Atlantic Brewing Midtown in Bar Harbor, Maine

Atlantic Brewing Midtown is the kind of place where locals and tourists bump shoulders over house-made beer and bar food that actually holds its own. The blueberry ale is the draw, enough people come back for it that it's basically the unofficial house beer. You can sit outside on the deck or upstairs on the balcony, and they'll pour you a flight to sample what they've got going, or a wine if beer isn't your thing.

• Blueberry ale is distinctive and brings regulars back
• Fish and chips fries come seasoned with kosher sea salt
• Crab quesadillas stuffed with meat and goat cheese
• Indoor and outdoor seating, upstairs balcony to watch town

Start with a flight to sample the rotation. The blueberry ale is the signature and worth trying, even if it's not your style. Order the fish and chips and upgrade to the house fries, which come with kosher sea salt and are the best dish here. Crab quesadillas are solid if you want something heavier. A lobster roll is worth trying if you haven't had one. If beer isn't your thing, they pour wine.

Casual and split between indoors and outdoors. The upstairs balcony is a natural spot to sit and watch Bar Harbor's tourist flow. It's a brewery, so expect some chatter and a relaxed vibe.

The kitchen keeps it simple and sensible. Fish and chips come with fries dusted in kosher sea salt and are worth the upgrade. Crab quesadillas are loaded with actual crab meat and goat cheese. Lobster rolls show up too, packed with flavor. It's not fancy, but it works. Come here if you're genuinely into beer; the food is a solid sidekick.

Regulars have been coming back for years, and many visit specifically for the blueberry ale. One recent visitor called it the best brewery in Bar Harbor after five visits. The staff keeps things friendly, and the beer flight gives you a real look at what they're brewing. Even skeptics admit the food punches above what a brewery usually offers.