Hulls Cove, tucked away on the north side of Bar Harbor, offers a surprising variety of dining delights for both locals and visitors. Unlike the bustling Main Street crowd, Hulls Cove’s food scene is quieter but irresistibly rich, mixing classic Maine flavors with family-run charm and hidden culinary treasures. If you’re ready to discover the best places to eat, sip, and snack, this guide will give you an insider’s taste of Hulls Cove’s standout restaurants, cafés, bakeries, food trucks, and local food traditions.
The Heart of Local Flavors: Hulls Cove’s Standout Restaurants
The Chart Room — Waterfront Dining For Every Taste
Location: 565 Eden Street (Rt. 3), right on the water
For decades, The Chart Room has been an anchor in Hulls Cove’s food scene. With its relaxed atmosphere, affordable-to-moderate prices (entrées generally $18–$35), and one of the best waterfront patios around, it’s perfect for a night of classic Maine seafood. The lobster stew, clam chowder, and baked stuffed lobster are unmatched. There’s plenty for land lovers, too — think prime rib or pasta loaded with local veggies. Diners rave about sipping a local blueberry mojito while watching boats drift by at sunset.
Pepper’s Pizza & Subs — Comfort Food, Maine-Style
Location: 328 State Highway 3, just before the Acadia entrance
Don’t let the humble exterior fool you — Pepper’s Pizza is a favorite among locals seeking quick bites and big flavor. Their dough is made fresh daily, and the pizza (from $14 for a small) is loaded with classic and inventive toppings. The “Down East Clam Pie” is a quirky regional specialty, and the steak & cheese subs win over even the pickiest eaters. Their takeout window offers a fast, casual option for those on their way to Acadia.
The Log Cabin Restaurant — Hearty Breakfasts and All-American Classics
Location: 96 Eden Street, near the intersection with Bay View Drive
A longstanding favorite, The Log Cabin serves up big breakfasts with a side of Maine hospitality. The blueberry pancakes — stacked high and studded with wild local berries — are legendary. Lunch features fresh fish sandwiches, burgers, and homemade chowder (most items under $15). If you love a cozy, woodsy feel with your meal, this is the place to fuel up before a day of adventure.
Sweet Stops: Bakeries and Café Gems
Hulls Cove General Store & Café — Coffee, Pastries, and More
Location: 865 State Highway 3, the heart of Hulls Cove
More than just a general store, this neighborhood spot attracts both early risers and afternoon snackers. Friendly staff serve up robust coffee, generous breakfast sandwiches, and a small selection of baked goods like blueberry muffins and whoopie pies. There’s a handful of sidewalk tables perfect for people-watching on a sunny day.
A Slice of Eden — The Coast’s Hidden Bakery
Location: 270 State Highway 3, just east of the center
Locals know: If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss A Slice of Eden. This bakery is revered for its cinnamon rolls, triple-berry scones, and inventive cakes. The lemon squares burst with real citrus flavor, and gluten-free options are always on hand. Prices are reasonable — most treats are under $5 — and you’ll often see locals stocking up for picnics in Acadia.
Food Trucks & Seasonal Surprises
Traveling Lobster — The Quintessential Maine Food Truck
Seasonally parked at 1464 State Highway 3
Nothing says Maine summer quite like pulling up to the Traveling Lobster truck. Attentive staff pile fresh lobster meat onto buttery rolls with a side of chips and slaw. Prices hover around $20 for a lobster roll, and the portions are ultra-generous. Other menu highlights: lobster grilled cheese and crab rolls. Picnic tables scattered nearby make this a favorite post-hike treat.
Bar Harbor Ice Cream Co. Cart — Sweets with a View
Find it periodically along Rt. 3 overlooking Frenchman Bay
On warm days, don’t pass up the bright blue Bar Harbor Ice Cream Co. Cart. Rotating small-batch flavors range from Maine sea salt caramel to wild blueberry. The cones are perfect for strolling along Hulls Cove’s shoreline or savoring beside a scenic overlook.
Local Flavor and Food Traditions
Hulls Cove’s food scene thrives on a sense of community and a proud embrace of local heritage. Menus across the neighborhood make space for Maine’s signature ingredients: fresh lobster, dayboat halibut, wild blueberries, and potatoes. You’ll see these celebrated everywhere, from finer dining to grab-and-go snacks.
- Every summer, look for pop-up lobster and blueberry festivals, often hosted near Eden Street or the Hulls Cove General Store, where you can sample pies, chowder, and more from local cooks.
- Farmers’ markets, such as those just outside Hulls Cove along Rt. 3, feature artisanal cheeses, jams, and baked treats that echo what you’ll find in local kitchens and cafés.
Hidden Gems Worth Seeking Out
Hulls Cove rewards the curious eater. Step off the main road and you might discover:
- The Cove Café — A tiny breakfast-and-lunch nook tucked behind a row of spruce trees on Bay View Drive. Their crab cakes and homemade granola are local legends.
- Eden’s Treats — A seasonal sweets stand on the corner of Jordan Road and Rt. 3 where you’ll find fudge, saltwater taffy, and the best maple candy this side of the island.
- Acadia Eats Food Truck Cluster — During mid-summer, a rotating lineup of trucks near Lower Paradise Hill Road features everything from Thai curries to Maine-style fish tacos, so check local listings before you go.
Your Perfect Day of Eating in Hulls Cove
Here’s how to savor a day in this delicious neighborhood:
1. Start with a blueberry muffin and coffee at the Hulls Cove General Store.
2. Hike or bike nearby Acadia trails, returning hungry for The Chart Room’s lobster stew or Pepper’s pizza.
3. Treat yourself to a fresh-baked goodie at A Slice of Eden on the way to the beach.
4. Grab a lobster roll (or two!) from Traveling Lobster with a cold local soda.
5. End the evening with panoramic views and a scoop from Bar Harbor Ice Cream Co.
Whether you’re after a big, steaming bowl of chowder or a simple pastry and cup of hot coffee, Hulls Cove offers a rare blend of flavors and friendly faces — a true taste of coastal Maine without the crowds.