We're fortunate here in Maine to have an incredible variety of restaurants. From casual seafood shacks to upscale fine dining, the state is a haven for delicious flavors and fresh, local ingredients.
Whether it's a well-known restaurant in the heart of Portland or a hidden gem in a town you'd never expect, Mainers are never short of a good meal.
One such gem lies just on the outskirts of Greater Portland, a spot that has elevated diner food to a level rarely seen before. That would be the iconic Palace Diner in downtown Biddeford.
The Palace Diner is run by Greg Mitchell and Chad Conley, who took over the vintage dining car in 2014. Since then, they've earned widespread praise for their creative takes on classic diner fare. The dining car itself is a true treasure -- with just 15 seats, it has more character than entire cities. It's a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
In fact, it's so unique that Palace Diner was recently named Maine's best hole-in-the-wall restaurant by the popular website Love Food. Here's a glimpse into why they chose this Biddeford staple as the state's finest.
The 15-seat diner, set inside a trolley car, has an even smaller menu, with just a handful of breakfast dishes and lunchtime sandwiches on offer. Diners describe dishes like the tuna melt as life changing, although everything is sublime.
"Life-changing" is not hyperbole - the food at the Palace Diner is unbelievably exquisite. Fan favorites include the incredible breakfast sandwich, the burger, a towering stack of pancakes, and the perfectly fried chicken sandwich. Each dish packs a huge punch for such a small location.
Now, I will warn you: a wait is very likely, given the limited seating. However, the Palace Diner is surrounded by great coffee shops, bakeries, and eclectic little stores to help you pass the time, and trust me, it's well worth the wait. I can personally guarantee that.
Congratulations to this great little diner
on its latest accolade. It's always exciting to see national recognition for Maine's small businesses, especially those that truly deserve it. The Palace Diner is certainly one of them.
It's a hole-in-the-wall every town in this state deserves.