We are moving from Belmont to Harvard and having lived in Stowe (with an "e") as well, know what picky is all about. First off on value: We were at the "store" the other day and wanted a jumbo hot dog. The guy behind the counter said they were frozen and offered us two regular hot dogs for the same price. So on a net weight basis, as well as the convenience to share, it was a deal. So we found value there. Having lived in Vermont, the real value of a general store is information. At the "store" learned all about the advantages and problems with Charter Communications. Also, the person operating the wine store upstairs was encyclopedic about wines, as well as issues in the community. He even knew more about a wine store in Belmont than we did. No. The general store is not a convenience store, and they also don't sell hardware as some do, but they made us feel welcome in the community, and that is worth a great deal. Just remember: "If you heard it on the radio and also at the general store, it must be true." read more

Absolutely love the staff and food. Great coffee. Great beer and wine selection. The best scones and custom order bakery.

Ok. Re doing my original review. I heard the General Store was under new management and attended a Pub night with friends recently. Pleasantly surprised by the offerings. I still don't think I would stop in for the basic needs, but great gathering spot to meet friends. I did not get any food, but the steak tip Caesar salad looked great! Glad I gave this a 2nd chance! read more

Some updates, a couple years later. The wine and beer upstairs is flowing, and it is really great, just like the rest of the place. They have a relatively small but very deeply thought out offering, with reasonable prices and a great ambiance, with regular free tastings. The owners are no longer active on site but the new manager is just great too, and the vibe is the same, though I miss seeing the dog Jake. They might not be doing hot dogs any more. Not sure if that's a permanent change or not. Besides coffee and wine, I tend to get the dried salamis, cheese, bread, and the occasional fancy pastry. They've also started carrying spectacular cut flowers. read more

This is a great local resource, but not for everyone. Most everything here are speciality items, and as one reviewer said, not basic items. Reason is this, Harvard is small and can't support a business with low margin items. This is a town with a pizza place, a Dunkin Donuts, and that's about it. The current owners put a lot of money refurbishing an old building and shouldn't get one star because they don't offer $2 bread. read more

went in today to order a sandwich. It was 2:20. I asked the girl if i could look at the menu. She said the kitchen was closed but fiddled around explaining the hours and looking for a menu. I asked again if it was closed...she responded yes. I turned to leave and heard the drippy sarcastic "have a wonderful rest of your day". The place is conveniently located for my wife and I. On the way to work and would go there on a fairly regular basis if the customer service wasn't so poor. My wife had a similar experience a year or so ago. We are good, down to earth people but the waitstaff is horrible. Owner, wake up. These inconsiderate jerks are driving away your business. read more

I consider myself lucky to live so close to a quaint, independent, "general" store: the chill vibe, the old school candy selection, the organic snacks and ingredients to purchase, fresh coffee & pastries, the notable amount of different wines & craft beers, the support of local artistries, and the grilled food. We love swinging by on a long weekend for their delectable pancakes that taste more like fluffy sugar cookies, or in the afternoon for their signature burger. But, while the burgers are great, they are often more on the rare side no matter how you order them -- perhaps this is because teenagers are working the grill and learning? Because of that, orders are some level of screwed up and usually takes a bit longer, however, they are so kind about fixing their mistakes. I support these younger aged workers because I love seeing the them learning to deal with the public while experiencing work, and I love the General Store for giving them a chance. I've attended multiple wine tastings, which are always fabulous and conducted by astute sommeliers full of knowledge that they're willing to share. I've yet to take a wine class at the General Store, but fully intend to when it's conducive with my life's schedule :) The General Store works close with the community and supports independent creators. They sell wool-woven socks & gloves during the winter, handmade soaps, greeting cards constructed by local artists, and more. Con: They don't take American Express and you must have a $5 minimum to use a debit card. So, bring cash. read more

The General has gotten better over time, with good sandwiches for lunch, more seating, and reasonably-priced wines now on the first level. The George Howell coffee (the beans, not in-store brewed) prices are up to almost absurd levels, though, and that's what pulled me in at first. read more

Very good spot for great wine selection and unique items. Cute country old store feel. Makes for a nice New England town center atmosphere. read more

Best coffee around. Cozy atmosphere. I love having this place nearby. There are a few tables and they recently started serving sandwiches.

