Black Friar Inn and Pub

Walk up narrow stairs to rooms full of eclectic salvaged touches and you'll understand instantly why couples return to the Black Friar Inn again and again. This 1901 Victorian sits steps from Bar Harbor's downtown strip - the kind of place that makes you leave the car parked and spend your days on foot. The six-room property doesn't pretend to be a modern hotel. Instead, it leans into its age: quirky layouts, balconies in unexpected places, a winding staircase that creaks with purpose. Downstairs, the Friar Pub serves dinner and happy hour to both guests and locals, turning the ground floor into a genuine gathering spot.

What really anchors a stay here is breakfast. Every room includes it, and guests can order off a menu rather than face the continental buffet formula most inns lean on - blueberry pancakes, eggs Benedict variations, gluten-free options. The included parking, walkable location, and staff who actually know Acadia National Park and the surrounding region make the Black Friar feel less like a transaction and more like staying with someone who cares.

Location that eliminates the car dilemma. The inn sits at the edge of downtown Bar Harbor, a five-minute walk to Main Street shops, restaurants, and the waterfront. Guests consistently praise the ability to park once and explore everything on foot. One visitor noted they "kept the car at the hotel, and walked to downtown Bar Harbor, which is only a few blocks away," freeing them from the hourly parking scramble that plagues downtown visitors.

Breakfast that breaks the B&B mold. Rather than a fixed continental spread, the Black Friar offers a full menu - cooked to order - included in your room rate. Blueberry pancakes, eggs Benedict in multiple preparations, and standalone dietary accommodations (gluten-free options, verified and prepared carefully) mean breakfast feels like a meal, not an obligation. One guest with Celiac disease specifically called out the breadth of safe options, both at breakfast and at dinner downstairs.

The Friar Pub and Restaurant as a real bonus. The on-site restaurant and pub aren't an afterthought. They serve legitimate dinner and cocktails, and the happy hour - noted repeatedly for its value - gives guests a reason to stay put rather than hunt for a table elsewhere. The kitchen stays open until 9 p.m., which matters on evenings when you'd rather not venture out.

Rooms with genuine character. Each room is unique, furnished with salvaged and eclectic pieces that feel intentional rather than cobbled together. One guest described a lookout area stocked with a heater, couch, and TV - the kind of unexpected detail that makes a small room feel spacious in spirit. This isn't a chain formula; it's a Victorian building that hasn't been sanded down into blandness.

Staff who engage. The team at Black Friar demonstrates real knowledge of the region - hiking routes, transit options, the differences between Acadia's various entrance points. They greet guests by name and remember dietary preferences across stays.

The Black Friar occupies a classic late-19th-century Victorian, and the room layout reflects that charm and quirkiness. Rooms are on the second and third floors - no elevator - so luggage and steep stairs are part of the experience. Each room is individually decorated with salvaged and period-appropriate furnishings; you won't find two alike. All include air conditioning, a private bathroom, balcony or lookout access, a refrigerator, TV, and free WiFi.

• Queen Room - The most common configuration; intimate and efficient, with a shower or tub.
• King Room - Slightly larger sleeping space; still maintains the quirky Victorian layout.
• Deluxe King Room - Premium setup with additional amenities and seating.

Fair warning: The building's age is part of the appeal, but it means tight quarters in some bathrooms, winding stairs, and the occasional draft. If you have mobility concerns or travel with multiple large suitcases, this property will be a challenge. One guest mentioned that while the shower was good, it was "a little small" - a reflection of the building's 1901 bones.

Dining & Drinks - Friar Pub and Restaurant downstairs · Happy hour daily · Kitchen open until 9 p.m. · Full bar with wine and champagne service.

Practical - Free private parking · Free WiFi throughout · Concierge service · Daily housekeeping · Bicycle parking · 24-hour security.

Activities - Bike tours · Walking tours · Hiking route information · Happy hour · Cycling gear available.

Outdoor Spaces - Sun deck and terrace · Outdoor seating and dining area · Balconies and lookout areas in select rooms.

Family-Friendly - Kids' meals available · Board games and puzzles in common areas.

The included breakfast menu is substantial enough that guests order with real choice rather than default. Expect eggs cooked to order, pancakes (blueberry gets specific mention), hash, French toast, and accommodations for dietary restrictions. One six-night guest noted the menu variety meant they could eat differently each morning without repetition.

