Reading Room Restaurant at The Bar Harbor Inn

Was my birthday. service was good, but our meals were not hot. some complained the chicken dish was not delicious, and cool. overall but a nice experience.

Great location. the service was wonderful and the piano player added perfectly to the experience.

A wonderful place to dinate. beautiful view of the harbour and eating is delicious. I would recommend this restaurant, whether for a special occasion or only one night in the city.

HORRIBLE. Service at the bar was slow and disinterested. The unpadded wood chairs were both uncomfortable and incongruous with the elegant room. Once seated with a menu, I noted the absence of their famous lobster stew. They were known for this stew with the lobster shaped puff pastry atop, and this should have tipped me off the kitchen skill had plummeted. I ordered the lobster (chowder? bisque to be followed by the lobster dinner. The bisque arrived, and other than looking a little dark, was nicely presented with a small portion of lobster. The lobster meat was tender and warm. BUT the bisque was ghastly. It had all the flavor of flour and warm water. It wasn 't just bland; it was not food but instead paste typically given to children. Upon receiving this dish I proceeded to do something I have never done before: I called over the waiter and advised him this was not to my liking; to cancel the entrée; and charge me only for the porridge if I were required to pay since I ate the piece of lobster (with the remainder of the gruel left undisturbed in the bowl . Without any inquiry over my dissatisfaction, I was presented with a bill for the bilge. I paid and departed without so much as an inquiry or expression of concern. The inescapable conclusion is that the establishment is fully aware its fare is wholly inesculent; otherwise, general curiosity alone would have warranted what seems to be out of order or is there something else I might bring you, or I 'm so sorry our food has sickened you. Certainly the pandemic staff shortage has hobbled the kitchen. But there are plenty of canned and institutional bisques that are at least palatable. Who hasn 't eaten on an airplane. But this was far worse than airline food. The combination of poor food and unprofessional management compels dining elsewhere in Bar Harbor. That the restaurant would serve this compels avoiding anything from its kitchen. Look elsewhere for now.

Meal was delicious. Service was excellent. Good wine list. Piano music in the background. Very nice dining experience and would highly recommend!