We've been driven by A1 Diner countless times, and after reading about its long, rich history, finally decided to stop by on a recent trip to Acadia. The free street parking right outside the restaurant was an unexpected and pleasant surprise. Just as surprising was the overpriced and just-okay food. I gotta say, both the inside and outside vibe of the place are a bit misaligned with the menu and food quality, and also the prices. We arrived at around noon and the menu unfortunately didn't look any breakfast items as they stopped those at 11am. Instead, our options were burgers, sandwiches, and dinner plates. The menu was quite extensive and creative -- it wasn't your typical diner menu (Asian noodles?!) -- but also, prices were steep for a place like this. A cheeseburger was $16+, with an extra $1 charge for tomato and onion. The sandwiches were more expensive and just included chips -- fries were an up-charge. Honestly, just the prices alone were a turn off. My burger -- I ordered the one with brie and jam on it -- was so underwhelming. Not even an exciting cheese like brie could save it. What a shame because it really did seem like such a cool spot! read more

I drove from Greenville to meet a friend here. The ambience and experience is totally worth it; my friend had suggested this spot and I really enjoyed it. The service was superior and very friendly. The server was in tune with our situation; did not make us feel like we were overstaying our welcome, while we did spend 2 hours catching up. The food was very good (I got Korean bbq sliders/her ham grilled cheese), not outstanding, but in line with the overall experience and I would come back. Feeling like you are in a 1940s train car was super cool!! read more

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Would you believe that I had never been here before? We were in town to look at a house, as we are moving to the area. Stopped in for dinner. I LOVE a retro diner. I was expecting the typical diner food, but this was not that. It was BETTER. It had a very unique menu. I chose a sandwich with delicious toasted/buttered whole wheat bread, savory roasted Turkey, apple butter, a handful of arugula and Ooey gooey melty brie cheese. It was so good! The ambience is definitely that of an old diner, it's very cool! The colors. The materials. The size. The waitress was very nice as were all of the customers we met. The waitress was very helpful and sweet. I of course, immediately added them on Instagram. I can't wait to be a Gardiner local, and visit often! Looks like they have a stellar Christmas Eve bunch every year! read more

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Very good but expensive ! We went once and were shocked by the menu. We will not be back due to the prices

Talk about Maine comfort food! I always try to go when I'm in town and I usually get the fried clams, they're so good. And I love the old school nostalgia. read more

Dear A1 Diner, Can I sell my house in Southern Maine, quit my job and move in next door? Can I stop in every morning for coffee and breakfast, tuck in at one of your comfortable booths and smile and wave at everyone else in the diner, while we talk about life and taxes and politics, all while eating eggs and pancakes and drinking bottomless cups of coffee? Can I come back every evening, to talk to the waitstaff and decide which one of the specials i'm going to have for dinner that night. Of course I will leave room for dessert! What's it going to be tomorrow night; the gingerbread with zabaglione, the chess pie, the molasses pudding? Can I become a regular? Is that possible for someone who lives an hour away? Maybe only in my dreams read more

This is a gem! We like to come for lunch-- innovative choices, but still with that diner flair. Service is always good. Laid back, fun retro atmosphere--a favorite with locals. read more

Loved this place! Had blueberry waffles and homemade corned beef hash and it was all yummy. The staff was friendly and kept the great coffee coming. And you can't beat eating in an old train/trolley car! read more

A1 Diner - A1 Diner from the street - Diners Near Me - Gardiner, Maine

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Great brunch menu with different items featured. Small place by quaint. Get there early. Although if you need to wait it is nice location to wait. read more

I came in on a Saturday morning and ordered a waffle and the hash browns. It wasn't busy- that should have been my first sign. My food came out after ten minutes and was crispy and lukewarm. Waffle and hash browns both. The two combined came to $15, before tip. While I was here, I heard two other parties speak to the servers about their dissatisfaction with their food. The issue was not rectified either time and both parties left unhappy. I'm unimpressed and will not be returning. Prices are high and quality is low, as seems to be the case all too often these days. I'm just going to start staying home and saving my money- it'll make me happier in the long run. read more

Historic, comfortable, and good food. While one will not find whatever kale infused offering you might be looking for, you will find traditional, comforting food in this historic diner in downtown Gardner. Worth the stop when you are in town. read more

Went to this place Friday morning with my mother, I always love the aesthetic and the food is amazing and you can tell it's made well with care. I love the orange poppyseed waffle, my mother got banana walnut waffle. Always a pleasure staff are sweet read more

Driving through the cute little town of Gardiner, Maine, situated next to a stream and placed on stilts so that it can reach the side walk is the time capsule known as the A1 diner! You must stop and eat! Prices are fair and the food is amazing. On a recent Sunday we stopped in for a late breakfast and we're not disappointed! Upon entering, we were faced with a counter with stools that looked right out of by-gone era. We sat down at the counter and ordered. I ordered the eggs Benedict that was served with mixed salad greens and home fries! I can't recall ever being served mixed salad greens with breakfast. What a treat! She had a mushroom omelet with toast and homefries that was thoroughly enjoyed. Both of our plates were heaped with delicious food that will definitely bring us back the next time we are in the area! read more

