Northern Maine [1] may be the last place you’d expect to find a good burrito. But Gringo’s (30 Rodick St., 207/288-2326, late May–mid-Oct., $5–7) delivers with a range of flavors (pesto, mole, Thai), supplemented with addictive homemade salsas.
The only place for brunch is 2 Cats (130 Cottage St., 207/288-2808, 7 a.m.–1 p.m. daily year-round, $4–9), a funky spot acclaimed for its omelets and three kinds of eggs Benedict.
At Lompoc Cafe (36 Rodick St., 207/288-9392, www.lompoccafe.com [2], 11:30 a.m.–1 a.m. daily mid-Apr.–Nov., $8–18) you could easily do a taste test of Maine-brewed beers. The friendly tavern has Bar Harbor’s [3] own Atlantic Brewing Co. as well as Casco Bay, Sea Dog, and Geary’s on tap, along with a range of creative sandwiches and entrées. The young, local crowd is a welcome respite from the tourist bars. An outdoor patio and bocce court out back is especially popular in the summer.
Latin–New England fusion works at Havana (318 Main St., 207/288-2822, www.havanamaine.com [4], 5–10 p.m. nightly, Apr.–Oct. and mid-Dec.–early Jan., $16–35), a classy eatery with a great wine list and minimalist vibe. Dishes include lobster with lime-cilantro butter and black-bean-and-Dijon-crusted rack of lamb.
Solid and classic dishes have made regulars out of many a local at Parkside Restaurant (185 Main St., 207/288-3700, www.theparksiderestaurant.com [5], 12 p.m.–3 p.m. and 5 p.m.–11 p.m., Mon.–Fri.; 5 p.m.–11 p.m. Sat.–Sun., $18–29). American staples like boiled lobster dinners and grilled steaks are the menu’s biggest draws. Don’t leave without a bite of blueberry pie.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/new-england/maine
[2] http://www.lompoccafe.com
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/new-england/maine/downeast-and-the-north-woods/acadia-region/bar-harbor
[4] http://www.havanamaine.com
[5] http://www.theparksiderestaurant.com