Had my first "Amato's Original" sandwich seventeen years ago on a visit to Portland. In addition to several breweries and distilleries, having another was definitely on my to-do list during this visit. This sandwich still possesses the indescribable heavenly taste of the fresh soft bread mixing with the meat, cheese, fresh veggies and o & v. I'm not into overstuffed sandwiches; the amount of ingredients is just perfect for me. You can double the meat and cheese as an option. My wife really liked the chicken salad wrap. The kids shared a small mushroom pizza, which was thin crust with fresh sauce and cheese. The place was hopping on a Saturday at lunch time and almost scared us off. The employees managed to take care of everyone in a very organized manner and were very calm and courteous.
(5)
Ryan C.
This amatos has gone so far downhill its not even funny, might be fun to go to if you are from away or were born here and remember the good old days, but go to North Deering or St. Johns if you are local. If they don't mess up the order, they give you an attitude. Its really sad because they were so good for so long, but they've taken it for granted at this location and its just not worth the money anymore. It pains me to say this because i'm born and raised here, live on the peninsula, and this is the closest one to my house, but i'm done with them.
(1)
Peter T.
Amato's hands it to every sandwich shop i have ever been to. I live in CA and have some amazing delis, but no matter how expensive, no matter how decedent, nothing matches to the superior simplicity of an Amato's Italian Sandwich. they also have pretty solid pizza, nice a la carte salads, and an efficient ordering system.
(5)
Liquid R.
So I'm a bit baffled by this place. You have an affordable and relatively well-regarded (by locals and nostalgic types) cheap Italian eatery that actually has a nice outdoor terrace/courtyard that would be a welcome and welcoming alternative to nearby hipster hotspots like Duckfat and Eventide. Yet then you sabotage much of its potential with a series of lame policies and disgruntled staff that make eating there more aggravating than enjoyable. First of all, pony up whatever fee you need to pay and get your liquor license to cover the terrace. People are drinking outside at establishments all over Portland (and much of the Northeast, for that matter) while they can during the warmer months, so enhance your client experience and allow people to have their Allagash or Shipyard with their damn sub out in the sun, if they want. The "NO ALCOHOL OUTSIDE" sign and rule is a pissah, so unless some kind of zoning law prohibits it, get rid of it. Next, revise your asinine policy about "NO OUT-OF-STATE IDs ACCEPTED" for people wanting to buy the said Allagash or Shipyard to have with their sub. This goes for any business selling alcohol, really, in a town where tourism contributes a significant amount to the local economy. It is simply unfathomable why, where countless out-of-staters/foreigners are likely to be passing through your establishment, you would just flat-out refuse to sell a beer to an individual with something as official as a country-issued passport indicating their birthdate. It smacks of laziness covered under the guise of "we can't be expected to recognize fake IDs from out of state and don't want to be held accountable for making that mistake" excuse. Again, if the majority of businesses can do something with no issue, then you're doing your customers and yourself a disservice if you aren't. And to be quite honest, people with killer fake IDs probably aren't going to be lining up at Amato's, of all places, to use them. Lastly, if your employees are mad at life and scowl at you while explaining above policies like you are an absolute buffoon, prepare your food with disinterest, then call out your name to hand you your sub and glare at you before simply turning their backs to shuffle off and go wrap more prepared food in tin foil, then perhaps you need to do an employee audit and hire some staff who know how to be pleasant and will encourage customers to return. Oh, and for the food itself - three stars for the category of restaurant, I guess. Fresh white chewy bread used for the subs and the ingredients are fine, though overall quality and value is probably only marginally better than a Subway, which is unfortunate for what seems to be a "mom and pop" chain where attention to detail should be better in all areas.
(2)
Kim S.
I got the baked ziti with meatballs. And I'll never get it again! The sauce had NO flavor and was watery. The meatballs tasted and looked like the frozen ones you would buy at hannaford. My boyfriend got the pepperoni, sausage, and mushroom calzone, I had a bite of that, it was good but very messy. The people that work there are not friendly at all.
(1)
Richard R.
If you are one of those yelpers who frowns on chain reviews, then look away! LOL Portland, Maine (June 2014) - Let me be quick and to the point. The average star ratings here are severely mistaken! After eating myself sick on expensive lobster rolls and other seafood's while visiting Maine, it was time to give my wallet a break. What better way to do that than to get back to the basic simple foods we love so much... sammiches & pizza!!!! We sampled several different items and were please with everything: * GLUTEN FREE VEGGIE PIZZA - My wife thought it was the best she's ever had (gluten-free pizza that is... don't get that statement twisted). * CHEESESTEAK - My youngest son thought it was amazing. * MEATBALL SUB - My older son loves meatball sandwiches. It's his absolute favorite sandwich to order and he really enjoyed it. FINAL THOUGHTS Say what you will, but Amato's was awesome! It was everything we would've expected a fast food Italian joint to be. The food was good (great in some cases), the place was clean, the prices were reasonable and the service was friendly. They also have a very comfortable outdoor patio. If there were locations near my home in Georgia, we would be regulars for sure.
