Highlights
- Great beer selection
oChef » Bar Harbor – Seattle
Bar Harbor - Seattle
Photo from Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor at a glance
Seattle South Lake Union
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 84 of the guests
#562 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#26 American Restaurant out of 38 in Seattle
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
509
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Attentive service
- Quality seafood
- Good ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Poor communication
- Hygiene issues
The American restaurant Bar Harbor in Seattle’s vibrant South Lake Union neighborhood offers you a truly casual and trendy dining experience. You’ll find yourself immersed in a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for any occasion.
Known for its great beer selection, this spot is a must-visit if you appreciate a well-curated tap list. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner, you’ll discover a menu designed to delight your palate.
Overview: Introducting Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor offers a notable experience, particularly for its culinary offerings and attentive service. Many appreciate the quality of the lobster rolls and the generally pleasant atmosphere .
The staff often goes the extra mile, making for a welcoming visit. However, some guests find the overall price to be a significant concern, especially regarding portion sizes.
There have also been occasional remarks about inconsistent food quality and certain aspects of the customer service experience.
Good
7.1
out of 10
509
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
130
negative
28
neutral
351
positive
Bar Harbor achieves a respectable Restaurant Score of 7.1, indicating a generally good experience. This is supported by a solid Customer Satisfaction of 69%, suggesting a mixed but leaning positive reception.
With 509 customer comments, including 351 positive and 130 negative, there’s a clear picture emerging of what works well and what could improve. The culinary offerings stand out, with Food scoring well (7.2), and the Service (7.4) and Ambience (7.4) also contributing positively to the overall impression.
However, the perception of Value (3.6) is notably lower, indicating that while quality is often present, the cost-to-portion ratio is a frequent point of contention for many patrons.
What people like
- Excellent Service Experience
- Quality Lobster Dishes
- Pleasant Dining Atmosphere
What people don't like
- High Prices, Small Portions
- Inconsistent Service Communication
- Cleanliness Concerns
Bar Harbor presents a compelling case for its well-regarded food and inviting setting, backed by a Recommendation Score of 7.3. If you prioritize a good dining experience with attentive staff and enjoy seafood, particularly lobster, it could be a worthwhile visit.
However, be prepared for the pricing, as some find it steep for the portion sizes. While the overall experience is generally positive, those sensitive to value or expecting flawless service communication might find areas for improvement.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Bar Harbor
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a 7.2 score. Many diners rave about the delicious and fresh lobster rolls, often calling them the best, alongside fantastic clam chowder and other fresh seafood options. With 207 positive remarks out of 297 total, there's a lot to love.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a 69.7%, indicating a bit of a mixed bag. Some experiences mention issues like small portions, watery chowder, or an occasional fishy aftertaste, with 70 negative comments highlighting inconsistencies in quality or execution.
Food
297
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
70
negative
20
neutral
207
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious lobster rolls
- Fresh seafood options
- Excellent clam chowder
What people don't like
- Portions can be small
- Quality can vary
- Chowder can be watery
Often praised
- foodThe food, service and ambiance are all on point.
- clam chowder: D Their clam chowder was a bit watery compared to other places, but I actually kind of preferred it this way. It tasted quite good regardless.
- lobster rollsMy experience at this restaurant was wicked good and reminded me of home. The service was perfect, and even my husband, who has been spoiled with lobster rolls from Cambridge, MA, loved the one he got here. The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect score of 5.
- lobster rolllobster roll... Food is really tasty
- drinksfood and drinks are both Amazing
- FoodFood, service, and atmosphere were all top-notch
- chowderended up with a meal and people that made me feel like I was back home. Strangers walked up to me and shared their stories
- lobsterMy first experience at this restaurant was a good time. I enjoyed the great lobster, and our server was top shelf. The location is convenient, opening right onto Bar Harbor when the elevator from the parking garage opens.
