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McKay's Public House, Bar Harbor, ME

McKay's Public House

4.4
4.4
475 Reviews
$31 to $50
American
Top tags:
McKay's Public House serves savory pub fare in a quaint space—complete with a lovely outdoor garden. The menu offers a fine balance of classic American, English, and Irish pub fare in conjunction with fine-dining and casual favorites. Try some of the restaurant's special seafood risotto or spoil yourself with a Maine lobster and bone-in ribeye. McKay's Public House also offers a tidy list of comfort grub, including burgers, fish 'n chips and simple but elegant salads and soups. A popular neighborhood haunt, McKay's is a nice spot for socializing or enjoying a leisurely bite. The dining area includes an intimate bar, where guests can enjoy a drink. McKay's also boast a serene garden and a second-floor dining room that is ideal for quiet conversations. Come find us right in the heart of downtown Bar Harbor!

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 1 time today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Pub, Seafood
  • Hours of Operation
    Tue–Sat 4:30 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (207) 288-2002
  • Website
    https://www.mckayspublichouse.com/
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Location
    231 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
  • Neighbourhood
    Bar Harbor
  • Parking Details
    Private Lot
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer Garden, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Gender Neutral Restroom, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout

What 475 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Maine

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Maine

    Most Booked

  • Northern Coast

    Good for groups

  • Northern Coast

    Neighbourhood gem

  • Northern Coast

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Northern Coast

    Romantic

  • Northern Coast

    Lively

  • Northern Coast

    Most Booked

475 Reviews

  1. LamoineJaz

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was to die for! It was the most delicious food I have had from a restaurant. Highly recommend and do try the sticky toffee pudding- your mouth will be in delight. The fillet mignon with the balsamic demi glaze and Yukon smash potatoes was amazing and so was the braised beef short rib with polenta. My husband and I had a great dinner.

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  2. DonnaS

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    Food was okay. Lobster is lobster. Hard to go wrong in Bar Harbor. Our waiter was about as UNPERSONABLE as you can get. He really should have a job on an assembly line somewhere where he doesn’t have to interact with people. He wasn’t nasty or anything, just very unfriendly. Hardly smiled; didn’t interact with us at all. We joked about being first time whole lobster eaters and that we were looking for advice…nothing from him other than a “you’ll do fine.” We had more interaction with the gal who brought out the food, who only spent a few seconds at our table (and she was very nice and personable.) Very disappointing that a damper was put on our whole experience at McKay’s because of the waiter’s ambivalent attitude.

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  3. FLBDine

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved the atmosphere, and the food was great. Homey ambiance!

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  4. Char

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Wait staff were incredible. Tuna was (surprisingly) not top grade. Overall, McKays is the BEST.

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    Pittsburgh

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Seafood Risotto was so delicious and rich, full of flavor

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  6. DagmarK

    Detroit

    5 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 25, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience5
    My lobster and oysters were good. My Partner’s clam chowder was thin and tasteless. The fish and chips were a disappointment. Over breaded and overcooked - tasteless as well. The server was excellent and understanding and took care of our disappointment. Recommended by a local resident - who when we ran into him was very surprised.

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  7. LauraC

    Minneapolis

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Wonderful experience. Theresa our server was a total delight! The cioppino was outstanding. Delicious, full of fresh seafood, and a very generous portion. The McKay starter salad was also delicious....a perfect salad -- not overdressed, not over done with too many ingredients. Wine list was also spot on...great selection and not overly priced.

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  8. JAAM

    Exclusive

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We both had the seafood risotto, which was perfectly prepared. We also enjoyed the ambience. Great dinner experience!

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall2food2service5ambience5
    Quaint atmosphere and good service but disappointing food. My wife’s meatloaf tasted a bit gamey we thought and my short rib dish, though plentiful, was actually kind of dry, which is hard to do—some of the meat absolutely required the sauce to be edible and was surprisingly chewy. Also, the seared crab cakes ordered on special were kind of soggy. I’m not usually so critical but aside from a delicious beet salad we were highly disappointed.

