I don't even remotely got their review. The lobster roll was meh, I didn't even finish it. Lobster was over cooked and rubbery. I ordered pasta "salad" - it was try colored pasta swimming in Italian dressing - nothing else. Person I was with had chicken strips - one of the strips was not even chicken - it was brown on the inside. Service was okay. Clam Chowder was good. But save your time and money - don't eat here. It was mediocre at very best. read more

Had a great experience dining tonight at the Thirsty Whale. From the wait time being reasonable to the table service. Our server, Anna, was awesome. Food was quick, fresh, hot, and on point. It was a fast-paced restaurant and was perfect for any group. read more

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Thirsty Whale is a very good place where you can find fresh seafood. I always ordering Fish Taco Wrap. So yummy. read more

Nice food overall. with a long bar and good amount of tables/seating. The fried blackened haddock sandwich is delicious

Bar food. The muscles weren't great in the seafood sampler and it was mainly muscles. Shrimp were tiny. Good drinks dive bar. Wouldn't eat there read more

Really enjoyed this place. Service was good - they are hustling. Had fried shrimp - a rarity now a days to get the small Gulf of Maine shrimp - but they get them from Canada. Unfortunately these gems won't last many more years, so get them while you can. The fried clams are the best in town - cooked just the right amount. Had the fisherman's platter - everything was cooked just right - which is often not the case for platters. Good selection of local beers. read more

While visiting Bar Harbor we stopped in at the Thirsty Whale as it was half a block from the apartment where we were staying. We ended up eating on the back deck, which was perfect for us. It was October and while a bit cold out they had space heaters which kept us comfortable the whole time. Our waitress was incredibly friendly and accommodating. We ordered the blackened fish sandwich and the salmon sandwich, which we also ordered blackened at the advice of our waitress. The food was incredible. Well cooked, well spiced m, just straight delicious. It was clear from talking to some locals that this is a local favorite and I can see why. We ended up leaving and coming back the next night and ordering the same exact thing because the food was just that dang good. Overall this was the culinary highlight of the trip and I would strongly recommend it for anyone visiting. read more

I stopped here a bit late after working at MDI hospital for the day. The kitchen was closing and Sam the bartender said I could order. I ordered a fish sandwich to 'go'. I had a pint of the local beer while I waited. There were people enjoying the bar area and having a good time in the casual atmosphere. I wish I took a picture of the sandwich and fries before I inhaled it at the hotel, I do have to say it was REALLY good and fresh. I'll be back if I'm in the area. read more

Excellent blackened fish sandwich ! Hubby enjoyed his lobster roll and draft beer. It's very crowded most of the times but The service was excellent ! Very friendly staff . Bonus point for being so kid friendly ! read more

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We strolled into this place without knowing anything about it. This is the first day they have been open after their 6 week break, still in off season. Wow were we pleasantly surprised! Excellent service, food, and ambiance! read more

The ambiance of the bar is great, drinks are good, however our single gripe comes from the bartender Matt. The bar service he provided was abysmal at best, filled with attitude when giving him an order, he was drinking his own drinks with the patrons which we don't necessarily mind however he got drunk and belligerent. On a tab with 7 beers and two mixed drinks we tipped $13 in total which is standard for a bar (1$ for beers/seltzers, 20% for mixed drinks), once our friend behind the counter saw our signed receipt, then screamed "cheap ****'s " to our faces which confused us. When we went up to him to confront him he ran to the other side of the bar and did not elaborate any further. Up to this moment we loved the bar but because of his terrible service and belligerency we are begrudgingly leaving a bad review. read more

The thirsty whale staff was very friendly. It's a small place but very busy. There is no kids menu but our girls shared a regular entree (chicken tenders) and was perfect for the two of them. My husband and I both got burgers and they were cooked well. Food came out quickly even though they were busy. read more

Thirsty Whale - Nice dinner with the family - American Near Me - Bar Harbor, Maine

