Black Friar Pub in Bar Harbor, Maine

The Black Friar Inn sits a block off Bar Harbor's main drag, which means quieter rooms and a pub that doesn't feel like a tourist gauntlet. You can stay the night (breakfast included), eat dinner, or just drop in for happy hour. The place is built from reclaimed wood and salvage finds, with a rooftop terrace and spiral staircases in some rooms. Regulars and travelers pack it twice over during peak season, so call ahead.

• Burger and fries live up to the hype.
• Fish and chips have a proper crispy crust.
• Lobster chimis and poutine are dependable starters.
• Homemade desserts and strong cocktails round it out.

Start with the lobster chimis or poutine. The burger is the headliner and worth the trip. If you're staying, try the weekly special: meatloaf or swordfish, both solid. Fish and chips are reliably crispy. Don't skip dessert, and order the blueberry mojito or a happy hour drink.

Tight, cozy rooms built from salvaged wood and decorated in eclectic style. The pub is warm and fills up during peak season, so noise level rises at dinner but never becomes unpleasant.

The kitchen turns out straightforward food done right. Burgers that people won't stop talking about. Fish and chips with a crispy crust. Lobster chimis and poutine as starters. Weekly specials rotate between meatloaf and swordfish. The blueberry mojito is better than you'd expect. Homemade desserts come out after you think you're full. Breakfast (included with rooms) is substantial enough that you won't need lunch.

Guests consistently praise the comfort of the beds, the attentiveness of staff like Brian and Deborah, and the fact that the food rivals restaurants across town. One recent visitor called it the best dinner of their three-day stay. The included breakfast and proximity to downtown shopping draw repeat visitors.