Food = excellent, innovated and perfectly prepared. Service = rushed, uncomfortable and not very knowledgeable. Appetizer = tuna tar tar with wasabi tobiko, cucumbers and wonton. Very good! Salad= Australian salad. Perfect combination and pumpkin seed dressing was amazing! entree = We ordered flat iron steak with risotto and lobster tail. I would recommend this place if your visiting bar harbor but go early otherwise may feel rushed and hurried.
(4)
Marilyn F.
Went to Cafe This Way last night for appetizers, drinks and dessert. Everything was great and the place has a nice ambience. Go for the blueberry pie alone, you will not regret it!!
This placed was packed when we arrived on a sunday morning around 8:30. But the wait was worth it (and wasn't longer than we were told, which was appreciated). The blueberry cornmeal pancakes were the best I ever have had. A bit crunchy on the outside, lots of little blueberries. Service was excellent. Also 3 separate clean restrooms - a plus in a place as busy as this. I wish I could replicate the pancakes at home!
(5)
Philip K.
At last, the search for blueberry pancakes in Maine that knocked my socks off is over! These things are amazing! Corn beef hash is pretty good too.
(5)
Kirk H.
We stopped here for breakfast while visiting Acadia National Park. My wife wanted to try blueberry pancakes in Maine. In her opinion these were some of the best blueberry pancakes she'd ever had. I had the Harney, which was also great. Their homemade corned beef hash was excellent. The service was good, and the place has a light and airy feeling to it. We sat on the porch, which was terrific on a beautiful summer morning, but inside was very nice as well.
(5)
Jen B.
Great location. Great food. Make sure not to miss Cafe this Way when you visit Bar Harbor!!
(5)
Jennifer H.
My husband and I were so happy to find Cafe this Way on Yelp. We read it was a great breakfast spot, but we were passing by it one evening and the name jogged my memory, so we decided to try it for dinner. After a few days in bar harbor of eating less than stellar meals, this was a godsend! We both got the zucchini and squash "pasta" with mushrooms because we had been eating out all over Maine for 6 days and were feeling like we needed some veggies. You guessed it. The noodles were actually zucchini and the dish was perfect; meaty mushrooms, pesto, and toasted polenta triangles. I was so full but still tried to eat every, last bite. We liked it so much that we went for breakfast the next morning. There was a line out the door, but they had self-serve coffee while you wait! How great is that? Then I got the blueberry pancakes: omg. Too bad this was my last morning in bar harbor. I would have been here for these everyday. Also we got the fruit bowl. It was huge, so the cup would have sufficed.
(4)
Camila S.
I am only giving this place three stars because the service and ambiance was great. However, the food was not good. I went with three others who were all disappointed as well. The food was tasteless and disappointing. I think it may have been because we went for dinner and this is more of a breakfast place.
(3)
Aswitha V.
We wen here for breakfast. Long wait as usual. Food was quick and good.Nothing fancy or "iconic". A good spot for breakfast. I got blueberry pancakes and the blueberries were frozen rather than fresh - that was disappointing to observe. Staff is friendly and pancakes are huge! Wished they used fresh fruits and ingredients.
(2)
D C.
Great spot for breakfast right in town, reasonably priced. Food was good and they have put thought into their recipes.They have great strong coffee!!
(4)
Jody S.
We ate at this restaurant twice: once for breakfast and once for dinner. Both experiences were really great and I would definitely recommend eating here for either meal. Breakfast was delicious. We all ordered pretty basic eggs and bacon breakfasts; but they accommodated my daughter's milk allergy and gladly scrambled her eggs separately and without milk. Prices were typical of the area and location. Service was excellent. Nice atmosphere. Dinner was a little fancier than breakfast. The workers were dressed nicely, but most customers were super causal. Their kid's menu had the usual options like hamburger and hot dog, but they also had some healthier options like plain grilled chicken (which they grilled in oil, not butter), and they steamed a side broccoli for my daughter even though that wasn't an option on the menus (kid's or regular). We started with the crab and lobster spring rolls and they were yummy. I had the special which was salmon. It was delicious. My husband had the tuna and he loved it. All around great place to eat. I would definitely return.
(5)
Jennifer F.
Cafe This Way was a wonderful place to eat for dinner after our drive though Bar Harbor in Acadia. The fish dinner and desert specials were delicious, including the toasted lobster rolls. It has a lovely atmosphere, attentive service, and it is filled with local consignment paintings along the walls.
(4)
Maureen M.
This place is worth the wait. The decor is cute and cozy. The food is delicious and the hot chocolate amazing
(5)
Alan B.
Returned several times for the best blueberry pancakes and Canadian bacon in Bar Harbor or anywhere for that matter. Adding to the pancakes delicious taste was the real maple syrup served at no additional charge. Prices still reasonable, great service and wonderful ambience helped along by artist Neily Harris' beautiful art work throughout the restaurant.
(5)
Zoe R.
Just ate there today for the first time. It was amazing. Great service great atmosphere great service and food with a timely wait. Overall it was a great experience and I can't wait to go there again.
(5)
Gee B.
Cafe This Way is a fun spot with wonderful art on the wall and books all about. The food was very good. We were a party of 3 and we all enjoyed our appetizers (brussels sprout and Austrian salad) and entrees (pan crusted halibut, noodle bowl and Grilled Lamb Loin). This, after a very busy evening, was a plus because we arrived at 8:30pm and the kitchen was still churning out delicate and tasty food. The entree portions were large -larger than the NYC standard where we come from. Our waitress, Raven, was also very helpful and attentive. We loved it so much that we came back for Sunday brunch and we were, once again, very happy. We shall return when we make our way back to Bar Harbor.
(4)
Yuzhou Z.
This first restaurant I went to when I got to Bar Harbor. It's a really nice place with seafood cooked in the traditional American way. We ordered halibut and salmon as well as a ceased salad. They are delicious!
(5)
Angel H.
Had a delicious breakfast of the harney! And ask for the fruit bowl with bananas/blueberries/strawberries. This was my 2nd time back and staff was very friendly!
(4)
Natalie N.
I cannot express the experience of tasting Cafe This Way's blueberry pancakes! This is not an ordinary pancake! It is almost as though the perfect pancake met and fell in love with a gorgeous french speaking crepe and had beautiful offspring! Seriously this cannot be missed. Hands down best blueberry pancakes in Bar Harbor, dare I say anywhere.
(5)
Benjamin C.
Thoroughly impressed by the wait staff. Our waitress went out of her way to assist with dietary restrictions of a member in our party - even going so far as to write out a recipe. Very Friendly atmosphere, though the outside seating is a little unsightly with plastic screening and uncomfortable seats. Limited selection on the menu, but everything was delicious! Great lobster roll with perfect herb crusted potatoes. Amazing chocolate mousse. Would visit again. Great experience!
(5)
Karen M.
If i could give this place 6 stars I would! Had a lovely dinner here with my husband and 3-year old. My husband had the lamb which was cooked to perfection and tasty. I had the zucchini noodles with polenta which was so flavorful and light, a very nice change of pace after eating out for several days. The kids meals come with corn, which was a nice change of pace from just chicken strips & fries. Staff was incredibly friendly, service was quick and we would return here again and again. We actually tried coming back for lunch the next day but they only do breakfast & dinner!
(5)
Mike H.
Stopped in on a Sunday morning, was fairly busy but the two of us were able to get a seat after about 5 minutes. I can see it taking substantially longer when peak season hits so be prepared. I went ahead and ordered the big breakfast sandwich and a Bloody Mary to quell the previous evenings assault on my liver. In the mean time, I partook in a delicious cup of coffee and took in the ambiance. With colorful paintings which I assume are from local talent (also for sale fyi) and shelves lined with books, there is plenty visual stimulus to pass the time while you await your order. Evening with the large crowd, our food was on the table within 5-10 minutes. The Bloody Mary was spicy and delicious....definitely worthy of seconds if one felt inclined. The big breakfast sandwich was exactly that, a hearty meal fit for destroying a Sunday afternoons plans with the tempting thought of battening down for a nap. The servers were inviting and respectful, doing their best to give great service even when slammed with tables. The food came out fast with no lack of presentation. The prices were very reasonable making it that much more likely to frequent this establishment. Not much to knock against this place but to keep from being a complete fanboy......there was some creepy bathroom art which made it a little awkward....having a painting of kids spying on you while taking a poo....fun indeed but still a bit awkward none the less
(5)
An O.
Good location, with parking, and nice atmosphere. They are family friendly and service is good. Sadly, the food is just ok and has little if any change over years. The fish is consistently over cooked and the fixings do not vary. Given the prices, there are certainly better options in town.
(2)
Sean T.
Best breakfast on the island... Hands down. I've lived and worked in town and have tried everything. Get there early as it can be a popular place to eat. The staff are always on point and the atmosphere feels alive. It is excellent anytime, but the breakfast and brunch is..... just delish.
(5)
Jill S.
The other reviews are right- this place is great! We were told it would be a 25 minute wait for a table on a Sunday morning and that was fine because we were able to sit on some nice patio furniture and watch the world go by. 15 minutes later we were at our table. We ordered a special scramble that had chorizo and black beans, cinnamon raisin French toast and a breakfast burrito. Everything came out quickly and was made from fresh ingredients. The coffee is also locally roasted and very delicious! They also have meat alternatives and vegan options available! It was a very casual atmosphere with friendly service. Definitely recommended!
(4)
Josh B.
It's not like a Bar Harbor visit is a Texas barbecue trip but my food OCD still kicks in and I want to get something interesting - not hotel muffins and not something from places that seem more giftshop than restaurant. The Guild of Internet Breakfast Researchers appeared to put this in second place after 2 Cats. Cafe This Way had the shorter wait but this was no Plan B cuisine. The "special scramble" may or may not turn up during your visit but based on its excellence I'd guess that whatever appears on the specials menu is worth a shot. Items not usually found in the breakfast realm, like chard and leeks, were put to great use. My traveling companion opted for a spinach/mozzarella/olive combo from the build-your-own section that was successful based on the two bites I was allowed. We liked Cafe This Way enough for a return dinner visit. The pecan-crusted halibut was a hefty piece of fish, perfectly done. I probably violated some rule by selecting beef for both appetizer and main course, but I was in the mood for ribeye. And I couldn't resist the roasted bone marrow appetizer, where the primal meat vibe was nicely offset by the pickled onions and sun-dried tomatoes. Keep in mind that Cafe This Way is a lunch-free zone (as of this writing, breakfast on weekends is until 1.)
(5)
Jules D.
stumbled upon this place. cozy ambiance and beautiful decor. I got the smoked trout Benedict and it was amazing. Super fast service, friendly staff, loved it.
(5)
Carole S.
I had eaten here previously many years ago for breakfeast which was wonderful. We arrived for dinner around 6:15 pm and we were seated right away (it was already getting crowded). I was a little surprised that there was no entree offering chicken that night. It seemed like they didn't offer many entree options. I settled on the lobster/crab wonton wraps. (appetizer). It was good. My husband ordered the steak and he was happy with it. The kids had the grilled cheese which came with a drink, side and small ice cream sandwich for desert. Our total bill was around $80 for dinner. They also have a nice selection of toys available to occupy small children at the table.
(3)
Cameron B.
I ordered the big breakfast sandwich and a side of corned beef hash. The hash was nothing but potatoes and the eggs in the sandwich were room temperature. The home fries were burned not just browned. I also got the hot chocolate which was supposedly Ghiradelli but it tasted like they premade it and put in a holding carafe and what I got was at the bottom. The only good thing was the sausage but it was extremely greasy. It dripped out of the sandwich. My father got an omelette with ham, sausage, bacon, mushrooms, and onions. The main thing in the omelette was mushrooms and onions. Overall not a good experience. The second star was because it was inexpensive.
(2)
Laura T.
Amazing monte cristo on French toast! Apple juice was the perfect blend of tart and sweet. Coffee was good and plentiful! Super cute atmosphere and friendly staff.
(5)
J P.
This restaurant does it right. Awesome breakfast. You do have to wait for a table, but the food comes fast once you ordered. We also enjoy their dinner very much. Visited twice for breakfast and twice for dinner. Everything we tried were excellent.
(4)
Heidi B.
Lets face it - restaurant quality isn't superb in bar harbor. Out-of-towners come for the scenery not the food. I tried 3 yelp 4+ rated restaurants in town and this is the only one that didn't fail me. We came around 9pm on a Sunday night. We liked the place immediately when walking in. Cozy, dim-lit, and smells wonderful. We asked for the couch seats and there was no problem. Upon sitting, we were greeted right away and had our orders taken. I ordered seafood noodles and my friend got steamed whole lobster. Both were delicious! Food quality was on a different level compare to all other restaurants we had tried in bar harbor. Their breakfast menu looks appetizing too. Would return if I find myself in town again.
(4)
Katie C.
We ate there the first night it reopened for the season. Decor is cute. Menu was varied and interesting. Server was slow and seemed a little disinterested. We have two kids dining with us, and the children's menu was extremely expensive, considering what it contained. We ordered a grilled chicken, that came out completely dry and overcooked. Unacceptable. We promptly returned it to kitchen, and they sent a piece of chicken that was properly cooked. Hated to make my hungry kids wait for food. I should have asked for an alternative to potatoes and corn. Special of the night was pecan crusted fish which was perfect. Rave reviews were what brought us here, but we were kind of disappointed by the experience.
(3)
Miranda M.
My Dad and I stopped by for breakfast this morning and everything was great! We got coffee, an omelette, a bagel and cream cheese, and the pancakes, bacon, and eggs platter. I have no complaints about anything! The homefries were particularly awesome. We also enjoyed looking at the old books and local paintings that decorate the room. Cool, hip ambience and, although a little warm with no AC, it was still a nice cute place to have breakfast!
(4)
Tom Y.
Blueberry pancakes on fleek. Free coffee while you wait was a huge plus! The breakfast burrito was huge but why would you get anything besides blueberry pancakes?!?
(4)
A W.
Nice breakfast spot. Very cozy and laid back place. Was kind of crowded but that means it's good. Had delicious omelets and loved the blueberry muffins! Place prides itself on being Eco friendly so a lot of the food is fresh and local.
(5)
Joe C.
Their breakfast sandwiches are big and quite filling. Reasonably priced too! See my pic. I didn't dine inside but the staff was very accommodating in providing me with take-out. I figured why dine inside when I can eat outdoors in beautiful Acadia National Park only 5 minutes away. The inside contains tables/chairs and is decorated very nicely. It seems bright, open & airy. Out front there is a small outdoor patio too.
(4)
Shradha A.
The food was great, however our waiter was rude. We asked for vegetarian food and water with no ice, but I guess we were asking for a little too much because the waiter gave us an attitude after we asked him.
(4)
Jacki L.
Can't say much good food was bland not worth the wait. Service was just ok, had to keep asking for water coffee was old all I can say is tourist trap move on...sorry
(1)
Kate K.
A lovely, family-owned restaurant, and a favorite of my family for many years. Breakfast and dinner are both good (we went for dinner on the first night of this trip and returned for breakfast later in the week), and the menu has a great variety. Everything is fresh, and I love the homey, welcoming vibe!
(5)
Mark R.
Why focus on the negative? Here are the positive things about breakfast at Cafe This Way: If you are a grumpy person in the morning then you will fit in wonderfully with the staff! You won't be hampered with overcrowding your plate with too much food. The waitress grunts in English, the walls are red, and each table has at least 2 chairs. Cafe This Way is dedicated to getting your food to your table quickly -- prioritizing speed over cooking your food thoroughly. Not allowing customers to use their wifi gives you a greater appreciation of your fellow dining guests. The waitress ingeniously kept the butter-packets warm by carrying them in the back pocket of her pants. Mmmmmm....ass-butter! Thank you Cafe This Way, for helping me realize how much I take good service, generous portions, and cooked food for granted.
(2)
ellen p.
Great menu and service. The food was exceptional, prices reasonable, large portions. There were 3 vegetarian options!!!! Great ambience.
(5)
Eric P.
I had the lobster roll and my wife had a gluten free vegetable dish. Food and service were both great.
(5)
Jessie M.
Took a trip to Bar Harbor, and ate breakfast here all three mornings...yes it is that good! First of all, good coffee, very important. I had the egg sandwich twice. Two fried eggs, diced tomato, and a choice of meat, I got the turkey bacon which was thick cut and delicious. Pancakes are also amazing. Service was wonderful, on the last day our meal came out with in 5 minutes of ordering. This place is a must! Check it out
(5)
Shane S.
You know those joints in touristy areas that charge too much and leave you feeling empty? This isn't one of them. Local, hip, cozy, affordable and outstanding. Breakfast was amazing. French toast for the kids. Hash browns, bacon, everything is perfect. Service is top notch. We are heading back for dinner. Kids menu is creative with healthy choices like grilled chicken, mashed potatoes and corn. If you like to sit at the bar, there's a little one tucked in the corner.
(5)
Ann K.
We are vacationing and found this lovely, fantastic place! I ordered the Vegan (which was a tofu scramble - tofu, vegetables, potatoes - spiced to perfection!) The hubby had homemade corn beef hash with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. Our waiter was wonderful and everyone was very friendly. We are making a point to go back before we leave. Thank you!
(5)
LeeAnne P.
I had read so many great reviews for this restuarant so I had to try it while on vacation in Bar Harbor. I would say it lived up to the hype. I LOVE Monte Cristo's. So when I saw it on the menu, boom, I knew what I was getting. The rest of the menu looked pretty good, too, with different takes on some traditional breakfast items. My husband ordered the country breakfast. The food did not take long at all to get to us, which was great considering they seemed pretty busy. Maple Syrup was waiting for us on the table already and it was delicous. The monte cristo rated pretty high on my list of ones I've tried in the past. The ham was from a ham steak, which gave it this really good flavor with the syrup and the french toast was cooked well, maybe a little thin for my liking since it didn't hold in everything and the sandwich got a little messy. What was different about this one was that instead of turkey it had a fried egg. It paired will with everything. I would have preferred it more runny, but thats just me. My husband gobbled down his breakfast, so I assumed he liked it. The home fries had a sort of Old Bay flavor, but not quite. Either way they were good too. We sat outside since it was nice and if you have a dog, you are welcome to bring your furry friend! We got there at a good time since there was no wait for a table, but we walked by on a weekend day and it was a mad house. Our neighbors seated next to us were a little annoying, but I tried not to let that get to me. If you are in Bar Harbor, you should definitely try this place
(4)
Lynn M.
Awesome breakfast joint -get the Cafe Monte Cristo! Respectable lobster benedict. Awesome coffee, great atmosphere & busy! Always a good sign.
(4)
Sara A.
Dinner here was amazing. I ordered Southwest Shepherd's Pie, and it was out of this world. Fresh fried eggplant in a creamy sauce with delicious mashed potatoes and salad. It was far beyond my expectations. The food quality was incredible, and all the dishes on the menu were so creative. Everyone at the table was very impressed with the food presentation. If you like creative, beautiful meals made with fresh ingredients, this is the place for you. This restaurant has something to please everyone, whether they're a vegetarian or a meat lover.
(5)
Mike I.
Excellent find. Wonderful meal. Amazing Asian salad to start. Tasty with fresh greens and wontons. Nice dressing. Also had the Tuna tartare starter. Well prepared and fresh. We had the hangar steak which was excellent as well. Best place we ate at in bar harbor.
(5)
Pamela L.
Had one of the best breakfasts of my life here. We arrive early, again to beat the crowds. It seems all the popular breakfast spots in Bar Harbor are packed by 8:30am. The entire restaurant was filled when we arrive. We did not wait at all to be seated. There is an indoor area and porch. The front of the indoor area is comp,evenly open to the porch so virtually entire place open. The walls are adorned with bright, colorful paintings. I ordered the Illinois Omelette and could not have been more pleased with my choice. The omelette was packed full of veggies and cheese. My mom had blueberry pancakes and they were so light and delicious. Service was attentive without being intrusive. Staff all seen working together to help one another out, like a well oiled machine. Will be heading back next time I am in Bar Harbor.
(4)
Cindi M.
Great breakfast spot. Wonderful suggestion from the hotel. Love the service and food. Will return next time we are in Bar Harbor.
(5)
Kurt S.
Best breakfast place we went to in Bar Harbor! I had the Harney and a bagel to soak up the juices. The corned beef hash was tasty and not too salty. Others in my group enjoyed their omelets. I want to try the Monte Cristo and Kit's Burrito if I go back.
(4)
Patrick D.
Great attentive service. Typical breakfast fare but done very well. Excellent turkey bacon and a delicious blueberry pancake made it special.
(4)
Natacha D.
This is one of two places to get pretty good food (that's not outrageously expensive) in Bar Harbor (the other is 2 Cats). I had a snack before a show with a few friends- one got a lobster roll, one got brussels sprouts with bacon, and one got zucchini polenta. The lobster roll and brussels sprouts were delicious, the polenta was kinda greasy. There were also really good fried potatoes. The bartender was great- super nice and efficient lady. Stops serving food at 9:30.
(4)
Leigh J.
We had dinner there first and loved it. An eclectic, hipster yet casual vibe make this place very appealing... plus their much more interesting, sophisticated menu. WE had lobster lettuce wraps and seafood spring rolls for appetizers-- both tasty, light but with interesting seasonings. Chili sauce on spring rolls a little too sweet but otherwise good. Followed that with an Asian salad for my husband and a delicious caesar for me (nice that they offer 2 sizes/prices of salad, so you can have some without getting over-filled). We shared a seafood "pot" which was a delightful gingery broth filled with fresh shrimp, lobster, and yummy rice noodles. Light, gluten free, and a nice change of pace from the pounds of steamed lobster i've been picking out of shells all week! Decent and very affordable wines by glass and good sized list of beers (plus full bar). OK it was so good we had to go back for Breakfast today. At 930 the line was forever so we left. Came back at 12:45 right before closing... same great casual country vibe, but now delicious and very fresh omelets with fantastic chunky home fries clearly made from real potatoes, and great toast made on bread they get homemade from the delicious Morning Glory bakery a couple blocks away. We "forced" ourselves to ALSO order the blueberry pancakes... you should too! Light, crispy on edges and moist in the middle, real maple syrup and lots of fresh maine blueberries. YUM. 2 coffees and 3 breakfast entrees, and our bill was barely over $30. RUN DONT WALK
(5)
Jennifer D.
Pitchers of mimosas and Bloody Mary for breakfast! Nice atmosphere, friendly staff. Available ingredients for omelettes was great. I had goat cheese, roasted peppers, and bacon. My husband had smoked trout, spicy jack cheese, and mushrooms. It was fun to have different choices. The dinner menu looks good too. Can't wait to try it!
(4)
Darren S.
Dinner: So good the first time that we went back a couple nights later. It was even better. Locally sourced food, great beers, excellent service and a nice setting altogether. Definitely a great option to avoid the typical tourist traps in bar harbor and get a great dinner.
(4)
Marty M.
Hidden away from the main road is a gem of a breakfast cafe. Atmosphere is very relaxing and the wait staff is great. I love the paintings and layout. Will definitely come back again.
(4)
Brooke M.
I loved my breakfast from here! My husband and I went to bar harbor for our honeymoon this past week and the first morning there we went to here and my husband got the monte Cristo and I got eggs benidect. The atmosphere was great, food delicious, and decent priced. Will definitely be going back when we visit again.
(5)
Jennifer M.
Came here for dinner. Pros: nice atmosphere, attentive service, and delicious entrees. I had the blackened tuna and it was cooked perfectly, and the jicama salad was suuuper tasty. My fiance had the squash and zucchini noodles which I tasted, and that was also delicious. Cons: overpriced appetizer - do yourself a favor and don't bother ordering the Maine spring rolls. We were really disappointed when our waiter showed up with two tiny spring rolls. They were fine, but definitely not worth $6 each!!
(4)
Troy M.
Every year while in Bar Harbor we go out for at least one nice dinner, this year we did not want anything too fancy and Cafe This Way was perfect! They have a great menu and a fun atmosphere where you can be comfortable dressed up, casual and anything in between. All of the food was excellent, service was great, I highly recommend!
(5)
Dae S.
First time eating here was on a visit in 2010. Great place, good food, and awesome service. Had the pancakes, and omelets at this point and haven't been disappointing once. Now that I live here and if I actually wake up in time I make it a point to go here when going out to eat.
(4)
Kyle M.
My girlfriend and I got breakfast hear on our last day on the island. It was bittersweet; this place is great - one of the best places on the island, so we're glad we discovered it, but we wished we'd had more meals here, as oppose to some of the mediocre competitors. Ambiance is a mix, the place is very nicely decorated, but a little crowded. This is due to the popularity and simply that it's a small spot. Some tables are better than others, we happened to get one of the worst seats in the house, I could hear every detail of our neighbors conversations on both sides of us. The service was good. Nothing more to say. The food is where this place really shines. It was extremely high quality. One rarely is shocked by the quality of breakfast food but this place is definitely the exception. I HATE being in crowded places, but I loved this place because the food was so good it made up for the crowding. The portions are moderate, but the quality is outstanding and makes up for it. I only wish we had known about it earlier so we could have tried dinner there. Most places on Bar Harbour are of mediocre quality, it's a tourist based economy and most of the restaurants reflect that, they are mediocre quality and overpriced. This place is the exception.
(5)
J S.
Good food very friendly service nice environment with nice artwork to look at while you eat. Had breakfast, blueberry pancakes and lobster benedict to compare to other spots in town. All items were good, I would rate the breakfast potatoes as the best in town, the lobster benedict second best and the blueberry pancakes narrowly in first. The omelets were well prepared and the coffee good basic coffee.
(4)
Emaan M.
Cute cafe in Bar Harbor that gets packed around 830/9 am. They have a large seating area, with some tables outside on the patio. Blueberry pancakes - thin and delicious. not super fluffy but who needs that anyway? The Patti w/egg whites - very good, standard omelette fare Good service as well.
(4)
Jeff K.
We were there right at 7am when they open after watching sunrise on Cadillac Mountain. Coffee was excellent and much needed. Try the eggs benedict over smoked trout - yum. This was the best breakfast we ate while visiting Bar Harbor. Great decor and attentive service. Highly recommend it.
(4)
Ted B.
We had breakfast here. Attention to detail is apparent in every aspect. Very clean, quick service, comfortable seating and a really cool setting. Everyone at our table loved their food, I had the farmers breakfast with delicious chocolate milk. The other meals were French toast, salmon and kit's burrito. All great and came with attentive and superior service. We have many days to try other restaurants but this one will probably be the one I remember. I can't find one negative.
(5)
Charlene P.
Every summer we spend time in Bar Harbor and Cafe This Way is one of our stops. The breakfast is so worth the wait if you have to wait. Service is always good. Family friendly.
(4)
Marie D.
Walking around Bar Harbor in search of somewhere not too touristy to have dinner, we came upon Cafe This Way. We followed the footsteps helpfully painted on the street to the cafe and had a wonderful meal. The corn and lobster chowder with crispy pork belly was to die for!
(4)
Megan B.
We got seated very quickly and our food came out in not more then 10min. Also they have a porch that you can bring your dog with you!
(4)
Jesse S.
If you like food and happen to find yourself in Bar Harbor, you would be foolish to miss this place. If you don't like food any of the mediocre places down the street will meet your needs just fine.
(5)
Will M.
We went back the next day! The pancakes are amazing! I wouldn't bother much with the eggs Benedict or home fries; neither of which had a lot of flavor. But the pancakes were superb!
(4)
Chuck D.
The server served us our food. (Not what I ordered). The food came out very fast. It was pretty good, and isn't that what's most important? I had two cups of coffee (not great). Would have had more but felt rushed out. No idea of servers name. She didn't care. Not friendly at all.
Cafe This Way is a wonderful place to have Breakfast or Brunch in Bar Harbor. I had breakfast there twice during my visit, and both times the food was delicious. The menu has a wide variety of indulgent items, in addition to healthy choices. If you're in the mood for a brunch cocktail, they pour a mean Bloody Mary. Tony, was our server both times, and he was friendly and very attentive. The atmosphere/decor is very cool-very homey and inviting. I haven't tried dinner there yet, but I will make it a point to dine there on my next visit to Bar Harbor.
(4)
Pigcity B.
Great food way to many ppl for my morning breakfast but what do you expect for a saturday morning at 9:30am I had the big breakfast sanwitch or whatever they call it it was average but the home frys were great! I give this place four stars all day.
(4)
Vickey T.
Really cute restaurant - much bigger/nicer inside than it appears on the outside. We came here for dinner and had the beef tenderloin special (wrapped in bacon with a bone marrow sauce, mashed potatoe and vegetables) which was excellent - as well as the cod and mussel stew. Both highly recommended! Great service - would definitely come here again :)
(5)
Scott H.
Wow! Outstanding dinner. I ordered the shepherds pie which was eggplant sandwiched between goat cheese mashed potatoes and a spicy corn sauce drizzled on top. It has me wanting to take the 7 hour drive back just to taste it again.
(5)
Amy N.
AMAZing place for brunch. My husband loved his lobster benedict, and the blueberry pancakes were the best I've ever had.
(4)
Danielle H.
We had a wonderful breakfast here after seeing sunrise at Cadillac - already a hoppin' place at 7 AM. They had a lot of vegetarian, vegan, and GF choices. The decor is super cute and the staff was very friendly. Also, the coffee was delicious!
FNtastic dinner last night. I had the seafood noodle bowl and it was perfect, lots of fish shrimp and lobster. My wife cleaned her plate of the zucchini noodle dish. Kids all enjoyed theirs as well. Place was busy and we sat at the bar sinc e we didn't have reservations.
(5)
Wheeler E.
Solid. No detractors. Only went twice during our weeks stay. Oatmeal, pretty straight forward. Breakfast burrito, very good, lots of stuff inside... Service good.
(4)
Food Jerk X.
