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United StatesMaineBar HarborThirsty Whale Tavern

Thirsty Whale Tavern

40 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
4.4(1.3K)
Closed
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Phone
(207) 288-9335
Website
thirstywhaletavern.com
Open hoursSee all hours
Fri11 AM - 1 AMClosed

Posts

Kevin NorrisKevin Norris
By now, I've had numerous lobster rolls across Massachusetts and Maine and this place easily had amongst the top two lobster rolls that I've ever had, being at a tie with another place in MA. I got the 6oz lobster roll and while I was hesitant to have a Maine style roll rather than Connecticut style, I was pleasantly surprised by just how good the lobster roll was. The lobster itself was tasty and had this nice subtle "sweet" taste to it, a taste that made me contemplate ordering a whole second lobster roll just to enjoy some more of it (I didn't but maybe I should have). It came with fries which I thought were pretty good. We had tried the crab roll and it wasn't bad but not really for me, and I'd choose the lobster over the crab any time. I also tried the clam chowder with garlic bread and it was amazing if I'm being honest. This place is not cheap and I thought it would be a typical tourist trap in Bar Harbor but the food is surprisingly good. The service was about as good as it gets as the woman who served us was busy trying to accommodate all of her tables, but she really did try her best. The parking situation though is horrendous. Street parking in front is hard to acquire and there's a large paid parking lot behind the restaurant as well as a small paid lot across the street. Both of these paid lots were filled to the brim with cars and it took a good while before I had finally gotten a spot. If you're gonna drive here as most people do, be prepared to wait for a spot behind the restaurant or park along the street farther away and walk.
Josh PattersonJosh Patterson
The Thirsty Whale in Bar Harbor exceeded all our expectations and provided the perfect culmination to our long journey from Boston. As two Southerners embarking on our 20th wedding anniversary getaway, we were seeking a memorable dining experience to kick off the weekend, and The Thirsty Whale delivered in every aspect. From the moment we walked in, we were charmed by the inviting atmosphere and friendly staff. We decided to try two of the top recommended dishes: the Lobster Roll with a side of Lobster Bisque (they were running a dinner combo special) and the Fish and Chips. Both were nothing short of spectacular. The Lobster Roll was a masterpiece, brimming with succulent, perfectly seasoned lobster meat that tasted incredibly fresh. The accompanying Lobster Bisque was rich and velvety, a luxurious complement to the roll. The Fish and Chips were equally impressive, featuring a crispy, golden-brown batter encasing tender, flaky fish, and accompanied by fries. The Thirsty Whale is a gem in Bar Harbor. Excellent food, outstanding service, and a warm, welcoming environment made our visit unforgettable. It was the perfect start to our anniversary celebration and a highlight of our trip. We highly recommend The Thirsty Whale to anyone seeking a memorable dining experience.
Fkie GFkie G
We got lucky and were the last group seated on a Saturday evening. It was definitely worth the wait. Got the Fish-n-Chips for my dinner and it was great. Perfectly cooked. Great crunch in the breading and the fish was soft, tender and flavorful. While my entree was cause for excitement, the appetizers were the real prize. The Fried Seafood Sampler is a must. Just enough scallops so that the four in my group each got a taste, definitely worth fighting over though. The mozzarella sticks are crispy on the outside and STUFFED with cheese on the inside. So used to soggy mozzarella sticks with not enough cheese, but these guys were not soggy or lacking in any department. Fried pickles, for those pickles lover, are also a must. Don't debate it, just get it. And last but not least, the spicy wings were amazing. No, you cannot get mild chicken wings and once you bite into them, you will understand why. Great selection of beer and if you're feeling shy, their cocktails will definitely get you going. My wife ordered the Blueberry Margarita and she needed help finishing it. My cousin ordered the Gold Rush (Maker's Mark based) cocktail and it was delicious as well.
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Reviews of Thirsty Whale Tavern

4.4(1,265)
avatar
4.0
10w

Food was amazing! Do try their burgers and seafood items. However, after reading other reviews and critics of this place, I can agree that this place is loud. (Imagine you had to repeat yourself several times for your friends to finally hear what you’re trying to say.)

Additionally, I can understand that not everyone is good with communication nor do they have the time to fully communicate due to the restaurant being very busy. Although keep in mind that kindness and communication goes a...

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1.0
2y

Severely disappointed. My friends and I were visiting from way out of state and we decided to visit this restaurant on a rainy day based on the positive reviews. We placed a takeout order, which was ready fairly quickly. Unfortunately, other than the quick service, this was a sub par experience. For just doing takeout, there is an automatic 15% gratuity charge which is too much. When we came back to pick up our food, although it was handed to us immediately, we then proceeded to wait for...

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avatar
5.0
4w

By now, I've had numerous lobster rolls across Massachusetts and Maine and this place easily had amongst the top two lobster rolls that I've ever had, being at a tie with another place in MA. I got the 6oz lobster roll and while I was hesitant to have a Maine style roll rather than Connecticut style, I was pleasantly surprised by just how good the lobster roll was. The lobster itself was tasty and had this nice subtle "sweet" taste to it, a taste that made me contemplate ordering a whole...

   Read more
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