2023 Update: Inflation is real, y'all. The fried chicken sandwich is still just as good, but it is now $19! Original Review: Best fried chicken sandwich I've ever had. PERIOD! Also... CASH ONLY. There is an ATM right outside. Seriously, our brunch at Palace Diner was absolutely perfect. The only reason I am not giving them a perfect 5 stars is because the food was a little bit expensive, at least for a diner. We were expecting some "diner" prices and were a bit surprised to see some steep prices; my chicken sandwich was $16 and my fiancé's double burger was $17. Not a big deal, and we'd definitely do it again, but it's not the affordable diner food we were expecting. With that being said, I gotta say that Palace Diner has some of the best breakfast food I've had in a long time. My friend chicken sandwich, topped with a delicious homemade slaw, was DIVINE. I can't come up with enough adjectives to describe how good it was, honestly. It was cooked to perfection, so crispy, and the piece of chicken was huge. Apparently that is one of their "hot" items, and they usually sell out of it. My boyfriend's hamburger was good, too, and according to him it was one of the best burgers he's ever had. We also enjoyed the ambiance and service at Palace Diner. Service was top-notch and the ambiance was great -- you are eating at a historical Pollard car from the 1900s, upbeat music plays in the background and you just feel like you are in a different era. Huge thumbs up for this place! read more

We are originally from Biddeford and have never been to the Palace Diner. Idk how that happened but neither has my parents (born and raised here). This summer visit was a summer of new so we only went to new places. Everything we ordered was delicious. The pancakes had a slight lemon flavor which I adore. The bacon crispy and cooked to perfection. I just thought the prices were a bit high for a teeny diner - for 5 of us it was over $100 for breakfast and one was a child. I'd definitely recommend it to people still and wouldn't want that to deter them from going but just to be aware. read more

Palace Diner - Bacon - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

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A well-oiled machine! We had gone as a family and had the lumberjack special, an omelette of the day, and a pancake special (blueberry compote.) Everything was excellent -- they even pulled off delicious breakfast potatoes that were cooked properly, an uncommon feat! Space is tight, but it's an experience and knowing ahead what to expect, we made it work well on a morning in which we didn't want things to take too much time. Highly recommend! read more

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I had the tuna melt; in addition to having too much mayo mixed with the dark meat tuna, it had a ton more mayo lathered on the bread. There was also about 1/4 head of iceberg lettuce in it, which was just too much. Mayo dripped out with each bite I took. And the sandwich alone was $20+!!! read more

Service was good but don't order an avacado toast for 10.99. You will get a light swath of thin consistency guacamole and a drizzle of balsamic, that doesn't pair well with the guacamole, and some chopped tomatoes. The cheeseburger was good and the chopped steak was average. This was a clean diner. read more

Great food great vibes and cool merch. Would definitely go again. Got the chicken sandwich and it was amazing read more

Palace Diner - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

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Service was actually pretty good. Long wait. I got there deluxe breakfast sandwich and my wife got the eggs and hash corn beef hash 2 coffees $66. The food was ok. read more

Food (5/5) - Get the egg sandwich. It's like a sausage mcmuffin except it lives up to the promise of the picture and there's also jalapenos, and the egg is a square! Also the palace potatoes that come with it are the stuff that dreams are made of. Secondly get the flapjack pancakes. I did not know pancakes could be this fluffy, and I thought a flapjack was named that way because it was flat but this was a revolutionary pancake. Ambiance (5/5) - It's probably 1 of 2 remaining foreman cars remaining in the US? Worth a visit just for that. Very clean, sleek, the sun shines through the railcar windows, very picturesque. Service (5/5) - The lady was very efficient, very nice but did not rush us. Very hard to find that type of balance... we came near closing time on a Sunday and had no problems getting a seat. People don't loiter much, there's only 15 seats or so. Price (4/5) - Food is simple but well done so didn't mind paying a NY price tag for ME. read more

Truly the best scrambled eggs I have ever eaten. Everything at this cash only, 15 seat (counter only) diner was delicious. Scrambled eggs have cheese in them but you don't taste it, they are heavily peppered and so creamy you need to scoop them with your fork. The potatoes are small whole potatoes that are salted to perfection on the outside with a great crust/crunch, slightly crushed and creamy on the inside. Pretty sure the best breakfast potato I have ever had. The addition of Taylors Ham on their menu was a great surprise, you don't find it everywhere it need to order it when you do. The omelet also delicious. It was a folded omelet which you don't typically get at a diner, soft and creamy with the fillings inside. They have a different omelette each day. The English muffins are served toasted or griddled and the grilled are thin and extremely crunchy on one side and soft and buttery on the other. The pancakes are fluffy and tender. Corned beef hash is mostly meat with large pieces of shredded corned beef, delicious. The french toast, again think the best I have ever eaten, is crispy on the outside and so creamy on the inside. We enjoyed this restaurant so much that we ate breakfast here three days in a row. As we were exploring the town of Biddeford and meeting locals most asked, have you tried Palace? I can say nothing but positive things about this diner. Sounds crazy but truly fine dining in a 15 seat diner!!! read more

