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A1 Diner
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
23 reviews for A1 Diner
Review Highlights
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"...mom and I found this place on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives." In 4 reviews -
"I had the turkey burger and fries and it really was one of..." In 1 review -
"This place is legendary." In 3 reviews
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23 reviews in English
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Review from Deb R.
Manhattan, NY
4/22/2012
We were on our way to do a show in Auburn and a member of my cast had heard about A1 on Diners, Dives & Drive Thrus so we decided to find it and have some lunch.
So cute! Loved the atmosphere!! Interesting food choices, strange soup called Cullen Skink.
We had franks & beans, fried Haddock sandwich, turkey burger etc. everyone loved their food! Then came the amazing desserts; peanut butter whoopie pie, chocolate pudding cake, ginger cheesecake, ginger cake with lemon sauce, Russian creme. Interesting flavors! I felt the prices were reasonable (I'm a New Yorker). They also sell merchandise T shirts, mugs, cook books. We bought mugs & cookbooks. I love my mug, it's solid and a good memory too. The booths were a little small for 4 people to sit in comfortably, we felt cramped but otherwise a great side trip. -
Review from Andy G.
Fairfield, ME
3/13/2012 2 photos
I have always enjoyed the breakfast at the A-1. My favorite is the garlic laced Corned Beef Hash ( which often runs out) however on this trip My wife Simone and I decided to try some lunch. When we arrived at about 11:30 the place was virtually empty. This was probably due to the raging blizzard outside, but shortly after noon the place started hopping and the old trolley filled up quick. After looking at the regular menu and also the many specials of the day I decided to go with a simple yet tasty sounding Oakland Farms Burger special. Locally grown and farm raised, this burger came to the table topped with sweet caramelized onion and melted Gruyere cheese. I ordered it medium well and it was done perfectly. The burger tasted fresh and the onions were sauteed to almost a jam like consistency and they were the perfect compliment to the rich cheese. The only thing I wish was that the bun had been better quality as it was a bit dry and was the only thing that held this burger back. I also had a side of French Fries and those were excellent. They were cut fresh and when I dipped them in the bowl of delicious beef gravy , they could have been a meal themselves ( next time I'm ordering the large). Simone ,as always, was freezing cold, so she opted to go with a bowl of Moroccan Stew that was on special. This was a vegetarian version of the classic Lamb stew. It was loaded with all kinds of vegetables including eggplant, garbanzo beans, squash, tomatoes,onions and garlic. It had some great flavorful overtones of cinnamon, cumin, and coriander and was a very hearty stew. It was served with a side of basmati rice which really wasn't need as the stew alone was plenty filling. Simone also had one of the famous A-1 Diner biscuits. It was also good, flaky and buttery and soaked up the stew well. For dessert we split a piece of the Chocolate Torte. I apologize for the lack of a picture but this was so good I didn't have time to get the camera out, before it disappeared. Although the portion was small, the taste was huge. It was decadently moist and rich and almost a fudge like consistency. A perfect slice- next time I will not be sharing it. Once again, on this visit the A-1 Diner met my expectations. My burger was very good. It was classic and simply prepared, the way it should be and Simone's stew was a great way to warm up during a Maine winter. The torte to finish the meal was just amazing and put an exclamation point on our lunch. Four stars for the A-1 Diner
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Review from Samantha E.
Alexandria, VA
7/16/2011 12 photos
Although I have had diner food before I think this may have been the first time I was actually in a legit diner. We came for a late lunch and were the only people in the tiny place. The server was pleasant and helpful even though it took us ages to decide what to get. Everything we ordered from burgers to mac and cheese to meatloaf sandwiches was delicious! A cute place if you want to hit up somewhere from Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives or want a meal served with a little extra nostalgia.
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Review from Sarah M.
Brooklyn, NY
7/18/2011
A longtime favorite! As a former Maine resident, I've been going to the Diner since I was a kid, and I've never had anything but a great experience. Coffee and breakfast items are good and inexpensive...but the lunch/dinner specials are legendary, from the best fish & chips to sweet potato fries and mojito-glazed duck. Brunch is amazing too. And the staff is great - visit a few times and they'll know your name (and, if you're a creature of habit like me, your order!)
