For those who don't know: Acadia National Park is the adventurous getaway on Maine's Mount Desert Island. From its' breathtaking landscape and coastlines to its superb hiking, biking, and climbing opportunities, there are countless reasons why Acadia National Park should be on everyone's bucket list.
While Acadia's outdoor amenities are certainly worth the trek out to New England, the island's nostalgic eateries are a compelling reason to stay. Between local seafood joints and traditional luncheons, the restaurants in and around ANP have it all. Keep reading to find out where you should eat while visiting America's easternmost National Park.
1. The Coffee Hound
Located in Bar Harbor, a town right outside Acadia National Park, The Coffee Hound Coffee Bar is one of the best places to get your caffeine fix. You can count on them to brew up your classic favorites, or surprise you with one of their signature drinks, such as the Acadian Turtle Mocha, or the Maple Leaf Latté (shown above), which is sweetened with maple syrup.
2. Jordan Pond House
Jordan Pond House is an Acadian tradition you won't want to miss. Since the 1890s, they have been serving tea and their famous popovers, which are hollow pastries eaten with butter and jam. If you're lucky, you'll get a table on the lawn so that you can enjoy your popovers while overlooking the Bubble Mountains.
3. 2 Cats
2 Cats is an inn and restaurant that serves arguably the best breakfast in Bar Harbor. Their menu is a creative homemade masterpiece, covering everything from french toast to tofu scrambles. You won't be disappointed by 2 Cats' cozy atmosphere, the gracious service, or especially by the baked biscuits and strawberry butter that are included with almost every meal.
4. Geddy's
If you're looking for a fun, exciting place to grab a bite of New England cuisine, look no further. At Geddy's, you'll be surrounded by walls of eclectic signs and license plates while eating some of the best locally sourced food. Dig into staples like Fish and Chips and Clam Chowder, or specialty dishes such as their Atlantic Salmon Burger and Lobster Arugula Panzanella Salad.
5. Thurston's
Behold: the most fresh, delicious lobster on Mount Desert Island. Thurston's Lobster Pound catches their seafood right off of their location Bass Harbor, then serves it to you that same day. You can choose from soft or hard shell lobsters, as well as a variety of sides such as steamed mussels or corn on the cob. They also bake their own deserts, so you can finish off your lobster meal with a slice of spiced Maine blueberry cake.
6. Ben & Bill's
Never question your allegiance to a Bar Harbor ice cream shop again; Ben & Bill's Chocolate Emporium has them all beat. The family-owned shop makes their own candies, chocolates, and ice cream, so you'll have a difficult time leaving the shop with just one dessert. If you want a taste of Maine, order their blueberry ice cream (or if you're feeling adventurous, their lobster ice cream).
Whether you're camping at Blackwoods or lounging at the Bar Harbor Inn, it'll be well worth your time to visit these one-of-a-kind restaurants. You never know; the highlight of your vacation may just be that lobster ice cream.