Neat find! Located at valence rock in along shore path. Beautiful view over the grounds and to the ocean! Sitting area by the bar was old world charm! Service was friendly and quick. Food was tasteful and full of flavor. Risotto was rich and creamy. The pork chop was well prepared but would have love a mashed potato. The bread service would have loved a flavored butter instead of ricotta. Scallop appetizer with Brussel spouts was great! Salad was super fresh. read more

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We stayed in bar harbor for a few days and wanted to go somewhere nice. We found this place online and he had good reviews so we decided to give it a try. It is located in the Balance Rock Inn right on the Maine coast. Our server was very nice and was able to explain the dishes to us so that we could order the right amount of food. We ordered the crab fritter appetizer and it was really good. I had the scallops and my husband had the boar shank and not were very good. For dessert we had the pistachio semifreddo and again it was also very good. It's a quaint little place with a great view and the food and drinks were top notch. I don't think you can go wrong with anything you order and we will be back when we are in bar harbor again. read more

The Veranda - Pomegranate rye drink - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bar Harbor, Maine

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Everything was wonderful! We loved the ambiance, and the food and service were excellent. We'll definitely be going back

This was probably one of the best meals of my life. Definitely in the top five. Rabbit confit, incredible. Waygu beef, amazing. Scallops and red pepper polenta, unbelievable. This place was a concerto of perfection. The service was impeccable. The food amazing and the setting incomparable. Delicious wine and the best company available made this dinner a once in a lifetime event. If I ever get back to Bar Harbor, this is top of my list. And, to top it off, serenade by a live piano lounge singer! Nuts!! read more

The Veranda - Veranda Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bar Harbor, Maine

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Ambiance and food were amazing. Best dining spot in Bar Harbor as we know. Hidden sone what but worth a very short walk from the main area

Don't get the scallops- unless you want to go home hungry. Everything else was spectacular and the view was incredible. read more

The Veranda - Where's the rest of the dish? This is literally how this plate was served with 3 scallops and 60% empty space for $50. Yikes! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bar Harbor, Maine

This not a review of the food but more so of what kind of people are in charge of this establishment, (as seen as a previous employee). Last summer I took a job as a cook at the veranda, things were going well, I enjoyed my coworkers and my boss, (even though he would hardly ever stay for a full dinner service) when he was there he'd always be trying to teach me something new. I enjoyed that, however this review is geared more towards the mindless warm body they have running the kitchen (I'm going to just refer to him as " Brian" . From the beginning I could tell he was more focused on hiding down in the office until 20 minutes before the daily preshift meeting or leaving work early to go make music. I wasn't too concerned about anything until one day I made a beurre monté as part of station set up (a very simple butter sauce recipe consisting of butter emulsified into water) long story short "Brian" (the guy in charge of me had no idea what it was or how to make it. Now bear with me here because this is where the story goes from bad to worse. After work that night I was asking my chef ( Brian ) where he had worked before balance rock, he told me he had worked at five guys (the fast food chain burger restaurant). This made me slightly upset as to how Brian was supposed to be the one teaching the rest of the kitchen and he was now a liability in the kitchen instead of an asset. Anyway fast forward a few weeks and we start butting heads and I start calling him out on is mistakes (and for lack of better wording just plain laziness). One night he tells me he has no respect for me and asks me why I was even working there... I responded by promptly walking out, packing my things and moving to a different restaurant with a much healthier working environment. Now generally there is a " closing interview" basically a chance for me to speak with management (in person) about why I left. When I tried to schedule a meeting I was just basically ghosted.... Anyway long story short if you're planning on trying to work in the kitchen as an employee, don't set your expectations too high. Regards, Unsettled ex employee read more

My family has been coming to MDI for 2 decades and generally we steer clear of restaurants in downtown Bar Harbor. Pricey and meh food. BUT Veranda is a solid exception to that rule. The cocktails were novel and complex and tasted amazing. We had a dessert (cremeaux) that was a one of a kind. We sat outside on a chilly September night at the fire pit. Comfort, ambiance, and service. I met a couple the next morning at Seawall who asked for recommendations and I told them about the Veranda! read more