In most cases, if you saw Asian, European, and Latin American dishes in the same menu, you'd run away: no one should be able to do all if these well. Yet Cafe This Way is neither suffering an identity crisis, nor trying to lure in tourists with as many cuisines as possible. Instead, it offers some of the most innovative foods in town. We decided to split a number of apps. The Austrian Fruit Salad with pear and pumpkin seed oil is very authentic, and at $9 for a large is quite reasonable. Nobody serves oak leaf lettuce anymore. The lobster lettuce wraps were served with jalapeño slices. The heat was balanced, and the whole dish very light and airy. The tuna tartare is also a nice portion with just enough wasabi to add a spike of flavor but not overpower the dish. The tuna had a very clean, fresh flavor. Cucumber and green roe were a nice touch and added both flavor and texture. The bone marrow was rich and buttery, served with a cranberry chutney. The chutney's acid and sweetness cut the fat if the marrow nicely. The duck dish we had was quite tasty. I was expecting more of a terrine, but it was more like a shredded duck taco. Jalapeños again provide a nice accent. For drinks, I had a Maine Beer Peeps Pale Ale. It's not bad, but more of a crisp and slightly bitter pilsner; pairs well with spicy dishes. Wife had the Larry Darryl Darryl, a melon-based cocktail that was a touch sweet, but got better as the ice melted. Blueberry pie a la mode was just OK. And a minor dig: no need for honey in the butter served with the complimentary bread (a running theme in this town). This place is slightly off the beaten path (hence the name) at the end of a driveway off the Village Green, but you can literally follow the footprints. Everything is affordable and quality: was tempted to try the $26 19oz T-bone special, but trying to enjoy local seafood. They also find ways to bring flavor to food without drowning it in sauce. Do yourself a favor: go get your lobster dinner and your beer-battered fish elsewhere, but when you're ready to have something innovative, come here. Best meal we've had in Bar Harbor.
(5)
Steve O.
Great breakfast and attentive service. No wait to be seated on a Monday morning. Excellent coffee.... Thunderbolt brew. Blueberry pancakes were tasty and filling and served with real maple syrup. Country breakfast is good if you are hungry. Kit s burrito is a good departure from traditional breakfast choices. Home fries were also good.
(4)
Emily R.
4.5 stars, but that's not an option so I rounded up. I came here while on vacation in the beginning of September, and loved this place so much we ended up coming here for breakfast 2 of our 3 mornings in Bar Harbor. You MUST get the blueberry pancakes - they are the best I ever had! They are fried so the edges are just crispy, and full of blueberries. Not to mention very generous portions! Other good options are their smoked trout omelet, various egg benedicts - granola is just OK. Service was super friendly too. As for wait times, we never had to wait though we did come during what seemed like the off season.
(5)
Todd B.
We were in Bar Harbor for two days, and ate breakfast here one of the two days. Our kids all like corned beef hash so we wanted to try their homemade version. It was outstanding. The blueberry pancakes were top notch (we liked them better than Two Cats, another top breakfast place in Bar Harbor). The service was also great, they have a lot more servers working than at Two Cats, so we were able to get in and out more quickly. We highly recommend this place!
(5)
John B.
Far better than 2 cats!!!!!! Food was amazing and price was perfect! Eat here! The location is cute and charming. The outdoor seating is off the street in a cozy area. I got the corn beef hash which had large chunks of corn beef yummy
(5)
Darrell F.
Pre-warmed coffee mugs on the table when we sat down. They had me. With that kind of attention to detail I knew all that followed would not disappoint. I was right. Our meals and service were great. The price was right. Go. Eat. Enjoy.
(5)
Frances C.
I love this place! Especially because dogs are welcome! The food was excellent I have the smoke . The service was great.
(5)
Derek C.
We gave this place a try for breakfast and we are all glad we did! We came back the next day because the food was incredible. The omelets were the best that I have ever had, and the pancakes are light crispy and full of flavor. I appreciated the fact that the servers are attentive and they kept refilling my drinks. A great restaurant never allows your drink to go below half full. This is a great restaurant....don't miss this place...my only regret is that I will have to stop eating here at some point and go back home :(
(5)
Lindsey O.
We picked this restaurant because we were sick of lobster and starving. Seriously.... there is a thing as being sick of freaking lobster. Lobster is the heaviest meal ever, loaded with cholesterol and your stomach gets jacked around the 4th meal of it. SOOO we were craving vegetables and healthier options. Welcome to Cafe This Way. I loved the veggie options. I had the chickpea dish and it was delicious. Its not always easy to cook veggies the right way with the right seasoning, but they nailed it. Thank you for providing some light healthy options! The atmosphere in the bar was also very cool. There's tons of local art on sale around the room. Beautiful pictures of flowers, and the ceiling was pretty neat too. It was artsy without being fartsy, and a great way to break up the Lobster Pounds. :-)
(4)
Jon S.
CTW is a Bar Harbor best bet. Fresh ingredients, great food combinations, and healthy alternatives. Combined with modern decor, this is a low-key relaxing joint. The Illinois omelette was flavorful and didn't leave you feeling stuffed. A small helping of home fries (diced potatoes) and 2 slices of homemade wheat toast accompanied the main dish. Not wanting to miss the blueberry pancake, I had a half-order (1 pancake) and was pleased. Maple syrup was divine - way better than expected. Remember, timing is key here folks. Come for breakfast (or even dinner I hear) and beat the crowd. Service is great, so don't risk knocking this place because of a wait.
(5)
Cassandra B.
I initially found this place in a search for vegan-friendly restaurants but I have to say that I was much more impressed at several other places in Bar Harbor (Eden is all vegan, but there are more interesting options at Pizza Cinemera, 2 Cats, and Jeannie's). My friends and I stopped in for brunch and saw that a vegan scramble was the only vegan breakfast option. Both the host and a server (or perhaps they were both hosts) told us that there are many more vegan options at dinner and encouraged us to come back then since there was a long wait for a table anyway. We came back for dinner, only to find that there are only TWO vegan dinner items. Really? Why did two different employees recommend we come back because there was a much better dinner selection? One of my friends had a squash, quinoa, and tofu dish, which was good but not great. The squash was very good but the quinoa/tofu was pretty bland. I took a bite of her food, ate some of the bread that came for an appetizer, and went to get pizza across the street.
(2)
K S.
What a gem! I've been to Bar Harbor over a dozen times and just discovered this place. We came here for breakfast and loved it. Great atmosphere, service, staff and food. Portion size was just right (no leftover boxes to lug around) and no food left on the plate. Giving 4 stars because there was only grape jelly on our table (only choice??) and wish the fried potatoes came with onions. Would absolutely return on our next trip there!
(4)
Kate M.
Best breakfast in Bar Harbor. My family eats here at least 5/7 days of our vacation weeks. The eggs benedict is great! My brother loves the monte cristo. My mom is a big fan of the coffee as well. Service is always fast and even when we have to wait, it's never too long. I remember dinner being good, but I can't remember what I had off of the menu.
(4)
Rachel B.
This place is wonderful! The food is great. I loved the pancakes and my husband had a hash omelette that was amazing! Super quick service too!! If you want great food and don't want to wait 2 hours for it, this is a must try!
(5)
DA W.
This place has slipped. Had been our favorite for years, but this year meals were just okay. No big flavors and not enough creative vegetarian meals. Biggest disappointment was staff. We used to be so welcomed at the door and wait staff were all fun. Host has zero personality (on phone and in person)--just mumbles and tosses menu on table. Nobody seems to enjoy their jobs.
(3)
Rich A.
I'm mixed on this place. I thought the menu was limited for my taste. I went with the roasted duck with a sour cherry sauce, mashed potatoes, and fresh mixed(maybe raw) vegetables. The mixed veggies contained cukes which I do not like and even after removing them that's all I could taste. The duck wasn't the best I've had but was cooked to my liking. The mashed potatoes were very good. Maybe if I had chosen another entree my feelings would have changed.
(3)
Banu S.
This was the best meal we had in Bar Harbor. We came in for breakfast and had a short wait for a table of 7. Our waiter was fantastic and super helpful. The food was pretty amazing all the way around, savory and sweet dishes alike. Will definitely be coming back here on my next trip!
(5)
Nicole M.
Went for breakfast and loved it! Sat on the porch with only a 10-15 minute wait during high season. Omelettes, pancakes and french toast were shared. And so incredibly reasonably priced. Thanks Yelp for the recommendation. Cute spot!
(4)
Ari K.
We ate here for breakfast. The blueberry pancakes were excellent and generous amounts of blueberry were baked into each pancake. The youthful wait staff are all happy to be there and it creates a lively atmosphere. Great food, service and a relaxing atmosphere. This was by far our favorite breakfast spot on Bar Harbor.
(5)
Cheska R.
Cafe This Way has become part of our family tradition when visiting Bar Harbor, Maine. We like to come in here for a big brunch on our last vacation day so that it will tide us over during our long road trip home. CTW has great service, atmosphere, and food. I haven't tried anything other than breakfast or brunch items, but they are quite delicious and makes me wish we had something similar at home. Service is very friendly, and pay great attention to detail. They don't hover, but they make sure you're taken care of. I love the decor and bright atmosphere. Neilly Harris, a local artist, has some eye-catching paintings showcased on their walls and I love the reading corners and built-in bookshelves. It adds to the homey feel of the place. If we had more time, I would have loved to just lose myself in the reading nooks with one of their big mugs of coffee or tea!
(4)
Ana N.
The tofu scramble was amazing! I was pleasantly surprised to find a place the carries tofu. Great coffee too!
(5)
Rob W.
Lobster eggs Benedict and blueberry pancakes were awesome. The home made hash is a very nice side dish and something not usually seen on a menu. The coffee and service were awesome. Very friendly. The restaurant has a very pleasant atmosphere. I would highly recommend this as a place for an enjoyable breakfast (didn't eat lunch or dinner there.....yet) and would definitely come back.
(5)
Rebecca C.
The food was very good and they have lots of vegetarian and some vegan options. The atmosphere and service was a little hipster or something....we didn't feel completely comfortable there and the waiter was a little pushy about getting us to drink alcoholic beverages (usually we don't need much convincing but after a day out in the hot sun sometimes you just want to have some water first.) Anyway, like I said, no complaints about the food...it was very good....we'll definitely be back next time we're on MDI.
(4)
Tom H.
Stopped in for breakfast. I had the corned beef hash, which was one of the best that I have ever eaten. Wife had the oatmeal which she enjoyed. Dinner menu looks enticing, but the vacation was over.
(4)
Julia C. C.
Very smart name. Made you want to go check it out. The indoor sitting were great, very cute and comfy to have breakfast there. The food were great and serverce are very good~
(4)
Westie W.
The restaurant proved to be much larger than it appeared from the outside, but we ended up being seated in a back room though we held a reservation. My wife ordered blackened medium rare tuna that included a jicama-orange salad and lime-avocado crème. The tuna was served cold so it was sent back to the kitchen. After a long wait, the waitress brought out a 2nd plate that had been sitting. She returned minutes later saying she brought out the wrong plate and put the original plate on our table. The tuna was now well done and barely room temperature. I was more successful with my entree, Brazilian Flavors - shrimp, scallops and mussels in a tomato-coconut broth with veggies and rice. The seafood was generous, but the broth would have benefited from a heavier hand with the spices.
(2)
Sam M.
Great seafood, nice atmosphere, and good wine. I recommend to make reservation for dinner since they did get very busy. Steamed cod and mussels was amazing!
(5)
Charlene I.
We had a great dinner here last night. We had spring rolls for an appetizer and then a fabulous dish of seafood served in a gingery broth with noodles. We did not have reservations but we got there shortly after it opened and we were seated almost immediately. The restaurant filled up quickly so you might want to call for reservations if you are eating after 6 pm.
(4)
YC S.
The food is about average. There isn't anything to rave about the food. However, their homemade butter for the bread is unbelievable. It's silky and smooth, and it doesn't taste oily. I finished the whole basket of bread, and I could have finished another one just for the butter. The butter is simply amazing.
(3)
Eileen S.
Delicious dinner. We were a large group and everyone was very happy with their dinner choices, including 2 vegetarians in the group. If you are looking to satiate your lobster fix, the lobster trio is a good choice. 3 versions of a lobster roll, what's not to like? They also won me over with the eco-friendly straws. But I suppose that is to be expected, it is Bar Harbor after all. Reservations encouraged. Parking can be a challenge, so plan ahead.
(4)
T P.
Cafe This Way was recommended by a friend - rightly so. Every dish that came to our plate was excellent. Appetizers included a lettuce wrap with lobster, and the best sauteed Brussels sprouts I've ever had , with honey, sriracha, and bacon. We had four seafood dinners - halibut over a bed of fennel and heirloom tomatoes, peacan encrusted halibut, seared tuna, and steamed cod and mussel stew. All hit the spot! not your typical tourist town joint. You'll be missing out if you skip this place.
(5)
Ali K.
We had dinner there today after reading the great reviews. We ordered Swordfish and Tuna. The swordfish was ok, but the Tuna was very salty. The portion size was smaller than expected. On the plus side, the service was good. However, we would not like to go there again.
(2)
Terri V.
Cafe this way is a little place down a driveway off Mt. Desert street......we loved the location! The food was really good with a variety of breakfast items that were very different than your normal blah breakfast foods. The cafe inside was really nice with books everywhere. Recommend this place.....just follow the sign that says "Cafe this Way"! :)
(5)
Judy C.
If I could give a place 0 stars, this would be one of them. I was really excited to eat here after seeing the glowing yelp reviews, but I never got to try the food. Instead, my bf and I were treated exrremely poorly. This was my last meal before leaving Maine and this place completely soured my mood. I don't really want to re-experience my time at Cafe This Way. I'll just say that we sat at a table for more than 45 minutes with our menus, while our waitress continued to pass us by like we were invisible. We told the host twice that we hadn't been served, but that people around us were and were getting their drinks and food. We finally left after a table (only two tables down from us) was seated more than half-an-hour after us and had already gotten their drinks and ordered their food and no one had yet stopped by our table. At that point, we had to walk out. I was not going to stay any longer and be treated that way.
(1)
Alex D.
Nice location service was nice. The pork Shank was dry and the Asian salad was very basic. Not what I expected and not sure I would return.
(3)
Peter M.
Best meal on MDI (although my wife might argue it was the lobster at Thurstons Lobster Pound). Really nice environment and friendly service. We had Brussels sprouts (sweet and delicious), lobster spring rolls and watermelon salad for appetizers, and swordfish special and prime rib for entrees. All served with tasty sauces and cooked perfectly. Even the bread with honey butter was great. I would definitely eat here again, and we may try to tomorrow! Highly recommended.
(4)
Nicole C.
I loved this place! We came here for breakfast on our last day in Bar Harbor and I was thoroughly impressed with the delicious food and coffee and it was good service to boot. The blueberry pancakes were fabulous and (gasp!) they didn't charge you for maple syrup. Will definitely go back on future trips!
(5)
Kelly P.
This is our first visit to Bar Harbor, and friends recommended Cafe This Way. I'm so glad they did! Excellent breakfast, good service, lively atmosphere (including the well behaved dog having breakfast with her owners!). I had "the usual" with turkey bacon and it was delish. They offer egg whites if desired, which is perfect for my husband. We returned for another breakfast two days later. The prices are reasonable and appreciated in this high cost tourist area. Highly recommend!
(4)
Denise M.
Lots of unusual Benedict choices! Husband had his with Canadian bacon, I had spinach, tomato and artichoke heart Benedict. Both were excellent! Was surprised not to see an lobster omelet. Pot of hot tea is the most economical beverage - I recommend the tutti fruity.
(4)
Amanda E.
hip atmosphere, awesome food, fast efficient service. loved how the hostess offered us coffee in their mugs while we waited a couple minutes for a table. we got a build your own omelette that was delicious & happily devoured but also pretty oily (could taste & see the griddle oil on the egg) but omelet ingredients were amazing ( roasted red pepper, goat cheese, spinach, red onion). kit'a burrito with fresh salsa & guacamole was great, huge! will definitely go back next time we are in bar harbor.
(4)
Suzanne S.
Solid breakfast spot in Bar Harbor. The decor is modern and trendy, with various paintings and other artwork adorning the maroon walls. The main room is very open and airy, which was pleasant. This place has a high energy, fairly fast paced vibe. I felt relaxed while eating but I did notice the waitstaff zigzagging back and forth through the diningroom. Just something to note if you are looking for a place that is more laid back or sleepy. I had The Harney for breakfast, which is two poached eggs atop homemade corned beef hash dressed with Hollandaise sauce. This meal was also served with wheat toast. The portion size was very good. I was able to eat it all without being stuffed. The hash was tasty, though I did feel a little bored of the flavor by the time I was through. Perhaps a different dish with a side of hash would've been the way to go. The hash itself had a nice texture with finely chopped potatoes and beef. It wasn't at all greasy, which is sometimes common with this dish. Basically, all of the food was above average, though I wasn't astounded by the experience. Service was prompt and efficient. The coffee was also good. This place is definitely on the map for breakfast places to try in Bar Harbor.
(4)
Alex M.
OMG... most unbelievable pancakes. Enough said. My gf said the mimosas were pretty good too.
(5)
Jeffrey L.
Great experience. We arrived without a reservation and they were able to find us a great table immediately outside. They also have their own parking lot. The food was great. We got the brussel sprouts, Brazilian shrimp, scallops, and mussels, and the pecan crusted halibut.
(4)
Anonymous E.
We went for breakfast and dinner. The meals were great. I had eggs benedict for breakfast and tuna for dinner. The latte's are pretty awesome too!
(5)
Jessica W.
Came here for dinner and started with the crabcakes.. They were absolutely delicious. Would definitely come here again just to have the crab cakes again. I had the brazilian seafood dish as an entree which was more than enough. The seafood was fresh and again delicious. I shared the blueberry pie a la mode to finish off the meal! overall, I would rate this place a 5..!
(5)
Debra L.
When we go to Acadia/bar Harbor, this is my favorite part of the trip. Sometimes we stay at an Inn nearby, and sometimes we camp on Mount Dessert island. Regardless, we make it a point to fit in breakfast here. there is pretty much always a wait but it's a pleasant wait. You sit outside on a warm sunny day in one of their many chairs and drink your coffee. They kindly provide coffee while you wait. By the time you are seated, you're naturally starving and the food does no disappoint.I've had the eggs Bennedict, breakfast burritos and omeletles. Everything is fresh and there are a lot of healthy options. My husband usually gets pancakes with bacon or sausage, which I have never had but he always seems pleased. Staff is friendly which is especially impressive given how hectic this place is.
(5)
Arienne H.
Note: This visit was in May 2011. 3.5 for the food. Well above average for Bar Harbor (excepting the lobster shacks, of course), average for what I'm used to from fine dining in Nashville. (Seriously, there's fine dining in Nashville.) 1 for the service: we were seated at 9:10 p.m., 20 minutes before kitchen closed. Our server gave us look of death, didn't give us any menus and didn't tell us about the specials until promoted. 4 for the great wine special on the night we went. My sister ordered the tuna over tomatoes with capers and green beans and was happy. I ordered the pecan crusted halibut streak with garlic and a yummy cajun tatar sauce. Good, but felt heavy. Mashed potatoes were delicious, but again, heavy. I would have appreciated a simple spinach side.
(3)
Matthew R.
Blueberry pancakes were fluffy and had a delicious crispy circumference. Delicious!
(4)
Thomas D.
We went there for the two vegetarian options that Cafe This Way offered. We both ended up having the chickpea curry and were both disappointed: quite bland, and the cauliflower "rice" was really bitter. Service was friendly but there was a lot of wait for our food. We won't be going back.
(3)
Marta K.
Friendly service. Yummy pancakes with real maple syrup. Latte machine was on the fritz. Husband liked the granola with yogurt very much but would have liked more yogurt. Will go again. Great menu.
(4)
Katie S.
Delicious Brussels sprouts appetizer, tasty cod and mussels, and yummy seafood pot. Fantastic desserts.
(5)
JJ C.
We tried this place after it had been recommended by a non hotel employee for breakfast (basically our Hotel staff at the Holiday Inn Sunspree are under strict orders to deny any other restaurants exist, or just happen to remember to send you to another property owned by the Holiday Inn) Staff: Great, everyone in this place seems to have the same goal, to make the customers happy, everyone seemed in a great mood The Menu is fun, the layout is bright and alive, complete with local art on the walls. I had the "Harney" poached eggs with some homemade hash, excellent Wife had an omellete. Coffee was good Our Server was Cesar, he is very relaxed, but attentive. Definitely check this place out
(4)
Lisa M.
This is a great place. We've been a few times and breakfast is always good. Just a few things I'd note: - The granola isn't worth getting when compared to other menu items. Obviously granola hardly ever is, but sometimes places that make their own granola with lots of great stuff and serve with organic whole milk yogurt end up with a "granola and yogurt" worth getting. I didn't find that to be true here. Runny low-fat tasting yogurt and ordinary granola. - Do not order the Ghiradelli hot chocolate. They make it with water (or possibly skim milk). Unacceptable, IMO. Otherwise, everything we've had from here has been great. And there was no wait on a sunny Saturday at the very end of June. Per other reviews, that looks not to be the case later in the season.
(4)
Matthew L.
Really cool little breakfast spot. Service was friendly and lightening-fast. Food hit the table a couple minutes after he took our order. Fresh as can be. Omlette had tomatos, basil, goat cheese and parmesan--delicious! Wife had blueberry pancakes with crisp bacon. Awesome breakfast...
(5)
Gregg V.
Let me start off saying that we only ate here for breakfast (not dinner) and that I'm a breakfast snob. It really takes a lot to wow me with breakfast food, but boy did this place ever. I can't remember the last time I said "WOW" out loud after my first bite. We were there around 10am on a Sunday morning and the place was really crowded. Help yourself to a cup of coffee by the Hostess stand and enjoy the wait. Their coffee is some of the best I had on MDI. For the food, my wife and daughter had really good omlettes and I had one of the days specials - walnut banana pancakes. Next year's selection will definitely be the breakfast burrito!
(5)
Kate E.
Cafe This Way is the very best brunch to be had in Bar Harbor. My friends and I make sure to make if for the first and last days every year. It can be a little of a wait if you're not careful to come early or late, but it's is well worth every minute! The staff is lovely and the food is unmatched in Bar Harbor. I've only been for dinner a couple of times, but again it was lovely and well worth every penny. Love love LOVE this place.
(5)
Mark S.
Friendly, casual service. Mojito was excellent. Food was for the most part, very good. We started with the lobster spring rolls and oven roasted brussels sprouts. Both were delicious. The spring rolls let the lobster do the talking. The brussels sprouts were seasoned well with garlic and spices that made my taste buds smile. Pecan crusted halibut with tartar sauce (had a nice kick to it) was excellent, squash noodles over polenta were simple but delicious. The halibut special wrapped in prosciutto was a little disappointing. It was rather bland. All in all it was a great meal and we look forward to our next visit.
(4)
Victoria M.
We were recommended to try Cafe This Way for dinner by a friendly bartender at Cottage Street Pub (which is a nice place to hang out for a beer too). She even provided us the local guide with a partial menu so we could take a look before heading over. The restaurant had very "ambient" lighting (read: a little dark), but was laid back and had a welcoming atmosphere. It was quite busy and everyone seemed to be having a great time. We started with The Littlebit, a hot skillet of melted asiago cheese with roasted garlic, tapenade, and roasted peppers with bread for schmearing on. Way to put a bunch of good things together into a better thing, Tas-ty! I ordered the Lobster Roll Trio (we're in Maine after all) which had an Asian style, Western style, and traditional style on brioche along with potatoes and veg. All of them were good - I ate all of them, but I'm partial to the traditional one as it had the most lobster flavor. BF ordered the duck special they had that day. A seared and sliced duckbreast, fingerling potatoes, and veg. The duck meat was cooked nicely, but probably could have been rendered a bit more and gotten a crispier skin. The roasted potatoes were fantastic and I kept stealing them! For dessert we had a slice of blueberry pie a la mode. Very nice crust, filling wasn't too sweet, great warm pie to ice cream ratio. It was a great little stop and I'm glad we met that bartender!
(4)
Kristin A.
Had breakfast here.... both of us got Eggs Benedict. Good coffee & food was great. Service was a little bit slow. We found this place on the last day of our vacation- I was kind of sad we didn't get to try lunch there.
(4)
Michelle H.
Yes, yes and yes. Good food for a reasonable price (not inexpensive mind you but just this side of reasonable) and great service. Atmosphere didn't hurt either. It has a hip, casual feel with candle-lights, artsy decor, and artwork for sale on the walls. Penny was our server and she was sweet and well paced. Food: I had the seafood chowder with mussels, sea scallops and shrimp in a coconut milk and tomatoe broth over rice. Perfect. It was warm and comforting and the seafood was just cooked. Soft and succulent = ideal and that is what you get here. My sister was with me and got the Shepherd's Pie (not a seafood person) and said that while it was the most expensive shepherd's pie she's ever had, it was also the best and was worth the price. I tried a bit and loved the sauce on top. Coming back? Definitely. I would love to come for breakfast or lunch but I will be coming back for dinner the next time I'm in Bar Harbor.
(5)
Ronald S.
Breakfast: Amazing pancakes. Dinner: Amazing cashew crusted Tofu. For breakfast they have a pretty decent selection of vegetarian and vegan options, not many places go to the extent they do here. I had pancakes and they were some of the best I have had in a long time. (reasonable priced breakfast) Dinner here was also very good - we were a large group of 10+ and we had a reservation and everything went great - good atmosphere, pleasant staff, delicious food with good vegan/vegetarian options. Everyone loved their meals, and the kids all liked the cafeteria style plates they had dinner on. vegan corn-waffle & soy chicken chorizo .. SO GOOD. (dinner here wasnt cheap) Parking in their lot is sort of hit or miss but it isnt too far from the public parking in town, or you can just walk or take the bus! One of my favorite bar harbor places.
(5)
Ben R.
Bartender at McKay's Public House recommended that we go here for breakfast, and it was seconded by two folks who summer in Bar Harbor on the regular, so we made plans for the next morning. Parking lot was full so guess we picked the right place. We were seated quickly and our server came over to take our drink orders. The bartender told me that he gets a special drink he calls the Dirty Iced Mocha Chai (iced chai with soy milk, a shot of espresso, and a shot of mocha). DELICIOUS. I ordered the Murphy Omelette. It was good, but given that it has potatoes in it already, serving it with home fries was a bit overkill. My friend got the Kit's Burrito, which she liked a lot. Messy, but good. Maybe a knife and fork job. Food and service were quick, and it was a lively crowd. Would come back and try some other things next time.
(3)
Marty C.
Loved the service and the food was great! I would definitely come back again! Maybe tomorrow..
(5)
Sue W.
This was one of the two places in Bar Harbor we came back to eat a second time. The food was great, with no waiting for a table both times. Great experience!
(4)
Melissa R.
Breakfast burrito was off the hook, and I ended up eating my kid's blueberry pancake because it was so good!!
(5)
george k.
We revisited Cafe This Way this past week. Still love the energy, the decor/spacing and the servers. The food is also a bit different from the other places in Bar Harbor. My wife had the seafood spring rolls and the fried brussel sprouts. Both were very flavorful, especially the sprouts. I had the special soup, SW corn/seafood soup. Not as good as expected but still enjoyable. I ordered the pecan encrusted halibut. The halibut was too thick and a bit dry. Wasn't my favorite. Our server was wonderful and let us eat at our pace. I would go back again.
(4)
Joy W.
We had the lobster rolls and clam chowder here for dinner-I thought it was good-nothing to rave about however.
(3)
Jessica B.
OMG pancakes! Coffee is really strong, eggs were great, hash was homemade and good, eggs bene homemade. The fruit cup is awesome... How often can you get that excited about a fruit cup!? Art on the walls is awesome. Waiter rocked. You should go!
(5)
Kelly Anne M.
Great vibe and atmosphere. We did brunch and loved our little table in the corner. Hash, the kit burrito and a pancake to share - all were awesome and super filling. The blueberry pancake really was everything others were talking about. Wish we has more time in Bar Harbor, would love to go back.
(5)
Miki M.
I love, LOVE this restaurant!!! I've been there three times when I stayed at Bar Harbor and their breakfast always makes me happy! Their blueberry pancakes are the best and service is always great!!!!! 5+++++
(5)
Matt L.
Not sure what all the hype is with this place. We stopped in as they opened on Labor Day and there was a bunch of people waiting in the lot as well. First off the place doesn't look like much, but inside it is decorated really nice. Dark burgundy walls with nice paintings from local artists lining the walls and book cases with books lining the lower walls. It is quite a large place surprisingly. The staff is what looks like college students waiting tables with no personalities and not an ounce of customer service. They barely said anything as they seated us and the continuation of the look of almost doing us a favor was apparent. Sad too because if it weren't for this, my rating may be a notch higher. The menu is a collection of breakfast items which are very creative and inventive and all sound decent. I ordered the french toast - cinnamon raisin and when i took a bite, it just tasted bland and with a burnt taste. The eggs benedict my wife ordered, the claim to fame of this place was just no biggie, average, pancake house selection. Even the coffee was whatever. The prices are average but don't balance with the amount of food you receive. To sum it up, I see no allure of this place and find it hard to believe it is all that it is cracked up to be or I must be missing something. With so many other places to grab breakfast in Bar Harbor, why not skip this place and try another.
(2)
T J.
We were in Bar Harbor the last week of July and stumbled onto this wonderful restaurant. We saw a sign "Cafe This Way" on the side of a building, directing us from the main road through town down an alley to the entrance of the restaurant by the same name as the sign, so it was a cute play on words (first surprise). The second nice surprise was the atmosphere of the restaurant. It's decorated very artsy and funky with some sort of fabric stretched across the ceiling, cool mood lighting at night, local art hanging on the wall, old books on book shelves, all of which make for an inviting appearance. The greeter and wait staff were all friendly and personable. The third nice surprise is that the food was excellent! It sounds like this restaurant is owned by 3 women by the restaurant business card we picked up (not sure). I am wondering if the 3 women are the chefs? Whoever does the cooking is well skilled in making delicious, unusual dinners and breakfasts. Our first experience was to eat dinner at Cafe This Way. My husband and I both had the surf and turf special, which was a petite filet mignon, tender, juicy, done pretty much the way we ordered it, and a lobster cake, which was similar to a crab cake, except it had nice chunks of lobster meat in it. Our meals were very good. We enjoyed dinner so much, we went back for breakfast the next morning. My husband had bacon, eggs, and homefries. I had the Kit's Breakfast Burrito. We enjoyed breakfast too. If you are going to Bar Harbor, you have to check this place out. It was fantastic!
