The Vermont Country Deli — Restaurant in Brattleboro

We loved this place...until.

A quaint old country place with charm, except the employees. Our first time around was great - and we didn't mind spending the money because everything looked so good and fresh. We did, indeed, spend a lot that first time - around $65. We bought some sweets and their "world-famous" mac-and-cheese, pulled pork and a sandwich. It was all delicious when we finally sat down in our hotel room around 4 hours later.

On our way back home, we stopped in again because the food was so good. We realized then that the people behind the counter are not so nice. Quite stern, actually. We had more of a wait this time as it was very busy. Parking was a bit of a production too - almost like they are not prepared for a lot of people. Anyway, we watched the workers and how abrupt they were talking to people - none of them smiling. Seemed like they were angry that they were so busy. We went back for the mac-and-cheese which we noticed there was only a very little left on the service line. We also noticed a fresh pan of it waiting on the back table. We moved to the end of the line in the hopes we would get some from the fresh pan, but the line split into 2 lines - one for prepared food and one for sandwiches. It was our turn and we asked if we could get some mac-and-cheese..from the fresh pan that was waiting. She said "Sure." and grabbed a large container.

Then something happened, we're not sure what, but we speculate that she asked the woman wearing a mask if she could do that - then she abruptly said to us "That one on the line has only been there for 20 minutes." We knew that wasn't true because it was the same mostly empty pan that had been there when we arrived 15 minutes earlier. They refused to give us some from the fresh pan. Shame too, because we wanted to bring that home and share with our neighbors. Yes, it made us angry, so we left...as quickly as we had arrived. Can't say if we'll be back or not, but if we do go back it will be...

First and foremost, do not park directly in front of the deli. Instead, park in the parking lot next to the store at their satellite operation the Deli Market, which has many more spaces and is much safer. Parking in front of the deli can be hazardous to your health because of the speeding traffic along Route 9. Some of these people are just plain crazy on how they drive here. This deli is your typical tourist trap location for selling everything country under the sun to those out-of-towners that do not know any better and want a taste of the country. That is not to say that the food here, especially the pastries, are not wonderful, just a heads-up on what this business is all about. The shelves are full of the typical tourist items like little bottles of maple syrup, soaps, trinkets, food package mixes, cheeses, etc., etc. The sandwiches, food dishes and pastries are all freshly made from what I can tell and everything we had was very good. The prices for all the homemade items are quite reasonable and the serving portions are acceptable. As for the pastries, well they were out-of-this-world, and we are only glad we do not live any closer to this location because they could become addicting. Finally, the staff at this as well as their market next store, varied, from friendly and delightful, to I wish I had not come in here today. A few of the staff were not too happy that we wished to take photos and made it a point to directly confront us with why we would be taking photos. In the end, we got the photos we needed but will not be rushing back to this location anytime in the future and that is why we lowered our overall rating of this location. Positive feedback and reviews build a business and are helpful to attract a larger customer clientele, made management at this location should educate their...

This is the absolute best country store stop to make when in southern Vermont. We always stop here on the way home from capturing fall foliage across New England. They are just outside Brattleboro on RT 9. You will know you're close because the traffic always slows around this stop. Drive slow and be aware of cars backing out of the lot because the parking is right up against the highway. The deli has two buildings separated by Williams St. You can park in either lot to experience the location. The deli is where you get the fresh food and maple goods. The market is more for wine, frozen items and some additional maple goods. The market has a few tables to sit and eat if you choose to stay. The store tends to get a bit crowded, especially on weekends so be aware if you have COVID concerns. They only recommend mask wearing, they don't require it. If you're crossing the street between the two buildings, be very careful as some locals or other tourists get very frustrated by the traffic in this area and tend to speed through. I have provided some video and photos of the location to give you a better idea. My wife ordered the Maple Pumpkin Bisque and tomato basil mac and cheese. Both were absolutely delicious. I ordered the Italian and also tried the Maple BBQ pulled pork. All top...