This one was really hard to rank because I loved some things but didn't love other items. The space is beautiful - You sit on a veranda (hence the name) overlooking Bar Harbor. However, it was cold that night and I heard a couple tables ask to turn on the heat lamps. The mosquitoes were also hungry! I wish we had asked to eat indoors (I don't even remember seeing the option when I booked it - maybe because I called and adjusted our time we got the veranda?). Our server was really nice. I didn't love either of our apps but the main dishes - wagyu and scallops - were great. Our wine was great but the cocktails were a miss and the hostess really hyped them back. I'd return here but I'd try different items. read more

The food is decent, but I'm rating this a 3 for the ambiance and service. The restaurant advertises that every table is an ocean view table, which is technically accurate if you consider looking out across four other tables to be an ocean view. The table structure is strange because you're closer to the table next to you than your dining companion across from you. Not the intimate dining experience I was expecting. The service is also slow and the stretches between courses are too long. Perhaps it would be less noticeable if you were in earshot of your partner and could maintain a conversation. As far as the food, the quality of the ingredients is as expected from a restaurant of this caliber. We had the bavette and roast pork and both were delicious and well-paired. Dessert stole the show with a chocolate meringue with orange cream and cogniac ice cream. We'll likely try other places in the harbor before coming back, but won't take it off the list completely. read more

The Veranda - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bar Harbor, Maine

Lovely setting for sipping on cocktails. The Veranda at Balance Rock Inn has a pleasant view of the water and surrounding islands. During our visit, upscale music played over the speakers at a comfortable volume. We had a nice time here and would recommend them for cocktails in Bar Harbor. read more

Fantastic. I'd seen the website but was unsure about it. Then a friend recommended it, we were able to grab a reservation, and tried it out. The food was wonderful, the service friendly (and occasionally very amusing), and the place is beautiful. If you can get a table outside or otherwise with a view, it's just a lovely place to be. I had the scallops and they were incredibly good. We will definitely go there again on our next visit to Bar Harbor. read more

Excellent service. Food was beautiful and menu offer the right variety without too much. The atmosphere of the restaurant is very chic without being stuffy. Staff was very friendly and helpful. read more

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I regret to say that my recent dining experience at The Veranda Restaurant in Bar Harbor was extremely disappointing. Despite providing ample notice regarding my wife's pregnancy and dietary restrictions, the restaurant not only failed to accommodate our needs but also displayed rudeness and unhelpfulness throughout our visit. To ensure a pleasant dining experience for my wife, I contacted The Veranda Restaurant ~2.5 months in advance (April 13th, reservation for July 4) to inform them about her pregnancy and dietary requirements. I even confirmed the details the night before our reservation, and the staff assured me that they would be able to accommodate us without any issues. Unfortunately, this turned out to be a lie. Upon arriving at the restaurant, we noticed a stark contrast in the service provided to our table compared to others. While the service at neighboring tables appeared thoughtful, attentive, and kind, our experience was marked by neglect and indifference. It was disheartening to observe the staff's apparent disregard for our needs, especially considering the importance of dietary considerations during pregnancy. Adding to our frustration, the manager attempted to deflect blame by stating that she personally did not answer the call. Such a response not only demonstrated a lack of accountability but also raised questions about the overall competence and professionalism of the management team, especially since when I called the day before the person who answered the phone confirmed it was in the reservation notes. While I must acknowledge that the food at The Veranda Restaurant was indeed delicious, the subpar service overshadowed any positive aspects of the dining experience. The servers seemed disinterested and inattentive, providing minimal assistance and displaying a general lack of hospitality to our table in particular. As a customer, I believe that exceptional service is just as important as the quality of the food. Regrettably, The Veranda Restaurant fell short in this regard, leaving us with a bitter taste in our mouths. There's plenty of delicious options on Mt. Desert Island and too many to count in Bar Harbor. There's no need to get lied to and mistreated, and be out $200 for a 2 person meal while doing it. read more

I don't think there's a place in the world like the Veranda. We sat outside overlooking a beautifully landscaped pool and garden that met with the ocean and reflected spectacular sunset colors. It was like having dinner in East Egg with The Buchanans. The unique menu had us wanting to try one of everything! Each dish and its perfectly matched ingredients were so special and full of flavors that complimented each other. The craft cocktails were artistic with deliciously bold tastes. We had to try them all! The kind staff completed the luxurious feel of the atmosphere and were so attentive. Their gentle hospitality was the warm blanket for a calm and cozy dinner outing that had us smiling all the way home. We can't wait to return! read more

