We’re lucky in Maine to enjoy an amazing range of restaurants. From laid-back seafood shacks to elegant fine dining spots, the state is a wonderful place for fresh, local ingredients and unforgettable experiences.

Whether it’s a popular joint in downtown Portland or a hidden gem tucked away in a small town, there’s never a shortage of great food for Mainers to enjoy.

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One of these gems lies just on the outskirts of Greater Portland—a spot that has elevated diner food to a level rarely seen before. That would be the iconic Palace Diner in downtown Biddeford.

Palace Diner via Facebook
Palace Diner via Facebook
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The Palace Diner is run by Greg Mitchell and Chad Conley, who took over the vintage dining car in 2014. Since then, they’ve earned widespread praise for their creative takes on classic diner fare. The dining car itself is a true treasure: with just 15 seats, it has more character than some entire cities. Believe me when I say it’s a one-of-a-kind dining experience.

The Palace Diner Has Been Named One of the Best Diners in the Nation

In fact, it’s so special that Palace Diner was recently named one of the best diners in the entire nation by the popular site Eat This, Not That. And this isn’t just any list—these diners were handpicked by chefs from across the country, meaning true experts in the field selected Palace Diner as one of America’s best. That’s quite an incredible honor for this Biddeford joint.

This shouldn’t surprise anyone, especially those of us who have eaten at the Palace Diner. The food there is unbelievably good. Fan favorites include the incredible breakfast sandwich, the burger, a towering stack of pancakes, and the perfectly fried chicken sandwich. Each dish packs a huge punch for such a small location.

Palace Diner via Facebook
Palace Diner via Facebook
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Now, I will warn you: a wait is very likely, given the limited seating. However, the Palace Diner is surrounded by great coffee shops, bakeries, and eclectic little stores to help you pass the time—and trust me, it’s well worth the wait. I can personally guarantee that.

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Congratulations to this great little diner on its latest accolade. It’s always exciting to see national recognition for Maine’s small businesses, especially those that truly deserve it. The Palace Diner is certainly one of them.

It’s a dining experience that everyone will enjoy.

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