Side Street Cafe in Bar Harbor, Maine

Side Street Cafe is a warm neighborhood restaurant in downtown Bar Harbor that swings between casual burgers and bar fare to lobster dishes that feel equally at home. You'll find locals mixing with travelers, families before 6 p.m., then a younger crowd once the bar heats up. They stay open year-round when most of Bar Harbor shuts down, and they'll squeeze in a party of seven even near closing time.

• Rodrick Street Corn with chips beats most appetizers in town.
• Lobster Melt and fish tacos show real kitchen range.
• Open year-round when downtown Bar Harbor is mostly dark.
• Pet-friendly, accepts large walk-ins, stays efficient even crowded.

Start with the Rodrick Street Corn (fire-roasted kernels, zesty butter, Old Bay crema, tajin) and use the chips to scoop. The Lobster Melt is worth ordering twice. Mac and Cheese is creamy and proper. Fish tacos come with guac and sauce that tie it together. The burger is solid if it's seasoned right that night. Shrimp with their sauce is worth trying too.

Bright and welcoming without being loud. Seats fill up early (plan for a wait before 6 p.m.), but turnover is quick and staff move fast.

Guests praise the range of options for mixed groups (vegetarians, non-seafood eaters, meat lovers all find something) and the fact that the place runs well even when packed. One recent visitor said the Rodrick Street Corn was "by far the best street corn I've ever had." The live music and bar scene after dinner draws a different crowd.