Nestled in the picturesque town of Bar Harbor, Maine, the Side Street Cafe offers a delightful dining experience that captures the essence of New England charm. During our visit to witness the historic solar eclipse, we found ourselves drawn to this inviting eatery not just once, but twice within a week. While Bar Harbor was still awakening from its off-season slumber, Side Street Cafe stood out as a culinary beacon, quickly becoming our new favorite restaurant in town. Its extensive menu, brimming with local specialties and an impressive array of gluten-free options, ensured there was something for everyone. From delectable pasta and classic lobster rolls to refreshing salads, comforting soups, and tempting desserts, the cafe demonstrated a remarkable ability to cater to dietary needs. Their attentiveness to my gluten allergy was particularly reassuring, making each dining experience a pleasure. Join us as we delve deeper into our culinary journey at Side Street Cafe in Bar Harbor, ME, and uncover the reasons why this harbor-side spot earned a repeat visit.
A refreshing Blueberry Mint Lemonade at Side Street Café in Bar Harbor Maine
Side Street Cafe: Bar Harbor’s Casual Culinary Delight
Location: Bar Harbor, Maine
Address: 49 Rodick St.
Cuisine: Authentic Maine Classics, Sustainable Seafood
Meal Duration: 60+ Minutes (Relaxed Dining)
Ambiance: Indoor & Seasonal Outdoor Seating
Price Range: $30+ per Person
Dress Code: Casual and Welcoming
Dietary Options: Extensive Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, and Pescatarian Choices
Indulge in Lobstah Gluten-Free Macaroni and Cheese at Side Street Cafe in Bar Harbor Maine
Ambiance: New England Casual Meets Modern Cafe
Side Street Cafe presents a relaxed and modern take on the classic New England cafe aesthetic. The interior, while simply decorated, creates a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. What it might lack in elaborate ornamentation, it more than compensates for with an exceptional food selection, attentive and friendly staff, and truly delicious, high-quality dishes. This cafe is perfectly suited for a laid-back lunch or dinner, a casual and enjoyable date, or a relaxed get-together with friends. During our early April visit, reservations were not necessary, adding to the ease of our dining experience. However, for those planning to visit during Bar Harbor’s peak season, from May to October, or for larger groups, calling ahead to reserve a table is advisable to ensure you don’t miss out on this harbor-side culinary gem.
Culinary Delights: Exploring the Menu at Side Street Cafe
Every dish we sampled at Side Street Cafe was an absolute culinary triumph. It’s truly hard to express just how much we relished our meals. My husband and our friend, who joined us, wholeheartedly agreed that the seafood was some of the freshest and most flavorful we had ever tasted. The menu showcases a diverse array of options, highlighting local Maine specialties and thoughtfully catering to various dietary needs. The remarkable flexibility of the kitchen to prepare dishes vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free made dining here an unmitigated joy, so much so that it drew us back for a second visit during our stay in Bar Harbor.
Let’s dive into the specifics of what we savored!
A steaming plate of Lobstah Gluten-Free Macaroni and Cheese at Side Street Café Bar Harbor Maine
Lobstah Gluten-Free Macaroni & Cheese: Rated a perfect 10/10!
While a touch of garlic or some sautéed vegetables could have elevated it further, even in its simplicity, this was undeniably the best lobster macaroni and cheese I have ever encountered. The creamy cheese sauce perfectly complemented the sweet, succulent lobster chunks, creating a rich and satisfying dish.
Savor the Gluten-Free Lobster Stew at Side Street Café in Bar Harbor Maine
Gluten-Free Lobster Stew: Another perfect 10/10!
One of the most delightful surprises was discovering that all of their soups are gluten-free, a rare find in New England and beyond. Typically thickened with flour, these soups offered a wonderful opportunity to finally indulge in classic New England flavors that had been off-limits for years. The lobster stew was incredibly flavorful, and generously loaded with lobster meat – it felt like at least 70% lobster! The portions at Side Street Cafe are remarkably generous and truly satisfying.
A delicious Lobster Quesadilla at Side Street Café Bar Harbor Maine
Lobster Quesadilla: A solid 9/10
Robin opted for the lobster quesadilla on our second visit and thoroughly enjoyed it. He suggested that a hint of salt, some chili peppers, or even seasoned mushrooms would enhance the flavor profile. He described it as light and buttery, with a wonderfully flavorful cheese. Being a non-gluten-free item, I could only admire it from afar, but the aroma was irresistible! A lobster quesadilla was a unique and exciting menu item, and it’s become a dish he still reminisces about and hopes to enjoy again soon.
Enjoy the perfectly broiled Haddock Sandwich at Side Street Café in Bar Harbor Maine
Haddock Sandwich: A resounding 10/10
Another non-gluten-free choice that Robin enthusiastically devoured was the haddock sandwich. He declared it one of the best fish sandwiches he has ever tasted. The haddock fillet was substantial and expertly broiled to perfection – the aroma alone was tantalizing as it arrived at our table. Accompanied by a generous serving of crispy chips and a heavenly maple caper sauce, this sandwich is an absolute must-try for any fish lover.
Savor the Bangin’ Shrimp Gluten-Free Pasta at Side Street Café Bar Harbor Maine
Bangin’ Shrimp Gluten-Free Pasta: Another perfect 10/10!
Robin ordered the Bangin’ Shrimp Gluten-Free Pasta specifically for me to sample, and it was every bit as exceptional as the lobster mac and cheese! The shrimp were succulent, tender, plump, and perfectly seasoned, bursting with flavor. Whatever gluten-free pasta Side Street Cafe uses is truly superior to any other I’ve had in restaurants; it had a smooth texture, satisfying density, and just the right amount of chewiness. I would genuinely consider driving back to Bar Harbor solely to indulge in another gluten-free pasta dish at Side Street Cafe!
A bowl of creamy Clam Chowder at Side Street Café in Bar Harbor Maine
Clam Chowder: A delicious 8/10
This hearty and creamy clam chowder was also gluten-free and incredibly satisfying. While a touch more seasoning or fresh herbs could have enhanced the depth of flavor, it was delightful nonetheless. Packed with a generous amount of clams and tender potato chunks, it was a filling and comforting choice, particularly enjoyable on a cooler day. Paired with a sandwich or salad, it would make for an exceptional and complete meal.
A slice of homemade Blueberry Pie at Side Street Café Bar Harbor Maine
Blueberry Pie: A perfect 10/10 for those who can indulge!
While the blueberry pie wasn’t gluten-free, everyone at the table who could partake agreed it was absolutely divine! Blueberries are a quintessential Maine treat, and this sugar lime-zested version was simply irresistible, with an aroma that made our mouths water. Judging by how quickly everyone cleared their plates, it was undoubtedly a spectacular dessert.
Final Verdict: Side Street Cafe is a Must-Visit in Bar Harbor
Side Street Cafe is undeniably worth a trip to Bar Harbor in itself. From the generous portions of fresh seafood and the warm, attentive service to the impressive variety of allergen-friendly options, this cafe truly excels. Our dining experiences were thoroughly enjoyable, and I eagerly anticipate returning again in the near future. Standing alongside Luke’s Lobster and The Veranda as my top dining experiences in Maine, Side Street Cafe is an unmissable culinary destination in one of America’s most breathtaking coastal towns.
The inviting exterior of Side Street Café in Bar Harbor Maine
Explore more of my adventures in Maine and across the United States.
Follow me on Instagram, YouTube & Pinterest for more travel inspiration!
Discover More of Bar Harbor
Maine
