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Rockland's "Main Street Markets" is a hip, satisfying place to grab lunch

Rockland's "Main Street Markets" is a hip, satisfying place to grab lunch

We’ve been so lucky to spend the last few days in beautiful downtown Rockland, Maine on a recent multi-day video shoot for the Rockland Chamber of Commerce.

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of lunch at Main Street Markets! Their menu covers pretty much any craving (with some unique offerings) plus a wide array of drinks including smoothies and a coffee bar.

The Space

Main Street Markets’ location can’t be beat; nestled in the heart of Rockland’s downtown district. Their space has high ceilings, tons of natural light, and ample seating.

For a place that's in downtown Rockland, it's quite spacious. It felt very warm and inviting.

The modern, industrial-inspired interior and exposed brick arches were something to marvel at. Plus, I always appreciate directional lighting. (Can you tell I'm an engineering/infrastructure nerd?)

The Menu

Their menu caters to every taste while not being overwhelming. The deli features sandwiches like the Jalapeno Turkey Melt (toasted bread, scallion mayo, sliced turkey, jalapeno, and cheddar cheese), the Falafel Sandwich (homemade falafel with lettuce, tomato, onion, feta, and tzatziki), and the Chicken Pita (grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, tomato, red onion, tzatziki, and feta). They also have pizza by the slice, smoothies, a full coffee bar, and more!

Note the 'Food Bar' sign to the right of the image. This is usually filled (on weekdays, if memory serves) with hot and cold food items.<br>
Note the 'Food Bar' sign to the right of the image. This is usually filled (on weekdays, if memory serves) with hot and cold food items.

Regrettably, their “Hot & Cold Food Bar” (which offers a weigh and pay option) was not available on Sunday. We’ll have to go back and try that at some point as we heard rave reviews from our friend we were grabbing lunch with.

The Meal

On this particular visit, I got the B.A.L.T:

Crispy bacon, fresh tomato and romaine lettuce with a drizzle of mayo--and you can't forget the avocado! On your choice of bread.

As you can see, the bread was lightly toasted, the tomatoes juicy, and the bacon was exquisite.👌<br>
As you can see, the bread was lightly toasted, the tomatoes juicy, and the bacon was exquisite.👌

But the question is: how do you review a B(A)LT? I mean, a sandwich is just a sandwich, right?

Well, mine was almost everything I want from a BLT and then some!

I ordered mine on wheat and it seemed to be quite fresh and lightly toasted

Then there was the bacon. Allow me to point out that the menu said “crispy” bacon. But what they really meant was perfectly, delightfully crispy bacon. Truly remarkable.

The avocado was fresh and creamy, the tomato was flavorful, and the lettuce afforded a good crunch.

If I had to levy one criticism, though, it would be this: the menu said “a drizzle of mayo.” In reality, I didn't taste any... let alone a drizzle. Honestly, I had to inspect the bread to see if it was actually included. So, I offer you this advice: I would definitely ask for extra mayo next time.

Rounding out the meal was a bag of Deep River Sour Cream & Onion Kettle Chips. Sadly, I didn’t get photos of them, but they were stellar. They complemented the sandwich nicely.

@Emily got the Chicken Salad Croissant—Market Chicken Salad with tomato & romaine, toasted on a croissant. She described her meal as “flavorful” and the croissant as “robust.” They didn’t skimp on the chicken salad and she reports she left the table satisfied. (As was I.)

All-in-all, Main Street Markets was a solid lunch outing and it comes with The Vacationlanders seal of approval.

About the Author

Gardiner Bryant's Profile Picture

Gardiner Bryant is President and Chief Creative Officer of Heavy Element, a Maine-based media studio specializing in audio/video production and web design.

Gardiner was born and raised in Maine. His ties to the area run deep. He loves this state and everything it has to offer!