the splurge. We had a fish sandwich, a burger and chowder.
(5)Xiao C.
Portion of lobster stew was much smaller than expected. Whole lobster dish was quite over cooked. Probably not worth the long wait.
(2)Caryn B.
Lobster mac & cheese is to die for as well as as jeffs macncheese. Also the Local Cosmo is excellent as well.
(5)John D.
This is a waste. Sad. What a waste. We had a burger. Patty was frozen. Then grotesquely overcooked. We had the lobster stew. Feh, but why pay for feh? No. We had fries. They were disgusting - baked, not fried. Huh? Then they're not "fried." The atmosphere, such as it is, is all plastic. This place is a big AVOID .
(1)Steph C.
Extremely popular restaurant. The wait for a table was over an hour, but luckily we managed to grab a small table in the bar area (first come first serve). Ordered the lobster stew, customized mac n' cheese with tomato, spinach, avocado, and corned beef, and a hometown burger. They had a nice alcohol selection, but I decided to go with a blueberry soda which was delish! The lobster stew was simple and delicious. Thick chunks of fresh lobster meat in a creamy flavorful broth that had sherry. It was a little rich, but I couldn't stop eating it. The burger was a nice thick medium cooked patty. Not particularly seasoned, but a proper burger nonetheless. The mac n'cheese with all of our random toppings turned out great! Portions were generous and we ended up taking back leftovers. The place is really busy and the bar gets overly loud and crowded. Service was friendly.
(4)Theresa M.
This is the best place we ate at in Maine! All the food and drinks were sooo good. We got to try the Lobster Stew for the first time. It was packed full of Lobster. What a treat! I had the Lobster Mac and Cheese which was very good. You need to try the Watermelon Cucumber Margarita! Happy Hour drinks is a yay! Happy hour app selection was a Ney!
(5)Trish S.
We stopped in to the side street cafe for dinner on a rainy cold Sunday and found a warm and friendly welcome. We started with crab cakes, which were pretty good. Then my sister and I both ordered the fish tacos which today were haddock. A little fishy for me with a slightly less than fresh tortilla but a dash of chalula hot sauce and they were good. After dinner we finished off with great coffee and shared a piece blueberry pie, warmed with ice cream. The pie was very tasty but the crust was a little doughy and salty for my liking. Our server was super friendly and attentive. She was consistently checking in with us and making sure all was well.
(4)Amanda N.
We found the side street on yelp and decided to give it a shot for dinner. It was busy since it was a Saturday night, but we called ahead and got our table within five minutes of arriving. They have a great selection of drinks and all of our entrees were excellent (lobster meal, lobster roll, lobster mac and cheese). The only thing that was okay instead of excellent was the guacamole. Everything else was wonderful and the service was also quite good.
(4)Catherine G.
The Side Street Cafe does not disappoint. On our most recent stay in Bar Harbor, we ate there twice and enjoyed every minute of it. The staff was attentive and friendly and the food was excellent. Lobster Mac & Cheese is to die for! The portion is very generous, so be prepared to go in hungry. The burgers and quesadillas are fabulous. The margaritas were excellent. My husband and I shared a pitcher both times and enjoyed them fully. If you want a place to eat that the whole family will enjoy, this is the place to go!
(5)Kim L.
Really nice atmosphere and food was good but it took a really long time to get our food and the server never came over to apologize or give us an update. We understand that things happen but it makes all the difference when you have wait staff who recognizes the food is late and keeps us posted. A couple that was seated after we were, got their food way ahead of us and were almost finished by the time we finally got ours.
(3)Jessica M.
Sweet, friendly and well run. Good, casual food - burgers reportedly excellent and my salad was fresh and delicious. They have a neat "build your own" Mac and cheese where you can add things like veggies or lobster. Indoor or outdoor seating. Great for kids.
(5)Mary L.
WHAT A GEM THAT ACTUALLY SERVES GOOD FOOD AND STRONG DRINKS despite being in a high tourist trap area. We came here twice in our short trip to Bar Harbor. For lunch our first day, we had the lobster bisque, cubano sandwich, and Jeff's mac 'n cheese. The bisque was good and had a good amount of lobster though a little pricey for $9 a cup considering how cheap lobsters are in general. Cubano sandwich was done well (pretzel roll it came on was different but it works!)and came with a side of chips though I prefer my cubans to be pressed. Anyone who knows me, know I dislike cheese and was unwilling to try mac 'n cheese until I was in college. Jeff's mac 'n cheese was a delicious combination of pasta, ham, black beans, jalapenos and creamy cheese sauce. We were there the second night for drinks and the bartenders were fantastic - friendly, efficient working the pass and the customers seated around the bar. Drinks were large and dangerous (tasted too good for the amount of alcohol they poured in it!!). Definately some of the largest pours I've ever seen -- GREAT VALUE! Go for Happy Hour and you can't go wrong ($3 drafts and wine and $3 off cocktails).
(5)Dan D.
Holy crap was the blueberry pie amazing! Totally worth checking out. Nice atmosphere, decent selections of drinks, and their blueberry margarita tasted pretty damn good as well.
(5)Karen L.
Great food. Live music. Friendly staff. Casual dining, so don't expect fancy. I loved that you could call ahead and get on the wait list. Walking distance from our B&B.
(4)Matt R.
Easily the best place to eat in Bar Harbor. Fish tacos are amazing. Great kids menu. Lobster Cobb salad was amazing. And the service was super friendly. The general manager came around working the room on a very busy lunch rush on July 4 and made us feel welcome and comfortable, which isn't totally typical for this town at peak season.
