After an incredible eight-day trip to Maine, exploring the breathtaking Acadia National Park and the charming Mount Desert Island (MDI), we’re excited to share our culinary journey with you, focusing on the delightful dinner food we discovered “near me” during our stay. The weather was unbelievably perfect, almost as if the universe was making up for the chaos of recent times. Coming from New York, with similar health conditions to Maine at the time, we were fortunate to explore without quarantine restrictions. Our days unfolded predictably and wonderfully: starting with a light breakfast at our VRBO in Hancock (just outside the park), followed by invigorating hikes in Acadia, then rewarding ourselves with late, hearty lunches at local lobster pounds and seafood shacks. Evenings were for relaxed farm market visits and, finally, the joy of crafting super easy, fresh dinners at home. This time, instead of a general vacation recap, I want to dive straight into the heart of the matter: Where We Ate. Because let’s be honest, that’s often the highlight of any trip, especially when you’re looking for the best “Dinner Food Near Me”! Later, I’ll share some insights into our home cooking adventures, but for now, let’s explore the fantastic restaurants we experienced.
Important Note: Before heading out for dinner, always double-check the restaurant hours. Many places in Maine, especially during certain seasons, might be closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays.
Abel’s Lobster, Mount Desert: A Top Pick for Lobster Roll Dinner
Our quest for exceptional “dinner food near me” led us to Abel’s Lobster in Mount Desert. We discovered this gem through the Eventide cookbook, a trusted source for New England seafood recommendations. Knowing our fondness for Eventide, we were confident in this lead. Due to the circumstances, only outdoor seating was available at picnic tables, but adorned with string lights and overlooking the harbor, the ambiance was undeniably charming and perfect for a relaxed dinner.
Our first lobster roll in Maine, and it set the bar high. The roll was perfectly toasted, striking the right balance without being overly bready or buttery. The lobster filling was incredibly generous and lightly tossed in a flavorful chive-mayo. Paired with Maine Root blueberry sodas, it was an absolute A+ start to our vacation and our “dinner food near me” exploration. (And the crab roll, pictured above, was also a delightful treat!)
Keep in mind two things about Abel’s: 1) While it was, undeniably, one of the best lobster rolls we had (tied for first place!), it was also the most expensive. 2) Be prepared for potentially long lines and slower service, especially during peak dinner hours.
Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound, Trenton: Martha Stewart’s Dinner Food Near Me Recommendation
One day, while searching for “dinner food near me,” or rather, lunch spots, I turned to Instagram for recommendations. Incredibly, within minutes, my friend Sonya shared Martha Stewart’s recent post praising Trenton Bridge from her MDI visit! Her famous summer retreat, Skylands, is nearby, adding weight to her local insight.
The lobster roll at Trenton Bridge was decent, though not quite reaching the heights of Abel’s or C-Ray. However, the oysters here were truly outstanding, some of the freshest and best we’ve ever tasted. If you’re looking for a variety of “dinner food near me,” especially fresh oysters, Trenton Bridge is worth considering.
Peter Trout’s Tavern and Inn, Southwest Harbor: Upscale Casual Dinner Food
Peter Trout’s Tavern and Inn in Southwest Harbor initially gives off a classic, unpretentious Maine vibe with its weathered shingles, picnic tables, and harbor views. It looks like your typical no-frills “dinner food near me” spot. However, the menu tells a different story. Yes, they offer the expected lobster roll and fried fish, but with a refined twist: served on a “house bun” and accompanied by “house aioli.”
But the surprises don’t stop there. Peter Trout’s also features items like an heirloom tomato sandwich, a burger, and a “simple arugula salad!” Even if these aren’t your dinner choices, it’s reassuring to know there are diverse options, especially if you’re traveling with someone who prefers something beyond seafood for “dinner food near me”.
Note 1: We had no problem getting a table for lunch, but space is limited (no indoor dining at the time due to health restrictions). Calling ahead to check wait times is recommended, especially for dinner. Note 2: Their T-shirts are indeed awesome souvenirs!
Beal’s Lobster Pier, Southwest Harbor: A Historic Dinner Food Destination
Beal’s Lobster Pier in Southwest Harbor is another location frequently mentioned in “dinner food near me” searches. Full disclosure: we didn’t actually eat here. It was on the Eventide list and numerous other recommendation lists, so it felt necessary to include. We attempted to visit during peak lunch hours, but the line was exceptionally long and slow. Whether this is typical, I can’t confirm, but its nearly century-old history and the fact that lobstermen unload their catches directly onto the pier certainly add to its appeal as a prime spot for fresh “dinner food near me.”
Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound, Southwest Harbor: Family-Friendly Dinner Food
Driving up to Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound in Southwest Harbor, my 16-year-old exclaimed, “Oh yessss. This is exactly what I want right now.” That storefront says it all, doesn’t it? For my “dinner food near me” choice, I went with a fried clam roll, which was, predictably, delicious (how could fried clams not be?). However, it wasn’t my top sandwich of the week.
Charlotte’s is an excellent option for families with young kids. The menu is extensive, and there’s ample space for children to roam around (while maintaining social distance) as you wait for your food. This makes it a stress-free “dinner food near me” choice for families.
Thrive & Coffee Matter, Bar Harbor: Healthy and Quick Dinner Food Alternatives
While lobster rolls and fried seafood were tempting for every meal, we knew we needed some variety in our “dinner food near me” choices. Thrive, located on a quieter street in Bar Harbor, was perfect for those days. They specialize in what my daughters call “healthy-queen fare”: salads, smoothies, amazing avocado toast, and açaí bowls. Thrive shares a takeout window with Coffee Matter, allowing you to grab your latte fix simultaneously. We visited Thrive after watching a 5:25 AM sunrise at Cadillac Mountain and returned a few days later for mid-morning smoothies, proving it’s a great option for lighter “dinner food near me” or any time of day. (Photo credit: Thrive.)
C-Ray Lobster, Bar Harbor: The Ultimate Lobster Roll Dinner Food Experience
By Day 7, you might expect seafood fatigue to set in. Yet, by sheer luck, our final lobster roll on MDI, from C-Ray Lobster in Bar Harbor, was our absolute best (or tied with Abel’s). While not as heavily packed as Abel’s roll, it had the ideal meat-to-bread ratio, preventing any post-lunch food coma. The menu was almost artfully simple: Cooked Seafood, Chowder, Sandwiches, Lobster Bakes. Each category listed just three or four perfectly selected items – everything you could want, nothing unnecessary. For a quintessential “dinner food near me” experience focused on lobster rolls, C-Ray is a must-try.
P.S. Abby, after reading this, insisted I add her expert opinion: “If you can only have one lobster roll this week, make it from C-Ray’s. If you can have two, go to Abel’s.” Consider that your final, delicious word on finding the best “dinner food near me” in Maine for lobster roll aficionados!
