I've been eating food from Mike's since the beginning of 2007. I've always gotten delivery or takeout from them. They are a Gloucester institution. Even though I do not actually live in Gloucester myself, everyone I know who does (including my girlfriend) gets Mike's. Here, from my own experience, is why they kick ass:
1) They offer a huge variety of subs that are very filling. My girlfriend always gets the small cheese-steak sub and she really enjoys it. It's a very good portion for that size. I myself have gotten the large barbecue steak tip and the large eggplant parmesan. Each one was very tasty, very delicious and filling, although for a large I would have expected a bit more. Then again, I like to pig out, so maybe I'm not one to make sound judgement here.
2) They offer all different types of pizza and it is here I can make excellent judgement as pizza is my favorite food hands down. They have a huge party size pizza that is basically a square sheet of 24 slices great for parties or large groups. It is just awesome and every single one I have sampled has been delicious and left me craving more. There are various specialty pizzas you can get from Mike's and I must admit I have not tried many, but the one I have eaten the most is the barbecue chicken. Strange, on their regular pizzas it's not that great, but on their sheet pizza is where it shines. Overall, there really isn't any barbecue sauce and the chicken has only a grilled taste, so the "barbecue" moniker doesn't really apply.
I am also a big believer in the plain cheese pizza being a true test of a pizza joint's pizza making ability, and here Mike's cheese is on par, but nothing special. Where they do excel, albeit tremendously, is their sweet sauce pizza, known as the Gloucester Favorite. Personally, I'm a huge sweet sauce fan, but adding in the fact that you can get a large cheese Gloucester Favorite starting at $6 and change just makes it the best valued pizza I have ever had. It is fantastic. Get it with pepperoni and BAM!, you're in heaven.
3) Their calzones are ridiculous. You get a small and you will have leftovers. Even I can't finish one and I would never attempt to. It's served almost like Chicago-style deep-dish pizza with out any sauce, or maybe more accurately like a dessert pie with a layer of melted cheese on top. You get a side of marinara sauce for dipping. They offer different sizes, which get much bigger and pricier, but the overall eating experience is pure joy. I have tried many calzones on the North Shore and Mike's has the best.
4) They offer tons of appetizers. I have only tried the mozzarella sticks and I get them all the time with their salty, gooey goodness. My girlfriend has gotten their fries on many occasions and they can be very good, other times disappointing as if they're using a totally different type of fry.
5) They have lots of pasta dishes, but I've only had two of them: the chicken broccoli alfredo (amazing) and the chicken parmesan (blah). Now, where Mike's really impresses is the pasta special they offer Mondays through Wednesdays. For only $4 and change, you get a huge portion of either the chicken broccoli or chicken parmesan with a side of garlic bread. You will have leftovers. With takeout or delivery the meal is served in a nice plastic container with a snap-on cover. Just wash it out after you're done eating all the food and you have yourself a perfect container for future leftovers.
So, a few weaknesses, but the strengths far outweigh them. Don't hesitate; order Mike's the next time you want takeout comfort food in Gloucester. I've even convinced my good friend in Beverly to get takeout from them and that's a 40-minute drive round trip. read more