(5)
Craig B.
Had a very nice Porter from Finland that I've never seen before. The appetizer was a local cow's milk cheese fried and served over tomatoes. There's a variety of sea food, chicken, beef, and vegetarian fare. I had the eggplant Shepard's Pie. Very nice. Good service. Didn't have dessert but there were about seven different local pies, cakes, and ice cream. Waitress said that she really likes the halibut. Based on everything else that she suggested, I'm sure that's a good choice, too. Expect to spend about $30 per person.
(4)
Rachel B.
After 2 nights of eating at the Poor Boy, we decided to check out Cafe This Way. In part because my seafood obsessed parents may have been feeling guilty about going to more seafood themed restaurants. However they decided to check this place out, I'm so glad they did. I got a tomato, white bean puree, asparagus pesto, feta cheese strata over mixed greens. And that was just the appetizer. Light, fresh, healthy. My meal was a butternut squash stuffed with moroccan inspired quinoa, chickpeas, tomatoes, and tofu. Absolutely delicious. Full of flavor. Very fresh. Not heavy at all. My parents both had seafood dishes and cleaned their plates as well. Also ordered a mojito. It was good- although not the best I've ever had. The service was good, but the place definitely got very loud by the time we left. That was really the only drawback in my opinion. Also worth noting that they have a vegan/vegetarian/gluten free menu as well. :)
(4)
Jerry S.
Excellence in breakfast, period.
(5)
Ron W.
A friend who was in Bar Harbor the week before said he loved this place. I think it comes in a distant second to 2 Cats. First, they were crowded and told us to come back in 20 minutes. We took a quick walk, came back in 10 minutes, and then said they looked for us and gave away our place in line. Did their best to accommodate quickly, but still had to wait another 10 minutes or so. So not a big deal, but irritating start to the meal. As for the food, I did not have the blueberry pancakes, so cant go apples for apples comparison. But had something called the Monte Cristo...French toast sandwich, over fried egg and ham. A combo of a lot of my favorite things that somehow ended up kind of gross. Also, the home fries were way too peppery. I like flavor, but they overdid it and made them really hard for me to enjoy (and impossible for my kids to eat). I dunno...just didnt feel it here.
(3)
Hiu Ting C.
Their prices are wonderful and had the best blueberry pancakes and lobster Benedict there!!! we went to many other "famous" breakfast place and this place was the best! Go there now if you're in the area! Oh and can you say no to Pomegranite Mimosa?
(5)
Jo B.
Lots of people go to Cafe This Way for breakfast and love it. I can't review that because I do breakfast at home. Dinner, however, is why I go to Cafe This Way. Last night (Sat, Memorial Day weekend) 6 of us met for a very casual dinner and never once felt rushed. As our group staggered in (30 minutes between first and last to arrive) our server, Marcus, made each of us feel welcome and respected our desire to wait for others, making sure to check from time to time on drinks and offering to place orders for apps if wanted. Menu selection for Dinners are varied enough to please everyone (vegetarian to meat & potato lovers). Our group had a wide selection of appetizers, salads and entrees and everyone enjoyed their meal. The Maine Spring Roll and Tempura Tuna w/Wasabi Sauce were my partners and my choices for app. Others split a caesar salad or The Littlebit (toast w/cheese dip). Entrees were duck and southwest shepherds pie (veggie w/eggplant - no meat), squash noodles, and seafood. Apps cost $10-$15, entrees run $16 - $25. We all gobbled down our entire meals - no take home for us hungry eaters...
(5)
Alyssa S.
Along with their delicious breakfast, Cafe This Way offers its customers a relaxing and laid back environment to dine in. Our waitress was very efficient, knowledgeable, and friendly. For morning cocktails, I had a mimosa with a mixture of pomegranate and orange juices, and D had a spicy bloody mary. Food-wise, I had the most delicious Bagel Plate, which included a toasted plain bagel with cream cheese, smoked trout, and the cafe's "bagel chop" (diced tomato, cucumber, red onion, and capers). YUM! I cleaned my plate. D had the Lobster Benedict, and, seriously, you can't go wrong with Maine lobster for breakfast. 2 thumbs up for this place!
(4)
Trisha R.
This place was great! Fun, inventiive breakfasts in a very cool space. You walk in to the vibe of a coffee house/art gallery because the art is beautiful and the coffee is outstanding, while still being very homey and relaxing. The portions are good and they have a good selection of fresh/healthy ingredients on their menu to go with your unhealthy hollandaise ;)
(5)
Tiffany N.
This place came highly recommended to us while exploring Bar Harbor. It boasts funky decor and the best corned beef hash I've ever tasted. The service was unremarkable. Neither good, nor bad. I had the McThisWay Big Breakfast Sandwich with turkey bacon. Very tasty! Then the kicker...the corned beef hash. It was nearly life changing. Made with real corned beef (not the canned crap) and served as a "side portion" so large we could have eaten it as a meal. Extremely flavorful and not overly greasy. I'd recommend this place to anyone...even if it's just to try the corned beef hash. You WON'T be disappointed.
(4)
P B.
had the most delicious breakfast here. I recommend the goat cheese, tomato omlet. It was fabulous.
(5)
Sergey S.
Really great vibe, great atmosphere, nice decor and really attentive service. We skipped on the appetizers because we weren't that hungry and went straight for the entree's. The Seafood Sliders were to die for; shrimp salad was great, the crab cake slider was juicy and meaty and the lobster slider was perfect. Dishes are in the $20-25 price range. They had a nice offering of wine also in the $20-25 range which is a steal.
(5)
Eric L.
Went for dinner last night. What a great experience. My wife and I started out with drinks. Well balanced beverages. I had something similar to a Moscow Mule. It was delicious. She had a Malbec. We had the Roasted Red Pepper and Garlic cheese plate (cheese comes melted) app. THe acccompanying bread was spot on. Great start to our meal. We're not that adventurous with food so we played it safe. I had the Cashew Encrusted Chicken and she had the Cashew Encrusted Tofu. My dish was great, perfect spcied and cooked fresh chicken. Served on the side was green beans and mashed potatoes. I was very happy with my dinner. I tried the tofu and it was very very good. We couldn't stop so we had the Banana Foster for desert and, yup, great. I'll be back next time. The meal came to $72 without tip. Decent price IMO.
(5)
Brian M.
Tried both breakfast and dinner, food was good but not exceptional and service was understaffed. Halibut was overcooked a bit but the lamb was perfect. We had to sit at the bar due to no reservation and on more than one occasion we saw people get up from their table to order drinks directly from the bartender since they couldn't get their waitress. So eating at the bar is actually better service since the bartender is right there. Overall 4 stars for dinner. Breakfast we arrived early and food was ok to good depending on what you ordered. Omelet was ok, eggs Benedict were good but took over an hour to get to our table. Maybe they were waiting on the chicken to lay the eggs... 2 stars for breakfast resulting in 3 overall
(3)
Beverly D.
Had breakfast here. Highly recommended. Good sized portions, excellent wait staff, lovely funky artwork on the walls, food was fresh and tasty. We walked to the restaurant from our hotel as parking is a little tough to do sometimes in Bar Harbor in the summer. On a side note, it seemed like the wait staff were all part-time models - wow, were they cute to look at!
(4)
Kendra F.
Must go!! Kit's burrito was great! Very nice restaurant and outdoor area. Great breakfast menu and good service! A breakfast delight!
(5)
Christopher J.
Great breakfast joint! My omlette (Sam and Eggs) was awesome. Spinach, feta, artichokes, and olives. Perfectly prepared. You can buy the artwork and the stuff was kind of fun and happy. My buddy thought the Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon were just ok. His fault for thinking runny eggs and smoked fish would work in the first place though. Oh... The coffee was just a notch above an exxon station... Bleck. Spend the extra cash and buy a latte or a cappucino. Overall good experience. Great atmosphere. Packed house. Good stuff.
(4)
Brian B.
It has been 3 years since my wife and I vacationed in Maine and we still reminisce about our meals at Cafe This Way. We ate 3 meals here during our 4 day stop in Bar Harbor. Everything we ordered was amazing and the atmosphere was equally good. I feel that if you visit Bar Harbor and do not eat at Cafe This Way at least once, you've missed out on one of the best meals of your life.
(5)
Doug C.
Outstanding. Best breakfast ever, well no but I can say second best. My wife had kits burrito and I had eggs Benedict and some oatmeal. Everything was cooked to perfection service was excellent. We did it again the next day.
(5)
Amy M.
Close walking distance from the harbor. Lovely atmosphere. Friendly staff. Fantastic Mimosas. My BF's pancakes ... AMAZING.
(5)
Michael L.
I came to Cafe This Way with my girlfriend 2 and half years ago, but after a friend asked me about our trip to Maine I still remember this place as one of the highlights of our trip to Acadia. We ended up coming here 3 mornings in a row with our books to sit and have a relaxing, delicious breakfast. For breakfast lovers, this place does it right with a huge selection of fantastic meals to choose from. Our only souvenir purchased on this trip (an outdoor trip through NH and Maine) was a big mug from Cafe This Way, which we still use every Saturday for tea.
(4)
Jack L.
Enjoyed dinner and breakfast here. Loved the atmosphere and the food was delish. We preferred dinner over breakfast as I was a tiny bit disappointed in the blueberry pancakes (I admit I had very high expectations). The presentation and preparation, notwithstanding my pancake expectations, was outstanding. It is interesting to me how the atmosphere changes from day to night, in an entirely appropriate way, just by virtue of the change in light. So bustling and high energy at breakfast, and then nicely on the more calmed-down side for dinner. Will definitely go back if we make it to Bar Harbor again.
(4)
Alli G.
Seafood spring rolls were delicious - perfect marriage of lobster & crab in a crunchy wrapper. Only complaint is you only get two! Pecan encrusted halibut was slightly overlooked but still on this side of moist so it was good... Hubby's rib eye was perfectly cooked and the sauce was spot on. Table runner (not our waiter) screwed up our dessert order but we ate it anyway... Sinful chocolate mousse.
(4)
J M.
Paid $3.25 for a 6 ounce cup of hot chocolate with a squirt of whipped cream from a can. Made with water, it was almost tasteless. And the 'boss' there made sure that he put the whipped cream on top. I heard another worker there say to her boyfriend he does that bcauz he thinks they put too much on! If this place depended on locals for repeat biz, they would go broke. Don't go!
(1)
Jerry M.
Really liked my dinner. Wish I had known they also serve breakfast.
(4)
Joseph H.
Just Follow the Feet Situated about sixty feet back from the street, Cafe This Way is reached by a driveway that leads to a gravel parking lot. In case you're directionally challenged and on foot, just follow the white shoe prints painted onto the driveway that lead to the restaurant from the menu board mounted at curbside. The impetus for this review is the salad my wife had which she judged was "one of the best she's ever had." She declined to rate it the best ever only to keep her future options open. (She's a salad aficionado.) In any case, it was one of the evening's dinner specials: a salad of mixed greens, fingerling potatoes, cucumbers, beets, tomatoes, and grilled tuna with a light application of a vinaigrette dressing. This for $22. The cherry tomatoes were wonderfully ripe and sweet; the beets were an unusual orangy-red and flavorful; the potatoes were a nice touch; the tuna steak was perfectly prepared. I had something called the Southwest Shepherd's Pie - mashed potatoes sandwiched between two eggplant circles fried to crispiness, the whole thing topped with a spicy sauce of creamed, fresh corn kernels. This for $16. Dining can either be inside or on a covered porch. The service was attentive and cheerful.
(4)
debra p.
Great breakfasts and dinner. They make a homemade corned beef hash with eggs for breakfast, roast their own coffee...delish! Dinner was equally good.
(4)
Steve B.
Breakfast at Cafe This Way was very nice. I had eggs, bacon, potatoes, oj, coffee; breakfast partner didn't want the large pancakes and egg breakfast, so server suggested building a smaller breakfast, with half an order of blueberry pancakes, and a side order of eggs. It was perfect for her. While we were there we chatted with the server, and we looked at the dinner menu and talked about things like chimichurri sauce and other foodie things. We decided we'd come back in the evening, and made a reservation. It was a good thing that we'd made the reservation, since the place was jammed that evening -- it was because is was Bar Harbor's 2012 Fashion Night Out. I had a Caesar salad, dinner partner had mixed greens, and we both had the beef tenderloin and lobster special. We shared a bottle of wine and finished things off with coffee and a shared slice of blueberry pie. Everything was delicious! Cafe This Way has inside and patio seating. When we were there, the walls were covered with nice paintings -- mostly bright flowers! It's a cheerful, happy place.
(5)
Mary R.
Unique variations on old favorites at a good price point.
(4)
Nico D.
My parents and i came for dinner. Creative menu Wonderful staff, fun atmosphere. good to great food. great potatoes, Overall, for what you're getting, it's affordable. For you appetizer get the "littlebit" If I could, I would eat here every night of our trip to Bar Harbor.
(4)
Rishi S.
Charming spot for dinner. Reasonably priced, helpful service, and quiet hidden gem.
(4)
Erica R.
Cafe this way was recommended by our rock climbing guide that afternoon as more of a fine dining experience. We showed up in hiking clothes, exhausted, but the hostess was able to find space for us despite the fact that all the tables were reserved. We ended up sitting in the "living room" which I liked much better than being at a table even. The service was EXCELLENT. Our waiter was attentive, quick, and helpful. The Shepherds pie was recommended both by our rock climbing guide and our waiter, so I got it and LOVED it. Reminded me of something I would find at Clydes or Founding Farmers here in the DC area. Pricier but worth it at least once while you are in BH!
(5)
Taryn A.
Delicious food and definitely enough to fill you up and take some home. I love the diet-limited friendly menu (I'm lactose intolerant). Atmosphere is fun with a modern twist and staff is friendly.
(4)
David H.
My wife and 2 teenagers enjoyed and amazing meal last night, during our (first) annual trip to the Acadia area. The food, the service, and the atmosphere were right on. My flank steak was tender and plentiful, my son's Brazilian seafood stew was so good that the rest of us were eating out of his bowl. The wine selection (try the house Cab!) and local beers on draught provided exactly what we needed after our 6-hour kayak tour. I would -- and will -- recommend this restaurant to anyone. You will NOT be disappointed!
(5)
Steve M.
We went to Cafe This Way for dinner once, and breakfast twice during our 4 day trip over the 4th of July week in Bar Harbor. I hope repetition describes how much we enjoyed this place. A great semi "dive" in Bar Harbor, almost has the feeling of eating in someone's house. Breakfasts are outstanding with great coffee and amazing omelette creations. I would try to get there before 9 if its a vacation week/weekend since the line does start forming early. Most people seem to forget about it as a dinner spot but we loved the casual dinner and great lobster salads, fresh fish entree's etc after a day of running around in BH. Ideally try to get a seat on the awning small patio area, during hot days the back of restaurant can get a little stuffy.
(4)
Abby W.
Just had breakfast here two mornings while visiting a week or so back. Thought the staff were super nice, the ambiance was great and were able to get seated pretty quickly even when it was busy. Also liked the artwork on the walls. In terms of breakfast I enjoyed my egg sandwich (think it was called a McSandwich or something like that) had thinly sliced turkey bacon in it & cheese on an English muffin. Mmmm. The second day we both got the oatmeal which I was a bit bummed about. We love oatmeal & normally have it for breakfast almost every day - cooked. Fresh fruit - great! Instant oatmeal that wasn't cooked - boo. My two cents, make some steel cut oats in a slow cooker or just make first thing in the am, tastes WAY better and is better for you. Even when they reheated (I think maybe microwaved it) I then had cooked fruit on barely cooked oatmeal. Otherwise did like the place & would go back, just wouldn't order that particular menu item unless they change it (hint hint if the management is reading this).
(4)
Tara W.
Returned again this year for 2 breakfasts so far. Good for vegetarians and have a vegan tofu dish. Had the Green Eggs and Sam, and the Pattie, substituting tofu for eggs. Feta tasted more like goat cheese to me but other than that it was good. Hot sauce is good. They don't have a children's menu, but the first day they made our toddler a single pancake and the second a single scrambled egg. Had black tea; it was bagged but decent. Service is friendly and responsive. Pancakes are the thinner style; I prefer thick and fluffy. Home fries are real potatoes cooked well and not overly spiced or greasy. I love that they use paper straws. Wheat toast is good. I think this is better food and bargain than 2 Cats.
(4)
Aaron D.
I went to Cafe This Way while on a trip to Acadia. After reading reviews, this looked like the best casual dining option in the Bar Harbor area. I haven't been as disappointed with a meal as I was at Cafe This Way in quite some time. Overall, the food was a B-. Reasons: stale bread, cold scallops, everything too greasy. What brings the restaurant down a level was that the greens still had dirt in them - yes they're local and organic but you can wash them better - and that dinner took almost an hour after we had finished our salads. Cafe This Way had promise, and the service was fine, but with mediocre food all around I cannot recommend it.
(2)
Alexandra C.
We ate at Cafe This Way on our final evening in Bar Harbor and it was by far the best meal we had during our entire trip. The Brazilian Flavors Shrimp, Scallops, and Mussels was incredibly tasty. My mom's Moroccan Flavors Stuffed Butternut Squash also looked delicious and my dad raved about his Southwest Shepherd's Pie. Overall, the menu seems flavorful and unique. For dessert, we ordered the Blueberry Pie. The pie was perfect. We were all members of the clean plate club this evening. I would also recommend their coffee. Make a reservation; this place is popular - and for good reason! You can see more reviews of Bar Harbor and Acadia activities and restaurants on the vacations page of my blog: lovingthegoodlife.wordpr…
(5)
Kate M.
Really great food as always! Thanks for a wonderful meal - the tuna tartare, the scallops and the hanger steak were all delicious.
(5)
Janelle M.
Great place for breakfast although you'll most likely encounter a wait. The good thing is you can grab a coffee and sit outside while you wait for your table. It's a pretty large place and the noise level is energetic. Our breakfast was plentiful and satisfying. Menu has some creative flair along with plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans.
Two- and- a- half stars - good service, I liked my entree but my husband said his t-bone steak special was fatty and did not distinguish itself...the poor lighting and noise level really detract from this restaurant. We had the trivia table which was fun but hard to read because of the poor lighting...and the noise was just a ring of hell. Not a good value for the price.
(2)
S G.
Enjoyed breakfast here on Friday. I ordered the corned beef hash with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. It was delicious! Our waiter was perfectly friendly and helpful. The artwork inside is beautiful, I very much enjoyed that. This place is different. A very enjoyable experience all around. Would definitely go again.
(4)
Lil S.
We came here for breakfast and dinner at the end of August. Both times we enjoyed our meals. I had the shepherd's pie and my husband had the Brazilian flavors shrimp, scallop and mussels for dinner. They were really good. My husband also loved their blueberry pie. Prices were pretty reasonable. Make sure you ask for outdoor seating during the summer because they don't have AC and it can be stuffy sitting inside. I recommend making reservations ahead of time.
(4)
Deena S.
LOVED this place when we went to Bar Harbor last summer. GREAT breakfast - comfortable service. Even though they were jammed packed we never felt rushed. It was a long way but completely worth it. Great prices, good portion sizes and quality food. We are definitely looking forward to going back next week when we head back to Bar Harbor!
(5)
Charles L.
Wonderful food, atmosphere, and service. The seafood sliders is one of the best things on the menu.
(4)
Andrew H.
Better than 95% of the tourist schmaltz in Bar Harbor (tourists will apparently eat anything). The only reason I gave it three stars was that dinner is a touch overpriced for what it is - slightly above average. However breakfast there is spot on. Well priced, inventive, and delicious. Try to sit outside if possible. The noise inside is deafeningly loud.
(3)
Julie M.
My boyfriend and I went here one friday night in July and loved it! We were able to sit outside with our pup, and everyone was so nice even though our dog is pretty hyper. Food was delicious; I ordered a vegetarian meal, zucchini and summer squash " noodles," and my boyfriend a pork special- both we're very impressed! Atmosphere is laid back, relaxing, and romantic- stop in!
(5)
Valerie S.
Fabulous restaurant! Excellent service, And creative and delicious AND reasonably priced! If we ever go back to Bar Harbor, we will definitely return to Cafe This Way!
(4)
Shaun-Mathieu S.
At the end of a small, concealed street in Bar Harbor lies Cafe This Way, a small bistro with a fine reputation. I had heard outstanding reviews from friends about this place, and was looking forward to trying it out. I must say, I was a little disappointed by my experience here. My friends and I arrived on a busy Summer Friday morning for brunch. The seating method is somewhat chaotic. No hostess was on duty, and there were two podiums that both had people lining up behind them. I got our name on a list, and it took twice as long as the time quoted for us to be seated. Our table was on the veranda, and offered a much quieter atmosphere to converse in. Here's what I had: Monte Cristo - A threesome of a fried egg, ham, and cheddar between blankets of french toast. Exquisite and savory, it quickly made its way to the final resting place that is my belly. Home Fries - Expertly seasoned, these were perfect. And the portion size was quite generous. Coffee - Not sure what brand they use, but its strong and hearty. Our server was not very happy to see us. I'm not sure what was going on with her, but the small brunette barely smiled during the whole meal. Nor were drinks refills offered. Her service wasn't bad, but being a waiter myself, I was kind of stunned that she didn't at least try to be a little more friendly. Cafe This Way's menu and prices, however, are excellent. Their food might be the Way to Enlightenment. Definitely come here for the food, but be wary of service and seating issues.
(3)
Pinkjadez Z.
what an adorable little cafe to have dinner... the walls of this place is lined with local art work that you can purchase... the menu had your traditional Maine type seafood options with a flair. Instead of your typical lobster roll here you can get it served Asian style... yup yup ... or To start the tuna tempura rare served with seaweed salad and wasabi mayo-ish dallop on top was definitely a crowd pleas-er might want to get two orders of this... don't forget an order of the maine crab cakes these babies are served with a cajun lobster sauce... not to worry this place also has great vegetarian options, such as cashew encrusted tofu...southwest shepherd's pie(made with eggplant) yummy...
(5)
H H.
My girlfriend and I went here for dessert one Sat night. It was packed, but the host sat us in the waiting area (couches and a coffee table in the middle of the restaurant) and had blueberry pie with ice cream and a pumpkin creme brulee. It was absolutely amazing, and the host, though not an actual server, was very friendly. We came back the next night for dinner. We didn't have reservations, but came just after the last rush so we were seated promptly. Our waitress delivered menus, but took a while to get back to us even though the place was emptying out. She came back and apologized vehemently for forgetting us--we were not in her usual section. Both my girlfriend and I work in the service industry so we know how easily it is to forget about a table; however, what counts is the treatment you receive after the "oops." Our waitress waited on us perfectly for the rest of the evening: she had excellent wine recommendations, was very knowledgeable of the menu and she made sure the rest of our meal was exactly on time. We ordered two appetizers: first, an Australian salad with apples and Gouda cheese, and topped with a pumpkin seed vinaigrette. Then, we had the tuna tartare. Both were excellent and seemed precisely prepared. The dinner special sounded great (quail wrapped in prosciutto and stuffed with bacon), but we were on a quest to have lobster for every meal in Bar Harbor. So we had the lobster penne and the surf-and-turf. The penne had tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms and parm cheese--all went very nicely with the huge chunks of lobster claw. The steak was cooked just right and the Bearnaise sauce it came with went very nicely with both the red meat and lobster. It came with garlic mash and butternut squash. Overall, we had great experiences at Cafe This Way both times we went. We even got another slice of blueberry pie the second night! Our waitress didn't mind that we were the last ones in there--she talked with us for a while and took the appetizers off our bill, too. We took what we couldn't finish back to the hotel and ate it on the road back to Boston the next day (it was still great even when cold!) Between the friendly and accommodating wait staff, the delicious dinners and deserts, and the funky art on the walls, we think this is the best dinner restaurant in Bar Harbor.
(5)
Shannon S.
Nice atmosphere, delicious food, limited menu. Should open for lunch
(4)
Rosy R.
Forget it! We have loved this place for years, to it we see how downhill I has gone. Service TERRIBLE..no attention paid to us, a party of 6. Way too may people.. Felt like a zoo, tuna app was terrible, tough, stringy and over cooked. Crabcakes looked like burgers..way over seasoned and little crab. Tish Tish. You ought to do way better Sorry to say.. We will not be returning for dinner
(1)
Garret G.
Cute. Food ranged from good to excellent for dinner: lobster, pork and chicken. Service was good and friendly if not excellent. Would return. One of the better meals we had in Bar Harbor.
(4)
Nick M.
Excellent breakfast place. Awesome service, OK coffee. I believe it is a blend of full city Sumatran, french roast of a few other beans. I would have preferred a lighter roast as an option, but most places serve dark roast up in Maine. I had a smoked trout with veggies in an omelet while my girlfriend had the French toast Monte Cristo. Food was incredibly fresh, yummy veggies, full of flavor and delicious. Real maple syrup came out of an old mead bottle, which was just one of the subtle things that really set this place apart. We hit this place up after an early morning hike and had to wait only a few minutes for a table around 10am. Service was absolutely outstanding. Waiter was awesome. Food was out of this world fast. Atmosphere was very nice, with little hints of class. The place has a sign posted "CAFE THIS WAY" with white painted footsteps leading to the restaurant. Inside, there were nice colorful canvas prints, a book case full for ambiance and probably 20 tables, with a patio seating a few more tables outside. There was a kitchen up front with waiters placing orders, lots of activity to look around. Open dining area could only be described as light, relaxed & casual, perfect for engaging in interesting conversation to be enjoyed over a nice meal.
(4)
Meredith D.
I had "The Vegan" - Wasn't a big fan of so much soy sauce, but it was decent. NOTE: This place is busy and loud; there was a very long wait. It took a while for our food to come out as well. Sidenote: I think with all the local initiatives around the area (and so many local jams and jellies), you'd think that they wouldn't have to put a commercial jelly (Smucker's) with High Fructose Corn Syrup on the table. Next time I'll go to the new place next door: Bar Harbor Blues - we went for a couple of drinks, and they have several vegan options.
(3)
T.K M.
This is a continuation on reviews of rest of the restaurants I visited in Maine. Now that I had finished with the bad review of our previous restaurant, I am now more than happy to share this wonderful place for you breakfast lovers! We arrived at Bar Harbor some time around 5:30 am or later after a vigorous night of speeding on the highway. Since it was way too early, the entire town was covered under a blanket of silence. Even thought the previous night's driving was very tiresome, we couldn't resist the grumbling within our stomach. Cafe This Way was first introduced to me by my coworker. She described it as a wonderful place to have breakfast. Well, since it was good information shared, we couldn't let the opportunity pass by. And this lovely little restaurant didn't disappoint. Like the names of every book, and the characters within, every name of a restaurant had its meaning, some easily understood and some would take awhile. When driving along the empty streets of Bar Harbor, partially looking for free parking spots and partially searching for the restaurant, it wasn't until we drove past the destination mark on our GPS did we noticed that we missed it. After a quick U-turn and a few more twists and turns of 5 pairs of eyes, we finally spotted this little jewel hidden behind the back of another restaurant of similar size. From the streets, you could only partially see the building via it's driveway. Right next to the driveway was a roll of cute white footprints, beaconing visitors to follow it as the "cafe is this way". Pulling in to the driveway and finding a parking spot, we were greeted with a beautiful flower bush. I remembered seeing colors of red, blue, white, and yellow all vividly presented and welcoming the advent of the tourists. Among the delicate flowers, the color lilies stood out the most. As these flowers were my favorite, I couldn't resist but to take a photo among them. The restaurant was scheduled to open at 7am, and we were way early. After parking our car, we decided to explore the town a little before coming back. Anyway, we came back at 7 and was amazed that there were already groups of people lining outside, making us super excited and lifted our expectation for this place. We were quickly lead to our table. Cafe This Way was a modified studio kind of restaurant where the front door was those sliding garage doors. The interior was decorated with real painting for sale and fake bookshelves that immediately gave you the impression of home, nice. Since this was a recommend place for breakfast, each one of us took our time and read the menu carefully to get the best of the best that this place could offer. I had chosen an Ann omelet made of goat cheese, tomatoes, parmesan, and fresh basil. And I couldn't resist the urge for blueberry pancakes with maple syrup. The rest of the gang also made their choice on benedicts, burrito, and the simple "the usual". My pancakes came on a large white plate. At first glance, they were ugly - very ordinary and little bit burnt too. But one couldn't judge good food by appearance alone. After cutting open the pancakes, they were bursting with gooey blueberries and the smell was so wonderful. We quickly divided the tasty blue treat not leaving any behind. My omelet was in a perfect semicircle, golden on the outside. Just to mix things up a little and to make my food more colorful, I requested a side order of guacamole, and it came nested right in the middle of the omelet - a green cicular dot on an island of yellow, very cute. Slicing it open, the layers of white goat cheese, tomatoes, parmesan and basils were neatly arranged - an indication on how much work was put in to cooking this meal. The taste was just as delicious as the meal was presented. The egg was tender, and the cheeses were feather-soft with a kiss of sweetness, when mixed with the fresh basil, tomato and guacamole, simple perfection. With a round of head nods, we all loved our first meal here in Bar Harbor. And as we ate, more and more customers simply poured in from the outside. Overall, Cafe This Way is an unique and wonderful little place to visit when you happen to stop by Bar Harbor. It would make you feel like home, because I did.
(5)
Jeri H.
Fresh and delicious! I only wish I had eaten dinner here as well. I had a perfectly cooked omelet with fresh salsa and the most fantastic homefried potatoes. Add great service to an open, airy and artsy venue and you are destined for a pleasant dining experience.
(4)
John K.
Great little place. Really interesting food and drinks. A little pricey but a good value.
(4)
Rob E.