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The food was very good. Ambiance is typical for a diner with counter service. The service was a bit slow and fairly aloof. Had to ask for my coffee to be refilled. Overall a good dining experience, but nothing remarkable or especially interesting that will get me to rush back. read more

We arrived on a Sunday and the wait was 2 hrs to eat inside. Because there were some very nice shady tables that were available in the courtyard right next to the restaurant, we opted to do takeout instead. Takeout took only 20-30 min (just enough time to head to a nearby coffee shop) and we secured a nice, shady table for our meal. The food was very fresh. The breakfast sandwich was verrrry well done-- we tried the sausage and the bacon and both were equally tastey. The sandwich does have Mayo on it so if you aren't a fan of Mayo, go with something else. As others have mentioned, the potatoes are perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The French toast was exceptional! It was very soft in the center, as other reviewers had mentioned, but we thought it was delicious. We also tried the pancakes which were delightfully fluffy. Overall, seems like you can't go wrong with this spot! read more

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Food, service and Ambiance were all great. Incredible food. The lumberjack breakfast was to die for

Holy delicious Batman! This place was OUTSTANDING! Fantastic service and excellent food. If I could give more then 5 stars, I absolutely would. They're open for breakfast and lunch from 8am - 2pm everyday. They only have about 12 seats, so when it's cold outside there most definitely could be a wait. In the summer time they have a bit more seating outside in a public park, Shevenell park in Biddeford to be exact. They don't have call ahead or reservations, you must go inside to put your name on the list, if there is a wait. Waiting here for their food is most definitely worth the wait. The menu is small, but it does have a bit of all the comfort foods. It's kind of an old school diner feel for sure, inside of an old slightly renovated train car. There's a good feel about the place and I'm here for it. The palace potatoes are too heavenly not to stuff in your face. It wasn't very ladylike... soooo good. They boil, then smash and fry red bliss potatoes. They have an omelet of the day! Their homemade pancakes have a little something special about them. They have wonderfully seasoned wheat bread with nuts and seeds. They make everything to order and have an open kitchen concept. Unfortunately because it's a train car diner, it is inaccessible to wheelchairs. However you can order take out and eat outside, weather depending. They do not deliver but do have an online site to order and pay ahead of time (see photos). Today they had two cooks a waitress and a bus boy who work hard all morning to serve the busy establishment. They are CASH ONLY, but do have an ATM on site. This place was fantastic all around. They had old school music playing in the background and old time decor through the old car. It's very very good. read more

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I just had THE BEST breakfast ever! Pancakes with a hint of citrus, fluffy and delicious. Potatoes with the perfect crisp to them, aawesome sausage and eggs. No kidding, this was THE BEST breakfast I've ever had. I'm sad that I don't live closer. Very small but worth a wait to get in! read more

Another amazing visit, this time indoors. The fried chicken sandwich is still amazing, especially when you get the crispy parts of the chicken, the bun, and the jalapeños together. The French toast was also excellent, as was the omelette of the day (cheddar, feta, caramelized onions), and the fries for our kids. read more

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I went for lunch the other day and was hoping for awesomeness, instead it was ok at best. My first time here and I quickly noticed that they are cash only. I had to go to the ATM out front and pay an additional 4 bucks before even ordering lol. They were out of quite a few things, which is good if you're making everything fresh. I ordered breakfast for lunch. I ordered the corn beef hash and eggs. The eggs were cooked a little soft and the corn beef looked like a smash burger. The CB was very salty. The wheat toast was amazing. The portions were uneven to the price. read more

Palace Diner - Corned Beef Hash, 2 Eggs and Toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

I can't believe that I've lived here for 3+ years and never eaten at Palace Diner. I'll warn you that it's a tiny spot. A true diner, maybe 12 stools along the counter. It's an authentic diner that serves upscale diner food. Breakfast is served all day, but their hours are a little short, but make the effort to get there while they're open. I had the Breakfast sandwich which, with the accompanying side of potatoes is out of this world. I don't know how they make the potatoes, but they're outstanding. My daughter enjoyed her stack of fluffy buttermilk pancakes that came with a full carafe of Maine maple syrup. The place is busy, but the server did a great job keeping everyone at the counter happy. read more

