Mount Desert's most memorable eating experiences are to be found in the many lobster pounds all over the island, but for nightlife as such, Bar Harbor is where the people are. Cottage Street is a much more promising area to look for food and evening atmosphere than the surprisingly subdued waterfront. The Art Deco Criterion cinema at 35 Cottage St (tel 207/288-3441) puts on 2pm matinees on rainy days, in addition to its usual showings.

The Alternative Market 16 Mount Desert St tel 207/288-8225. Bag lunches, big sandwiches, soups, smoothies and fresh-squeezed juices.

Beal's Lobster Pier Clark Point Rd, Southwest Harbor tel 207/244-3202. Fresh seafood for under $10, on a rickety wooden pier crammed full of lobsters.

Eat a Pita 326 Main St, Southwest Harbor tel 207/244-4344. A great casual, cozy and affordable spot for delicious, healthy gourmet food (pastas, salads, pita sandwiches, seafood), candlelit tables and friendly service. Lunch and dinner served. Credit cards not accepted.

Galyn's 17 Main St, Bar Harbor tel 207/288-9706. Delicious fish and prime ribs in an unpretentious setting.

Gringo's 30 Rodick St, Bar Harbor tel 207/288-BEAN. A fun, cheap place to get burritos and smoothies.

Jordan Pond House Park Loop Rd tel 207/276-3316. Worthy concession restaurant in the heart of Acadia National Park between Bar Harbor and Northeast Harbor. Serves light meals, ice cream and popovers (light, puffy egg muffins). Afternoon tea served in the beautiful lakeside garden 11.30am-5.30pm.

Lompoc Café & Brewpub 36 Rodick St, Bar Harbor tel 207/288-9392. A healthy Middle Eastern menu for $10-15, with local Thunder Hole Ale and other Atlantic Brewing Company beers on draft and live music every night. Open 11.30am-1am.

Preble Grille 14 Clark Point Rd, Southwest Harbor tel 207/244-3034. Classy and deservedly popular spot with flavorful grilled meats for $15-19 or pastas for about $12.

Rupununi 119 Main St tel 207/288-2886. Late-night pub grub - the burgers are best; the bar stays open until 1am.

Seafood Ketch McMullin Ave, Bass Harbor tel 207/244-7463. Great super-fresh fish and seafood, with views over Bass Harbor. Reservations recommended.

Thirsty Whale 40 Cottage St, Bar Harbor tel 207/288-9335. As rowdy as Bar Harbor gets. Live music every night of the week in season.

Village Green Bakery Café 195 Main St, Bar Harbor tel 207/288-9450. Great pastries, plus a full range of lunches and dinners, including the requisite boiled lobsters. Low prices and good for families.

XYZ Restaurant & Gallery across from Manset Town Dock, Shore Rd, Manset tel 207/244-5221. Ocean views from every table, seafood from $7 and Mexican specialties. Open mid-May to mid-Oct.

Mount Desert Island

• Mount Desert Island
• Getting there
• Eating, drinking and nightlife on Mount Desert Island

Explore Mount Desert Island

• Acadia National Park
• Bar Harbor

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