French & Brawn Marketplace

One of the downsides of roadtrips is the constant search for decent on-the-go food. French & Brawn is, essentially, a grocery store and bakery. But they elevated themselves to Google Review Status exclusively because I could buy an individual hard boiled egg to go along with my coffee and muffin, making my breakfast truly Hobbit worthy. Coffee was delicious and the Blueberry Muffin had berries well dispersed throughout the entire thing. (Other than people who don’t use blinkers, Blueberry Muffins with berries only stuck on top drives me up a wall.) The boiled egg was fresh and easy to peel. Be sure to grab a giant cookie - perfect for elevenses.

Very nice market for your needs. Good variety of wines, whole bean coffee plus a deli! Loved it. Wide selections of items for cooking in as well as ready made items from their deli. We stopped in several times during our Camden visit and found the staff friendly and knowledgeable.

We stopped in here after a long drive and thankfully it was still open. It was 7pm, which can be a bad time to look for food in the area. We found everything we needed in the grocery section and the deli has a nice selection of bread, sandwiches, meat and cheese. Looked like a decent wine selection, too. The workers were friendly and offered suggestions. Location is ideal, right in the middle of DT Camden.

Everything you need plus a few things to take your weekend over the top. Fresh, delicious sandwiches, baked goods, kitchen staples and canned champagne. If they don’t have it, you don’t need it.

Great deli! Bakery taste so nice. It was beautiful sunny day. I bought coffee and some croissants., ate near port and had great time.

2023:My original evaluation still stands. I picked a couple of small local jam jars this time for 6.50 each. 2019:A few unique items, some typical grocery items. Nice little store with fairly high prices. Have to pay for a bag and get a pretty thin bag without handles. The bags definitely could be better especially at a cost.

Fantastic little deli to stock up on great foods for a road trip. Quality and choice is amazing. They have Finnan Haddie to take out! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

$40 a lb for Salami lunch meat. What? Hahahahahahaha no. No thank you. If you're going to be staying in town please plan ahead and buy before you come into town, this place is unreal with what they try to charge. It's nice to have something convenient and in the center of town... But avoid this place if you have any care about spending your money in a reasonable way.

Convenient walk from anywhere in town with medium selection of healthy food, not a lot of organic.

Such a cool place in the middle of town. Wish I knew about this place before I went and got take out across the street, perfect place to get stuff for a sunset picnic. Also had some gourmet ice cream and nice selection of wine, cheese and deli food

Charming grocery store, with some of the best smells in town. Bakery and butcher are doing a great job. This is the perfect place to stock up for the week or to simply go for a day sail. They will have all your needs. Went here on more than one occasion during my stay in Camden.

Absolutely loved this place. DELICIOUS pastries. I had the mango scone and it was probably the best scone I've ever had. So many prepared sandwiches, salads, and other snacky foods to choose from. I was tickled by the fresh hard boiled eggs. Full deli too. Can also pick up other household essentials here. Great little spot.

This is my favourite store, it's so sweet! I love shopping here. Yup, it's just a little old grocery store but it reminds me of being in Manhattan on the Upper West Side (years ago when there still were small grocery stores) or of being in England. The staff is so friendly. But the food! So many times, after walking around staring at menus in town, I've ended up here, grabbed a sandwich or container of fresh tuna salad, chicken salad, egg salad and a good roll and made my way down to waterfront to eat at 1/4th of the price. Besides the prepared foods though, there are super people ready to make you a sandwich, there's 3 kinds o fresh soup. the 4 bean salad is also my favourite. While your waiting turn around and check out the fresh seafood and meats. Great prices, great food, great people. Local Maine salsa!

Great to go sandwiches, made at the deli counter. Recommended for an in room impromptu or picnic!

Wonderful market with the best fresh baked goods in the back! Get the apple cake and sugar cookie for sure!

Great market. Fresh croissants, meats, seafood and any market item needed to make your stay enjoyable.

