West Street Cafe in Bar Harbor, Maine

West Street Cafe sits a block off Bar Harbor's main drag, which means it feels less hectic than its neighbors. They specialize in lobster dinners and fried seafood, but also do solid land options like char-broiled burgers and chicken tarragon. The room is airy and planted, with a rescue boat hanging from the ceiling. You'll find locals and tourists alike, especially around early dinner hours.

• Lobster roll with meat so tender it stands out.
• Parking's tough, but no wait even in peak season.
• Early-bird specials bring down the cost.
• Quieter location one block from the tourist row.

Start with the clam chowder or lobster bisque. The lobster roll is the headline act, but the crab cake dinner and baked stuffed haddock are equally solid. Fish and chips are crispy and generous. The blueberry pie comes with locally sourced berries. Skip the Wild Maine Lemonade unless you like your drinks very nuanced.

Airy and bright with hanging plants, vintage nautical decor, and a rescue boat on the ceiling. It stays quiet and organized even when busy, especially if you're off the main street.

Lynn and Aaron are the kinds of servers who refill your water, listen to requests, and seem genuinely interested in your meal. The kitchen sends out generous portions. Lobster rolls come packed with tender meat. Fish and chips are crispy. Crab cakes arrive with herbed focaccia and broccoli. Even the sides count: coleslaw, onion rings, and fries are done right.

Guests rave about the tender lobster and the attentive service from staff like Lynn and Aaron. One recent visitor called the vibe "10/10" and praised how fast the food arrived even on a Thursday in peak season. People come back for the early-bird specials and the lack of crowds.