Lompoc Cafe in Bar Harbor, Maine

Lompoc Cafe sits on a quieter side road in Bar Harbor, away from the main drag crush. They sling inventive bar food with a focus on local seafood, cocktails, and an easy vibe. The backyard patio and bocce court draw regulars and visitors alike. It's the kind of place you can walk in on a packed Saturday and actually get a table.

• Spicy Dijon mussels worth the trip alone
• Root vegetable salad and fried chicken salad stand out
• Solid cocktail menu and casual vibe
• Backyard patio and bocce courts

The spicy Dijon mussels arrive swimming in sauce with good bread for soaking. Order fries alongside to dunk in the cream. The meatloaf and chicken pot pie feel homey without being boring. The root vegetable salad refreshes, and the fried chicken salad is a standout. A shish kebab plate with dill potato salad rounds out what one recent visitor called the real draw.

Indoor and outdoor seating, with a leafy backyard patio. The room leans toward dim lighting, which reads romantic to some and sleepy to others.

Guests rave about walking in on busy nights and grabbing a table quickly. One visitor noted the food quality and prices beat nearby restaurants without cutting corners. The cocktails and backyard patio are regular pulls. A couple of diners felt the portions small for the price and flagged waits despite light crowds, so expect some variance.