Ben & Bill's Chocolate Emporium - Ice Cream, Candies, and Handmade

Colorful storefronts line a busy Bar Harbor street in Acadia National Park, bustling with visitors.

Ben & Bill's Chocolate Emporium in Bar Harbor is a cozy, old-school counter-service dessert stop. Shellfish alert: Lobster Ice Cream contains lobster. The Lobster Ice Cream is a creamy vanilla base with real lobster chunks, delivering a buttery, slightly salty bite and a cheeky chew with no fishy aftertaste. Maine Wild Blueberry Ice Cream bursts with real berries in a smooth finish. The shop also has 15 fudge varieties and handmade chocolates; gluten-free cones are prepared with care, and veg...

Quick facts

Meals Served: Dessert
Snack
Signature Dishes: Lobster Ice Cream; Maine Wild Blueberry Ice Cream; Handmade chocolates and fudge
Local Specialties: Lobster Ice Cream; Maine Wild Blueberry Ice Cream
Popular Items: Lobster Ice Cream; Maine Wild Blueberry Ice Cream; fudge varieties

What to order

Meals Served: Dessert
Snack
Signature Dishes: Lobster Ice Cream; Maine Wild Blueberry Ice Cream; Handmade chocolates and fudge
Local Specialties: Lobster Ice Cream; Maine Wild Blueberry Ice Cream
Popular Items: Lobster Ice Cream; Maine Wild Blueberry Ice Cream; fudge varieties
Menu Recommendations: Skip pistachio ice cream; Lobster Ice Cream is the must-try; For a drink, order hot chocolate
Dietary Options: Vegan options
Gluten-free cones
Vegan milkshakes
Gluten-free options

Prices & reservations

Price Specifics: Ice cream prices start around $8.29 for a kids cup; fudge $13.95; chocolate assortments $34.95; gluten-free cones available.
Reservations Policy: Walk-in only
Typical Wait Times: Lines can be long at peak times, especially in summer and on weekends.
Payment Methods: Cash
Credit cards
Mobile payments
Cash Only: 0

Hours & seating

Operating Hours: Mon-Thu 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; Fri-Sat 9:00 AM–8:00 PM; Sun 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Seasonal Hours: Open year-round; hours may vary by day and season
Closed Days: None; open daily
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Parking Details: Paid parking in downtown Bar Harbor; meters/kiosks accept cards, coins, and ParkMobile; best to leave vehicle at lodging to minimize downtown traffic.
Accessibility: Counter-service setup in a compact Bar Harbor storefront with outdoor benches. No published details about ramps, accessible entrances, or other accessibility elements.

Visit strategy

Best For: Families with kids
Sweet tooth adventurers
Casual outings
Not Ideal For: Quiet, refined dessert seekers or price-focused visitors
Service Type: Counter service
Service Speed: Fast to moderate; lines common at peak times
Vibe: Cozy
Nostalgic
Counter-service
Tourist-friendly
View Type: Street view
Busiest Times: Summer and fall; weekends
Best Visit Times: Weekdays during off-peak hours; mornings
Tips Advice: Lobster Ice Cream is a must-try;
Go off-peak to beat lines;
Takeaway is available;
Gluten-free waffle cones are prepared with care.

More details

Park Area: Downtown Bar Harbor, Bar Harbor, ME
Takeout Available: 1
Delivery Available: 0
Dress Code: Come as you are.
Beverage Program: Coffee, iced coffee, and hot chocolate
Tasting Flights: 0
Tours Available: 0
Bottle Sales: 0
Parking Available: 1
Dog Friendly Patio: 0
Wi-Fi Available: 0
Family Friendly: 1
Family Friendly Notes: Kid-friendly; candy shop; prepare for lines but lots of treats
Bar Seating: 0
Seasonal Rushes: Summer and fall
Live Music: No live music listed
Has Gift Shop: 1
Unique Attractions: Lobster Ice Cream
Unique Factor: Lobster Ice Cream, crafted to prove their ice cream is homemade
Nearby Facilities: Downtown Bar Harbor amenities; parking; shops
Best Time To Visit: Visit during off-peak hours or weekdays to dodge long lines; weekdays morning or late afternoon are best; peak season (summer/fall) is the line getter.
The Order Strategy: Skip pistachio ice cream, get Lobster Ice Cream. For coffee, order hot chocolate.
The Vibe Check: This is a family-friendly, laid-back dessert stop with a cozy, nostalgic vibe and counter-service flow.
The Crowd Factor: Peak lines during summer/fall weekends; go early or during off-peak hours; walk-in convenience with takeout option helps
Eat Here If Skip If: EAT HERE IF: you want a bold, one-of-a-kind dessert and family-friendly treats. SKIP IF: you’re after a quiet, refined dessert setting or budget-focused options.
Distance From Park: approximately 5 miles from park entrance
Review Summary: Lobster Ice Cream stands out with a creamy base and real lobster chunks; vegan flavors and gluten-free cones are well-regarded for care; some reviews mention the price not matching every portion; overall the nostalgic, kid-friendly vibe lands well.

Location

Photos

Interior of a bustling chocolate shop and café in Acadia National Park, with chocolate displays, cookies and drinks behind a glass case.

Bright red lobster statue with a giant ice cream cone stands outside a neon-lit shop in Acadia National Park.

Colorful gelato display and chocolate desserts inside a cafe counter at Acadia National Park.

Candy shop interior at Acadia National Park reveals colorful confections and ice cream displays.

Frequently asked questions

Is Lobster Ice Cream really ice cream?

Yes, it's a vanilla-based ice cream with real lobster chunks; the texture includes a gentle chew and a buttery, slightly salty profile without a fishy note.

Are vegan options available?

Yes, several vegan flavors exist, plus vegan cones and vegan milkshakes; there are gluten-free cones and other dairy-free choices.

Are there peanuts or tree nuts in products?

There is no explicit peanut-free facility information provided; if you have a severe shellfish allergy, avoid Lobster Ice Cream, and check cross-contact notes for other items.

Is takeout available?

Yes, takeaway is available, and chocolates can be ordered online.

Is it expensive for a dessert stop?

Ice cream starts around $8.29 for a kids cup; other items vary, with fudge and chocolate assortments priced higher; some guests feel prices are steep.