Jess 'n Nic's Pizzeria & Pub — Restaurant in Gray

Is it worth driving a half hour north of Portland to get a cheeseburger here? Well it’ll have to be, and I better get used to driving, because Jess ‘n Nic’s has the best cheeseburger anywhere. You can keep the Portland fancy-pants stuff, I’ll go north anytime for their food here. Lots of poser “good cheeseburgers” out there, but not at Jess ‘n Nic’s. They are the real deal. We went Saturday eve after a day out in the woods trying to get our own hamburger meat. No luck until we stopped here. Nice and warm, family atmosphere, and probably everybody there knew one another. A young gent was coming in hair as we got to the door and I asked him how the food was. He said, “It’s my Aunt’s place, so I better say it’s good.” He wasn’t exaggerating. It was that good. Friendly young waitress knew her menu and made some recommendations. I picked the “Putter Burger” cheese bbq sauce, red onions and a really tender medium patty. This place also has those really good long French fries. My buddy had the Steak Panini. I’m sure it was good, but I was too busy eating the fantastic cheeseburger they gave me to notice. The place has a bar too. They shut down by 8, and that’s fine by me, so be early. I didn’t take pics of my cheeseburger for you because it would have delayed my gratification. Get in your Ram, Ford, or Subaru, and head up. Right off the Gray exit....

Unassuming exterior, but don't be fooled. Open since 1981, they have in every way kept up with 2021. Wines are available by the glass or bottled, beers are available by the bottle or on tap. At the bar counter you'll see regulars with their mugs from the Mug Club, and the occasional martini glass as well.

It's a seat yourself concept, or at least it was when we went on a Wednesday night. Stuffed Shells and a Wayno Burger treated us right. If you're thinking about a pasta dinner but don't want the salad & garlic bread, you can sub out a plate of fries instead. Which worked out for us because it meant he wasn't eating my fries, and I wasn't eating his ;)

Abby will take excellent care of you, if you're lucky enough to sit in her section. If you walk in, and it seems like there's no room, take heart and walk ALL the way back. We were only two, but they do have at least one table in the bar area that can accommodate up to five.

*If you're a party of six or more, I'd call ahead. From what I saw, seating for large groups is limited, and anything six or more I think you'd have to ask them to combine tables. With how fast they're kitchen is, I doubt you would have long to wait, but best to get that wait started while you're still on your way! Believe me,...

I understand Covid has impacted a lot of businesses with staffing shortages, etc. But this business clearly has given up. I’ve been coming here for many years but will probably never eat here again, or even suggest this to clients, friends, or family.

Whoever is running this restaurant clearly doesn’t know what they are doing. They close the kitchen more than 45 mins before closing time?!? I have never heard of a restaurant doing this. Making a profit/strong customer base should be every business owners goal, clearly it is not this ones. I called to place an order for take out and before I could get another word in, I was rudely hung up on. Last time I ordered pizza and wings here, the wings were under cooked and the pizza was burned. Save your money. It’s worth an extra trip to Windham or Portland to get quality food and better service. I used to love Jess n Nics, but not anymore. Sadly, you have...