This Small Maine Town is Hiding One of the Best Classic Diners in New England

As a kid who grew up just across the river from this eatery, I've known the A1 Diner for literal decades. It's always been part of my memories dating all the way back to my early childhood.

I grew up in the small town of Randolph, Maine where weekend afternoons were usually spent riding bikes, walking down to Goggin's IGA for some Swedish Fish, or going 'small ball' bowling down at Luck Strike Lanes.

Of course, none of those afternoons would have been complete without a trip to Gardiner, Maine's A1 diner. Situated in an antique train car that literally 'hangs off the side of a bridge', the A1 Diner isn't just a Maine staple, it has actually garnered national attention over the years as well.

According to information from GardinerMainStreet.Org, the A1 Diner was built inside a classic Worcester Diner car which dates back to 1946. They go on to explain that the diner serves a massive array of food items, despite its small size.

In addition, if you are a Guy Fieri fan like I am, then you already know that the classic A1 Diner has been featured on Diners Drive-ins & Dives! How freakin' cool is that? If the history of this epic Maine diner doesn't entice you, maybe some of their menu offerings will.

From traditional eggs benedict to coconut French toast and pastrami hash, there is quite literally something for everyone on the A1 menus. There's ham and apple Monte Cristo, cheddar grits, avocado and bacon and so much more.

They are open 7 days a week at 7am, except for Sundays when they open at 8. They're open daily until 8pm except for Sundays when they close at 1:30 in the afternoon.

So if you have a hankering for something wicked tasty and an urge to take in a sweet piece of Maine history, head on down to 3 Bridge Street in Gardiner and give the A1 diner a try. You won't regret it.