Brief history lesson: back in the early 1900s, a man named Philip Duprey started the Worcester Lunch Car Company, which had the peculiar gig of just building “lunch cars” or diners. The company lasted 51 years, making over 600 in that time, including one that, since 1946, has sat in Gardiner, Maine. As you may’ve guessed from every other clue, that is now A 1, and though the scene inside does feel a bit like a time capsule, the food is very much up-to-date, and delicious (what other diners are regularly whipping up Korean vegetable pancakes with spicy green beans, huh?!?), though — being that it is Maine — we prefer to keep it simple with their light, crispy local blueberry pancakes. Luckily, the nostalgia comes free.
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Worth multiple visits
The specials are well worth a look and provide some very eclectic choices that would fit well in a larger Portland or Boston restaurant. The other menu choices are very well done, good coffee and above average portions. You may need to sit at the counter as there are not many booths but it's well worth the visit.
Stil Very Good
Spouse and I were in Augusta for high School Basketball. Time for supper. I suggested IHOP quickly voted down. (I like there spouse not so much) So I suggested the A1 in Gardner. Spouse said DINER! I had been there on several occasions and there more than a Diner. So Spouse had her favorite Diner item Liver and Onions, came with mash potatoes and cole slaw. She said it was almost the best she ever had if not the best. Buttermilk Bisket it came with was more than light and also tops. I went with the grilled shrimp and mango chutney appetizer (Yes) as well as a grilled guyer cheese and onion with bacon and guac. It was super and I didn't have any room for the many desert choices this place offers, Server was doing a great job didn't have to ask for refills on coffee (Thats a big plus in any diner) Plus she looked up a recipey for spouse
I have got to come back there more often.
Old timey diner with good food
Nothing out of this world but we were all fed with fairly reasonable prices and quick service for breakfast. Heard dinner is a little more adventurous and we would consider it in future years.