We love the Harvard General Store. It's a great place to pick up groceries, beer, wine or grab a cup of coffee/tea. It is also serves a delicious breakfast and lunch menu. The food is great and the setting is charming and quaint. It's also a wonderful place to have an event. There is a large room right above the store called "Upstairs @ The General" where they hold a variety of events from wine tastings and art exhibits to "pub nights" with live bands. My wife and I recently rented the space for the second year in a row for an annual "ALS Concert for a Cure" fundraiser. We had about 100 people attend for a beer/wine mixer followed by a live acoustic concert. The room was perfect and the owner, Scott Hayward, was extremely easy to work with and very helpful with the event planning and set up. We'll definitely be back next year. So if you're looking for a cool and unique place to hold an event or just somewhere to meet friends for coffee/lunch, I highly recommend the Harvard General Store. read more

This place is great! It's so cute, and has art shows and events upstairs. The food was great too and I even got a cute sweater! If I lived in town, I'd be at this place all the time, but I'm in NJ. Can't wait to visit again!!!! read more

Harvard General Store is a great visit in Autumn, or anytime. They offer selections of gourmet cheeses, fresh coffee; and the selections of boutique wines and wine tastings upstairs are a real find. The art pieces are unusual, well chosen and nicely presented. All in all it's an accessible gem in a picturesque location. read more

The Harvard General Rocks! A classic 100+ year-old store beautifully restored the way things used to be before the chains took over. Top-notch products and friendly personal service. Not a convenience store - there are way more than enough of those. The General is unique and carries things you'd like but can't find at the convenience store. A special place. Stop in an see for yourself. If you're lucky, you might get to chat with Adam the owner. He actually works there and is a really neat guy! -steven & marilyn read more

Beautiful place. Used to be almost nothing more than a gas-station-like convenience store about 6 years ago, but the renovations and changes are fantastic. They make a great cup of coffee, and really know their way around the expresso machines. Most everything here is locally bought if possible, so its great to support local businesses and get quality at the same time. Just an overall good atmosphere that perfectly fits the town of Harvard. read more

There's nothing general about this place and it carries what the owners want and not what is needed by most people in the Town. Mostly gourmet stuff and expensive at that. Most people would like some place handy to buy milk or bread but this place has expensive organic milk in glass bottles that have to be returned. It's too bad as many years ago this was really a General Store where you could buy stuff you need and it didn't cater to yuppies. read more

Stoped in 4.14.18 around 4:00. One of the most beautiful and clean shop I have ever been into. Wanted information. Tall blond sales lady was so rude to me and my wife not really wanting to help us so we left with out purchase. read more

Really like this place! It's very bike friendly, the coffee is good, and everyone who works here seems to be nice and in a good mood. If you are in the area, be sure to stop in and take a look. read more

Wouldn't allow me to pay with a debit card for$4.50 because they had a $5.00 minimum. Having Staff that couldn't override a policy for a frequent patron is a ridiculous position for a local business. Won't be returning. Lunch is alright, breakfast not so much. read more

Cute country store, but $6 for a tiny, tiny paper cup of lukewarm soup that wasn't even that good? With a tiny plastic bag of oyster crackers to accompany? Sorry, no charm in that and way too expensive. I am a thin woman and ate that soup in four bites ... could have bought a bowl of better, larger soup at the Ritz for same $$. read more

Stopped in here to check it out. Ended up getting coffees and a piece of coffee cake. Awesome! I wanted to get another piece of coffee cake it was so good. They had a good selection of beer and wine. Some craft brews, some regular domestic, a bit of red and white wines (I'm more of a beer person so I'm not too knowledgeable about the wine). I saw a sign stating there were more upstairs but we didn't go up. They had a kitchen in the back that i think made hot sandwiches and a little bit of this and that (pastries, gifts, snacks, beverages, etc). Would definitely stop in if we're in the area. read more

Not a "convenience" store for Wonder bread or a gallon of Hood milk, but convenient for locals who want good coffee, fine wine, craft beer, ice cream, fresh bread, an emergency dinner of locally made soup and cheeses, or the occasional hostess gift. So I love this place and can't imagine Harvard without it. read more

