A beautiful space with a beautiful view and reasonable food (some good, some not so good) at astronomical tourists prices. If you're into the full price gouge experience, this is for you. read more

Previous reviewers are correct, this is a hidden gem in Bar Harbor. It's at the end of Albert Meadows Rd off main street and, when walking at night, is a VERY dark walk. We chose this spot for dinner while having a drink abd reading Yelp reviews at Leary's Irish Pub. Veranda only had 9 reviews but all were extremely positive. We called and made an 8 30 reservation but showed up about 7 45 because we didn't realize it was so close. We were concerned about our dress (sweatshirts, tennis shoes etc from a day of sightseeing) but they didn't seem to mind. The bar / restaurant is very small but very cute and cozy. Even though we were early, they said they'd seat us for dinner or we could have a drink at the bar first. We sat at the bar but because of the great drinks (Honey Old Fashioned and French 75 Martini) and entertaining conversation with the bartender, Harry, ended up staying at the bar to eat our dinner. It's a treat to visit with Harry and it's obvious he makes friends with everyone he meets. Menu is somewhat small but there are vegetarian / beef / bird / seafood op yip under the Apps and Main course selections. We had the Mussels for an appetizer. Delish! According to Brent, a very helpful server, the chef prepares them about 4 different ways over the season and the way we had them (in a thin white cream sauce rather than a broth) seems to be everyone's favorite. It comes with a fried sweet potato chip that was perfect. Be sure to ask for bread service because the soft warm bread (which is different than the bread that comes with the mussels) is perfect for sopping up the cream sauce. I wouldn't let them take the bowl until I finished that sauce! Lol G had the hangar steak which came with grilled veggies and some type sauce. I had the diver scallops. Both were delicious. We didn't have dessert only because we were stuffed. However, there were several options that looked tasty. As it got later, several guests staying in the attached Inn were coming in for just dessert and coffee. Because it was cold and dark, we didn't see the view everyone raves about but we did step out on the patio for a couple of minutes to enjoy the blazing fire pit by the pool. 4 drinks, appetizer and two entrees came out to $150 plus tip. Definitely worth a trip if you're in Bar Harbor. read more

First of all, we agree with the many platitudes regarding the intimate setting and wonderful views out onto Frenchman Bay from the Veranda Restaurant at Balance Rock Inn. Also, this is not a review of the quality of the food here, but an important notice to anyone who has food allergies. Please be forewarned that this chef has the most stringent policy we have ever experienced regarding patrons with food allergies. For those who check out their website before making a reservation, they do state that "we can accommodate most dietary restrictions with advanced notice". Also, if you use their website to make a reservation, they do note: "We require 24-hour advance notice of any dietary restrictions or allergies so we are able to make special accommodations". All of this is fair and mostly reasonable as the restaurant's prerogative. My wife is allergic to all forms of shell fish and usually notes this when making dinner reservations either online (OpenTable) or via telephone directly with a restaurant. For this particular August dinner, she had forgotten to make that note when speaking with the restaurant several months in advance when she called to make our dinner reservation as well as room reservation in the Inn, where we have stayed on and off over the past 14 years. On the evening of our dinner and once seated at our table having given our dinner orders, where my wife ordered the trout entree, she told our waiter about her shell fish allergy. The hostess came over to our table several minutes later and informed us that the chef could not guarantee that the trout dish would not be contaminated by shell fish. We were surprised at that, but accepting and she changed her order to a beef entree. The hostess came back several minutes later and informed us that the chef could not guarantee that the beef entree, or for that matter, any of their entrees, would not have come into contact with some part of shell fish. We have traveled extensively, both domestically and internationally and dined in many fine restaurants. This is the first time that we have ever encountered a chef who is so paranoid about his inability to separate shell fish from other prepared food in his kitchen, to claim that it is possible that everything on his menu could be somehow contaminated with shell fish! Shocked at this extreme declaration, we realized that our hoped-for nice dinner at The Veranda Restaurant was not going to materialize and we decided to leave and find another restaurant that would be able accommodate patrons with food allergies, without providing advanced notice, (FYI: most restaurants). We also canceled our dinner reservation at The Terrace Restaurant scheduled for three days later. It is a shame that this chef is so insecure about how he and his staff prepare food in their kitchen that he is so absolutely intolerant about being able to deal with patrons with food allergies, without being told in advance. The food may be very good but this experience left a bad impression and we most likely will not return, even with advanced notice of a food allergy. So please be forewarned and act accordingly... read more

We had a delicious anniversary dinner. The staff made our dining experience personalized and special. We especially loved the compressed melon appetizer and the wine list. read more

Outstanding food and ambiance. We dined there this past Saturday eve and we're back on Tuesday eve. Not inexpensive, but well worth it!