Adorable little specialty and nonspecialty grocery store in Camden! Be aware that the prices are a little steep but it's a cute store in the middle of downtown so we weren't terribly surprised. There's a deli in the back from which we ordered delicious sandwiches and had a picnic dinner. The potato salad is insane. Don't miss it! While we were there we were able to stock up on some treats for our hotel room too, including snacks, but also beer, wine, and cocktail mixers (beer and wine selection is really good too)! Will DEFINITELY stop back in if we are in the area again!

I love this store !! The desserts are amazing !! People are super friendly ! It's one of my favorite stops in Camden

What an adorable market! French & Brawn really epitomizes Maine, since it's small and local but not too expensive or pretentious. They have a nice mix of staples and funky local items: you can get everything from fresh produce and bread to Chuao chocolates and locally made jam. Even though it's a small store, they have their own bakery and deli. The bakery had a ton of items, including peanut butter cookies (~$1.50 for one as big as your hand!) and seven layer bars. We picked up some salmon pate and a warm baguette for snacking at the hotel. They carry 3 different locally roasted brands of coffee, so we grabbed up one of each! A pound will run you $12-13 for the local stuff or $10-11 for Newman's Own or Green Mountain. They also have two grinders (one for flavored coffee and one for plain), which was convenient considering how small the store is. The cashier was so friendly and demonstrated to us that she had "trained" a local dog to come beg for treats at the door! French & Brawn feels like a relic from another time, but it's still a convenient and reasonably priced place to stock up on groceries!

Walked in 5 min before they closed and was hoping to find a dessert to take back to the hotel. The staff went above and beyond to cut two slices of apple pie for us in the bakery... when they absolutely didn't have to. Great service and staff.

Lots of grocery delights here. Everything from fresh meats and produce to most dry goods. There was a bakery section and also lunches to go. Great beer and wine selection as well.

This is a lovely specialty market in downtown Camden to which we've been coming for many years. When we've rented summer vacation houses in Camden, this has most often been the go-to place to pick up needed groceries. But even when we're staying in a hotel or motel as we were on this latest visit we always stop in. Whether it is to buy picnic items or to have some food or drink on hand in our room, we find it to be a really nice store and manageable place to shop. There is a good selection of meats, fish, baked goods, coffee, cold cuts, cheese, beer and wine, produce as well as everyday grocery items. The staff is pleasant and accommodating. The convenient downtown location off-sets the sometimes higher prices you'll find here. It's small and easily navigable which is also to say not overwhelming. If you insist on a large, chain supermarket you can head further down the road to Hannafords. But for the most part we prefer French and Brawn for its uniqueness and the more personalized Camden-centric service that it offers.

First time back to French & Brawn since my last vacation here around 2010, and this place has not lost its magic. First, the food. Had delicious chowder my first day, and it does not get any better. Served every day at lunch, I plan to have it every other day during the week I am here. Second, the people. (Maybe they should be first.). All are delightful. Friendly, cheerful, helpful . . . .this is a great place to start your day. And last, fair pricing. One morning, I got three muffins, coffee and another item, and I was ready with my twenty dollar bill. No. $8. Don't get within twenty miles of Camden and not head for French & Brawn.

What a fantastic find in Camden! A full market with fresh fish great selection of cheeses and wine, and a complete deli. Sandwiches were excellent I have the Italian for 999 was better than I've had in many places for more money.

Came into town tired from the road at 5:45 on a Saturday hungry and needed to feed the family. Did not want to tackle the wait for a table at a restaurant and really just wanted some quality carry out. Not only did we get delicious Italian subs made by the friendly and courteous staff, but the owner herself spoiled me rotten! I wanted a lobster roll which apparently was not on the menu for the day. She could have said, "no we don't have one," and I would have gladly accepted this but she did not. The owner made me the best lobster roll HERSELF and it has been by far the best I've had on this 2 week tour de Maine! I also picked up an impressive array of cheeses, meats, fruits and wine! A true gem not to be missed!

Stopped here during a road trip as we were passing through Camden. We were hungry and looking for some on the road things. This place has it all. We were on our way to our hotel and were able to pick up some wine, and treats to keep in our room. Best of all, we also grabbed some fresh produce, and THE BEST chicken salad sandwich me and my husband have ever had. We still talk about it 6months later haha. Stop here for essentials and delish sammys whenever you can :)

Great market! Lots of options and local products. We stopped in for a few items for our charcuterie board. We wanted to buy just about everything but didn't have enough time or space on our travels. There was fresh ground coffee that made the whole store smell heavenly. I would definitely recommend stopping in to grab food on the go or if you're looking for fresh, local ingredients.

