Harvest Moon Deli on Columbia Street in Bangor, Maine

Harvest Moon Deli serves build-your-own sandwiches, paninis, and wraps to Bangor regulars and passing travelers. The menu leans toward customizable options, and when they're firing on all cylinders, a Club can feed two people. But consistency is the catch here. Some days you'll walk out thrilled. Other days you'll find yourself waiting longer than expected and wondering what happened.

• Vegetarian paninis with genuine thought behind them.
• Club sandwich big enough to split.
• Plenty of indoor seating, no crowds.
• Friendly staff, especially regular Keri.

Go for the Soys of Summer if you're vegetarian or just want something different. The Club is massive and shareable. Try a customizable panini (cheese should actually melt). Their salad is solid if you want something lighter. Skip the kids' half sandwich unless your child has a small appetite. You'll wait, so don't rush.

Casual walk-in counter setup with good legroom and plenty of tables. It's quiet enough to eat or talk, though midday rush can bog down the kitchen.

What sets them apart is their commitment to vegetarian paninis. The Soys of Summer gets name-checked by travelers as a standout, with real care put into the recipe. Reubens, Clubs, and custom builds are on the menu too. Paninis should arrive with melted cheese, though that doesn't always happen. Fillings have reportedly gotten lighter than they once were, which older regulars notice and mention.

Regular customers swear by their paninis and speak fondly of the staff, especially Keri. One recent visitor rated it higher than lobster during a Maine trip. But newer reviews flag inconsistency: slow service, wilted components, and cleanliness lapses suggest the place isn't running as tight as it once did.