
Galyn's
A charming Victorian-era seafood restaurant in Bar Harbor, offering fresh Downeast fare, stunning views, and heartfelt service.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Galyn's

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming Victorian-era seafood restaurant in Bar Harbor, offering fresh Downeast fare, stunning views, and heartfelt service.
"Best food of the trip! Would recommend the oysters, mussels, and lobster fettuccine."
Reserve Your Table
Book ahead, especially for a window seat with a view. Reservations are recommended.
Visit Off-Season
For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during weekdays or the off-season.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stunning Harbor Views
Dine with breathtaking views of the harbor from upstairs window seats, especially magical during sunset.

Fresh Downeast Seafood
Indulge in the freshest local oysters, lobster bisque, and cioppino, capturing the essence of Maine.

Warm & Attentive Service
Experience heartfelt hospitality from a friendly staff that makes every guest feel genuinely welcomed.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve Your Table
Book ahead, especially for a window seat with a view. Reservations are recommended.
Visit Off-Season
For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during weekdays or the off-season.
Explore the Menu
Don't miss the seafood specials and unique cocktails like the blueberry options.
Consider the Bar
If the restaurant is full, the bar area offers an intimate setting for dining.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve Your Table
Book ahead, especially for a window seat with a view. Reservations are recommended.
Visit Off-Season
For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during weekdays or the off-season.
Explore the Menu
Don't miss the seafood specials and unique cocktails like the blueberry options.
Consider the Bar
If the restaurant is full, the bar area offers an intimate setting for dining.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Galyn's is highly praised for its fresh, high-quality seafood, particularly oysters and lobster dishes, and its warm, attentive service. Diners also rave about the charming ambiance and stunning views. However, some find certain dishes to be underwhelming or inconsistently portioned, and occasional issues with oyster shucking have been noted.
"We went there yesterday for dinner. We did the reservation just 1 hour before by walking by and it was so easy and friendly. For sure our luck that it’s still off-season.
We got a table upstairs right in front of the window and the view was wonderful. Service (thanks Jennifer:) was so warmhearted and we felt really welcome. The food (stuffed mushrooms, daily catch and Indian pudding) was great and the wine made our dinner perfect. We can really recommend going there and having a lovely evening after a hiking day."
Marit Schmi
"This is such a dynamic restaurant! There's generally a wait but they will take reservations. Inside is very upscale with separate rooms and eating areas. The food was absolutely fantastic. This is not your average tourist spot, this is fine dining. We were especially well taken care of by Danika.
Her fresh take on the entrees was spot on. She almost had a intuitive sense about her, my wife thought she was a excellent server. It was a great place to end a tourist filled day."
* dnainsb
"Had a wonderful evening and meal at Galyn's. The view was amazing from our table by the window (thank you to the woman who honored my request when I called in my reservation). The bisque was outstanding. My husband loved his crabcakes and my lobster enchiladas were scrumptious and full of lobster meat. Our server frequently checked in on us which we appreciated. Will definitely return when we are back in Bar Harbor."
Arlene Lesse
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for window seats with views. It's advisable to book in advance.
Diners rave about the fresh oysters, lobster bisque, cioppino, lobster roll, and crab cakes.
Yes, Galyn's offers some vegetarian options on their menu, such as roasted cauliflower steaks.
Galyn's offers a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere. Smart casual attire is generally appropriate.
Yes, upstairs window seats offer stunning views of the harbor and are highly sought after. Request this when making a reservation.
For a more relaxed dining experience, consider visiting during weekdays or the off-season.
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In business since 1986, this large restaurant in an 1890s downtown building—originally a seamen's boarding house, now filled with Maine art—has a classic New England vibe, dining on two floors, an upstairs lounge, and a large menu to match. Offerings range from sandwiches and small plates to lobster dishes, steak, and seafood, including bouillabaisse with shrimp, scallops, fresh fish, and lobster, served with steamed mussels and grilled ciabatta bread. Painted walls nicely offset the art, which is touted as Maine’s largest private art collection on public display, and the pressed tin ceilings and banister are original.
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Galyn’s is your one-stop-shop for seafood fettuccine, lobster enchiladas, and the accurately described “lazy lobster'' for those not wanting to throw their backs out de-shelling dinner. Galyn's has indoor and outdoor dining, but you can also order to-go and take your feast across the street to beautiful Agmont Park.