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Very sub-par, especially for the price. First, ordered a bottle of white wine and it wasn't even cold, it was room temperature. Next, I ordered the wagyu steak, and it was EXTREMELY chewy (very difficult to even cut it, much less chew it) and not even hot...yep, room temperature $60 steak. And it was served with an onion and a couple of small carrots. To be fair, my wife ordered the risotto and it seemed to be good. Overall, very disappointing $180 meal...save yourself an overpriced and sub-par meal. read more

We had dinner here last night and it was simply amazing!! Definitely a higher end experience but absolutely delicious! We had the risotto and the scallops - both were spot on and simply fantastic!! Oh and the orange chocolate cookie meringue was absolutely decadent. I would highly recommend giving this place a try if you are looking for a fine dining experience. read more

The Veranda - The orange chocolate cookie meringue - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bar Harbor, Maine

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We've been here twice in recent past years and loved the cocktails and appetizer options. This year we were left disappointed. Food was ok. cocktails were horrible. Change of ownership maybe? Two stars for the view still being lovely. read more

We went here for a special anniversary dinner with friends and had a lovely time, though there were some misses which is unfortunate given the very high price tag. The restaurant is set in a very elegant inn right on the Shore Path that feels expensive and exclusive. There are tables on the porch with a gorgeous view as well as some tables inside in very nice space and some view was well. The cloverleaf dinner rolls with smoked seaweed butter were absolutely amazing. And the cocktails were both visually stunning and delicious. The food was hit or miss. My quail was tasty but lacked the crispy exterior. The caviar service was impressive with gorgeous handmade chips and crème fresh topped with edible gold leaf. However, the beet blinis tasted a little cardboard like. Mushroom truffle risotto was nice. Swordfish and Brussels sprouts were excellent. Duck was fine but small. Banana creme brûlée and mango white chocolate mousse were really mediocre and coffee was very potent. Also disappointing was the failure to acknowledge that one of our guests is a vegetarian. The hostess noted it on the reservation but then my friend was presented with an amuse bouche with duck. When we reminded them they didn't offer any substitute (an additional roll would have been nice). I do note that there was a beautiful cozy bar next to the dining room with a piano player and singer who was great. Travelers with disabilities should note that there is no accessible parking for the restaurant. All of the parking is for hotel guests only. There was one non-compliant accessible parking space (no access aisle and improper signage) which we were unceremoniously asked to vacate (even though we have a parking placard) because they were holding it for the owners who were staying at the hotel. (They later showed up with their Rolls Royce). I wonder if they would have booted a hotel guest with a placard? We were directed to the public parking lot on the other side of the fence with the gate to the restaurant parking area. However the accessible parking space in that lot was not located close to the gate and there is no accessible route from that public parking through the gate to the front door. Not the best beginning evening. read more

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The Veranda is a fine dining restaurant at The Balance Rock Inn. We dined on the terrace overlooking Frenchman's Bay. The views were spectacular and the terrace was decorated with fresh flowers, cooled with quiet fans, and furnished with good quality furniture and linens. We also found the service to be excellent, worthy of a fine dining experience. However, we found the preparation / quality of food to be mixed and given the fine dining aspiration of the restaurant, some of the food was subpar. For example, we were given complimentary bowls of "smoked, Marcona almonds" (according to the waiter) but they were just standard smoked almonds that tasted very much of Blue Diamond - which is fine, they were free and we like them - just don't tell us that they're something fancier than that. The starters range in price from $14-$20. We tried the fried quail and the hamachi starter - both tasted very good. The quail was perfectly done. But the hamachi was drowned in flavored oil, and there was very little of it (hamachi). We also noticed the hamachi was not cut from the correct part of the fish (there was dark meat in some of the slices) - maybe all of the toppings were meant to hide that? Anyway - it still tasted good, we just have to question the $20 fine dining price tag of this dish. For mains we had the halibut, the wagyu bavette, and our friends had the scallops and boar. The halibut and wagyu were both perfectly cooked. The boar was a bit tough. The scallops were excellent. Where things fell down a bit was the rest of the plates. For example, the sorrel in the boar dish was non-existent, the wilted squash in the halibut dish was essentially zucchini, cut into strings with dressing to soften them - not bad but not special either. The forbidden rice in the halibut dish was more of a smear than a serving, but the preparation of the halibut was perfection. The Wagyu dish was also exactly as advertised and outstanding. Oh, we also had cocktails that were good, creative, but not outstanding (on the sweet side, and a bit stingy). All in all we had a positive experience, but I have to leave a mixed review as I had higher expectations based on the reputation and prices of The Terrace. read more

