Lunch Bar Harbor in Bar Harbor, Maine

Lunch Bar Harbor is a tiny cafe in an older building on the main drag where they do one thing well: sandwiches. Meghan works the kitchen, building Italian sandwiches and paninis that locals and tourists alike have been returning to for years. The menu shifts with the seasons, and everything's made with sourced ingredients. Service is personable and quick, though the space is small and there's only one shared restroom.

• Tandoori chicken panini nails the bread-to-filling ratio perfectly.
• Italian sandwiches stuffed with quality meat and properly toasted.
• Owner Meghan works the kitchen every day, visible and committed.
• Local favorite with seasonal menus using locally sourced ingredients.

The Italian sandwich (order the #1 or #3, both are worth it) is the anchor here, loaded with meat and seasoned right. The tandoori chicken panini is unique and curry-forward, a departure from the classics but done thoughtfully. Try the lobster roll if it's available. Potato salad pairs well with sandwiches. The tomato basil soup has actual tomato chunks and holds its own, though the chowder can be fishy depending on the day.

Tight quarters in an old building with art on the walls. It's snug enough that you'll hear other conversations, and lines can form at lunch, but that's part of the place.

There's no deep menu to parse. Come for the Italian sandwiches, paninis, soups, and sides. The tandoori chicken panini is a standout, built so the bread holds up to the filling without falling apart. Lobster roll, potato salad, and chowder round out what's on offer. Everything tastes like someone in the kitchen actually cares.

Regulars and visitors alike return season after season, drawn by sandwiches that taste like someone actually cares about them. One recent visitor called the service "incredible" and noted the generous meat portions and perfect toast. A local of four years credits Lunch with being consistently good and proudly recommends it to newcomers.