- cocktailsOne of the cocktails were great
- coleslawa side of coleslaw (gently acrid and spicy, I think it had a little lemon juice or chopped onion in it)
Frequently criticized
- clam chowderthe clam chowder was a bit of a letdown and didn’t quite match the quality
- lobster rollI ordered a lobster roll, which cost me nearly $30. I was shocked by the very tiny lobster portion for the price. It felt horrible and overpriced.
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The prices were hella expensive, and honestly, the food wasn’t even that good. To make matters worse, the portions of the food were definitely not worth it for the price, bruh.
- chipswaitress taking the chips from plastic bag with BARE hands
- portion sizethe portion size is really small
- chowderit was so bland and watered down
- lobstermost importantly, the lobster wasn’t fresh
- lobster rollsLight in the lobster, heavy on the roll.
- chips for nachossoggy chips for nachos
- clam chowder soupclam chowder soup is watery
If you're craving fresh seafood, especially lobster rolls and clam chowder, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that while many find the food amazing, some experiences point to occasional inconsistencies in portion size or quality.
Service (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.4 and a customer satisfaction rate of 73.5%, its clear that many guests have had great experiences. Out of 102 customer remarks, 75 were positive, often praising the "excellent service, " "friendly staff, " and "attentive" servers, with some even highlighting "master mixologists" behind the bar.
However, its not all smooth sailing, as 25 negative comments point to some bumps in the road. Issues like a confusing ordering process, instances of rude staff, and poor communication about closures or kitchen times have left a few customers feeling disappointed, with some even describing the service as abysmal in those specific instances.
Service
102
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
25
negative
2
neutral
75
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent service
- Great drink recommendations
What people don't like
- Rude staff incidents
- Poor communication
- Confusing ordering process
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was a welcome respite on a busy Seattle day, largely due to the tons of options and great service. The drinks we had were solid.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a true hidden gem with incredibly friendly staff. The food was top notch, and the outdoor deck provided a great spot to hang out during the summer months.
- ServiceService, and atmosphere were all top-notch
- serverour server brought out a nice alternative for me to consider
- bartendersWonderful bartenders who always have some quality conversation
- crewwe love chatting with the crew there
- peoplepeople that made me feel like I was back home. Strangers walked up to me and shared their stories
- Brian and Danthe guys (Brian and Dan) are just awesome
- IanIan is such an amazing guy he always goes the extra mile
- accommodatingincredibly accommodating of our picky 11 year old
Frequently criticized
- serviceI dine at this restaurant quite often, and while the service is typically alright, today I was displeased with the lack of effort to assist their customers. The online information stated that the restaurant closes at 9 PM, but nowhere on their website was it mentioned that the kitchen closes at 8: 45 PM, which was when my order was placed.
- Google updatecouldn’t update Google
- bare handstaking the chips from plastic bag with BARE hands
- communicationUpon arriving on time, we were met with a very rude staff member who informed us the restaurant was closed. When we inquired why we weren't contacted, they claimed they didn't have a phone. In today's age, it's baffling that they couldn't make a simple phone call to notify us of the closure, especially since we had tried numerous times to reach them to change our reservation time without success.
- customer loyaltyshould be loyal to your customers
- customer serviceThis experience resulted in an additional $20 Lyft fare to return to our starting point. It was truly an unfortunate customer experience. The quality of their food is irrelevant when we were treated so poorly.
- customer statuscouldn’t get because i was no longer a customer
- customer valuedon't seem to value their customers
- customersdisregard the customers that support your business is unacceptable
- kitchen closing timenowhere on their website states that they close their kitchen at 8:45pm
Overall, youre likely to encounter friendly and attentive staff here, making for a pleasant visit. While there are occasional hiccups with communication or specific staff interactions, the positive experiences far outweigh the negatives, so its definitely worth checking out for yourself.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
The ambience here is definitely a highlight, earning a good score of 7.4 and a solid 80% customer satisfaction. Many guests (64 out of 80 opinions!) rave about the outdoor deck, great vibe, and open concept restaurant, making it a fantastic hang out spot with a fun, laid-back atmosphere and plenty of seating. However, it's not all sunshine.
