Acadia Provisions in Ellsworth, Maine

Acadia Provisions is part butcher counter, part deli, part neighborhood grocer in downtown Ellsworth. They stock prime cuts and heritage proteins you won't find at the big chains, plus a lineup of local cheeses and a small grocery section. The real draw is Matt's deli counter, where he builds sandwiches daily and takes special orders. Regulars stop in for lunch and coffee on their way through town.

• Heritage turkeys, prime brisket, hard-to-find meats not at grocery stores
• Matt's creative daily deli specials using house-cured meats
• Generous, quality sandwiches with local cheeses and house-made spreads
• Local grocery items and pickled goods you won't find elsewhere

Get a sandwich from the deli counter and ask Matt what he's got going that day. The roast beef is a classic. Their turkey sandwich with stuffing and cranberry spread is a seasonal standout. Pair it with one of the local pickled or house-made sides. Grab a bag of house-cured meats if you're stocking your own kitchen, or pick up a jar of locally made pickled carrots or similar to take home.

It's a working butcher shop and small deli, compact and efficient without feeling cramped. There's seating if you want to eat in, or grab your sandwich to go.

This is the kind of place where regulars have their usual order and staff knows your name. Everything's wrapped clean and comes out fast. The sandwiches are sized generously enough to split. You'll find local pickled goods, house-made items, and smaller producers you can't get at the supermarket.

People come back for the quality and the staff's care. One guest called out how polite and professional everyone is, and how the value far exceeds the price. Regulars stop in most times they're in town. Visitors passing through Bar Harbor will detour to grab lunch on the way out.