Another cool place we’ve visited lately, is the town of Gardiner, Maine. Or more specifically the A1 Diner in Gardiner, Maine. And whoa Nellie, we were not disappointed.
The A1 Diner had been serving up meals in it’s Worcester diner car since 1946 in the heart of downtown Gardiner and it was easy to see why this place is a favorite for locals. Just look at that tile!
And those old barstools. Wouldn’t you just love to be transported back to the late 40’s and have a seat at the counter and watch all the people coming and going?
I think the only thing “new” there was the tablecloths. And I loved the tile floors too. Black and white, it’s such a classic, don’t you think?
The sign of a good diner: rich and creamy hot chocolate with a nice bit of whipped cream. YumYumYum. And the coffee. The HH said it was the best restaurant coffee he’s ever had {and told the waitress too}.
Seriously, who needs Cracker Barrel when you’ve got a place like A1 Diner nearby? A big breakfast served up hot from an old-fashioned diner car, you just can’t beat that.
Have I told you how much I love it here?
Maine. It really is the way life should be. 🙂
Have a great day everyone… a high of 57 is in the forecast for today. Yee-Haw.
~Mavis
A1 Diner
3 Bridge St
Gardiner, ME 04345
MEM says
Really neat! I was a little thrown off by the spelling (no “h”) but The Worcester Lunch Car Company was based in Worcester, Massachusetts. I’m in the Boston area but there are still in existence 6 diners in MA built by that company. Might need to check out a few.
Lori says
That diner looks awesome. The food/drinks look really good too.
Debra McCrary says
I have that tile in my bathroom! You can still get it at Lowes.
Mavis Butterfield says
That’s awesome!
Anne Wiebe says
I foresee a bathroom floor redo with this tile in your future!
Nancy Settel says
we have traveled oh so much all over New England and love it so much and the diners too! We live in Delaware and all we have here are shiny new fancy diners and it just isn’t the same. Miss New England so much.
Lana says
We love a good diner and have many on our list and coffee is definitely the plumb line. It is not hard at all to beat Cracker Barrel these days! They have really not weathered the pandemic very well and their food is just not what it used to be.
Cheryl says
I agree, it is and miss in my area. Real diner food is the best. My husband would love it there.
Linda says
Mavis, have you heard of The Lost Kitchen in Freedom, Maine?
I get the Discovery channel on my Roku and the Magnolia network on that site. The Lost Kitchen is an amazing place that I think you’d find of interest. They have people come from all over the world to dine, but you have to be chosen in their once a year lottery.
Stacey says
Cracker Barrel used to be my favorite restaurant. The last time we went to one I was looking forward to a big old bowl of creamy oatmeal, and was told they didn’t have it anymore. What? I am not eating animal products, so all I managed to find to eat was toast and jam.
Amy says
We went to Cracker Barrel a couple of days ago. I think it was the first time in my life I left a piece of bacon on my plate. I couldn’t figure out how they could mess up bacon! On the other hand, the service was excellent as always.
Molly says
A long long time ago my Mom would tell me stories when she and her Mom owned a Diner. I think it was or near Dream City Park In Pennsylvania. It always seemed so wonderful. I wished I could have been there but I was just a flower in the field!
Amy W says
I ALWAYS get hot chocolate at diners! It’s the best! It reminds me of breakfasts with my Grandpa.
Christina@Bargainblog says
That is seriously one of the coolest looking diners I’ve ever seen. And now I’m totally craving a mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream! Haha
Daria says
I’m glad you finally got to the A1 – it’s so good! I recommend the Oaklands Burger for lunch or dinner (and a trip down Route 24 to South Gardiner, to see the black Angus cows in front of the castle), and they will make French fries with gravy for you, too (or without if you don’t like it). Next time you’re there for breakfast, get a side of the corned beef hash. It’s simply awesome.