We stopped in here today to pick up something for tomorrow's breakfast in case it's raining too hard to go out tomorrow morning. It's a nice specialty market downtown. We walked in, looked over the produce, then wended our way back to where the baked goods are displayed in cabinets. I got a Glorious Morning muffin and Alan got an everything bagel. They stock meats and cheeses and a variety of prepared items, as well as standard grocery store offerings, but these baked goods did it for us.

I have been shopping there for a few years now. I love it. Their customer service is second to none. I can't wait to see what's on special tomorrow!

So, we aren't close enough to Camden to regularly visit this shop, but when we do I have found exactly what I was looking for and more. Reasonable prices for a small shop. Good Organic fruit selection and FABULOUS delicatessen options. Great service, always helpful.

Nice little market that has a little of everything. Produce was very fresh and local and the selection was decent for such a small place. It's like taking a step back in time with the wooden floors and service. Very Camden. I recommend grabbing some lunch foods and heading to the library for a picnic overlooking the quant harbor.

Great food, pleasant staff! I was in Maine for a couple of days, staying at the Spouter Inn in Lincolnville Beach. I didn't feel like doing the formal, sit-down dinner thing, so I stopped at this market because I knew I could also grab a bottle of wine for a light supper. What a gem! I grabbed a baguette so fresh and warm that I couldn't even get a half mile down the street without ripping into it while driving. Their deli and prepared foods are gorgeous, and the location can't be beat. Keep it up!

Just a great little old grocery store that carries many of the finer foods. They have butchers right there that will custom cut meats. Their deli will make special orders for parties and events. Need live lobsters F&B has them in their seafood department. They will even boil them for you if you give them a half hours notice. French & Brawn definitely get a thumbs up from me.

This Market provides some diverse grocery options that are of relatively decent price. However, when it comes to the premade food, such as the pastries, cold sandwiches, and premade dinners they are of poor quality and are (imo) over priced. They are not worth the money you spend on them. As far as grocery content, thumbs up, where it comes to preparing their own food they are lacking in quality and affordability, thumbs down.

Loved exploring the French & Brawn Market Place. Not only did they have a nice selection of unique groceries but they also had prepackaged ready to take and eat foods and a counter to make fresh options. My selection was a side salad with country French dressing. It was fresh, crisp, and tasty. I also picked up a peanut butter cookie. The texture was good but it lacked peanut butter flavor. Definitely worth a visit to this place.

Small, upscale grocery conveniently right in the center of town. Prices are about midway between the supermarket and a restaurant. The building has character and the staff were nice. There is a produce section up front that is small but legit, with a variety of nice looking stuff. You can grab e.g. the fixins for a picnic lunch or dinner at home. I had a kitchen at my rental and got some fresh fish, beet salad, broccoli salad, some local beer, a scone and some local coffee from "Coffee on the Porch" - everything was good.

This is a small market, so they didn't have the retail space to hold all my heart's desires, but that's okay. I went in a for a 6-pack of PBR, and although they didn't have it, they had a large selection of tall boys (in a bottle so it's classy), 6-packs (Maine craft brews), and wine. I ended up choosing the Gritty McDuff's Original Pub Style Pale Ale - 1 Pint and 6 oz later I was content. This is a great little spot to stop in if you're looking for something to bring out on the boat or back to your room at the B&B.

Wow, what a let-down. I had expectations of a mini Dean & Deluca. The most exotic thing in this place was me, and that is not a positive thing. Just standard fare, Boars Head, mostly domestic cheese, pedestrian wines, national beers. There has got to be a huge untapped market here for some good food.

Reasonable market, deli, and pastry shop. Good place to grab a hot beverage and a muffin when you don't feel like a full Camden meal adventure. The selection's good, but each item was a little lackluster --- the apple cider a little too sweet, the tasty blueberry pie's crust far too dry, the blueberry danish a little limp. Still, easy in and out and lots of things to choose from.