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    A very cute spot in Bar Harbor. Food was delicious as were the cocktails. The waiters personally left something to be desired, though, seemed like he was not a happy or friendly person . We would go back again in a heartbeat, but would hope for a different waiter.

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Truffle seafood risotto will live in my dreams! Everything was priced well and the food was fantastic. Great experience!

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  12. Girlsdinnerdate

    Greater Boston

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on October 18, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Dinner was good, my filet was a little burnt on the outside but good on the inside. The hostess gave us a great table all by ourselves which I greatly appreciated! Martinis were small but good. The crab cakes were ok too. My husband’s seafood risotto was good but very rich.

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  13. andy

    Tampa

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love the atmosphere, and the old feel of the public house. Our server Emma was outstanding. 

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  14. SaraG

    Pittsburgh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food. Kind staff and generous portions. We really enjoyed our visit!

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  15. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 16, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We had the opportunity to eat our dinner outside and the area was just lovely. The lights and the heaters made the experience memorable!

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food, great menu and drinks and service.

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  17. Brock

    Columbus

    9 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 16, 2023

    overall4food5service2ambience5
    Great little place with a really nice atmosphere and good food. I got steak frites and found it well cooked and large for the price. We came here after getting engaged in Acadia, and I will say the service left a bit to be desired. Our server barely spoke to us, didn’t introduce himself, and made no effort to check on us after our food came (from another server.) Maybe we just caught him on a bad night. Would still recommend to anyone looking for an upscale cozy place in BH.

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  18. MMGM

    Cleveland

    17 reviews

    3.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    We were somewhat disappointed in the food - could have been our fish and chips selection. Everyone was super nice and the service was very good.

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  19. RickD

    Western NC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Our dinner at McCays was just average. We had high hopes but it felt overpriced for what we received. Not much seafood in any of our dishes.

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  20. DesireeA

    Richmond

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Upstairs table for two by the window, felt like the service was just for us for a time, it was great. My meal was amazing, the seafood risotto - the scallops were the best I’ve ever had. My husbands burger was great - not as good as my risotto but a solid burger. Delicious white wine was wine of the month. Prices for everything were as expected, not crazy for a nice dinner. Very glad we booked this for our anniversary on our first visit to bar harbor!

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  21. D1014

    San Francisco

    33 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on October 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A beautiful old home has been converted Into a restaurant. Our server, Emma was super attentive and welcoming. Our dinner consisted of short ribs and cioppino, both were delicious. I wonderful dining experience.

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  22. ChrisB

    Baltimore

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 12, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great experience. Beautiful setting and great location. Staff was very friendly and fun!

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  23. JohnS

    San Francisco

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on October 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    An outstanding dining experience from the moment that you get there, very friendly and professional wait staff, locally sourced food prepared exquisitely, great wine and beer selection, and super tasty deserts!

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  24. staceyp

    Richmond

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious meal. Wonderful outdoor seating. Overall nice dining experience .

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  25. ElizabethG

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent good and service. The salmon was very good, and the toffee pudding was wonderful.

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  26. TammyD

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 11, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    Great retro and short ribs. Nice lighting and heaters for cool evenings.

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  27. PatP

    Minneapolis

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 9, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Our whole experience was wonderful. Excellent cocktails and food was delicious. I had the cioppino which was very good. Our waiter could have been a bit warmer but service was great. A shout out to Katie the bartender who created a fun and welcoming environment in the bar.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 9, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience4
    Solidly mediocre at best. The service and atmosphere are great. Entering the restaurant, we could smell stale fish immediately, so we steered clear of that. The beef short rib on polenta was very good with a very tasty sauce, but the roasted brussels sprouts were soggy and overcooked. My husband had the vienerschnitzel on mashed potatoes with onion sauce. The meat was ok, but the sauce was a lumpy gelatinous mess. The red wine was just up from the cold cellar and was much too cold to serve. We've been to McKays a number of times over the years. Sometimes pretty good, sometimes just ok. I think this is the last.

