Bangor, Maine Coffee Pot Sandwich Named One of America’s Best

If you're watching your budget, or just don't like spending a fortune every time you eat out, there's a website you'll probably appreciate.

Cheapism is all about helping people get the most bang for their buck. From affordable travel ideas to grocery tips and restaurant recommendations, the site is dedicated to finding great value, which is especially welcome these days when just about everything seems to cost more.

Recently, Cheapism put together a fun list of the ultimate bucket-list sandwich in every state. When it came to Maine, their pick was a true Bangor legend: The Coffee Pot sandwich.

If you grew up in Bangor, chances are you've had a Coffee Pot sandwich, or at least heard someone rave about one. The Coffee Pot first opened in the early 1920s and found its longtime home on State Street in the 1930s, where it became a Bangor institution. People kept coming back for the famous sandwiches piled high with meats, cheese, fresh veggies, oil, and seasonings on a soft roll. It wasn't fancy, but it didn't have to be. It was just that good.

The shop was run for decades by the legendary Skip Rist, who became almost as famous as the sandwiches themselves thanks to his incredible memory. He could rattle off long strings of customer orders without writing down a thing. I have fond memories of walking in on hot summer days and having Skip remember my order, even if I hadn't been there in months. (For the record: Super Deluxe salami, no tomatoes, light onions.)

When Skip retired in 2009, the original Coffee Pot closed, and loyal customers lined up around the block for one last sandwich. Thankfully, the story didn't end there. Former employees reopened The Coffee Pot on Broadway, keeping the classic sandwiches, and one of Bangor's favorite traditions alive. For many locals, a Coffee Pot sandwich isn't just lunch. It's a bite of hometown history.

Skip passed away in December of 2024, but his legend lives on. Go grab a Coffee Pot for lunch!