An amazing establishment with great food, friendly service, and remarkable views. The owner, bartender, and servers are friendly and approachable, and have accomodated my every request the many times I've been there. I think my favorite is brunch on Sunday mornings. It's like your typical brunch buffet, only more delicious, and features eggs benedict, made-to-order omelettes and waffles, and hand-carved roast beef and ham. All for less than $20 per person. Make a reservation because this does get full, especially if the hotel is hosting a wedding that weekend. Another great feature is Wine Down Wednesdays. Many wines on their extensive wine list are half off all day on Wednesday. Happy Hour runs from 4pm to 6pm every day except Saturday. Certain appetizers are half price, and there are special drink prices too. Another awesome feature is their monthly wine dinners, where wines are paired with each course of a 5 course meal, and representatives from local wine shops discuss the wine and how to enjoy. This does require a reservation to get in, but it is not to be missed. Around $60 per person for everything, which may seem pricey, but where else can you get a 5 course meal including wine for that little? It's too bad that I live so close to this wonderful place, because going there so often is going to make me fat. :( read more

Hotel is quaint and conveniently located between Bangor and Bar Harbor. The staff was very nice when we checked in and assigned us a spectacular room overlooking the lake. The rooms are not new but well maintained. We stopped by the restaurant dinner and I must say - the food was spectacular. We both had the chowdah to start which was rich and delicious. I had the English pea and caramelized onion ravioli while my husband had haddock with a crab and lobster sauce. Amazing! We really enjoyed our stay and encourage others to try it as well! You won't be disappointed! read more

We stayed in one of the honeymoon suites for 5 enjoyable nights. The "suite" is really one very large room with a separate dressing room next to the bathroom. The sitting area is quite large, with an easy chair, fold-out sofa, and fireplace. Also a writing desk with comfortable desk chair. The bed was excellent, but the sofa and easy chair were not comfortable at all. They definitely need replacing! Our room was at the end of the building away from the main inn, and the Internet there was spotty at best. My laptop worked okay, but my phone rarely could keep a signal. The setting is beautiful, but this is more of a hotel than an inn. I wish there were some kind of common room for guests as in a true inn. There isn't a lobby, really, just a couple of chairs by the desk where you check in. So on a rainy day or whatever, you're just in your room. Breakfast was variable from one day to the next. Usually an egg dish you could reheat in the microwave, some kind of bread (on a couple of days, delicious muffins), cereals, yogurt, fruit salad. Never anything "made to order". There were real problems with keeping the buffet stocked -- we were constantly asking for things like plates, glasses, more juice, more of about everything. And they ran out of items far too often. Coffee was okay, but not anything to celebrate. We ate in the restaurant once for dinner. It was good, but not great, and a bit pricey. But the service was excellent, as was the view. The location is excellent, a short drive to the coast (Ellsworth) or the city (Bangor), both of which have good places to eat and things to do. read more

We stopped in for dinner on our way back from Bar Harbor, the food, drinks and wait staff are excellent, as is the view. The best restaurant in the Bangor Area. read more

This place has a wonderful Sunday Brunch each week, dinners as well as wine dinners for just the passerby. The Lucerne Inn also has lot of weddings packages and function rooms that accommodate events of all types. Upcoming is New Year's Events and Valentine packages that create the mood you are looking for. read more

Mediocre. Our family of sixteen went to dinner here and did not have a positive experience. We were out for my mother's birthday and received very poor service at premium prices. The waitress had a great attitude and did an excellent job and the service was not her fault. Unfortunately it is very difficult for one server to cover a large party of sixteen with no help. We were in a private room and because she had several other tables it was very difficult to get any attention from anyone. Once the food arrived it was not at all what was described on the menu. The scallops had some kind of a breading on them when they were supposed to be pan seared. Half of the party returned the meal and the management offered no apologies. I found the food to be overpriced and not at all fresh. I will not be back to this place. There are certainly better options when paying these prices. read more

Every time I eat here, I'm amazed by the depth and quality of the menu - and thus the chef they have. It is consistent quality across years, real ambiance.....and of course the primo view of the "Switzerland of Maine". Real nice place to stay as well. Some rooms have working fireplaces. read more

Buyer beware..... the economy room may not necessarily be in the main building as shown in the pictures. At check in, I was handed the key and directed to another building....3rd floor facing the highway, complete with the noise that came with it. By the way, no elevator....certainly not accommodating to the elderly or handicapped. Like I said....buyer beware. read more

We have been coming here for years and the Inn is consistently reliable for quality food. Usually sit in the small bar which is cozy with a lovely fireplace and a fun assortment of amusing Maine regulars who welcome out of towers with glee. Dave the bartender is amazing and great at recommending the good specials. Jason, who does much of the event work will cruise through occasionally and is as great of a tour guide as he is a restauranteur. Food-wise, the onion soup is surprisingly good and the lobster Mac and cheese is my go-to meal. It is excellently prepared and al dente, which is unusual in this part of the state. Try the cheesecake too. read more