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  29. SarahM

    Exclusive

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 8, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Pretty standard Pub fare in a nice garden setting.

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 8, 2023

    overall2food4service1ambience3
    Food was good. Service was terrible. Inattentive waiter , had to clear our own plates to make room to for entrees . Only had one round of drinks. Not worth the price

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  31. Ogchristoph

    Greater Boston

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The risotto.. enough said. All the food is amazing and look forward to being back

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    Coastal Georgia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best meal on the island! So very good! Would go back

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  33. HaleyB

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 6, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience4
    Drinks and service was great. I was disappointed with the meal, the cream sauce on the pasta was split, so the plate was saturated in oil. Not appetizing. The sticky toffee pudding was bitter. Probably would have a better experience ordering a different meal.

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  34. IrishCora

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    EXCELLENT service, food and ambiance!! Highly recommend it to any of my friends or family who come to the island. We are lucky to have such an establishment. ☘️💚

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  35. raymondp

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 4, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Short staffed , appetizers arrived before cocktails , second round of cocktails we had to ask for , my steak was cold , the guest I was with finished his entre before my second attempt entre got to table . Server was very apologetic. I would still Rocco end with hopes it would be a better experience.

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  36. JeffD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Made a reservation for first experience at McKay , had never given this place consideration after visiting Bar Harbor for past 10 years or more. I’m sorry it took so long. This will be our new favorite place. Our server, Emory, was extremely busy but he still made our night a terrific one. So, hostess was great, service was great, unbelievable wine list, meals were outstanding. See you next year when we return!

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  37. OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    3 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 2, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience2
    Service was poor, most food was mediocre at best, with the exception of the clam chowder, which was water with a few pieces of clam.

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  38. Jimb

    Naples

    20 reviews

    2.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on October 1, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience3
    Being a former restaurant owner I’m reticent to leave a negative review unless I’ve eaten at a place at least twice. My experience at McKays was one of the worst dining experiences in my memory. The waiter was just plain terrible. Acted like he didn’t want us to be there in the first place. He had a frown on his face and was abrupt the entire time. The food. Supposed to be schnitzel was not good. Wasn’t pounded. Slipped on the plate on potatoes and veg in an unappetizing manner. Like someone would spoon up something at a food kitchen. No bread brought to table. Really felt unwanted and unappreciated as customers. To make matters worse I was entertaining a friend from florida who is a food and beverage director at a country club. She didn’t say anything but it was apparent she was as horrified as I was at the experience. I know it’s hard getting help and all the other excuses but I strongly suggest you rethink your choice of dining in bar harbor before making a reservation here.

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  39. HeatherR

    Greater Boston

    16 reviews

    4.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on September 30, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    The outdoor space is just a perfect spot for dining. Even in cooler weather, they run enough heaters to keep you warm without too much heat...amazing! And the food...perfection. Such a great mix of options and flavors. The wine is list very broad in tastes and value so there is something for everyone. Portions are generous without being ridiculous. Service is a challenge for many restaurants right now but they seem to be well staffed.

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  40. RobinM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 30, 2023

    overall4food3service3ambience5
    This is a super cute restaurant, especially outside around the garden area. The food is a mixed review. My husband shared his wonderful fish and chips with me because the kitchen got my meal wrong and acknowledged the mistake but never offered to fix or compensate. Perhaps I could have complained and been unpleasant but honestly assumed they would offer something but did not. The blueberry pie was yummy though!

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers

  • Physical distancing

    • Distancing maintained in common areas

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated
    • Staff temperature check required

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from McKay's Public House using the Order Online button. McKay's Public House also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (207) 288-2002.

McKay's Public House is rated 4.4 stars by 475 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 1 time today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for McKay's Public House

231 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighbourhood
    Bar Harbor
  • Hours of Operation
    Tue–Sat 4:30 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Pub, Seafood
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking Details
    Private Lot
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer Garden, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Gender Neutral Restroom, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout
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