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Describing their own aesthetic as cozy-contemporary, Galyn’s is a seasonal, family-run eatery with a well-curated menu. With fresh Maine seafood options (the Frenchman Bay Stew will make you want to pick up the bowl and slurp) as well as entrees born on a farm (like their andouille-Stuffed Pork Chop or the Roasted Cauliflower Steaks), Galyn’s gives careful attention to every culinary detail…right down to the last bite of that Flourless Chocolate Cake. Jamaican fish tacos at Galyn’s | Photo: Galyn’s Facebook page
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Galyn’s Restaurant in Bar Harbor, Maine is a must-visit dining spot for tourists looking for a taste of Maine’s local seafood. The restaurant boasts of signature dishes that include the classic raw bar featuring locally harvested oysters, clams, and shrimp, as well as their smoked seafood chowder and lobster bisque. Galyn’s also serves classic surf and turf favorites, grilled steaks, and innovative vegetarian options.
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17 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609Galyn’s has a unique ambiance in its dining room with historical architecture and contemporary artwork adorning the walls – 72 paintings, photographs, and other pieces of artwork depicting the Maine coast and Maine life. Visitors will feel like they’re dining in an art gallery while enjoying crab dishes, chowder, oysters, fresh lobster, sandwiches, and fresh salads.
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17 Main St Bar Harbor, Maine | American, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly | $31 – $60 | Monday to Sunday 11:00 am –9:00 pm. Another seafood restaurant in Bar Harbor that’s a little more sophisticated is called Galyn’s, and you won’t want to miss it. It is housed in a former boarding house from the Victorian period and has distinctive décor, first-rate service, and a sizable drink menu.
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Galyn’s Restuarant has been a staple in the Bar Harbor area for over 30 years. Located right off the main street in downtown Bar Harbor, it is an easy place to locate and pop into for a nice lunch or dinner. This family-run restaurant is housed in a building originally used as a boarding house for local sailors and now has two floors of dining space with views of Agamont Park.
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Next on the list of restaurants in Acadia National Park, if you get the chance, I suggest you definitely visit Galyn’s. Galyn’s is a family-run restaurant offering fresh, well-prepared food served by friendly, professional staff. In addition, the restaurant is designed according to historical architecture and contemporary art, creating an attractive, relaxing setting.
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Galyn’s is a popular place to eat in Bar Harbor, nestled nearby the town pier in the corner of the town. Housed inside a former Victorian-era boarding house, Galyn’s is a traditional Downeast-style restaurant. Operating for over 30 years now, Galyn’s is a family-owned restaurant by married duo Gail and Rick Leiser and operated by executive chef Larry Jones.
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We’re not restaurant critics, Steve and Janet, but among the places where we’ve had enjoyable lobster meals: Galyn’s in Bar Harbor, Thurston’s Lobster Pound in Bernard, and Stewman’s Lobster Pound on West Street in Bar Harbor (where President Obama and his family dined in July 2010). (NOTE: See sidebar about TripAdvisor(R) links on this site.)
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Cuisine: Seafood and classic New England fareBest for: Waterfront views and traditional lobster dinnersLocated just steps from the Bar Harbor town pier, Galyn’s is a long-standing institution offering fresh seafood and steak in a cozy, historic building. Try the baked stuffed haddock or the full lobster dinner.https://galynsbarharbor.com
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Galyn's is a beloved local institution known for its fresh seafood and casual atmosphere. This family-owned restaurant offers a classic Maine dining experience, featuring a menu filled with lobster, clams, and other seafood delights. Galyn’s also offers steaks, pasta, and vegetarian options, ensuring there is something for everyone.
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Galyn’s Restaurant has been a downtown Bar Harbor staple since 1986, offering an elegant dining experience with a focus on seafood. Dishes like lobster bisque and whole lobster showcase the restaurant’s commitment to quality and flavor. The sophisticated ambiance adds to the appeal, making it an ideal spot for a special occasion.
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My fiancé and I went here for dinner during our weekend get-away and it was our favorite spot of the whole trip!. Between the two of us we have a list of food allergies (the most prominent being Gluten Free and Shellfish). After talking with the hosts we were assured that they are able to make accommodations for our allergies.