The Friar Pub and Restaurant downstairs serves dinner and operates a happy hour that reviewers flag for its value. The menu features seafood (oysters, smoked salmon) and pub fare, and staff note the same care with dietary needs applies here.

July and August - Peak season. Downtown is crowded, parking is tight (the included lot becomes even more valuable), and the weather is warm and predictable. Breakfast reservations fill early.

Foliage season (late September through mid-October) - Acadia's best time. Mild days, fewer crowds than summer, and the White Mountain National Forest within reasonable driving distance turns brilliant color. The Black Friar is often booked weeks in advance during this window.

May through June and early September - Shoulder season charm. Restaurant and bar hours are full, the pool at nearby water parks is open, and the weather supports walking and light hiking without summer heat.

November through April - Winter is quieter but reliable. The pub remains lively, breakfast is included year-round, and winter hiking on Acadia's trails offers solitude. Some touring options close seasonally.

"It's so cute and eclectic and very walkable to everything. The beds and pillows could be a bit more comfortable."

• Kimberly, United States · Couple · 10/10

"The breakfast was off their menu and was included in the price. Fantastic food and amazing location - easy to walk everywhere."

• Eric, United States · Couple · 9/10

"The location was perfect, just far enough away from downtown not to feel claustrophobic, but a comfortable 5-minute walk to the shops and beach. The staff made it feel like a home away from home."

• Emily, United States · Couple · 10/10

"Happy hour is a great value. The breakfasts were exceptional. Excellent location."

• John, United States · Group · 8/10

"A quaint little inn right on the edge of the main area. Precious staff that were very accommodating."

• Mackenzie, United States · Group · 10/10

"Very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable staff, great Pub and Restaurant. Convenient in town location making it an easy walk to venues and attractions."

• Stup, United States · Couple · 10/10

The main recurring note from guests who dock a point: the stairs are steep and numerous. Several multi-night visitors flag this as worth knowing if you have luggage or mobility concerns. One guest also noted that on the first night, kitchen odors (fryer smell) drifted into the room, though it wasn't an issue for subsequent nights. The building's age and the pub downstairs mean it's not silent - one reviewer mentioned hearing the bar's energy, though they noted it didn't translate to their room. A handful of international guests flagged the price as high relative to room size, though most felt the breakfast, location, and pub access justified it.

• Town Beach - 8-minute walk, ideal for swimming or sunrise walks along the waterfront.
• Dock Square & Main Street - 5-minute walk, the heart of downtown shopping, dining, and galleries.
• Agamont Park - Walking distance, oceanfront green space with benches and views.
• Acadia National Park - 15 minutes by car from downtown; multiple entrances and carriage roads within 20 minutes. Staff provide detailed guidance on hiking routes and best entry points.
• The Abbe Museum - Walking distance, focusing on Wabanaki Confederacy history and contemporary Native American art.
• Jordan Pond and the Carriage Roads - 20-minute drive; popular for hiking and carriage rides.
• Southwest Harbor - 25-minute drive, quieter village with boating and dining.
• Bar Harbor Pier and Whale Watching Tours - Walking distance; multiple operators run tours in peak season.

Is breakfast really included? Yes. Every room includes a full breakfast menu, cooked to order. You're not choosing between two options; you're ordering from the same menu the restaurant serves. Dietary restrictions are accommodated with advance notice.

Is there an elevator? No. This is a six-room 1901 Victorian with rooms on the second and third floors. Stairs are part of the property's charm and also its limitation if you have mobility concerns or heavy luggage.

Can I park my car? Yes. Free private parking is included and on-site. One of the property's biggest selling points is that guests can leave the car parked and walk downtown - solving the hourly downtown parking puzzle.

Is the pub noisy at night? The bar downstairs can be lively, especially during happy hour and weekends. Most guests reported they didn't hear it in their rooms, but if you're noise-sensitive, request a quieter room away from the main stairwell when booking.

Is there WiFi? Yes, free throughout the building. One reviewer noted that streaming services were slow and cumbersome; standard browsing and email work fine.

How far is Acadia National Park? About 15 minutes by car to the main entrance near Bar Harbor. The park's carriage roads and Jordan Pond are 20 minutes away. Staff provide detailed guidance on best routes for your interests.

Is dinner at the Friar Pub good? Yes. Reviewers repeatedly praised the food quality and value, particularly the seafood (oysters, smoked salmon) and daily happy hour. It's a genuine restaurant, not a mediocre hotel bar.