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This place was so good. Go in - give your name & # - they text when they're ready for you (we had just under an hour wait). There's plenty of shops around to keep busy while you wait. Food: the flapjacks are amazing - I have no idea why - but trust me. You can order a single one if you want something else but just try it. All seats are barstools on a counter - thought it was lovely. Our server was the sweetest lady - super knowledgeable & helpful. Totally worth a visit! read more

Palace Diner - Front of menu - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

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Palace Diner is a fabulous quintessential old style diner experience with upscale food. Expect a wait on weekends. Expect an iconic diner space, a bit drafty, great seating at the counter and only a few tables. But expect the food to be way better than you think for a diner. Eggs Benedict, french toast both great, specials every day,and that bacon is to die for. Expect the prices to be high, which is why only 4 out of 5 stars. Perhaps my favorite diner in the greater Portland area. read more

This place was awesome - Friendly service, great food, and such a cute vibe! We went on a Thursday just after lunch time, which was perfect - no line. With only maybe 15 counter top stools, this is definitely not the place you'd want to be hungry at during a rush! We hear the weekend wait can be looooong The staff was awesome! Super friendly and personable. He mentioned they are open everyday, same time, no matter what which shows just how much they want to support the community and offer great food and service. We had the tuna melt, fries, and the chicken sandwich. It's a small menu, but everything looks amazing. I believe there is an omelet of the day, which also sounded really good, it was a leek and a few different types of cheeses. Big portions - we all took half home for a filling dinner later that night. The staff strongly suggested the chicken sandwich or hash as those usually well out quick. Will definitely be back next time!! read more

Palace Diner - Chicken sandwich and a small view of where you can expect to sit - only about 15 maybe 20 seats at the counter. Very small restaurant! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

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The staff and the food was great but when it came to the Bill let's look at it this way. I got was, two pieces of bread, an egg, a scoop of butter, three slices of bacon and a cup of coffee for $45 plus tip Two stack French toast with a side of bacon and a cup of coffee. OK, I should have looked at how much the side of bacon was. That was an extra $9. read more

Food was delicious. Great service. Very friendly. Definitely going back next time we are i. Portland

We almost left when we first drove past, that would have been a big mistake. The restaurant is an old old diner. The food was so good we went back multiple times. Potatoes are a must with any meal, the bruleed French Toast was beyond anything you could imagine. The breakfast sandwich was big and great. Eggs are cooked as you ask for them vs close. When you get an English muffin get them grilled. read more

Food is a big portion of my travel planning - most of my travels recently have been food-centric, and my most recent trip to Maine was no exception. Since we were staying in Portland, we looked at places in the city and surrounding areas that got high recommendations. Palace Diner was one of those spots, and since it was on the way to Portland, we decided to stop there for lunch during our initial trip up. From what I can tell, Palace is located in the main downtown area of Biddeford. The diner is the definition of old school - it's a boxcar style diner with stool seating being the only option. I would say there were about 15 or so stools in the diner, so you can imagine that the wait can be long during peak times. We got there around noon on a Monday and waited about 40 minutes for seats to open up; they take your name and phone number and text when your seats are ready. Despite being around since the 20s, the owners and management have done a great job maintaining the classic feel of the diner while also modernizing it for today. Everything is in great shape, and all the space is utilized to the fullest. I noticed that they offer takeout and have a website for online ordering as well if you don't feel like waiting. Anyway, onto the food. They have a decent selection of breakfast and lunch items, but since it was around noon and I did not have breakfast I decided to take that route. Their deluxe sandwich included egg, cheese, jalapeño, mayo, and a choice of sausage or bacon (I chose bacon) - all served on an English muffin. The sandwich was great, all the flavors worked well and they were served with these smashed potatoes that were super crispy and flavorful. I noticed a lot of reviews on here talk about the fried chicken sandwich, and while I did not try it, my brother had it and I must say it looked outstanding - if I ever return I will be sure to get it. Service was great, food was delicious, and overall this was a total yes. I even went super tourist and purchased one of their magnets so when I look at my fridge I'll remember the Palace. This place is worth the wait and the stop if you're in the area or just passing through. read more

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We love this place! The experience of eating inside an old/ fashion diner is really fun. It doesn't hurt that it serves delicious diner food. My regular is the cheeseburger- it's the juiciness with the condiments and simplicity that I love. The French toast is amazing and seems to always sell out. Service is wonderful- the waitress really goes out of her way to make you feel comfortable. The diner is located in the middle of Biddeford next to a parking lot. Please note that it only takes cash but there is an ATM next door read more

Great little hidden gem. S must place to visit. Food is delicious. Staff is friendly and fun. read more

