If there were no other reason to like McKay’s, the fact that it’s open year-round would speak well for it. But there are plenty of other reasons, beginning with the fact that it’s true to its name—this is a genuine public gathering place, and one of those spots in Bar Harbor where the line between locals and tourists pretty well dissolves. Part of that homey feel might come from the fact that it’s literally an old Victorian home, with the fireplaces and wainscotting and shady porch that some family likely enjoyed back in the day. The atmosphere is somewhere between drinks-after-work and date night, the menu full of upscale pub food like a terrific lamb burger and steak frites, along with nicely trimmed rib-eyes and chops and some standby pastas. Get there early to snag a table on the beautifully landscaped patio—good Main Street people-watching from out there.