We were in Bar Harbor for a visit in August and relied on the recommendation of our B and B host. It certainly is impressive on first sight. But both my appetizer and entree had to go back because it was barely warm...and even then, it wasn't all that good. I don't care how nice a place is...if they can't at least serve food at the right temperature, what's the point? The feeling I got from this restaurant is that they are resting on their reputation and heading downhill. Typical 'flash over substance'. Look elsewhere in Bar Harbor...
(2)
Jen G.
Went here for breakfast while on vacation. We were promptly seated even though it was busy, our server was great, the atmosphere was fun, and the food was great. The best, actually the only good, veggie bacon I've ever had.
(5)
Julie B.
If I could have lobster benedict every day of vacation for breakfast, I would. That's how good Cafe This Way made it. The service was great and it was in a cute part of town.
(5)
Lou P.
We ordered the pecan crusted halibut and scallops, it was super delicious. The halibut wasperfectly most moist, and somehow the pecan crust held up well through the cooking. The grapefuit that was paired with the scallop worked really well. We also ordered mussels, which were very good. The cook was kind enough to share with us his recipe. Our waitress Penny (i think) was patient and good overall. This place is a must if you like gourmet seafood.
(5)
Jim B.
I always do my travels at night to avoid traffic, so when I drive the 8 or 9 hours of that 500 mile trip, I get a coffee and an omelette. Fresh and funky.
(5)
Emily C.
Definitely come here if you are hungry! The eggs benedict was amazing and so was their hash. If you're going out to breakfast and you have two mornings... definitely stop here and 2 Cats (our other best breakfast in Maine!). The atmosphere was great. We were there on a rainy morning after Labor Day so there were no lines and the place was super cozy.
(5)
James B.
I teeter between this place and 2 Cats for being the best breakfast in Bar Harbor. As other reviewers have said, the staff is great (above average for Bar Harbor, and light years better than what you find in Southwest Harbor), and the atmosphere is very comfortable and just hip enough to feel polished without being pretentious. The menu for breakfast is pretty straight-ahead stuff, but all done with the best ingredients and proper technique. The hash-browns are, in fact, browned and crunchy (why is that so rare?) , the pancakes are the real thing, light and fluffy, and the eggs are cooked correctly, as ordered. This is one of the few places where I'll order the oatmeal and expect it to be as good as what I'd make for myself at home. The coffee is top-notch stuff and they keep your mug full. Prices are higher than what you'd pay at, say, a breakfast-focused diner, (although, in Bar Harbor, maybe not...) but the food and service earn it and then some. We usually come here for a big hearty breakfast, and it more than holds us until an early dinner, even after a day of hiking around the island. I'm not as crazy about their dinners, but even there, you can do far worse in Bar Harbor. Overall, this place is great when it's on, and well above average when it's not (which is rare).
(5)
Trauts N.
Dinner was fantastic. Breakfast was good. We were told that breakfast was their best meal...we disagree. But it was still good.
(5)
Emily A.
Great array of vegetarian items, and many of the meat items you can ask to be made vegetarian or vegan. Butternut squash dish was good, could have had more flavor. Tofu kabobs were good, but the tofu was fairly bland-- the roasted dates were amazingly delicious! Salad was great too.
(4)
Hans M.
I really enjoyed our meal at this restaurant. We were trying to find a diner in Bar Harbor to get a good breakfast before we hit the road on the long wet slog back to Boston. We tried one other place on Main St with the word "diner" in its name. Didn't serve breakfast and wasn't open yet. On a whim, we tried Cafe This Way located down a crowded driveway. We had to park next to the dumpster it was so crowded and it was raining. However, once we entered we were seated within the first few minutes. I really liked the atmosphere, a cross between earthy crunchy, intellectual and artsy. A very open dining area had boomy acoustics, but that's beyond the point. Our waitress was really attractive and was even wearing cowboy boots. Our minds were wandering throughout the meal. Let's get to the meat of the review. I had what I think was called the farmer's special (eggs, toast, homefries, bacon and pancakes). The bacon was the right crispiness, the homefries were awesome and very flavorful and not too salty, the pancakes were great, and let's face it, it's impossible to screw up sunny side eggs. The best part is that this place actually has real maple syrup to go with it. I know this may not seem like such a big deal, but it's amazing how many places serve that aunt jemima crap. Big browny points. It seemed that there were many vegetarian friendly options on the menu as well - a pretty decent sized menu. I deducted one star for a couple of minor things. One, most places give you at least two full slices of toast - you need all that bread to mop up the yolk, only one full slice here folks, and although the pancakes were great, they were hidden under the eggs and quite small. I was expecting a bit bigger cakes for a "large breakfast". It's enough food to leave you well satiated, but not stuffed. The service was not quite attentive as I would have liked, but it was busy as hell, so I guess that was to be expected. Overall though, a really good experience, I'm glad we checked it out and will recommend among the glut of restaurants serving seafood and lacking breakfast in Bar Harbor.
(4)
Eric J.
I don't know about the much admired breakfast, but for dinner I was a little underwhelmed compared to what I had read in the reviews. The dishes seemed to be hit or miss. My seafood spring roll was excellent, but my Maine course of three lobster rolls prepared different ways was only so-so, as were my wife's beef medallions. Dessert was pretty good, including my blueberry pie from Morning Glory with Mount Desert Ice cream. My wife's Bailey's creme Brulee was very tasty, but the consistency was more like a flan than a brulee. I was torn between three and four stars, and chose the latter because I sense that they can do better on another night with perhaps a different choice of dishes, and also because they had items that my vegetarian daughter with a very limited palate would eat.
(4)
Ann Marie D.
EXCELLENT!!! Would have loved to gone more then once. Try The Ann omelet and the homemade granola.
(5)
david o.
THE best breakfast in Bar Harbor or anywhere for that matter. Dinner is great as well...
(5)
david g.
Awesome service and breakfasts! We had the McMuffin Sandwich (with veggie bacon) and the scrambled tofu, both with guac. We completely finished our meals, which is rare for us! Very light atmosphere, and everyone was nice and friendly, except for the jerks at the outside tables that couldn't understand that we were waiting for their tables as they sat their on their blackberries for 30 mins after they finished their meals. Long Islanders should just stay there and not ruin the rest of the world for everyone else. Oh, and as a side note, we ordered a side of fruit, and boy were we surprised when it came! It was a large bowl of delicious fresh blueberries and bananas (no melon!), and it was only $2!!
(5)
Vikas G.
Its a great place for people who like there morning coffee with a hearty meal.. good food, good ambiance, and nice waiters can help make a good start for the day!! Highly recommend this place if you are in the area - watch out for their timings.. as far as I can remember they are only until late afternoon.
(4)
Dee H.
I and the girls had breakfast here recently. Its a funky place to hang out and enjoy some good hearty breakfast. I had an awesome omelette with smoked trout, fresh basil, red onions and diced tomatoes. One of the girls had a vegan option made with tofu, mushroom, onions, broccoli, peppers and potatoes. The other one had her usual favorite of pancakes, scrambled eggs and homefries. All accompanied with hot cocoa, bottomless mugs of coffee, and funky soulful beats a la Duffy.
(4)
Chu C.
I brought a group of 18 to this place for dinner. It's not a big place, but I called ahead and they really did a good job accommodating us. Cafe This Way is a hidden gem of a restaurant. It's literally hidden, as you have to drive/walk down an alleyway to get there. The decor is very nice and simple, a nice balance between sophisticated and family friendly. It looks trendy, but the back wall has bookshelves and baskets of toys, which was a godsend, since we brought in four kids with us. The dining area is not that big, seating maybe 40-50 people. They have three or four outdoor tables, though it was raining the night we went. I have to say the food is, on the whole, excellent. Most of their dishes have some sort of an Asian twist (there's even Korean bibimbap on the menu!). Everything is prepared well, presented well, and is worth the $15-25 price. The "Littlebit" appetizer was awesome, a garlicky concoction of melted cheese and vegetables, served kind of foccacia style with bread. The spring rolls appetizer was really tasty and crispy. The ultra-thick pork tenderloin was extremely tender and tasty, and the seafood was well above average. The service was professional and helpful, but it was a little hard to get a waitress when they got busy. They charged our group 20% gratuity, but I think it was totally worth it.
(5)
Frank G.
I feel bad for the people a few reviews back that had such terrible service. Maybe management read the review because we had spectacular service. The menu is creative, the ingredients fresh, and the quality top notch... excellent coffee too. I had eggs Benedict with smoked trout. Large portions of trout, perfectly poached eggs and a tangy Hollandaise all served with perfect hash browns. The trout somewhat overpowered the eggs, but it was delicious enough to overlook that... will come again!
(5)
will c.
On our recent trip to Bar Harbor, we were looking for a good breakfast place to eat because our motel and cottage did not offer complementary breakfast, we stumbled on this gem. We read about 2 cats and their extreme slow service and passed. Cafe This Way has extremely quick service and the food will be served within 5-10 minutes upon ordering. I gave it 4 stars for the blueberry pancakes that I switched for and the extremely fast service. Everything else would be 3 stars at best. The omelet that my gf ordered was slightly undercooked. Prices were comparable to Denny's, so your wallet won't be empty at the end of the day.
(4)
G J J.
Great selection of vegetarian and vegan items. It's a good restaurant for ambiance but so-so on the food. If the selection of trendy stuff wasnt there, and if the place was less veggie friendly it would have been a three star place.
(4)
Lam P.
Fantastic restaurant for breakfast. The pancakes were so delicious and so was the turkey bacon. Very accommodating for our dog, great quick service even for how busy they were, and a cozy atmosphere. There was a wait and a small line when we went, and we did choose to skip breakfast here a second time when the line and wait were much longer, so the only reason to pass this place by is if you don't want to wait to be seated!
(5)
Michelle A.
My friend and I decided to come here for dinner. The inside of the restaurant had a romantic look to the ambience but we were put out in the patio looking area that was more casual. We decided to split 2 apps and the entree. We had the Cheese & mushroom fondue which was ok, but we liked the Lobster Cocktail Parfait more - yum. For the entree we had the Moroccan flavored stuffed Butternut Squash. It was pretty good, I kinda wish the flavor was more stronger. Needless to say we were too full for dessert.
(3)
Eiball I.
This place has just become my favorite Bar Harbor breakfast place because the choices are vast and reasonable. One morning when there was a long wait they said to take a cup, and help ourselves to coffee while we waited outside. They serve delicious Carpe Diem coffee. Our servers were all personable and mostly accurate. All the other breakfast places seem to have gotten so expensive for skimpy offerings. At This Way, plates are heaped with varieties of food and they are happy to make substitutions. The bonus is no surcharge for the real maple syrup served with the pancakes. For me to get my poached eggs, bacon and pancakes in one meal is heaven, with the toast and home fries overkill but so good. One of these days we'll try dinner but haven't done that yet. Now one year later (2013) I have an additional comment. The food is still as good as always but this year everyday we ate here the prices and portions were different for substitutions. Be sure to ask if this matters to you.
(4)
Liza M.
june 2007 - had an amazing dinner! They have really inventive cuisine and a great atmosphere. wish we didn't wait until the end of our trip to eat here, would have wound up eating here more if we knew it was so good.
(5)
A S.
We had the smoked duck pate which was good. Came with pickle bites and crusty bread. I think the crusty bread is not a good choice and ate it with the regular bread that is served. Good smoked flavor and a nice size portion. The tuna dinner from the menu was good. Little saturated in the Asian sauce, overpowering the fish some. The potatoes were very nice. It was a surprise that it was served with raw green beans. The Brussels sprouts appetizer with duck confit was very good. It's flash fried in two stages which layers the textures and then it's tossed in a honey hot sauce with pumpkin seeds. Well done. The chocolate mousse dessert was grainy and lacking full flavor. The waiter quickly removed it from our bill. I think they are invested in customer service and it's a pleasant dining experience.
(4)
Kate M.
It's very cute with homey atmosphere, but our breakfast was so-so. My salmon benedict had a pretty pathetic amount of smoked salmon. My husband's blueberry pancakes were good enough, but I've had better pancakes with more blueberries in NYC! Safe, decent choice for breakfast, convenient location. Nice selection of tea.
(3)
Jen K.
Ah, social media. How did we choose where to go in an unfamiliar town before the internet? After being undecided about where to have dinner, and gunshy following our mediocre experience at Cafe Bluefish the previous night, my husband mentioned that a highschool classmate had seen a post about our vacation on Facebook and recommended Cafe This Way. We searched it out and decided it looked tasty enough to try. After a brief wait, we were seated by a smiling and friendly host who commented that he made sure to give us a table with comfortable seats after hearing about our long day at Acadia. He grabbed a water pitcher along with our menus, so we had water right away. Our server came soon after, and was professional and efficient, if not warm. In moments, our order had been placed. I had lamb skewers with dates, served with toasted pita and pesto sauce. They were quite delicious, though the sweetness of the dates somewhat overpowered the lamb. My husband had the tomato strata; layers of tomato, mozzarella, tomatillo and smoked sea salt. The tomatoes were fresh, and the appetizer was delicious. For dinner, I had the trio of lobster rolls. The menu billed them as being served 3 different ways: traditional, Asian style and "from the spicy west". One tasted slightly of sesame oil, and another had a slightly spicy kick to it, but they were not noticeably different from each otherwise. It didn't matter, though, as the lobster was delicious and fresh, it was dressed with a light hand, and the brioche buns were fresh-baked and from a local bakery. It was a delicious entree despite not being all that different from your standard lobster roll - the bread elevated it. My husband had the cashew crusted chicken and greatly enjoyed it. It came with fresh vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes and was sauced with a sesame ginger aioli. In all, we had an enjoyable meal in pleasant surroundings, save the loud table with two children nearby, who ordered dessert despite our best attempts to use our mental powers to convince them otherwise. We also heard that Cafe This Way does an excellent breakfast, but we'd already become smitten with 2 Cats.
(4)
Laura A.
I've been here a few times, always for dinner. Most recently (July 2010) I had the grilled shrimp appetizer and the Morrocan Stuffed Squash. The food was, as always, excellent, and our waitress was friendly and helpful too. The food came promptly and in the correct order. The bathroom was clean and the decor matched the rest of the restaurant.
(5)
Kristin W.
We were wandering about and saw a sign for Cafe This Way and decided to go for it. It was a lovely place! The service was a little slow due to a very large, difficult table in our section, but the servers were all very friendly and brought us our drinks and bread/spread quickly. The menu is great for vegetarians as well as for meat/fish lovers. It's not focused on seafood only, so it might be nice for a break from lobster and steamers. The atmosphere is relaxed, funky, and romantic for dinner. It's also child-friendly, and has accommodations for groups. I really liked my salad with fruits and cheeses and a delicious dressing. We also loved the spread they brought out. The flavors are wonderful.
(5)
todd s.
We were in town for 3 days and went there for all 3 breakfasts. The blueberry pancakes, french toast (oat bread) and french toast (raisin bread) were all great. They serve dinner and I assume lunch, but we didn't make it there.
(4)
Mike P.
I would agree with most reviewers that Cafe This Way is tops for best breakfast - my other favorite is 2 Cats. The coffee is fresh and delicious - the eggs are properly prepared, pancakes with or without blueberries and real maple syrup. The hardest thing is deciding what to order as it is all so good! While I equally enjoyed 2 Cats for breakfast - Cafe This Way offers a better value for the same high quality fare.
(5)
Hanna K.
The food was fabulous because I love all things breakfast but the service really brought my experience WAY down. Once the server threw the plates of food on our table, he never came back until we had to flag him down to give us our check. I would go back for the food but thinking about the service makes me cringe.
(2)
Shannon T.
Delicious dinner (little bit app, pecan-crusted halibut,steak special, and scallops between the adults) in a neat setting. Kids' meal was healthy, a generous portion, and presented nicely (and quickly) although overpriced at $12. Nice beer and wine selections, and a few interesting cocktails. Service was slightly slow but not inattentive.
(4)
Peter B.
A great breakfast place, very popular, and also solid dinner spot. Breakfasts are big, but also a bit pricey. Great coffee, good service, and wonderful decor, particularly when weather's good and they open the front. Dinners are also quite good. Dinner menu is a bit safe, but it's pretty reasonable and always well executed. We regularly visit Bar Harbor and this is one of our steady-eddies.
(5)
Roy L.
Palatable food is nearly impossible to find in Bar Harbor, but Cafe This Way comes pretty close. In fact, by local standards, this place is fantastic. The atmosphere is relaxed, the service is friendly, and the food is straightforward and decent. Good for veggies and fish, fun for kids and families.
(3)
Brijesh M.
This place was phenomenal, absolutely loved the crab cakes, lobster penne and brownie desert. The cocktails were creative, strong and delicious!
(5)
Eleanor L.
Very well prepared and fresh food. Very flavorful. Definitely worth going there for dinner one night.
(4)
David X.
We went here for breakfast. Tried to come for dinner but there was always a 1-2 hour wait. You definitely need reservations for dinner at least. Even for breakfast, there was a 45 minute wait. They seem to be in the 'whole foods' vein too, like 2cats. The food was not as good as 2cats, but it was decent. The restaurant itself seems to be in a weird converted building with a tin roof and cement floors that makes the room unbearably loud. And with the screaming kids and families and crowds, it is just too stressful for a relaxing brunch. As a result, I doubt I'd ever come back. 2cats is just too superior for this place to ever supercede it.
(3)
Martha C.
Cafe This Way is fabulous. It was recommended to us by the owners of the B&B we stayed at in Bar Harbor. We took the only available table, which was on the deck. We were a little chilly, but the meal more than made up for it. Everything was fresh and delicious; we liked it so much, we made reservations on the spot for the following evening! Over two nights, we tried the following: Starters - Maine seafood spring rolls; Maine crabcakes Entrees - Lemon Vodka Lobster; Thai Grilled Salmon, Grilled Tuna (lovely and rare), and Pan Seared Scallops. All were absolutely outstanding. The desserts were also outrageously good. We tried the chocolate-raspberry truffle cake, which was one of the best chocolate desserts I've ever had, as well as blueberry pie and raspberry-rhubarb pie. I'm not much of a drinker. However, the first night there, I had a "Larry, Darryl, and Darryl": vodka infused with watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe, on the rocks. I need to figure out how to make these! SO good. I tried a blueberry vodka martini on Sunday night - it was good, but VERY strong. My husband enjoyed the local beers he tried. You can view their menus at cafethisway.com
(5)
Vahid A.
We went early morning there! That place was packed and we were happy to find a good place for breakfast! Inside was beautiful but the mugs on the table when i look inside them it was dark! Look like a old mug and look dirty! Breakfast wasn't good at all under cooked! Too much oil , home fries and toasted bread was burning! It was a hair in my daughter pancake! I have no idea why this place has a high rating!
(1)
Laleh J.
Everything was delicious! Interior was cute, bartenders friendly and gave lots of local tips and advice. Recommended for brunch!
(5)
t.T c.
I heard about this place the first day I arrived at my B&B, and since our hostess said this is one of her favorite restaurant in Bar Harbor, she even try to convince us to go there for breakfast instead of 2 Cats, but we decided to stick with 2 Cats for breakfast and try Cafe This Way for dinner (Please see my review for 2 Cats). We got there around 5:25pm on Sunday only to find out they do not open until 5:30, so we decided to stay outside and wait since the outside resemble a nice garden. As we stood there, we see a line forming behind us, while I was thinking.."Are You Serious??" The hostess came out and of course we were the first, so we went in and she asked if we have a reservation, I said no, but she managed to seat us anyways. I guess we got lucky because 5 minutes after we sat down, the place was completely filled, not sure if all of those people have reservations or not. Overall, the place is decent, and it is a change of scenery from the seafood restaurant and lobster shacks all over the place. The decor resembles a lot of coffee shops in Boston. We had the Maine Crab Cakes, Summer Salads, Fish & Chips, their Special of the Day Salmon, Blueberry Pie and Coffee for desserts. Their Fish in the Fish & Chips were made from Tuna and made into medium rare tuna tempera, that was excellent. The Blueberry Pie is to die for, but I haven't try other blueberry pies around Bar Harbor, that was actually the only one I had, but it was pretty damn good. The above mentioned dishes + 2 Bar Harbor Blueberry Ale + 18% Tips comes to a little over $100. I took 1 star off because their food is okay, but not exceptionally yummie, and 1 star off for their horrible coffee. cafethisway.com
(3)
sandy n.
LOVE this place! The great service, creative and delicious food, fun atmostphere and excellent desserts are all consistently fantastic. We are usually in Bar Harbor for two weeks each summer and eat here regularly during that time. Cannot say enough good things about it. An added benefit is that you get a lot of value for your money.
(5)
Jeremy B.
nice calm relaxed atmosphere. super friendly waitstaff. we only went for breakfast twice, but both times we had plenty of food for the price and it was always well made. A nice little cafe in the back corner, be sure to stop by for a quick breakfast before a day of hiking!
(5)
Simon D.
Went to cafe this way for breakfast. The servers were quick and attentive. They were pretty crowded, but a table for 2 didn't take longer than 10 mins. The food was very good, I had the equivalent to the meat lovers omelette (the name escapes me) and the Country Breakfast. Both were hearty portions. The blue berry pancakes were amazing. They reminded me of Cracker Barrel pancakes, crispy edges with that buttery/creamy taste, but much smaller, about 5in diameter, and thinner (both positives). They also had a pico de gallo/salsa that seemed very fresh. I would definitively come again.
(5)
Ld S.
Dinner: called only a half hour ahead during peak season and was able to make a reservation within a half hour, it was the only place that had reservations available so we jumped right on it. We were seated outside which we were fine with. The inside is way bigger than it looks, it was very nicely laid out. We ordered the pork belly and lobster lettuce wraps. The pork belly was very good, lobster wraps were fine but nothing to write home about; wouldn't order them again. For entrees, we ordered the following: zucchini noodles with polenta, lobster roll, the special which was curried lamb stew, mussels and haddock, and the mushroom noodle bowl. All were delicious. I personally had the mushroom noodle bowl and it was delicious. It DID have a kick to it which I don't believe they advertised in the menu so be aware, but it was great and I got it with shrimp for some extra protein. My friend got the lobster roll and said it was the best she'd had since our stay in Bar Harbor. The lamb stew was very good. A little sweeter than one would think it would be but it was still very good. The only downside of the evening was the bathroom situation. They have 3 single unisex bathrooms which typically would be fine. Except that only 1 was available and the other 2 were locked; not sure why. So there was a decent line and no one who worked there seemed to be concerned. At least put signs on saying "not working", something. And now because only 1 was available, you have both men and women using it frequently and it smelled like urine. SO, that was a bummer. Breakfast: We actually went the next day for breakfast. They don't take reservations for breakfast so you should be prepared to wait. We only had to wait for a half hour which was fine and went quick. While waiting you could get coffee or a muffin and just add it to your bill when you sit which is nice. We ordered the following: 2 breakfast sandwiches with Canadian bacon on an English muffin and 2 make your own omelettes. Both were good. Nothing to write home about but they did the job. The home fries weren't great which was a bummer because I love my home fries (but I'm from New York so my expectations may be different from what they usually are here in Maine). They were very bland, minimal flavor, and many pieces were burnt to the point of not being able to eat. Overall: Dinner-4 stars; Breakfast-3 stars. Would definitely come back for dinner!
(4)
Joy G.
*Review only for dinner - I'll have to come back and try the purportedly amazing breakfast. First off, the bread and honey butter. I'm not usually a sucker for butter but this I wanted to lick out of the ramekin. Bread was perfect after a day of wandering in Acadia park. After spending the past few months paying for overpriced brunches and drinks, I thought I had gotten over most of my sticker shock, but it was still jarring to pay $28 for seared tuna and chilled noodles on the side. Granted, the tuna was cooked perfectly and I loved the noodles and hey, it was definitely a "treat yourself" kind of week. I know, I know, I'm a stingy scrooge, but I thought the portion size didn't justify the price. Loved the ambiance and the cheery sign. After getting too dressed up for Side Street the night before, I pared my dress code down to T-shirt and athletic shorts but both the other patrons and the waitstaff here were dressed very well.
(3)
Nina S.
Came here on a Sunday morning around 9:30 and wait for 6 people was 30 mins, not too bad, and once you sit down and order food comes out fast, but trade off is quality is kind of meh. Ordered the corn beef hash and it was served room temperature which was disappointing and the flavor wasn't as meaty as 2cats. The orange juice tasted like it was straight out of a carton. The English muffin was pretty dense and hats and they only had jam in plastic packs. My friend ordered the iced chai tea which was the only thing I liked about this place.
Cafe this way? More like cafe that way ( to 2 Cats of course) As the only other spot besides 2 Cats that does lobster eggs benedict, I'd expect their egg game to be pretty up there. Nope, no battle here folks, 2 Cats is the winner. The eggs were a bit flat and not rounded, they use basil here instead of scallion. The English muffin was a bit burnt on the edge and it was semi hard. Their home fries are ordinary, it doesn't stand out like the ones at 2 Cats. The eggs Benedict might be cheaper here but they give you less lobster and the food isn't nearly as good as 2 Cats. Shoutout to the corn beef hash though, never thought corned beef could taste that good so this place earned an extra star. Honestly I would say 3.5 for the rating but I preferred rounding down because 4 means I am a fan which I'm not.
(3)
Tom F.
Wow. Great service. Great execution. Restaurants like this are easy to recommend. The only flaw was the loud family across from us*. We had Zachary as our server who was well informed, humorous & efficient. My wife had a fresh arugula salad with cubed heirloom tomatoes, English cukes with a balsamic burrata dressing. I enjoyed fried green tomatoes with a spicy cornbread crust that was topped with crab. We followed these starters with my wife's coriander/mint seasoned cold rice noodles topped with seared tuna slices. Her dish was light & flavorful. I enjoyed what they titled as "Haddock & mussels" that I would call "Maine Bouillabaisse Fra Diablo". The dish includes 6-8 mussels with a 4-5 ounce piece of perfectly cooked haddock in an amazing tomato based stew spiced by ground chorizo. This dish was my favorite non lobster dish during our two week tour of the Maine coastline. Absolute success. We the enjoyed a strawberry/blueberry crisp aka mode and a pots du creme. Fresh whipped cream adorned both desserts. This is a terrific casual spot. I highly recommend a visit. *They chose to ignore their roaming, noisy kids (6 adults. 3 kids). The staff spent more time with them than the parents! We mostly felt for the kids as the parents biggest investment was to offer them iPads (to shut up) or threaten to withhold dessert after already giving them chocolate milk before dinner. Ugh.
(4)
Jamie T.
I have been to Bar Harbor several times and I take my food pretty seriously. I loved this place the moment we walked in. Pretty, modern, but with a homey feel. Some inlaid book shelves for perusing. Menu was great--options for all-vegans, seafood lovers and carnivores. I had a sort of stew of haddock and mussels in a light but tasty tomato broth w a bit of chorizo. My husband had the pecan crusted halibut w spinach--also very good. There were several specials. Nice cocktails and very nice--and reasonable wine list. I shall return.
(5)
Yan T.
Chill and approachable bistro with serious culinary chops. If you're looking for fine dining without losing the charm of a low-key cafe, Cafe This Way is a really good choice. True to its name, the restaurant is tucked into a cute little cul-de-sac. Inside it is pretty open and airy, but also very cozy. The staff is patient and professional in explaining the daily specials, of which there were several. They had an interesting fish of the day with some spice to it, which did not disappoint. They also have a decent assortment of local beers, including the Bar Harbor Brewing Stout (if you're really strategic, you'll pair it with a dessert). Just a really nice dinner, all in all. Add it to your dinner plans if you're here for a few days or more.
(4)
John H.
I think this is the seventh time we have eaten dinner at Cafe This Way. Again it was delicious. The milieu is eclectic and fun. Our table had the owners favorite words in scribed, which led to interesting conversation. Service is always nice. Food again was solid. We started with Boom Boom Syrah and bread with honey butter. The Asian salad was super. The Special was hoisin pork cooked to perfection. And of course in Maine we ended with blueberry pie ala mode. Such a nice place.
(4)
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Address :14 1/2 Mt Desert St
Bar Harbor, ME, 04609
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Matt C.
Food = excellent, innovated and perfectly prepared. Service = rushed, uncomfortable and not very knowledgeable. Appetizer = tuna tar tar with wasabi tobiko, cucumbers and wonton. Very good! Salad= Australian salad. Perfect combination and pumpkin seed dressing was amazing! entree = We ordered flat iron steak with risotto and lobster tail. I would recommend this place if your visiting bar harbor but go early otherwise may feel rushed and hurried.
(4)Marilyn F.
Went to Cafe This Way last night for appetizers, drinks and dessert. Everything was great and the place has a nice ambience. Go for the blueberry pie alone, you will not regret it!!
(4)Kylie D.
Café This Way is still one of my go-to spots on MDI after a dozen years. The menu is always interesting and varied, and the chefs always use local, sustainable ingredients. My last visit to CTW got off to a rough start as our server had a bit of an attitude problem - but I killed him with kindness (not my usual technique but I was in a really good mood), reassuring him that we weren't tourists and that he'd be able to turn over the much-coveted outdoor table quickly. After my second glass of wine, he seemed to loosen up a bit and when I asked about the blueberry pie (we had barely started eating) he actually smiled and laughed a bit. The shrimp appetizer with ancho avocado cream was spectacular as was the halibut. The parmesan crisps on top of the Caesar salad were out of this world. The wine list was impressive and happily un-snooty and of course, the blueberry pie was delicious just as I remembered (I think they actually get their pie from Morning Glory Bakery - why bake your own when the best in town is being made right down the street). Yum, yum, yum.
(4)Kay G.
This placed was packed when we arrived on a sunday morning around 8:30. But the wait was worth it (and wasn't longer than we were told, which was appreciated). The blueberry cornmeal pancakes were the best I ever have had. A bit crunchy on the outside, lots of little blueberries. Service was excellent. Also 3 separate clean restrooms - a plus in a place as busy as this. I wish I could replicate the pancakes at home!
(5)Philip K.