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Review from Mark W.
Beverly, MA
6/30/2009 5 photos
Like Sarah M. I heard about this diner thru Triple D aka Diners, Drive in's and Dives. However we did arrive around dinner time. My travelling companion was my daughter Haley and we were on our way home from Lakewood Camps in Andover, Maine and decided to take the long way home to try it out. After having spent the weekend at a Sporting camp, which feeds you oh so well we decided to have cheesburgers for dinner . We were not disappointed! They were char broiled and cooked to perfection. The hand cut fries are great and we ended it with the legendary Warm Brownie Cup.
Of course the best places depend upon having great staff and it appears they do at A1. Our waitress, Jessy was more than accommodating and allowed us to take pictures. She also took our picture and answered all the questions that go along with the fame of being in the Triple D book and on the show. She was even willing to sign my book !
Thanks Jessy and the whole crew at A1. It's All Good!!Listed in: Triple D - Diners ,Drive Ins…
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Review from Jack H.
Philadelphia, PA
10/2/2011
Still good after being shown on diners, Drive-Ins and Dives four years ago. This is one quirky place, but the food was great and the waitress very nice. I am glad I went out of my way to stop here for dinner, it was worth it.
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Review from Click S.
Wheat Ridge, CO
4/1/2011
Decent. Beautifully rustic atmosphere.
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Review from Sarah M.
Brooklyn, NY
11/13/2008 3 photos
My mom and I found this place on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. It was sort of on our way to Bar Harbor, and it got us off the freeway so we didn't have to pay as many tolls (what is up with that by the way there are no bridges?). I'm sure Guy came for dinner, but we were there for breakfast, which is nothing special.
The waitress said they are known for their expansive menu which included everything from meatloaf to Thai. Their breakfast menu is a different story. There was NOTHING that jumped off the page, standard diner breakfast-eggs, potatoes, meat, but not even biscuits and gravy! I had 2 eggs and toast. They were fine and really cheap, but this was not worth getting off the freeway for. If you're in the area come for dinner, the menu looked really interesting, but don't bother for breakfast. Denny's has more options. -
Review from Nicole S.
8/19/2010 1 Check-in Here
I heard about the place on Triple D and had to come. This place had been in my yelp bookmarks since 5/8/09 so during our latest trip to Downeast I demanded that we go there to check it out.
Well damn me!
We ended up going for weekday breakfast and no offence to A1 but it's a pretty typical diner breakfast menu. I was hoping to be able to savor the curry entrée or the blue cheese meatloaf on the specials board that day. But no I had to settle for steak and eggs... woe is me, such a rough life.
So I approached my breakfast with a tiny bit of disappoint me until the plate was put down in front of me. Bliss, 2 perfectly cooked sunny side up eggs, home fries, a juicy steak, and 2 biscuits. The steak was beautifully seasoned and good to a perfect medium rare. Everything was great, but let me tell you that biscuits. Woah... those biscuits. sooo tender, sooo flaky, sooo buttery! There is a bio of the guy who makes the biscuits in their cookbook. I love this guy- he makes a magically delightful biscuit.
A1 diner... you had me at biscuit. -
Review from Ernest P.
Ellicott City, MD
12/3/2008
Really, really wanted to love this place. Atmosphere was awesome, old-timey blues music playing, cool classic trolley car setting.
Started with Carrot Ginger soup, which was a bit of a mistake. It would have been much better had it been pureed, but came off watery, with very strong ginger flavor and ground-up carrot bits. Not awful but wishing for something a bit less "sloppy". oh well. Supposed famous biscuits were probably better earlier that day but were cold and way too crumbly.
Tried to order the Noodles with Shrimp. Out of shrimp. Got fried chicken which was ok, but quite possibly came out of the freezer, pre-breaded. The handcut fries with gravy were great though. Dining companions got good diner fare. Grilled hot dog and fries were great, along with so-so cole slaw. Macaroni and cheese was above average with creamy white sauce.