We had an amazing experience here. Very attentive staff, delicious food, cozy polished environment... we couldn't have asked for anything more! It was a perfect location for girl friends meal so we got to sample much of the menu, the scallops and Duck were to die for as main course. And the desserts looked and tasted perfect to complete the meal. read more

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

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Memorable. Sophisticated setting with excellent cuisine. Swordfish was perfectly done and risotto was excellent. Don't miss the lounge for a post dinner drink. Jeremy was an excellent server read more

Such a great spot at Balance Rock Inn for delicious small plates (definitely try the crab pasta!) and amazing drinks (our favorite was the Moscow Moose!) The view is beautiful and sitting outside won't be a mistake. Come for appetizers or do as we did and order almost the whole menu and stay the evening! Staff is so welcoming and kind. read more

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Stumbled upon this after reading rave reviews on yelp. Agree, it's a hidden gem. Setting, service and food were superb. The Inn is located right on the water. We were seated outside with our two children. There is no children's menu so if you are looking for chicken nuggets to please the kids you may want to look elsewhere. Our kids (ages 8 & 12) are not overly picky eaters but we did raise an eyebrow wondering if they'd eat anything. For starters we had the crab dip and chips. For our entrees we ordered the pork chops, duck and rizzuto. Everything was absolutely delicious and the kids LOVED everything. The duck was the best I've ever had. After dinner we enjoyed a leisurely glass of wine on the lawn chairs in the yard overlooking the ocean If I had to make one small suggestion to make this experience even more spectacular, it would be to remove the three huge pine trees obstructing the amazing view of the ocean. Ocean is still visible and beautiful though. read more

Hidden gem off the beaten path. Walked in on a Monday night and they were able to squeeze us in on the patio. The wine list is very good and fairly priced. The cheese selection was great and we had two different cheeses from Maine to start. The amuse bouche was a chive cake with dill powder..?? Really good. My duck entree was very good, and my date had the Cod which she really enjoyed. Dessert with a Madeira was very good. The service and ambiance was bar none. Pricey for sure, but definitely worth it for a special occasion. Thanks for the great meal! read more

We had cocktails at the Inn back in August and we immediately fell in love with the atmosphere and could not wait to come back. Last night we finally had Dinner at the Veranda and we couldn't have been more pleased. The atmosphere was beautiful out the patio and they made us feel very comfortable and even offered us blankets if we got cold. Kurt was our waiter and we absolutely loved him. He was so attentive from the start and he answered all of our questions thoroughly. He went above and beyond for us and even helped us understand how the ice cream was uniquely made for our dessert! (Which was delicious :)) He was such a gentleman always making sure to serve ladies first and he made sure we had everything we needed at all times. Along with Kurt being amazing, the food was too! We fell in love with the bread that they served us in the beginning and everything that we ordered was absolutely delicious. We had the risotto and the cod as our mains, the sweetbreads and the foil gras as our appetizers, and had the spice cake for desert and we loved every bite. My boyfriend had an old fashioned to drink and I had the fireside which they brought out with a smoked glass which really was a game changer and tasted amazing with the mezcal. They made us feel so safe in regards to Covid precautions and we honestly couldn't have been happier. I never really write yelp reviews but we were so pleased with Kurt and our experience that I wanted to write to say thank you and that we will definitely be back. I have spent my Summers in Bar Harbor since I was a kid and I have never eaten here before but this is now my favourite spot and I can't wait to come back. -Nina & Drew read more

For all the pomp (which was kind of fun) you can get an excellent dinner at a reasonable price. My wife and I sat out on that veranda In mid-August. It was a little cold, but they give you a blankie and it's worth it for the view. Very yummy Manhattan. Scallops with bacon - best I've ever had - by a mile. Huge juicy scallops perfectly cooked. Delicious bacon on the side. I had trout - it was so super tasty. My wife had the salmon. Great flavor if ever so slightly over cooked. Churros with espresso mousse, unbelievable. Wow. 1 cocktail, 2 scallop appetizers, 2 entrees, 1 French press coffee, 2 desserts. All this for around $130. This class of food was well worth it - great romantic evening. read more

We celebrated our 30th anniversary dinner outside on the patio and it was outstanding...service, food,drinks, wine and atmosphere...all awesome! read more

Easily one of the best restaurants around and off the beaten path. The food, service, and atmosphere are beyond perfect and everything is very reasonably priced. We sat outside on a chilly night but the fires were warm and the blankets on each chair were just what I needed. We were greeted by a friendly and helpful host who led us outside where our server, nick, was attentive, professional, and just plain awesome. The food was OUTSTANDING. Nothing bad on the menu, even the drinks were interesting and delicious. I loved the octopus and the house smoked meats were great. I can't rave about this place enough, if ever in Bar Harbor again I will be staying here and looking forward to another great meal. read more

The Veranda - Food, service, and views. This place is beyond compare - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bar Harbor, Maine

