by Christie Oneill, Staff Writer
Summer Eats Near Campus
We are gearing up for another school year, which means lots of students and families will be traveling to UMPI, the University of Maine Presque Isle.
Presque Isle, although a small town, offers an array of unique and yummy spots to grab a quick snack or to sit down to have a meal. Whether you’re traveling to campus with friends, family, or solo, here are some yummy spots to hit up that will make the trip worthwhile! Listed below are locations starting from closest to UMPI to the farthest!
Sandwich Shop
The sandwich shop is the closest stop to UMPI. This is your one-stop shop for snacks, lunch, or dinner! With fresh subs, sandwiches, pizza, chips, drinks, and a variety of sweets, it’s an affordable takeout option with food made fresh daily. This is an affordable takeout location with fresh food made daily. This is only a one-minute drive or a seven-minute walk.
Theresa’s Corner Cafe and Bakery
Looking for a cozy breakfast or brunch spot? Theresa’s Corner Cafe and Bakery is the place for you. Located just a short walk from the university or a two-minute drive.
Hub Coffee PI
Fuel up at Hub Coffee PI, a local favorite for coffee and quick bites. Hub Coffee has a cozy interior for studying, working, or catching up with friends and family. Hub also offers a daily selection of donuts, scones, and bagels. This option is a two-minute drive or a fourteen-minute walk.
Governors PI Restaurant and Bakery
Though Governor’s is part of a Maine-based chain, its local charm remains. The restaurant offers a broad menu of family-friendly meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with a variety of pies and desserts. For faster service, consider calling ahead or ordering online. Worried about a long wait during rush hours? Call ahead and reserve a table or order online to go! This location is a two-minute drive or a quick fifteen-minute walk!
Mai Tai Chinese Restaurant
Located in downtown Presque Isle is this hidden gem. If you are in the mood for Chinese food, then this is one of two options for you. Known for their fast service and yummy meals. This Chinese food option is a two-minute drive or a seventeen-minute walk.
Rodney’s at 436 Main
Looking for a special night out? Rodney’s is the most upscale choice on this list. Rodney’s serves up food from “locally sourced ingredients,” which makes this restaurant unique in its own right. Rodney’s is a two-minute drive or a sixteen-minute walk.
Ferris BBQ
Ferris BBQ is a new hot spot in Presque Isle. It’s a casual, satisfying option for all BBQ lovers. Takeout or dine-in options are available at this restaurant! This option is a five-minute drive.
Pats Pizza
Pats Pizza is newly renovated on the interior, offering a clean and modern vibe to your dining experience. Although Pizza is in the name, they also provide bar-style plates and appetizers. Pats Pizza is a five-minute drive.
The Maple Pig
Another newcomer to the Presque Isle dining scene. This restaurant also offers live music on special nights. Check out their Facebook page to find out more about their live performances and unique featured desserts. The Maple Pig is a five-minute drive.
Houlton Farms Dairy Presque Isle Location
Aroostook County summers wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Houlton Farms Dairy. They offer excellent choices. All ice cream is made locally by farmers in the area. They work hard so that you have a delicious, sweet treat on these sunny summer days. This ice cream shop is a seven-minute drive and worth every minute!
Shogun Japanese Restaurant
One of Presque Isle’s newest restaurants is serving up Japanese-style cuisine. If you’re traveling with family, consider booking a hibachi dinner for dinner and a show. Reservations for hibachi tables are required. Located across the street from the Aroostook Centre Mall, this restaurant is only an eight-minute drive.
Confectionately Yours
This place is located just past our quaint mall. It is a beautifully restored home. There are two options for dining. Guests can sit down for a meal or visit the bakery counter for treats. The bakery has a beautiful assortment of baked goods, including cookies, macarons, cupcakes, and many more! If you’re craving a sweet treat, this is definitely the place to go! These sweet treats and yummy plates are only an eight-minute drive away.
Aroostook Centre Mall: Mom & Me Pizzeria and Chopsticks
In addition to all these great locations, Presque Isle has a mall with a small food court offering a variety of yummy selections. If you or your group cannot decide on a meal, head to the mall for pizza or Chinese food! The mall is located seven minutes away from the university.
– Mom & Me Pizzeria is new to the mall. They offer slices or whole pizzas to go. As well as that, they offer a few other items! Their pizza names are ridiculous, so make sure you read the menu, whether you decide to eat there or not!
– Chopsticks is a quick and yummy place to grab a bite of Chinese cuisine. They offer buffet-style choices or freshly made meals on the spot. This family-owned restaurant is yummy.
Northern Maine is a considerable distance for many people visiting Aroostook County. This means road trip food along the way. This list is compiled of delicious local eats. Please note that this list does not include fast food or chain restaurants that are not local! If you’re looking for a fast food or chain restaurant, you’ll find plenty of options available.
Happy eating!