Southwest Harbor is a town on Mount Desert Island, in Hancock County, Maine, United States. In 2020, the town’s population was 1,756. The town is only 20 minutes from the walkways and parking spots of Bar Harbor.
The town boasts some fantastic stores, art galleries, and restaurants that are worth visiting.
Due to the shorter pace and wide range of top-notch lodging alternatives, from single-home vacation rentals to bed & breakfasts and inns, many tourists decide to stay here while visiting Acadia National Park.
There are numerous Southwest Harbor restaurants, in addition to cafes and ice cream parlors. Everything from pizza and ice cream to lobster rolls and clam chowder can be found in Southwest Harbor.
Check out the top restaurants in Southwest Harbor, Maine.
Restaurants in Southwest Harbor, Maine
1. Common Good Kitchen Cafe
This establishment is among the outstanding Southwest Harbor restaurants. Southwest Harbor’s Common Good Soup Kitchen Cafe aims to feed the locals and foster interpersonal relationships. Their mission is to revitalize neighborhood soup kitchens while providing assistance and companionship to those in need.
In addition to hosting various live music events, fundraising activities, Common Good Kitchen also offers reliable home delivery, off-site dinners, and pickup services for their neighborhood food bank.
The mission of this neighborhood soup kitchen is to assist others. They provide a variety of options to reach as many people as they can while still providing the finest customer service. All year long, their generous volunteers offer free services to support needy individuals.
Operating hours are 7:30 am to 11:30 am on Fridays to Sundays.
Address: 19 Clark Point Rd, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, United States. Phone: +1 207-244-3007.
2. Peter Trout’s Tavern and Inn
Southwest Harbor, Maine’s Peter Trout’s Tavern, and Inn Restaurant are local favorites. The eatery is well-known for its delicious steak, fresh fish, and homemade pies.
The outside seating area is on a deck that looks out over the port and offers breathtaking views of the water and surrounding islands.
Along with a range of pub classics like fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, fried chicken and waffles, crab cakes, haddock sandwiches, and bangers and mash, the menu offers delicious meals with a Maine flair, like lobster rolls, smoked geoduck, and clam chowder.
Peter Trout’s Tavern and Inn is also a great place to enjoy live music. The facility hosts a wide range of bands and performers who perform in various genres. This place is undoubtedly one of the best places to eat in Southwest Harbor, Maine.
They are open from 2 pm to 8 pm on Thursdays and Fridays and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 8 pm.
Address: 48 Shore Rd, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, United States. Phone: +1 207-244-8619.
3. Hearth and Harbor
Hearth and Harbor restaurant is a cozy spot overlooking the harbor in Southwest Harbor, Maine. With a fireplace in the dining area and a sizable deck facing the water, the restaurant exudes a lovely, welcoming environment.
Hearth and Harbor is one of the best restaurants in Southwest Harbor, Maine. The restaurant sources its ingredients from local farms and fisheries, and the menu changes seasonally to reflect what is freshest and most delicious.
Here, the chefs are masters in producing delectable delicacies that will excite your palate and leave you craving for more. Clam pie, pepperoni pizza, roasted beet salad, fennel sausage, pumpkin soup, roast chicken, and calzones are some of the meals on their menu.
The interior design of The Hearth and Harbor Restaurant is intended to create a cozy and welcoming ambiance. The room feels rich and opulent, thanks to the dark wood furnishings and deep crimson walls. The hardwood floors and towering ceilings enhance the grandness.
Hours of operation are 5 pm to 9 pm on Wednesdays through Sundays.
Address: 336 Main St, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, United States. Phone: +1 207-244-8247.
4. Rogue Cafe
Southwest Harbor’s restaurant, Rogue Cafe, is renowned for serving up the freshest fish available. Due to the restaurant’s waterfront location, customers may watch the port while dining.
The restaurant is known for its lobster rolls, made with fresh Maine lobster meat and served on a grilled bun. The lobster rolls are served with french fries or onion rings.
The menu at Rogue Cafe also includes other seafood items such as lobster bisque, clam chowder, and fish and chips. The restaurant also serves burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
Both tourists and locals frequent the Rogue Cafe. The eatery is situated in a bustling part of town, and there is frequently a wait outside the entrance. It is advised you make reservations before coming.
Rogue Cafe welcomes guests only on weekends from 5:30 pm to 9 pm.
Address: 1 Main St, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, United States. Phone: +1 207-244-7101.
5. Beal’s Lobster Pier
Beal’s Lobster Pier has continued to function as a year-round, operating fish and lobster pier since their opening in 1932. You can still observe many of the traditional Maine fishing techniques used more than 80 years ago if you drive down Clark Point Road in Southwest Harbor today.
Fishermen are still splicing lines, tying off boats, and hauling in nets and traps filled with the best seafood available.
The restaurant’s mission is still the same as it was back then: to provide the freshest seafood and the most genuine Maine experience right on the waterfront, which makes it all possible. So if you want to have tasty seafood, Beal’s Lobster Pier is one of the top restaurants in Southwest Harbor, Maine.
They are open from 11 am to 8 pm every day.