Palace Diner - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

Holy cow! This place is mind-blowing. I am literally SO HAPPY every time I eat here. I seriously just sit there thinking in my head "I am so happy right now". Go here all the time and it is CONSISTENTLY top notch. The coffee is addictive. The banana bread always comes out hot with a crispy chewy exterior and steamy ooey-yum inside. The burger is the best burger in Maine. The potatoes are amazing. The lumberjack breakfast - every time! The pancakes!?!? Insane. Such a cute cozy spot, everyone who works here is so friendly and attentive. It's a very small place, so seating is super limited - and that's part of its charm. Woof! I love this place so much. read more

A must visit if you are 30 miles or less away. Have the fried chicken sandwich. 15 seats, a bit hard to find...worth it

Yo. This is fantastic. Solid food, French fries on point. Burger is very good. Pancakes do not miss. Excellent server. Nostalgic ambiance with nice music. read more

Palace Diner - Food, inside - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

a little pricey but worth it, only downside. whatever the wait is, it's worth it. you can tell there is a lot of love put in the food and place in general. the pancakes were SMACKING, get the pancakes (!!!). great waitress and waiter. awesome merch, will be back! read more

Palace Diner - interior - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

I love "original" diners and this beauty with only stool service and a cash requirement is perfect. Food was great and the people were too. read more

Palace Diner - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

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The hype is real. Located in an old-fashioned train car with counter-only seating, the Palace Diner has that classic diner feel. The service was friendly and efficient and the blues music playing over the speakers added to the ambiance as hungry diners ate and sipped coffee in front of the bustling kitchen. The menu, widdled down to diner favorites with an elevated level of execution, will get the stamp of approval from even the most fanatical "foodies." The flapjacks were light and fluffy with a hint of lemon. The homemade hash, which was the best I have ever had, was perfectly crispy and bursting with flavor. The French toast was thick with a carmelized top layer heaped with melting butter. There may be a bit of a wait for a seat, but it will be well worth it. This will be your new favorite breakfast spot. read more

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Planned a 5 hour road trip to Portland and as foodies we researched and heard great things about this place. I checked the Google listing to make sure if their hours and non- busy times to avoid the long wait in summer. So off we go and we detoured, hungry and excited, we timed it perfectly to arrive when it wasn't too busy. We arrive to find it shuttered, all the blinds down with a hand written sign saying sorry they were closed for the week. I rechecked the Google listing and it still stated they were open, no updates to say closed. When you are a well known business, written up in all sorts of publications and mentioned in food centric TV shows, the least you could do is update the listing....I certainly wouldn't have gone out of my way to stop there if I had known they were closing for the week. Pretty annoyed to say the least. read more

Palace Diner - Closed, blinds down. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

As advertised. Cute little diner with very good food, though it comes at a price. If you want the $5.50 egg/toast/potato, keep looking. But if you want something bigger and better then this is worth it. The corned beef hash is excellent, which is a good test because many places mail it in or use prepared hash. Many "must try" or "best of" places don't put in the effort, but not Palace Diner. They are operating at a high standard for short order. Also, there seems to be plenty of parking nearby, but I'm sure it is a zoo in the summer and weekends. read more

Absolutely recommend if you are in the area. We went for lunch and got the fried chicken sandwich which was phenomenal. Not too mayonnaise-y and wow do you get a huge piece of chicken! The fries were great and the wedge salad is a nice addition. We will definitely be back to try breakfast! read more

Palace Diner - Fried Chicken - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

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Fantastic little diner in a train car that only seats 15. Delicious food. Staff is very friendly. I think it may be the oldest diner in Maine. read more

Ok, so we went this time for the architecture but if we ever happen to be back it will be for the food! The service was great. The Palace potatoes were incredible, and the eggs were done to perfection. We were lucky and didn't have to wait for a seat, but even so, it would have been worth. Simply exceptional..all around. read more

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We've been wanting to visit The Palace Diner for years and we're now going to be regulars. The atmosphere had a hipster vibe which was a lot of fun. The entire staff was so friendly and chatty. I cannot recommend the food enough. I never thought I'd have a life-changing tuna melt until The Palace Diner! The prices are excellent . If the same diner was in Brooklyn everything would be twice the price. read more

Palace Diner - Classic American diner vibe. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

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This is the coolest little diner - no booths just stools at the counter. I had poached eggs w/English muffin and their awesome Palace potatoes. My partner had hash with eggs and toast. My poached eggs were perfection and the potatoes are off the chain!!! These are so delicious!!! My partner said his eggs were perfect and the hash was grilled just right and was so delicious. It's pricy but we'll be back for sure! read more

What an amazing diner! The food and service were great! We were there just before they opened at 7:00 am. My son has been raving about it and we finally joined him one very early Saturday morning. We all had the corned beef hash with two eggs and grilled english muffin. We also tried the broiled grapefruit and pancakes. We will definitely be back! read more