This place is fantastic! Good lobster rolls, chowder and fried clams. Prices aren't too bad considering it's Bar Harbor. Good ambiance, nice beer selection. read more

Simple informal restaurant in the center of Bar Harbor. Nice variety of local fish (mostly fried haddock). Great burgers and really good clam chowder. Very friendly atmosphere and reasonable prices. read more

Wonderful place. When we arrived, we git onto the electronic waiting list, so they send a text on your phone when the table is ready. There is a line for the bar area as well, which is ok. The waitress was very attentive and constantly checked on us. We got the menu and ordered, the food came fast. For the appetizers, my husband and I got fried spicy pickles and a sampler platter, also fried. I want to point out that nothing was greasy, and the oil was good. I enjoyed tried scallops, which I would never think to fry. For the main course, I got a combo of lobster bisque and lobster roll. The lobster bisque was ok, creamy, and nicely flavored. The lobster roll was excellent, just enough mayo to get a little taste to eat and leave lobster a star of the dish! Highly recommend! read more

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I was in Bar Harbor for the weekend exploring Acadia National Park. After doing some hiking early Sunday in the morning, I decided to check out the Thirsty Whale around brunchtime. I had this place marked off on my list to visit because of the massive amount of reviews it received on Yelp. I figured it was well liked for a reason. Thirsty Whale is located right in the heart of the quaint seaside town of Bar Harbor. I was able to find a parking spot on the street, though still, it was in the offseason last month in early May. For brunch around 12pm, the restaurant was pretty busy. Every table was occupied. Since I was eating alone, I found a spot at the bar. Otherwise I would have had to wait to be seated. They do offer a smaller, brunchtime menu. When I'm on vacations, I love to immerse myself in the local cuisines wherever I am. Being here in Maine, I was looking for seafood. Btw, this place can be described as pub/tavern. Featured on the menu, they offer soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers...etc. They do have a seafood options, though not as many as I expected... For example...fish club sandwich, salmon sandwich, fried haddock sandwich (which they are known for), fried shrimp, fried clams, shrimp tacos and a lobster roll - which I chose. So yeah, it's not elevated seafood entrees, it's more blue collar/bar type food. But when I think of Maine, I think of lobster. As I look back, I regret getting the lobster roll and should have selected what they're famous for... the haddock. Oh well. The lobster roll was okay. The portion size (yeah I know it was brunch) was TINY. They did fill the roll up with chunks of lobster meat, but since the roll was small, ultimately the sandwich ate REALLY SMALL. I could have had 2 sandwiches minimum. I went with fries as my side item. And the fries were delicious! Hot, fresh and right out of the fryer. The PROBLEM with the whole meal.....the lobster roll was miniscule and they covered the rest of the plate with LOADS AND LOADS OF FRENCH FRIES. It felt like I had French Fries for lunch. Also, the lobster meat wasn't fishy or anything. It was fresh. But the roll was accompanied with a buttery mayonnaise or dressing and the lobster just ate mushy, ugh. The lobster roll cost $18.99 and my last impression was SMALL, SMALL, SMALL. Overall, the meal was a letdown, disappointing mostly. Otherwise service was mediocre. I had to get the bartender's attention and ask her twice if she could refill my Coke glass. I just wish she would have paid more attention to me and just done it on command rather than me waving her down. If I ever visit Bar Harbor again, I'd probably pass on the Thirsty Whale. There are plenty of restaurants in town and all are situated within walking distance from each other. I guess I was fooled by the popularity and over 700 reviews this place has received. read more

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Came here with friends on Saturday at lunch and didn't have to wait to get seated as a party of four! Food: For some reason the lobster rolls here are much more moderately and reasonably priced than other places at 16.99! They were so crunchy and well seasoned that I wanted more after finishing mine. We also got the fried seafood platter for an appetizer which was like glorified French fries. Service: Food came out relatively quickly and the waiter was really humorous! Ambiance: Super casual place! Would definitely come here again, good value and nice after a long hike in Acadia! read more

