As the weather gets colder and we find ourselves dodging wind and rain more often than we’d like, nothing sounds better than hiding out in a comforting dinner with the perfect plate of fries. Diners all over Maine have been serving up comfort food for ages and we’ve compiled a list of some of the best. From a tall stack of pancakes to the never-ending cup of coffee, these diners in Maine will leave you feeling warm and cared for in the best possible way.
- Becky’s Diner, Portland
Steve Bott / Flickr Becky’s has been serving up food since 1991 and if you haven’t had the Hobson’s Wharf Special in all that time, you haven’t lived. Head to Becky’s (on Hobson’s Wharf) before the sun is up if you want to sit among the lobstermen before they head out for the day.
- Dysart’s Restaurant, Bangor
Dysarts / Facebook A Bangor mainstay, Dysart’s has been serving up their “trucker’s slice” for as long as the locals can remember. Order one if you like actual whipped cream versus the canned stuff.
- A1 Diner, Gardiner
Steve Frenkel / Flickr A1 was featured on “Diners, Dive & Drive-Thrus” for good reason. The food is great and the service is top-notch. The diner is inside Worcester Lunch Car #790 where it sits in the same place it started in 1946 operating under it’s original name - Heald’s Diner. There are tons of daily specials, so pop in and enjoy!
- Thompson’s Restaurant, Bingham
Thompson’s Restaurant / Facebook While perhaps not one of the Maine “institutions” on our list, it gets consistently great reviews for both food and service. It’s a great place to stop off if you find yourself up North and have a hankering for donut holes. They’re complimentary!
- Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast, Bar Harbor
Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast / Facebook Jeannie’s opens early, which is good because you’ll need to be there before the sun rises if you want to avoid a wait. But, if you do make it through the wait, you don’t be disappointed. After some time spent in Acadia, this is a great place to fuel up. Especially if you’re vegan - they’ve got lots of options for a variety of dietary lifestyles.
- Little Red Hen Diner & Bakery, Andover
Little Red Hen Diner & Bakery / Facebook Located smack in the middle of the Western Mountains of Maine, Little Red Hen will make you feel like you’re part of the family. Everything is homemade and a trip here might mean the best muffins you’ve ever had. They love their family and when you walk through the door, you’ll feel like you’re a part of it.
- Deb’s Diner, Waldoboro
Deb’s Diner / Facebook While we can’t put Moody’s down, if you want a great home-cooked meal in a local atmosphere, Deb’s is awesome. With unique specials and a perfectly baked break, you won’t be disappointed here. Unless you can’t get a seat. Then you should be pretty bummed because you’re missing out.
- Marcy’s Diner, Portland
Marcy’s recently made headlines when they took parenting into their own hands. Whether you agree with their methods of quieting an unpleasant tot or not, the food is definitely worth the trip. Just remember to bring cash and keep your kids in line!
- Palace Diner, Biddeford
Palace Diner / Facebook Maine’s oldest diner car is open every day of the week, serving up breakfast and lunch to a crowd that wishes they could also stay for dinner. A Southern Maine stalwart, Palace is known far and wide.
- Brunswick Diner, Brunswick
The Brunswick Diner / Facebook With options like the “James Dean” and “Little Richard”, the Brunswick Diner will take you back in time. The tiny place is packed to the gills with good vibes and great food.
The best part of this little Only in Maine community is YOU! What are the best diners you’ve been to in Maine and what do you love in your own hometown? Let us know and we’ll compile another list of some of your favorites.
Steve Bott / Flickr
Becky’s has been serving up food since 1991 and if you haven’t had the Hobson’s Wharf Special in all that time, you haven’t lived. Head to Becky’s (on Hobson’s Wharf) before the sun is up if you want to sit among the lobstermen before they head out for the day.
Dysarts / Facebook
A Bangor mainstay, Dysart’s has been serving up their “trucker’s slice” for as long as the locals can remember. Order one if you like actual whipped cream versus the canned stuff.
Steve Frenkel / Flickr
A1 was featured on “Diners, Dive & Drive-Thrus” for good reason. The food is great and the service is top-notch. The diner is inside Worcester Lunch Car #790 where it sits in the same place it started in 1946 operating under it’s original name - Heald’s Diner. There are tons of daily specials, so pop in and enjoy!
Thompson’s Restaurant / Facebook
While perhaps not one of the Maine “institutions” on our list, it gets consistently great reviews for both food and service. It’s a great place to stop off if you find yourself up North and have a hankering for donut holes. They’re complimentary!
Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast / Facebook
Jeannie’s opens early, which is good because you’ll need to be there before the sun rises if you want to avoid a wait. But, if you do make it through the wait, you don’t be disappointed. After some time spent in Acadia, this is a great place to fuel up. Especially if you’re vegan - they’ve got lots of options for a variety of dietary lifestyles.
Little Red Hen Diner & Bakery / Facebook
Located smack in the middle of the Western Mountains of Maine, Little Red Hen will make you feel like you’re part of the family. Everything is homemade and a trip here might mean the best muffins you’ve ever had. They love their family and when you walk through the door, you’ll feel like you’re a part of it.
Deb’s Diner / Facebook
While we can’t put Moody’s down, if you want a great home-cooked meal in a local atmosphere, Deb’s is awesome. With unique specials and a perfectly baked break, you won’t be disappointed here. Unless you can’t get a seat. Then you should be pretty bummed because you’re missing out.
Marcy’s recently made headlines when they took parenting into their own hands. Whether you agree with their methods of quieting an unpleasant tot or not, the food is definitely worth the trip. Just remember to bring cash and keep your kids in line!
Palace Diner / Facebook
Maine’s oldest diner car is open every day of the week, serving up breakfast and lunch to a crowd that wishes they could also stay for dinner. A Southern Maine stalwart, Palace is known far and wide.
The Brunswick Diner / Facebook
With options like the “James Dean” and “Little Richard”, the Brunswick Diner will take you back in time. The tiny place is packed to the gills with good vibes and great food.
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