Dining

CJ’s Big Dipper

Dining★ 4
Ice Cream & Yogurt Shop storefront in Acadia National Park, bright street corner with striped awning and inviting display.

CJ's Big Dipper hits you with a retro ice cream counter and a line of hungry families. The Maine wild blueberry soft serve is silky and bright, a blueberry punch that sticks to your tongue. Vegan options—mint chocolate chip (soy), peanut butter chocolate (almond), raspberry chocolate truffle (soy)—are smooth and indulgent. A tiny outdoor patch invites a post-hike treat along Main Street.

Quick facts

Meals Served
  • Afternoon
  • Evening
Signature Dishes
Maine wild blueberry soft serve; blueberry and vanilla twist soft serve; vegan options including mint chocolate chip (soy), peanut butter chocolate (almond), and raspberry chocolate truffle (soy).
Local Specialties
Blueberry-based flavors; blueberry soft serve is a local standout.
Popular Items
Maine wild blueberry soft serve; blueberry and vanilla twist soft serve; vegan flavors.

What to order

Meals Served
  • Afternoon
  • Evening
Signature Dishes
Maine wild blueberry soft serve; blueberry and vanilla twist soft serve; vegan options including mint chocolate chip (soy), peanut butter chocolate (almond), and raspberry chocolate truffle (soy).
Local Specialties
Blueberry-based flavors; blueberry soft serve is a local standout.
Popular Items
Maine wild blueberry soft serve; blueberry and vanilla twist soft serve; vegan flavors.
Menu Recommendations
Order the Maine wild blueberry soft serve; for vegans, try mint chocolate chip (soy), peanut butter chocolate (almond), or raspberry chocolate truffle (soy).
Dietary Options
  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Gluten-Free

Prices & reservations

Reservations Policy
Walk-in only.
Typical Wait Times
Busy with lines; wait times vary.
Payment Methods
  • Cash
  • Credit cards
Cash Only
0

Hours & seating

Operating Hours
  • Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Seasonal Hours
Open daily with no seasonal variations.
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Parking Details
Street parking in downtown Bar Harbor; spots can be tight and competitive.
Accessibility
Counter-service, with sidewalk access; indoor seating is limited and a small outdoor area exists. Wheelchair accessibility and restroom specifics are not documented.

Visit strategy

Best For
  • Families with kids
  • Post-hike treaters
  • Ice cream aficionados
Not Ideal For
Quiet dining or long table-service meals
Service Type
Counter service
Service Speed
Fast and friendly
Vibe
  • 80s vibe
  • retro ice cream shop
  • family-friendly
  • Main Street Bar Harbor
Noise Level
Not documented by sources.
View Type
  • View of Main Street and Village Green
  • Park area across street
Busiest Times
Peak hours; lines form on busy days
Best Visit Times
Early in the day or slightly off-peak to avoid lines
Tips Advice
  • Hit the Maine wild blueberry soft serve first—it's the cult pick.
  • Try vegan flavors like mint chocolate chip (soy) and peanut butter chocolate (almond).
  • Go early or after lunch to shorten lines.

More details

Park Area
Acadia National Park (Bar Harbor, ME)
Takeout Available
1
Delivery Available
0
Dress Code
Casual
Beverage Program
Coffee available.
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 with a bustling, energetic vibe
Age Restriction
All ages.
Bar Seating
0
Seasonal Rushes
Not documented
Live Music
Not documented
Special Events
Not documented
Has Gift Shop
0
Unique Attractions
Retro 80s counter, red Formica, blueberry-forward flavors
Unique Factor
Blueberry soft serve and vegan options in a retro Bar Harbor shop
Nearby Facilities
Across from Village Green; downtown Bar Harbor; steps from Acadia entrance; street parking nearby
Recent Updates
No recent updates noted.
Best Time To Visit
Open daily 11:00 AM–10:00 PM. To dodge the lines, go earlier in the day or slightly off-peak hours.
The Order Strategy
Skip plain vanilla and go straight for the Maine wild blueberry soft serve. For a caffeine lift, order the coffee.
The Vibe Check
This is a casual, retro Bar Harbor stop with a counter-service setup—kid-friendly and bustling, not a quiet date spot.
The Crowd Factor
Lines form on busy days; arrive early or off-peak to snag a patch of sidewalk.
Eat Here If Skip If
EAT HERE IF: you’re rolling with kids or craving blueberry-forward frozen treats. SKIP IF: you need a quiet, candlelit dessert and table service.
Distance From Park
approximately 5 miles from park entrance
Review Summary
The Maine wild blueberry soft serve and vegan options earn praise for creaminess and flavor depth; price is flagged by some as high; service can be fast but is variable. Overall, a staple for families and blueberry lovers.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is there vegan ice cream?

Yes. Vegan options use almond or soy milk bases, including flavors like mint chocolate chip (soy) and raspberry chocolate truffle (soy).

Are there gluten-free options?

Yes. Gluten-free options exist, and the blueberry soft serve is gluten-free.

Is there seating available?

Indoor seating is limited with a small outdoor area; counter service means you order and go, then sit outside when possible.

Do they offer takeout or delivery?

Takeout is available; delivery is not indicated.

What time should I go to avoid the crowd?

Go earlier in the day or slightly off-peak hours to dodge the lines.

PITA COAST

Shawarma wrap or falafel wrap with hummus; hibiscus soda to brighten the bite.

Humblebee Cafe

"The Slammer" breakfast, or The Gobbler with fries—top crunch, perfect toast.

Archie’s Lobster

Lobster Roll with big, sweet chunks of lobster. BYOB by the Bass Harbor bay.

Dinner

Rotating Maine seafood and diner fare; catch of the day rules the board.

Clark Point Cafe

Blueberry Dutch Baby: popover-light, blueberry caramel; sells out fast.

Sources

Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.