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It's a drive, but a well worth it drive. Every trip north that can possibly be twisted to include 3 Bridge Street and a stop at the A1 diner is calculated to do just that. Been doing so for years now and look forward to continuing doing same. read more

What a pleasant and fun surprise! We were headed through town and needed to pull off for some breakfast sustenance. A quick scan of the Yelp app told us that A1 was both an alphabetical and flavorful first choice. I missed the turn and ended up parking down by the water below, but I think you can hit up the street parking right by the diner itself. It's an old street car, suspended on some kind of metal scaffolding, though the kitchen appears to be a brick-and-mortar building. I mean, right there you have some amazing local flavor. On the inside, they were all business. We were clearly the only out of towners, so we grabbed a booth and ordered some hearty diner breakfast fare right fast. My girlfriend was feeling particularly hungry and got the big breakfast, which had a little bit of everything. I opted for a smaller version. Both had all the usual suspects and were exactly what we were looking for: classic roadside diner breakfast flavors to give you the boost you need for the day. read more

The omelette was terrible for the price and I'm not sure I would even call it an omelette. It was more like a crepe. The service was meh, for being a small establishment the waitress never checked on us. Interesting little building though. read more

I was kind of excited to come in here for breakfast, but was really disappointed. The Service was outstanding, the ambience was pretty cool, but the breakfast was not good. I ordered my eggs over medium, but they came out burnt, the potatoes were dry and look like they've been sitting there for a while. I would not recommend A1dinnerfor breakfast. read more

A1 Diner - Cute little place. - Diners Near Me - Gardiner, Maine

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Food, service, everything was so good! Some days they look so slow, and it's strange to me because everything was five stars.

The food was amazing. Service was most excellent. It was super unexpected excellent food. You have to try this!!!

So good! Best tuna melt I've ever had but honestly everything on the menu looks great! read more

A1 Diner - Tuna melt with fries and gravy. - Diners Near Me - Gardiner, Maine

Another great Gardiner restaurant......the original great Gardiner restaurant. Great food and great people!!!

the most adorable diner in the heart of gardiner. It is located on the corner of the Main Street so I recommend finding street parking there and then walking over. There is some outdoor seating but to get the full experience you have to eat in the train car! The booths are so comfy and private but that isn't the important part The food is AMAZING. I've loved everything I've gotten here and would happily try everything off of the menu. The fried avocado is the most delicious treat and you can't find it anywhere else nearby. My favorite is the turkey and Brie sandwich! read more

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Staff is rude. The woman with the black ponytail is nice...but that's all. Good is delicious. Dress warm in einter

Went here for lunch and what a treasure ! Tables were full so we sat at the counter. The staff were very friendly . I had the Grilled Gruyere with Caramelized onions and avocado with sweet potato fries. OMG, the sandwich is by far the best grilled cheese I have ever had!! I would go here again just for this sandwich. My friend had the BLT with Roast beef which came with chips, she said it was good. They had some desserts but we were so full that we passed but they looked good. Will definitely go back! read more

A1 Diner - Great Diner! - Diners Near Me - Gardiner, Maine

My daughter and I visit the A1 Diner on a fairly regular basis. The experience of dining in one of the few remaining "diner cars" alone makes this restaurant unique. The food is a combination of diner classics, such as egg salad sandwich, poutine, meatloaf, beans and hot dog, married to the chefs modern spin on things like Korean BBQ sliders and soba noodle soup. On our most recent visit I had the fried haddock sandwich. The generous portion of fish was fresh, nicely battered, and fried to perfection. It was served on a warm pretzel like bun (not sure if it was in fact a pretzel bun but it had that glossy browned top and was super soft and melt in your mouth tender). The sandwich was almost as big as my head. My daughter had her usual order of gravy fries. The fries were hot, golden brown, and crisp the gravy, which came on the side, was velvety, tasty and rich. Wine is served in glass tumblers (like you'd find at your grandmother's house) which I personally think is pretty cool. The atmosphere is laid back, there is booth and counter seating. The inside is nicely kept and you feel like you're stepping back in time. Plus the dining car looks like it's suspended from the side of a bridge! The diner was featured on the Food Network in an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. There is a fabulous Sunday brunch offering as well. So if you're looking for a unique dinning experience at reasonable prices I recommend stopping by this Gardiner landmark. read more

A1 Diner - Gravy Fries - Diners Near Me - Gardiner, Maine

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Solid joint in downtown Gardiner! Very good food for a diner. Not your average greasy spoon.

