Paddy's Irish Pub & Restaurant in Bar Harbor, Maine

Paddy's sits right on the water at West Street Hotel, serving contemporary Irish fare alongside fresh seafood. The crowd runs from tour groups and families to locals catching the game in a booth. It's casual enough for a quick lunch but put-together enough for dinner, with live music most nights.

• Waterfront location with game-day booths and private TVs.
• Fresh seafood, especially fish and chips with whole filets.
• Crab dip and mussels worth ordering again.
• Prices reasonable for the area and service is attentive.

Start with the crab dip or whipped feta. The fish and chips comes with one huge filet. Order the mussels if they're available. The summer chicken with potatoes and root vegetables is a standout. The corned beef sandwich and French dip are solid if you skip seafood. Blueberry beer on tap if you're in a drinking mood.

Polished but relaxed, with views of the water from most tables. Booths have their own TVs, and the patio is quiet enough for dogs.

Guests who arrived skeptical left surprised by the food and drinks. Families praise the service for handling big tables without a hitch. One recent visitor called the crab dip 'incredible' and noted reasonable pricing for the location.