Side note: good beer and wine selection and white wine we ordered was served in about an 8oz juice glass filled to the brim. quite a bargain.
All in all would of course go back, and perhaps stick to diner fare (i.e.sandwiches, meatloaf) or try one of the daily specials (mojito duck or flank steak the night we were there). -
Review from Kerri O.
3/27/2008
I keep reading diner reviews, and started thinking about my favorite diner.
I doubt you'll be up in Gardiner, any time soon, but if you are, bring a rumbling tummy into the A1.
You can get standard diner fare, and some really gourmet specials. Even the usual diner grub is fixed superbly. Best homefries you'll ever eat. There's a bunch of veggies choices, too. My sister used to live up the street, and she's vegetarian, and this is her favorite restaurant on the planet. (ps: she ran into Paul Newman once, when they were filming "Empire Falls", nearby).
Look on their website, to see what they serve up. This place is legendary. -
Review from Trisha C.
Portland, ME
12/11/2011
I always have gone to A1 Diner with my family when I come home. My visit this weekend was no different. I ordered the Amsterdam Omelet but instead received a plain American Omelet (and no home fries). After I inquired about my home fries I noticed that my omelet was not what I ordered. After bringing it up to the waitress, Holly (who seemed like she noticed prior to me mentioning it) she informed me that because I ate so much of the omelet I was given that I had to pay for it ALONG with the new omelet. Confused about having to pay for THEIR mistake I told Holly politely to go ahead and cancel my order. This obviously upset her as she yelled to the kitchen to cancel the omelet and that she was sorry that they just "wasted" that food. She said this at such a loud volume that everyone in the diner heard and this made my family feel EXTREMELY uncomfortable so we left. I confronted Holly on how wrong it felt that I had to pay for something that I had no control over and she continued to be extremely rude to both me and my family. I will be contacting the owner and neither my family or I will return to A1 Diner, especially if Holly continues to work there.
Edit: Since this incident I have contacted the owner and was he apologized for the inconvenience and mistake. He was extremely professional and sympathetic and assured me that this incident will no longer happen again. This is a huge relief as I have always loved A1 Diner and was upset at the fact that I could no longer go there. THANK YOU for clearing up this issue in a timely manner. -
Review from Daniel P.
8/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
The A1 Diner is that rare thing - a genuine, original diner cart that serves fantastic food. With a fascinating history (detailed in the cookery book for sale, a copy of which I bought on my way out), the A1 Diner is founded on the principal of serving good, hearty food (with a variety of daily specials). I had the turkey burger and fries and it really was one of the very best turkey burgers I've ever had - beautifully seasoned, the patty had chopped up herbs and breadcrumbs combined with succulent turkey and it was honestly a pleasure to eat. The fries were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and piping hot - the way all fries should be. I also had a cookie to go and it warm, soft, and had generous amounts of gooey chocolate chips inside. Fab. To top it all off, we were a party of nine people - almost all with different drink and food orders - and we were served in good time. Our waitress was friendly, funny, offered suggestions and was quick with topping up coffee. I couldn't have asked for more - no visit to Maine should be completed without dropping in.
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Review from Greg W.
Glen, NH
7/23/2010
Calling this place mediocre is a compliment........ Atmosphere stinks.....the decor is sad........the food over priced......... the vaulted french fries were limp and yuck......... $15 meat loaf in a diner ......geeeze .......gimmie a break........ They are living off an old report on DUMPS DRIVE INS & DINERS........
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Review from Christine N.
Waterville, ME
11/15/2010
Awesome old diner. Food is great. Staff is real friendly.
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Review from Poppin D.
Yardville, NJ
3/5/2010
My how things can change. And as we have learned "change" ain't all it's cracked up to be. When success makes you lazy, perhaps you are not ready for it. This joint was exceptional, the first time we came.