Gardiner, ME's claim to fame certainly lives up to the hype. Among dozens of diners and lunch stops in the area this one stands out for its unique menu, great food, and charm. I've been twice, both times excellent service and food. The servers are upbeat and seem to genuinely enjoy being there. Which is rare these days! Linda in particular was a delight. I had a burger with onion rings which was honestly gourmet. The previous time I had the spicy soba noodles which were full of flavor. I'll be returning soon for more of their great options read more

A1 Diner - Bacon burger with onion rings - Diners Near Me - Gardiner, Maine

This was our lunch stop while in the Gardiner area yesterday. We had heard about it for a long time, but it is not an area of Maine that we frequent. So carpe diem and all that! They have an eclectic menu that is not what you would expect, walking into a traditional train car diner. It took us awhile to peruse the menu, as everything seemed like it would hit the spot. Hubby landed on the meatloaf sandwich, after making sure there were no peppers or celery in it. The sandwich was smothered in hot gravy and served with a side of chips ( on a separate plate) and a dill pickle. He was very happy with his choice. I had a sandwich called the undertaker's wife, but what I really wanted was a sample plate with bits of five different menu items! Anyway the undertaker's wife was a chibatta with grilled chicken pieces and steamed brussel sprouts and a Dijon aioli served with a side of fries. No pickle so I stole hubby's. We both ate my fries which were like " fair fries" and dipped them in hubby's gravy for a cheeky poutine! There was only one person on waitstaff when we were there and she was very busy but took the time to stop in and see how things were. She was welcoming and efficient. She answered all our menu questions while waiting for our food we did an eye wander around the diner which is definitely an old school train diner, in other words...fantastic! When I asked where the restrooms were ( out the door, around the corner and in another door) I was happy that it wasn't too cold or rainy! Definitely would go here again when in the area. read more

Just stopped in for a late lunch... and A-1 never disappoints. The menu is eclectic. The service is friendly. The food is bang-a-rang. Not the homogonized Brooklynized Portland menu! The Scallop BLT, a Peeper, and pumpkin pie were superb. (Have you ever seen a scallop BLT on a menu?!) read more

You will not be disappointed. Menu selection far superior to standard diner or chain restaurant fare. read more

A1 Diner - Worcester lunch car in Gardiner ME. - Diners Near Me - Gardiner, Maine

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Had driven by here a number of times and wondered. I finally saw a parking space and said....Lets go.......I was not disappointed . I had standard breakfast fare and it was very good. I also had the corned beef hash and it was superb. I also had Hungarian mushroom soop to take out and will now put this time capsule on my antiquing route. Yummy. Atmosphere and service is excellent and the food is ....different and better. Must go read more

I visited this dinner today 2/3/24 for the first time with my sister. I had heard of this dinner from the food network and it was amazing. The people were very friendly and quick with the food. I had Korean BBQ slider that were amazing and my sister had fish tacos. Definitely worth it. I would go back. read more

Excellent food, good service. Good sized portions. The chocolate cream pie is fabulous!

The classic roadside diner vibe doesn't get any better than this. We tried several menu items and all were fantastic. Swing in, relax, and forget about the world for while. read more

This small, unique, local diner is awesome!! I have had their breakfast and now, their dinner. Both were fantastic! Our waitress, Kim, was top-notch and a good sport. I had the special (fish tacos) with fried avocado. I would go back there just for the fried avocado! The other folks with me loved their meals and desserts. I had the peanut butter pie, which was AMAZING. My brother had the toffee chocolate chip cookie and reported it to be delicious (it was so good, he didn't share). If you are in the Gardiner area, I highly recommend this gem of a restaurant. read more

I was so excited to visit A-1 Diner after being away for years. Sadly, beyond the nostalgic dining car ambiance, the food was below par. I went for breakfast and was there just as they opened for the day. It wasn't busy and I had my choice of tables. Service was very friendly and I heard how difficult things had been since Covid for this independent restaurant. I ordered a cheese, mushroom, and spinach omelet with no toast and what arrived was an amemic looking omelet on the plate with nothing else. No home fries, no fresh fruit, nothing. To add insult to injury the eggs tasted of aluminum foil which indicates that the eggs weren't farm fresh or pasture raised. If you're going to do breakfast, the least you can do is purchase the very best eggs available. I guess I could have ordered home fries as a side, but I assumed that A-1's breakfasts were a complete breakfast. read more

Three of us just went to this cute, little diner. The place is super clean and that's a big plus for me. I had the scallop BLT and the other two had the liver & onions. The BLT had sirracha mayonnaise on it and it was just the right amount of heat. The guys I went with, said the liver & onions was the best they've ever eaten. Our waitress was very nice and very accommodating. I can't wait to go back and try the fish tacos. I highly recommend this diner...great size portions for the prices they charge. read more

A1 Diner - Scallop BLT w/ sirracha mayonnaise & hand cut fries. - Diners Near Me - Gardiner, Maine

Had not been there in a while, wanted some Good old diner food and was feeling nostalgic. big mistake. New owners took over...the food is horrible and the place looks run down. won't be returning. read more

Favorite place to eat in gardiner/Hallowell area. Consistent quality, great service, friendly Responsive staff. Great for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Strongly recommend ordering off the specials menu! read more

Small place to dine but delicious if you can get a seat- their burgers are the best on this area- my moms lived in Maine all her life and this is one of her top favorite restaurants! Recommend the pretzel bun burger. read more