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. read more

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The food is excellent and the service was superb. I had the gumbo and would love to try some of the other specials someday. A Diner, Drive-ins and Dives location. read more

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. read more

Really love their breakfast! The power bowl is spicy and so filling. Coffee is always flowing and fresh cream on the table.

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. read more

I gave an extra star for the food. The service needs improvement. We were there on a saturday morning at 830 am and there was 1 waitress. Upon entering the diner we were immediately guided to sit at the bar to wait for a table. We were never asked if we wanted to sit at the bar in which we would. I sat there with 3 other people in my party and observe the waitress. She had 4 tickets to ring up and was manning the register and serving people. After 10 min, I went up to the waitress and ask for menus. My thought is to look at menus while waiting. She said she will be over with them. So we waited and waited. She finally called us to a table and at that point I didnt say a word. We placed our order. My order was wrong and just to get her attention took some time. I politely said this is not my order. She then said yeah it is not because she remembered my order. The second and third person at our table got the reversed order too. They both ordered breakfast burrito. One was with sausage and the other bacon. Once at table it was given to the wrong person. This is the cook fault not the waitress. So again food is good but service needs improvement. read more

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Really great service, food was typical dinner food. Not sure the place is structurally sound. Wouldn't be surprised if it just spontaneously falls. For that reason, I'm out. Also not the cleanest restaurant of all time. read more

Always unexpected specials that blow pricy places out of the water. Had Korean BBQ sliders the last time we visited, which is the best dish I've ever had a diner. read more

The food was home cook was really good prices as well I recommend A1 a great place to just sit back and relax while looking at the river

If you are fan of diners, you must stop in at the A1. The owner, Kim is the nicest person and serves healthy food, lots of it locally sourced. I had a chicken salad plate with greens and awesome french fries. The reuben sandwich was to die for as was the classic tuna sandwich. Portions were large and served on wonderful bread. For dessert, I had a coconut vanilla macaroon that was yummy! The diner is a classic Worcester Diner Car chrome diner with authentic interior, counter, stools and booths. The most amazing thing about the diner is that it sits atop a steel frame - very unusual! read more

Strangely good for a diner. They have all the standard diner fare, but also feature tons of healthy local and ethnic food. The place is always packed; don't be surprised or disappointed if you have to wait a bit to get a seat. Highly recommended. read more

I love this place! We used to only come for breakfast, but finally decided to try it for dinner. It has become one of my favorite stops for food. read more

Simply the best. Not a diner in any way except for appearances. Top notch dinners and desserts. My favorite place in the area.

Well worth a DETOUR to eat at A1!!! You won't be disappointed! Quirky, funky old diner car, clinging to a bridge over a creek, festooned (at least in season) with flower boxes and kitch. The menu?! Inventive. Gourmet. Well executed. Personally, I was advised from our friend (who lives nearby in Whitefield, ME) that our best bet was to select something from the chalk board specials. We both did -- and they were superb. Great service! Clean! PRICES ARE MORE THAN REASONABLE FOR THE QUALITY OF FOOD YOU RECEIVE. Simply a GEM!!! If you can get here, do. read more

This spot is amazing! my boyfriend and I were looking for a delicious meal that was different than other basic places around. We went in for brunch and had the cauliflower asparagus frittata which was amazing and we had the shrimp and potato hash which my boyfriend loved. Another time we had the orange pecan French toast and oatmeal. French toast was so thick and amazing and tasty and the oatmeal was an extra large portion, more than enough for two or more people to share. Servers are friendly and welcoming. We will be making this place one of our regular go-to's. read more

I have lived in the area for about 25 years and visit A1 Diner occasionally. I always walk away with a full belly and feel good about the food. This isn't your momma's diner! They have some really great "other than diner food" and I LOVE what they do with lamb. Don't be fooled, they do a great job with regular diner food too! EVERYTHING IS MADE FRESH/HOMEMADE! Don't forget to buy their cookbook and/or coffee cup! A1 Diner was featured on Food Networks "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" and got a wonderful review from Guy Fieri. http://www.foodnetwork.com/restaurants/me/gardiner/a1-diner-restaurant.html The only reason I didn't give a 5-Star rating is because they could do a little more renovating of the diner itself. I know it's old and has been through a lot, but polishing up the chrome would be really good for this place. read more

I stop here often for breakfast..I have my favorite egg omelet made..Avacado,fresh spinach,mushrooms,sausage, gorgon zola cheese..fantastic!!..Coffee is the best!..cozy,nostalgic place! Friendly staff that remember you too! read more

Cool little old fashioned diner with decent food. A little pricey for a diner. Onion rings were ok, lightly battered and fried but lacked taste. Hubby got the cheeseburger which was good. I had a Greek salad with fried calamari. It was ok, not great. The fried calamari was tender but again lacked any seasoning. Lunch with tip was 40 bucks. Probably won't go back. read more

Great local diner! Food was excellent, not what I expected for diner food. Menu had good options with more than fair prices. Would definitely recommend and it'll likely become our regulars top! read more

This is an update of an earlier review. Stopped by today w/a friend. We had the scallop BLT (more memorable than last time) and a Caesar w/shrimp. Good shrimp...a little too generous w/the dressing (note to self...dressing on the side next time). Excellent scallop BLT...all good! Ate at the counter...a bit of off-putting odor in the vicinity of the refrigerator/cooler. Great service! Funky place! Stop in if you get the chance...only a couple of miles from I-95 and the Augusta toll booth...easy to find! read more

