House of Pizza — Restaurant in Sanford

EDIT: 4/21/24: Yet another edit... Whatever it was that went wrong before has now been rectified and I have my favorite item of ANYWHERE in Maine back again!! I had my Italian grinder back, and OH MY, was it ever PERFECT!! I feel like I could eat 2 of them!! Yum. yum, yum!!! THANK YOU so much... for the best food evvver!! 💕🌷💕 oh, and hubby is always happy with his favorite: spaghetti and meatballs with spicy* sausage... *EXTREMELY spicy / hot!! Next time I have my favorite again, I'll post a couple of pics... I would have already, but whenever I get this, I "wolf it down" so fast that it's gone before I'm able to snap any!!

EDIT:11/1/23:

Well, I hate to do this, because we have been faithful to this place since we moved here in 1999... and even before that, when they had a place in Saxonville, MASS!!

But... this is the second time in a row we were disappointed in our food. Our Italian grinders were very dry (highly unusual here), and something is just a little "off" just dry, no flavor... not the same quality we always got before. I hope this isn't a permanent deal because these are my FAVORITE. Now, this is for Italian grinders only... the spaghetti dinners and meatball grinders are still AWESOME and can't be beat!

Here is my original excellent rating post...

If anyone else tells you they know how to make "an Italian grinder" they're lying!! THIS lS THE ONLY PLACE IN MAINE WHO DOES!! They start off with an italian crusty sub roll... Add the meats, peppers, onion, and finally, the oil that bring the tastes together for a party in your mouth!! If you "KNOW ITALIAN"... you know that these should be TOASTED. This is where everyone else gets a FAIL!!! You can ask for well done, and it'll be extra crispy!! Now... THAT'S ITALIAN!! The meatball subs/grinders are yummy, too! Note to SanfordHouseOfPizza... please go back to your original Italian grinders. Maybe I just didn't get enough oil?? THANK YOU FOR MANY YEARS OF YUMMY MEALS!!!

Ok... I love the above... But my recent discovery there has got to be my very favorite... Their CHICKEN PARM AND SPAGHETTI SMOTHERED IN CHEESE SERVED WITH A PlECE OF GARLIC BREAD (or as hubby likes it... Just plain bread).! Now don't let the container fool you; It SEEMS SMALL but let me tell you, l can eat, but l get halfway done (and l am stuffed!) and save the rest for lunch the next day. Who am l kidding... I eat it for BREAKFAST the next day!! Hubby can finish his, but complains about his big gut for 2 days later!! Okay, you get the picture.. But wait, there's more!! Here are my photos of one of my favorite meals...

It pains me deeply to have to write this review. I've been coming here since I was a kid (about 20 years) and have seen all the changes Sanford House has made over that time when it comes to their pizza.

When they first changed their cheese about 5 years ago, I was a bit disappointed because it had an iconic texture that you'd only find at Sanford House of Pizza. After a while though, I got used to it and all was well; I can honestly see why they did but I still miss it (but am not complaining and fully accept it). Before we get to the reason for the review, I want to add that they have skimped out on their toppings compared to what they use to throw on.

Now...

The reason for writing this review is because they changed their sauce recipe. It is now an entirely different pizza, which is extremely sad for me. I live around the Portland area and make the trip 1 - 2 times a month just to get their pizza. That being said, I don't think I'll be visiting as often anymore.

Most of their other food is exceptional, and it's always a great experience going in and feeling welcome, but it's a darn shame they took away the pizza I've loved since childhood - the reason I take the hour and a half round-trip there. I really hope they change the sauce back, but I also know I'm only a single voice in the sea of hundreds of others.

I will greatly miss...

Yes the food is greasy (to people who live here the place is known as House of Grease) if you don't like greasy food then go get a salad (actually they have those too!) Pizza is supposed to be greasy and bad for you, that's what makes it taste good- and believe me this pizza is good! Yes there are a few people who work there who can be a bit rude at times (never had these encounters myself though) but that goes for anyone in any kind of job, public service is NOT easy. Not to mention, this is not a corporation, it's privately owned so they can do whatever they want. You want pizza, they'll serve you pizza. You want to be treated like a king/queen, go get a life because these guys are not your parents. Their sauce is delicious and one of a kind, prices are great, and they have special deals on Tuesdays and Sundays. Honestly, I'd MUCH rather give my money to a small privately owned place than to somewhere...