Ada’s Kitchen - Rockland, ME

Ali Farrell
Jan 21
3 min read

Cool vibes, great people, and rockin’ live music

If you’re looking for the epicenter of a "great night out" in Midcoast Maine, look no further than Ada’s Kitchen in Rockland. We have been to Ada’s dozens of times, and what they do better than anyone else in the region is create a space that enables a special evening. They currently dominate as the best first-date location and the ultimate hub for feeling "cool."

The History & The Building

Ada’s Kitchen is housed in the historic Hewett Block at 449 Main Street, a stunning Italianate building originally constructed around 1873. For decades, the building's beautiful architecture was hidden—literally bricked up during a 1970s renovation.

In 2017, owner Jenn Rockwell (who also owns Main Street Markets) and her father, Rick Rockwell, opened Ada’s after a meticulous restoration of the building. They uncovered the original granite piers and massive windows, returning the storefront to its 19th-century glory while adding a modern "vibe" that Rockland desperately needed. The restaurant’s name pays homage to Jenn’s grandmother, Ada, keeping the family connection alive in the heart of downtown.

The Bar: Where Ada’s Shines

The moment you walk in, the bar tells you that you’re in the right place. With upbeat music flowing and a clientele that’s clearly happy to be there.

The Staff: The bartending staff, specifically Stacy, Radu, and Tony, are some of the best in the business. They supply perfect drinks that fuel the high-energy atmosphere. They take their career in this industry seriously, and it shows. Our favorites from them are the Old Fashions and the Espresso martinis!
The Vibe: Whether it’s a standard Friday night or an epic Halloween dance party (where one of us may or may not have worn a shirtless Nacho Libre costume in tights and slippers) while DJ Aiden Kaczynski rocked the crowd wearing a hat reading “Pasta Slut”, the fun factor here is unmatched, especially when the live music is blasting. Stephanie Ryan is another artist who we always make it out to see at Ada’s when she isn’t crushing the music scene in Nashville. If you have the opportunity, both musicians are a must-see! Not only are they both insanely talented musicians, but they’re friendly and fun in between sets- which we love!

The Menu: Hits and Misses

While the bar scene is a 10/10, our numerous visits have revealed a bit of a divide between the "bar snacks" and the formal dining experience.

The Hits

Happy Hour (4:00 PM – 5:30 PM): This is one of the best deal in Rockland. Pizza Slice & Cocktail Combo: A New York-style pizza slice paired with a specialty cocktail for a discounted price (around $5–$6).
Pizza & Meatballs: The pizza is the closest thing to a true NY-style slice you’ll find in the area. The meatballs and "gravy" (sauce) are nearly perfect—and as someone who makes their own, I don’t say that lightly.
Mushroom & Brie: The warm mushroom and brie appetizer is a standout snack to kick off your night.

The Misses

On the dining side, the attention to detail seems to have slipped over the years.

The Chicken Parm Test: This is the doorway to any Italian establishment. While the portion is huge and the taste is great, the execution is inconsistent. Too often, a third of the dish is missing sauce and cheese. When we asked for extra sauce to fix this, we were surprised to find an extra charge on the bill—not exactly the "polish" you expect from a place of this caliber.
Pasta Dishes: We’ve sampled the Bolognese and the Alfredo multiple times; they are good, but they lack that final bit of "wow" factor that the bar atmosphere promises. It feels like there might be more focus on the "scene" than the refinement of the food.

The Verdict

Come to Ada’s for the vibe, the perfect drinks, and the incredible service from the floor and bar staff. It remains the heartbeat of Rockland’s nightlife. We look forward to our next night out here and hope that the kitchen finds that missing polish to match the world-class energy of the bar.

Hornitos? YES
Meatballs: Get them!
Location: 449 Main Street, Rockland, ME
Hours:

Monday- Weds: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Friday-Sat: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM