Imagine a place where pizza dreams come true, and the aroma of pulled pork wafts through the air.

Welcome to OTTO, Portland’s slice of heaven that’s about to rock your taste buds.

Let me paint you a picture of culinary nirvana, folks.

Picture this: You’re strolling down Congress Street in Portland, Maine, minding your own business, when suddenly – BAM! – you’re hit with the irresistible scent of freshly baked pizza.

Your nose, like a cartoon character following a visible trail of aroma, leads you straight to a storefront with big, bold letters spelling out “OTTO.”

Now, I know what you’re thinking.

“Another pizza joint? In Portland? What’s the big deal?”

Oh, my friend, you’re in for a treat.

This isn’t just any pizza place – this is OTTO, the unassuming powerhouse that’s been revolutionizing the Portland pizza scene since 2009.

As you approach the entrance, you can’t help but notice the sleek, modern exterior.

The dark gray facade is punctuated by bright yellow doors that practically scream, “Come on in, the pizza’s fine!”

It’s like the building itself is giving you a warm, cheesy hug before you even step inside.

Once you cross the threshold, you’re greeted by an interior that’s equal parts industrial chic and cozy neighborhood hangout.

The exposed wooden beams overhead give the place a rustic charm, while the metal chairs and tables add a touch of urban sophistication.

But let’s be real – you’re not here for the decor.

You’re here for the pizza.

And boy, does OTTO deliver on that front.

Now, I’ve eaten my fair share of pizza in my day.

From deep-dish in Chicago to thin-crust in New York, I thought I’d seen it all.

But OTTO? They’re playing a whole different ballgame.

Their menu is a veritable wonderland of unexpected flavor combinations that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

We’re talking pies topped with butternut squash, cranberry, and ricotta.

Or how about a slice loaded with mashed potato, bacon, and scallion?

It’s like they took all the comfort foods you love and said, “Hey, why not put this on a pizza?”

But the real star of the show, the pizza that’ll have you writing sonnets and composing power ballads, is their pulled pork pie.

This bad boy is a masterpiece of meaty, cheesy perfection that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about pizza.

Picture this: a perfectly crisp crust, slathered with tangy barbecue sauce, topped with a generous heap of succulent pulled pork.

But wait, there’s more! They don’t stop there.

Oh no, my friends. They add a sprinkle of red onions for a bit of bite, and then – here’s the kicker – they crown it all with a handful of scallions.

The result? A symphony of flavors that’ll make your taste buds sing louder than a lobster being dropped into a pot of boiling water.

(Too soon for Maine jokes? I’ll see myself out.)

But here’s the thing about OTTO – they’re not content to rest on their laurels.

These folks are culinary mad scientists, constantly experimenting with new and exciting flavor combinations.

Take their weekly specials, for instance.

It’s like a gastronomic roulette wheel, where you never know what delicious concoction they’ll come up with next.

One week, you might find yourself face-to-face with a pizza topped with roasted Brussels sprouts and pancetta.

The next, you could be diving into a pie loaded with buffalo chicken and blue cheese.

It’s this spirit of innovation that keeps the locals coming back for more, and has food critics singing OTTO’s praises louder than a seagull spotting an unattended lobster roll.

But don’t just take my word for it.

OTTO has racked up more awards than a overachieving kid at a science fair.

They’ve been named one of the best pizzerias in America by Food Network Magazine, and have consistently topped “Best of Portland” lists year after year.

Now, I know what some of you pizza purists out there might be thinking.

“But what about the classics? Can they do a simple cheese or pepperoni justice?”

Fear not, traditionalists. OTTO’s got you covered.

Their classic pies are just as impressive as their more adventurous offerings.

The margherita pizza, with its perfect balance of fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato sauce, is a testament to the fact that sometimes, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

And let’s talk about that crust for a moment, shall we?

It’s the Goldilocks of pizza crusts – not too thick, not too thin, but just right.

Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and sturdy enough to hold up to even the most ambitious toppings without getting soggy.

It’s the kind of crust that makes you want to eat your pizza backwards, saving the best for last.

But OTTO isn’t just about the pizza.

Oh no, my friends. They’ve got a whole menu of delicious offerings that’ll make your mouth water faster than a Mainer’s accent during lobster season.

Their salads, for instance, are no mere afterthought.

The spinach and goat cheese salad, with its candied walnuts and balsamic vinaigrette, is a flavor explosion that’ll have you reconsidering your stance on “rabbit food.”

And don’t even get me started on their appetizers.

The garlic knots? They’re like little pillows of garlicky, buttery heaven.