Friendly employees lead the way at the "Corner Grocery" which has is open early and has all the essentials for a day out on the boat or your backyard BBQ. I was in and out in less than 5 minutes with everything I needed. Centrally located in Camden and easily accessible from the Marina.

OMG. It celebrated its 150th birthday while we were there. In the same location, I think. The food is so good, and convenient to where we stayed on Bay View, that we cooked in 4 nights. And the owners and staff make you feel like locals the second time you come in. Amazing meats. Probably the best lamb rack I have ever tasted. Organic local pork. Wonderful produce and great selection of crackers, cheeses, wine that was reasonably priced, prepared sandwiches, fresh fish. Even if you don't have a kitchen, just go and experience it.

Nice local grocery store. They have a good selection of wine and beer. You can buy things at a reasonable price to bring back to your room or boat.

I think this place is hit-or-miss; unfortunately my visit was to the Deli and it was a complete miss. Potato and pasta salads were either excessively sweet, or bland as can be. A disappointment to say the least, more on Hannaford's level than Whole Foods. At these prices and location, I was expecting a higher level of sophistication. The rest of the store looked decent, especially the meat and fish dept., and the employees were cheerful and friendly.

Ok, this is probably the MOST friendly market that I have ever step foot into. I was provisioning for a Yacht that I am working on and had a big list of stuff. The butcher was incredible! Super helpful and cut my short ribs to order, not to mention the pork loin, the ground beef,and the chicken breasts. At least 2 people came up and asked me if i was finding what I was looking for and then... after cash out (600.00) they gave me a RIDE back to the boat! Maybe its a small town thing, but they have customer service down! Also, their fresh breads, and deli was amazing. For such a small place, they had EVERYTHING!

It's a grocery store. Not a super market. It's local and it supports local. Good seafood counter. Good meat counter. Good newspaper selection. Used to have a big tub of pistachio's out front and a wheel of cheese, but in the modern germophobe era, those are gone. My fave. Go to the back, look in the cooler and get a sandwich. I am partial to the blt, my bff liked the chicken parmesan. Made on local breads, stuffed and under $6.50 if memory serves correct. Grab a soda or other drink, some regional chips and walk across the street and sit in the park (or go over to the harbor) and have a picnic. Life is good.

Great value. Great service. Nothing fancy but a full range of standard to gormet and speacilty brands. Butchers who cut your meat according to your wishes and advice if you ask. Home delivery and prepared meals or dishes upon request. Neighbors talking to neighbors. Not many places like this anymore.

I love French and Brawn! It is an "old-fashioned" corner grocery store. They provide excellent customer service and are friendly and caring. Their produce selection is good with local items in season. You can take out lunch or breakfast from their bakery and premade sandwiches. I love the atmosphere as it reminds me of days gone by.

I felt like I was back in Paris. Fabulous take out. Fresh fish. Small but well stocked shelves. Absolutely worth patronizing. With I had one on my block. I'd shop daily and live European style in great pleasure.

Beautiful market with a selection of specialty foods, including meats, cheeses, breads etc. if you're camping nearby at Camden Hills, they'll cook up lobsters for you and have them ready in no time for you to take back to your site. When you're friends at the neighboring sites are all waiting for the fire to heat up so they can cook up their franks & beans, they'll envy you for your ingenuity.

French & Brawn is a really cool market. It's more expensive than the average supermarket but they've got a good selection of food and it's hard to leave the store empty handed. If you're staying in the area, this is a store you'll want to visit.

Great place! Lots of fresh foods and baked goods ready for picnic lunches. Two thumbs up

Camden staple. Great place to pick up baked goods, the chocolate/sugar donuts are perfect. Grab a coffee and pack a sandwich for an afternoon sail on Penobscot Bay. They also have an excellent selection of Maine beers.

I was walking around Camden and walked in to browse. They have most impressive collection of spices I have seen at a non-specialty store! I stood staring at the selections for a while. They also have a decent selection of meats, cheeses, breads, etc. and regular grocery items.

Excellent local market. Superior meat & fish department! The produce is clean and impressive such a small place.