40 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

$2,095,000

This iconic restaurant, tavern and night spot has served locals and visitors alike for over 3 decades.

The warm and welcoming interior naturally lends itself to being the meeting, dining and "go to" spot for locals.

Well laid out bar easily helps quench the thirst of the clientele to this thriving local restaurant and tavern.

Ample portions and quality food have helped make "The Whale" a popular stop for all ages.

Everyone wants a "Thirsty Whale" tee-shirt to commemorate a visit to their favorite restaurant, bar and entertainment center...locals and seasonal visitors.

Outside tables allows for extra seating during the summertime crunch and allow customers to enjoy the fresh air.

"The Thirsty Whale" - a mariner's lighthouse for locals and visitors for over 30 years. Once the sign is spotted you know that you are safely home again.

Property Type: Commercial Square Footage: 4,500 Lot Size (sq. ft.): 3,049 Status: Closed

Current Price: $2,095,000 List Date: 2/13/2022 Last Modified: 1/10/2025

Overview

Description

First time on the market in over 30 years. This legendary Bar Harbor restaurant/tavern/entertainment locale is where many locals go to meet up, dine and socialize. ''The Whale,'' as locals fondly call it, has been locally owned and operated since the doors opened in 1988. A lively, friendly blend of visitors and locals, it is kid friendly by day and a hot spot for entertainment and fun at night. The business operations have been finely honed over the past 3 decades by the current owners. The building was completely torn down and rebuilt in 2008. Solar panels on the roof help reduce the electrical bills while heat pump/AC units keep the customers comfortable year-round. Property has been extremely well maintained over the years. A separate in-town, employee housing property is available for purchase with the restaurant for the combined price of $2.95M. Sellers to provide complete and thorough training to buyer(s). This property is the quintessential definition of a ''turn-key'' ... (Read more)

Listing Details MLS# 1519627

Location Information

Street #: 40
Street Name: Cottage
Street Type: Street
County: Hancock
Town: Bar Harbor
State/Province: ME
Zip Code: 04609
Zip +4: 1833
Leased Land: No
Book: 3098
Page: 32
Map: 104
Lot: 365
Zoning: DT Village I
Zoning Overlay: No
Full Tax Amount $: 6209
Tax Year: 2021
Association Y/N: No

Contract Information

Original List Price: 2795000

Property Information

Primary Use: General Commercial
Surveyed: No
Deed/Conveyance Type Offered: Quit Claim w/Covenant
Deed: All
Year Built: 2009
SqFt Finished Total: 4500
Lot Size Acres +/-: 0.07

Status Change Info

Pending Date: 2022-12-22
Closed Date: 2023-03-20
Closed Price: 2095000

Sold Info

Appraiser Email Address: john@jpowellappraisals.com

More Information

Property Features

Location: Business District; Downtown; Near Shopping Construction: Wood Frame Property Uses: Bar/Tavern/Lounge; Commercial; Restaurant; Retail Basement: Crawl Space; Full; Sump Pump Foundation Materials: Poured Concrete Exterior: Wood Siding Roof: Pitched Heat System: Heat Pump Heat Fuel: Oil Cooling: Heat Pump Floors: Wood Parking: On Street; Other Parking Electric: Circuit Breakers; Photovoltaics Seller Owned Gas: Bottled Sewer: Public Sewer Water: Public Sold Terms Other: Arms Length

Documents

40 Cottage Deed - 2001 ›

Lead Paint / Property Disclosure ›

Bar Harbor Tax Map ›

BH LUO - DT Village I ›

Easement with 38 Cottage St ›

Maintenance Agreement - 44 Cottage ›

Inventory ›

Property Disclosure - Non Residential ›

Property Disclosure Public Access ›

Listing Office: Eden Realty

Selling Office: Eden Realty

Last Updated: January - 10 - 2025

Listing data is derived in whole or in part from the Maine IDX and is for consumers' personal, noncommercial use only. Dimensions are approximate and not guaranteed. All data should be independently verified. Copyright ©2026 Maine Real Estate Information System, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Equal Housing Opportunity.