(4)
B C.
Been an amatos customer for 40 years and today was the worst experience ever. Rude staff. Swearing cooks. Not as nice as it used to be. Complaining about my big order was the tops. Rude rude trashy people working here!
(2)
Brian S.
A very convenient place Amato's is a strange sort of place. At first it looks like a typical chain Italian type restaurant but once inside it becomes a convenience store and then transmogrifies into a deli. It's actually an amazing little place that is anything you want it to be. They do have good and inexpensive pizza, lobster rolls, pasta and subs, just like any typical chain sort of Italian restaurant has. But Amato's also has some cool prepared food like very good salads and pasta dishes and other things usually found in a good deli. And if you look around you can find all sorts of junk food, beer and drinks in the convenience store part. There is even a nice patio outside with a weird statue where you can eat or loiter around. No, it's not gourmet food by a long shot but I love stores like this. Quick, convenient and cheap. Amato's is a very cool place that manages to do a whole lot of things quite well in a very small space
(5)
Amy A.
I have been looking forward to going to Amato's for years. My parents went back in the 90's and had nothing but wonderful things to say about the pizza and meatballs. When I went, the meatballs were cold and the pizza similar to something I'd find at Pizza Hut. Also, I've never been treated so harshly as a patron. When I reached for some seasoning for the pizza, I was yelled at and felt extremely uncomfortable. Later, when I left, I could still hear the "waitress" muttering about other customers. I don't know if she was having a bad day, but I was really disappointed by my experience. Maybe the other location in South Portland is better.
(2)
Tony B.
Went here on a recommendation. I got the original Italian. You have to get it with the oil and salt on the sandwich. I wish the sandwich had more meat to begin with but you can order double meat as an option. Good price.
(4)
Margaret M.
Haters. Wow. Amatos, don't let some of these negative reviews bring you down! I have been eating these subs since I was a little girl, and my parents were eating their subs since they were kids as well. This place knows whats up. However, if you are looking for some fancy smancy, new age sandwich with cheeses you can't pronounce, breads in foreign languages and spreads galore this is not your spot. Amato's offers simple, classic, old school, extra oil and vinegar subs. The kinds that you used to take to the beach with you wrapped in wax paper with oh-so soft white bread filled with fresh ingredients. I was happy to see that the menu really hadn't changed and that the quality is still what my taste buds remembered. It's simple goodness and just my kind of sandwich. Food snobs steer clear - this isn't your joint.
(5)
Kyle M.
Seriously, Amato's knows what's up. I can't speak for their pizza because I only get their sandwiches. They've been doing it right since I was wearing diapers. What more can I say?
(5)
Scott H.
Sandwich is historic, true, but barely decent. Subway makes a better sandwich actually. Go for the history but have very, very low expectations and it will be fine.
(1)
Monica L.
Their Italian sandwiches are five stars (as good as it gets!). Cheese Pazzo -- skip. Ziti with meat sauce -- skip. Pepperoni pizza -- surprisingly good, especially if you get it cheaply on the day it's the daily special.
(5)
Betsy B.
Sorry New England but this place lacks good taste. How hard is it to make pizza taste like nothing. No seasoning, bland crust. Also tried the ham sub with veggies. Again. The bread lacked any flavor. If you cannot use good bread, just give it up. I don't care how long this place has been around, yuck!! Also, canned mushrooms on the pizza, really? Avoid this place like the plague!!!
(1)
Patrick R.
Very high quality sandwiches at a reasonable price.
(4)
Tom D.
This is the best place to stop in and get a lunch to go and sit down by Casco Bay and eat. The Italian sandwich is the best. They have other sandwiches, pizza and calzones. Call ahead for faster service, sometimes there's a long line.
(4)
Chris N.
The food is decent for the price. However there is nowhere to sit and I have found their staff rude and extremely slow.
(2)
Eliza M.
This is the ORIGINAL Amatos and continues to be my favorite. I love all the sandwiches but I almost always get the classic italian. I always go light on the oil, salt and pepper, extra pickles! There is NOTHING like an Amato's PICKLE!
(5)
Ashley T.
I live in DC now, and I think about Amato's at least 3 times a week. Sad, but true. I grew up in Maine, and maybe that's part of the love I have for those glorious Italian sandwiches, but seriously... I need one. And I need it BAD. This probably isn't the most informative of reviews, but I don't care. I just wanted an excuse to think out loud about devouring a full size, extra pickles and olives, with salt pepper and oil, glorious, delicious Italian sandwich. (Insert Homer Simpson drool here_____)
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.
Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.
Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Glenn W.
Had my first "Amato's Original" sandwich seventeen years ago on a visit to Portland. In addition to several breweries and distilleries, having another was definitely on my to-do list during this visit. This sandwich still possesses the indescribable heavenly taste of the fresh soft bread mixing with the meat, cheese, fresh veggies and o & v. I'm not into overstuffed sandwiches; the amount of ingredients is just perfect for me. You can double the meat and cheese as an option. My wife really liked the chicken salad wrap. The kids shared a small mushroom pizza, which was thin crust with fresh sauce and cheese. The place was hopping on a Saturday at lunch time and almost scared us off. The employees managed to take care of everyone in a very organized manner and were very calm and courteous.
(5)Ryan C.
This amatos has gone so far downhill its not even funny, might be fun to go to if you are from away or were born here and remember the good old days, but go to North Deering or St. Johns if you are local. If they don't mess up the order, they give you an attitude. Its really sad because they were so good for so long, but they've taken it for granted at this location and its just not worth the money anymore. It pains me to say this because i'm born and raised here, live on the peninsula, and this is the closest one to my house, but i'm done with them.
(1)Peter T.
Amato's hands it to every sandwich shop i have ever been to. I live in CA and have some amazing delis, but no matter how expensive, no matter how decedent, nothing matches to the superior simplicity of an Amato's Italian Sandwich. they also have pretty solid pizza, nice a la carte salads, and an efficient ordering system.
(5)Liquid R.
So I'm a bit baffled by this place. You have an affordable and relatively well-regarded (by locals and nostalgic types) cheap Italian eatery that actually has a nice outdoor terrace/courtyard that would be a welcome and welcoming alternative to nearby hipster hotspots like Duckfat and Eventide. Yet then you sabotage much of its potential with a series of lame policies and disgruntled staff that make eating there more aggravating than enjoyable. First of all, pony up whatever fee you need to pay and get your liquor license to cover the terrace. People are drinking outside at establishments all over Portland (and much of the Northeast, for that matter) while they can during the warmer months, so enhance your client experience and allow people to have their Allagash or Shipyard with their damn sub out in the sun, if they want. The "NO ALCOHOL OUTSIDE" sign and rule is a pissah, so unless some kind of zoning law prohibits it, get rid of it. Next, revise your asinine policy about "NO OUT-OF-STATE IDs ACCEPTED" for people wanting to buy the said Allagash or Shipyard to have with their sub. This goes for any business selling alcohol, really, in a town where tourism contributes a significant amount to the local economy. It is simply unfathomable why, where countless out-of-staters/foreigners are likely to be passing through your establishment, you would just flat-out refuse to sell a beer to an individual with something as official as a country-issued passport indicating their birthdate. It smacks of laziness covered under the guise of "we can't be expected to recognize fake IDs from out of state and don't want to be held accountable for making that mistake" excuse. Again, if the majority of businesses can do something with no issue, then you're doing your customers and yourself a disservice if you aren't. And to be quite honest, people with killer fake IDs probably aren't going to be lining up at Amato's, of all places, to use them. Lastly, if your employees are mad at life and scowl at you while explaining above policies like you are an absolute buffoon, prepare your food with disinterest, then call out your name to hand you your sub and glare at you before simply turning their backs to shuffle off and go wrap more prepared food in tin foil, then perhaps you need to do an employee audit and hire some staff who know how to be pleasant and will encourage customers to return. Oh, and for the food itself - three stars for the category of restaurant, I guess. Fresh white chewy bread used for the subs and the ingredients are fine, though overall quality and value is probably only marginally better than a Subway, which is unfortunate for what seems to be a "mom and pop" chain where attention to detail should be better in all areas.
(2)Kim S.
I got the baked ziti with meatballs. And I'll never get it again! The sauce had NO flavor and was watery. The meatballs tasted and looked like the frozen ones you would buy at hannaford. My boyfriend got the pepperoni, sausage, and mushroom calzone, I had a bite of that, it was good but very messy. The people that work there are not friendly at all.
(1)Richard R.
If you are one of those yelpers who frowns on chain reviews, then look away! LOL Portland, Maine (June 2014) - Let me be quick and to the point. The average star ratings here are severely mistaken! After eating myself sick on expensive lobster rolls and other seafood's while visiting Maine, it was time to give my wallet a break. What better way to do that than to get back to the basic simple foods we love so much... sammiches & pizza!!!! We sampled several different items and were please with everything: * GLUTEN FREE VEGGIE PIZZA - My wife thought it was the best she's ever had (gluten-free pizza that is... don't get that statement twisted). * CHEESESTEAK - My youngest son thought it was amazing. * MEATBALL SUB - My older son loves meatball sandwiches. It's his absolute favorite sandwich to order and he really enjoyed it. FINAL THOUGHTS Say what you will, but Amato's was awesome! It was everything we would've expected a fast food Italian joint to be. The food was good (great in some cases), the place was clean, the prices were reasonable and the service was friendly. They also have a very comfortable outdoor patio. If there were locations near my home in Georgia, we would be regulars for sure.
