Sam’s Italian Sandwich Shoppes

Sam’s … A staple of Maine dining starting in Lewiston Sam’s has spread out across Maine. With their home made rolls and dough that other pizza joint buy from them. To the awesome whoopie pies we have always enjoyed eating here.

We were starving on our drive home from Maine so we wanted a quick sandwich Called in for 2 turkey Italians picked them up and drove down the road to eat them. One piece of turkey, one! I’m not a tons of meat kinda gal but come on! No lettuce, gobs of onions, some sliced tomatoes and no seasoning, very disappointed but we were so hungry and did not want to drive all the way back to the shoppe so we ate them.

I was driving by and saw their for $ 5.39 spaghetti dinner so decided to stop and give them a try. Ended up getting a bucket of spaghetti with meatballs at a reasonable price. The customer service was absolutely fabulous from the entire staff. I highly recommend this place to anyone who is hungry.

Pizza was OK. Sandwich was served in a hotdog bun, so it was smallish. Price was good for both however.

Only stopped here once on my way through Freeport. Bought a regular size meatball sub and was quite disappointed. A lot of sauce on it and hardly any meatballs (which isn’t too bad as they tasted like they were bought frozen and warmed). It’s a pretty standard looking house of pizza type place so I’d imagine a deli sandwich or a pizza would be alright. Gave it a 3 as I wouldn’t want to give it less without trying more food.

I love Sam’s. Always have, and hopefully always will. The food always tastes the same and it’s totally a go-​to comfort fix.
That being said, it was unfortunate that I was a bit disappointed with this visit to the Freeport location. I visited in the early afternoon today (Friday) and it was very slow, only one table occupied in the dining room. I could see 4 people working. A tall gentleman took my order (he didn’t seem super excited about work.) but he was nice. There was a younger woman making the sandwiches I ordered.
Now– those of you who know me, know I am in the food industry and am quite a stickler for sanitation practices. That being said, a few things I noticed– first: no hand sinks to wash hands regularly and conveniently. There may have been one in the back. But not out front. Second: I know hand sanitizer is used but that is known to be an ineffective way of prohibiting bacterial growth on surfaces and food. Third: no gloves were used in the making of the sandwiches. Besides that, in the middle of sandwich making, the young woman went to the register, fussed and touched it a bit, then went back to making sandwiches! YUCK!
The food: it’s basic, not extravagant but I’ve had it ever since I could eat. If I’ve been away for a long time, traveling or going to school, or moving away, etc, my first meal back after one of Mom’s (of course) is Sam’s. I get the same every time– ham Italian, cheese, pickles, onions. No salt, pepper or oil. They are known for their «Italians» so most newbies are prompted to get that above anything else. Lots of options available!
Overall, this location was good, but may need some fine tuning here and there.

Sam’s has eight or ten locations in central Maine and is well known by all of the area natives (and us former natives that have been exiled to the south).
Sam’s Italian Sandwiches are something you can only find in Maine. It is sort of a sub sandwich with ham, cheese, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and their own sandwich oil. There is something about their own freshly baked bread and the combination of ingredients that make these one of a kind. I’ve not tasted a sandwich quite like it anywhere. It is one of those things you just have to have when visiting Maine. We’ve tried buying the ingredients and re-​creating it at home but, it’s just not the same.
They also offer pretty good pizzas and excellent meatball subs with melted mozzarella cheese on top. Ummmmm. They have been selling home made whoopie pies since well before Oprah discovered them and made them cool.
Service is quick and efficient. The staff is young and friendly.
Put Sam’s on your list of Maine foods to tray after you finish your lobster rolls and red hot dogs.