At last, the search for blueberry pancakes in Maine that knocked my socks off is over! These things are amazing! Corn beef hash is pretty good too.
(5)Kirk H.
We stopped here for breakfast while visiting Acadia National Park. My wife wanted to try blueberry pancakes in Maine. In her opinion these were some of the best blueberry pancakes she'd ever had. I had the Harney, which was also great. Their homemade corned beef hash was excellent. The service was good, and the place has a light and airy feeling to it. We sat on the porch, which was terrific on a beautiful summer morning, but inside was very nice as well.
(5)Jen B.
Great location. Great food. Make sure not to miss Cafe this Way when you visit Bar Harbor!!
(5)Jennifer H.
My husband and I were so happy to find Cafe this Way on Yelp. We read it was a great breakfast spot, but we were passing by it one evening and the name jogged my memory, so we decided to try it for dinner. After a few days in bar harbor of eating less than stellar meals, this was a godsend! We both got the zucchini and squash "pasta" with mushrooms because we had been eating out all over Maine for 6 days and were feeling like we needed some veggies. You guessed it. The noodles were actually zucchini and the dish was perfect; meaty mushrooms, pesto, and toasted polenta triangles. I was so full but still tried to eat every, last bite. We liked it so much that we went for breakfast the next morning. There was a line out the door, but they had self-serve coffee while you wait! How great is that? Then I got the blueberry pancakes: omg. Too bad this was my last morning in bar harbor. I would have been here for these everyday. Also we got the fruit bowl. It was huge, so the cup would have sufficed.
(4)Camila S.
I am only giving this place three stars because the service and ambiance was great. However, the food was not good. I went with three others who were all disappointed as well. The food was tasteless and disappointing. I think it may have been because we went for dinner and this is more of a breakfast place.
(3)Aswitha V.
We wen here for breakfast. Long wait as usual. Food was quick and good.Nothing fancy or "iconic". A good spot for breakfast. I got blueberry pancakes and the blueberries were frozen rather than fresh - that was disappointing to observe. Staff is friendly and pancakes are huge! Wished they used fresh fruits and ingredients.
(2)D C.
Great spot for breakfast right in town, reasonably priced. Food was good and they have put thought into their recipes.They have great strong coffee!!
(4)Jody S.
We ate at this restaurant twice: once for breakfast and once for dinner. Both experiences were really great and I would definitely recommend eating here for either meal. Breakfast was delicious. We all ordered pretty basic eggs and bacon breakfasts; but they accommodated my daughter's milk allergy and gladly scrambled her eggs separately and without milk. Prices were typical of the area and location. Service was excellent. Nice atmosphere. Dinner was a little fancier than breakfast. The workers were dressed nicely, but most customers were super causal. Their kid's menu had the usual options like hamburger and hot dog, but they also had some healthier options like plain grilled chicken (which they grilled in oil, not butter), and they steamed a side broccoli for my daughter even though that wasn't an option on the menus (kid's or regular). We started with the crab and lobster spring rolls and they were yummy. I had the special which was salmon. It was delicious. My husband had the tuna and he loved it. All around great place to eat. I would definitely return.
(5)Jennifer F.
Cafe This Way was a wonderful place to eat for dinner after our drive though Bar Harbor in Acadia. The fish dinner and desert specials were delicious, including the toasted lobster rolls. It has a lovely atmosphere, attentive service, and it is filled with local consignment paintings along the walls.
(4)Maureen M.
This place is worth the wait. The decor is cute and cozy. The food is delicious and the hot chocolate amazing
(5)Alan B.
Returned several times for the best blueberry pancakes and Canadian bacon in Bar Harbor or anywhere for that matter. Adding to the pancakes delicious taste was the real maple syrup served at no additional charge. Prices still reasonable, great service and wonderful ambience helped along by artist Neily Harris' beautiful art work throughout the restaurant.
(5)Zoe R.
Just ate there today for the first time. It was amazing. Great service great atmosphere great service and food with a timely wait. Overall it was a great experience and I can't wait to go there again.
(5)Gee B.
Cafe This Way is a fun spot with wonderful art on the wall and books all about. The food was very good. We were a party of 3 and we all enjoyed our appetizers (brussels sprout and Austrian salad) and entrees (pan crusted halibut, noodle bowl and Grilled Lamb Loin). This, after a very busy evening, was a plus because we arrived at 8:30pm and the kitchen was still churning out delicate and tasty food. The entree portions were large -larger than the NYC standard where we come from. Our waitress, Raven, was also very helpful and attentive. We loved it so much that we came back for Sunday brunch and we were, once again, very happy. We shall return when we make our way back to Bar Harbor.
(4)Yuzhou Z.
This first restaurant I went to when I got to Bar Harbor. It's a really nice place with seafood cooked in the traditional American way. We ordered halibut and salmon as well as a ceased salad. They are delicious!
(5)Angel H.
Had a delicious breakfast of the harney! And ask for the fruit bowl with bananas/blueberries/strawberries. This was my 2nd time back and staff was very friendly!
(4)Natalie N.
I cannot express the experience of tasting Cafe This Way's blueberry pancakes! This is not an ordinary pancake! It is almost as though the perfect pancake met and fell in love with a gorgeous french speaking crepe and had beautiful offspring! Seriously this cannot be missed. Hands down best blueberry pancakes in Bar Harbor, dare I say anywhere.
(5)Benjamin C.
Thoroughly impressed by the wait staff. Our waitress went out of her way to assist with dietary restrictions of a member in our party - even going so far as to write out a recipe. Very Friendly atmosphere, though the outside seating is a little unsightly with plastic screening and uncomfortable seats. Limited selection on the menu, but everything was delicious! Great lobster roll with perfect herb crusted potatoes. Amazing chocolate mousse. Would visit again. Great experience!
(5)Karen M.
If i could give this place 6 stars I would! Had a lovely dinner here with my husband and 3-year old. My husband had the lamb which was cooked to perfection and tasty. I had the zucchini noodles with polenta which was so flavorful and light, a very nice change of pace after eating out for several days. The kids meals come with corn, which was a nice change of pace from just chicken strips & fries. Staff was incredibly friendly, service was quick and we would return here again and again. We actually tried coming back for lunch the next day but they only do breakfast & dinner!
(5)Mike H.
Stopped in on a Sunday morning, was fairly busy but the two of us were able to get a seat after about 5 minutes. I can see it taking substantially longer when peak season hits so be prepared. I went ahead and ordered the big breakfast sandwich and a Bloody Mary to quell the previous evenings assault on my liver. In the mean time, I partook in a delicious cup of coffee and took in the ambiance. With colorful paintings which I assume are from local talent (also for sale fyi) and shelves lined with books, there is plenty visual stimulus to pass the time while you await your order. Evening with the large crowd, our food was on the table within 5-10 minutes. The Bloody Mary was spicy and delicious....definitely worthy of seconds if one felt inclined. The big breakfast sandwich was exactly that, a hearty meal fit for destroying a Sunday afternoons plans with the tempting thought of battening down for a nap. The servers were inviting and respectful, doing their best to give great service even when slammed with tables. The food came out fast with no lack of presentation. The prices were very reasonable making it that much more likely to frequent this establishment. Not much to knock against this place but to keep from being a complete fanboy......there was some creepy bathroom art which made it a little awkward....having a painting of kids spying on you while taking a poo....fun indeed but still a bit awkward none the less
(5)An O.
Good location, with parking, and nice atmosphere. They are family friendly and service is good. Sadly, the food is just ok and has little if any change over years. The fish is consistently over cooked and the fixings do not vary. Given the prices, there are certainly better options in town.
(2)Sean T.
Best breakfast on the island... Hands down. I've lived and worked in town and have tried everything. Get there early as it can be a popular place to eat. The staff are always on point and the atmosphere feels alive. It is excellent anytime, but the breakfast and brunch is..... just delish.
(5)Jill S.
The other reviews are right- this place is great! We were told it would be a 25 minute wait for a table on a Sunday morning and that was fine because we were able to sit on some nice patio furniture and watch the world go by. 15 minutes later we were at our table. We ordered a special scramble that had chorizo and black beans, cinnamon raisin French toast and a breakfast burrito. Everything came out quickly and was made from fresh ingredients. The coffee is also locally roasted and very delicious! They also have meat alternatives and vegan options available! It was a very casual atmosphere with friendly service. Definitely recommended!
(4)Josh B.
It's not like a Bar Harbor visit is a Texas barbecue trip but my food OCD still kicks in and I want to get something interesting - not hotel muffins and not something from places that seem more giftshop than restaurant. The Guild of Internet Breakfast Researchers appeared to put this in second place after 2 Cats. Cafe This Way had the shorter wait but this was no Plan B cuisine. The "special scramble" may or may not turn up during your visit but based on its excellence I'd guess that whatever appears on the specials menu is worth a shot. Items not usually found in the breakfast realm, like chard and leeks, were put to great use. My traveling companion opted for a spinach/mozzarella/olive combo from the build-your-own section that was successful based on the two bites I was allowed. We liked Cafe This Way enough for a return dinner visit. The pecan-crusted halibut was a hefty piece of fish, perfectly done. I probably violated some rule by selecting beef for both appetizer and main course, but I was in the mood for ribeye. And I couldn't resist the roasted bone marrow appetizer, where the primal meat vibe was nicely offset by the pickled onions and sun-dried tomatoes. Keep in mind that Cafe This Way is a lunch-free zone (as of this writing, breakfast on weekends is until 1.)
(5)Jules D.
stumbled upon this place. cozy ambiance and beautiful decor. I got the smoked trout Benedict and it was amazing. Super fast service, friendly staff, loved it.
(5)Carole S.
I had eaten here previously many years ago for breakfeast which was wonderful. We arrived for dinner around 6:15 pm and we were seated right away (it was already getting crowded). I was a little surprised that there was no entree offering chicken that night. It seemed like they didn't offer many entree options. I settled on the lobster/crab wonton wraps. (appetizer). It was good. My husband ordered the steak and he was happy with it. The kids had the grilled cheese which came with a drink, side and small ice cream sandwich for desert. Our total bill was around $80 for dinner. They also have a nice selection of toys available to occupy small children at the table.
(3)Cameron B.
I ordered the big breakfast sandwich and a side of corned beef hash. The hash was nothing but potatoes and the eggs in the sandwich were room temperature. The home fries were burned not just browned. I also got the hot chocolate which was supposedly Ghiradelli but it tasted like they premade it and put in a holding carafe and what I got was at the bottom. The only good thing was the sausage but it was extremely greasy. It dripped out of the sandwich. My father got an omelette with ham, sausage, bacon, mushrooms, and onions. The main thing in the omelette was mushrooms and onions. Overall not a good experience. The second star was because it was inexpensive.
(2)Laura T.
Amazing monte cristo on French toast! Apple juice was the perfect blend of tart and sweet. Coffee was good and plentiful! Super cute atmosphere and friendly staff.
(5)J P.
This restaurant does it right. Awesome breakfast. You do have to wait for a table, but the food comes fast once you ordered. We also enjoy their dinner very much. Visited twice for breakfast and twice for dinner. Everything we tried were excellent.
(4)Heidi B.
Lets face it - restaurant quality isn't superb in bar harbor. Out-of-towners come for the scenery not the food. I tried 3 yelp 4+ rated restaurants in town and this is the only one that didn't fail me. We came around 9pm on a Sunday night. We liked the place immediately when walking in. Cozy, dim-lit, and smells wonderful. We asked for the couch seats and there was no problem. Upon sitting, we were greeted right away and had our orders taken. I ordered seafood noodles and my friend got steamed whole lobster. Both were delicious! Food quality was on a different level compare to all other restaurants we had tried in bar harbor. Their breakfast menu looks appetizing too. Would return if I find myself in town again.
(4)Katie C.
We ate there the first night it reopened for the season. Decor is cute. Menu was varied and interesting. Server was slow and seemed a little disinterested. We have two kids dining with us, and the children's menu was extremely expensive, considering what it contained. We ordered a grilled chicken, that came out completely dry and overcooked. Unacceptable. We promptly returned it to kitchen, and they sent a piece of chicken that was properly cooked. Hated to make my hungry kids wait for food. I should have asked for an alternative to potatoes and corn. Special of the night was pecan crusted fish which was perfect. Rave reviews were what brought us here, but we were kind of disappointed by the experience.
(3)Miranda M.
My Dad and I stopped by for breakfast this morning and everything was great! We got coffee, an omelette, a bagel and cream cheese, and the pancakes, bacon, and eggs platter. I have no complaints about anything! The homefries were particularly awesome. We also enjoyed looking at the old books and local paintings that decorate the room. Cool, hip ambience and, although a little warm with no AC, it was still a nice cute place to have breakfast!
(4)Tom Y.
Blueberry pancakes on fleek. Free coffee while you wait was a huge plus! The breakfast burrito was huge but why would you get anything besides blueberry pancakes?!?
(4)A W.
Nice breakfast spot. Very cozy and laid back place. Was kind of crowded but that means it's good. Had delicious omelets and loved the blueberry muffins! Place prides itself on being Eco friendly so a lot of the food is fresh and local.
(5)Joe C.
Their breakfast sandwiches are big and quite filling. Reasonably priced too! See my pic. I didn't dine inside but the staff was very accommodating in providing me with take-out. I figured why dine inside when I can eat outdoors in beautiful Acadia National Park only 5 minutes away. The inside contains tables/chairs and is decorated very nicely. It seems bright, open & airy. Out front there is a small outdoor patio too.
(4)Shradha A.
The food was great, however our waiter was rude. We asked for vegetarian food and water with no ice, but I guess we were asking for a little too much because the waiter gave us an attitude after we asked him.
(4)Jacki L.
Can't say much good food was bland not worth the wait. Service was just ok, had to keep asking for water coffee was old all I can say is tourist trap move on...sorry
(1)Kate K.
A lovely, family-owned restaurant, and a favorite of my family for many years. Breakfast and dinner are both good (we went for dinner on the first night of this trip and returned for breakfast later in the week), and the menu has a great variety. Everything is fresh, and I love the homey, welcoming vibe!
(5)Mark R.
Why focus on the negative? Here are the positive things about breakfast at Cafe This Way: If you are a grumpy person in the morning then you will fit in wonderfully with the staff! You won't be hampered with overcrowding your plate with too much food. The waitress grunts in English, the walls are red, and each table has at least 2 chairs. Cafe This Way is dedicated to getting your food to your table quickly -- prioritizing speed over cooking your food thoroughly. Not allowing customers to use their wifi gives you a greater appreciation of your fellow dining guests. The waitress ingeniously kept the butter-packets warm by carrying them in the back pocket of her pants. Mmmmmm....ass-butter! Thank you Cafe This Way, for helping me realize how much I take good service, generous portions, and cooked food for granted.
(2)ellen p.
Great menu and service. The food was exceptional, prices reasonable, large portions. There were 3 vegetarian options!!!! Great ambience.
(5)Eric P.
I had the lobster roll and my wife had a gluten free vegetable dish. Food and service were both great.
(5)Jessie M.
Took a trip to Bar Harbor, and ate breakfast here all three mornings...yes it is that good! First of all, good coffee, very important. I had the egg sandwich twice. Two fried eggs, diced tomato, and a choice of meat, I got the turkey bacon which was thick cut and delicious. Pancakes are also amazing. Service was wonderful, on the last day our meal came out with in 5 minutes of ordering. This place is a must! Check it out
(5)Shane S.
You know those joints in touristy areas that charge too much and leave you feeling empty? This isn't one of them. Local, hip, cozy, affordable and outstanding. Breakfast was amazing. French toast for the kids. Hash browns, bacon, everything is perfect. Service is top notch. We are heading back for dinner. Kids menu is creative with healthy choices like grilled chicken, mashed potatoes and corn. If you like to sit at the bar, there's a little one tucked in the corner.
(5)Ann K.
We are vacationing and found this lovely, fantastic place! I ordered the Vegan (which was a tofu scramble - tofu, vegetables, potatoes - spiced to perfection!) The hubby had homemade corn beef hash with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. Our waiter was wonderful and everyone was very friendly. We are making a point to go back before we leave. Thank you!
(5)LeeAnne P.
I had read so many great reviews for this restuarant so I had to try it while on vacation in Bar Harbor. I would say it lived up to the hype. I LOVE Monte Cristo's. So when I saw it on the menu, boom, I knew what I was getting. The rest of the menu looked pretty good, too, with different takes on some traditional breakfast items. My husband ordered the country breakfast. The food did not take long at all to get to us, which was great considering they seemed pretty busy. Maple Syrup was waiting for us on the table already and it was delicous. The monte cristo rated pretty high on my list of ones I've tried in the past. The ham was from a ham steak, which gave it this really good flavor with the syrup and the french toast was cooked well, maybe a little thin for my liking since it didn't hold in everything and the sandwich got a little messy. What was different about this one was that instead of turkey it had a fried egg. It paired will with everything. I would have preferred it more runny, but thats just me. My husband gobbled down his breakfast, so I assumed he liked it. The home fries had a sort of Old Bay flavor, but not quite. Either way they were good too. We sat outside since it was nice and if you have a dog, you are welcome to bring your furry friend! We got there at a good time since there was no wait for a table, but we walked by on a weekend day and it was a mad house. Our neighbors seated next to us were a little annoying, but I tried not to let that get to me. If you are in Bar Harbor, you should definitely try this place
(4)Lynn M.
Awesome breakfast joint -get the Cafe Monte Cristo! Respectable lobster benedict. Awesome coffee, great atmosphere & busy! Always a good sign.
(4)Sara A.
Dinner here was amazing. I ordered Southwest Shepherd's Pie, and it was out of this world. Fresh fried eggplant in a creamy sauce with delicious mashed potatoes and salad. It was far beyond my expectations. The food quality was incredible, and all the dishes on the menu were so creative. Everyone at the table was very impressed with the food presentation. If you like creative, beautiful meals made with fresh ingredients, this is the place for you. This restaurant has something to please everyone, whether they're a vegetarian or a meat lover.
(5)Mike I.
Excellent find. Wonderful meal. Amazing Asian salad to start. Tasty with fresh greens and wontons. Nice dressing. Also had the Tuna tartare starter. Well prepared and fresh. We had the hangar steak which was excellent as well. Best place we ate at in bar harbor.
(5)Pamela L.
Had one of the best breakfasts of my life here. We arrive early, again to beat the crowds. It seems all the popular breakfast spots in Bar Harbor are packed by 8:30am. The entire restaurant was filled when we arrive. We did not wait at all to be seated. There is an indoor area and porch. The front of the indoor area is comp,evenly open to the porch so virtually entire place open. The walls are adorned with bright, colorful paintings. I ordered the Illinois Omelette and could not have been more pleased with my choice. The omelette was packed full of veggies and cheese. My mom had blueberry pancakes and they were so light and delicious. Service was attentive without being intrusive. Staff all seen working together to help one another out, like a well oiled machine. Will be heading back next time I am in Bar Harbor.
(4)Cindi M.
Great breakfast spot. Wonderful suggestion from the hotel. Love the service and food. Will return next time we are in Bar Harbor.
(5)Kurt S.
Best breakfast place we went to in Bar Harbor! I had the Harney and a bagel to soak up the juices. The corned beef hash was tasty and not too salty. Others in my group enjoyed their omelets. I want to try the Monte Cristo and Kit's Burrito if I go back.
(4)Patrick D.
Great attentive service. Typical breakfast fare but done very well. Excellent turkey bacon and a delicious blueberry pancake made it special.
(4)Natacha D.
This is one of two places to get pretty good food (that's not outrageously expensive) in Bar Harbor (the other is 2 Cats). I had a snack before a show with a few friends- one got a lobster roll, one got brussels sprouts with bacon, and one got zucchini polenta. The lobster roll and brussels sprouts were delicious, the polenta was kinda greasy. There were also really good fried potatoes. The bartender was great- super nice and efficient lady. Stops serving food at 9:30.
(4)Leigh J.
We had dinner there first and loved it. An eclectic, hipster yet casual vibe make this place very appealing... plus their much more interesting, sophisticated menu. WE had lobster lettuce wraps and seafood spring rolls for appetizers-- both tasty, light but with interesting seasonings. Chili sauce on spring rolls a little too sweet but otherwise good. Followed that with an Asian salad for my husband and a delicious caesar for me (nice that they offer 2 sizes/prices of salad, so you can have some without getting over-filled). We shared a seafood "pot" which was a delightful gingery broth filled with fresh shrimp, lobster, and yummy rice noodles. Light, gluten free, and a nice change of pace from the pounds of steamed lobster i've been picking out of shells all week! Decent and very affordable wines by glass and good sized list of beers (plus full bar). OK it was so good we had to go back for Breakfast today. At 930 the line was forever so we left. Came back at 12:45 right before closing... same great casual country vibe, but now delicious and very fresh omelets with fantastic chunky home fries clearly made from real potatoes, and great toast made on bread they get homemade from the delicious Morning Glory bakery a couple blocks away. We "forced" ourselves to ALSO order the blueberry pancakes... you should too! Light, crispy on edges and moist in the middle, real maple syrup and lots of fresh maine blueberries. YUM. 2 coffees and 3 breakfast entrees, and our bill was barely over $30. RUN DONT WALK
(5)Jennifer D.
Pitchers of mimosas and Bloody Mary for breakfast! Nice atmosphere, friendly staff. Available ingredients for omelettes was great. I had goat cheese, roasted peppers, and bacon. My husband had smoked trout, spicy jack cheese, and mushrooms. It was fun to have different choices. The dinner menu looks good too. Can't wait to try it!
(4)Darren S.
Dinner: So good the first time that we went back a couple nights later. It was even better. Locally sourced food, great beers, excellent service and a nice setting altogether. Definitely a great option to avoid the typical tourist traps in bar harbor and get a great dinner.
(4)Marty M.
Hidden away from the main road is a gem of a breakfast cafe. Atmosphere is very relaxing and the wait staff is great. I love the paintings and layout. Will definitely come back again.
(4)Brooke M.
I loved my breakfast from here! My husband and I went to bar harbor for our honeymoon this past week and the first morning there we went to here and my husband got the monte Cristo and I got eggs benidect. The atmosphere was great, food delicious, and decent priced. Will definitely be going back when we visit again.
(5)Jennifer M.
Came here for dinner. Pros: nice atmosphere, attentive service, and delicious entrees. I had the blackened tuna and it was cooked perfectly, and the jicama salad was suuuper tasty. My fiance had the squash and zucchini noodles which I tasted, and that was also delicious. Cons: overpriced appetizer - do yourself a favor and don't bother ordering the Maine spring rolls. We were really disappointed when our waiter showed up with two tiny spring rolls. They were fine, but definitely not worth $6 each!!
(4)Troy M.
Every year while in Bar Harbor we go out for at least one nice dinner, this year we did not want anything too fancy and Cafe This Way was perfect! They have a great menu and a fun atmosphere where you can be comfortable dressed up, casual and anything in between. All of the food was excellent, service was great, I highly recommend!
(5)Dae S.
First time eating here was on a visit in 2010. Great place, good food, and awesome service. Had the pancakes, and omelets at this point and haven't been disappointing once. Now that I live here and if I actually wake up in time I make it a point to go here when going out to eat.
(4)Kyle M.
My girlfriend and I got breakfast hear on our last day on the island. It was bittersweet; this place is great - one of the best places on the island, so we're glad we discovered it, but we wished we'd had more meals here, as oppose to some of the mediocre competitors. Ambiance is a mix, the place is very nicely decorated, but a little crowded. This is due to the popularity and simply that it's a small spot. Some tables are better than others, we happened to get one of the worst seats in the house, I could hear every detail of our neighbors conversations on both sides of us. The service was good. Nothing more to say. The food is where this place really shines. It was extremely high quality. One rarely is shocked by the quality of breakfast food but this place is definitely the exception. I HATE being in crowded places, but I loved this place because the food was so good it made up for the crowding. The portions are moderate, but the quality is outstanding and makes up for it. I only wish we had known about it earlier so we could have tried dinner there. Most places on Bar Harbour are of mediocre quality, it's a tourist based economy and most of the restaurants reflect that, they are mediocre quality and overpriced. This place is the exception.
(5)J S.
Good food very friendly service nice environment with nice artwork to look at while you eat. Had breakfast, blueberry pancakes and lobster benedict to compare to other spots in town. All items were good, I would rate the breakfast potatoes as the best in town, the lobster benedict second best and the blueberry pancakes narrowly in first. The omelets were well prepared and the coffee good basic coffee.
(4)Emaan M.
Cute cafe in Bar Harbor that gets packed around 830/9 am. They have a large seating area, with some tables outside on the patio. Blueberry pancakes - thin and delicious. not super fluffy but who needs that anyway? The Patti w/egg whites - very good, standard omelette fare Good service as well.
(4)Jeff K.
We were there right at 7am when they open after watching sunrise on Cadillac Mountain. Coffee was excellent and much needed. Try the eggs benedict over smoked trout - yum. This was the best breakfast we ate while visiting Bar Harbor. Great decor and attentive service. Highly recommend it.
(4)Ted B.
We had breakfast here. Attention to detail is apparent in every aspect. Very clean, quick service, comfortable seating and a really cool setting. Everyone at our table loved their food, I had the farmers breakfast with delicious chocolate milk. The other meals were French toast, salmon and kit's burrito. All great and came with attentive and superior service. We have many days to try other restaurants but this one will probably be the one I remember. I can't find one negative.
(5)Charlene P.
Every summer we spend time in Bar Harbor and Cafe This Way is one of our stops. The breakfast is so worth the wait if you have to wait. Service is always good. Family friendly.
(4)Marie D.
Walking around Bar Harbor in search of somewhere not too touristy to have dinner, we came upon Cafe This Way. We followed the footsteps helpfully painted on the street to the cafe and had a wonderful meal. The corn and lobster chowder with crispy pork belly was to die for!
(4)Megan B.
We got seated very quickly and our food came out in not more then 10min. Also they have a porch that you can bring your dog with you!
(4)Jesse S.
If you like food and happen to find yourself in Bar Harbor, you would be foolish to miss this place. If you don't like food any of the mediocre places down the street will meet your needs just fine.
(5)Will M.
We went back the next day! The pancakes are amazing! I wouldn't bother much with the eggs Benedict or home fries; neither of which had a lot of flavor. But the pancakes were superb!
(4)Chuck D.
The server served us our food. (Not what I ordered). The food came out very fast. It was pretty good, and isn't that what's most important? I had two cups of coffee (not great). Would have had more but felt rushed out. No idea of servers name. She didn't care. Not friendly at all.
(2)Guy C.
(see explanation of ratings below) 4 of 4 stars (excellent, casual dining). VERY popular (be prepared for a wait), off the main square. Allow thirty minutes for breakfast. About $10 per person (breakfast). Excellent house-made corned beef hash. Attentive wait staff. About my ratings: Only high-priced dining establishments can garner five stars. Until yelp realizes that a fast food joint cannot possibly be ranked equally with a $100 per person place, I need to draw the line somewhere. If we were only talking about the quality and presentation of the food, it would be a different story. But, as we know, yelp's rankings take into account the entire dining experience. Therefore, I divide restaurants into three categories (and I wish yelp would do the same): 1) fast food and "fast-casual", low-priced (no table service). 2) casual, mid-priced dining (table service, average entrée price: $10-$20). 3) fine, high-priced dining (linen napkins, no plastic cups, no TV's in dining room, average entrée priced at more than $20, can vary depending on the city). High-priced dining can earn a max of five stars. Mid-priced dining can earn a max of four stars. Fast food can earn a max of three stars.
(4)Cathleen S.
Cafe This Way is a wonderful place to have Breakfast or Brunch in Bar Harbor. I had breakfast there twice during my visit, and both times the food was delicious. The menu has a wide variety of indulgent items, in addition to healthy choices. If you're in the mood for a brunch cocktail, they pour a mean Bloody Mary. Tony, was our server both times, and he was friendly and very attentive. The atmosphere/decor is very cool-very homey and inviting. I haven't tried dinner there yet, but I will make it a point to dine there on my next visit to Bar Harbor.
(4)Pigcity B.
Great food way to many ppl for my morning breakfast but what do you expect for a saturday morning at 9:30am I had the big breakfast sanwitch or whatever they call it it was average but the home frys were great! I give this place four stars all day.
(4)Vickey T.
Really cute restaurant - much bigger/nicer inside than it appears on the outside. We came here for dinner and had the beef tenderloin special (wrapped in bacon with a bone marrow sauce, mashed potatoe and vegetables) which was excellent - as well as the cod and mussel stew. Both highly recommended! Great service - would definitely come here again :)
(5)Scott H.
Wow! Outstanding dinner. I ordered the shepherds pie which was eggplant sandwiched between goat cheese mashed potatoes and a spicy corn sauce drizzled on top. It has me wanting to take the 7 hour drive back just to taste it again.
(5)Amy N.
AMAZing place for brunch. My husband loved his lobster benedict, and the blueberry pancakes were the best I've ever had.
(4)Danielle H.
We had a wonderful breakfast here after seeing sunrise at Cadillac - already a hoppin' place at 7 AM. They had a lot of vegetarian, vegan, and GF choices. The decor is super cute and the staff was very friendly. Also, the coffee was delicious!
(5)Carly T.
During my stay in bar harbor, this is by far the best dinner my boyfriend and I had! Amazing ambiance, excellent service, and delicious food. I highly recommend the steamed muscles and cod dish, I wanted to drink the broth!! One night my boyfriend and I both ordered the specials, he had sirloin with scallops and I baked cod with rice and beet purée - both were incredible. I can't say enough nice things about this place. Don't waste your time going anywhere else. Oh yeah - the breakfast rocks too. We will be back.
(5)Bruce D.
FNtastic dinner last night. I had the seafood noodle bowl and it was perfect, lots of fish shrimp and lobster. My wife cleaned her plate of the zucchini noodle dish. Kids all enjoyed theirs as well. Place was busy and we sat at the bar sinc e we didn't have reservations.
(5)Wheeler E.
Solid. No detractors. Only went twice during our weeks stay. Oatmeal, pretty straight forward. Breakfast burrito, very good, lots of stuff inside... Service good.
