In addition to loving a good bargain, Mainers also love to support local businesses. Case in point: the suggestions Bangor Daily News readers had when asked what their favorite local grocery stores are.
Whether it’s top-notch cuts of meat or a great selection of baked goods or cheese, here’s what you had to say about the best places to shop for food in Maine.
“Sleeper’s of Caribou. They have all the staples, many of them from local farmers. But they also stock some interesting niche items like hard-to-find Indian spices. They have a ton of vegetarian stuff, too, which is unusual for rural grocery stores.” – Nicholas Violette, Presque Isle
“Thomaston Grocery, best meats, best prices, best service.” – Zoe Zall, Thomaston
“The Cape Elizabeth IGA is a gem! The meats and poultry are a particular highlight, especially the Spring Mountain and Bell and Evan’s chicken, the Boars Head cold cuts and the Plainville turkey. They carry fresh bakery breads daily, in the summer, local farm produce and fruits, and a very good wine selection, as well as a full liquor store. They also have lots of organic frozen and canned foods. My mantra has always been, if they don’t have it, I don’t need it.” – Mary Ann Lynch, Cape Elizabeth
“French and Brawn, Camden. Favorite thing to buy, besides the fresh baked goods, fresh pies, or fresh seafood, really anything you want because you just charge it to the family tab!” – Dominic Gioia, Camden
“Swan Lake Grocery, still the best by a dam site, carries Lancaster rat cheese at $10.99 a pound, Wrap City potato chips, Morse’s Beet Slaw, and a fine selection of whoopie pies. All good stuff!” – John Goldfine, Swanville
“Tradewinds in Milo. The staff is so friendly, and they are always well stocked with a lot of variety. Love that store.” – Alice Crocker Demmons, Hermon
“We ride from Brewer to Orono IGA to buy a gallon of molasses. Can’t find it anywhere else. Probably would go more often if it wasn’t a 20+ mile round trip, it’s a very nice store.” – Bruce Roberts, Brewer
“Orono IGA has a good variety of huge party subs that can feed a family of five easily, with chips, dips and soda or bottled water. They have a good selection of steaks, shredded and/or block cheese as well.” – Adam Jones, Orono
“Veranda Thai Market in Portland. Everything Asian food, fresh meats, seafood, everything.” – Kyle Fletcher Baker
“Bradford General Store. Wonderful meat.” – Dawn Thibodeau