This was the best meal I had in Maine, and one of the best meals in my life. I am worried that many people will miss this place since it lies at the end of a secluded side street at the end of a main road, so unless you want to go here on purpose, you will not see it from the street and could easily go about your business never knowing its existence. I found this place by searching for 'romantic restaurants' while doing my vacation research, since this was going to be my one nice date night with my husband while we had a babysitter on vacation, and I am so glad we chose this place. I have never had a tasting menu- but it's been on my bucket list for a long time. The menu, or Guidebook as they call it, is filled with small one line poems, riddles, and puns. I had a great time thinking about what would be on the next plate, and talked with our lovely server about this. We ordered some wine, but the server couldn't find it anywhere in the restaurant. We ordered a different bottle but she gave it to us for the price of the original one we requested- which was very nice of her. The presentation of each dish was breathtaking. Each choice of plate and bowl were carefully thought out. We had venison, scallops, prawns, truffles, duck, caviar, ice cream, and more. One after the other, more gorgeous and more complex. The decor of the restaurant was thoughtful and upscale but not intimidating. The bathroom was underneath the stairs- which sounds silly but was beautiful and roomy, with a gold duck faucet! Out back there is a fire pit that you can enjoy, with blankets if you get chilly. We sat out there with our coffee and met and spoke with some other vacationers and had a lovely time. The place manages to be very high end but not uninviting. It remains refined but not off-putting, which a lot of nicer places can be. You don't get the imposter feeling dining here, but you do feel super pampered. I wish this place was close so I could visit again, and I wish I had enjoyed the bar on another night. Next time I am in Maine I will definitely be staying here! read more

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Cannot say enough good things about the tasting menu at Veranda Bar. If you stay at the Balance Rock Inn, your steps away from this supreme restaurant. Seating allows for uninterrupted views of the ocean as well. The tasting menu was presented as a "Guidebook" but didn't exactly say what each dish was. It was fun to guess as each course arrived. There was a good balance of flavors in every course and I was left extremely satisfied. I also got the optional wine pairing which included considerable pours for each course. There was a coffee Panna cotta on the menu that I regret not also getting. There's always a next time! read more

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Truly intimate and cozy tasting dinner with white-glove service and fine dining experience to boot. We thoroughly enjoyed our tasting menu with wine pairing as we overheard the ocean. This place is really the go-to point if you want to experience fine dining while on vacation at Bar Harbor. All our wines paired perfectly and the dishes complemented each other. Couple that with blanket service after sunset to keep us warm at the veranda and the calming light of the pool behind us added to the overall experience of the vacation. We will be back to this venue again... someday. read more

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We were so excited for this reservation for our first night in Bar Harbor. We arrived 20 min early for our dinner reservation to relax & sip a cocktail in the beautiful lounge. After waiting 10 minutes and no service ( we totally get the labor shortage issue and were not upset to self serve at bar) I went to the bar service window to ask if we could order a beverage direct from the bar. As I'm talking to the bar tender - Curt arrives and says to my husband "I guess I'll just have to be your server " and goes into a rant about labor issues - keep in mind we are not mad or angry. We are just kind of looking at him like "wow what's going on here" Curt finally takes our drink order, but is clearly annoyed to be serving us - at this point I said to him -"Curt, have we done something to annoy you? - it's really gotten awkward ". His response "yeah you made it awkward for me and I'm going to let someone else serve you ". Wait - what???? Jeremy, our new server, really did a good job and did his best but honestly after Curt accosted us we should have left because it ruined our night. There was no overcoming his unnecessarily abusive treatment. read more

Had the BEST anniversary experience here. Food and service was so good that we were one of the first tables to sit and one of the last tables to leave. read more

The Veranda - Inside the restaurant - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bar Harbor, Maine