(4)Food Jerk X.
In most cases, if you saw Asian, European, and Latin American dishes in the same menu, you'd run away: no one should be able to do all if these well. Yet Cafe This Way is neither suffering an identity crisis, nor trying to lure in tourists with as many cuisines as possible. Instead, it offers some of the most innovative foods in town. We decided to split a number of apps. The Austrian Fruit Salad with pear and pumpkin seed oil is very authentic, and at $9 for a large is quite reasonable. Nobody serves oak leaf lettuce anymore. The lobster lettuce wraps were served with jalapeño slices. The heat was balanced, and the whole dish very light and airy. The tuna tartare is also a nice portion with just enough wasabi to add a spike of flavor but not overpower the dish. The tuna had a very clean, fresh flavor. Cucumber and green roe were a nice touch and added both flavor and texture. The bone marrow was rich and buttery, served with a cranberry chutney. The chutney's acid and sweetness cut the fat if the marrow nicely. The duck dish we had was quite tasty. I was expecting more of a terrine, but it was more like a shredded duck taco. Jalapeños again provide a nice accent. For drinks, I had a Maine Beer Peeps Pale Ale. It's not bad, but more of a crisp and slightly bitter pilsner; pairs well with spicy dishes. Wife had the Larry Darryl Darryl, a melon-based cocktail that was a touch sweet, but got better as the ice melted. Blueberry pie a la mode was just OK. And a minor dig: no need for honey in the butter served with the complimentary bread (a running theme in this town). This place is slightly off the beaten path (hence the name) at the end of a driveway off the Village Green, but you can literally follow the footprints. Everything is affordable and quality: was tempted to try the $26 19oz T-bone special, but trying to enjoy local seafood. They also find ways to bring flavor to food without drowning it in sauce. Do yourself a favor: go get your lobster dinner and your beer-battered fish elsewhere, but when you're ready to have something innovative, come here. Best meal we've had in Bar Harbor.
(5)Steve O.
Great breakfast and attentive service. No wait to be seated on a Monday morning. Excellent coffee.... Thunderbolt brew. Blueberry pancakes were tasty and filling and served with real maple syrup. Country breakfast is good if you are hungry. Kit s burrito is a good departure from traditional breakfast choices. Home fries were also good.
(4)Emily R.
4.5 stars, but that's not an option so I rounded up. I came here while on vacation in the beginning of September, and loved this place so much we ended up coming here for breakfast 2 of our 3 mornings in Bar Harbor. You MUST get the blueberry pancakes - they are the best I ever had! They are fried so the edges are just crispy, and full of blueberries. Not to mention very generous portions! Other good options are their smoked trout omelet, various egg benedicts - granola is just OK. Service was super friendly too. As for wait times, we never had to wait though we did come during what seemed like the off season.
(5)Todd B.
We were in Bar Harbor for two days, and ate breakfast here one of the two days. Our kids all like corned beef hash so we wanted to try their homemade version. It was outstanding. The blueberry pancakes were top notch (we liked them better than Two Cats, another top breakfast place in Bar Harbor). The service was also great, they have a lot more servers working than at Two Cats, so we were able to get in and out more quickly. We highly recommend this place!
(5)John B.
Far better than 2 cats!!!!!! Food was amazing and price was perfect! Eat here! The location is cute and charming. The outdoor seating is off the street in a cozy area. I got the corn beef hash which had large chunks of corn beef yummy
(5)Darrell F.
Pre-warmed coffee mugs on the table when we sat down. They had me. With that kind of attention to detail I knew all that followed would not disappoint. I was right. Our meals and service were great. The price was right. Go. Eat. Enjoy.
(5)Frances C.
I love this place! Especially because dogs are welcome! The food was excellent I have the smoke . The service was great.
(5)Derek C.
We gave this place a try for breakfast and we are all glad we did! We came back the next day because the food was incredible. The omelets were the best that I have ever had, and the pancakes are light crispy and full of flavor. I appreciated the fact that the servers are attentive and they kept refilling my drinks. A great restaurant never allows your drink to go below half full. This is a great restaurant....don't miss this place...my only regret is that I will have to stop eating here at some point and go back home :(
(5)Lindsey O.
We picked this restaurant because we were sick of lobster and starving. Seriously.... there is a thing as being sick of freaking lobster. Lobster is the heaviest meal ever, loaded with cholesterol and your stomach gets jacked around the 4th meal of it. SOOO we were craving vegetables and healthier options. Welcome to Cafe This Way. I loved the veggie options. I had the chickpea dish and it was delicious. Its not always easy to cook veggies the right way with the right seasoning, but they nailed it. Thank you for providing some light healthy options! The atmosphere in the bar was also very cool. There's tons of local art on sale around the room. Beautiful pictures of flowers, and the ceiling was pretty neat too. It was artsy without being fartsy, and a great way to break up the Lobster Pounds. :-)
(4)Jon S.
CTW is a Bar Harbor best bet. Fresh ingredients, great food combinations, and healthy alternatives. Combined with modern decor, this is a low-key relaxing joint. The Illinois omelette was flavorful and didn't leave you feeling stuffed. A small helping of home fries (diced potatoes) and 2 slices of homemade wheat toast accompanied the main dish. Not wanting to miss the blueberry pancake, I had a half-order (1 pancake) and was pleased. Maple syrup was divine - way better than expected. Remember, timing is key here folks. Come for breakfast (or even dinner I hear) and beat the crowd. Service is great, so don't risk knocking this place because of a wait.
(5)Cassandra B.
I initially found this place in a search for vegan-friendly restaurants but I have to say that I was much more impressed at several other places in Bar Harbor (Eden is all vegan, but there are more interesting options at Pizza Cinemera, 2 Cats, and Jeannie's). My friends and I stopped in for brunch and saw that a vegan scramble was the only vegan breakfast option. Both the host and a server (or perhaps they were both hosts) told us that there are many more vegan options at dinner and encouraged us to come back then since there was a long wait for a table anyway. We came back for dinner, only to find that there are only TWO vegan dinner items. Really? Why did two different employees recommend we come back because there was a much better dinner selection? One of my friends had a squash, quinoa, and tofu dish, which was good but not great. The squash was very good but the quinoa/tofu was pretty bland. I took a bite of her food, ate some of the bread that came for an appetizer, and went to get pizza across the street.
(2)K S.
What a gem! I've been to Bar Harbor over a dozen times and just discovered this place. We came here for breakfast and loved it. Great atmosphere, service, staff and food. Portion size was just right (no leftover boxes to lug around) and no food left on the plate. Giving 4 stars because there was only grape jelly on our table (only choice??) and wish the fried potatoes came with onions. Would absolutely return on our next trip there!
(4)Kate M.
Best breakfast in Bar Harbor. My family eats here at least 5/7 days of our vacation weeks. The eggs benedict is great! My brother loves the monte cristo. My mom is a big fan of the coffee as well. Service is always fast and even when we have to wait, it's never too long. I remember dinner being good, but I can't remember what I had off of the menu.
(4)Rachel B.
This place is wonderful! The food is great. I loved the pancakes and my husband had a hash omelette that was amazing! Super quick service too!! If you want great food and don't want to wait 2 hours for it, this is a must try!
(5)DA W.
This place has slipped. Had been our favorite for years, but this year meals were just okay. No big flavors and not enough creative vegetarian meals. Biggest disappointment was staff. We used to be so welcomed at the door and wait staff were all fun. Host has zero personality (on phone and in person)--just mumbles and tosses menu on table. Nobody seems to enjoy their jobs.
(3)Rich A.
I'm mixed on this place. I thought the menu was limited for my taste. I went with the roasted duck with a sour cherry sauce, mashed potatoes, and fresh mixed(maybe raw) vegetables. The mixed veggies contained cukes which I do not like and even after removing them that's all I could taste. The duck wasn't the best I've had but was cooked to my liking. The mashed potatoes were very good. Maybe if I had chosen another entree my feelings would have changed.
(3)Banu S.
This was the best meal we had in Bar Harbor. We came in for breakfast and had a short wait for a table of 7. Our waiter was fantastic and super helpful. The food was pretty amazing all the way around, savory and sweet dishes alike. Will definitely be coming back here on my next trip!
(5)Nicole M.
Went for breakfast and loved it! Sat on the porch with only a 10-15 minute wait during high season. Omelettes, pancakes and french toast were shared. And so incredibly reasonably priced. Thanks Yelp for the recommendation. Cute spot!
(4)Ari K.
We ate here for breakfast. The blueberry pancakes were excellent and generous amounts of blueberry were baked into each pancake. The youthful wait staff are all happy to be there and it creates a lively atmosphere. Great food, service and a relaxing atmosphere. This was by far our favorite breakfast spot on Bar Harbor.
(5)Cheska R.
Cafe This Way has become part of our family tradition when visiting Bar Harbor, Maine. We like to come in here for a big brunch on our last vacation day so that it will tide us over during our long road trip home. CTW has great service, atmosphere, and food. I haven't tried anything other than breakfast or brunch items, but they are quite delicious and makes me wish we had something similar at home. Service is very friendly, and pay great attention to detail. They don't hover, but they make sure you're taken care of. I love the decor and bright atmosphere. Neilly Harris, a local artist, has some eye-catching paintings showcased on their walls and I love the reading corners and built-in bookshelves. It adds to the homey feel of the place. If we had more time, I would have loved to just lose myself in the reading nooks with one of their big mugs of coffee or tea!
(4)Ana N.
The tofu scramble was amazing! I was pleasantly surprised to find a place the carries tofu. Great coffee too!
(5)Rob W.
Lobster eggs Benedict and blueberry pancakes were awesome. The home made hash is a very nice side dish and something not usually seen on a menu. The coffee and service were awesome. Very friendly. The restaurant has a very pleasant atmosphere. I would highly recommend this as a place for an enjoyable breakfast (didn't eat lunch or dinner there.....yet) and would definitely come back.
(5)Rebecca C.
The food was very good and they have lots of vegetarian and some vegan options. The atmosphere and service was a little hipster or something....we didn't feel completely comfortable there and the waiter was a little pushy about getting us to drink alcoholic beverages (usually we don't need much convincing but after a day out in the hot sun sometimes you just want to have some water first.) Anyway, like I said, no complaints about the food...it was very good....we'll definitely be back next time we're on MDI.
(4)Tom H.
Stopped in for breakfast. I had the corned beef hash, which was one of the best that I have ever eaten. Wife had the oatmeal which she enjoyed. Dinner menu looks enticing, but the vacation was over.
(4)Julia C. C.
Very smart name. Made you want to go check it out. The indoor sitting were great, very cute and comfy to have breakfast there. The food were great and serverce are very good~
(4)Westie W.
The restaurant proved to be much larger than it appeared from the outside, but we ended up being seated in a back room though we held a reservation. My wife ordered blackened medium rare tuna that included a jicama-orange salad and lime-avocado crème. The tuna was served cold so it was sent back to the kitchen. After a long wait, the waitress brought out a 2nd plate that had been sitting. She returned minutes later saying she brought out the wrong plate and put the original plate on our table. The tuna was now well done and barely room temperature. I was more successful with my entree, Brazilian Flavors - shrimp, scallops and mussels in a tomato-coconut broth with veggies and rice. The seafood was generous, but the broth would have benefited from a heavier hand with the spices.
(2)Sam M.
Great seafood, nice atmosphere, and good wine. I recommend to make reservation for dinner since they did get very busy. Steamed cod and mussels was amazing!
(5)Charlene I.
We had a great dinner here last night. We had spring rolls for an appetizer and then a fabulous dish of seafood served in a gingery broth with noodles. We did not have reservations but we got there shortly after it opened and we were seated almost immediately. The restaurant filled up quickly so you might want to call for reservations if you are eating after 6 pm.
(4)YC S.
The food is about average. There isn't anything to rave about the food. However, their homemade butter for the bread is unbelievable. It's silky and smooth, and it doesn't taste oily. I finished the whole basket of bread, and I could have finished another one just for the butter. The butter is simply amazing.
(3)Eileen S.
Delicious dinner. We were a large group and everyone was very happy with their dinner choices, including 2 vegetarians in the group. If you are looking to satiate your lobster fix, the lobster trio is a good choice. 3 versions of a lobster roll, what's not to like? They also won me over with the eco-friendly straws. But I suppose that is to be expected, it is Bar Harbor after all. Reservations encouraged. Parking can be a challenge, so plan ahead.
(4)T P.
Cafe This Way was recommended by a friend - rightly so. Every dish that came to our plate was excellent. Appetizers included a lettuce wrap with lobster, and the best sauteed Brussels sprouts I've ever had , with honey, sriracha, and bacon. We had four seafood dinners - halibut over a bed of fennel and heirloom tomatoes, peacan encrusted halibut, seared tuna, and steamed cod and mussel stew. All hit the spot! not your typical tourist town joint. You'll be missing out if you skip this place.
(5)Ali K.
We had dinner there today after reading the great reviews. We ordered Swordfish and Tuna. The swordfish was ok, but the Tuna was very salty. The portion size was smaller than expected. On the plus side, the service was good. However, we would not like to go there again.
(2)Terri V.
Cafe this way is a little place down a driveway off Mt. Desert street......we loved the location! The food was really good with a variety of breakfast items that were very different than your normal blah breakfast foods. The cafe inside was really nice with books everywhere. Recommend this place.....just follow the sign that says "Cafe this Way"! :)
(5)Judy C.
If I could give a place 0 stars, this would be one of them. I was really excited to eat here after seeing the glowing yelp reviews, but I never got to try the food. Instead, my bf and I were treated exrremely poorly. This was my last meal before leaving Maine and this place completely soured my mood. I don't really want to re-experience my time at Cafe This Way. I'll just say that we sat at a table for more than 45 minutes with our menus, while our waitress continued to pass us by like we were invisible. We told the host twice that we hadn't been served, but that people around us were and were getting their drinks and food. We finally left after a table (only two tables down from us) was seated more than half-an-hour after us and had already gotten their drinks and ordered their food and no one had yet stopped by our table. At that point, we had to walk out. I was not going to stay any longer and be treated that way.
(1)Alex D.
Nice location service was nice. The pork Shank was dry and the Asian salad was very basic. Not what I expected and not sure I would return.
(3)Peter M.
Best meal on MDI (although my wife might argue it was the lobster at Thurstons Lobster Pound). Really nice environment and friendly service. We had Brussels sprouts (sweet and delicious), lobster spring rolls and watermelon salad for appetizers, and swordfish special and prime rib for entrees. All served with tasty sauces and cooked perfectly. Even the bread with honey butter was great. I would definitely eat here again, and we may try to tomorrow! Highly recommended.
(4)Nicole C.
I loved this place! We came here for breakfast on our last day in Bar Harbor and I was thoroughly impressed with the delicious food and coffee and it was good service to boot. The blueberry pancakes were fabulous and (gasp!) they didn't charge you for maple syrup. Will definitely go back on future trips!
(5)Kelly P.
This is our first visit to Bar Harbor, and friends recommended Cafe This Way. I'm so glad they did! Excellent breakfast, good service, lively atmosphere (including the well behaved dog having breakfast with her owners!). I had "the usual" with turkey bacon and it was delish. They offer egg whites if desired, which is perfect for my husband. We returned for another breakfast two days later. The prices are reasonable and appreciated in this high cost tourist area. Highly recommend!
(4)Denise M.
Lots of unusual Benedict choices! Husband had his with Canadian bacon, I had spinach, tomato and artichoke heart Benedict. Both were excellent! Was surprised not to see an lobster omelet. Pot of hot tea is the most economical beverage - I recommend the tutti fruity.
(4)Amanda E.
hip atmosphere, awesome food, fast efficient service. loved how the hostess offered us coffee in their mugs while we waited a couple minutes for a table. we got a build your own omelette that was delicious & happily devoured but also pretty oily (could taste & see the griddle oil on the egg) but omelet ingredients were amazing ( roasted red pepper, goat cheese, spinach, red onion). kit'a burrito with fresh salsa & guacamole was great, huge! will definitely go back next time we are in bar harbor.
(4)Suzanne S.
Solid breakfast spot in Bar Harbor. The decor is modern and trendy, with various paintings and other artwork adorning the maroon walls. The main room is very open and airy, which was pleasant. This place has a high energy, fairly fast paced vibe. I felt relaxed while eating but I did notice the waitstaff zigzagging back and forth through the diningroom. Just something to note if you are looking for a place that is more laid back or sleepy. I had The Harney for breakfast, which is two poached eggs atop homemade corned beef hash dressed with Hollandaise sauce. This meal was also served with wheat toast. The portion size was very good. I was able to eat it all without being stuffed. The hash was tasty, though I did feel a little bored of the flavor by the time I was through. Perhaps a different dish with a side of hash would've been the way to go. The hash itself had a nice texture with finely chopped potatoes and beef. It wasn't at all greasy, which is sometimes common with this dish. Basically, all of the food was above average, though I wasn't astounded by the experience. Service was prompt and efficient. The coffee was also good. This place is definitely on the map for breakfast places to try in Bar Harbor.
(4)Alex M.
OMG... most unbelievable pancakes. Enough said. My gf said the mimosas were pretty good too.
(5)Jeffrey L.
Great experience. We arrived without a reservation and they were able to find us a great table immediately outside. They also have their own parking lot. The food was great. We got the brussel sprouts, Brazilian shrimp, scallops, and mussels, and the pecan crusted halibut.
(4)Anonymous E.
We went for breakfast and dinner. The meals were great. I had eggs benedict for breakfast and tuna for dinner. The latte's are pretty awesome too!
(5)Jessica W.
Came here for dinner and started with the crabcakes.. They were absolutely delicious. Would definitely come here again just to have the crab cakes again. I had the brazilian seafood dish as an entree which was more than enough. The seafood was fresh and again delicious. I shared the blueberry pie a la mode to finish off the meal! overall, I would rate this place a 5..!
(5)Debra L.
When we go to Acadia/bar Harbor, this is my favorite part of the trip. Sometimes we stay at an Inn nearby, and sometimes we camp on Mount Dessert island. Regardless, we make it a point to fit in breakfast here. there is pretty much always a wait but it's a pleasant wait. You sit outside on a warm sunny day in one of their many chairs and drink your coffee. They kindly provide coffee while you wait. By the time you are seated, you're naturally starving and the food does no disappoint.I've had the eggs Bennedict, breakfast burritos and omeletles. Everything is fresh and there are a lot of healthy options. My husband usually gets pancakes with bacon or sausage, which I have never had but he always seems pleased. Staff is friendly which is especially impressive given how hectic this place is.
(5)Arienne H.
Note: This visit was in May 2011. 3.5 for the food. Well above average for Bar Harbor (excepting the lobster shacks, of course), average for what I'm used to from fine dining in Nashville. (Seriously, there's fine dining in Nashville.) 1 for the service: we were seated at 9:10 p.m., 20 minutes before kitchen closed. Our server gave us look of death, didn't give us any menus and didn't tell us about the specials until promoted. 4 for the great wine special on the night we went. My sister ordered the tuna over tomatoes with capers and green beans and was happy. I ordered the pecan crusted halibut streak with garlic and a yummy cajun tatar sauce. Good, but felt heavy. Mashed potatoes were delicious, but again, heavy. I would have appreciated a simple spinach side.
(3)Matthew R.
Blueberry pancakes were fluffy and had a delicious crispy circumference. Delicious!
(4)Thomas D.
We went there for the two vegetarian options that Cafe This Way offered. We both ended up having the chickpea curry and were both disappointed: quite bland, and the cauliflower "rice" was really bitter. Service was friendly but there was a lot of wait for our food. We won't be going back.
(3)Marta K.
Friendly service. Yummy pancakes with real maple syrup. Latte machine was on the fritz. Husband liked the granola with yogurt very much but would have liked more yogurt. Will go again. Great menu.
(4)Katie S.
Delicious Brussels sprouts appetizer, tasty cod and mussels, and yummy seafood pot. Fantastic desserts.
(5)JJ C.
We tried this place after it had been recommended by a non hotel employee for breakfast (basically our Hotel staff at the Holiday Inn Sunspree are under strict orders to deny any other restaurants exist, or just happen to remember to send you to another property owned by the Holiday Inn) Staff: Great, everyone in this place seems to have the same goal, to make the customers happy, everyone seemed in a great mood The Menu is fun, the layout is bright and alive, complete with local art on the walls. I had the "Harney" poached eggs with some homemade hash, excellent Wife had an omellete. Coffee was good Our Server was Cesar, he is very relaxed, but attentive. Definitely check this place out
(4)Lisa M.
This is a great place. We've been a few times and breakfast is always good. Just a few things I'd note: - The granola isn't worth getting when compared to other menu items. Obviously granola hardly ever is, but sometimes places that make their own granola with lots of great stuff and serve with organic whole milk yogurt end up with a "granola and yogurt" worth getting. I didn't find that to be true here. Runny low-fat tasting yogurt and ordinary granola. - Do not order the Ghiradelli hot chocolate. They make it with water (or possibly skim milk). Unacceptable, IMO. Otherwise, everything we've had from here has been great. And there was no wait on a sunny Saturday at the very end of June. Per other reviews, that looks not to be the case later in the season.
(4)Matthew L.
Really cool little breakfast spot. Service was friendly and lightening-fast. Food hit the table a couple minutes after he took our order. Fresh as can be. Omlette had tomatos, basil, goat cheese and parmesan--delicious! Wife had blueberry pancakes with crisp bacon. Awesome breakfast...
(5)Gregg V.
Let me start off saying that we only ate here for breakfast (not dinner) and that I'm a breakfast snob. It really takes a lot to wow me with breakfast food, but boy did this place ever. I can't remember the last time I said "WOW" out loud after my first bite. We were there around 10am on a Sunday morning and the place was really crowded. Help yourself to a cup of coffee by the Hostess stand and enjoy the wait. Their coffee is some of the best I had on MDI. For the food, my wife and daughter had really good omlettes and I had one of the days specials - walnut banana pancakes. Next year's selection will definitely be the breakfast burrito!
(5)Kate E.
Cafe This Way is the very best brunch to be had in Bar Harbor. My friends and I make sure to make if for the first and last days every year. It can be a little of a wait if you're not careful to come early or late, but it's is well worth every minute! The staff is lovely and the food is unmatched in Bar Harbor. I've only been for dinner a couple of times, but again it was lovely and well worth every penny. Love love LOVE this place.
(5)Mark S.
Friendly, casual service. Mojito was excellent. Food was for the most part, very good. We started with the lobster spring rolls and oven roasted brussels sprouts. Both were delicious. The spring rolls let the lobster do the talking. The brussels sprouts were seasoned well with garlic and spices that made my taste buds smile. Pecan crusted halibut with tartar sauce (had a nice kick to it) was excellent, squash noodles over polenta were simple but delicious. The halibut special wrapped in prosciutto was a little disappointing. It was rather bland. All in all it was a great meal and we look forward to our next visit.
(4)Victoria M.
We were recommended to try Cafe This Way for dinner by a friendly bartender at Cottage Street Pub (which is a nice place to hang out for a beer too). She even provided us the local guide with a partial menu so we could take a look before heading over. The restaurant had very "ambient" lighting (read: a little dark), but was laid back and had a welcoming atmosphere. It was quite busy and everyone seemed to be having a great time. We started with The Littlebit, a hot skillet of melted asiago cheese with roasted garlic, tapenade, and roasted peppers with bread for schmearing on. Way to put a bunch of good things together into a better thing, Tas-ty! I ordered the Lobster Roll Trio (we're in Maine after all) which had an Asian style, Western style, and traditional style on brioche along with potatoes and veg. All of them were good - I ate all of them, but I'm partial to the traditional one as it had the most lobster flavor. BF ordered the duck special they had that day. A seared and sliced duckbreast, fingerling potatoes, and veg. The duck meat was cooked nicely, but probably could have been rendered a bit more and gotten a crispier skin. The roasted potatoes were fantastic and I kept stealing them! For dessert we had a slice of blueberry pie a la mode. Very nice crust, filling wasn't too sweet, great warm pie to ice cream ratio. It was a great little stop and I'm glad we met that bartender!
(4)Kristin A.
Had breakfast here.... both of us got Eggs Benedict. Good coffee & food was great. Service was a little bit slow. We found this place on the last day of our vacation- I was kind of sad we didn't get to try lunch there.
(4)Michelle H.
Yes, yes and yes. Good food for a reasonable price (not inexpensive mind you but just this side of reasonable) and great service. Atmosphere didn't hurt either. It has a hip, casual feel with candle-lights, artsy decor, and artwork for sale on the walls. Penny was our server and she was sweet and well paced. Food: I had the seafood chowder with mussels, sea scallops and shrimp in a coconut milk and tomatoe broth over rice. Perfect. It was warm and comforting and the seafood was just cooked. Soft and succulent = ideal and that is what you get here. My sister was with me and got the Shepherd's Pie (not a seafood person) and said that while it was the most expensive shepherd's pie she's ever had, it was also the best and was worth the price. I tried a bit and loved the sauce on top. Coming back? Definitely. I would love to come for breakfast or lunch but I will be coming back for dinner the next time I'm in Bar Harbor.
(5)Ronald S.
Breakfast: Amazing pancakes. Dinner: Amazing cashew crusted Tofu. For breakfast they have a pretty decent selection of vegetarian and vegan options, not many places go to the extent they do here. I had pancakes and they were some of the best I have had in a long time. (reasonable priced breakfast) Dinner here was also very good - we were a large group of 10+ and we had a reservation and everything went great - good atmosphere, pleasant staff, delicious food with good vegan/vegetarian options. Everyone loved their meals, and the kids all liked the cafeteria style plates they had dinner on. vegan corn-waffle & soy chicken chorizo .. SO GOOD. (dinner here wasnt cheap) Parking in their lot is sort of hit or miss but it isnt too far from the public parking in town, or you can just walk or take the bus! One of my favorite bar harbor places.
(5)Ben R.
Bartender at McKay's Public House recommended that we go here for breakfast, and it was seconded by two folks who summer in Bar Harbor on the regular, so we made plans for the next morning. Parking lot was full so guess we picked the right place. We were seated quickly and our server came over to take our drink orders. The bartender told me that he gets a special drink he calls the Dirty Iced Mocha Chai (iced chai with soy milk, a shot of espresso, and a shot of mocha). DELICIOUS. I ordered the Murphy Omelette. It was good, but given that it has potatoes in it already, serving it with home fries was a bit overkill. My friend got the Kit's Burrito, which she liked a lot. Messy, but good. Maybe a knife and fork job. Food and service were quick, and it was a lively crowd. Would come back and try some other things next time.
(3)Marty C.
Loved the service and the food was great! I would definitely come back again! Maybe tomorrow..
(5)Sue W.
This was one of the two places in Bar Harbor we came back to eat a second time. The food was great, with no waiting for a table both times. Great experience!
(4)Melissa R.
Breakfast burrito was off the hook, and I ended up eating my kid's blueberry pancake because it was so good!!
(5)george k.
We revisited Cafe This Way this past week. Still love the energy, the decor/spacing and the servers. The food is also a bit different from the other places in Bar Harbor. My wife had the seafood spring rolls and the fried brussel sprouts. Both were very flavorful, especially the sprouts. I had the special soup, SW corn/seafood soup. Not as good as expected but still enjoyable. I ordered the pecan encrusted halibut. The halibut was too thick and a bit dry. Wasn't my favorite. Our server was wonderful and let us eat at our pace. I would go back again.
(4)Joy W.
We had the lobster rolls and clam chowder here for dinner-I thought it was good-nothing to rave about however.
(3)Jessica B.
OMG pancakes! Coffee is really strong, eggs were great, hash was homemade and good, eggs bene homemade. The fruit cup is awesome... How often can you get that excited about a fruit cup!? Art on the walls is awesome. Waiter rocked. You should go!
(5)Kelly Anne M.
Great vibe and atmosphere. We did brunch and loved our little table in the corner. Hash, the kit burrito and a pancake to share - all were awesome and super filling. The blueberry pancake really was everything others were talking about. Wish we has more time in Bar Harbor, would love to go back.
(5)Miki M.
I love, LOVE this restaurant!!! I've been there three times when I stayed at Bar Harbor and their breakfast always makes me happy! Their blueberry pancakes are the best and service is always great!!!!! 5+++++
(5)Matt L.
Not sure what all the hype is with this place. We stopped in as they opened on Labor Day and there was a bunch of people waiting in the lot as well. First off the place doesn't look like much, but inside it is decorated really nice. Dark burgundy walls with nice paintings from local artists lining the walls and book cases with books lining the lower walls. It is quite a large place surprisingly. The staff is what looks like college students waiting tables with no personalities and not an ounce of customer service. They barely said anything as they seated us and the continuation of the look of almost doing us a favor was apparent. Sad too because if it weren't for this, my rating may be a notch higher. The menu is a collection of breakfast items which are very creative and inventive and all sound decent. I ordered the french toast - cinnamon raisin and when i took a bite, it just tasted bland and with a burnt taste. The eggs benedict my wife ordered, the claim to fame of this place was just no biggie, average, pancake house selection. Even the coffee was whatever. The prices are average but don't balance with the amount of food you receive. To sum it up, I see no allure of this place and find it hard to believe it is all that it is cracked up to be or I must be missing something. With so many other places to grab breakfast in Bar Harbor, why not skip this place and try another.
(2)T J.
We were in Bar Harbor the last week of July and stumbled onto this wonderful restaurant. We saw a sign "Cafe This Way" on the side of a building, directing us from the main road through town down an alley to the entrance of the restaurant by the same name as the sign, so it was a cute play on words (first surprise). The second nice surprise was the atmosphere of the restaurant. It's decorated very artsy and funky with some sort of fabric stretched across the ceiling, cool mood lighting at night, local art hanging on the wall, old books on book shelves, all of which make for an inviting appearance. The greeter and wait staff were all friendly and personable. The third nice surprise is that the food was excellent! It sounds like this restaurant is owned by 3 women by the restaurant business card we picked up (not sure). I am wondering if the 3 women are the chefs? Whoever does the cooking is well skilled in making delicious, unusual dinners and breakfasts. Our first experience was to eat dinner at Cafe This Way. My husband and I both had the surf and turf special, which was a petite filet mignon, tender, juicy, done pretty much the way we ordered it, and a lobster cake, which was similar to a crab cake, except it had nice chunks of lobster meat in it. Our meals were very good. We enjoyed dinner so much, we went back for breakfast the next morning. My husband had bacon, eggs, and homefries. I had the Kit's Breakfast Burrito. We enjoyed breakfast too. If you are going to Bar Harbor, you have to check this place out. It was fantastic!
(5)Craig B.
Had a very nice Porter from Finland that I've never seen before. The appetizer was a local cow's milk cheese fried and served over tomatoes. There's a variety of sea food, chicken, beef, and vegetarian fare. I had the eggplant Shepard's Pie. Very nice. Good service. Didn't have dessert but there were about seven different local pies, cakes, and ice cream. Waitress said that she really likes the halibut. Based on everything else that she suggested, I'm sure that's a good choice, too. Expect to spend about $30 per person.
(4)Rachel B.
After 2 nights of eating at the Poor Boy, we decided to check out Cafe This Way. In part because my seafood obsessed parents may have been feeling guilty about going to more seafood themed restaurants. However they decided to check this place out, I'm so glad they did. I got a tomato, white bean puree, asparagus pesto, feta cheese strata over mixed greens. And that was just the appetizer. Light, fresh, healthy. My meal was a butternut squash stuffed with moroccan inspired quinoa, chickpeas, tomatoes, and tofu. Absolutely delicious. Full of flavor. Very fresh. Not heavy at all. My parents both had seafood dishes and cleaned their plates as well. Also ordered a mojito. It was good- although not the best I've ever had. The service was good, but the place definitely got very loud by the time we left. That was really the only drawback in my opinion. Also worth noting that they have a vegan/vegetarian/gluten free menu as well. :)
(4)Jerry S.
Excellence in breakfast, period.
(5)Ron W.
A friend who was in Bar Harbor the week before said he loved this place. I think it comes in a distant second to 2 Cats. First, they were crowded and told us to come back in 20 minutes. We took a quick walk, came back in 10 minutes, and then said they looked for us and gave away our place in line. Did their best to accommodate quickly, but still had to wait another 10 minutes or so. So not a big deal, but irritating start to the meal. As for the food, I did not have the blueberry pancakes, so cant go apples for apples comparison. But had something called the Monte Cristo...French toast sandwich, over fried egg and ham. A combo of a lot of my favorite things that somehow ended up kind of gross. Also, the home fries were way too peppery. I like flavor, but they overdid it and made them really hard for me to enjoy (and impossible for my kids to eat). I dunno...just didnt feel it here.
(3)Hiu Ting C.
Their prices are wonderful and had the best blueberry pancakes and lobster Benedict there!!! we went to many other "famous" breakfast place and this place was the best! Go there now if you're in the area! Oh and can you say no to Pomegranite Mimosa?
(5)Jo B.
Lots of people go to Cafe This Way for breakfast and love it. I can't review that because I do breakfast at home. Dinner, however, is why I go to Cafe This Way. Last night (Sat, Memorial Day weekend) 6 of us met for a very casual dinner and never once felt rushed. As our group staggered in (30 minutes between first and last to arrive) our server, Marcus, made each of us feel welcome and respected our desire to wait for others, making sure to check from time to time on drinks and offering to place orders for apps if wanted. Menu selection for Dinners are varied enough to please everyone (vegetarian to meat & potato lovers). Our group had a wide selection of appetizers, salads and entrees and everyone enjoyed their meal. The Maine Spring Roll and Tempura Tuna w/Wasabi Sauce were my partners and my choices for app. Others split a caesar salad or The Littlebit (toast w/cheese dip). Entrees were duck and southwest shepherds pie (veggie w/eggplant - no meat), squash noodles, and seafood. Apps cost $10-$15, entrees run $16 - $25. We all gobbled down our entire meals - no take home for us hungry eaters...
(5)Alyssa S.
Along with their delicious breakfast, Cafe This Way offers its customers a relaxing and laid back environment to dine in. Our waitress was very efficient, knowledgeable, and friendly. For morning cocktails, I had a mimosa with a mixture of pomegranate and orange juices, and D had a spicy bloody mary. Food-wise, I had the most delicious Bagel Plate, which included a toasted plain bagel with cream cheese, smoked trout, and the cafe's "bagel chop" (diced tomato, cucumber, red onion, and capers). YUM! I cleaned my plate. D had the Lobster Benedict, and, seriously, you can't go wrong with Maine lobster for breakfast. 2 thumbs up for this place!
(4)Trisha R.
This place was great! Fun, inventiive breakfasts in a very cool space. You walk in to the vibe of a coffee house/art gallery because the art is beautiful and the coffee is outstanding, while still being very homey and relaxing. The portions are good and they have a good selection of fresh/healthy ingredients on their menu to go with your unhealthy hollandaise ;)
(5)Tiffany N.
This place came highly recommended to us while exploring Bar Harbor. It boasts funky decor and the best corned beef hash I've ever tasted. The service was unremarkable. Neither good, nor bad. I had the McThisWay Big Breakfast Sandwich with turkey bacon. Very tasty! Then the kicker...the corned beef hash. It was nearly life changing. Made with real corned beef (not the canned crap) and served as a "side portion" so large we could have eaten it as a meal. Extremely flavorful and not overly greasy. I'd recommend this place to anyone...even if it's just to try the corned beef hash. You WON'T be disappointed.
(4)P B.
had the most delicious breakfast here. I recommend the goat cheese, tomato omlet. It was fabulous.
(5)Sergey S.
Really great vibe, great atmosphere, nice decor and really attentive service. We skipped on the appetizers because we weren't that hungry and went straight for the entree's. The Seafood Sliders were to die for; shrimp salad was great, the crab cake slider was juicy and meaty and the lobster slider was perfect. Dishes are in the $20-25 price range. They had a nice offering of wine also in the $20-25 range which is a steal.
(5)Eric L.
Went for dinner last night. What a great experience. My wife and I started out with drinks. Well balanced beverages. I had something similar to a Moscow Mule. It was delicious. She had a Malbec. We had the Roasted Red Pepper and Garlic cheese plate (cheese comes melted) app. THe acccompanying bread was spot on. Great start to our meal. We're not that adventurous with food so we played it safe. I had the Cashew Encrusted Chicken and she had the Cashew Encrusted Tofu. My dish was great, perfect spcied and cooked fresh chicken. Served on the side was green beans and mashed potatoes. I was very happy with my dinner. I tried the tofu and it was very very good. We couldn't stop so we had the Banana Foster for desert and, yup, great. I'll be back next time. The meal came to $72 without tip. Decent price IMO.
(5)Brian M.
Tried both breakfast and dinner, food was good but not exceptional and service was understaffed. Halibut was overcooked a bit but the lamb was perfect. We had to sit at the bar due to no reservation and on more than one occasion we saw people get up from their table to order drinks directly from the bartender since they couldn't get their waitress. So eating at the bar is actually better service since the bartender is right there. Overall 4 stars for dinner. Breakfast we arrived early and food was ok to good depending on what you ordered. Omelet was ok, eggs Benedict were good but took over an hour to get to our table. Maybe they were waiting on the chicken to lay the eggs... 2 stars for breakfast resulting in 3 overall
(3)Beverly D.
Had breakfast here. Highly recommended. Good sized portions, excellent wait staff, lovely funky artwork on the walls, food was fresh and tasty. We walked to the restaurant from our hotel as parking is a little tough to do sometimes in Bar Harbor in the summer. On a side note, it seemed like the wait staff were all part-time models - wow, were they cute to look at!
(4)Kendra F.
Must go!! Kit's burrito was great! Very nice restaurant and outdoor area. Great breakfast menu and good service! A breakfast delight!
(5)Christopher J.
Great breakfast joint! My omlette (Sam and Eggs) was awesome. Spinach, feta, artichokes, and olives. Perfectly prepared. You can buy the artwork and the stuff was kind of fun and happy. My buddy thought the Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon were just ok. His fault for thinking runny eggs and smoked fish would work in the first place though. Oh... The coffee was just a notch above an exxon station... Bleck. Spend the extra cash and buy a latte or a cappucino. Overall good experience. Great atmosphere. Packed house. Good stuff.
(4)Brian B.
It has been 3 years since my wife and I vacationed in Maine and we still reminisce about our meals at Cafe This Way. We ate 3 meals here during our 4 day stop in Bar Harbor. Everything we ordered was amazing and the atmosphere was equally good. I feel that if you visit Bar Harbor and do not eat at Cafe This Way at least once, you've missed out on one of the best meals of your life.
(5)Doug C.
Outstanding. Best breakfast ever, well no but I can say second best. My wife had kits burrito and I had eggs Benedict and some oatmeal. Everything was cooked to perfection service was excellent. We did it again the next day.
(5)Amy M.
Close walking distance from the harbor. Lovely atmosphere. Friendly staff. Fantastic Mimosas. My BF's pancakes ... AMAZING.
(5)Michael L.
I came to Cafe This Way with my girlfriend 2 and half years ago, but after a friend asked me about our trip to Maine I still remember this place as one of the highlights of our trip to Acadia. We ended up coming here 3 mornings in a row with our books to sit and have a relaxing, delicious breakfast. For breakfast lovers, this place does it right with a huge selection of fantastic meals to choose from. Our only souvenir purchased on this trip (an outdoor trip through NH and Maine) was a big mug from Cafe This Way, which we still use every Saturday for tea.
(4)Jack L.
Enjoyed dinner and breakfast here. Loved the atmosphere and the food was delish. We preferred dinner over breakfast as I was a tiny bit disappointed in the blueberry pancakes (I admit I had very high expectations). The presentation and preparation, notwithstanding my pancake expectations, was outstanding. It is interesting to me how the atmosphere changes from day to night, in an entirely appropriate way, just by virtue of the change in light. So bustling and high energy at breakfast, and then nicely on the more calmed-down side for dinner. Will definitely go back if we make it to Bar Harbor again.
(4)Alli G.
Seafood spring rolls were delicious - perfect marriage of lobster & crab in a crunchy wrapper. Only complaint is you only get two! Pecan encrusted halibut was slightly overlooked but still on this side of moist so it was good... Hubby's rib eye was perfectly cooked and the sauce was spot on. Table runner (not our waiter) screwed up our dessert order but we ate it anyway... Sinful chocolate mousse.
(4)J M.
Paid $3.25 for a 6 ounce cup of hot chocolate with a squirt of whipped cream from a can. Made with water, it was almost tasteless. And the 'boss' there made sure that he put the whipped cream on top. I heard another worker there say to her boyfriend he does that bcauz he thinks they put too much on! If this place depended on locals for repeat biz, they would go broke. Don't go!
(1)Jerry M.
Really liked my dinner. Wish I had known they also serve breakfast.
(4)Joseph H.
Just Follow the Feet Situated about sixty feet back from the street, Cafe This Way is reached by a driveway that leads to a gravel parking lot. In case you're directionally challenged and on foot, just follow the white shoe prints painted onto the driveway that lead to the restaurant from the menu board mounted at curbside. The impetus for this review is the salad my wife had which she judged was "one of the best she's ever had." She declined to rate it the best ever only to keep her future options open. (She's a salad aficionado.) In any case, it was one of the evening's dinner specials: a salad of mixed greens, fingerling potatoes, cucumbers, beets, tomatoes, and grilled tuna with a light application of a vinaigrette dressing. This for $22. The cherry tomatoes were wonderfully ripe and sweet; the beets were an unusual orangy-red and flavorful; the potatoes were a nice touch; the tuna steak was perfectly prepared. I had something called the Southwest Shepherd's Pie - mashed potatoes sandwiched between two eggplant circles fried to crispiness, the whole thing topped with a spicy sauce of creamed, fresh corn kernels. This for $16. Dining can either be inside or on a covered porch. The service was attentive and cheerful.
(4)debra p.
Great breakfasts and dinner. They make a homemade corned beef hash with eggs for breakfast, roast their own coffee...delish! Dinner was equally good.
(4)Steve B.
Breakfast at Cafe This Way was very nice. I had eggs, bacon, potatoes, oj, coffee; breakfast partner didn't want the large pancakes and egg breakfast, so server suggested building a smaller breakfast, with half an order of blueberry pancakes, and a side order of eggs. It was perfect for her. While we were there we chatted with the server, and we looked at the dinner menu and talked about things like chimichurri sauce and other foodie things. We decided we'd come back in the evening, and made a reservation. It was a good thing that we'd made the reservation, since the place was jammed that evening -- it was because is was Bar Harbor's 2012 Fashion Night Out. I had a Caesar salad, dinner partner had mixed greens, and we both had the beef tenderloin and lobster special. We shared a bottle of wine and finished things off with coffee and a shared slice of blueberry pie. Everything was delicious! Cafe This Way has inside and patio seating. When we were there, the walls were covered with nice paintings -- mostly bright flowers! It's a cheerful, happy place.
(5)Mary R.
Unique variations on old favorites at a good price point.
(4)Nico D.
My parents and i came for dinner. Creative menu Wonderful staff, fun atmosphere. good to great food. great potatoes, Overall, for what you're getting, it's affordable. For you appetizer get the "littlebit" If I could, I would eat here every night of our trip to Bar Harbor.
(4)Rishi S.
Charming spot for dinner. Reasonably priced, helpful service, and quiet hidden gem.
(4)Erica R.
Cafe this way was recommended by our rock climbing guide that afternoon as more of a fine dining experience. We showed up in hiking clothes, exhausted, but the hostess was able to find space for us despite the fact that all the tables were reserved. We ended up sitting in the "living room" which I liked much better than being at a table even. The service was EXCELLENT. Our waiter was attentive, quick, and helpful. The Shepherds pie was recommended both by our rock climbing guide and our waiter, so I got it and LOVED it. Reminded me of something I would find at Clydes or Founding Farmers here in the DC area. Pricier but worth it at least once while you are in BH!
(5)Taryn A.
Delicious food and definitely enough to fill you up and take some home. I love the diet-limited friendly menu (I'm lactose intolerant). Atmosphere is fun with a modern twist and staff is friendly.
(4)David H.
My wife and 2 teenagers enjoyed and amazing meal last night, during our (first) annual trip to the Acadia area. The food, the service, and the atmosphere were right on. My flank steak was tender and plentiful, my son's Brazilian seafood stew was so good that the rest of us were eating out of his bowl. The wine selection (try the house Cab!) and local beers on draught provided exactly what we needed after our 6-hour kayak tour. I would -- and will -- recommend this restaurant to anyone. You will NOT be disappointed!
(5)Steve M.
We went to Cafe This Way for dinner once, and breakfast twice during our 4 day trip over the 4th of July week in Bar Harbor. I hope repetition describes how much we enjoyed this place. A great semi "dive" in Bar Harbor, almost has the feeling of eating in someone's house. Breakfasts are outstanding with great coffee and amazing omelette creations. I would try to get there before 9 if its a vacation week/weekend since the line does start forming early. Most people seem to forget about it as a dinner spot but we loved the casual dinner and great lobster salads, fresh fish entree's etc after a day of running around in BH. Ideally try to get a seat on the awning small patio area, during hot days the back of restaurant can get a little stuffy.
(4)Abby W.
Just had breakfast here two mornings while visiting a week or so back. Thought the staff were super nice, the ambiance was great and were able to get seated pretty quickly even when it was busy. Also liked the artwork on the walls. In terms of breakfast I enjoyed my egg sandwich (think it was called a McSandwich or something like that) had thinly sliced turkey bacon in it & cheese on an English muffin. Mmmm. The second day we both got the oatmeal which I was a bit bummed about. We love oatmeal & normally have it for breakfast almost every day - cooked. Fresh fruit - great! Instant oatmeal that wasn't cooked - boo. My two cents, make some steel cut oats in a slow cooker or just make first thing in the am, tastes WAY better and is better for you. Even when they reheated (I think maybe microwaved it) I then had cooked fruit on barely cooked oatmeal. Otherwise did like the place & would go back, just wouldn't order that particular menu item unless they change it (hint hint if the management is reading this).
(4)Tara W.
Returned again this year for 2 breakfasts so far. Good for vegetarians and have a vegan tofu dish. Had the Green Eggs and Sam, and the Pattie, substituting tofu for eggs. Feta tasted more like goat cheese to me but other than that it was good. Hot sauce is good. They don't have a children's menu, but the first day they made our toddler a single pancake and the second a single scrambled egg. Had black tea; it was bagged but decent. Service is friendly and responsive. Pancakes are the thinner style; I prefer thick and fluffy. Home fries are real potatoes cooked well and not overly spiced or greasy. I love that they use paper straws. Wheat toast is good. I think this is better food and bargain than 2 Cats.
(4)Aaron D.
I went to Cafe This Way while on a trip to Acadia. After reading reviews, this looked like the best casual dining option in the Bar Harbor area. I haven't been as disappointed with a meal as I was at Cafe This Way in quite some time. Overall, the food was a B-. Reasons: stale bread, cold scallops, everything too greasy. What brings the restaurant down a level was that the greens still had dirt in them - yes they're local and organic but you can wash them better - and that dinner took almost an hour after we had finished our salads. Cafe This Way had promise, and the service was fine, but with mediocre food all around I cannot recommend it.
(2)Alexandra C.
We ate at Cafe This Way on our final evening in Bar Harbor and it was by far the best meal we had during our entire trip. The Brazilian Flavors Shrimp, Scallops, and Mussels was incredibly tasty. My mom's Moroccan Flavors Stuffed Butternut Squash also looked delicious and my dad raved about his Southwest Shepherd's Pie. Overall, the menu seems flavorful and unique. For dessert, we ordered the Blueberry Pie. The pie was perfect. We were all members of the clean plate club this evening. I would also recommend their coffee. Make a reservation; this place is popular - and for good reason! You can see more reviews of Bar Harbor and Acadia activities and restaurants on the vacations page of my blog: lovingthegoodlife.wordpr…
(5)Kate M.
Really great food as always! Thanks for a wonderful meal - the tuna tartare, the scallops and the hanger steak were all delicious.
(5)Janelle M.
Great place for breakfast although you'll most likely encounter a wait. The good thing is you can grab a coffee and sit outside while you wait for your table. It's a pretty large place and the noise level is energetic. Our breakfast was plentiful and satisfying. Menu has some creative flair along with plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans.
(3)Michael K.
As good as it gets is right - at least for breakfast. We've eaten dinner here, but that was years ago... This Season we stayed at a place w/o a breakfast, so, this was close.... Out of the seven breakfasts we had in BH, Cafe This Way provided for four , and was easily the best. I'm a fan of high protein breakfast, so it was all egg-stuff for me. My favorite was the A&A omelet... It reminded me of a recipe of a peasant omelet that i make at home. The omelet was large, cooked properly, and VERY delicious! The home fries are tasty, the turkey bacon, bacon and sausage are all flavorful. The coffee is good as well. It isn't the strongest, but I'm in a minority I guess... I like my coffee strong. My fiancé also tried the Belgian Waffle, which she said was wonderful. I tried it and have to agree - very light, not at all dense or dry. She did the omelet route as well, opting for the Murphy - no complaints there either! I can't find fault with the place, except to say that it is TOO popular! Get there early, or you may be waiting! Love it!
(5)Judy P.
Two- and- a- half stars - good service, I liked my entree but my husband said his t-bone steak special was fatty and did not distinguish itself...the poor lighting and noise level really detract from this restaurant. We had the trivia table which was fun but hard to read because of the poor lighting...and the noise was just a ring of hell. Not a good value for the price.
(2)S G.
Enjoyed breakfast here on Friday. I ordered the corned beef hash with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. It was delicious! Our waiter was perfectly friendly and helpful. The artwork inside is beautiful, I very much enjoyed that. This place is different. A very enjoyable experience all around. Would definitely go again.
(4)Lil S.
We came here for breakfast and dinner at the end of August. Both times we enjoyed our meals. I had the shepherd's pie and my husband had the Brazilian flavors shrimp, scallop and mussels for dinner. They were really good. My husband also loved their blueberry pie. Prices were pretty reasonable. Make sure you ask for outdoor seating during the summer because they don't have AC and it can be stuffy sitting inside. I recommend making reservations ahead of time.
(4)Deena S.
LOVED this place when we went to Bar Harbor last summer. GREAT breakfast - comfortable service. Even though they were jammed packed we never felt rushed. It was a long way but completely worth it. Great prices, good portion sizes and quality food. We are definitely looking forward to going back next week when we head back to Bar Harbor!
(5)Charles L.
Wonderful food, atmosphere, and service. The seafood sliders is one of the best things on the menu.
(4)Andrew H.
Better than 95% of the tourist schmaltz in Bar Harbor (tourists will apparently eat anything). The only reason I gave it three stars was that dinner is a touch overpriced for what it is - slightly above average. However breakfast there is spot on. Well priced, inventive, and delicious. Try to sit outside if possible. The noise inside is deafeningly loud.
(3)Julie M.
My boyfriend and I went here one friday night in July and loved it! We were able to sit outside with our pup, and everyone was so nice even though our dog is pretty hyper. Food was delicious; I ordered a vegetarian meal, zucchini and summer squash " noodles," and my boyfriend a pork special- both we're very impressed! Atmosphere is laid back, relaxing, and romantic- stop in!
(5)Valerie S.
Fabulous restaurant! Excellent service, And creative and delicious AND reasonably priced! If we ever go back to Bar Harbor, we will definitely return to Cafe This Way!
(4)Shaun-Mathieu S.
At the end of a small, concealed street in Bar Harbor lies Cafe This Way, a small bistro with a fine reputation. I had heard outstanding reviews from friends about this place, and was looking forward to trying it out. I must say, I was a little disappointed by my experience here. My friends and I arrived on a busy Summer Friday morning for brunch. The seating method is somewhat chaotic. No hostess was on duty, and there were two podiums that both had people lining up behind them. I got our name on a list, and it took twice as long as the time quoted for us to be seated. Our table was on the veranda, and offered a much quieter atmosphere to converse in. Here's what I had: Monte Cristo - A threesome of a fried egg, ham, and cheddar between blankets of french toast. Exquisite and savory, it quickly made its way to the final resting place that is my belly. Home Fries - Expertly seasoned, these were perfect. And the portion size was quite generous. Coffee - Not sure what brand they use, but its strong and hearty. Our server was not very happy to see us. I'm not sure what was going on with her, but the small brunette barely smiled during the whole meal. Nor were drinks refills offered. Her service wasn't bad, but being a waiter myself, I was kind of stunned that she didn't at least try to be a little more friendly. Cafe This Way's menu and prices, however, are excellent. Their food might be the Way to Enlightenment. Definitely come here for the food, but be wary of service and seating issues.
(3)Pinkjadez Z.
what an adorable little cafe to have dinner... the walls of this place is lined with local art work that you can purchase... the menu had your traditional Maine type seafood options with a flair. Instead of your typical lobster roll here you can get it served Asian style... yup yup ... or To start the tuna tempura rare served with seaweed salad and wasabi mayo-ish dallop on top was definitely a crowd pleas-er might want to get two orders of this... don't forget an order of the maine crab cakes these babies are served with a cajun lobster sauce... not to worry this place also has great vegetarian options, such as cashew encrusted tofu...southwest shepherd's pie(made with eggplant) yummy...
(5)H H.
My girlfriend and I went here for dessert one Sat night. It was packed, but the host sat us in the waiting area (couches and a coffee table in the middle of the restaurant) and had blueberry pie with ice cream and a pumpkin creme brulee. It was absolutely amazing, and the host, though not an actual server, was very friendly. We came back the next night for dinner. We didn't have reservations, but came just after the last rush so we were seated promptly. Our waitress delivered menus, but took a while to get back to us even though the place was emptying out. She came back and apologized vehemently for forgetting us--we were not in her usual section. Both my girlfriend and I work in the service industry so we know how easily it is to forget about a table; however, what counts is the treatment you receive after the "oops." Our waitress waited on us perfectly for the rest of the evening: she had excellent wine recommendations, was very knowledgeable of the menu and she made sure the rest of our meal was exactly on time. We ordered two appetizers: first, an Australian salad with apples and Gouda cheese, and topped with a pumpkin seed vinaigrette. Then, we had the tuna tartare. Both were excellent and seemed precisely prepared. The dinner special sounded great (quail wrapped in prosciutto and stuffed with bacon), but we were on a quest to have lobster for every meal in Bar Harbor. So we had the lobster penne and the surf-and-turf. The penne had tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms and parm cheese--all went very nicely with the huge chunks of lobster claw. The steak was cooked just right and the Bearnaise sauce it came with went very nicely with both the red meat and lobster. It came with garlic mash and butternut squash. Overall, we had great experiences at Cafe This Way both times we went. We even got another slice of blueberry pie the second night! Our waitress didn't mind that we were the last ones in there--she talked with us for a while and took the appetizers off our bill, too. We took what we couldn't finish back to the hotel and ate it on the road back to Boston the next day (it was still great even when cold!) Between the friendly and accommodating wait staff, the delicious dinners and deserts, and the funky art on the walls, we think this is the best dinner restaurant in Bar Harbor.
(5)Shannon S.
Nice atmosphere, delicious food, limited menu. Should open for lunch
(4)Rosy R.
Forget it! We have loved this place for years, to it we see how downhill I has gone. Service TERRIBLE..no attention paid to us, a party of 6. Way too may people.. Felt like a zoo, tuna app was terrible, tough, stringy and over cooked. Crabcakes looked like burgers..way over seasoned and little crab. Tish Tish. You ought to do way better Sorry to say.. We will not be returning for dinner
(1)Garret G.
Cute. Food ranged from good to excellent for dinner: lobster, pork and chicken. Service was good and friendly if not excellent. Would return. One of the better meals we had in Bar Harbor.
(4)Nick M.
Excellent breakfast place. Awesome service, OK coffee. I believe it is a blend of full city Sumatran, french roast of a few other beans. I would have preferred a lighter roast as an option, but most places serve dark roast up in Maine. I had a smoked trout with veggies in an omelet while my girlfriend had the French toast Monte Cristo. Food was incredibly fresh, yummy veggies, full of flavor and delicious. Real maple syrup came out of an old mead bottle, which was just one of the subtle things that really set this place apart. We hit this place up after an early morning hike and had to wait only a few minutes for a table around 10am. Service was absolutely outstanding. Waiter was awesome. Food was out of this world fast. Atmosphere was very nice, with little hints of class. The place has a sign posted "CAFE THIS WAY" with white painted footsteps leading to the restaurant. Inside, there were nice colorful canvas prints, a book case full for ambiance and probably 20 tables, with a patio seating a few more tables outside. There was a kitchen up front with waiters placing orders, lots of activity to look around. Open dining area could only be described as light, relaxed & casual, perfect for engaging in interesting conversation to be enjoyed over a nice meal.
(4)Meredith D.
I had "The Vegan" - Wasn't a big fan of so much soy sauce, but it was decent. NOTE: This place is busy and loud; there was a very long wait. It took a while for our food to come out as well. Sidenote: I think with all the local initiatives around the area (and so many local jams and jellies), you'd think that they wouldn't have to put a commercial jelly (Smucker's) with High Fructose Corn Syrup on the table. Next time I'll go to the new place next door: Bar Harbor Blues - we went for a couple of drinks, and they have several vegan options.
(3)T.K M.
This is a continuation on reviews of rest of the restaurants I visited in Maine. Now that I had finished with the bad review of our previous restaurant, I am now more than happy to share this wonderful place for you breakfast lovers! We arrived at Bar Harbor some time around 5:30 am or later after a vigorous night of speeding on the highway. Since it was way too early, the entire town was covered under a blanket of silence. Even thought the previous night's driving was very tiresome, we couldn't resist the grumbling within our stomach. Cafe This Way was first introduced to me by my coworker. She described it as a wonderful place to have breakfast. Well, since it was good information shared, we couldn't let the opportunity pass by. And this lovely little restaurant didn't disappoint. Like the names of every book, and the characters within, every name of a restaurant had its meaning, some easily understood and some would take awhile. When driving along the empty streets of Bar Harbor, partially looking for free parking spots and partially searching for the restaurant, it wasn't until we drove past the destination mark on our GPS did we noticed that we missed it. After a quick U-turn and a few more twists and turns of 5 pairs of eyes, we finally spotted this little jewel hidden behind the back of another restaurant of similar size. From the streets, you could only partially see the building via it's driveway. Right next to the driveway was a roll of cute white footprints, beaconing visitors to follow it as the "cafe is this way". Pulling in to the driveway and finding a parking spot, we were greeted with a beautiful flower bush. I remembered seeing colors of red, blue, white, and yellow all vividly presented and welcoming the advent of the tourists. Among the delicate flowers, the color lilies stood out the most. As these flowers were my favorite, I couldn't resist but to take a photo among them. The restaurant was scheduled to open at 7am, and we were way early. After parking our car, we decided to explore the town a little before coming back. Anyway, we came back at 7 and was amazed that there were already groups of people lining outside, making us super excited and lifted our expectation for this place. We were quickly lead to our table. Cafe This Way was a modified studio kind of restaurant where the front door was those sliding garage doors. The interior was decorated with real painting for sale and fake bookshelves that immediately gave you the impression of home, nice. Since this was a recommend place for breakfast, each one of us took our time and read the menu carefully to get the best of the best that this place could offer. I had chosen an Ann omelet made of goat cheese, tomatoes, parmesan, and fresh basil. And I couldn't resist the urge for blueberry pancakes with maple syrup. The rest of the gang also made their choice on benedicts, burrito, and the simple "the usual". My pancakes came on a large white plate. At first glance, they were ugly - very ordinary and little bit burnt too. But one couldn't judge good food by appearance alone. After cutting open the pancakes, they were bursting with gooey blueberries and the smell was so wonderful. We quickly divided the tasty blue treat not leaving any behind. My omelet was in a perfect semicircle, golden on the outside. Just to mix things up a little and to make my food more colorful, I requested a side order of guacamole, and it came nested right in the middle of the omelet - a green cicular dot on an island of yellow, very cute. Slicing it open, the layers of white goat cheese, tomatoes, parmesan and basils were neatly arranged - an indication on how much work was put in to cooking this meal. The taste was just as delicious as the meal was presented. The egg was tender, and the cheeses were feather-soft with a kiss of sweetness, when mixed with the fresh basil, tomato and guacamole, simple perfection. With a round of head nods, we all loved our first meal here in Bar Harbor. And as we ate, more and more customers simply poured in from the outside. Overall, Cafe This Way is an unique and wonderful little place to visit when you happen to stop by Bar Harbor. It would make you feel like home, because I did.
