We've visited Aragosta Restaurant on Deer Isle, Maine before... but always in Autumn. This year,…read moreJuly's "Ode to Summer" menu mostly featured lighter seafood dishes, and why not? It doesn't get any more "New England Seafood" than the Deer Isle / Stonington areas. This was a remarkable experience from start to finish. The staff is mostly very young, friendly, yet well-polished. The room and the views are gorgeous. And we loved every bite. Take a look at the treats Chef Devin Finigan and her team presented: TASTE OF LOCAL SEAWEED - Nori Tamagoyaki, Laver & Toasted Sesame Cracker, Fried Dulse THE COLD SEA - Aragosta Oyster - Green Apple, Fennel & Thai Basil Juice, Fresh Apple / Maine Fluke Crudo - Lemon Verbena Kombucha, Fresh Local Strawberry, Cucumber Granita / Maine Peekytoe Crab - Corn Croustade with Crab Salad, Butter Poached Claw PEN BAY SCALLOP - Cultured Butter with Aleppo Chili and Dulse cooked over the Hearth (I'm told the butter will be featured in their Cookbook, coming soon) LOBSTER BAKE - Stonington Lobster, Hominy, Charred Corn, Lobster Butter & Chives Topped with Corn & Espelette Espuma - with Old Bay Waffle Chips GOLDEN BEET - Fountain Farm Golden Beet Soup, Pickled Blueberry, Duck Fat, House Creme Fraiche, Nasturtium Green Puree - with Fennel Pollan Focaccia & House Sumac Ricotta AGNOLOTTI - Stonington Lobster Agnolotti, Mascarpone, Gremolata, Beurre Blanc, Pea Shoot Salad FRIED DEER ISLE CLAMS - Seasoned Cornmeal Dredge, Gochugaru Aioli, Fine Line Farm Cucumber & Baby Courgette, Sesame Vinaigrette, Red Orach COD - Maine Cod, Vadouvan Curry with Coconut Milk & Lime Leaf, Flowering Cauliflower, Sugar Snaps, Green Beans STRAWBERRY - Local Strawberry & Anise Hyssop Sorbet, Olive Oil Mousse ZUCCHINI BREAD - Puff Pastry, Zucchini Pastry Cream, Charred Corn Custard, Sweetened Ricotta, Zucchini Jam, Thyme Flowers, Elderflowers, Micro Basil What a meal! Thanks to everyone involved especially Chef Devin Finigan and GM Dan Marchese

One of the best restaurants in this part of Maine... and for good reason…read more Here is what you should know: 1. Make a reservation 2. Delicious seasonal fare so be ready to feel more connected to the local food 3. Good portion size 4. Excellent service 5. Wonderful wedding and event venue, especially in the warmer months with the lake view

Blueberry beer, cocktail or mocktail? The Pilgrim's Inn has all of that…read more I write this with the luxury of having friends with a place on the island, but I'd imagine staying here to be magical. For the food... We were fortunate to be one of the first groups to enjoy the work of a new resident chef from Brooklyn, NY, Susan Kim. I did not ask where the The golden spaghetti with lobster and fish roe was solid. The halibut was stellar. The duck confit was probably the best dish at the table. We shared much of the items. Christine was our server and she was absolutely lovely. We were seated in the extended room (left of where you enter) and enjoyed the vibe. The air inside is fresh with the windows/doors open (with screens) on nice days. Most of them are in August! I've never sat in the old room by the fireplace but we also usually have a larger party. We came with 8 this time. Everyone agreed- best meal of the week!

they have a rotating roster of chefs so the menu changes with the chef…read more So far all have been great. It is a little hard to park but otherwise a lovely location in the town of Deer Isle. I plan to return and see what a new chef can do

Food was tasty and inventive. Tricky to find up the hill from the ice cream place…read more Nice outdoor oor patio limited seating inside live music the night we were there. Good selection of wines. Staff young and friendly; made us feel welcomed and appreciated

Wow! The service was friendly and good! The food is incredible! On Friday and Saturday nights…read morethere is live music in the courtyard. It was a light jazz with a talented vocalist. We did not have reservations but they were able to seat us inside and kindly left the door open so we could enjoy the music!! We will be back with reservations! Do not miss this stop! Do not skip dessert!! You will thank me!!!

