The Friar's Pub

Although we were unable to reserve a stay at the Inn, we did manage to get there for dinner one night and breakfast one morning. Both meals were very good, served hot and fresh. We were delighted to have the same server both times. Dan was very personable and courteous, and made sure we felt welcomed. The atmosphere of the pub is charming, and it felt quite cozy -- like going to a friend's house. Highly recommend.

We did not stay at the inn, but came in for breakfast. The pub was very cute and cozy. Our waiter was super friendly, and as the restaurant wasn’t crowded, we had some great conversation. The steak and eggs was well seasoned and cooked perfectly. Definitely a hidden gem.

Review is on the pub not the inn. Went on a recommendation for our 31 anniversary. The food was good but the waiter was very loud and obnoxious. Filled our water glass at the table and poured half a glass of water and ice on the carpet. Wore jeans, blue tee shirt, an orange baseball cap on backwards and stuffed his receipt book with a picture of Bill Murray on it down the back of his pants. That might work at a sleazy bar but not at what's billed as a great restaurant. I asked for a Briar Burger which had a bunch of good stuff on it and was brought a plain burger on a bun, nothing else. I sent it back and the burger that replaced it was very good. My wife had the scallops and pork belly and a Ceaser salad and liked it a lot. The food was good the waiter not so much! We won't be back. *So the thing is I ordered the Friar Burger and was very clear about it, I didn't order a plain burger with nothing on it. Also had to get new fries the first order was covered in salt and in edible. Also the big party came in after we were done eating, we were the only people in the room and then another couple came in and sat near us. And about that receipt book stuffed down his backside, seems like there could be a sanitation issue. None of this really matters, we won't be back!

The fish and chips were excellent, my wife had the made in house vegan burger and said it was amazing. We shared the Greek salad that was top notch. Jamie, our waiter, was friendly and awesome.Service: 5/5

This review is for the pub. It’s fantastic. A modest, low-key space with outstanding food and drink selection. The chef really knows what he’s doing. We had oysters, poutine, the Friar burger and the lamb stew all of which were excellent. The oysters were very fresh with such nuanced flavor and nice sauces. The poutine was well-balanced and had a flavorful gravy. Lamb portion was good and the sauce complemented the natural taste of the lamb in a great way. Friar Burger was one of the best burgers I’ve had. Good quality meat cooked just perfectly with very tasty toppings and delicious fries. The meads on the menu are wonderful as well as the sangria and beers. Very glad we came here. Definitely recommend if flavorful, creative food is what you’re looking for.

The restaurant was fantastic and very accommodating for our range of diets! I loved that there were multiple vegan options on the menu. The vegan burger was extremely tasty - and the rest of the party would highly recommend the poutine and the lobster tacos. Service was amazing - and happily replaced a dish when one of the group didn’t like the seasoning on the regular burger. Would recommend!

Entering the Black Friar feels like stepping on board a schooner ship. The crew hoists their colors proudly as they rightfully should, with an eclectic atmosphere and fresh local seafood that will have you staying longer than you thought you would. Fresh, local oysters are to not be missed at their daily happy hour, and the lobster Benedict was a perfect welcome to Maine. Take your cocktail from the bar to the quaint rooftop deck. Note that there is no elevator, so bags must be carried upstairs to rooms. Character in the best sense is not lacking here, in a true Maine fashion! Service was great and the food alone is worth a visit.

I did not stay at the Inn, but ate dinner at the pub on two occasions. The fish was excellent, service very good, as were the cocktails. It's nice to have a pleasant, cozy place to dine that is convenient but slightly removed from the hubbub of the waterfront. This little place too can get very busy and slightly stressed in high season. Welcome to Bar Harbor.

For happy hour, we had a dozen oysters which were very good. I really enjoyed the Elk Burger too. Wifey had the seared scallops and they were very tasty as well.

This place was recommended by someone who said it was a "hidden gem." It was overall a strange and subpar experience. Hostess made a big deal that my small group and another family didn't have reservations. Actually heard her sigh loudly. When we arrived, it was early and there was hardly anyone in the restaurant. Our server was obviously high on something. Had to concentrate greatly to write our orders down. At least he was accurate albeit he was checked out.. The family next to us had multiple orders mixed up. It was as if their waitress wasn't listening to them at all. She tried to give them our appetizer. The "shareable" plates were nothing of the sort. The scallop dish was good, but hardly shareable. I had 4 scallops on the plate - it was a salad/side plate, not a dinner plate, for reference of photo. Beer list wasn't up to date and server didn't know what the new selections were on tap. My group ordered multiple items and we all left hungry, with a hefty bill. After a day of hiking, this is not the place to satiate your appetite. With all of the other choices in Bar Harbor and surrounding area, myself and my friends would not return. Disappointing.