Some of the 14 negative comments point to issues like it being a loud place, uncomfortable seating, and concerns about the bathrooms. You might also encounter some traffic noise or find the open concept a bit too open if you prefer more privacy.
Ambience
80
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
14
negative
2
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great outdoor seating
- Fun, relaxed vibe
- Spacious layout
What people don't like
- Can be noisy
- Uncomfortable seating
- Bathroom issues
Often praised
- atmospherethis little, great place was there for me in ways I didn't expect
- AtmosphereThe best sandwich in the neighborhood is definitely here, and don't forget to try the horseradish. The food, service, and atmosphere were all top-notch.
- parkinggood parking around SLU
- patiothe patio in the summer is unmatched
- placeSuper amazing place to go for a dinner or lunch!
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- TVswith TVs as well
- aestheticsMy experience at this restaurant was marked by exceptionally friendly staff and pleasant aesthetics. The lobstah roll was truly authentic and enjoyable from start to finish.
- ambianceThe food, service and ambiance are all on point.
- areathe area was nice
Frequently criticized
- Pats fansI would highly recommend getting a lobster roll and a fine drink crafted by the master mixologists behind the bar. While the food and drinks were second to none, I might not recommend watching football here as it caters to Pats fans. You can try to ignore them, and you can thank me later.
- QAnon and Rush Limbaughhad qanon and rush Limbaugh written over their restaurant
- atmosphereKind of noisy. It's inside a mall
- attention to detailquestioning the cleanliness and attention to the detail
- bathroomsBathrooms need a security code
- cleanlinessquestioning the cleanliness and attention to the detail
- closing timetend to close down fairly early in the evenings during the winter
- drivetravel all the way from Pierce County University Place, WA to be specific it’s about a 45 min drive now for nothing
- fly died in my plateConsidering the price, it wasn't worth it. To make matters worse, a fly died in my plate, which was a significant issue.
- loud placeIt's a loud place
If you're looking for a lively, spacious spot with great outdoor options and a fun vibe, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that it can get a bit noisy, and some seating might not be the most comfortable for a long stay.
Value (3.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few customers found some bright spots. Some felt the price was good, and a couple even mentioned reasonable prices for certain specialties, making them feel like their money spent was worthwhile. These positive remarks, though fewer, highlight that some experiences hit the mark.
However, the overall sentiment for value is quite challenging, with a poor score of 3.6 and customer satisfaction at a very low 16.7%. Based on 30 customer remarks, with 21 negative and only 5 positive, many felt the food was expensive and overpriced . Complaints frequently cited tiny for the price portions, leading to a strong feeling of not worth it for the price point .
Value
30
Reviews
16%
Satisfaction
21
negative
4
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Tiny portions
- Not worth it
Often praised
- Price per personPrice per person:$20–30
- money spentI spent a good amount of money here
- pricePrice was good too
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was a mix of positives and areas for improvement. The lobster is a speciality and offered at very reasonable prices. My companions really enjoyed the ceviche.
- tipa tip generously
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The prices were hella expensive, and honestly, the food wasn’t even that good. To make matters worse, the portions of the food were definitely not worth it for the price, bruh.
- priceyit’s a bit pricey in my opinion
- $37 a rollNever again at $37 a roll
- $58 wasted$58 wasted on two unsatisfactory meals
- PriceIt cost 16 bucks
- crab sandwichcost $22
- expensivea bit expensive
- lobster rollIt felt horrible and overpriced. If you're going to charge over $30 for a lobster roll, it should at least be bigger. I will never be going back there again.
- price pointFor the price point I was expecting a great lobster mac and cheese
- rollsPrices went up to $28/ a roll
If youre looking for great value, this might not be your spot, as many found it expensive and overpriced . Be prepared for potentially small portions relative to the cost, as the overall sentiment suggests its often not worth it .
How are the prices at Bar Harbor?
