Damon's Pizza and Italians in Augusta, Maine

Damon's has been slinging pizza and Italian sandwiches from a vinyl-booth counter in Augusta for decades. The sandwiches are the thing here, especially the Big Dave roast beef, which regulars come back for. It's no-frills, cash-register casual, and the portions are honest. People drive from surrounding towns just to grab one.

• Big Dave roast beef sandwich is thick and worth the cost.
• Bread is nice and toasty, fillings seasoned well when built right.
• Portions are genuinely massive, can easily feed two people.
• Old-school Italian sandwich spot, Augusta neighborhood institution.

Start with the Big Dave roast beef grilled, loaded and substantial enough for two. The steak bomb works when the fillings are generous, toasted bread, seasoned meat, crisp veggies without sogginess. Try a loaded pizza if you're staying; the dough and cheese ratios are thick. A calzone hits when it actually arrives loaded with bacon, peppers, and onions as promised.

Spare and vinyl-booth basic, with a working counter feel. It's not loud, just matter-of-fact.

Quality can swing. The bread is consistently good and toasted right. When the fillings are generous and properly built, you get something worth the drive. On off nights, you might feel shortchanged on meat or toppings. It's the kind of place where a five-star visit and a three-star one might happen weeks apart.

Guests rave about the Big Dave, calling it massive and flavorful. One recent visitor noted the bread was nicely toasted and the sandwich "hit the spot." Service gets consistent praise for being friendly. The main complaint is inconsistency: some days fillings are skimpy, other days generous.