It is a specific kind of nostalgia. You’re driving down Main Street in Gorham, New Hampshire, and you see that sign for Mr. T’s Pizza & Ice Cream. It isn’t trying to be a Michelin-star bistro or some high-concept fusion spot. It’s just... there. Solid. Reliable. If you’ve spent any time in the North Country, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
People usually find it because they’re starving after a day of hiking the Presidential Range or riding ATVs through the Jericho Mountain State Park trails. It’s the kind of place where the grease on the pizza box feels like a badge of honor. Honestly, in a world where every restaurant is trying to be "Instagrammable," Mr. T's is just trying to feed you. And they do it well.
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What’s the Deal with the Food?
Let's get into the weeds. If you walk in expecting a thin-crust Neapolitan pizza fired in a 900-degree wood oven, you’re in the wrong zip code. This is classic New England house-style pizza. We’re talking about a crust that’s thick enough to hold up a mountain of toppings but still has that slight crunch on the bottom. It’s heavy. It’s filling. It’s exactly what you want when the temperature drops in October.
The sauce has a sweetness to it. Some people love that; others are purists who want it acidic and salty. But at Mr. T’s Pizza & Ice Cream, that hint of sugar in the tomato base is sort of their signature. It balances out the saltiness of the pepperoni, which they don't skimp on. I’ve seen slices where the meat is practically overlapping like shingles on a roof.
But then there's the ice cream.
It’s a weird combo, right? Pizza and ice cream. It’s basically a nine-year-old’s dream birthday party hosted in a brick-and-mortar building. They serve Gifford’s, which is a staple for anyone in Maine or New Hampshire. If you haven't had Gifford’s, you’re missing out on that high-butterfat content that makes your tongue feel like it’s being hugged. They have the classics—Moose Tracks, Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip—and they serve them in portions that are, frankly, a bit aggressive. A "small" cone often looks like a structural engineering project.
The Atmosphere is the Point
You won't find minimalist Edison bulbs here. The interior is functional. It’s built for families, muddy hikers, and locals catching up on town gossip. There’s something deeply comforting about a place that hasn't changed its vibe to chase a trend.
The service is usually what you’d expect from a small-town hub. It’s fast-paced, especially during the peak summer months or when the foliage hunters descend upon Route 2. You might wait a bit when the line is out the door, but that’s just part of the experience. It gives you time to decide if you actually need that extra side of fries (spoiler: you probably do).
Why Mr. T’s Pizza & Ice Cream Stands Out in Gorham
Gorham is a gateway town. It’s the last stop for a lot of people heading into the deeper woods or up the Mt. Washington Auto Road. Because of that, the town has plenty of places to eat, but Mr. T’s Pizza & Ice Cream has carved out a niche by being incredibly consistent.
Consistency is the hardest thing to pull off in the food industry.
You can have a great chef for six months, and then they leave, and the food goes to trash. At Mr. T's, the pizza you had three years ago is almost certainly the same pizza you’re getting today. That reliability matters. When you’re tired, cold, or just plain hungry, you don't want a "culinary journey." You want a pepperoni pizza that tastes like home.
The Menu Beyond the Slices
While the name highlights the big two, the menu is actually pretty expansive. They’ve got the standard sub shop fare—hot and cold grinders, salads, and fried appetizers.
- The Subs: These are hefty. They use fresh rolls that aren't too chewy. The Italian sub is a popular go-to, but the steak and cheese is where the real heart is. It’s greasy in the way a steak and cheese should be.
- Fried Stuff: Onion rings, mozzarella sticks, the usual suspects. They’re fried to a dark golden brown.
- The Salads: Okay, let’s be real. Nobody goes to a place called Mr. T’s Pizza & Ice Cream specifically for a salad. But if you're the one person in the group trying to be "healthy" while everyone else is face-deep in a meat lovers' pie, their garden salad is fresh and crisp. It’s a solid supporting act.
Dealing with the Crowds
If you’re planning a visit, timing is everything. Gorham gets slammed during certain times of the year.
- Hiking Season: July and August are peak. If it’s a Saturday night and the weather was nice on the Presidential Range, expect a wait.
- Foliage Season: Late September to mid-October. The "Leaf Peepers" are real, and they are hungry.
- Winter: It’s a bit quieter, but snowmobilers keep the place humming.
One thing to keep in mind is that they do a lot of takeout. Sometimes the dining room looks empty, but the kitchen is slammed with phone orders. If you're staying at one of the local motels or campgrounds, calling ahead is the pro move.
A Note on the "Ice Cream" Side of the Business
The ice cream window is separate from the pizza counter, which is a genius move for traffic flow. It allows the kids who just want a scoop of Power Play Fudge to get in and out without getting tangled up in the dinner rush.
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They do frappes, too. In New Hampshire, we don't really call them milkshakes if they’re thick and have ice cream in them—they’re frappes. Mr. T's makes them thick enough to stand a straw up in. It’s a local tradition to grab a cone and sit on the hood of your car or at one of the outdoor tables, watching the traffic roll through the intersection of Route 2 and Route 16. It’s peak Americana.
Common Misconceptions and Reality Checks
Sometimes people get confused and think this place is a franchise or related to the famous actor from the 80s. It’s not. It’s a local, family-style establishment.
Also, don't expect "fast food" prices. While it's affordable, the cost of ingredients and the reality of running a business in a seasonal mountain town means you’re paying for quality and convenience. It’s a fair trade. You’re supporting a local business that employs local kids and keeps the town’s economy moving.
Another thing: people sometimes complain about the wait. Look, it’s a small kitchen. When fifty people show up at once because a thunderstorm chased them off the mountain, things take time. Bring a deck of cards or just talk to your friends. The food is worth the wait.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
If you want the best experience at Mr. T’s Pizza & Ice Cream, keep these things in mind:
- Check the hours: They can shift depending on the season. In the dead of winter, they might close earlier than they do in July.
- Park carefully: The parking lot can get a bit chaotic when it's busy. People are coming and going constantly.
- Order the special: If they have a seasonal pizza or a limited-run ice cream flavor, try it. They usually put a little extra effort into those.
- Cash is good, but they take cards: It’s 2026, so electronic payment is standard, but having a few bucks for a tip is always a class act.
The reality of Mr. T’s Pizza & Ice Cream is that it represents a slice of life that is slowly disappearing. It’s a community anchor. It’s where the high school kids go after a game and where the tourists stop before heading back to the city. It doesn't need to be fancy because it’s already exactly what it needs to be.
If you’re in Gorham, just go. Get a large pepperoni, a side of fries, and a scoop of whatever is on the "flavor of the month" board. Sit outside, breathe in that mountain air, and enjoy the fact that some things don't have to change to be perfect.
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Call Ahead: If you're traveling during peak hours (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM), call your order in at least 30 minutes before you arrive.
- Sample the Flavors: Don't be afraid to ask for a sample of the ice cream before committing to a double scoop.
- Plan for Leftovers: The pizzas are massive; if you're staying at a local Airbnb, the cold slices make for a great breakfast before a morning hike.
- Support Local: Check their social media or local boards for any community events or fundraisers they might be hosting, as they often support Gorham's local teams.