Our second favorite restaurant of our bar harbor trip, but our experience might have been different without some suggestions from others. A couple had highly recommended getting the truffle risotto entree as an additional entree, to share. We got this and the duck, Brussel sprouts,and split them all. Glad we did because the meat alone didn't really have sides. Know that their entrees/meats are basically a-la-carte, or you might still be hungry. Their homemade bread and smoked butter were so good. The risotto was large, and filling, even split. All other portions quite small. For example, the duck had just the duck and a couple tiny veggies. Without the additional risotto I would have been disappointed--especially since the menu doesn't describe the entrees as a-la-cart, which they basically are. Flavors great, just not much food for the cost (and I don't mind small portions). I'd definitely give the restaurant 5 stars if the entrees included a side of the delicious risotto, or similar. Definitely need reservations if you go. Request the enclosed patio, there are heaters, blankets. read more

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Superb dining in a cozy, upscale, welcoming Inn. We were most fortunate to have the pleasure of meeting Kimberly, a hostess who is not only professional, but warm and accommodating. Without a reservation, we stumbled in at the recommendation of a local. It was my birthday and we were caught in torrential rain. Kimberly made our night heavenly by going the extra mile to make us feel truly cared for. The meal itself was completely amazing. A luscious mushroom risotto, fabulous parker house rolls with a smoked oil and edible flowers and a fabulous selection of signature cocktails were particular favorites. Considering the quality and care to detail, the prices were reasonable. The property is nothing but lovely. I look forward to making this an annual treat. To sum up how much we loved it; we came back the following evening. That should tell you all you need to know. read more

I chose this place based on the tasting menu photos and reviews, and while there was no tasting menu the night I went, the dinner menu was still plenty creative and gave me a glimpse of the tasting menu that I will be sure to return for. All in all - this is a perfect place for diners who want to experience culinary wonder, without resorting to having their dinner totally deconstructed and unrecognizable. This is a place where familiar ingredients get to dazzle us with their best selves, and also surprise us with some new acts. Read on for a more detailed review of my specific experience and dishes. The atmosphere was refined and quiet, a perfect counter for the rest of Bar Harbor Main Street. The drinks menu featured creative cocktails that had unique presentations (think smoked glasses and suspending ice cubes). Highly recommend the Lemon one - see my last photo. It's like lemonade for adults - refreshing and fun to drink. For starters, we had the Caramelized Onion Cake, which won't taste like anything you have had before. Somehow the chef is able to make the diverse textures (spongy cake, crunchy carrots) and tastes (sweet, savory, and tart) come together in a completely new way. It's a reminder, to those of us who's grown used to crowd pleasing appetizers like bacon wrapped scallops or tuna tartare or shishito peppers, that appetizers are supposed to make you look forward to the rest of your meal. While the onion cake isn't a show stopper, it reset my dining expectations and let me know that here is a chef who isn't satisfied with just making delicious food - but who wants to introduce his diners to new experiences. The other memorable dish we had was the Roasted Cod. If there is such a thing as perfect cod, this is it. The cod melts in your mouth and is perfectly seasoned to bring out it's mild flavors. I have always thought of cod as that bland fish they use for fish and chips and that must be slathered in tartar sauce to be any good, but chef Aaron Miles clearly proved me wrong here. The cod was flavorful and tender and wonderfully juxtaposed in both texture and taste against the beer funnel cakes. It brings together all the best flavor profiles of fish and chips while still retaining the dignity and splendor of the cod. Finally cod has found a dish where it's treated as an A-list celebrity. In a similar way, what may be steak with potatoes in another place has been reimagined and elevated here. The wagyu bavette was executed and tender as expected but what made it more was the hint of ash that kept me wanting another bite so I can catch the elusive and unique taste born out of a combination of ash and steak. As for the potatoes, while many a restaurant would be satisfied with just scalloped potatoes, and some may even go as far as including a bit of crust with them, chef Miles clearly didn't see his potatoes as just extras. The scalloped potatoes were stacked neatly into a cube and then had their sides crisped. Now it's that little extra effort to make the sides of the scalloped potatoes super crispy that puts all other scalloped potatoes to shame. This is what I imagine perfect scalloped potatoes fit for a king would taste like. The restaurant was out of my first choice for dessert so I settled for the coffee gelato. I was at first skeptical about the boozy cherries (too many candies cherries have ruined the fruit for me), but somehow there was still magic here. The combination of flavors left me feeling satisfied and complete - another feeling I may have forgotten as restaurant after restaurant default to crowd pleasers to fulfill our cravings rather than direct us to a satisfying finish for a meal. Some of the other dishes we had were more standard in flavor profile (the poached pear with fennel was what you would expect it to be - mildly tart and a good appetite inducer), but the main reason I gave this place 5 stars is because what's special about this place isn't just the taste, but the feeling it evokes in us through food alone. My English teacher used to say that a good metaphor is one that uses familiar imagery in new ways. In the current dining scene where there are so many restaurants focused on optimizing taste (let's just add bacon to everything) or innovating for the sake of innovation, this place has reintroduced us to what we are familiar with in new ways without putting these ingredients in clown suits. It is a restaurant that heals jaded diners and reminds foodies of the dignity of each course and ingredient. Bravo! read more

