Mike's Store and Deli — Restaurant in Hartland

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for local goods, snacks, and lunch! Of all places, a gas station & market in the mountains where an employee met us at the door with so much kindred and another employer stopped stocking the shelves to help us fix the coffee bean grinding machine that we struggled with to grind up a bag of locally made " maple flavored coffee." Rather than the typical "gas station" or "convenience store," this one had antique items set up as if a museum to the past precedents of what they now sell, and is packed with locally made cheeses, beers, maple syrup, candy, granola, honey, preserves, meats, crafts, cookies, and coffee. There is a nice deli, good coffee, all manner of everything else needed to support campers, hikers, bikers, and sightseers.

They answered our questions to include about local cross-country skiing and offered tips.

They told us of a local artisan whose work was for sale there, who was a sweet old man and loved by the community. Much of what was for sale was from citizens in the state. After hearing this, I made two more laps around the store.

Our original purpose for stopping there and driving a few miles off course, was to obtain some good spring water for one of our party. What a great decision. We were there...

Found Mike's completely by accident years ago when I had to get off the highway to fill up with gas. Picked up some great food and beer during that initial visit (some of the best craft beer selection I've come by), and totally forgot to mark the location on my map so I could stop by again in the future. A year or two later, by chance, came off the same exit (rarely traveled through that area before), and found it again. Ever since, it's been a staple to stop at when we're in the area. Love the food, the people, the beer selection....

I usually don’t write reviews but I had to with this place. I’ve only been there once, won’t be going again. The bathrooms were gross honestly. It’s small and crammed inside the store. As I’m trying to shop I can hear the manager harassing her own employees in the back. I don’t know who let that women manage a place of business but they should reconsider her role in the company. She was being disturbingly loud while there were customers in the store. Just not a pleasant place to stop...