Perhaps it was my wife innocently stating that we were there "just two years ago", or maybe because our power-lifting waiter was also the town sheriff and mayor. But us out-of-towners were duped into the special leftover of the day. At least I was. Not a surprise I suppose. What was I thinking? Perhaps talent in the kitchen was out of the question. Perhaps they never ate a true Southwest dish. Or read a recipe for one?
An entree labeled Sante Fe Stew, was priced at $15.95. I expected quite a show. Instead a paltry compilation of clumpy rice, chunks of overcooked pork, sweet potato, and two dozen black beans. Where are the chilies, where is the roasted corn, olives, jalapenos, sour cream, chorizo, something, anything. REALLY. At that price, how about a cup of soup. Standard diner practice. Small iceberg salad? Nothing. A dinner roll was brought to the table when Magnus brought over a bottle of Sriracha in an attempt to flavor the dish.
The wife enjoyed her $8 quarter-pounder and fries. She often tells me " you just don't know what to order". I am beginning to believe her. When the "special" was pushed a couple of times more that night I knew I was had. I should have spied on locals and ordered same. Didn't seem to be but just one local. Just coffee please.
I do hope that this night was not indicative of the A1's everyday. If so, use your head when ordering, and assume they are not what once was. -
Review from John F.
8/28/2010
Really good for diner food. The burgers were seasoned just right and the fries were nicely done. The desserts were the main treat with the meal. The locals said that this is a nice place to stop in for lunch. The atmosphere is different than those corporate owned diners you find in the city. Combined with the location in the old business district you get a feeling of being transported back at least 30 years. Just coming in for a coffee would be relaxing.
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Review from Curtis F.
Paoli, PA
10/11/2010
Quintessential old school diner precariously perched on a bridge above the Cobboseecontee Stream. Typical diner menu with pizzaz. Had a reuben for lunch with a side of onion rings that was enormous. Others had tasy Canadian BLTs with fries. All tasty and worth bracing the cramped quarters. The homemade deserts are also worth a sample.
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Review from Ted L.
Austin, TX
8/24/2009
What a cool place! The food is wonderful, the folks are friendly and it's on a bridge, check it out!
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Review from John B.
Augusta, ME
8/17/2010
Should be under Restaurants, not bars. Historic diner with exceptional menu. Worth the trip. Go early, small and very popular.
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Review from Nicholas L.
Brighton, MA
10/27/2009
I love this place. I have been here 2x, and it rivals some of the best restaurants in NY. Its just a small little place up in Maine very simple looking, but with a culinary twist on diner food. The service is excellent as I have only seen one waitress there who literally does everything, and hardly breaks a sweat as she is that good. I also love their beer selection. If you get a chance have the Vietnamese crab cakes they were so good I ordered two during my dinner. Also stay for dessert. You wont be disappointed. My hat goes off to the chef, and the rest of the staff.
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Review from Robert A.
Gardiner, ME
8/4/2011
This is the essential diner experience with a PLUS. An old Worcester lunchcar, the A1 has all the best diner fare - franks and beans, mac 'n cheese.....but the specials menu (which changes daily) offers a complex mix of cuisine choices and atypical diner food. It's pretty much restored to original condition and has a pleasant ambiance. On one visit I enjoyed a burger made from local beef with carmelized onions and gruyere. It was amazingly good with piping hot and crisp fries. The next time I chose a lamb dish - mixed veggies, herbs with cous cous. You can go upscale or stay standard-American. Desserts are all you could ask for - try and visit when the peanut butter pie is available, but if it isn't, you'll find something else equally satisfying. Oh, breakfast. Breakfast is hot and fast with the best locally ground coffee ever. Service is attentive, sometimes funny - the Diner is very busy at mid day, less so for the evening meal, weeknights. Whether visiting or if you live in the area, it's worth a trip off I 295. You'll come back.
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Review from Rach h.
Boston, MA
8/19/2010
Really great Sunday brunch, so many options on the menu make it hard to pick just one thing. Totally random but their wheat toast is the best I have had! Go for the items on the specials menu and you won't be disappointed.