Address: 182 Clark Point Rd, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, United States. Phone: +1 207-244-3202.
6. Red Sky Restaurant
Red Sky aims to offer a classy eating experience free of typical stuffiness. Red Sky is an organic progression of American gourmet dining, focusing on fresh seafood from the Maine coast, hand-selected meats, and organic produce grown nearby.
The menu of Red Sky is the culmination of many years of providing food to customers around the nation. One of the restaurant’s top chefs, Elizabeth Geffen Lindquist, has fifteen years of expertise in fine dining and innkeeping.
They offer lobster risotto, crème brûlée, cod, corn chowder, braised short ribs, and roast pork.
The wine selection at Red Sky is constantly changing and intended to be savored; not just looked at. From $24 to $140, carefully chosen wines reflect grapes and styles from the Old and New Worlds of wine.
You may rely on knowledgeable staff for assistance if you need it with your wine choices. Before you come, they are briefed on the newest wine offerings and given an introduction to the daily menu to suggest the ideal food-wine pairing for your meal.
If you’re searching for excellent Southwest Harbor restaurants for a romantic date, Red Sky restaurant is the perfect place.
Red Sky is open on Thursdays to Fridays from 5 pm to 8 pm.
Address: 14 Clark Point Rd, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, United States. Phone: +1 207-244-0476.
7. Little Fern
Little Fern is the center of The Claremont Hotel, including a buzzing bar area and a kind staff that treats you like royalty. With a great bank of windows that bring the beauty of Somes Sound to your table, Little Fern is more than just a restaurant. It is a gathering place.
An eclectic blend of traditional dishes like filet mignon, scallops, ribeye, oysters, roasted shishito, pappardelle, and corn fritters from the Down East and creative ideas make up the menu, which is a celebration of Maine cuisine.
Little Fern invites you to join their charming family, whether you’re looking for a late-afternoon libation to enjoy wherever you like, a pre-dinner cocktail, a post-dinner nightcap, or any other beverage.
Little Fern welcomes guests from 5 pm to 9 pm on Sundays to Thursdays and 5 pm to 10 pm on weekends.
Address: 22 Claremont Rd, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, United States. Phone: +1 207-244-5038.
8. Little Notch Bakery and Cafe
In 1993, Arthur and Kate launched Little Notch Bakery, then in 1996, Little Notch Café. The Bakery is dedicated to producing artisan bread and pastries using high-quality, delectable ingredients.
Every single baked product is made from scratch. Traditional Italian-American cuisine is available in the Café, which sells Little Notch’s baked goods.
The Café’s famed pizzas are produced using dough from the Bakery, and all of the sandwiches are made with Little Notch bread. From hearth-baked pizzas to bittersweet chocolate brownies, Arthur and Kate like serving up excellent meals to their customers.
Whether you’re dropping by for a quick cup of coffee or lingering to enjoy a leisurely dinner, Little Notch provides a warm and welcoming environment. The staff members are dedicated to offering top-notch service and have a strong passion for food.
They are open from 10 am to 7 pm on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Mondays.
Address: 340 Main St, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, United States. Phone: +1 207-244-3357.
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9. Next Level Sports Lounge
In search of a location to watch your preferred team play? Look no further. Next Level Sports Lounge in Southwest Harbor, Maine, serves delicious pub fare and drinks in a friendly setting. Both the people and the cuisine at this laid-back sports bar are outstanding.
This Southwest Harbor restaurant and sports bar go above and above to provide an energizing atmosphere with the newest sports and entertainment. They regularly broadcast events their viewers enjoy, such as PGA Championships and NFL Playoff games.
In addition, Next Level offers quick and straightforward takeout options if all you want is an incredibly delicious burger to enjoy at home.
Don’t care much for sports? Visit the establishment to play some pool with a friend or enjoy happy hour with your friends. If you’re up for it, you can also take the stage and demonstrate your karaoke prowess.
They are open Mondays through Wednesdays from 3 pm to 9 pm, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 3 pm to 10 pm, and Sundays from noon to 8 pm.
Address: 386 Main St, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, United States. Phone: +1 207-244-8010.
10. Salt Shop
Located in the center of Southwest Harbor’s downtown, Salt Shop is a family-run take-out that provides savory and delicious snacks with pride, uniqueness, and honesty. It is no doubt one of the best places to eat in Southwest Harbor, Maine.
This spoonful of happiness has been serving up smiles and delicious ice cream for quite some time. You’ll never grow tired of the ice cream here because it is prepared fresh every day, and the flavors continually change.
Apart from ice cream, Salt Shop also provides house-baked items daily and salads, including turkey club, chicken pea salad, dill potato salad, cheese pie, strawberry shortcake, and PB&J.
Salt Shop has grown in popularity since it first opened as a hangout for residents and visitors. The store has been highlighted in numerous periodicals and online publications, and Down East magazine has named it one of the top ice cream shops in Maine.
They are bound to have something for everyone in your group, whether you want to satiate your sweet appetite after dinner or fill your belly after finishing that hike!
Visit Salt Shop from 11 am to 9 pm every day.