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A staple in Bar Harbor for 30 years, Galyn’s is the perfect place to pop in for lunch or dinner.Their menu features fresh seafood, salads, steak, and chicken. The restaurant also has an extensive list of wine, beer, and craft cocktails. Popular recommendations include lobster tails, shrimp scampi, crab cake, and filet mignon.
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Galyn’s: Just up from the Bar Harbor town pier, Galyn’s has been serving fresh seafood and hand-cut steaks since 1986. A firm belief in providing local fare with attentive service keeps our guests returning. Settle into one of our five art-filled dining rooms and become a part of the Galyn’s tradition.
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Galyn’s Restaurant offers a fine dining experience with walls covered in magnificent Maine art. With paintings from Maine artists or of Maine landscapes, the experience at Galyn’s is enhanced even further with unique seafood dishes such as Frenchman Bay Stew, sautéed scallops, and lobster linguini.
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Galyn’s Restaurant - A relaxed dinner at Gayln’s features fresh fish and native seafood, hand-cut steaks, prime rib and more. Reasonably priced salads, sandwiches, soups, and seafood for lunch, plus a special Galley Lounge menu for light dining make Galyn’s a great choice for lunch or dinner.
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For dinner, we drove back to town and went to Project Social Kitchen & Bar. It was the trendiest dinner place in Bar Harbor, but our experience was mediocre. We were pretty hungry and ordered a bunch of plates, and the food was good, but the portions were just so small and so expensive.
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And some of the best lobster dishes in the area can be found at Bar Harbor Lobster Bakes, Geddy’s (lobster roll), The Travellin Lobster, C-Ray Lobster, Rose Eden Lobster, Galyn’s, West Street Cafe, Peekytoe Provisions, Thirsty Whale Tavern, Side Street Cafe, The Chart Room, etc.
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Galyn’s – we ducked in here on the rainy day for lunch and it didn’t disappoint. I thought I might be a little underdressed and if it had been dinner I probably would have been but for lunch I was just fine. We each had the lobster bisque and it was delicious.
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Galyn’s – During my one day in Bar Harbor, this is where my mom and I went for dinner. I opted for the steak, and it was easily one of the best cooked steaks I’ve ever had. My mom is a seafood fanatic, so she ordered the sampler plate.
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The best restaurants in Bar Harbor Maine wouldn’t be completed without Galyn’s!. The building dates back to 1890s, where it was a boarding house for local seafarers. During prohibition, an illegal speakeasy occupied the downstairs!
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Geddy’s: Geddy’s and Galyn’s are two more popular restaurants for lobster. I would say I like the food better at Geddy’s. If you are not into touristy things, this may be overwhelming for you because it can get packed!.
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For dinner, come by Galyn’s; if I’m getting lobster, that’s usually where I’ll go. That being said, I don’t think there’s any such thing as bad lobster on MDI. Once there, stick around for dessert.
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A local institution serving up classic Maine fare in a casual atmosphere. Their lobster rolls are legendary but don't miss the opportunity to try other seafood specialties or hearty sandwiches.
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Grab a bite: The paintings crowding the walls at Galyn’s (17 Main St., Bar Harbor; 207-288-9706) are said to constitute the state’s largest publicly displayed private art collection.
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Come fall, hot and creamy bowls of chowder become requisite staples, available at local standbys like Galyn’s, The Thirsty Whale, and Stewman’s Lobster Pound, among numerous others.
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Enjoy lunch or dinner in this historical building located near the Bar Harbor waterfront. Fine dining with the freshest of ingredients and top notch service.
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Specializing in some of the freshest seafood found on MDI’s coast, Galyn’s is a fine dining establishment with a laid, back casual vibe.galynsbarharbor.com
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Galyn’s– fresh grilled seafoods, lobster rolls, cocktails, blueberry lemonade, desserts- how cute is this lobster 🦞 with the flourless chocolate cake?
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Galyn’s – A cozy restaurant in a Victorian-era house in the heart of town. Serving fresh seafood and hand-cut steaks. Re-opening on April 12th.
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If you’d rather enjoy your lobster without the need for a bib, Galyn’s, a local favorite since 1986, is the way to go.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit