If you're looking for one of the best breakfast and lunch spots in Biddeford, Maine, you absolutely need to check out Palace Diner! This iconic little diner is set up inside a vintage trailer/box car style building right in the heart of downtown Biddeford. Seating is limited to about a dozen people at a time, so be prepared to wait -- but trust me, it's worth it. After my fiancée watched an episode of Somebody Feed Phil featuring the diner, we were on a mission to try their famous chicken sandwich. The sandwich absolutely lived up to the hype! It's huge, packed with flavor, and served with a fresh lettuce wedge salad on the side. The chicken had the perfect crispy exterior while staying juicy and delicious inside. We could only eat half and happily brought the rest home. Luckily, it was a beautiful Maine day and we didn't have to wait long for a seat. The staff were incredibly friendly, welcoming, and added to the fantastic overall vibe of the diner. One thing to know before you go -- the diner is cash only, but there's an ATM conveniently located right outside. If you love hidden gems, amazing comfort food, and unique local dining experiences, Palace Diner is definitely a must-visit spot in southern Maine. Highly recommended and absolutely worth the trip back! read more

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I have eaten breakfast here before-it was mediocre. Service was ok, we were pretty much ignored in the beginning although there were only 3 other people there. I cannot even remember what I got but I remember thinking it was a waste of $. As for the ambiance-it's a fiber with a counter & stools (no tables), it was uncomfortable & freezing inside. Decided to give them a try for lunch, I have read so much about how amazing their fried chicken sandwich is, so I entered that online and see the sandwich is $22...to get fries with that it is another $8.50...ok, I think it's my birthday & my husband and I can split it all so that's only about $15 a piece. Go to put order in and there is an AUTOMATIC 22% gratuity added that cannot be changed or removed. Let me get this straight-ya'll are charging $30.50 for a chicken sandwich and fries (nothing special-no antibiotic free range chicken, probably saline packed chicken from China ‍) AND you think it's ok to tack on 22% tip for LUNCH TAKE OUT???? Sooooo that's $40.56 for a chicken sandwich and fries, tax + tip. ‍ Yeah, no. I would not eat here if they were the last restaurant on earth. I love supporting local, but how greedy can you be? read more

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

I'm honestly beyond disappointed with Palace Diner. This is the second time in a row I've gone there only to find out they were out of pancakes. At least this time they told me before I waited an hour--but it still meant wasting a ton of time figuring out parking and getting to the restaurant, only to be told they couldn't make one of their most basic menu items. It's especially frustrating because the food is genuinely good. The Lumberjack Breakfast is fantastic, and that's part of why I've made the effort to come back. But the last two visits, they simply couldn't be bothered to make something that's clearly listed on the menu. What really gets me is how simple pancakes are. We're not talking about a complicated, specialty dish with rare ingredients. Pancakes are one of the most basic breakfast staples. The only explanation I can come up with is that they don't want to risk wasting ingredients if they don't sell out. But what does it cost to make a couple of pancakes--maybe a dollar or two? Is it really worth disappointing customers who've taken time out of their day to come eat there? Great food doesn't matter much if you can't reliably order what's on the menu. After two strikes, I'm not sure I'll be giving them a third chance. read more

My husband and I loved it! cash only but there is an ATM outside. the small train car only has 13 seats so you might have to wait but it is worth it! Cornbeef hash was homemade and delicious. My husband had the breakfast sandwich, which he adored! The portions were perfect, no need to carry around left overs. So glad we stopped in! read more

After attending an event with Phil Rosenthal, where he spoke so highly of the Palace Diner, I could not resist the opportunity to come try it. Since it was my last morning in town before flying home, I was sure to get up early to be one of the first customers; given the limited seating, I was extremely nervous that I would not be able to dine here without risk of missing my flight. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I showed up on a Wednesday morning and was not only the first customer to enter the diner when they opened, but actually the only customer in the diner the entire time I was there. I know that is not great for business, but in speaking with the waitress, she informed me that typically in the off-season there is not quite the rush that they experience in the summer months. All of that being said, this quaint little rail car diner was everything I hoped it would be and more. I decided to order the lumberjack breakfast so that I could get a balance of sweet and savory, and also try their infamous flapjacks and breakfast potatoes. The flapjacks were fluffy perfection and I ended up taking a side order to-go with me on my flight. The breakfast potatoes were perfectly crispy on the outside while somehow maintaining a soft delicate interior. My eggs were scrambled perfectly and the breakfast sausage added a nice kick of protein that I needed. The service could not have been more friendly and engaging - although I'm not sure the waitress really had a choice since I was her only customer (just kidding, she was lovely!) They are a cash only spot and there is some parking nearby. read more

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

What a great dining experience! Having lunch in a 100-year-old dining car with only 16 seats at the counter was such a fun experience. The real spotlight should be on the quality of the food. We ordered three completely different items, each was excellent and made with high-quality ingredients. A great example, my daughter ordered a traditional breakfast plate. The pancakes were light as a feather, perfectly cooked with a hint of lemon in the mix. And, the syrup, pure maple syrup, is superb. There is a wait, but they take your phone number and will text you when your seats are ready. Waiting gave us time to visit some of the unique stores in town, only minutes away on foot. Bring cash; they don't do credit cards. But they do have an ATM outside. Grab a seat at the counter, and you will promise yourself that you will return. read more

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Wow just wow! Please note the Palace Diner is NOT your 'greasy spoon' style roadside restaurant this place serves upscale diner food so be prepared to pay for it - cash only! Don't worry there is a frightening looking ATM outside the diner and it does work. The food here is truly phenomenal and worth the price and the service is fantastic. After all, you're all sitting at the counter so you're easy to check up on for coffee refills etc. Open daily from 7-2 and there is limited seating but you can check out the waitlist online if you're wondering if you will get a seat upon arrival. The smashed style potatoes are incredible as is the unique caramelized grapefruit. The flapjacks are fluffy and more like pancakes and are also delicious. The breakfast sandwich will blow you away. Nice local coffee is served up hot! I definitely recommend you come here daily it's that good. read more

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Quaint diner to enjoy a meal. Limited seating in this dining car so ensure you plan accordingly. Not made for large groups with less than 20 stools at single bar to eat from. CASH ONLY so come prepared! Service is quick and very friendly. Not a wait on a Thursday morning. Little disappointed with being out of corned beef hash when arriving at 0830 for breakfast. Chose to do the eggs, toast, potatoes with a side of ham instead. Food came out timely while I enjoyed the bottomless coffee. Standard diner food, but recommend the potatoes as they were delicious (albeit a little on the salty side if that is a concern for you, the ham as well). If you are looking for a nostalgic step back in time dining experience, stop by the Palace Diner while in town to enjoy a quick enjoyable meal. read more

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Awesome!!! This is an old school (1927) dine cart. Almost 100 years old! It has about 12 seats at the counter. The waitresses are polite and professional. The places radiants nostalgia. I was immediately served water and coffee as I requested. I ordered the lumberjack special. It came with five medium sized buttermilk pancakes, potatoes, two eggs (over easy) and four strips of bacon. Everything was outstanding but the bacon was probably the top three bacon I have ever had. It was thick and crispy and the flavor boom! So good! Highly recommend!!! Oh and it's cash only. Go check it out!! read more

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A great breakfast at the legendary Palace Diner in Biddeford Maine. Fine food with large portions and quick service. Small 1927 physical location but we got the last 6 open seats at the end of the counter. The lumberjack platter w/bacon was the ticket for me while the others ordered flapjacks, corn beef hash, etc. We all enjoyed our various selections. Had to include this stop in our visit to nearby Kennebunkport. A special touch meeting the Biddeford Mayor. read more

It's been quite sometime since we have eaten at Palace Diner. Our waitperson was wonderful, deserving of a nice tip!! My wife had hash, eggs & english muffin. She was pleased with her meal. I had the cheeseburger which was accompanied by very nice & crispy french fries. The cheeseburger was well prepared however I would have preferred a flame broiled hamburger instead of it being cooked on a grill. All in all the Palace Diner lives up to it's reputation. In hindsight I should have had the tuna sandwich or the chicken sandwich or the decadent looking french toast that the guy next to me let me take a picture of. Next time I'll have on of those . read more

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Hands down the best new sandwich that I have had in years...meet the Fried Chicken Sandwich. Wow. We stopped in as we were traveling 95S and looking for lunch. This is a classic diner with mostly breakfast items and a handful of lunch offerings. My husband had the tuna sandwich and he said it was very good. The fellow seated next to me had a full stack of pancakes and I just about asked for a try, they looked so good- light and fluffy. Seating is barstool only and based on the sign outside the door this place must get crowded at peak times. Service was fast and friendly. read more

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A cute railroad car turned restaurant . There are 20 seats and you're pretty close to your neighbor, so don't expect a lot of space. Honestly, I never mind because the food is worth it. Another thing is, you'll probably have to put your name on the waitlist when you come. I've only gotten lucky once on a random weekday in the Fall. Summer time is wild, with all the tourists the wait is sometimes more than an hr. To me, this is hands down best burger spot in Maine! The amount of times I've stopped by to dine here since moving back home should be illegal. I choose the burger over the breakfast options every time. The fried chicken sandwich is also to die for. I really enjoy their fries which are just crispy enough. The flapjacks are really fluffy and delicious, with a hint of lemon. They do run out sometimes. If you want to try that item, I'd suggest getting to the diner early. CASH ONLY! (Sometimes the ATM outside the diner is broken or out of cash, so plan accordingly) read more

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Truly a step back into 1927! The food is a clear step above other diner food since they put a unique spin on their buttermilk pancakes, potatoes and special grapefruit. The waiter was pleasant and we lucked out with no wait, since there are only 15 seats inside (if I remember). Be sure to bring cash! read more

As stand-out as eating in a box-car in the New England Fall is the food really takes the show for the overall dining experience. The banana bread is top-notch and with some melted butter on it? I might as well stop typing. BUT along with that, the chicken sandwich has some incredible flavor, the slaw is briny and cuts well against the crispy/ hot fired chicken. The wedge Caesar salad was nice but got to try the fried to which were also great. Great food, great hospitality. Would go back again. DON'T FORGET TO BRING CASH. read more

