Maine’s Pantry

Touristy? Check.
Overpriced? Check.
Clean? Friendly? Helpful? Check!
Had exactly what I was looking for? Check!
I needed a few more Christmas gifts for my out of state family members and my secret Santee. I wanted to get the local flavor, no matter how touristy it might seem. I probably visited half a dozen stores in search of a classy Maine-​ish Christmas ornament (no lobster, not plastic, etc.), and finally found one here! It’s a gorgeous little sea shell with Portland Head Light painted on it by a local artist. Perfect!
I ended up buying a few more token things (itty bitty syrup containers!) and the register did ring in higher than it probably needed to, but ’tis the season to buy local!

A nice little tourist place to pick up a few souvenirs. I thought the prices were a tad high but I liked the selection of Maine jams, spreads, candy, and other items. if you are here as a tourist then this shop is welcoming and a nice place to stop and pick something up.

I’ve been here a couple times now. The staff are helpful and seem to always smile. There is a good variety of spreads, sauces, local favs, and sweet treats. They even have a wine selection of sorts. The prices may seem a bit high to some locals, like me, but if you share my policy of «true quality is worth a little more cost», this will fit you bill quite well.

Authentic souvenirs, lots of options for gifts for young, old, friends, family… etc. They even sell some good Maine beers, in addition to the usual jams, chowders, lobster-​adorned products, children’s books, stuffed toys. Most of the products are from Maine, made in Maine, and the quality is generally pretty high. I noticed some of the other reviews aren’t great, but they’re all from years ago. I didn’t go there then, but can tell you I had a great shopping experience there when I went in last week.

Lots of little snacks, canned and jarred items produced in Maine. Unfortunately, that’s the best that can be said for this little culinary gift shop in the middle of Portland’s tourist walk.
The staff is sleepy and will not engage you until you’ve asked, even on a slow, off-​season night. Not even a response to my «thank you» as I left, much less a «thank you, come again» from the three shopkeepers just hanging around behind the counter as four of us mingled the store contemplating buying cans of clam chowder and chocolate gingerbread cookies (8 for $ 16.00, thankyouverymuch).
Yes, it’s for tourists, but even that doesn’t justify the garishly over-​priced items, most of which could be purchased at any local supermarket. I’m happy to pay a bit of a premium for those Stonewall Kitchen cookies to take back to the hotel, but $ 15.95 for this tiny 8ct box? REALLY folks?!?
Both the prices and the service leave me wondering if they’re in business not to make money, but as a tax write-​off. I can’t imagine keeping a little shop alive very long with service so low and prices so stratospherically high.

You’re looking at the quinessential tourist trap. Its on Commercial to catch the poor saps just off their cruise ship. They have quality Maine products at inflated prices. You can find everything they sell here somewhere else in Old Port at better prices. I suppose if you’re a tourist with limited time and lots of disposable income, this place could appeal to you.

best vanilla fudge ever.

Two girls running the front store.
I made it my 1^st stop to check out what they have to offer before shopping at other stores. The clerks were not too friendly, no welcome, & no smiles.
They have a lot of jams, wine, and fine chocolate.
When I stopped in again on my way back to the car, there was no one in the front room. I only chose to shop here because they were the only ones with the lobster gummies. I had to call for service to be rung up. Otherwise, I’m sure I could have just walked out with the goods.
They didn’t even thank me for shopping!
I don’t think I’ll stop in again.