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History of the Fish House
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Great restaurants are not lucky, they are born of imagination, ingenuity and plain old hard work. Here's our story:
In 1992 after many years as a restaurateur in Connecticut, Jim Bond and his family landed in Bar Harbor Maine. The Fish House Grill was first located next to the Quality Inn and was the hotel's official restaurant. This location was tricky at best but Jim invented many ways to make it work. The fish House had the first authentic oyster and raw bar in town. There was the all you can eat Boathouse Salad Bar featuring peel and eat shrimp and steamed mussels. The salad bar was actually custom built and shaped like a boat (the "Kerrie Ann" for Jim's daughter). The first year the Fish House took 2nd place in the Bar Harbor Chowder Festival, quite an auspicious honor. In addition to these inspired innovations there was the locals' favorite, the All You Can Eat Friday Night Fish Fry (nothing but haddock will do for the locals). For 7 seasons the Fish House Grill made it's home at 39 Kebo Street. The so-so location became one of Bar Harbor's busiest and best loved spots (we even won 2 first place trophies for our fabulous floats in the annual Fourth of July Parade!)
In 1999, with a little help from a friend, the late Captain Marc Brent and brother Bob Bond, the Fish House built its new waterfront home in the Harbor Place building at 1 West Street next to the Town Pier. When we say built, it was just that. Take a space that was a workshop Jim & Company designed and custom fitted the restaurant you see today, with the help of brother Bob and Bond Builders, no easy task! While we had to say goodbye to the Salad Bar we expanded the oyster and raw bar and one of the best bars to enjoy a cocktail in Bar Harbor. And let's face it folks, the view makes it all worthwhile.
The 4th of July is a special treat as the fireworks are right next to us on the town pier. If you are taking a sightseeing tour on Capt. Gary's boat or going whale watching you can catch a quick bite before you go or dine after you come back. We offer a wide variety of fresh seafood right off the dock. Our bartenders shuck over 3000 littleneck clams and oysters a week. The oyster and raw bar is the largest of its kind in Maine.
It is now and always has been our goal to offer great food, great service at a great value. Now, with a waterfront atmosphere., the Fish House Grill really does have it all. We hope you enjoy your visit and come back again. Remember, at the Fish House Grill the only thing better than the food is the view!
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