Pair them with OTTO’s homemade marinara sauce, and you’ve got a combo that’s more perfect than a lighthouse at sunset.

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But wait, there’s more! (I feel like I should be wearing a shiny suit and pointing at the camera right now.)

OTTO also offers a selection of craft beers that’ll make any hop head’s heart skip a beat.

From local Maine brews to carefully curated out-of-state offerings, their beer list is like a liquid tour of the best craft breweries in the country.

And for those of you who prefer your grapes fermented, fear not.

OTTO’s wine list, while not extensive, is thoughtfully curated to pair perfectly with their pizzas.

Because let’s face it, nothing says “classy dinner” quite like sipping a nice Chianti while scarfing down a slice of pulled pork pizza.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “This all sounds great, but what about my gluten-free friend? Or my vegan cousin? Or my carnivorous roommate who thinks vegetables are what food eats?”

Well, folks, OTTO’s got something for everyone.

They offer gluten-free crusts that are so good, you might forget they’re gluten-free.

Their vegan options are plentiful and delicious enough to tempt even the most dedicated meat-eater.

And for the carnivores? Well, let’s just say the “Meat Lover’s” pizza at OTTO should come with a warning label for excessive deliciousness.

But perhaps the most impressive thing about OTTO isn’t just their food – it’s their commitment to the community.

These folks aren’t just slinging pizzas; they’re actively working to make Portland a better place.

They source many of their ingredients locally, supporting Maine farmers and producers.

They’re involved in numerous community initiatives, from sponsoring local sports teams to participating in charity events.

It’s this combination of fantastic food and community spirit that’s made OTTO a beloved institution in Portland.

Walk in on any given night, and you’ll see a cross-section of the city – families with kids, couples on dates, groups of friends catching up over a pie and a pint.

The atmosphere is always buzzing with the kind of energy that only comes from people thoroughly enjoying their food and each other’s company.

It’s the kind of place where you might come in as a stranger, but you’ll leave feeling like part of the OTTO family.

And speaking of family, let’s talk about the folks behind OTTO for a moment.

The owners, Anthony Allen and Mike Keon, aren’t just business partners – they’re longtime friends who shared a vision of bringing creative, high-quality pizza to Portland.

Their passion for great food and their commitment to excellence shines through in every aspect of OTTO.

From the quality of the ingredients to the friendliness of the staff, it’s clear that this is a labor of love.

Now, I know I’ve been raving about the Congress Street location, but here’s a little insider tip for you: OTTO has multiple locations throughout Portland and beyond.

Each one has its own unique charm, but they all share that same OTTO magic.

So whether you find yourself in the Old Port, Munjoy Hill, or even across the bridge in South Portland, you’re never too far from a slice of OTTO heaven.

And for those of you who prefer to enjoy your pizza in the comfort of your own home (hey, no judgment here – sometimes pants are overrated), OTTO offers takeout and delivery options.

Just imagine: you, in your favorite sweatpants, binge-watching your latest Netflix obsession, with a hot OTTO pizza in your lap.

Now that’s what I call living the dream.

But as much as I love a good night in, there’s something special about experiencing OTTO in person.

It’s more than just a meal – it’s an event, a celebration of good food and good company.

So the next time you find yourself in Portland, do yourself a favor and make a beeline for OTTO.

Whether you’re a local looking for your new favorite spot or a visitor wanting to taste the best of what Portland has to offer, OTTO is a must-visit destination.

Trust me, one bite of that pulled pork pizza, and you’ll be planning your next visit before you’ve even finished your first slice.

It’s the kind of place that’ll have you coming back again and again, each time discovering a new favorite on their ever-evolving menu.

So go ahead, take a walk on the wild side of pizza.

Let OTTO expand your culinary horizons and show you just how amazing pizza can be when you think outside the box (or in this case, outside the traditional pizza box).

Your taste buds will thank you, your friends will be jealous, and you’ll have a new go-to spot for those “I need something delicious right now” moments.

And who knows? You might just find yourself becoming an OTTO evangelist, spreading the good word about Portland’s pizza paradise to anyone who’ll listen.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you – OTTO has a way of turning casual diners into die-hard fans faster than you can say “extra cheese, please.”

For more information about OTTO’s menu, locations, and hours, be sure to check out their website or Facebook page.

And when you’re ready to embark on your OTTO adventure, use this map to guide you to pizza perfection.

Where: 250 Read St, Portland, ME 04103

So what are you waiting for?

Your OTTO odyssey awaits.

Go forth and pizza, my friends. Your taste buds will thank you.