Amtrak is the only show in town when it comes to long-distance train travel in the USA. And, unfortunately, they don’t go much farther than southern Maine these days. So, what do you do if you love trains, but live in Maine? Simple! Head to one of the best diners we’ve got: A1 Diner in Gardiner.
RunAway B. / Yelp There was a time when the A 1 Diner was simply known as “Worcester Lunch Car #790.” Built in Worcester, Massachusetts, it arrived in its current location in 1946 and became Heald’s Diner. The diner changed hands three times before eventually finding its true calling as the A1 Diner.
The Worcester Semi-Streamliner style diner is located on Bridget Street, right next to the Cobbossee Stream. It sits on steel girders to ensure it sits at street level.
A 1 Diner / Facebook Life for the diner wasn’t always smooth sailing. Like many towns in Maine, Gardiner has had its share of ups and downs. When the mills in town began closing in the 1950s, the regulars who loved the 24-hour spot had no reason to stop in. As the town became home to fast food restaurants and other chains, kids who once used the diner as a hang-out chose other places to spend their after-school hours.
The current owners Michael Giberson (son of Al Gibey Giberson, the previous owner) and Neil Anderson, took over in 1987 and they’ve been going strong ever since.
The inside of the A1 Diner is as unique and old-school as the exterior. Step inside for the original pink Tennessee marble counter tops accompanied by 16 authentic pedestal stools. If intimate eating is more your style, ask for one of the six booths.
Don’t forget to take note of the cool neon sign, purchased by the owners and rumored to be the reason for the current name.
Dan A. / Yelp
A 1 Diner / Facebook But, what about the food? Any ol’ place can set up shop in an old train car, but making sure the food and service are good is the true test. The A1 Diner passes that test with flying colors. In addition to having the typical diner fare - like burgers, melts and fries - Michael and Neil have made sure to infuse lots of special touches to the menu.
Jim C. / Yelp Of course, you’ll find things like a the bacon cheeseburger pictured here.
A 1 Diner / Facebook And a Maine favorite, some delicious fried clams.
A 1 Diner / Facebook But, the A1 Diner really shines when it comes to the special items. You’ll find items such as this summer berry buckle…
A 1 Diner / Facebook …and these incredible home made whoopie pies. But, they’ve also been known to serve up a kimchi burger, a Mexican burger and some of the best brunch and breakfast foods you’ll find in Maine.
Matthew B. / Yelp
RunAway B. / Yelp Be sure to check their super awesome, vintage sign boards and if you’re lucky you just might be there when the REAL management team is on the scene.
A 1 Diner / Facebook No matter when your palate prefers - the exciting modern items or the tried and true french fries - it’s definitely worth the challenging parking to take a trip to the A1 Diner. If it was good enough for Diners, Dives and Drive-ins, it’s good enough for us! Actually, we think you’ll be surprised at how great this place is despite being featured nationally.
K A. / Yelp
Mark W. / Yelp
If you’re in the area and want to try out the A1 Diner for yourself, you’ll find it at 3 Bridge Street, Gardiner, Maine, 04345. Or, give them a good ol’ fashioned phone call at 207-582-4804. Tell ’em Large Marge sent ya!
RunAway B. / Yelp
There was a time when the A 1 Diner was simply known as “Worcester Lunch Car #790.” Built in Worcester, Massachusetts, it arrived in its current location in 1946 and became Heald’s Diner. The diner changed hands three times before eventually finding its true calling as the A1 Diner.
The Worcester Semi-Streamliner style diner is located on Bridget Street, right next to the Cobbossee Stream. It sits on steel girders to ensure it sits at street level.
A 1 Diner / Facebook
Life for the diner wasn’t always smooth sailing. Like many towns in Maine, Gardiner has had its share of ups and downs. When the mills in town began closing in the 1950s, the regulars who loved the 24-hour spot had no reason to stop in. As the town became home to fast food restaurants and other chains, kids who once used the diner as a hang-out chose other places to spend their after-school hours.
The current owners Michael Giberson (son of Al Gibey Giberson, the previous owner) and Neil Anderson, took over in 1987 and they’ve been going strong ever since.
The inside of the A1 Diner is as unique and old-school as the exterior. Step inside for the original pink Tennessee marble counter tops accompanied by 16 authentic pedestal stools. If intimate eating is more your style, ask for one of the six booths.
Don’t forget to take note of the cool neon sign, purchased by the owners and rumored to be the reason for the current name.
Dan A. / Yelp
But, what about the food? Any ol’ place can set up shop in an old train car, but making sure the food and service are good is the true test. The A1 Diner passes that test with flying colors. In addition to having the typical diner fare - like burgers, melts and fries - Michael and Neil have made sure to infuse lots of special touches to the menu.
Jim C. / Yelp
Of course, you’ll find things like a the bacon cheeseburger pictured here.
And a Maine favorite, some delicious fried clams.
But, the A1 Diner really shines when it comes to the special items. You’ll find items such as this summer berry buckle…
…and these incredible home made whoopie pies. But, they’ve also been known to serve up a kimchi burger, a Mexican burger and some of the best brunch and breakfast foods you’ll find in Maine.
Matthew B. / Yelp
Be sure to check their super awesome, vintage sign boards and if you’re lucky you just might be there when the REAL management team is on the scene.
No matter when your palate prefers - the exciting modern items or the tried and true french fries - it’s definitely worth the challenging parking to take a trip to the A1 Diner. If it was good enough for Diners, Dives and Drive-ins, it’s good enough for us! Actually, we think you’ll be surprised at how great this place is despite being featured nationally.
K A. / Yelp
Mark W. / Yelp
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