The Pie Hole in Bethel, Maine

The Pie Hole is a no-frills takeout spot in Bethel slinging pizza, paninis, hot subs, and steak bombs. The room is sparse, arcade games, a cooler of drinks, fluorescent lighting, but the staff is friendly and they know what they're doing. It's purely grab-and-go, so plan to eat elsewhere or bring an insulated bag for the ride back to your hotel.

• Crust and cheese executed well when consistency holds up
• Steak bombs called the best in the area by regulars
• Accessible parking and gender-neutral, family-friendly bathrooms
• Small, focused menu means they've dialed in their core dishes

Get a well-done pizza if that's your preference, they'll honor it. The steak bomb is worth the trip on its own. Paninis and hot subs round out the lineup. One recent visitor suggested ordering an extra of whatever you're craving. Skip the wait if you're driving more than 10 minutes, food cools fast without insulation.

Bare-bones and dimly lit, with a chilly concrete-slab vibe. It's not a destination for lingering, and there's no indoor seating anywhere.

Guests praise the pizza crust and cheese when quality is consistent, though some have noticed toppings and doneness vary from visit to visit. One diner called their steak bomb the best around Bethel, period.