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Eating at The Veranda was amazing. The food was the best I have ever had - each dish was delicious and a new and wonderful experience for me. The music, ambiance, ocean views - it is the perfect place! read more

first time having dinner in what was always one of our favorite cocktail lounges overlooking Frenchmans Bay in the beautiful Balance Rock Inn. A Limited menu did not discourage and you can't beat this setting especially outside on a beautiful evening. they've updated the old decor to an inviting feel- smartly done and look forward to enlarged indoor dining options next season. Service and food presentation were excellent my only complaint would be the quality of our proteins: fresh tuna appetizer was not sushi grade that we are used to, a little stringy and the Wagu Beef also should have been better quality. Ample wine selections in all price ranges. Excellent way to close our our week on the Island, as was the piano lounge where we finished the evening with more wine and desert to the accompanying Roberta on the ivory's. Wonderful night! read more

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Walked in off the coast with no expectations. The View 10/10, the service 10/10, the restaurant atmosphere 10/10, THE FOOD 10/10, the cocktails 10/10, and I'm sure I'm forgetting somethings but everything was top notch. My risotto was so so so good, and my father gave me a few bites of his duck which was the best duck I've ever had. Also they talked up their bread, but it was the best bread and butter I've ever had anywhere. (Bread and butter is my favorite food too haha) Kimberly showed us to our lovely table with an exquisite view, and was so wonderful. Ryan was our server and couldn't have done a better job. He was just a pleasure to be around. JJ and Pink filled in the gaps, and were so friendly and helpful too. Looking back I wish I saved my appetite before coming here since I wasn't very hungry. I wish I had room for another appetizer and certainly dessert. After dinner we finished our last round of drinks over the lovely live piano music. We'll be back. **please note Yelp has this wrongly listed at $$, entrees were $30-$60 ish, but well well worth it. Undervalued for how great this place truly is. read more

My recommendation for cocktails or dinner in Bar Harbor! Great view too! Away from the crowds read more

The Veranda - When Dining or having cocktails this is the view and possibly the Scooter that sails the bay! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bar Harbor, Maine

Enjoyed dinner at Veranda Bar on Sunday night. Our meal was simply superb and the highlight of our visit to Bar Harbor, outside of the National Park. Quality: I was thoroughly impressed by my meal at Veranda Bar at Balance Rock Inn. From the atmosphere to the service to the pacing, everything was on point. But it was the food that really blew me away. It could have been guessed from the moment The Best Bread We've Made came out. And I truly believe the name. For an opening dish we went with the Hudson Valley Foe Gras, and it was perfect. Soft, silky, and smartly paired with some fresh fruit. Next was the Risotto, which was probably the weakest dish, yet still delicious. I loved the mushrooms, and could have used more, and a dash of truffle would have elevated things. For mains we ordered the decadent Wagyu Bavette, with its outrageous foiegras butter, and the tasty Roast Cod, enhanced by the crispy kale. Both were great dishes to select, though I am now convinced they have no bad dishes. Quantity: The dishes are fair portions, but it likely will take a little more than an entree to fill you up. Value: $20 for the Hudson Valley Foe Gras. $34 for the Risotto. $49 for the Waygu Bavette. $41 for the Roast Cod. Ambiance: Veranda Bar is located in the Balance Rock Inn, a beautiful cottage-style mansion located right along the water in Bar Harbor, Maine. Even if your dinner is at night, it is worth checking out the house in the day. Built in 1903, the house is impressive and haunting. The restaurant is just steps inside the front entrance, with a small waiting area complete with fireplace and piano. They have a small indoor seating section around the bar, then they also have seats on the back porch, but even with heater lamps, it gets chilly. The instrumental and jazz background music is the perfect choice for the inn. And the beautiful aspects inside are just as impressive as those outside. Crowd: Reservations are necessary, especially with reduced seating capacity. My delay in obtaining one left us in the last seating of Sunday evening. Service: Tremendous. Absolutely a luxury experience built on old-fashioned service. From the moment you walk into the inn, you feel taken care of. Our waiter was fantastic, they were accommodating in every way, and they made sure to constantly clean and clear our table. Parking: A public parking lot is located just south of the inn. read more