"Excellent place for special occasion dinner. Or, if you're like us, stop for dinner in the bar. Dave, the bartender, will mix you an excellent martini or Manhattan." read more

At $22.95 per adult ($11.95 per child) this Sunday brunch buffet is an excellent deal. Really, they could charge more. Freshly prepared food (waffles with wild Maine blueberry sauce, house-made corned beef hash and a gorgeous selection of desserts [cheesecake, pie, two types of chocolate cake...] were all standouts), attentive service and a casual environment make this an enjoyable brunch spot. Add on the incredible view of lake and mountains, this can't be anything but five stars. Highly recommended. read more

Had a wonderful stay at the hotel. Staff went out of their way to be helpful. Had a quiet room. Comfortable bed. Whirlpool tub, heated towel bar, and fireplace made this standard room feel special. Some furnishings were older, but room was very comfortable and clean. Had a fabulous dinner in the in-hotel restaurant. Wi-fi signal was somewhat weak and spotty. Overall would definitely stay again. read more

Stay Away from Brunch on Holidays! Without telling you, they raise their price 50%, from $22.95 to $33.95. The "One-Star" is for their surprise, "gotcha". Went there with friends today for Mother's Day. Great food, great spread, great shock when I got the bill. We've been going there for 30 years, starting on our wedding night and for special nights out and occasional getaways. No more. Felt blind-sided, taken advantage of, and duped by the unannounced increase. They got my money this morning, and just lost my business. read more

The positive is the view. Located near a lake with beautiful forest surroundings. The negative was the bed was uncomfortable, the room needs major upgrades. If you don't eat at the pricey hotel dining room you will be driving 20 minutes to get to any other restaurant. The location is really remote. Breakfast was some stale store bought pastries and bagels. Housekeeping forgot to clean our room. Overall, this place has potential if the management improves. read more

Don't miss Sunday Brunch at the Lucerne. Beautiful location with great views. Food is outstanding. Sunday Brunch is buffet style with great Eggs Benedict. Select is complete with seafood, meat, soups, salads etc. And a dessert table that has a sinful chocolate torte. This place is a must and a bargain. read more

This place is one of the best in the area for a nice fancy dinner. The food is amazing, the staff is very kind and they have a fantastic wine list. We always go here when we celebrate a special occasion... Love It! read more

Had a FANTASTIC Sunday brunch today at Lucerne Inn to celebrate my parents anniversary. I can't say enough about the food. A special thanks to Amber at the front desk and Emmy on the buffet line for their attention to our party of 8. Can't wait to go back! read more

Check in was fast and easy. The Lucerne Inn was beautiful and had breathtaking views of the mountains. We ate dinner in the dining room and it was delicious! read more

Loved it! I travel for work at least once a month and it was a joy to find how comfortable and nicely appointed the room at the Lucerne was I will even take my spouse here when I am next in the area and she is a hotel snob...only Hilton properties for her... The Lucerne exceeds those with charm alone-- heated towel rack, jacuzzi tub, fireplace, and the food**** read more

We had an amazing Thanksgiving at the Lucerne Inn. The owners were so accommodating, friendly and truly made us feel like we were dining at home. The staff was incredible, warm and welcoming. The food and the ambiance surpassed my expectations. Definitely try to get there before sundown because the sunsets are truly spectacular. I would absolutely recommend the Lucerne to everyone!!! read more

A must go to. Fantastic Sunday brunch Had such a special Thanksgiving dinner and New Year's Eve.. Beautiful view of mountains and a lake. Beautiful all times of the year. Worth the drive! read more

Attended a friend's wedding here. The location is beautiful, overlooking Phillips Lake, grounds are nicely groomed, our hotel room was clean and comfortable. Only problem we had with the room was that we were in the "Overlook" building, and *right* on busy Route 1A meant trucks barreling by in the early morning hours waking us up. Not the fault of the establishment, though I suppose they could grow a nice thick hedge in front of that building. The wedding ceremony was lovely at the gazebo, but this really doesn't have much to do with the staff of the place or anything they did besides mow the lawn and put chairs in rows. All other aspects of the service of this experience were mediocre. Staff who checked us in did not seem friendly or welcoming or offer any helpful information about the wedding. The reception was in the back of the inn on the patio. Servers were not terribly prompt or helpful. Our table did not get bread, and we had to request it while our butter melted on the table. Salads were tiny, though the dressing was tasty. My vegetarian meal was like licking a salt block. Seriously. And I feel like a greedy American saying this, but the portion size was also very small. Not enough sustenance for partying and dancing. My husband said his steak was not remarkable, and my opinion was that its presentation was quite lacking. We had a nice time dancing, though the mosquitoes were terrible. Right after we were shut down for the night (10PM), the staff came along and rolled down the sides of the awning. Would have been nice if they did that earlier, may have cut down on the mosquitos. Or maybe have some citronella candles or torches or anything really, they were awful. The complimentary breakfast was pathetic. I am not one to say things like this lightly, I tend to be very forgiving, but really. There was one young person manning the breakfast dining area, and he seemed more concerned about clearing our dishes away and making us feel like we were being rushed out the door, than making sure the food and drink remained full. There were no bowls for cereal, no sugar for coffee, no spoons, empty juice bottles, and the "french toast" was like a little cold thin slice of wonder bread. I think investing in some warming dishes would be a huge improvement. It's not rocket science to have a good and simple continental breakfast. I looked at the website, and apparently the Inn changed ownership several years ago. I went to the Inn before that change and my husband did too, as he has family in the area. While neither of us remember it being *amazing*, neither of remember it being quite like this experience. Would not recommend, and I'm not sure who says that this is the "Best place in Maine to get Married" or whatever their sign says, but I don't know if that says more about the criteria of the the judging, or that there are few venues in Maine to get married. read more

I have never stayed here I only stop on my way to Ellsworth for the fish and chips. My only qualm is the last time I was there they ran out of tarter sauce. You should never run out of tarter sauce when you serve fish and chips ! read more

I wife and I had dinner there last night and it was just awful. I had the pork chop and she the chicken. Both were tasteless and chewy. The service was average but the time it took to prepare this worthless meal was way too long. I can't imagine why this restaurant could conceivably get four stars from anyone. read more

I went here to surprise someone with the seafood buffet, which turned out to mostly be fried fish that you could get anywhere. No oysters, clams, scallops or anything very special, just fried haddock, shrimp, etc. Since that didn't look great we just ordered off of the menu, which was very pricey. The apricot salad I had (which was $3 more than a regular salad) was the best thing we had there. Besides that, the steak was just mehhh. It ended up being fairly expensive for just an okay meal. Yeah the views are pretty good but the views are fantastic everywhere around there. You have the same view driving the 20 minutes it takes to get there! I know I won't be back and didn't recommend it to anyone who asked me about it after. If you want some expensive 80's fine dining, this is the place for you. read more

I had to pay for a meal I didn't eat. Ordered filet mignon medium rare but got served medium well, as confirmed by my waiter. Did not eat any sides and took only one bite from the over cooked steak. Waiter offered free desert which I declined. Offered to box u the over cooked steak but I declined that as well, why would I take home something I didn't order or pay for??? Oh, but my waiter DID charge me for it. I objected & he took 1/2 off...REALLY???? I can't believe it!!! I'm a local & I will tell everyone on the lake, all of my clients and anyone else that they MUST avoid this place. TERRIBLE, AWFUL, experience. STAY AWAY!!!!!!! read more

For those not familiar with the area of Maine where the Lucerne Inn is located, it is the only full service restaurant in the 20+ mile stretch of road between Bangor/Brewer and Ellsworth, ME. We live locally and have been going to the Lucerne Inn for many years - Sunday Brunch, Thanksgiving, evening meals, etc. During this time there have been highs and lows...owners and chefs have come and gone. The current owners (a husband & wife) have been there for a bit over one year. They wisely kept the head chef they inherited and the food is generally good; although when we were there last night for dinner, four of us, the wait was very long for everything from beverages to bread to each course, as has been the case in other recent visits. A wedding and a birthday party seemed to take resources from both the kitchen and service in the dining room. We were there for over 2 1/2 hours having ordered only salads & main courses. Our waitress was very nice and clearly doing her best. Both the setting and building are beautiful. However, both owners were dressed like they had just come from toiling in the garden; he in jeans and a sloppy tee shirt, she in leggings and a branded long sleeved tee-seriously? At the price point (@ $60/head) with beverages, tax & tips) the owners need to class their act up - yes, we get it Maine is "casual" but the way the owners dress is disrespectful to the Inn and its customers (I should note that in the half dozen times we have been there since these two took over, their attire has been slovenly). At one point in the evening the (husband) owner went from table to table asking how everything was...for some reason he skipped our table; clueless at best, outright rude at worst. I hope the owners wise up and get a clue -- or they will drive the Lucerne Inn into the ground. In future we will be driving to Ellsworth or Bangor/Brewer if we want a nice dinner out. read more

We wanted to thank you for a wonderful weekend. My husband and I recently went to Lucerne Inn to celebrate our 40th Wedding Anniversary. What made it special, was that we had our Wedding Reception here 40 years ago. From the moment we checked in, everything was perfect. The owners are a wonderful couple. They were so friendly and made us feel right at home. Our room was lovely. A king size bed, a fireplace and the scenery outside our window was breathtaking. We had the Sunday Brunch, which was incredible. (Be sure to make reservations ahead of time) We celebrated our Anniversary Dinner there also. The waitress was exceptional. What a sweet girl! We had a great evening and she made it memorable for us. We were able to go to Bar Harbor during our stay. If you are looking for a wonderful, special place to stay, Lucerne Inn is the place for you. We can't wait to return. Thank you again for making our 40th Anniversary so incredible. Marie & Jim V. read more