As the Maine food scene heats up it’s common to hear about new restaurants, award-winning chefs and unique takes on classic dishes. We’re proud that the state is earning a name for itself among other culinary destinations, but we’re also a little sad. Not because we don’t want the state’s chefs to flourish, but because we risk losing sight of the spots that paved the way. This chain in Maine is a great example and no matter what new restaurant pops up, we’ll probably still visit a few times a year

Pat's Pizza got its start in 1931 when C.D. "Pat" Farnsworth opened Orono's Farnsworth's Cafe with just $175 in backing.
patspizzaorono.com/
The restaurant offered ice cream and confections, but Farnsworth saw something more. In 1953 he added pizza (including a special sauce!) to the menu and nothing has been the same since!
Nikola Mendoza / Google
Farnsworth Cafe turned into Pat's Pizza and it quickly became an Orono institution. University students came to love it and it's still said that it's an integral part of a Maine education!
Joel Moore / Google
The original location has all the same details today as it did back at its start. It feels more like a local diner than it does a pizza joint.
Sallie Dillon / Google
And the pizza is even better today than it was back then. It's fun to come in with friends to order an individual pie.
Derek Price / Google

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They have 22 pizzas on the menu including a taco pizza with taco sauce, onion, green peppers, hamburger, tomatoes, taco chips and lettuce. We also love the unique Pastrami pizza which comes with a mustard Base, pizza cheese and pastrami.
Nikola Mendoza / Google
They have great sub sandwiches too.
Nikola Mendoza / Google
Make it a real meal by grabbing some classic spaghetti.
Nikola Mendoza / Google
And as an homage to the old day, make sure you get dessert!
Pranhal Shah / Google
Or a milkshake!
Nikola Mendoza / Google
There's a lot to love about Pat's Pizza and each location has its own local community feel. Try the one closest to you and let us know what you love best about it!
Nikola Mendoza / Google

Pat’s Pizza has 17 locations throughout Maine. You can find them in Orono, Newport, Augusta, Auburn,Yarmouth, Sanford, Scarborough, North Windham, Ellsworth, Lincoln, Hampden, Bethel, Presque Isle, Sanford, and Portland.The Orono location was the first and it’s open every day from 10:30 a.m. to midnight. You can learn more about the history, menu and look at all 17 locations here. Or, visit them on Facebook. Every location has its own website, all of which you can access through any of the others. Orono Address: 11 Mill Street, Orono, ME 04473.

Pat’s Pizza is a classic, but it’s certainly not the only option for a great slice. Check out this article that we consider our ultimate pizza bucket list in Maine!

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