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This meal started out great until Jaws (or the swordfish) swam up. I was seated outside overlooking the bay. Great view, great atmosphere, comfortable weather! Celebrating my birthday (2 days past but whatever). Milos was my waiter and he was great! Amuse bouche served (eh! but it was free) Since I was celebrating my birthday I decided to go all out and order the 250.00 caviar service and the swordfish entree. Caviar service was good but not worth the price ( but then again, what appetizer is worth $250.00)? The problem came with the swordfish. I've never had such a hard time cutting through a piece of fish! And then I became paranoid about bones. What little fish I was able to taste was completely bland. I sent the plate back pretty much as it was served (minus two tiny bites and a hacked up piece of fish that required a chainsaw to cut through) and asked for the check. NOT recommended read more

This bar was SO NICE. We had amazing cocktails (blackberry cocktail). the cocktails were below market price in BH. Everyone wore masks and there was not too many people around. We got to sit at the fire pit outside which was beautiful and had a great view. Dinner here would be a little pricy but worth it for the experience. We had the tempura scallops and they were fantastic. read more

The Veranda - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bar Harbor, Maine

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My husband and I came here for a special dinner while visiting Bar Harbor. Unfortunately, it was raining so there was only indoor seating but the view was still beautiful (despite partial blockage from the tacky pool loungers). Our dinner was excellent with a few small issues. My cocktail (with black raspberries and gin) was absolutely terrible. Just sweet and medicinal with hardly any balance or flavor. I politely requested some lemon juice to balance it out instead of sending it back. For these prices it was disappointing to have such a poorly made drink and even more disappointing to have no response from our waiter who didn't seem concerned as to why I was requesting this and never asked if something was wrong with the cocktail or if a new one could be made for me. We additionally were swarmed by fruit flies throughout our meal which we let the staff know they were distracting us but nothing was done other than an excuse and a verbal apology. As far as food, the salad appetizer was just fine and not worth ordering and the onion cake was strange but fairly good. Our main entrees of scallops and whole fish were excellent though as well as a delicious amuse bouche to start. read more

Five stars is barely enough for the experience we had. I'm just so grateful a coworker told me about this restaurant, I would never have sought it out otherwise. It was our 5th anniversary, and they even printed special menus marking the occasion. Every course was incredible, from the amuse bouche to dessert. The foie gras was a perfect dish and the the skate cheeks and swordfish were two of the best seafood dishes I've tasted. There is a lot of mediocre seafood in New England (we live in Marblehead, MA, which has its fair share). It was a joy to have a perfect meal on such an special occasion. Thanks so much to all who made it happen! read more

The Veranda - Smoked trout appetizer - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bar Harbor, Maine

I booked my husbands 60th birthday dinner here. Looking forward to it. My husband wasn't feeling well so we had to cancel. Be careful they request a 50.00 deposit which wasnt refundable. To me that doesn't feel like good business practice. read more

This was our favorite dinner in Bar Harbor. We went on a chilly early September night. The environment was romantic on the outside patio while a piano player was leading several guests in song inside the bar. We chose the more romantic setting and were not disappointed. A beautiful lantern on each table with a dim lit patio. The staff was more than pleasant and attentive. The food came out I'm a timely manner with unbelievable presentation and top notch flavors. Our server was outstanding. I'm terrible with names but our receipt says it was Melissa. We enjoyed a lovely charcuterie board, brussel sprouts and crab cakes with a few cocktails. Finished off with a chocolate raspberry chocolate dessert and their take on creme brelee and a cup of coffee. Needless to say, I was very satisfied here. I am very glad we came here. Don't worry that there aren't a lot of yelp reviews, you won't be disappointed here. Also, the menu noted that it changes frequently so which would explain why I couldn't find much online, again I wouldn't be worried. read more

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Britney at the bar was great. Henry showed us the whole place and was very helpful. Their drinks and cheese are the best. Cool bar, great views and a nice fireplace to chill by. They also had a great leg playing the piano - perfect date night spot! Love it read more

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