Peter Trout's Tavern and Inn in Southwest Harbor, Maine

Peter Trout's sits on the quieter side of Southwest Harbor, slinging fish sandwiches, fried chicken, and burgers in a space that leans hard into the nautical thing. You'll find tourists passing through Acadia, locals who've made it a regular stop, and the occasional group that can't leave without ordering another round. It's the kind of place where portions are honest and the bar staff know what they're doing.

• Fish sandwich is enormous, crispy, homemade tartar sauce.
• Fried chicken that justifies the wait and the drive.
• Pickled cucumbers guests say they'd eat by the jar.
• Open off-season when most places shut down.

The fish sandwich is the headliner: huge, golden, with house-made tartar sauce and pickled cucumbers that steal the show. Fried chicken comes out properly crispy and seasoned. The burger landed well with guests who wanted a break from seafood. Chicken and waffles works if you're in the mood for breakfast at dinner. Don't skip the sides. Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, and biscuits deserve their own order.

Two bar tops anchor the room, and there's plenty of seating spread throughout. Views of the sound. It reads casual and a little weathered in the best way, without trying too hard.

This is a tavern that works for people who want good food without pretense. Come hungry. The fish sandwich is genuinely large. Fried chicken shows up crispy and seasoned. Burgers land. Sides like mashed potatoes, brussels sprouts, and biscuits aren't afterthoughts. Service is attentive and cordial, and they'll keep your beer filled.

Visitors return multiple times during short trips and credit the fish sandwich and fried chicken for the pull. One recent guest said the pickled cucumbers were so good they'd "eat a whole jar." People come back for the portions, the homemade sides, and staff who stay on top of drinks.