(4)B C.
Been an amatos customer for 40 years and today was the worst experience ever. Rude staff. Swearing cooks. Not as nice as it used to be. Complaining about my big order was the tops. Rude rude trashy people working here!
(2)Brian S.
A very convenient place Amato's is a strange sort of place. At first it looks like a typical chain Italian type restaurant but once inside it becomes a convenience store and then transmogrifies into a deli. It's actually an amazing little place that is anything you want it to be. They do have good and inexpensive pizza, lobster rolls, pasta and subs, just like any typical chain sort of Italian restaurant has. But Amato's also has some cool prepared food like very good salads and pasta dishes and other things usually found in a good deli. And if you look around you can find all sorts of junk food, beer and drinks in the convenience store part. There is even a nice patio outside with a weird statue where you can eat or loiter around. No, it's not gourmet food by a long shot but I love stores like this. Quick, convenient and cheap. Amato's is a very cool place that manages to do a whole lot of things quite well in a very small space
(5)Amy A.
I have been looking forward to going to Amato's for years. My parents went back in the 90's and had nothing but wonderful things to say about the pizza and meatballs. When I went, the meatballs were cold and the pizza similar to something I'd find at Pizza Hut. Also, I've never been treated so harshly as a patron. When I reached for some seasoning for the pizza, I was yelled at and felt extremely uncomfortable. Later, when I left, I could still hear the "waitress" muttering about other customers. I don't know if she was having a bad day, but I was really disappointed by my experience. Maybe the other location in South Portland is better.
(2)Tony B.
Went here on a recommendation. I got the original Italian. You have to get it with the oil and salt on the sandwich. I wish the sandwich had more meat to begin with but you can order double meat as an option. Good price.
(4)Margaret M.
Haters. Wow. Amatos, don't let some of these negative reviews bring you down! I have been eating these subs since I was a little girl, and my parents were eating their subs since they were kids as well. This place knows whats up. However, if you are looking for some fancy smancy, new age sandwich with cheeses you can't pronounce, breads in foreign languages and spreads galore this is not your spot. Amato's offers simple, classic, old school, extra oil and vinegar subs. The kinds that you used to take to the beach with you wrapped in wax paper with oh-so soft white bread filled with fresh ingredients. I was happy to see that the menu really hadn't changed and that the quality is still what my taste buds remembered. It's simple goodness and just my kind of sandwich. Food snobs steer clear - this isn't your joint.
(5)Kyle M.
Seriously, Amato's knows what's up. I can't speak for their pizza because I only get their sandwiches. They've been doing it right since I was wearing diapers. What more can I say?
(5)Scott H.
Sandwich is historic, true, but barely decent. Subway makes a better sandwich actually. Go for the history but have very, very low expectations and it will be fine.
(1)Monica L.
Their Italian sandwiches are five stars (as good as it gets!). Cheese Pazzo -- skip. Ziti with meat sauce -- skip. Pepperoni pizza -- surprisingly good, especially if you get it cheaply on the day it's the daily special.
(5)Betsy B.
Sorry New England but this place lacks good taste. How hard is it to make pizza taste like nothing. No seasoning, bland crust. Also tried the ham sub with veggies. Again. The bread lacked any flavor. If you cannot use good bread, just give it up. I don't care how long this place has been around, yuck!! Also, canned mushrooms on the pizza, really? Avoid this place like the plague!!!
(1)Patrick R.
Very high quality sandwiches at a reasonable price.
(4)Tom D.
This is the best place to stop in and get a lunch to go and sit down by Casco Bay and eat. The Italian sandwich is the best. They have other sandwiches, pizza and calzones. Call ahead for faster service, sometimes there's a long line.
(4)Chris N.
The food is decent for the price. However there is nowhere to sit and I have found their staff rude and extremely slow.
(2)Eliza M.
This is the ORIGINAL Amatos and continues to be my favorite. I love all the sandwiches but I almost always get the classic italian. I always go light on the oil, salt and pepper, extra pickles! There is NOTHING like an Amato's PICKLE!
(5)Ashley T.
I live in DC now, and I think about Amato's at least 3 times a week. Sad, but true. I grew up in Maine, and maybe that's part of the love I have for those glorious Italian sandwiches, but seriously... I need one. And I need it BAD. This probably isn't the most informative of reviews, but I don't care. I just wanted an excuse to think out loud about devouring a full size, extra pickles and olives, with salt pepper and oil, glorious, delicious Italian sandwich. (Insert Homer Simpson drool here_____)
(5)