Ever wondered what happens when a quack chef meets a grill?
You get the most sublime duck burger this side of the Atlantic, nestled in a cozy corner of Bar Harbor, Maine.
Picture this: You’re strolling down a quaint street in Bar Harbor, Maine, the salty sea air tickling your nostrils, when suddenly, your stomach growls louder than a foghorn.
You’re hungry, my friend, and not just for any old grub.
You want something special, something that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance and your soul sing sea shanties.
Well, hold onto your lobster bibs, because I’m about to introduce you to a place that’ll do just that – and then some.
Welcome to Blaze, the unassuming culinary gem that’s been setting Bar Harbor’s food scene on fire (pun absolutely intended).
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“Another restaurant in a tourist town? What’s so special about that?”
Oh, ye of little faith!
Let me tell you, this isn’t just another eatery catering to sunburned vacationers with overpriced lobster rolls.
No siree, Blaze is the real deal – a local favorite that’s been warming hearts and filling bellies with its unique blend of comfort food and gourmet flair.
As you approach Blaze, you might be forgiven for thinking you’ve stumbled upon a particularly charming old house.
With its weathered gray exterior and red trim, it looks like it could be the summer cottage of a retired sea captain with excellent taste in paint colors.
But don’t let the homey exterior fool you – inside, culinary magic is happening.
Push open the door, and you’re immediately enveloped in an atmosphere that’s part cozy pub, part upscale bistro, and one hundred percent Maine charm.
The warm wood tones and soft lighting make you feel like you’ve just walked into the world’s most inviting living room.
If living rooms had fully stocked bars and the aroma of mouthwatering dishes wafting through the air, that is.
Speaking of the bar, let’s take a moment to appreciate this beauty.
It’s the kind of bar that makes you want to pull up a stool, order a locally brewed beer, and strike up a conversation with the friendly bartender about the weather, the Red Sox, or the proper technique for cracking a lobster.
And trust me, after a drink or two, you’ll feel like you’ve been coming here for years.
But as tempting as it is to park yourself at the bar and never leave, you’d be doing yourself a disservice.
Because, my hungry friends, the real star of the show at Blaze is the food.
And boy, oh boy, what food it is!
Now, I know I promised you the best duck burger you’ll ever have, and I’m a man of my word.
But before we dive beak-first into that quacktastic creation, let’s take a moment to appreciate the rest of the menu.
It’s a beautiful thing, really – a perfect balance of classic Maine fare and innovative dishes that’ll make you wonder why you’ve been eating boring old regular food all your life.
Take the starters, for instance.
You’ve got your classics like the New England clam chowder – creamy, comforting, and packed with more clams than a beach at low tide.
But then you’ve got curve balls like the duck fat fries.
Yes, you heard that right.
Duck.
Fat.
Fries.
It’s like someone took regular fries, waved a magic wand, and turned them into crispy, golden sticks of potato perfection.
Dip them in the house-made garlic aioli, and you might just forget your own name for a moment.
But wait, there’s more!
How about the Maine crab cakes?
These little beauties are so packed with sweet, succulent crab meat that you’ll wonder if there’s any filler in there at all.
Served with a zesty remoulade sauce, they’re like a party in your mouth where everyone’s invited, and the guest of honor is flavor.
And let’s not forget the wood-fired pizzas.
Cooked in a blazing hot oven (see what they did there?), these pies come out with a perfectly crisp crust and toppings that’ll make you rethink your stance on pineapple on pizza.
The “Blaze” pizza, with its spicy marinara, pepperoni, and hot cherry peppers, is hot enough to make you consider calling the fire department – in a good way, of course.
But I know what you’re here for.
You’ve been patient, and now it’s time to talk about the star of the show, the reason we’re all here – the duck burger.
Oh, sweet mother of all things delicious, this burger is a game-changer.
It’s the kind of burger that makes you want to write poetry, compose symphonies, or at the very least, post a really enthusiastic Yelp review.
Picture this: a perfectly grilled patty made from locally sourced duck, seasoned to perfection, and cooked just right.
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It’s juicy, it’s flavorful, and it’s nestled in a brioche bun that’s so light and fluffy, it might just float away if it weren’t for the weight of deliciousness holding it down.
Top that with caramelized onions, melted brie cheese, and a smear of fig jam, and you’ve got yourself a burger that’s not just a meal – it’s an experience.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“Duck? In a burger? Isn’t that a bit… fancy?”
And to that, I say: fancy schmancy!
