The Oldest Restaurant In Maine Has A Truly Incredible History
By Michelle|Published August 03, 2016
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
The only thing I like better than the Maine coast is the Maine dining scene. From seafood to fun food, there’s not much you CAN’T get here. With a strong culinary scene throughout the state (not just in Portland, as is a common misconception,) it’s no wonder that new restaurants are opening to meet the demand of what we’ve come to expect.
But, how do we reconcile our past with all this “new?” Maine is rich in state history – from early battles to devastating fires, to logging, blueberries and textiles, we have a lot to remember. There is a fear among some that new restaurants, shops, roadways and people will ruin our heritage. And while in some places and cases that might be a real threat, it’s heartening to see Maine retain its historical flavor.
It’s even more wonderful when there’s a true coming together of our past and our future. Nothing is more evident of that trend than Biddeford’s Palace Diner.
Originally opened back when Biddeford was a textile mill town, the Palace Diner has been around since 1927. Its walls are an old Pollard dining car - one of only two that exist in the world. It's been sitting in the town for almost 90 years. Hopefully, it'll be around for another 90.
Originally, the diner was open 24 hours a day, to make sure the local workers never went hungry. Every day of the week, the diner was bustling with each of the 15 seats taken just about all the time. The moment one person got up, another was in his place as quickly as you can say "eggs are up."
The original owner of the diner was Louis Lachance, a locomotive engineer who ran the establishment until the early 1960s. Since then it has changed hands just few times. But, the current iteration just might be its best. Greg Mitchell and Chad Conley met while farming in Maine. They bonded over their desire to someday start a restaurant focused on quality food and made their dreams a reality upon finding out The Palace Diner was for sale. The restaurant re-opened in March 2014.
Known for their simple menu items that come impeccably prepared, you won't find typical diner fare at The Palace. While the names may sound familiar, each ingredient is made fresh and local (whenever it makes sense) and the taste is nothing short of perfection. Diner food can sometimes taste quickly prepared, but here individual care is taken with each dish.
Both breakfast and lunch are served all day, and we highly recommend ordering both. Or, go with the Lumberjack Breakfast for the best of both worlds. If the fried chicken in this dish is especially appealing, look out for their monthly Fried Chicken Fridays. There's nothing better than devoting an entire day to you favorite food. And it's more exciting when it's The Palace Diner's version.
Another pleaser is The Deluxe. This ridiculous(ly amazing) breakfast sandwich was named one of Downeast Magazine's best breakfasts in Maine. It includes an egg omelette with canned jalapenos, along with cheese and mayo - all smashed between a perfect english muffin.
They went through a period of time being open for dinner, but they've recently reverted back to normal hours - every single day 8am to 2pm. If you're not sure whether they're open or closed, take a look inside. If there's even one seat open, there's a good chance things are winding down. All that to say: this place, for good reason, is always packed.
The Palace Diner is located at 18 Franklin Street in Biddeford. You can call them to chat on 207-284-0015. Or, go all out and send them a love note at: palacedinerme@gmail.com
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