Dinner in the Garden
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Project Social Kitchen & Bar

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A charming Bar Harbor spot offering creative tapas and craft cocktails in a magical garden setting with enchanting waterfalls and fairy lights.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Dinner in the Garden

Project Social Kitchen & Bar

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming Bar Harbor spot offering creative tapas and craft cocktails in a magical garden setting with enchanting waterfalls and fairy lights.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The best meal we had in Bar Harbor by FAR!! Incredible food, cocktails, and atmosphere."

TIP

Reservations Recommended

While not always accepted, calling ahead can help determine table availability, especially for outdoor seating.

Dress for the Evening

The outdoor seating area offers heaters and blankets, but it's wise to bring a sweater as evenings can be cool.

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Quick Facts

Open·Closes 9PM

Cuisine

American, Tapas

Price

$$$

Address

278 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Enchanting Garden Ambiance

Enchanting Garden Ambiance

Dine amidst a magical outdoor setting with mossy waterfalls, fairy lights, and antique decor, creating a romantic paradise.

Creative Tapas and Cocktails

Creative Tapas and Cocktails

Savor inventive small plates like oxtail toast and duck tacos, perfectly paired with fresh, artisanal craft cocktails.

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Exceptional Seafood

Exceptional Seafood

Indulge in rave-worthy crab cakes and plump oysters, celebrated as some of the best diners have ever tasted.

Google Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

PROJECT SOCIAL BAR HARBOR IS THE KIND OF PLACE TO BE! @projectsocialbarharbor Tucked just off the main drag in Bar Harbor, @projectsocialbarharbor serves up craft cocktails, Maine oysters on ice, and a vibe that captures everything you want from a coastal escape. You might come for the food—but you’ll stay for the mood. There’s something sacred about losing track of time with a half shell in hand ...
@themainemenu.co
24 likes • 692 views

Reservations Recommended

While not always accepted, calling ahead can help determine table availability, especially for outdoor seating.

Dress for the Evening

The outdoor seating area offers heaters and blankets, but it's wise to bring a sweater as evenings can be cool.

@projectsocial.us had their fig +goat cheese flatbread and their *Secret menu item* smash burger - which you can select as manny Patties as you wish.
@lunas_food_travel
24 likes • 952 views

Explore Signature Dishes

Don't miss highly praised items like the oxtail toast, duck tacos, or the decadent lobster crepe.

Consider Happy Hour

Check out their happy hour deals for off-peak enjoyment of drinks and small plates.

Tips

from all over the internet

Reservations Recommended

While not always accepted, calling ahead can help determine table availability, especially for outdoor seating.

Dress for the Evening

The outdoor seating area offers heaters and blankets, but it's wise to bring a sweater as evenings can be cool.

Explore Signature Dishes

Don't miss highly praised items like the oxtail toast, duck tacos, or the decadent lobster crepe.

Consider Happy Hour

Check out their happy hour deals for off-peak enjoyment of drinks and small plates.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Project Social Kitchen & Bar is praised for its enchanting garden ambiance, creative tapas, and impressive craft cocktails. Many diners rave about the exceptional quality of seafood dishes like crab cakes and oysters. However, some find the prices to be on the higher side for the portion sizes, and service can be inconsistent, particularly in the bar area.

"We found this restaurant kind of randomly on our vacation, and it was the best meal we had in Bar Harbor by FAR!! Friendly staff that immediately offered us blankets and heaters on a cold night, whimsical garden atmosphere, delicious cocktails in beautiful glassware, and incredible food in a variety of cuisines. The plating and presentation was gorgeous, backed up by mouth watering tapas that kept us wanting more! The servers/kitchen did a great job coursing everything out so we had the perfect rotation of flowing food for the entire hour we were there. And they got us out on time so we could make it to our next activity! Highly recommend and can’t wait to return someday."

Lyndsey McCormick

"Project Social had fantastic food; they served us creative dishes that still felt cohesive. The standouts were the crab cakes, lobster crepe, and the pork belly. The crab cakes were probably the best I've ever had - so crabby and packed with sweet seafood flavor. The lobster crepe was great as well, since it turns out that lobster, pancetta, and butternut squash go great together. The pork belly was fork tender and served over a crispy polenta cake.

The other dishes were amazing too! I will say that to get full at this spot you'll be dropping a good amount of money. In my eyes it's money well spent though

edit: 30 minutes after posting the above glowing review from my experience last night, I went back again for some light eats and had a pretty horrible experience. The food was still good, but we were seated on the left side of the restaurant, the "bar" area. This area is completely unattended with absolutely zero service - we never got even a water. We went up to the window to order and the bartenders were so busy that I stood there for about 10 minutes before being spoken to - and that was the first and last time I spoke to a staff member tonight.