Thirsty Whale - Lobster Roll - American Near Me - Bar Harbor, Maine

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Service isn't great, the lobster roll is flat out pathetic, the fried sampler was good, the mozzarella sticks were cold, prices were okay, and the Gimlet was drinkable. Not a lot of shops were open, so perhaps they were overwhelmed, none the less, not a great first impression. read more

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Classic little bar. Very popular. Food and atmosphere are great. Probably the best price for lobster rolls in Bar Harbor - and they are stuffed full of lobster. read more

Super yummy! Good portions. We did not make a dinner reservation so had to wait 50 minutes - 1 hour to get seated, but we spent that time shopping nearby. Definitely recommend making a reservation. read more

Thirsty Whale - Blackened Fried Haddock Sandwich - American Near Me - Bar Harbor, Maine

There's a disclaimer inside the menu saying that there aren't Golden Arches above this restaurant and so it takes time for the food to be made - funny and clever way of telling people to patient. However, we were in there for close to 2 hours and ordered simple things like fried seafood and a broiled haddock sandwich, so they really are slow. Was the wait worth it? Everything tasted pretty good. I shared the fisherman's platter with my brother, which included fried clams, baby shrimp, haddock nuggets, and scallops. Everything was fresh and flavorful. I wish there were more scallops (I think we counted four small sea scallops), because those were by far the best part. They were so sweet and rich. I tried some of the clam chowder, which was also good: rich, creamy, and good clam flavor, without being too heavy. The sweet potato waffle fries I ordered on the side were fine: crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, but nothing too special. I don't think anything we got there was bad. It was pretty good and I'd be back (assuming I have time to spare). read more

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highly recommend the thirsty whale! we went twice during our trip. the mozz sticks, fish & chips, and drinks are EXCEPTIONAL! definitely stop by if you're in bar harbor. read more

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The Thirsty Whale was one of the few places open on a Monday during leaf peeping season. There was a pretty long waitlist to get in, but it ended up only being 15-20 minutes for a seat at the bar. The hostess and bartender were very hospitable and kind even with the crazy crowd! I ended up ordering my first Maine lobster roll here. I wasn't a fan. It was plain tasting and fatty and was pretty pricy at $25. I get it--it's Maine, it's lobster, it's also the tourist town right outside of a National Park--still a bit of a let down. This meal did the trick of filling me up before my star gazing adventure with the park rangers at Acadia, but I probably would not come here again. read more

Good eats and reasonably priced. The fish and chips were great as was the half pound burger.

After a long day traveling and touring around Bar harbor we decided to grab a lobster roll and chowder's with cranberry vodka cocktails and was very happy with our meal. There was a generous portion of fresh lobster with light mayo and crispy buns. The chowder was also very good. Friendly fast service and fun atmosphere. read more

Thirsty Whale - Lobster rolls and clam chowder - American Near Me - Bar Harbor, Maine

We went on a Monday for early dinner in May. The restaurant was buzzing- the prices were market prices if not cheaper. The hostess that receives people at the door is an older lady and kinda blunt but that just probably her New England accent that sounds like it to my southern hospitality soft self. Food was good, we had the lobster roll and clam chowder as well as the chicken Cesar salad. Highly recommend read more

Amazing clam chowder and fried clams. Cozy outdoor ambiance and great service. Will return again when in Maine.

We came to Maine out of season, which means most everywhere is closed. But the Thirsty Whale was still open and busy! We were seated quickly and our drink order was taken immediately. We didn't wait very long for our food either. My partner got the Fisherman's Platter (I think that's what it was called) and I had the grilled chicken pesto sandwich with fries Everything was absolutely delicious! We highly recommend them! read more

We discovered Thirsty Whale on the recommendation of a local when we were looking for good food at the end of the season. It was definitely crowded but that added to the ambiance. My husband and I sat at the bar and enjoyed some local beers along with a New England cranberry gin & tonic. I ordered the haddock sandwich, which was right up there with the best fish sandwich I have ever tasted. I opted to upgrade to a side Whale salad for my side. It was fresh with great veggies and a homemade dressing. Highly recommend. read more

Solid food experience. Staff was friendly and our server did an amazing job. The Lobster Bisque was very good after a long day on the road. read more

Thirsty Whale - Lobster Bisque and Blackened Fish Sandwich. - American Near Me - Bar Harbor, Maine

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Wife and I visited Bar Harbor for 3 nights. Our first evening's dinner was at the Thirsty Whale, it was enjoyable. On evening #2 we walked around town, looked in on places that we had read about or had been recommended, and - we went back to the Thirsty Whale. Food was excellent - lobster bisque, lobster roll, freuben, fried clams, can't remember the others. The vibe was chill casual, the staff was friendly. We were tourists, but the place did not feel touristy. Special shout out to Kevin behind the counter. We highly recommend Thirsty Whale. read more

This place was packed and chaotic, so my partner and I were seated at the bar. We both got a haddock sandwich, which was tasty and fresh! However, the atmosphere wasn't my thing, which is honestly my fault for not investigating it more. This is to say: You're probably good if you like the crowded, loud, and warm/ stuffy bar atmosphere. If that is not your thing, then maybe try to go when it's a little less busy. Overall, 4/5 stars. read more

Terrible from start to finish!! The wait staff was terribly inattentive. It took us over 20 minutes just someone to the table to ask for water and then we had to ask the hostess to get the water for us after waiting another 15 minutes. Three of our four meals came out wrong. My seafood sampler had sand in it and was undercooked. My son's chicken fingers were old, quick thawed from frozen and fried to rubber that could not be bit into! My other son ordered a burger. They brought just a burger with no bun of toppings on a plate, then reheated it to melt some cheese on top and threw it on a bun, but the burger was dry and cold. The entire experience lasted well over two hours and we had to ask twice for our check. They said they wouldn't charge us for the burger, but they did anyhow. We were not the only table who had complaints. The table beside us wasn't Ted over an hour for food and had to take it to go by the time it arrived at the table. read more

Middle of the road restaurant. I had a blackened haddock sandwich that was OK, but had clam chowder which was good. My wife had crab cake sandwich which had a lot of crab but was bland read more

Amazing Place. Looks like a hole in the wall. Go inside and nicely renovated. The BEST fried seafood platter, EVER! Coast to coast I have never had such a perfect light breading on the freshest seafood .... Atlantic shrimp, local Clams and sweet Scallops plus Haddock. I was So impressed. Servers were great! Plus a great variety of cocktails and beers brewed in Maine. read more

The spicy haddock sandwich was delicious. The burger was good. The buns are delicious. The bartender was cool our server not so much. read more

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Highly recommend this place! The wait was about 45 minutes on a Friday night and we'll worth it. We did the broiled feta for an appetizer and was a highlight. The brisket sandwich was to die for! We also tried the clam chowder which we both loved and the lobster bisque was alright too. Our waitress seemed a bit busy but she did the best she could with how busy she was. The place was clean. All the locals recommended it. read more

Thirsty Whale - Brisket sandwich - American Near Me - Bar Harbor, Maine

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Had to wait an hour to get in so heads up on that, but once you're in, this place isn't to be missed. Service was some of the best I've had in years, the food is excellent, lots of space, and just a really solid meal. read more

One would think in the bustling business of Bar Harbor in the summer, you'd have some feelings of getting pushed through a meal to make room for the next tourist. Not at the Thirsty Whale. We had welcoming service from the start to finish, and we all enjoyed perfectly prepared haddock sandwiches and fried whole belly clams. Their clams are the best in the area, and I've tried a number. Don't miss a pleasant lunch amidst in the bustle! They had a nice selection of local beers too! read more

Bohemian place bordering on a dive bar - but was pretty good. Cudos for having Anchor Steam beer, and haddock Reuben was nice ... and decent chowder Overall good service and worthy of a visit read more