(5)Jeri H.
Fresh and delicious! I only wish I had eaten dinner here as well. I had a perfectly cooked omelet with fresh salsa and the most fantastic homefried potatoes. Add great service to an open, airy and artsy venue and you are destined for a pleasant dining experience.
(4)John K.
Great little place. Really interesting food and drinks. A little pricey but a good value.
(4)Rob E.
We were in Bar Harbor for a visit in August and relied on the recommendation of our B and B host. It certainly is impressive on first sight. But both my appetizer and entree had to go back because it was barely warm...and even then, it wasn't all that good. I don't care how nice a place is...if they can't at least serve food at the right temperature, what's the point? The feeling I got from this restaurant is that they are resting on their reputation and heading downhill. Typical 'flash over substance'. Look elsewhere in Bar Harbor...
(2)Jen G.
Went here for breakfast while on vacation. We were promptly seated even though it was busy, our server was great, the atmosphere was fun, and the food was great. The best, actually the only good, veggie bacon I've ever had.
(5)Julie B.
If I could have lobster benedict every day of vacation for breakfast, I would. That's how good Cafe This Way made it. The service was great and it was in a cute part of town.
(5)Lou P.
We ordered the pecan crusted halibut and scallops, it was super delicious. The halibut wasperfectly most moist, and somehow the pecan crust held up well through the cooking. The grapefuit that was paired with the scallop worked really well. We also ordered mussels, which were very good. The cook was kind enough to share with us his recipe. Our waitress Penny (i think) was patient and good overall. This place is a must if you like gourmet seafood.
(5)Jim B.
I always do my travels at night to avoid traffic, so when I drive the 8 or 9 hours of that 500 mile trip, I get a coffee and an omelette. Fresh and funky.
(5)Emily C.
Definitely come here if you are hungry! The eggs benedict was amazing and so was their hash. If you're going out to breakfast and you have two mornings... definitely stop here and 2 Cats (our other best breakfast in Maine!). The atmosphere was great. We were there on a rainy morning after Labor Day so there were no lines and the place was super cozy.
(5)James B.
I teeter between this place and 2 Cats for being the best breakfast in Bar Harbor. As other reviewers have said, the staff is great (above average for Bar Harbor, and light years better than what you find in Southwest Harbor), and the atmosphere is very comfortable and just hip enough to feel polished without being pretentious. The menu for breakfast is pretty straight-ahead stuff, but all done with the best ingredients and proper technique. The hash-browns are, in fact, browned and crunchy (why is that so rare?) , the pancakes are the real thing, light and fluffy, and the eggs are cooked correctly, as ordered. This is one of the few places where I'll order the oatmeal and expect it to be as good as what I'd make for myself at home. The coffee is top-notch stuff and they keep your mug full. Prices are higher than what you'd pay at, say, a breakfast-focused diner, (although, in Bar Harbor, maybe not...) but the food and service earn it and then some. We usually come here for a big hearty breakfast, and it more than holds us until an early dinner, even after a day of hiking around the island. I'm not as crazy about their dinners, but even there, you can do far worse in Bar Harbor. Overall, this place is great when it's on, and well above average when it's not (which is rare).
(5)Trauts N.
Dinner was fantastic. Breakfast was good. We were told that breakfast was their best meal...we disagree. But it was still good.
(5)Emily A.
Great array of vegetarian items, and many of the meat items you can ask to be made vegetarian or vegan. Butternut squash dish was good, could have had more flavor. Tofu kabobs were good, but the tofu was fairly bland-- the roasted dates were amazingly delicious! Salad was great too.
(4)Hans M.
I really enjoyed our meal at this restaurant. We were trying to find a diner in Bar Harbor to get a good breakfast before we hit the road on the long wet slog back to Boston. We tried one other place on Main St with the word "diner" in its name. Didn't serve breakfast and wasn't open yet. On a whim, we tried Cafe This Way located down a crowded driveway. We had to park next to the dumpster it was so crowded and it was raining. However, once we entered we were seated within the first few minutes. I really liked the atmosphere, a cross between earthy crunchy, intellectual and artsy. A very open dining area had boomy acoustics, but that's beyond the point. Our waitress was really attractive and was even wearing cowboy boots. Our minds were wandering throughout the meal. Let's get to the meat of the review. I had what I think was called the farmer's special (eggs, toast, homefries, bacon and pancakes). The bacon was the right crispiness, the homefries were awesome and very flavorful and not too salty, the pancakes were great, and let's face it, it's impossible to screw up sunny side eggs. The best part is that this place actually has real maple syrup to go with it. I know this may not seem like such a big deal, but it's amazing how many places serve that aunt jemima crap. Big browny points. It seemed that there were many vegetarian friendly options on the menu as well - a pretty decent sized menu. I deducted one star for a couple of minor things. One, most places give you at least two full slices of toast - you need all that bread to mop up the yolk, only one full slice here folks, and although the pancakes were great, they were hidden under the eggs and quite small. I was expecting a bit bigger cakes for a "large breakfast". It's enough food to leave you well satiated, but not stuffed. The service was not quite attentive as I would have liked, but it was busy as hell, so I guess that was to be expected. Overall though, a really good experience, I'm glad we checked it out and will recommend among the glut of restaurants serving seafood and lacking breakfast in Bar Harbor.
(4)Eric J.
I don't know about the much admired breakfast, but for dinner I was a little underwhelmed compared to what I had read in the reviews. The dishes seemed to be hit or miss. My seafood spring roll was excellent, but my Maine course of three lobster rolls prepared different ways was only so-so, as were my wife's beef medallions. Dessert was pretty good, including my blueberry pie from Morning Glory with Mount Desert Ice cream. My wife's Bailey's creme Brulee was very tasty, but the consistency was more like a flan than a brulee. I was torn between three and four stars, and chose the latter because I sense that they can do better on another night with perhaps a different choice of dishes, and also because they had items that my vegetarian daughter with a very limited palate would eat.
(4)Ann Marie D.
EXCELLENT!!! Would have loved to gone more then once. Try The Ann omelet and the homemade granola.
(5)david o.
THE best breakfast in Bar Harbor or anywhere for that matter. Dinner is great as well...
(5)david g.
Awesome service and breakfasts! We had the McMuffin Sandwich (with veggie bacon) and the scrambled tofu, both with guac. We completely finished our meals, which is rare for us! Very light atmosphere, and everyone was nice and friendly, except for the jerks at the outside tables that couldn't understand that we were waiting for their tables as they sat their on their blackberries for 30 mins after they finished their meals. Long Islanders should just stay there and not ruin the rest of the world for everyone else. Oh, and as a side note, we ordered a side of fruit, and boy were we surprised when it came! It was a large bowl of delicious fresh blueberries and bananas (no melon!), and it was only $2!!
(5)Vikas G.
Its a great place for people who like there morning coffee with a hearty meal.. good food, good ambiance, and nice waiters can help make a good start for the day!! Highly recommend this place if you are in the area - watch out for their timings.. as far as I can remember they are only until late afternoon.
(4)Dee H.
I and the girls had breakfast here recently. Its a funky place to hang out and enjoy some good hearty breakfast. I had an awesome omelette with smoked trout, fresh basil, red onions and diced tomatoes. One of the girls had a vegan option made with tofu, mushroom, onions, broccoli, peppers and potatoes. The other one had her usual favorite of pancakes, scrambled eggs and homefries. All accompanied with hot cocoa, bottomless mugs of coffee, and funky soulful beats a la Duffy.
(4)Chu C.
I brought a group of 18 to this place for dinner. It's not a big place, but I called ahead and they really did a good job accommodating us. Cafe This Way is a hidden gem of a restaurant. It's literally hidden, as you have to drive/walk down an alleyway to get there. The decor is very nice and simple, a nice balance between sophisticated and family friendly. It looks trendy, but the back wall has bookshelves and baskets of toys, which was a godsend, since we brought in four kids with us. The dining area is not that big, seating maybe 40-50 people. They have three or four outdoor tables, though it was raining the night we went. I have to say the food is, on the whole, excellent. Most of their dishes have some sort of an Asian twist (there's even Korean bibimbap on the menu!). Everything is prepared well, presented well, and is worth the $15-25 price. The "Littlebit" appetizer was awesome, a garlicky concoction of melted cheese and vegetables, served kind of foccacia style with bread. The spring rolls appetizer was really tasty and crispy. The ultra-thick pork tenderloin was extremely tender and tasty, and the seafood was well above average. The service was professional and helpful, but it was a little hard to get a waitress when they got busy. They charged our group 20% gratuity, but I think it was totally worth it.
(5)Frank G.
I feel bad for the people a few reviews back that had such terrible service. Maybe management read the review because we had spectacular service. The menu is creative, the ingredients fresh, and the quality top notch... excellent coffee too. I had eggs Benedict with smoked trout. Large portions of trout, perfectly poached eggs and a tangy Hollandaise all served with perfect hash browns. The trout somewhat overpowered the eggs, but it was delicious enough to overlook that... will come again!
(5)will c.
On our recent trip to Bar Harbor, we were looking for a good breakfast place to eat because our motel and cottage did not offer complementary breakfast, we stumbled on this gem. We read about 2 cats and their extreme slow service and passed. Cafe This Way has extremely quick service and the food will be served within 5-10 minutes upon ordering. I gave it 4 stars for the blueberry pancakes that I switched for and the extremely fast service. Everything else would be 3 stars at best. The omelet that my gf ordered was slightly undercooked. Prices were comparable to Denny's, so your wallet won't be empty at the end of the day.
(4)G J J.
Great selection of vegetarian and vegan items. It's a good restaurant for ambiance but so-so on the food. If the selection of trendy stuff wasnt there, and if the place was less veggie friendly it would have been a three star place.
(4)Lam P.
Fantastic restaurant for breakfast. The pancakes were so delicious and so was the turkey bacon. Very accommodating for our dog, great quick service even for how busy they were, and a cozy atmosphere. There was a wait and a small line when we went, and we did choose to skip breakfast here a second time when the line and wait were much longer, so the only reason to pass this place by is if you don't want to wait to be seated!
(5)Michelle A.
My friend and I decided to come here for dinner. The inside of the restaurant had a romantic look to the ambience but we were put out in the patio looking area that was more casual. We decided to split 2 apps and the entree. We had the Cheese & mushroom fondue which was ok, but we liked the Lobster Cocktail Parfait more - yum. For the entree we had the Moroccan flavored stuffed Butternut Squash. It was pretty good, I kinda wish the flavor was more stronger. Needless to say we were too full for dessert.
(3)Eiball I.
This place has just become my favorite Bar Harbor breakfast place because the choices are vast and reasonable. One morning when there was a long wait they said to take a cup, and help ourselves to coffee while we waited outside. They serve delicious Carpe Diem coffee. Our servers were all personable and mostly accurate. All the other breakfast places seem to have gotten so expensive for skimpy offerings. At This Way, plates are heaped with varieties of food and they are happy to make substitutions. The bonus is no surcharge for the real maple syrup served with the pancakes. For me to get my poached eggs, bacon and pancakes in one meal is heaven, with the toast and home fries overkill but so good. One of these days we'll try dinner but haven't done that yet. Now one year later (2013) I have an additional comment. The food is still as good as always but this year everyday we ate here the prices and portions were different for substitutions. Be sure to ask if this matters to you.
(4)Liza M.
june 2007 - had an amazing dinner! They have really inventive cuisine and a great atmosphere. wish we didn't wait until the end of our trip to eat here, would have wound up eating here more if we knew it was so good.
(5)A S.
We had the smoked duck pate which was good. Came with pickle bites and crusty bread. I think the crusty bread is not a good choice and ate it with the regular bread that is served. Good smoked flavor and a nice size portion. The tuna dinner from the menu was good. Little saturated in the Asian sauce, overpowering the fish some. The potatoes were very nice. It was a surprise that it was served with raw green beans. The Brussels sprouts appetizer with duck confit was very good. It's flash fried in two stages which layers the textures and then it's tossed in a honey hot sauce with pumpkin seeds. Well done. The chocolate mousse dessert was grainy and lacking full flavor. The waiter quickly removed it from our bill. I think they are invested in customer service and it's a pleasant dining experience.
(4)Kate M.
It's very cute with homey atmosphere, but our breakfast was so-so. My salmon benedict had a pretty pathetic amount of smoked salmon. My husband's blueberry pancakes were good enough, but I've had better pancakes with more blueberries in NYC! Safe, decent choice for breakfast, convenient location. Nice selection of tea.
(3)Jen K.
Ah, social media. How did we choose where to go in an unfamiliar town before the internet? After being undecided about where to have dinner, and gunshy following our mediocre experience at Cafe Bluefish the previous night, my husband mentioned that a highschool classmate had seen a post about our vacation on Facebook and recommended Cafe This Way. We searched it out and decided it looked tasty enough to try. After a brief wait, we were seated by a smiling and friendly host who commented that he made sure to give us a table with comfortable seats after hearing about our long day at Acadia. He grabbed a water pitcher along with our menus, so we had water right away. Our server came soon after, and was professional and efficient, if not warm. In moments, our order had been placed. I had lamb skewers with dates, served with toasted pita and pesto sauce. They were quite delicious, though the sweetness of the dates somewhat overpowered the lamb. My husband had the tomato strata; layers of tomato, mozzarella, tomatillo and smoked sea salt. The tomatoes were fresh, and the appetizer was delicious. For dinner, I had the trio of lobster rolls. The menu billed them as being served 3 different ways: traditional, Asian style and "from the spicy west". One tasted slightly of sesame oil, and another had a slightly spicy kick to it, but they were not noticeably different from each otherwise. It didn't matter, though, as the lobster was delicious and fresh, it was dressed with a light hand, and the brioche buns were fresh-baked and from a local bakery. It was a delicious entree despite not being all that different from your standard lobster roll - the bread elevated it. My husband had the cashew crusted chicken and greatly enjoyed it. It came with fresh vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes and was sauced with a sesame ginger aioli. In all, we had an enjoyable meal in pleasant surroundings, save the loud table with two children nearby, who ordered dessert despite our best attempts to use our mental powers to convince them otherwise. We also heard that Cafe This Way does an excellent breakfast, but we'd already become smitten with 2 Cats.
(4)Laura A.
I've been here a few times, always for dinner. Most recently (July 2010) I had the grilled shrimp appetizer and the Morrocan Stuffed Squash. The food was, as always, excellent, and our waitress was friendly and helpful too. The food came promptly and in the correct order. The bathroom was clean and the decor matched the rest of the restaurant.
(5)Kristin W.
We were wandering about and saw a sign for Cafe This Way and decided to go for it. It was a lovely place! The service was a little slow due to a very large, difficult table in our section, but the servers were all very friendly and brought us our drinks and bread/spread quickly. The menu is great for vegetarians as well as for meat/fish lovers. It's not focused on seafood only, so it might be nice for a break from lobster and steamers. The atmosphere is relaxed, funky, and romantic for dinner. It's also child-friendly, and has accommodations for groups. I really liked my salad with fruits and cheeses and a delicious dressing. We also loved the spread they brought out. The flavors are wonderful.
(5)todd s.
We were in town for 3 days and went there for all 3 breakfasts. The blueberry pancakes, french toast (oat bread) and french toast (raisin bread) were all great. They serve dinner and I assume lunch, but we didn't make it there.
(4)Mike P.
I would agree with most reviewers that Cafe This Way is tops for best breakfast - my other favorite is 2 Cats. The coffee is fresh and delicious - the eggs are properly prepared, pancakes with or without blueberries and real maple syrup. The hardest thing is deciding what to order as it is all so good! While I equally enjoyed 2 Cats for breakfast - Cafe This Way offers a better value for the same high quality fare.
(5)Hanna K.
The food was fabulous because I love all things breakfast but the service really brought my experience WAY down. Once the server threw the plates of food on our table, he never came back until we had to flag him down to give us our check. I would go back for the food but thinking about the service makes me cringe.
(2)Shannon T.
Delicious dinner (little bit app, pecan-crusted halibut,steak special, and scallops between the adults) in a neat setting. Kids' meal was healthy, a generous portion, and presented nicely (and quickly) although overpriced at $12. Nice beer and wine selections, and a few interesting cocktails. Service was slightly slow but not inattentive.
(4)Peter B.
A great breakfast place, very popular, and also solid dinner spot. Breakfasts are big, but also a bit pricey. Great coffee, good service, and wonderful decor, particularly when weather's good and they open the front. Dinners are also quite good. Dinner menu is a bit safe, but it's pretty reasonable and always well executed. We regularly visit Bar Harbor and this is one of our steady-eddies.
(5)Roy L.
Palatable food is nearly impossible to find in Bar Harbor, but Cafe This Way comes pretty close. In fact, by local standards, this place is fantastic. The atmosphere is relaxed, the service is friendly, and the food is straightforward and decent. Good for veggies and fish, fun for kids and families.
(3)Brijesh M.
This place was phenomenal, absolutely loved the crab cakes, lobster penne and brownie desert. The cocktails were creative, strong and delicious!
(5)Eleanor L.
Very well prepared and fresh food. Very flavorful. Definitely worth going there for dinner one night.
(4)David X.
We went here for breakfast. Tried to come for dinner but there was always a 1-2 hour wait. You definitely need reservations for dinner at least. Even for breakfast, there was a 45 minute wait. They seem to be in the 'whole foods' vein too, like 2cats. The food was not as good as 2cats, but it was decent. The restaurant itself seems to be in a weird converted building with a tin roof and cement floors that makes the room unbearably loud. And with the screaming kids and families and crowds, it is just too stressful for a relaxing brunch. As a result, I doubt I'd ever come back. 2cats is just too superior for this place to ever supercede it.
(3)Martha C.
Cafe This Way is fabulous. It was recommended to us by the owners of the B&B we stayed at in Bar Harbor. We took the only available table, which was on the deck. We were a little chilly, but the meal more than made up for it. Everything was fresh and delicious; we liked it so much, we made reservations on the spot for the following evening! Over two nights, we tried the following: Starters - Maine seafood spring rolls; Maine crabcakes Entrees - Lemon Vodka Lobster; Thai Grilled Salmon, Grilled Tuna (lovely and rare), and Pan Seared Scallops. All were absolutely outstanding. The desserts were also outrageously good. We tried the chocolate-raspberry truffle cake, which was one of the best chocolate desserts I've ever had, as well as blueberry pie and raspberry-rhubarb pie. I'm not much of a drinker. However, the first night there, I had a "Larry, Darryl, and Darryl": vodka infused with watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe, on the rocks. I need to figure out how to make these! SO good. I tried a blueberry vodka martini on Sunday night - it was good, but VERY strong. My husband enjoyed the local beers he tried. You can view their menus at cafethisway.com
(5)Vahid A.
We went early morning there! That place was packed and we were happy to find a good place for breakfast! Inside was beautiful but the mugs on the table when i look inside them it was dark! Look like a old mug and look dirty! Breakfast wasn't good at all under cooked! Too much oil , home fries and toasted bread was burning! It was a hair in my daughter pancake! I have no idea why this place has a high rating!
(1)Laleh J.
Everything was delicious! Interior was cute, bartenders friendly and gave lots of local tips and advice. Recommended for brunch!
(5)t.T c.
I heard about this place the first day I arrived at my B&B, and since our hostess said this is one of her favorite restaurant in Bar Harbor, she even try to convince us to go there for breakfast instead of 2 Cats, but we decided to stick with 2 Cats for breakfast and try Cafe This Way for dinner (Please see my review for 2 Cats). We got there around 5:25pm on Sunday only to find out they do not open until 5:30, so we decided to stay outside and wait since the outside resemble a nice garden. As we stood there, we see a line forming behind us, while I was thinking.."Are You Serious??" The hostess came out and of course we were the first, so we went in and she asked if we have a reservation, I said no, but she managed to seat us anyways. I guess we got lucky because 5 minutes after we sat down, the place was completely filled, not sure if all of those people have reservations or not. Overall, the place is decent, and it is a change of scenery from the seafood restaurant and lobster shacks all over the place. The decor resembles a lot of coffee shops in Boston. We had the Maine Crab Cakes, Summer Salads, Fish & Chips, their Special of the Day Salmon, Blueberry Pie and Coffee for desserts. Their Fish in the Fish & Chips were made from Tuna and made into medium rare tuna tempera, that was excellent. The Blueberry Pie is to die for, but I haven't try other blueberry pies around Bar Harbor, that was actually the only one I had, but it was pretty damn good. The above mentioned dishes + 2 Bar Harbor Blueberry Ale + 18% Tips comes to a little over $100. I took 1 star off because their food is okay, but not exceptionally yummie, and 1 star off for their horrible coffee. cafethisway.com
(3)sandy n.
LOVE this place! The great service, creative and delicious food, fun atmostphere and excellent desserts are all consistently fantastic. We are usually in Bar Harbor for two weeks each summer and eat here regularly during that time. Cannot say enough good things about it. An added benefit is that you get a lot of value for your money.
(5)Jeremy B.
nice calm relaxed atmosphere. super friendly waitstaff. we only went for breakfast twice, but both times we had plenty of food for the price and it was always well made. A nice little cafe in the back corner, be sure to stop by for a quick breakfast before a day of hiking!
(5)Simon D.
Went to cafe this way for breakfast. The servers were quick and attentive. They were pretty crowded, but a table for 2 didn't take longer than 10 mins. The food was very good, I had the equivalent to the meat lovers omelette (the name escapes me) and the Country Breakfast. Both were hearty portions. The blue berry pancakes were amazing. They reminded me of Cracker Barrel pancakes, crispy edges with that buttery/creamy taste, but much smaller, about 5in diameter, and thinner (both positives). They also had a pico de gallo/salsa that seemed very fresh. I would definitively come again.
(5)Ld S.
Dinner: called only a half hour ahead during peak season and was able to make a reservation within a half hour, it was the only place that had reservations available so we jumped right on it. We were seated outside which we were fine with. The inside is way bigger than it looks, it was very nicely laid out. We ordered the pork belly and lobster lettuce wraps. The pork belly was very good, lobster wraps were fine but nothing to write home about; wouldn't order them again. For entrees, we ordered the following: zucchini noodles with polenta, lobster roll, the special which was curried lamb stew, mussels and haddock, and the mushroom noodle bowl. All were delicious. I personally had the mushroom noodle bowl and it was delicious. It DID have a kick to it which I don't believe they advertised in the menu so be aware, but it was great and I got it with shrimp for some extra protein. My friend got the lobster roll and said it was the best she'd had since our stay in Bar Harbor. The lamb stew was very good. A little sweeter than one would think it would be but it was still very good. The only downside of the evening was the bathroom situation. They have 3 single unisex bathrooms which typically would be fine. Except that only 1 was available and the other 2 were locked; not sure why. So there was a decent line and no one who worked there seemed to be concerned. At least put signs on saying "not working", something. And now because only 1 was available, you have both men and women using it frequently and it smelled like urine. SO, that was a bummer. Breakfast: We actually went the next day for breakfast. They don't take reservations for breakfast so you should be prepared to wait. We only had to wait for a half hour which was fine and went quick. While waiting you could get coffee or a muffin and just add it to your bill when you sit which is nice. We ordered the following: 2 breakfast sandwiches with Canadian bacon on an English muffin and 2 make your own omelettes. Both were good. Nothing to write home about but they did the job. The home fries weren't great which was a bummer because I love my home fries (but I'm from New York so my expectations may be different from what they usually are here in Maine). They were very bland, minimal flavor, and many pieces were burnt to the point of not being able to eat. Overall: Dinner-4 stars; Breakfast-3 stars. Would definitely come back for dinner!
(4)Joy G.
*Review only for dinner - I'll have to come back and try the purportedly amazing breakfast. First off, the bread and honey butter. I'm not usually a sucker for butter but this I wanted to lick out of the ramekin. Bread was perfect after a day of wandering in Acadia park. After spending the past few months paying for overpriced brunches and drinks, I thought I had gotten over most of my sticker shock, but it was still jarring to pay $28 for seared tuna and chilled noodles on the side. Granted, the tuna was cooked perfectly and I loved the noodles and hey, it was definitely a "treat yourself" kind of week. I know, I know, I'm a stingy scrooge, but I thought the portion size didn't justify the price. Loved the ambiance and the cheery sign. After getting too dressed up for Side Street the night before, I pared my dress code down to T-shirt and athletic shorts but both the other patrons and the waitstaff here were dressed very well.
(3)Nina S.
Came here on a Sunday morning around 9:30 and wait for 6 people was 30 mins, not too bad, and once you sit down and order food comes out fast, but trade off is quality is kind of meh. Ordered the corn beef hash and it was served room temperature which was disappointing and the flavor wasn't as meaty as 2cats. The orange juice tasted like it was straight out of a carton. The English muffin was pretty dense and hats and they only had jam in plastic packs. My friend ordered the iced chai tea which was the only thing I liked about this place.
(2)Grahame G.
A great eatery located down a lane off Mt. Desert St in Bar Harbor. We first visited of an evening and were very impressed with the pecan crusted halibut with garlic spinach cajun tartare sauce, which was just scrumptious, and it was a good chunk of fish too. For starters we had tuna tempura, which again was very close to perfection. The meal was moderately priced too, and well worth the money. We were so impressed that we returned for breakfast, and although it was positively heaving with people, we were quickly seated and served with coffee whilst we perused the menu. I went for 'the vegan' - a scrambled mash of tofu, home fries, broccoli and peppers, which was surprisingly tasty. Herself went for a DIY omellette with mushrooms and spinach, and some veggie sausage on the side. It also came with home fries, although these were ever so slightly undercooked so were largely ignored. Great ambiance, funky décor, and a very hip menu; this place attracts a young-ish crowd but don't let that put you off, it's definitely one of the better eateries in town. I'm almost tempted to give it 5 stars, but one has to leave some room for improvement. We had a problem with one of the restroom doors not locking properly, there was the issue with the undercooked home fries, and there's no Wi-Fi... although you can just about pick up the free town Wi-Fi if you go outside and down the lane a little bit.
(4)Virginia Y.
Cafe this way? More like cafe that way ( to 2 Cats of course) As the only other spot besides 2 Cats that does lobster eggs benedict, I'd expect their egg game to be pretty up there. Nope, no battle here folks, 2 Cats is the winner. The eggs were a bit flat and not rounded, they use basil here instead of scallion. The English muffin was a bit burnt on the edge and it was semi hard. Their home fries are ordinary, it doesn't stand out like the ones at 2 Cats. The eggs Benedict might be cheaper here but they give you less lobster and the food isn't nearly as good as 2 Cats. Shoutout to the corn beef hash though, never thought corned beef could taste that good so this place earned an extra star. Honestly I would say 3.5 for the rating but I preferred rounding down because 4 means I am a fan which I'm not.
(3)Tom F.
Wow. Great service. Great execution. Restaurants like this are easy to recommend. The only flaw was the loud family across from us*. We had Zachary as our server who was well informed, humorous & efficient. My wife had a fresh arugula salad with cubed heirloom tomatoes, English cukes with a balsamic burrata dressing. I enjoyed fried green tomatoes with a spicy cornbread crust that was topped with crab. We followed these starters with my wife's coriander/mint seasoned cold rice noodles topped with seared tuna slices. Her dish was light & flavorful. I enjoyed what they titled as "Haddock & mussels" that I would call "Maine Bouillabaisse Fra Diablo". The dish includes 6-8 mussels with a 4-5 ounce piece of perfectly cooked haddock in an amazing tomato based stew spiced by ground chorizo. This dish was my favorite non lobster dish during our two week tour of the Maine coastline. Absolute success. We the enjoyed a strawberry/blueberry crisp aka mode and a pots du creme. Fresh whipped cream adorned both desserts. This is a terrific casual spot. I highly recommend a visit. *They chose to ignore their roaming, noisy kids (6 adults. 3 kids). The staff spent more time with them than the parents! We mostly felt for the kids as the parents biggest investment was to offer them iPads (to shut up) or threaten to withhold dessert after already giving them chocolate milk before dinner. Ugh.
(4)Jamie T.
I have been to Bar Harbor several times and I take my food pretty seriously. I loved this place the moment we walked in. Pretty, modern, but with a homey feel. Some inlaid book shelves for perusing. Menu was great--options for all-vegans, seafood lovers and carnivores. I had a sort of stew of haddock and mussels in a light but tasty tomato broth w a bit of chorizo. My husband had the pecan crusted halibut w spinach--also very good. There were several specials. Nice cocktails and very nice--and reasonable wine list. I shall return.
(5)Yan T.
Chill and approachable bistro with serious culinary chops. If you're looking for fine dining without losing the charm of a low-key cafe, Cafe This Way is a really good choice. True to its name, the restaurant is tucked into a cute little cul-de-sac. Inside it is pretty open and airy, but also very cozy. The staff is patient and professional in explaining the daily specials, of which there were several. They had an interesting fish of the day with some spice to it, which did not disappoint. They also have a decent assortment of local beers, including the Bar Harbor Brewing Stout (if you're really strategic, you'll pair it with a dessert). Just a really nice dinner, all in all. Add it to your dinner plans if you're here for a few days or more.
(4)John H.
I think this is the seventh time we have eaten dinner at Cafe This Way. Again it was delicious. The milieu is eclectic and fun. Our table had the owners favorite words in scribed, which led to interesting conversation. Service is always nice. Food again was solid. We started with Boom Boom Syrah and bread with honey butter. The Asian salad was super. The Special was hoisin pork cooked to perfection. And of course in Maine we ended with blueberry pie ala mode. Such a nice place.
(4)