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Seasonal — Closed January through late March; open Friday–Saturday evenings in season

Deer Isle Music Hall & BBQ

Sunset, Maine 4.9 (25)
Wood-fired barbecue in the old Legion Hall — a building that housed music, dancing, and wedding receptions for generations before it briefly went dark. Now it's back, and the ambition goes beyond brisket: national touring acts share the stage with local and regional musicians across genres.
live musicoutdoor seating

The Old Legion Hall in Deer Isle has a longer history than most island venues. For decades it was where the community gathered for dances, receptions, and celebrations. The Music Hall project revived that tradition with a specific combination: real wood-fired barbecue and a legitimate music program spanning local acts to national touring artists.

The BBQ uses actual wood, not gas. The smoke is part of the equation. The schedule of upcoming acts runs well into spring 2026, with shows booked through March, April, and May. Events rotate through weekends.

They close for a winter break (January into late March), then reopen for the spring season. This is not a summer-only operation — the Music Hall runs a real calendar year-round.

For an island of this size, the music programming is unusual. Blue Hill Peninsula tends to be quiet in the off-season, but the Music Hall is making a point of keeping the lights on.

Address 653 Sunset Rd, Deer Isle, ME 04627, USA
Price $$

Hours

MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
WednesdayClosed
ThursdayClosed
Friday4:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday4:00 – 10:00 PM
SundayClosed

Fri–Sat 4–10pm (kitchen closes 8pm); also Sunday 1–6pm per some sources

What Visitors Say

"Really great BBQ! We had the ribs and pulled pork. I’m not a huge BBQ fan but I loved it. Better than what we had in Austin even. The staff and owners could not have been nicer. We got takeout early before they ran out, then came back later for a drink and love music. We will definitely be back!"

Emily Kleeman · 7 months ago

"The ribs and the brisket are really flavorful. My Argentinian husband, a meat lover, raved about them both. The sides are decent. Wide selection of drinks. We were also lucky enough to enjoy music in celebration of 1 year in business. Definitely a place we will frequent when on Deer Isle!"

Laura Almiron · 8 months ago

"What a great experience at Deer Isle Music Hall & BBQ!! With delicious BBQ and a great performance from Emily-T! Definitely worth a visit! 10/10"

Zoé Lanman · 10 months ago

Local Tips

  • Check the website for the current event calendar before driving out — shows are specific dates, not a standing daily open.
  • The hall accommodates standing and seated configurations depending on the act.
  • Wood-fired BBQ means the smoke flavor is real. Come hungry.
  • Good venue for a winter or shoulder-season night when most other dining options are limited.

Connected To

  • Tinder Hearth — another operation that deliberately keeps going through the off-season
  • The Brooklin Inn — seasonal gastropub nearby with its own local scene

Details

address Deer Isle, ME
website deerislemusichall.com
food Wood-fired barbecue
programming Live music — local, regional, and national acts across genres
winter break Early January through late March
reopens Late March 2026
category BBQ restaurant & music venue
last verified February 2026