McKay's Public House

Name: McKay's Public House
Address: 231 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME, United States, 04609
Telephone: (207) 288-2002
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.4

4.4

432 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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sept 29, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 51 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
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

Popular dishes

New England Quahog Clam chowderUS$13.00
Homemade traditional New England recipe with Thyme, Maine Potatoes, and served with Oyster Crackers
Jamaican Bean & Vegetable SoupUS$9.00
Root veg, winter squash, corn, kidney beans, coconut milk
Caesar SaladUS$12.00
Chopped romaine, house-made dressing, shaved Parmesan, garlic croutons
McKay's SaladUS$12.00
Cashel blue cheese, toasted hazelnuts, golden raisins, apple, Moscatel truffle Vinaigrette
Autumn SaladUS$13.00
Beets, figs, toasted pistachio, mixed greens, maple-cider balsamic vinaigrette

Appetizers

Half Dozen OystersUS$21.00
Served on the half shell, red wine mignonette, lemon
Dozen OystersUS$38.00
Served on the half shell, red wine mignonette, lemon
Brussels SproutsUS$12.00
Roasted Brussels, chili glaze, crispy bacon, scallion, sesame seeds, spicy peanuts
McKay's PretzelsUS$14.00
House-made soft pretzels, beer cheese fondue
MDI MusselsUS$15.00
Fresh local mussels steamed in white wine with garlic & aromatics, lemon, gremolata, grilled bread
Side of FriesUS$8.00
Side of hand-cut Maine potato French fries
McKay's WingsUS$15.00
5 Jumbo wings tossed in Buffalo -or- Tropical Pepper sauce -or- Dry Rub, Carrots and Celery
Crab DipUS$18.00
Local fresh picked crab meat, thyme, garlic, herbs, cream cheese, local smoked cheddar, served with crostini
Pork Belly BitesUS$15.00
Cider-braised pork belly, served over creamy grits, drizzled with spicy maple, topped with crispy fried onions

Pub Fare

Fish & ChipsUS$22.00
Fried local haddock, tartar sauce, cole slaw, hand-cut fries
McKay's BurgerUS$16.00
Two 4oz beef patties, grilled brioche bun, shredduce, white onion, cheese, house-made pickle, McK sauce, comes with chips
McKay's MeatloafUS$25.00
Over roasted garlic Yukon mashed potatoes, with haricot verts & onion gravy
Garden BurgerUS$16.00
Black bean burger, shredduce, white onion, house-made pickles, stone ground mustard, on a pretzel bun, comes with chips

Entrees

Truffled Seafood RisottoUS$38.00
Fresh picked lobster, Maine scallops, jumbo shrimp, savory herbs, truffle oil, grated Parmesan
Braised Beef Short RibUS$32.00
Red wine garlic rosemary braise, creamy polenta, mushroom demi-glace, roasted Brussels sprouts
Maine Lobster DinnerUS$48.00
1.5lb whole hard-shell Maine lobster, red potatoes, green beans, lemon wedges, drawn butter
Filet MignonUS$43.00
Grilled 6oz filet mignon, mashed Yukon potatoes, hearty greens, mushroom demi-glace, balsamic, roasted garlic & rosemary compound butter
Pork SchnitzelUS$32.00
Pork loin pounded thin, breaded with Panko, fried crispy, served over Yukon mashed potatoes, brussels sprouts, golden gravy
Gulf of Maine SalmonUS$32.00
Poached in white wine, served over long grain wild rice, with haricot verts & Dijon dill cream sauce
Coconut CurryUS$26.00
Autumn vegetable medley simmered in sweet-heat Jamaican coconut curry, rice and beans & hearty greens, scallions, spicy peanuts & crispy onions
Porcini SacchettiUS$26.00
Savory Balsamic cream sauce, mushrooms, hearty greens, & bacon
Acadian CioppinoUS$35.00
Local flaky white fish, mussels, clams, shrimp, garlic, shallots, fennel, braised in a tomato & white wine broth, served with crusty bread

What 432 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
Great for outdoor dining
Northern Coast
Romantic
Northern Coast
Lively
Northern Coast
Most Booked

432 Reviews

JB
JohnB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Gorgeous outdoor dining, creative food, friendly service. Overall outstanding.
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M
Mary
Columbus
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Seafood Risotto was amazing! Very good service. Highly recommend!
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JC
JimC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience5
Great restaurant, atmosphere, food, service consistently top notch!
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VS
VirginiaS
Washington DC
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall2food2service1ambience3
Service was SLOW and not friendly. Seafood risotto was mushy. Meatloaf was moist but no taste. Didn’t finish our wine and we enjoy. Caesar salad fine. No rolls or bread. Skipped dessert, ready to leave that place.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and service. Pricey but worth it!seafood risotto best ever
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BM
BMWbabe
Coastal Georgia
71 reviews
vip
5.0
71 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great menu for celiacs! Lobster dinner was good but skimpy on new potatoes. Enjoyed the brussel sprouts appetizer
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D
Diner
London
17 reviews
4.0
17 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall4food3service5ambience4
A great place with lovely service but a bit spoiled by curious aspects of the food. I had seafood risotto and although the seafood was exceptional, it was on a rice pudding mush. So the expensive bit was great. My wife had salmon which was very good but the dill & mustard sauce had no taste of either. It was Sunday so perhaps chef’s day off. Service was very quick. Our server gave me a free dessert to make up for the risotto which was very considerate.
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S
Super
Denver
10 reviews
1.0
10 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall1food1service2ambience5
The clam chowder was watery. The fish part of fish and chips was overcooked, dry, and tasteless. The main course was served before we had finished our chowder.
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SJ
StacyJ
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing service. Delicious food. Terrific ambiance. Portions fit pricing. We go everytime we come to Bar Harbor!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our second visit to McKay’s. We stumbled upon it in October 2019 on our first night in Bar Harbor. My husband and I both loved it. Four years later, as we began planning a trip to return to Bar Harbor with our parents and two young children, we knew we wanted to do dinner at McKay’s on the first night to kickoff the trip again. It was just as we remembered it. A great atmosphere, friendly staff, and phenomenal food. Even my 9mo old baby loved the truffle seafood risotto! The brussel sprouts, fish and chips, lobster dinner, truffle seafood risotto, pretzels, kids pasta with cheese sauce, salads… it’s all wonderful. Highly recommend! A little jewel nestled away in a quaint little garden.
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T
Think
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
Staff was very nice and heplful. Oysters were excellent, but our couple of dishes were just fair: the schnitzel was too thin and almost burned, and the filet mignon was over cooked. Wine was not really good, a weird selection. Location is really nice. In the end, it's really too expensive though... there are restaurants serving better food at more regular prices as soon as you leave Main St.
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k
katherinem
Atlanta Metro
32 reviews
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on September 20, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Our server, Mia, was so helpful and attentive. She held just the right amount of conversation with us and was very knowledgeable about the menu. We requested a quiet table, if possible, and we had our own little “room.” This was so very nice! The seafood risotto was vey tasty, but in the heavy side. Maybe risotto always is? I don’t order it often. The beet salad was quite good, but nothing spectacular.
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YW
YoliW
San Francisco
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on September 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent gastropub menu. We wanted a light dinner so we just had the autumn salad and the McKay salad. Both were supper fresh, tasty and perfectly lightly dressed. Eyed the food coming out of the kitchen and everything looked great and I heard diners commenting on how flavorful their food was. Really nice ambiance in the garden patio or porch seating. The bar in the craftsman Victorian house is beautiful and relaxing, with their mixologist serving up great craft cocktails.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 20, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience5
Our meal is best described as mixed. I had the seafood risotto and it was delicious, hot and filled with lobster, shrimp and 2 large scallops. My husband was less satisfied with his meal, he had roasted salmon, the meal was not warm, the rice pilaf was dry and crunchy, the sauce was bland. We ate outside which was wonderful. Service was quick and friendly, we were not rushed. we would return for the risotto anytime.
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BC
BryanC
Detroit
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 19, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience3
The meal was great. My wife and I each had lobster. The cocktails were also great. However, the waiter was very unfriendly. He talked under his breath and never smiled.
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T
Tarheel
Greater Boston
20 reviews
vip
2.0
20 reviews
Dined on September 18, 2023
overall2food1service4ambience3
Food was obviously not fresh. Ordered a Filet medium well and it came out rare, the only part that was cooked was the 1/16th on the surface. Salad not fresh. Server was fine. Food came out way to fast to be cooked properly.
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N
Nics
Indiana
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our experience was great!! Food was unreal and our waitress Sara was awesome
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MG
MarthaG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had the Braised Beef Short Rib & the Pork Schnitzel- both were cooked perfectly & absolutely delicious. Our server was attentive & friendly. The desserts were also outstanding!
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JW
JohnW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was perfect from the service to the food quality and prices! Will definitely return!
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K
Karney
Indiana
16 reviews
3.0
16 reviews
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall3food5service1ambience2
Our waitperson was surly with us from the time we walked in even though he seemed to only have one other table. I had received numerous recommendations for McKays but after this experience I won’t return. Fortunately the food quality was decent although not a lot of options for vegetarian.
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SP
SueP
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was the last night of the Summer menu so they were out of several items but that did not matter to us. We got four different appetizers which were all delicious! The crab cakes were barely warm but delicious all the same. The ambience of the nicely lit garden area is lovely and cozy. We always choose to eat outside because of the atmosphere. The menu seems to have an array of food options for all tastes and appetites.
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CC
ChrisC
Orlando
267 reviews
vip
5.0
267 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
If you love baked Brie, order it as your app. I also had the short ribs and blueberry pie. Yum. The wife had an excellent Halibut and gazpacho.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing ambiance, food and service. The outside patio area is cozy and glows in twinkle lights. The food is so tasty. And the service cannot be beat.
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c
cathye
Charlotte
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a lovely dinner in the garden. The food and service were fantastic. We would definitely recommend McKay’s Public House.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Naples
9 reviews
vip
2.0
9 reviews
Dined on September 11, 2023
overall2food3service3ambience2
We had the halibut and it was good, nothing special. What was weird is that from the time we sat down to the time we left was 35 minutes. We ordered a glass of wine and entree and got them both in 5 minutes. I don’t know how they had time to cook anything - must have all been cooked earlier and reheated. Definitely not “dining”, more like a feeding. Not a very impressive menu.
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JG
JenniferG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Hands down the best meal I’ve ever eaten. Crab cake entree was delicious and perfectly sized. Wagyu burger was so yummy and fries were crispy! But the filet—the star of the show! Perfectly cooked, melts in your mouth, absolutely outstanding. Crème brûlée was the perfect ending. Can’t wait to come back!
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BB
BarbB
Western NC
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Good selection of food, something for everyone. The food and drinks were delicious.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Maine
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My husband and I love and appreciate food. We are wonderful and love trying out every type of restaurant. We were expecting good tavern food but what we got was something amazing. It wasn't good, it wasn't great, it was phenomenal! The service was fabulous! It truly was the best meal ever and can't wait to go back.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and drinks. Make a reservation as they get busy!
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JB
JohnB
Charleston
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience4
Good cosmopolitan and short ribs but mussels were subpar. The liquid had little flavor so didn’t enhance the mussels or bread. Service was adequate but waiter wasn’t the friendliest guy in the world.
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O
Opey1970
Los Angeles
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food and service. Best pretzels I’ve ever had!
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PN
PeriN
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience5
Short ribs excellent, chicken okay :( Waiter dry and not pleasant as no personality to share. Great table upstairs overlooking front garden. Overall 4 stars.
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AD
AnneD
New York Area
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved this place, off the tourist path so a bit quieter
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome staff. Very friendly and attentive. Going back again very soon.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
4 reviews
vip
1.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 29, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience3
Food was very mediocre. Warmed over. Tasted like it was sitting under a heat lamp all evening. Fish & Chips dry, tasteless, lukewarm. Short Rib warmed over, with heavy gravy poured all over, lukewarm. Waiter not particularly pleasant.
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KP
KellyP
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 28, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
We loved the ambience of the building. Our server checked on us frequently and our meal was enjoyable.
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s
suzannef
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and atmosphere. Halibut and meatloaf were the table’s favorites.
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KB
KandB
Greater Boston
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was excellent as usual. This is a don't miss restaurant.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great dinner. Cool building. Shared a bunch of appetizers and they were all good
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l
leamon65
New York Area
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on August 22, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
We were very satisfied with our dinners and quality of the food. I would recommend anyone going here for dinner they should realize that the service is very quick during the height of tourist season as they need to turnover tables to meet the demand. It wasn’t a problem for us.
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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 432 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sept 29, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 51 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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
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

