The Common Good Soup Kitchen
A community-driven kitchen serving delicious popovers and oatmeal on a donation basis, supporting those in need.
Highlights
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The Common Good Soup Kitchen
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A community-driven kitchen serving delicious popovers and oatmeal on a donation basis, supporting those in need.
"This is well worth the visit when they are open - great mission, food, and pleasant people!"
Bring Cash
Bring cash in exact denominations; an ATM is nearby if needed.
Suggested Donation
A donation of $10 or more per person is suggested.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American (New)
Price
$
Phone
(207) 244-3007
Address
19 Clark Point Rd, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, USA
Website
commongoodkitchen.org/Highlights
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Famous Popovers
Warm, fresh-baked popovers are a must-try, served with a variety of delicious house-made butters and jams.
Donation-Based Dining
Experience a unique 'pay what you believe' model, supporting a vital community soup kitchen and food pantry.
Live Music Sundays
Enjoy the cheerful sounds of local seniors playing ukuleles and other instruments every Sunday morning.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash
Bring cash in exact denominations; an ATM is nearby if needed.
Suggested Donation
A donation of $10 or more per person is suggested.
Sunday Breakfast
Visit Sundays 9 AM - 12 PM for popovers, coffee, oatmeal, and live music.
Check Hours
Opening hours may vary seasonally; check their website or stop by.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash
Bring cash in exact denominations; an ATM is nearby if needed.
Suggested Donation
A donation of $10 or more per person is suggested.
Sunday Breakfast
Visit Sundays 9 AM - 12 PM for popovers, coffee, oatmeal, and live music.
Check Hours
Opening hours may vary seasonally; check their website or stop by.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Common Good Soup Kitchen is lauded for its heartwarming mission and delicious popovers, often described as the best diners have ever had. The friendly volunteers and the unique donation-based model create a welcoming atmosphere, enhanced by live music on Sundays. While some reviewers suggest it might not offer the broad selection of a traditional restaurant, it's celebrated for its community spirit and generous contributions.
"Hidden gem in Acadia. The popovers are delicious and the people are SO nice! Great community and very positive energy. Had a great time, the place is very dog friendly and the music is for sure a plus."
Jannik D.
"Open Wednesday through Sunday 7am - 11am. Community Kitchen and donation based. What an amazing vibe of beautiful souls all coming together to help others. We met the Irish lady (adorable). Popovers a Maine tradition but much like Yorkshire Pudding from the UK are served here freshly made, eat them with delicious wild blueberry jam. We also had a bowl of Porridge and cup of coffee. Highly recommend to anyone, if we are back in this area I would come here every morning."
Heather McMenamin
"We found the Common Good this year on our fist vacation to Southwest Harbor. They put out an oatmeal and popover breakfast as a fund raiser to support their activities. The popovers were the best I have ever had and I am missing them at this morning’s breakfast back in Connecticut. The folks that volunteer their time there are wonderful people and their mission is worthy of your support."
Michael
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Frequently Asked Questions
The restaurant operates on a 'pay what you believe' model, with suggested donations to support their community food bank and soup kitchen programs.
Breakfast hours are typically Wednesday through Sunday from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM, but may vary seasonally. It's best to check their website or stop by.
They primarily serve breakfast items like popovers and oatmeal, with various house-made butters and jams. Lunch options often include soup and salad.
Yes, local seniors often play music, particularly ukuleles, on Sundays between 9 AM and 12 PM.
Yes, the restaurant is very dog-friendly, and they even have a 'dog of the day' feature.
It is recommended to bring cash in the correct denominations, as they may not have change available. An ATM is nearby.
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Popovers, lobster, and pie on Acadia's Quiet Side
Breakfast at the Common Good Cafe, in the post office block in downtown Southwest Harbor, is a meal that not only tastes good, but one you can feel good about. During the summer season,the cafe offers a self-serve, by-donation, all-you-can-eat buffet of hot popovers, slow-simmered steel-cut oatmeal, teak, coffee, and accompaniments, including maple syrup and house-made plain and flavored (maple walnut, cinnamon) butters and jam. It may not have the history of the Jordan Pond House, but the popovers are truly delicious, and the butters, well, I’m still licking my lips at the memory.
Great Food without the Crowds: Eating and the Quiet Side of Acadia
Our favorite discovery of the whole trip was The Common Good Cafe, which serves up popovers, oatmeal, coffee, and juice 7 days a week at no charge (donations are welcomed). This local non-profit raises money to help feed struggling folks through the hard winters in Maine. Live music by local musicians, such as the 14-piece ukelele band that mesmerized us, and a wonderful space filled with toys for the little guys made this one of the most magical experiences of our trip.
Where to Get Popovers in Acadia National Park
For a totally different dining experience, the Common Good Cafe offers fresh popovers Thursday-Sunday 7:30-11:30am. This is actually a local food pantry and community kitchen which serves food to all with a recommended donation. Stop by for a popover during the times they are open to the public and support a good cause!
Best Breakfast and Brunch Places in Acadia National Park
2Cats has a history that spans more than 20 years in Bar Harbor. It’s been featured in Down East Magazine and quickly became a staple within Bar Harbor restaurants scene. It’s a popular tourist destination and boats between 300-500 breakfasts every morning when the tourist season is at its peak.
Restaurants in Acadia National Park - A Visitor's Guide
Start your day with a bang at Common Good Kitchen Cafe, located right in the heart of Bar Harbor. It’s a cozy local spot perfect for breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering hearty and healthy fare. Choose from homemade soups, housemade sandwiches, fresh salads and house-smoked meats.
What to See, Eat, and Do on the Way to Acadia National Park
As the fog lifts, backtrack to Southwest Harbor and enter the Common Good Soup Kitchen, where a Sunday breakfast of popovers and housemade spreads is beloved by MDI locals and visitors.
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