I love that this place is a hidden gem because I feel like once it becomes well known it's going to get packed and we won't be able to get a reservation! We ended up here after a random hike on a Thursday night after looking at reviews on Yelp. The view is undeniably one of the best kept secrets of this area. Overlooking the water and balanced rock, a cool breeze kept us comfortable even after a hot day in July. The cocktails rival some of the best we have had at speakeasys in major cities. The food was delicious, we opted for the gnocchi and the pappardelle. The dessert was a delicious strawberry shortcake variation with a shortbread that had just enough lemon in it light and refreshing for a summer's night. Overall, the best meal we have had in Bar Harbor after over 10 days total in the area and definitely somewhere we will return to again and again! read more

One of the best meals we have EVER had. Absolutely surprised by the attention to detail, presentation and taste. We were there for dinner during our honeymoon and the staff was so gracious to us. They had our names on our special menus, provided a champagne toast, and an additional dessert. We will absolutely be back! read more

My wife and I finished a long afternoon + evening of Bar Harbor pub crawling + dining here, on the recommendation of our innkeeper. The bar itself (inside) is tiny, but eventually a seat opened on the veranda, which is a great place to relax-- a firepit, a view overlooking the pool (and probably overlooking the ocean, but since it was dark by that time, can't say for sure), and most importantly, none of the ruckus of downtown Bar Harbor, since Balance Rock is tucked away at the end of a side street on the quiet side of Main Street. My Moscow Moose (interesting take on the ubiquitous Mule) was delicious, as was the cheese plate, and the silence was golden. Staff could have been a bit more welcoming to non-Inn guests, though. read more

Innovative, thoughtful, and tasty food, if more than a bit pricey. The plating, especially, was dazzling and artful. Our server was the model of helpfulness and professionalism, and effortlessly guided us through the creatively planned fixed-menu. On a clear day, you'll be greeted by a beautiful view of the bay and of the eponymous Balanced Rock. On a foggy day, you'll be enveloped in mist--it's pretty magical. A great option for fine dining; try it before everyone else finds out about it! read more

This place is an awesome stop for a cozy dinner if you're in BH. We were staying here, but others eating there were just staying in the area. Food, wine, and service were absolutely incredible, as was the view of the harbor. It was definitely one of my wife and I's favorite meals on our 7 days trip to coastal ME! read more

It would be easy to miss this extraordinary bar/petite-gourmet restaurant housed in a millionaire's dog-loving inn situated directly on the harbor. What a fantasy location. Even better the friendly (legal) east-European staff who desire your approval and are backed by a small gourmet-trained kitchen crew. Beyer yet stay in the Inn and jump in the heated pool overlooking lobster boats and cruise ships. read more

Food is spectacular. Location and views are great. Can't go wrong here. Had the venison

I have a slight obsession with the Inn, the food, drinks, atmosphere, it's breathtaking views over the ocean, the shore-path and the magnanimous balance rock itself perched on ancient ledge in defiance of the elements and the tide. I always love stopping in here. Classy, beautiful, charming, and full of history and character. Cannot say enough good things. It is easily one of my favorite places on the entire island, an island full of amazing places. Cheers! read more

Where I come from, a restaurant that is Hit Or Miss gets a single Bell. That is the essence of Veranda. Start with the reservations - they tell everyone they are completely booked, when the reality was - and we were staying there at the Balance Rock Inn, so we could look in and see - they were never more than half filled, AFTER you take into account the removed tables for Covid capacity reductions. If you really HAVE to eat here, just walk up and ask for a table, and point out to the woman in front all the empty tables. After you are seated, don't expect to see anyone for another ten minutes. And even then, you won't be able to put in your food order for another 15 minutes. There's plenty of staff there, but they huddle around the service area and don't go to tables. Of the 8 to ten workers we could see, only 1 had any previous restaurant experience, from what we saw. It took 30 minutes to get appetizers, and when we finished them, the empty plates sat there for another 20 minutes. The food? One good entree (the late-entry scallops), one bland entree (well-cooked but flavorless cod), two undistinguished appetizers. Oh, and that amuse bouche was a complete waste of time - flavorless. Our bouches were NOT amused. The level of pretentiousness is very high, but the level of delivery is very low. It appears as if there is NO restaurant management at this place, and the chef has a huge ego but little talent. But then, the whole Balance Rock experience evinces a complete lack of management skills, so it is no surprise that it has spilled over into the restaurant operation. The one extra star is for the location, which the chef has no contribution to. read more

Come early to sit outside in he patio to enjoy the combination of amazing food and views. Drunken shrimp and bacon wrapped halibut should not be missed. read more

First time to Acadia / Bar Harbor. Stayed at the Balance Rock Inn and thoroughly enjoyed it. The Veranda at Balance Rock was special. Dined there two nights. The food was delicious (lobster linguine, crab cakes, lobster bisque, salads....). Outside seating lent to the ambiance, and the service was wonderful (Maya, Benjamin still loves you). A hidden gem!! read more