On average, you’ll spend around 33 per person – based on 84 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $31–$40 category. For an American Restaurant, that’s comfortably mid-range.
While the average is 33, it’s interesting to see that a significant number of diners actually spend less, with prices clustering more around the $21–$30 range. This suggests a good mix of options, from more budget-friendly choices to those who indulge a bit more, pulling the overall average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 84 reviews.
Comparing value for money: How this restaurant stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an American Restaurant, especially given the range of options available to guests.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Bar Harbor
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Frustrating Closure Without Notice
My experience was incredibly frustrating. I arrived for lunch on a Saturday afternoon, only to find the restaurant closed for a private event. It was aggravating to see closed signs with no one outside, especially since neither Google nor the restaurant's website had been updated with this information.
I believe it's important to be loyal to your customers, as they are the ones who keep the business running year-round. The reviewer's comments to the owners suggest that it is possible to set special hours on Google and to link social media on the website for better communication regarding closures.
- private event closure2
- Google update1
- website update1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Crab Roll and Great Service
My experience at the restaurant was very positive. The food was really good, and the service was prompt and friendly. The restaurant has a nice open concept.
My Connecticut style crab roll, though it looked small, was packed with a ton of buttery crab. The coleslaw was crunchy and delicately dressed. Although my initial draft beer order was unavailable, the server quickly offered a nice alternative, making the situation easy to handle.
We'll definitely be back.
- food9
- service9
- open concept restaurant7
- draft beer4
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
1
Unsanitary Food Handling
My experience at this restaurant was concerning due to a hygiene issue. I observed our waitress handling chips directly from a plastic bag with bare hands. This experience has led me to decide that I would definitely not go back.
- chips1
- bare hands1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
6
Okay Food, Great Service
My group and I visited this restaurant and ordered the chicken skewers, hot pretzels, Mac and cheese, lobster roll, and the crab patty sandwich. Overall, the service was great, and the area was nice. However, the food was just okay.
In my opinion, it was also a bit expensive for the portion sizes.
- chicken skewers5
- hot pretzels5
- Mac and cheese5
- expensive4
- portion sizes4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Authentic Chowder and Welcoming Atmosphere
As someone from Maine, I initially expected the typical thick, pastey, and inauthentic 'chowdah' often found in the PNW. However, my experience at this restaurant was a pleasant surprise. The meal and the people made me feel like I was back home.
Strangers approached me and shared their stories, and it turned out we lived only about 20 minutes apart. In a time when genuine connection seems rare, and during a period of personal soul-searching, this little, great place provided unexpected support. I also highly recommend the soft pretzels paired with a bowl of chowder; it's a winning combination that transports me 3, 000 miles away.
- chowder9
- meal9
- people10
What Bar Harbor offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and offerings can you find at Bar Harbor?
You can enjoy lunch, dinner, and dessert with table service and seating at Bar Harbor, which also offers catering. Their menu includes small plates, happy hour food, and vegan options. For drinks, you’ll find a great beer selection, wine, coffee, hard liquor, and cocktails, including happy hour specials.
What service options and amenities does Bar Harbor provide for your convenience?
Bar Harbor offers you outdoor seating, dine-in, and takeout. For accessibility, it features a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom. You can also enjoy free Wi-Fi and an onsite bar. Parking options include free street parking, paid street parking, and a paid parking garage.
How is Bar Harbor generally rated by customers?
Bar Harbor holds a Restaurant Score of 7.1, indicating a good overall experience. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (7.2), Service (7.4), and Ambience (7.4), though Value (3.6) is a notable area for improvement.
What do customers enjoy most about the food at Bar Harbor?
Many customers praise the quality of the seafood, especially the lobster and lobster rolls . Specific mentions also highlight the coleslaw and the cocktails as enjoyable.
Are there any common concerns about dining at Bar Harbor?
Yes, several guests express concerns regarding the price and portion size , finding some items expensive . There have also been instances of inconsistent service communication, particularly regarding kitchen closing times.