West Street Cafe

Cafe interior at Acadia National Park, a lively bar and dining spot with a long wooden counter.

Side Street Cafe serves Maine classics and seafood in a casual, family-friendly setting. The Lobstah Gluten-Free Macaroni & Cheese is velvety and brine-rich, with lobster chunks warming the gluten-free pasta. The Lobster Roll is tender and creamy with mayo, and the Bangin' Shrimp Gluten-Free Pasta delivers bright, chewy bites. The Blueberry Pie is described as spectacular.

Quick facts

Cuisine Type: seafood
Meals Served: Lunch
Dinner
Signature Dishes: Lobstah Gluten-Free Macaroni & Cheese; Lobster Roll; Haddock Sandwich; Bangin' Shrimp Gluten-Free Pasta; Blueberry Pie
Local Specialties: Daily lobster catch off the Bar Harbor coast; Maine classics and locally/sustainably sourced seafood

What to order

Cuisine Type: seafood
Meals Served: Lunch
Dinner
Signature Dishes: Lobstah Gluten-Free Macaroni & Cheese; Lobster Roll; Haddock Sandwich; Bangin' Shrimp Gluten-Free Pasta; Blueberry Pie
Local Specialties: Daily lobster catch off the Bar Harbor coast; Maine classics and locally/sustainably sourced seafood
Popular Items: Lobstah Mac and Cheese; Lobster Roll; Bangin' Shrimp GF Pasta; Gluten-free pastas; Blueberry Pie
Menu Recommendations: Lobstah Mac and Cheese; Lobster Roll; gluten-free pasta dishes
Dietary Options: Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten-Free

Prices & reservations

Price Specifics: Lobster Mac and Cheese: $38; Bangin Shrimp Mac: $22; Nomad Burger: $16; Lobster Roll: around $40; Blueberry Pie: price not listed.
Reservations Policy: No traditional reservations. An online waitlist is used; for parties of 8+ email is available to coordinate.
Typical Wait Times: Waits can be significant in peak season and on weekends; check the online waitlist an hour before arriving. Shortest waits around 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM, and after 8:00 PM.
Payment Methods: Credit Card
Debit Card
Toast app
Cash Only: 0

Hours & seating

Operating Hours: Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Seasonal Hours: Seasonal: closes for winter (Nov 1–Mar 1).
Closed Days: Monday and Tuesday
Happy Hour Times: Monday - Friday, 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Parking Details: Large paid parking lot across the street; fills up quickly. Metered street parking nearby.
Accessibility: No detailed accessibility data provided; seating options include indoor dining, outdoor patios, and bar seating; contact staff for accommodations.

Visit strategy

Best For: Families with kids
Seafood lovers
Casual meals after a park visit
Not Ideal For: Quiet, intimate dinners during peak season; crowds can be heavy during weekends
Service Type: Table service
Service Speed: Moderate
Vibe: Casual
Family-friendly
Modern New England cafe
Noise Level: Moderate buzz
Busiest Times: 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM, and after 8:00 PM; Saturday mornings can be busy
Best Visit Times: 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM, or after 8:00 PM
Tips Advice: Arrive via the online waitlist an hour before you plan to dine.
Best bets: Lobstah GF Mac, Lobster Roll, and gluten-free pastas.
Takeout is quick through Toast; consider pickup to enjoy the park and avoid the line.

More details

Park Area: Bar Harbor / Acadia National Park vicinity, Maine
Takeout Available: 1
Delivery Available: 1
Delivery Details: Delivery via Toast app or website; pickup text notification when ready for pickup
Dress Code: Casual
Beverage Program: Full bar with creative margaritas and blueberry cocktails; The Annex sister property often hosts craft cocktails and live music
Signature Cocktails: Blueberry cocktails; craft margaritas
Tasting Flights: 0
Tours Available: 0
Bottle Sales: 0
Parking Available: 1
Dog Friendly Patio: 1
Wi-Fi Available: 0
Family Friendly: 1
Family Friendly Notes: Kids menu (mac & cheese, burgers, grilled cheese); modeling clay to keep children occupied
Age Restriction: All ages welcome
Bar Seating: 1
Seasonal Rushes: Peak in summer and fall
Live Music: 1
Special Events: Live music at The Annex
Has Gift Shop: 0
Unique Attractions: Lobster-focused menu with gluten-free options; dog-friendly patios; daily Bar Harbor lobster catch; kids menu and modeling clay for fun
Unique Factor: Daily lobster catch from Bar Harbor; expansive gluten-free options; family-friendly environment
Nearby Facilities: Large paid parking lot across the street; nearby metered street parking
Recent Updates: Seasonal hours retained; lobster-centric dishes remain popular; The Annex live music nights
Best Time To Visit: 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM, or after 8:00 PM. Saturday mornings can be busy.
The Order Strategy: Skip the generic fries and go for Lobstah GF Mac; For drinks, order the blueberry cocktail; For a cold beer, grab something local if available
The Vibe Check: Post-park energy: casual, welcoming, and busy during peak season; perfect for families and seafood fans
The Crowd Factor: The online waitlist helps; lines form around peak times; arrive 11:00 AM or 5:00 PM for better odds; late dinners after 8:00 PM are calmer
Eat Here If Skip If: EAT HERE IF: seafood lovers and families seeking Maine classics. SKIP IF: you need a quiet, speed-dining experience
Distance From Park: approximately 5 miles from park entrance
Review Summary: Hype centers on lobster-forward dishes with generous portions; Lobstah Mac and Cheese and Lobster Roll get top marks; expect waits in peak season; family-friendly vibe keeps it approachable