Great tapas bar with patio seating that is so unique. Felt relaxed. Busy in summer but worth it!read more

My drink was super good! Not too sweet but refreshing. We ordered 4 plates which was enough for 3…read moreof us to feel content and each dish was great! The mezze came with lots of pita, mussel sauce was light and very tasty, ceviche was tapas size but enough to get a few bites each. Overall a cool spot!

The best drinks we had in Maine! Smokey the Pear was outstanding! Service was excellent. And don't…read moreskip the popcorn with your choice of seasonings! Loved!

Really rude service from the hostess acting like we and everything she does in an inconvenience…read more Food was okay.

Fantastic! We ate here 2 of the 4 days that we stayed in Bar Harbor. The daily specials are…read moreabsolutely out of this world.

This farm-to-table spot has quickly become a must-visit every time I'm in the area. The setting,…read moreright next to Sweet Pea's Farm and Bar Harbor Cellars Winery, is gorgeous and relaxed. You can enjoy a drink by the fire pit and I love that I can bring my pup along on the patio. The menu changes with the seasons and the daily harvest, which keeps things fresh and exciting. Some of my favorites are the local oysters and their specialty pizzas. You really can't go wrong! Last time, I tried the lobster pizza and it was absolutely incredible. The veggies, sourced from nearby farms, are always outstanding too; I often go for the beet salad. Everything feels thoughtful, seasonal, and connected to the local food community.

Great wine selections and excellent array of appetizers. Cozy spots to sit and sip with friends…read more Love the gift items in stock too! The women who own and run V&V are so friendly and accommodating. An all around lovely time here!

If only I lived closer... I'd be at Vessel & Vine ALL. THE. TIME…read more I've been a huge fan of this wine store for years. It's got so much character, and the people running it are some of the nicest humans ever. I don't think I've ever left without a smile on my face, or without a bottle (or two) of something new and interesting. Their selection is incredible; not just wine, but also vermouths, Campari, and even pasta and bread?! Like, what don't they do? And the vibes??! Perfection. In the winter, it gives a mix of Scandinavia and Spain, and I'm so here for it. Oh, and they have a full wine bar with pours and bites. Just go... you'll thank me later.

It was a rainy day in the Bar Harbor area so we were looking for inside things to do. A wine…read moretasting was the perfect pastime. The tasting room is beautiful and rustic. Very cozy with several tables. Find a good seat and enjoy table side service. We chose 2 flights and one extra add on. It was fun to try the cranberry and blueberry wines local to the area. Very different (and sweet) from what I'm used to. We got some cheese spread from the cooling station and some crackers to enjoy with our tastings. Everything was wonderful. I enjoyed this rainy day diversion. I took a couple of bottles home. Can't wait to share them with friends.

Just wish I could buy their excellent wines elsewhere! Stores? On line? The blueberry wine is…read moreterrific!

Beautiful shop with thoughtfully curated selection of wines, cheeses, and other epicurean…read moreessentials. Warm and knowledgeable staff to help guide your choices. Always stop by when making trips from the wilds into Bangor.

I came in from NYC and was blown away by the selection of Sancerres. Can't wait to come back when…read morewe rent a cabin next summer.

It was that sort of weird mid-afternoon time when it's past lunch and most diners are closed--and…read morethere I was driving along on my way to Machias, where there's not much along the way, and famished. Out of nowhere, going through the tiny town of Cherryfield, there was the cheerful green building that is the Paisley Loon, with their "open" sign fluttering in the wind next to the river. And it was open at 3pm! It was the perfect spot to grab an iced coffee and a quick sandwich: I had the grilled cheese, which was exactly what I needed. It was busy, with other folks sitting at tables and working locals stopping by to grab things to go. There's a range of coffee drinks, sandwiches, pastries, and ice cream--nothing fancy, but all done just right. Super friendly staff working too. What a great find, and so good to know there's a friendly little place to stop when you're traveling this way. Highly recommend!

Coffee and service are always wonderful. I rarely go in that direction but always stop when I do…read more Everything is set up so cute! I love this little shop!