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Maine's 10 Most Iconic Diners

by Tom Minervino
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by Tom Minervino
7 comments / new

Palace Diner. [Photo: Facebook]

Eater Maine is kicking off its Greasy Spoons Week coverage with a map of 10 of the state's most iconic diners. These stretch from Wells, up to Bangor and over to Bar Harbor, with plenty in between. A couple have been around for over 80 years. Some are classic diner cars. Guy Fieri and his frosted tips have even visited a few of them.

While these 10 spots are some of the state's most renowned, fret not if your favorite diner missed the cut. There's another map heading your way later this week with reader favorites and other unsung diners that have developed faithful followings for good reason. As always, free expression is welcomed and encouraged. Let us know your thoughts in the comments, or hit up the tipline.


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The Maine Diner

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In its 30 years of existence, the Maine Diner has served over six million people. Locals love it even though in the summer it sometimes feels like there's six million tourists there all at once. There's good reason: Lobster Pie.
2265 Post Rd, Wells, ME 04090
(207) 646-4441
(207) 646-4441

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Palace Diner

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Maine's oldest diner (opened in 1927) seats only 15 and is one of only two Pollard dining cars still in existence. Get yourself a stool and try the Southern Benedict.
18 Franklin St, Biddeford, ME 04005
(207) 284-0015
(207) 284-0015

Also featured in:

Q Street Diner

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This is the place for good, reliable diner standards at low prices. The specials are worth considering, but eggs over easy with Italian sausage, Italian toast and home fries never fails.
9 Q St, South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 767-0299
(207) 767-0299

Miss Portland Diner

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Worcester Diner car No. 818 has been around since 1949, but got new life when it was moved to Marginal Way and received a full restoration and large addition before reopening five years ago. Try the Downeast Haddock Reuben.
140 Marginal Way, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 210-6673
(207) 210-6673

Also featured in:

Becky's Diner

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It's become a waterfront institution and tourist destination, but Becky's remains a favorite for locals as well, especially fishermen who appreciate its early hours. The Commercial Street Sandwich will start your day off right.
390 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 773-7070
(207) 773-7070

Brunswick Diner

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A converted railroad car that first opened in 1946, the diner has been nourishing Bowdoin College students after long nights of (ahem) studying for decades. Recommendation: The Little Richard, which is creamed chipped beef on toast.
101 Pleasant St, Brunswick, ME 04011
(207) 721-1134
(207) 721-1134

Moody's Diner

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The nationally recognized landmark diner has been family-run for over 80 years. Anything with the house-roasted turkey is a fine option. Make sure to save room for some homemade pie, though.
1885 Atlantic Highway, Waldoboro, ME 04572
(207) 832-7785
(207) 832-7785

A1 Diner

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This Worcester Lunch Car has been serving locals since 1946. It's not your usual diner, though. Sure, it has the classic menu staples, but the extensive specials menu features items like Turkish Lamb Tagine and a Fried Clam Po'boy with Sriracha Mayo. Also, Belgian beers.
3 Bridge St, Gardiner, ME 04345
(207) 582-4804
(207) 582-4804

Jordan's Restaurant

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In its fourth decade of business, Jordan's is a bit of an outlier on the Bar Harbor main drag, where turnover is common. It has withstood the test of time by keeping things simple. Try the Wild Blueberry Muffin (grilled) or the Blueberry Pancakes. Or both.
80 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
(207) 288-3586
(207) 288-3586

Dysart's Truck Stop & Restaurant

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It's not just for truckers. The restaurant specializes in home-cooked classics for locals and road-weary travelers alike. Have the Yankee Pot Roast and a slice of Tollhouse Pie. Then take a nap.
530 Coldbrook Rd, Hermon, ME 04401
(207) 942-4878
(207) 942-4878

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The Maine Diner

2265 Post Rd, Wells, ME 04090
In its 30 years of existence, the Maine Diner has served over six million people. Locals love it even though in the summer it sometimes feels like there's six million tourists there all at once. There's good reason: Lobster Pie.
2265 Post Rd, Wells, ME 04090
(207) 646-4441
(207) 646-4441

Palace Diner

18 Franklin St, Biddeford, ME 04005
Maine's oldest diner (opened in 1927) seats only 15 and is one of only two Pollard dining cars still in existence. Get yourself a stool and try the Southern Benedict.
18 Franklin St, Biddeford, ME 04005
(207) 284-0015
(207) 284-0015

Q Street Diner

9 Q St, South Portland, ME 04106
This is the place for good, reliable diner standards at low prices. The specials are worth considering, but eggs over easy with Italian sausage, Italian toast and home fries never fails.
9 Q St, South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 767-0299
(207) 767-0299

Miss Portland Diner

140 Marginal Way, Portland, ME 04101
Worcester Diner car No. 818 has been around since 1949, but got new life when it was moved to Marginal Way and received a full restoration and large addition before reopening five years ago. Try the Downeast Haddock Reuben.
140 Marginal Way, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 210-6673
(207) 210-6673

Becky's Diner

390 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
It's become a waterfront institution and tourist destination, but Becky's remains a favorite for locals as well, especially fishermen who appreciate its early hours. The Commercial Street Sandwich will start your day off right.
390 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 773-7070
(207) 773-7070

Brunswick Diner

101 Pleasant St, Brunswick, ME 04011
A converted railroad car that first opened in 1946, the diner has been nourishing Bowdoin College students after long nights of (ahem) studying for decades. Recommendation: The Little Richard, which is creamed chipped beef on toast.
101 Pleasant St, Brunswick, ME 04011
(207) 721-1134
(207) 721-1134

Moody's Diner

1885 Atlantic Highway, Waldoboro, ME 04572
The nationally recognized landmark diner has been family-run for over 80 years. Anything with the house-roasted turkey is a fine option. Make sure to save room for some homemade pie, though.
1885 Atlantic Highway, Waldoboro, ME 04572
(207) 832-7785
(207) 832-7785

A1 Diner

3 Bridge St, Gardiner, ME 04345
This Worcester Lunch Car has been serving locals since 1946. It's not your usual diner, though. Sure, it has the classic menu staples, but the extensive specials menu features items like Turkish Lamb Tagine and a Fried Clam Po'boy with Sriracha Mayo. Also, Belgian beers.
3 Bridge St, Gardiner, ME 04345
(207) 582-4804
(207) 582-4804

Jordan's Restaurant

80 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
In its fourth decade of business, Jordan's is a bit of an outlier on the Bar Harbor main drag, where turnover is common. It has withstood the test of time by keeping things simple. Try the Wild Blueberry Muffin (grilled) or the Blueberry Pancakes. Or both.
80 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
(207) 288-3586
(207) 288-3586

Dysart's Truck Stop & Restaurant

530 Coldbrook Rd, Hermon, ME 04401
It's not just for truckers. The restaurant specializes in home-cooked classics for locals and road-weary travelers alike. Have the Yankee Pot Roast and a slice of Tollhouse Pie. Then take a nap.
530 Coldbrook Rd, Hermon, ME 04401
(207) 942-4878
(207) 942-4878