This burger might sound like something you’d find in a high-end restaurant in New York or Paris, but let me tell you, it fits right in here in Bar Harbor.
It’s unpretentious, it’s delicious, and it’s the perfect representation of what Blaze is all about – taking familiar comfort foods and elevating them to new heights.
But here’s the real kicker – this duck burger isn’t just good.
It’s the kind of good that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite.
It’s the kind of good that makes you wonder why all burgers aren’t made with duck.
It’s the kind of good that’ll have you planning your next trip to Bar Harbor before you’ve even finished your meal.
And let’s not forget about the sides.
Because what’s a burger without some stellar supporting actors?
The sweet potato fries are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and seasoned with a blend of spices that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
And if you’re feeling virtuous (or just want to balance out the indulgence of the burger), the house salad is a fresh, crisp delight that’ll make you forget you’re eating vegetables.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“Okay, okay, the food sounds amazing. But what about the drinks?”
Well, fear not, my thirsty friends, because Blaze has got you covered there too.
Their cocktail menu is a thing of beauty, featuring creative concoctions that’ll make you wonder why you ever settled for a plain old gin and tonic.
Take the Blueberry Basil Smash, for instance.
It’s like summer in a glass, with fresh Maine blueberries, fragrant basil, and a generous pour of vodka.
One sip, and you’ll be transported to a sun-dappled blueberry field, even if it’s the dead of winter and you’re bundled up in more layers than an onion.
Or how about the Maple Old Fashioned?
It’s a twist on the classic cocktail that’s so quintessentially Maine that you half expect it to come with a side of lobster.
The combination of bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters is smooth, sweet, and dangerously sippable.
Fair warning: after one of these, you might find yourself speaking with a Down East accent and using “ayuh” unironically.
But let’s not forget about the beer.
Blaze boasts an impressive selection of local craft brews that’ll make any hophead’s heart skip a beat.
From crisp lagers to hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, there’s something for every palate.
And the best part?
The staff is more than happy to help you find the perfect pairing for your meal.
Duck burger with a locally brewed porter?
Don’t mind if I do!
Now, I know we’ve spent a lot of time talking about the food and drink (and rightfully so – it’s that good), but let’s take a moment to appreciate the atmosphere at Blaze.
It’s the kind of place where you can come for a romantic date night, a casual dinner with friends, or a solo meal at the bar, and feel equally at home in any scenario.
The decor is a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern elegance.
Exposed brick walls and wooden beams give the space a cozy, lived-in feel, while the sleek bar and contemporary light fixtures add a touch of sophistication.
It’s like your cool friend’s apartment – the one who somehow manages to make mismatched furniture look intentional and stylish.
But the real magic of Blaze isn’t just in the food, drinks, or decor.
It’s in the people.
The staff here isn’t just friendly – they’re the kind of people who make you feel like you’ve been friends for years, even if it’s your first time visiting.
They’re knowledgeable about the menu, passionate about food, and always ready with a recommendation or a joke.
And then there are the other diners.
On any given night, you might find yourself seated next to a group of locals swapping fishing stories, a couple of tourists excitedly planning their next day’s adventures in Acadia National Park, or a family celebrating a special occasion.
The buzz of conversation and laughter creates an energy that’s infectious – before you know it, you’ll find yourself chatting with your neighbors about the best hiking trails or debating the merits of different lobster shacks.
As your meal at Blaze comes to an end (probably with a slice of their to-die-for blueberry pie – because when in Maine, right?), you’ll likely find yourself already planning your next visit.
Will you try the seafood pasta next time?
Or maybe the wood-fired steak?
Or will you simply order another duck burger because, let’s face it, it’s just that good?
But here’s the real beauty of Blaze – it’s not just a place to eat.
It’s a place to experience the best of what Maine has to offer.
It’s a place where the flavors of the land and sea come together in perfect harmony.
It’s a place where strangers become friends over shared plates and flowing conversation.
In short, it’s a little slice of Maine magic, right in the heart of Bar Harbor.
So, the next time you find yourself in Bar Harbor, whether you’re a local looking for a new favorite spot or a visitor seeking an authentic Maine experience, do yourself a favor and blaze a trail to Blaze.
Your taste buds (and your soul) will thank you.
For more information, be sure to check out Blaze’s Facebook page.
And if you’re trying to find your way to this culinary wonderland, use this map to guide you to your next great meal.
Where: 198 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Trust me, it’s a journey worth taking.