Considering the price of the food, this area really should have the attention of at least one server - even if it's intended to be more "bar" style. It really left a bad impression on me and I'm not sure I'll be coming back any time soon."

Havin Leung

"We LOVED this place for cocktails and appetizers! Great outdoor patio area and amazing food and drinks! The lamb dish was probably our favorite, but we loved them all!"

Michelle Dahlberg

What People Like

Magical garden atmosphere
Creative and delicious tapas
Exceptional seafood dishes

What People Dislike

Can be pricey
Inconsistent service in bar area

Frequently Asked Questions

The restaurant boasts a magical garden ambiance with outdoor seating, complete with mossy waterfalls, fairy lights, and antique decor, creating a romantic and unique dining experience.

The 6 Best Restaurants Near Acadia National Park 2024 - Bar HarborGoogle Review

Diners highly recommend the crab cakes, oysters, oxtail toast, duck tacos, and the lobster crepe. The seafood chowder is also a popular choice.

The 6 Best Restaurants Near Acadia National Park 2024 - Bar HarborGoogle Review+1

Reservations may not always be accepted, but it's recommended to call ahead to inquire about table availability, especially for outdoor seating.

Google Review

Yes, Project Social Kitchen & Bar offers dog-friendly seating in its beautiful garden setting.

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The restaurant is considered upscale, with some reviewers noting that it can be a bit pricey, particularly for the portion sizes.

Google Review+1

They are known for their craft cocktails, featuring unique infusions like grilled pineapple mezcal and strawberry-basil gin, as well as classic options.

Things to Do in Bar Harbor, Maine: 8 Reasons to Make the DriveMount Desert Island in 48 HoursGoogle Review

Visiting during early August is suggested for pleasant indoor and outdoor seating. Happy hour offers good deals.

Google Review

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Project Social Kitchen might not have a view of the water, but its patio still feels like a natural paradise complete with mossy waterfalls and overhead fairy lights. It’s easy to spend an entire evening snacking on plates of miso-dressed kale and brussels while sipping fruity cocktails and chatting with the friendly staff—they’ll even bring you a heavy woven blanket if you get chilly after the sun goes down. Make sure to order the duck tacos dabbed in green apple salsa verde and topped with crunchy slices of watermelon radish.

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After resting at the inn, return to Bar Harbor for the town’s extensive dinner options. The original cocktails and small plates shine at Project Social Kitchen and Bar, which has dog-friendly seating in a beautiful garden setting. For libations, try the smoky Pineapple Express with grilled pineapple–infused mezcal, cayenne simple syrup, and vanilla bean foam or the refreshing Strawberry Fields with strawberry and basil–infused gin, Domaine De Canton, and lemon.

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This seasonal bistro features cozy indoor and outdoor nooks, all with a magical feel—perfect for enjoying a cold beer or cocktail with your lobster roll. Their signature creation is of the non-traditional variety, dressed with smoked paprika-roasted tomato aioli and piled onto a toasted roll with fresh greens, served cold. Location: 278 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609Website:Project Social Kitchen & Bar

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Project Social Kitchen & Bar is a modern restaurant and cocktail bar located in downtown Bar Harbor, Maine. Known for its small plates and happy hour, this restaurant is the perfect place to stop by after a hike in Acadia National Park!. Featuring bright and colorful decor, Project Social Kitchen offers its patrons various outdoor dining spaces to enjoy their food!

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278 Main St Bar Harbor, Maine | American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options | $6 – $128 | Monday to Saturday 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. Project Social is a contemporary restaurant and bar in downtown Bar Harbor. Crafting high-end cocktails, delectable small plates, and sweet & savory crepes using fresh ingredients is key to their concept.

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A post shared by Project Social Kitchen & Bar (@projectsocialbarharbor). 📍 278 Main St | Bar Harbor | socialbarharbor.com. Let’s talk about the concept, specifically Project Social Kitchen & Bar’s concept, which is “using fresh ingredients in creating Craft Cocktails, delicious Smapp Plates, and Sweet & Savory Crepes.” which sounds like an excellent concept.

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278 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609A modern restaurant and cocktail bar, Project Social Kitchen & Bar is a charming experience with outdoor gardens, ponds, and open-air seating. It’s a great place to meet with a few friends or bring a date for a cozy meal. The menu is designed for sharing, and two to three plates per person are recommended.

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Just down the street, Project Social Kitchen & Bar is a cozy, fun, and flavorful spot for inventive cocktails with a menu designed for snacking and sharing. Not only does Project Social offer a must-try lobster roll, but for a twist on the traditional Maine favorite, the indoor/outdoor bar also makes a savory lobster crepe.

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Project Social: This was the most expensive meal we ate in Bar Harbor, but it was wonderful. The restaurant is truly farm to table. They even have freshly foraged truffles on the menu.

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