As a Bates student, I have been to some of the same restaurants over and over again. It seems that every time my friends & I want to go out to eat, the same names always come up: Mother India, Pure Thai, Forage, Sea40… the list goes on. After a little exploring, I’ve found some hidden gems in the Lewiston/Auburn area that most Bates students have never even heard of before. Here are five of the best places for you to grab a bite this week:
1.) Luiggi’s Pizzeria
63 Sabbatus Street, Lewiston
If you’ve ever been to the Goose, you know where Luiggi’s is. But have you ever been inside? While it may seem like your ordinary pizza and sub shop, the food here is anything but ordinary! My personal favorite is the loaded steak & cheese calzone, but the options are endless – you can even get a calzone filled with spaghetti & meatballs! Besides your typical pizza shop items, Luiggi’s is famous for their sandwich, the Fergy. What’s a Fergy, you ask? Go to Luiggi’s to find out!
2. Mac’s Grill
1052 Minot Avenue, Auburn
If you’re looking to get a juicy steak at a reasonable price, Mac’s is your place. For starters, they give out some delicious bread and jalapeno cornbread before your meal, which is always a good thing. My favorite appetizer at Mac’s is the Garlicky Mussels – make sure you dip your leftover bread in the delicious sauce. For entrees, I prefer the rib eye, but the steak tips and salads are really great too. This is an awesome place to take a date or if you and your friends are desperate for some grilled meats!
3. Wei-Li
945 Center Street, Auburn
Good Chinese food is hard to find, but look no more. Wei-Li is by far some of the best Chinese food I’ve had in Maine. You can customize the spiciness of any of their entrees and you can choose between white or brown rice on the side. I love their chicken & broccoli and the wonton soup is perfect for those chilly Maine nights. Plus, it’s right by the Auburn Flagship Cinemas, so if you ever find yourself at the movies stop by Wei-Li for dinner!
4. Fast Breaks
1465 Lisbon Street, Lewiston
Craving bar food? Fast Breaks is your place. While there are quesadillas, nachos, subs, & sandwiches galore, the best thing on the menu by far is the wings! Not only are the wings massive, but they’re finger lickin’ good and can be covered in any sauce of your choice. Fast Breaks also has some really great deals for sports events, so if you’re looking for cheap drinks for Superbowl LII, check it out!
5. Rolly’s Diner
87 Mill Street, Auburn
Everyone knows about Pop Shoppe, but have you ever been to Rolly’s? If not, this is the spot for your next hung-over breakfast endeavor. Of course they excel in classic breakfast dishes, like omelets and crepes, but the showstopper is definitely their skillets. My boyfriend lives and dies by the Hungry Man Skillet, a concoction of eggs, corned beef hash, and hash browns, so definitely give it a try!
Next time you’re desperate to get off campus for a meal, skip the normal spots and try one of these! Happy eating!
Main photo courtesy of Unsplash.