About
Without sounding corny, Side Street Cafe offers a homey atmosphere and food that feels like, well, dining in someone's home. The reason behind this claim is that in 2009, founders Jena and Jeff Young purchased a small house and transformed it into a cozy eatery.
At its grand opening, SSC featured just nine tables! But at its heart was the Young family, whose goal was to create a welcoming gathering space. In essence, you're dining in their home. Well, kinda!
Today, Side Street Cafe seats approximately 240 guests, while during the peak summer vacation season, nearly 100 staff members serve up to 1,500 people daily.
The restaurant's central location makes it a go-to after a day of sightseeing. For instance, after a morning at Sand Beach, grab lunch at SSC. After a day hiking Cadillac Mountain or canoeing on Jordan Lake, celebrate with dinner and drinks at the eatery. With so many options, your biggest challenge will be deciding what to do first!
Aside from its charming atmosphere and hearty fare, Side Street Cafe also manages The Annex, located next door. Offering live music, craft cocktails, and a tapas-style menu, it makes for a lively dining experience.
Vibe
Side Street Cafe is on a side street (no surprise here!) off of Main, and the revitalized home features a dark-brown wood facade and porch. Next door is The Annex with lighter colors and an open-air covered porch. Like sisters, both are inviting yet exude unique personas.
Inside SSC, the dining areas meander through the restored interior. Picture low ceilings, some painted brown and others white, that create an intimate vibe in each room. Stone walls with industrial-style lights add a modern element, while blackboard menus add a whimsical touch.
The Annex has a similar decor but focuses on seating around high-top tables and a stage for live music.
Both restaurants offer a variety of seating options. In SSC, four-top tables dot the floors, while the bar in The Annex is the place to catch a game on the flat-screen TVs. Alternatively, enjoy al fresco dining on the spacious, dog-friendly covered decks.
No matter which eatery you visit, the inviting ambiance provides an ideal, budget-friendly retreat on your Maine vacation.
Side Street Cafe: Menu & Drinks
Discover creative twists on American comfort foods and healthy options with high-quality ingredients and local seafood.
Speaking of which, the Maine lobster roll is a fan-favorite. Mounds of chilled lobster are seasoned with mayo and lemon zest and served on a toasted roll with a side of butter and potato chips. It's the quintessential coastal meal.
The innovative takes on the mac and cheese are a must-try. Seafood lovers will devour the Lobster Mac, while the Southern Comfort features bacon, grilled chicken breast, and Buffalo or BBQ sauce.
Handhelds include a classic burger, fajita quesadilla, Cubano, and haddock tacos, to name a few. If you crave lighter and healthier options, check out the Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps. The lettuce holds Korean-style shaved beef, rice, mango-habanero crema, scallions, and sesame seeds.
The Balance Bowl is a nutritious favorite, featuring tri-colored quinoa, greens, cucumbers, chickpea salad, hard-boiled egg, house pickles, scallions, and cilantro. Tying these together with a little heat is the housemade mango habanero crema.
For ravenous appetites, the "Maines" will satisfy. Options include baby back ribs, honey-glazed salmon, and prime rib dinners.
The beverages at Side Street Cafe are on par with the food. With its popular Margarita of the Moment, you'll always find a creative twist on these popular cocktails.
You'll also find a diverse selection of beers, wines, mocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks. In short, there's something for every age and taste.
So, add a lunch or dinner at Side Street Cafe and enjoy its welcoming vibe, hearty cuisine, and creative beverages on your Bar Harbor getaway.
Local Tips
- The kids' menu makes SSC family-friendly.
- Join the online waitlist to reduce your wait time.
- Order meals to go and enjoy them back at your Casago rental.
- SSC happy hour is Monday through Friday, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
- The Annex happy hour is daily, 4:00-5:00 p.m and 9:00 to 10:00 p.m.
