I'm going to show some love for "the Railroad" as locals call it.
Not sure how anyone can rate the place one-star. While the food at the Railroad will never be confused with haute cuisine, or the trendy dishes that are all the rave in Maine's hipper places, it is serviceable diner food, and I've had dishes here that were homemade and excellent. There are always specials and while others have mentioned the sporadic nature of the hours, this locally-owned establishment, run by the husband wife team of Mike and Sandy, is open Tuesday through Sunday, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. That's a tough slog and I know they work long hours and care about their customers. They also care about and give back to the community in many ways that makes them a real benefit to a local economy that's struggling.
Last night, I was doing a reading for my new book of essays, and I wanted a place in the ole' hometown to go out afterwards with some friends planning to attend, a place where we could get a bite to eat and have a few drinks to celebrate another release by Maine's unique small press, RiverVision Press (my publisher).
I called Mike a week before on a Monday (they were closed, but he was in cleaning). I told him we'd be coming over on Wednesday night. He said "yes," they were open and that the kitchen stayed open 'til 9:00. He said he'd be looking for us.
We wandered over from Lisbon Falls Community Library around 7:45 and our party of 8 were treated like royalty. Everyone of us enjoyed our dishes, which ranged from a simple BLT (my choice), to an open-faced pulled pork sandwich, a club sandwich that was big enough for my friend to eat half and take the other half home for another meal, a steak and cheese sub (my wife), homemade chili, and a simple salad.
Like each time I've eaten here, the food was tastefully prepared, presented hot, with care, and what I like best about a place that some might characterize as a "dive" (I don't) is that when you walk in, you are made to feel like a regular.
They have a pool table (and a pool night), but what many know the Diner for is their monthly blues jams. In fact, Maine blues legend, Kevin Kimball walked in last night just after 9:00 and was booking the next monthly jam, with Mike. I met and chatted with Kevin and he now has a copy of my new book.
If you're passing through the Falls and want a beer or two, or if you have a hankering for something more, like a burger, or even a hearty meal ranging from burgers, to specials like meatloaf, then the Railroad Diner is a great option, the only place in town where you can get a drink, btw.
Oh, and if you are the breakfast type, it's a very popular breakfast spot, especially on weekends. read more