This is the type of place you might not take a second glance at as you're driving by- until you eat there. The food is everything you expect from an old school diner. Greasy, amazing, super quick, ever-changing menu based on who orders what in the last hour. What you might NOT expect is the awesome selection. I was shocked to see various unique salad options, fish, chicken dishes, etc. I thought for sure it would be burgers and maybe a steak. There is super limited seating as the place is teeny, tiny. But it's definitely worth the wait. I have been dying to try their breakfast because I have heard amazing things. I have only experienced the lunch (many-a-times). What I've had: Turkey club, the fish, cheeseburger, Caesar salad, turkey burger. What I recommend: The dessert. Any of it. their pies are unreal (think peanut butter pie, blueberry pie) If you're in Gardiner, its a must see! read more

Great food and a hidden little gem! The old train car not only is super cute on the outside but gives such a historical feel. I can totally see why it was on Diners, Drive in's and dives. A must stop in the Gardiner Area! read more

I've been here several times over the years when I find myself passing through Gardiner. Food is good, creative and wide ranging. I was there yesterday and what I had was not listed on the menu or specials board. You'll probably not have to ask for it which was surprising. Me and my two friends received a great big helping of smug hipster attitude from a waitstaff that could barely contain their disdain for their customers. The one we had the misfortune of enduring dressed in the prerequisite hipster second hand clothing with a partial buzz cut in the back of her ever expanding and superior brain. It took all she could to be pleasant (failed) explain items on the specials board (painful and obviously a huge request on our part) leading her to recite items in a manner that conveyed her love of hating everything about who we were and why we have the audacity to be seated in a booth looking for a decent experience. Selfish of us I realize. We had no silverware when we sat down and it was not until after we received our food with her looking away as she plunked the plates down in hipster disregard did I ask for a napkin. Roughly five minutes later after watching her chat away with her bud, stash some clean glasses, and other very pressing tasks did she return and, once more drop them down onto the table making such a quick and disinterested exit from our table I literally had to shout to ask her for water. That came 10 minutes later as well. If you go, you'll enjoy the food. Prices are fair and the old diner is a wonder. But just make sure when you see the hipster staffer dragging her ultra cool aura your way don't expect much, ask no questions and be thankful that you have the pleasure of being shit on. read more

Love this quaint little spot that serves up plates like you're in a five star hotel! Great service and friendly place!

I love to food here!!! Been coming for a few years now and never wrote a review! I'd have to say that I do miss the old wave of waitstaff cus the new crew isn't as friendly or efficient. read more

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. read more

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........ read more

It's good. It's good. I'm just trying to occupy Soave because Yelp demand a specific amount of detail

On our quest to hit as many Triple D sites as possible, we went to the A1 Diner in Gardiner Maine last weekend. It was terrific! Had the hot meatloaf with gravy sandwich on rye and the roast beef, cheddar and horseradish cream sandwich on a pretzel bun. Both were very flavorful and beautifully executed. Don't let the aging facade fool you - this place has great quality, great service and is spotlessly clean inside! Will definitely go again. Great job guys! read more

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We hadn't been there in several years. Met some friends for brunch. The food was awesome as always. We'll be back.

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 read more

A1 Diner - Fresh Ground Organic Farm Raised Oakland Farms Burger - Diners Near Me - Gardiner, Maine

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I've been wanting to eat here for a while and I finally got the chance today and was amazing. I had the chicken curry salad wrap and it was amazing. The service was great as well. If you complain or don't rate this place a five you must have fallen and hit your head. Everything here is top notch, enjoy!!! read more

Good food! Specials menu has some hidden gems!! Prices are a little higher on the specials though.... VERY friendly waitstaff, VERY clean establishment! Recommend you check it out!!!! read more

Great combo of traditional diner foods with some really different and special twists. Had the st. Paddy's corned beef hash special for breakfast. It was the BEST corned beef hash I have ever had! No canned stuff here! Homemade and delicious!! read more

Eclectic spot! Really nice variety on menu; some interesting finds - fried avocado. Service was a bit slow, hence the four stars. Great location and hey - your eating in a bus that spans across a river!!! Very cool. read more

Excellent food in an old sky high diner. The food was fantastic and some of the best I have eaten in a while. The Maine Alagash white beer was light and smooth. The Hungarian mushroom soup was the best I have ever eaten followed by the potato soup from the A1 diner. The flavor in both soups was enormous. The waitress named off all the ingredients before we ordered, actually of everything we ordered. I wish more places could do that. The rolls were hot and flaky. The small green salads were huge with all fresh ingredients, no brown lettuce here. The black bean quesadilla was great and homemade with all local fresh ingredients. It came as a burrito, but just as good. The chocolate chip bread pudding was outstanding. It was like pudding with quality chocolate chips served chilled with whipped cream. The diner itself is cute and authentic. The restaurant was featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives on the food network. This a must visit place. read more

Came here because it had good Yelp reviews, and it did not disappoint! We stopped in for breakfast on a July Monday morning. The coffee was rich and hot, the pancakes (with REAL maple syrup) were delicious, the vegetarian breakfast burrito was incredible. If I remember correctly, there was plenty for vegetarians to choose from, at least for breakfast. Lunch and Dinner looked good too. Plus, they had a great selection of craft beer. If I find myself back in Maine next summer, I will definitely go back to A1! The lone waitress was a total rock star, too. She told us all about the history, the menu, gave us some magazines to look at where the diner had been featured. Great stuff. read more

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. read more

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. read more

Pretty darn good diner food. They walk a fine line though with some fancy bistro offerings. I stuck to the diner fare and it was pretty good. Service was kind of slow for a diner though. read more