Address: 360 Main St, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, United States. Phone: +1 207-244-8711.
11. Bub’s Burritos
Bub’s Burritos is one of the best restaurants in Southwest Harbor, Maine, specializing in burritos and other Mexican cuisines. This family-owned eatery has been in business for over a decade and is still strong. Both locals and visitors now find it to be a popular location.
The typical beef and bean burrito, as well as chicken, shrimp, and vegetarian varieties, are available at Bub’s Burritos. The eatery provides a variety of sides, including guacamole, rice and beans, and chips and salsa.
Bub’s Burritos, in addition to their hallmark food, burritos, offers a range of other Mexican cuisines, including enchiladas, tacos, and quesadillas.
For those who are on the go, Bub’s Burritos provides a take-out option and is open for breakfast and lunch. The eatery welcomes families and offers a laid-back vibe. Additionally, Bub’s Burritos provides catering for special events.
They are open Tuesdays to Fridays from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm.
Address: 18 Village Green Way, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, United States. Phone: +1 207-266-5255.
12. Milk and Honey Kitchen
Milk and Honey Kitchen is a small, homey restaurant in Southwest Harbor, Maine. This distinctive restaurant offers a seasonal menu made up of dishes made using locally sourced ingredients and delivered with a smile.
With a focus on connection and community, the setting at Milk and Honey Kitchen is warm and inviting.
The delicacies on the Milk and Honey Kitchen’s seasonal menu, such as the wood-fired pizza, chicken schnitzel sandwich, and tofu bahn mi sandwich, are some customer favorites. You will undoubtedly be pleased with the taste and quality of the meal, no matter what you choose to order.
Milk and Honey Kitchen offers fantastic local beer and wine and delicious dishes. So, visit this Southwest Harbor restaurant today if you’re craving yummy food.
They are open from 8 am to 4 pm every day.
Address: 3 Old Firehouse Ln, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662, United States. Phone: +1 207-276-4003.
13. Colonel’s Restaurant and Bakery
Maine is home to the informal family diner, The Colonel’s Restaurant. They have been a family-run restaurant for over 30 years, providing for the needs of the Mount Desert Island Community.
Using only the best ingredients and making everything from scratch, the Colonel’s Bakery staff takes great pride in their work.
Two sizable, fluffy cakes are combined with a copious amount of creamy filling to create the Colonel’s Bakery whoopie pies. Classic chocolate with vanilla filling is the most popular taste, but the bakery also sells a range of other varieties, such as mint, strawberry, and more.
The fresh, handcrafted doughnuts served at The Colonel’s Bakery are legendary! Every day, The Bakery offers freshly baked bread, cookies, pies, cakes, and pastries.
The bakery also offers a lunch menu with various sandwiches, soups, and salads.
Opening hours are 10 am to 4 pm every day.
Address: 143 Main St, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662, United States. Phone: +1 207-276-5147.
14. Seaside Diary and Lobster Pound
This no-frills seafood spot has been serving fresh, delicious lobster for years, offering beautiful views of the harbor and surrounding islands due to its waterfront location.
The menu is small but fresh, featuring lobster rolls, French fries, blueberry pie, and cheddar cheese.
A deck-like structure with a railing and steps leading to the ground serves as the outdoor seating area. The restaurant’s dock and boats can be seen in the background as you sit outside and look out at the water.
The Seaside Diary and Lobster Pound’s outdoor seating is the ideal location for dining and enjoying the town’s landscape.
They are open on Mondays to Saturdays from 11 am to 8 pm and on Sundays from noon to 8 pm.
Address: 42 Tremont Rd, Bass Harbor, ME 04653, United States. Phone: +1 207-244-8138.
15. Thurston’s Lobster Pound
From Memorial Day weekend to mid-October, Thurston’s Lobster Pound provides a friendly, relaxing dining experience that is genuinely Maine. Their awning-covered dining rooms, perched on a dock that creeps over the bay, offer the ideal mix between inside and out.
The lobster boats will return to the pier with the day’s catch while you watch from above the harbor. Try to picture a fresher, more regional lunch as you see the team bring the very same lobsters up to our restaurant tank!
The menu focuses on locally harvested lobster and crab, but it also includes a wide variety of dishes for diners who don’t enjoy shellfish. The freshest ingredients will be used to construct your meal, whether it be a classic lobster dinner or a cheeseburger and potato salad.
They are open only on Fridays from noon to 7 pm.
Address: 9 Thurston Rd, Bernard, ME 04612, United States. Phone: +1 207-244-7600.
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Map of the Best Restaurants in Southwest Harbor, Maine
To get around during your trip to Southwest Harbor, here is a map of the best restaurants in Southwest Harbor with markers of the top places to eat in Southwest Harbor, Maine.
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Plan a Visit to Southwest Harbor
There is no disputing the relationship between eating and travel. What good is a vacation if you don’t indulge in some delectable local cuisine and beverages?
Southwest Harbor restaurants have unique experiences to offer patrons to make the vacation more exciting. Explore Southwest Harbor now and you’ll be glad you did.