Offering pizza, beers and more at a comfortable location: Siano's

Entering Siano's Pizzeria for the first time, I didn't really know what to expect. The dark tables compliment the cobblestone floor and the red ceiling with yellow trim screams Italian eatery, welcoming large groups that my Nana would love to serve.

Located in the heart of Deering, Siano's was buzzing with energy, even though it was Monday night. Old friends were meeting at the bar, families were seated sporadically and later a kickball team met in the back room.

Since I was meeting some friends for a little birthday dinner, we quickly settled in to look at the drink menu. Too late for happy hour, but made a note to return between 4-6 pm- you get $1 off any draft, $3 weekly wine specials and can order off their 1/2 price appetizer menu.

Featuring CK Mondavi as their house pinot grigio ($5) and Placido Chianti ($5), they also serve several other choices like Mezzacorona chardonnay or Camelot Pinot Noir, by the glass and bottle. Most run between $5-7 for a glass and bottles are in the $20 range.

Siano's offer draft beers such as Miller Lite ($3.25), Stella Artois, Geary's, Geary's Seasonal, Sea Dog Blueberry and Guinness for $4.28 a pint. In a bottle you can get your Budweiser fix or grab a Bud Light, Bud Light Lime, Heineken, Amstel Light, Coors Light, Sierra Nevada, Corona, Corona Light, Allagash, Miller High Life or Shipyard for $3-$4.

After speaking with Matt, the bartender, he tried to get me to order something other than their great pizza. "Try the steak," he said. But I couldn't do it. The smell of a wood burning brick oven makes me think about pizza, which I eat at least five times a week (it's really starting to catch up with me but whatever, it's good!) So, I compromise a bit and start with the scallops wrapped in bacon ($8.99). But then I got my Quality Pie ($11.99).

Siano's does a range of classics like Caesar salad, burgers, veal or eggplant parmigiana, but they also provide original ideas like the Ram Sandwich with Genoa salami, prosciutto, capicola, provolone, fresh romaine, onion, tomato for $8.99 or the Crazy Mary pie with honey dijon, cajun chicken, caramelized onion, diced cherry peppers for $11.99. For the full menu, go here.

Matt went on to tell us that Joe Pompeo has owned the restaurant for two years and they take pride with the menu, ordering quality food from people they know and trust. Mike Foley, a nutritionist with Lifestyles Gym, helped with the menu, offering healthy choices with the fat and calorie content provided.

Now serving breakfast on Saturday and Sunday from 7 to 11 am, Siano's also does a great deal of take-out orders. There will soon be a new addition to the Siano's family. A second location in Freeport, right past L.L. Bean, will be up and running in September.

"If you want really good food, large portions at a good price, this is where you should go," says Matt. "Bring the whole family and get whatever you want."

Being Italian and all, I'm not so sure this was a request as much as a demand.

The bartenders, waitresses and cooks never batted an eye as they got busy, knowing all the regulars and treating the newbies with the same service. At first I felt like I was intruding, but it was all on me, because by the time I left I was showing people my new presents and waving goodbye.

Amber Olesen is a freelance writer.