Website
https://www.mckayspublichouse.com/
Phone number
(207) 288-2002

McKay's Public House

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Truffled Seafood Risotto

Lobster Bisque

Brussels Sprouts

Soups & Salads

New England Quahog Clam chowderUS$13.00

Jamaican Bean & Vegetable SoupUS$9.00

Caesar SaladUS$12.00

McKay's SaladUS$12.00

Autumn SaladUS$13.00

Appetizers

Half Dozen OystersUS$21.00

Dozen OystersUS$38.00

Brussels SproutsUS$12.00

McKay's PretzelsUS$14.00

MDI MusselsUS$15.00

Side of FriesUS$8.00

McKay's WingsUS$15.00

Crab DipUS$18.00

Pork Belly BitesUS$15.00

Pub Fare

Fish & ChipsUS$22.00

McKay's BurgerUS$16.00

McKay's MeatloafUS$25.00

Garden BurgerUS$16.00

Entrees

Truffled Seafood RisottoUS$38.00

Braised Beef Short RibUS$32.00

Maine Lobster DinnerUS$48.00

Filet MignonUS$43.00

Pork SchnitzelUS$32.00

Gulf of Maine SalmonUS$32.00

Coconut CurryUS$26.00

Porcini SacchettiUS$26.00

Acadian CioppinoUS$35.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Cleaning & sanitising

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does McKay's Public House offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is McKay's Public House restaurant rated?

Is McKay's Public House currently accepting bookings?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information