(5)Anthony H.
Good food. Good service. Good beers. I had the crab cakes--the entree came with 4 or 5. I thought that was the perfect portion for z hungry tourist like myself. Lobster mac and cheese was a hit at my table although everyone who had it was hoping for "more lobstah."
(4)Dawn C.
GREAT service! GREAT! GREAT! I got clam chowder = GREAT Salad = GREAT He got a soup = GREAT the prices were reasonable. Everyone should check this place out. It gets crowded, but the wait was not long at all. Two thumbs up
(5)Andrew G.
This place had an amazing energy, fantastic waitresses and bartenders, and is 100% kid friendly. I had the Shore special and the Lobster was the meatiest and most filling on Bar Harbor. However I did not enjoy the clams and mussels, they were cold and not seasoned. That is my only complaint. All in all a great restaurant, but it is near impossible to get it. Either get a reservation or reserve a seat with a party under 5 by calling an hour ahead. Then they will text you when your table is ready.
(4)Ashley D.
Stopped by after reading reviews about the lobster rolls - disappointed to find it didn't taste very fresh and was overall mediocre at best.
(2)A T.
Solid lunch of grilled chicken sandwich (and salad) with nachos as an appetizer. The husband got grilled chicken with fries, which were delicious. Service was prompt and attentive. Portions were huge-- couldn't finish a thing. Nachos and two grilled chicken = $38.
(4)Honey M.
I love you, Side Street Cafe. The food is good, but we come for the atmosphere and service. Every week we go back and see the same locals hanging out at the bar, and we have made some great friends with the staff there as well. They often have live music, but you can sit in one of the back rooms if you prefer a quieter dining experience. This place is all about the local community, and I feel good about supporting them. We have seen the same staff working there for years, which suggests to me they treat their employees well. They have daily specials--get the mac and cheese!--and their "margarita of the moment" is always an interesting option. Also, bread pudding. Lots of vegetarian options to choose from as well. Central location with nice outdoor eating space (too bad the view is of the parking lot across the street).
(5)Valerie V.
As many before us have said, the Lobster mac n cheese is a must! Scrumptious. Bar offerings were impressive as well. We showed up during peak hours when there was almost an hour wait, but we were able to sit right down at the "first come - first serve" bar and hi-top tables. Another Yelper mentioned the poor location, but we thought this off -the- beaten -path destination was charming. Waitress was very "perky." Up to you to decide if that's a positive or a negative.
(4)Margaret C.
We had lunch today and all agreed that it was one of the best meals we have had on vacation. The clam chowder, mini burger, turkey Reuben, Emmy sandwich and margarita's could not have been any better. Our waitress was adorable and awesome too!
(5)Stephanie Y.
Side Street Cafe, oh you lobster heaven! This is the restaurant if you're looking to have lobster on anything and everything. Make reservations, but pro-tip: sitting outside is first come, first serve and outside is wayyyyy better. My guy and I ate late on this trip: think 8:30-9PM and for the most part every restaurant had more than enough room to accommodate us. Lobster quesadilla. Really? It was awesome. Huge portion, so much lobsters in a gargantuan 'dilla. I ended up getting the lazy man's lobster and it was weak sauce. I just realized: not a lot of meat out of a 1 1/4 lb lobster. So when my sad little dish came with just a little bit of lobster meat in a little white dish, :: womp womp :: was played in the background. The man ended up getting the lobster cobb salad and although it wasn't jacked up with lobster it was damn tasty and again, a huge portion. The fluffernutter dessert was literally a grilled sandwich. Could have been a little less bread and a bit more fluff and peanut butter. Overall, I wouldn't recommend. This place is good, the prices are on the higher side, but the food was good, the cocktail list was great and definitely a lively atmosphere.
(4)Lacey D.
This place was so good!! The staff was bright and friendly and the food was delicious. We got the crab cakes and split a full size of the make your own Mac and cheese. Seriously yummy!
(3)Amanda C.
This was our lunch destination once we arrived in Maine, and it was the best decision ever! Coming from Nova Scotia where lobster is a big deal, I was hesitant to give it a shot. It claimed to be the best lobster roll, so I had to check it out. It was, hands down, the best lobster roll I've ever had. The bun was perfect for it, crispy so it didn't lose its hold and it was all lobster meat and no filler. Must stop place!
(5)Elise W.
The staff is wonderful! The food was just ok. It could have just been what we ordered, but I don't think that this place is a must. I would almost say that it's worth going back just for the staff, though. Our waitress gave us a great tip for a hike in Acadia, and did an all around great job with our service.
(3)Scott S.
Returned to the Side Street Cafe for a wonderful dish of Macaroni and Cheese with Lobster. Delicious!!! The service was outstanding and the atmosphere was fun.
(5)Michael K.
To be honest. It wasn't the best experience. We had the pub fries loaded were boring and saggy. We were at RT few days earlier and they were crunchy seasoned and compared really good. Lobster, Lobster Mac were ok but the Chicken and the Rib Eye not. Chicken felt dry and Rib Eye ordered medium and have been well done in every way. Overall every meal under seasoned. But to their defends I did not have to pay for the chicken. Appreciate that. We expected better food. Will not return. Sorry
(2)Derek M.
Okay, awesome food. 1 hr wait on a Friday night. ..understandable, but our waitress was not good. She was very polite but didn't refill our water and it just made me question whether she even deserved a tip or if we should give the place another try. I think she needs to get a lesson from Jeb at Jalapeno down the street.
(4)