Love this place. The vibe is great, its an empowering gathering space for the community and its got items you can't get at the grocery store AND its all about supporting local biz. Yea, maybe some products seem expensive or fancy but look at who you are supporting by choosing those goods vs the big names at the supermarket, you're INVESTING in something more than just a cup of coffee or a snack, you're investing in the little guy. Keep it up :) read more

I met the folks from the Harvard General Store in November or December of last year. They are a retail partner for my business American Stonecraft just to be upfront about that connection. The current management took over in August 2012 so that is something to keep in mind. From my impression, it is exactly what a general store should be. Mostly food and beverages, local goodies, stuff you need in a pinch, stuff you didn't know you needed till you see it. Responding to the reviewer that said they only sell really expensive items, I bought a natural fir scented candle (from a local business) around the holiday and I remember that being a very reasonable 15 dollars in a glass holder. My work I exhibit at the store (in natural stone) also starts at $40 which most acknowledge to be very reasonable for what it is. They don't just have boutique items though, they have wide variety of food, drinks (especially wine), good selection of beer (ie Pretty Things from Somerville). The help is friendly, not overbearing. I am excited to see that they are expanding the fresh food offerings as well once the floorplan is renovated. Harvard is a beautiful town and be sure to check out the Fruitlands Museum if you are in the area. Also a popular country area for riding a bike or taking a hike. Review on Jan 2013 by Gerald C read more

Great place..I held an event at HGS last night...Scott the owner and his staff couldn't have been friendlier and more accommodating. They make you feel at home. I highly recommend it. read more

Forget everything you knew about Harvard General Store under the former owners. This lovely store will become the go-to stop for most necessities, especially wine and craft beer. The wine shop upstairs is a serene stop away from the hustle and bustle of the downstairs. Stephen, the wine director, has an unsurpassed passion and knowledge for wine, and can show you a wonderful bottle in every price range. Don't miss the Saturday wine tastings, you are certain to discover a new favorite. read more

The Harvard General is really beautifully restored. Of course its a bit pricey-I wouldnt run here for things I may have run out of at home, but its a great place for treats and fabulous coffee. read more

This place is definitely cute and charming, but it's overpriced for what it is (not surprising since it's in Harvard). I stopped there for a coffee and a breakfast sandwich. They have signature breakfast sandwiches, or you can create your own. I created my own because I wanted something simple, just the basics - egg whites, cheddar, and bacon on an english muffin. I got the sandwich to go, and when I got to work and unwrapped it, there was a bunch of extra stuff that I didn't want (which again, is why I specifically ordered what I did) - wilted salad greens, avocado with some brown spots, and a ton of hot chili sauce. I was able to remove most of this and eat the rest of the sandwich, but it was definitely NOT worth the price they charged. The coffee was good, but again, completely overpriced for what it is (also, the medium size would be a small size pretty much anywhere else). Lesson learned. read more

Best Value. I go when ever I can. I buy all my coffees here. While the other coffee spot in town seems to have actually declined in taste / quality, The General has actually maintained or improved. Wish we could have more things like this in Harvard. read more

Great stuff. People say that the fancy wine takes away from the classic feel. Not true. If there wasn't a market for the wine, they wouldn't sell it. The employees are cheerful. read more

Their sandwiches are a total rip off. I had the chicken salad wrap which was NOT chicken salad but a few strips of chicken with 5 dried cranberries and 2 walnut halves thrown in and a ton of lettuce. It sells for $7.95. What a disappointment. I'll never get a sandwich there again. read more

We came across the Harvard General Store after being told that the Apple Ice Wine (Still River Winery) could be bought here, and the orchard we were at didn't sell it. It was not the general store that we expected - a huge wine selection but mediocre selection in everything else. We saw signs for a wine tasting that evening (this was Sept. 22) and decided to come back. The wine tasting was FREE and featured ten wines. The wine taster was from a wine distributor and knew a ton about each wine, treated each family as they were an individual, and took the time to wait on us personally. The tastes were quite large as well! The room was packed! We decided to buy a bottle of wine that we had tasted - and it was discounted due to the wine tasting. As we checked out, we learned that the general store is under new ownership and he is using the wine tasting as a way to recruit business. He was successful in that. We might come back just for this -it was GREAT! He also mentioned that they are going to try to do beer tastings as well. It was wonderful! read more