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Love the diner feel, I know its a small diner but its much to crowded at the counter to really enjoy your breakfast. Prices much to high for that area $9 for side of bacon. Try it once for the nostalgia, but there are plenty of great breakfast spots are that area. read more

This is THE breakfast spot in all of southern Maine! An authentic Star style diner of the day, this diner has atmosphere to spare! Your order is taken within seconds of sitting down & you are eating a delicious breakfast only moments later. read more

A blast from the past! This was one of the best breakfast experiences I've ever had. Not only was the food out of this world, the service was quick, kind and efficient (probably due to the fact that the restaurant is a whopping 200sqft). Banana bread is a must along with their palace potatoes. Love love love the grapefruit which was coated in brown sugar than torched. And lastly the tuna sandwich is killer but grab extra napkins! Thanks Palace, well be back read more

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Delicious French toast, great service and didn't have to wait too long to get in! I've been a few times and my favorite is the griddled grapefruit and banana bread!! read more

The Palace Diner is a must in Maine! A quant diner in a converted railroad car, there are only about 20 seats so come early or expect to wait. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu but don't miss out on the warm banana bread. So moist! The dishes are big so bring your appetite! read more

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The food is just OK. Nothing special. Employees were kinda rude. There is very limited seating, and there was a wait time. Tbh the wait and price and lack of seating is not worth the food sold here. read more

I had read reviews about this restaurant and thought they might be exaggerated... No they are not! This place is a treasure.We went there for lunch today.And it was amazing. I understand many people rave about their breakfast. But I must say the fried Chicken Sandwich is one of the best sandwiches. I've had in my sixty seven years of life. Limited menu, but clearly this is one of those places where what they do, they do very, very well. It's a little hard to find, and it's kind of in the middle of a block, but worth searching for and even driving fifteen minutes out of your way, If necessary. It was well worth the drive we took today! We got there a little before, noon, and we're able to sit right down.And we were done in forty five minutes. These are the excellent little offbeat,old-school wonderful type of places I like the very best and I wish I didn't live on the wrong coast to eat here very, very regularly. read more

Palace Diner - 14 seats, relax it's worth the wait. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

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Great diner! The food, service, and ambiance were all absolutely incredible! I highly recommend this diner to anyone visiting the Portland, Maine area! read more

Five stars because it's one of those bucket list items that all the bloggers and travel shows love to talk about... I brought my friend here on a post-snow day, and perhaps that worked in our favor since it was very un-crowded. It's not necessarily 'delicious' food, and most people are going for the experience. Having said that, at least half the people there were locals that seem to come in all the time. The food is hardcore greasy bad-for-you food, but would you have it any other way? The breakfast sandwich was a bit of a surprise, but it hit the spot. The potatoes were unexpected, but still fully consumed. The coffee is great, and a refill was had. I'm sorry, but I can't remember the name of the server behind the counter this Tuesday, but she was really sweet and friendly. She was happy to have a little chat and gave us a few ideas of things to do around/near town. The souvenir mugs are amongst the best designed cute mugs from 'touristy' establishments like this that I have ever seen... I am guessing because I love it so much, just my luck that it'll be on the floor in a dozen pieces by the end of the week. read more

Palace Diner - Breakfast Sandwich (sausage) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

Various guide books but, better, various locals told us we must try the Palace Diner. We are so glad we did! Tiny, funky, cash-only; short menu, and only the omelette changes. Bottomless coffee. We had the signature French Toast and the signature Corned Beef Hash. Both wonderful. You gotta sit at the counter and the restroom's around back. An adventure; an experience; a bit of Americana. We went on a Wednesday mid-morning. No wait. We're warned, however, weekends the line can stretch to 2 hours. If you like diners, this is your place. read more

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We have traveled 14 States and this is the BEST BREAKFAST we have had. The service was excellent. The breakfast was out of the world. Fresh hot and the bacon go my...I would come back here for sure. Keep in mind they on accept cash but the breakfast was worth every penny. read more

Palace Diner - The Lumber Jack Breakfast. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

Pancakes! They are some of the best I've ever tasted, and you don't even need syrup. They literally melt in your mouth. The diner is a charming little spot located in the center of a small business park downtown, designed to resemble a cozy café cart. Our waitress was very attentive. While I wasn't impressed with the sausage and eggs, my coworker enjoyed his meal. I would return to try more items from the menu. It's worth noting that they only accept cash. There is an ATM right out front, but it charges a $4 fee, so be prepared for that. read more

Palace Diner - Pancakes, Palace Potatoes, Scrambled Eggs, Breakfast Sausage - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

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Wow wow wow. I'm so impressed by this tiny Pollard Car turned mighty diner. Palace Diner can only seat two handfuls of people, so you may expect a waitlist. For two people on a Friday morning, we were given a 40 min wait time, which was fine bc I was able to walk around and explore the more developed Biddeford (be sure to hit up Time & Tide Coffee) compared to when I was a kid. We got the Fried Chicken Sandwich, a slice of French Toast, and side of Palace Potatoes. Everything was FIRE! Fried Chicken Sando had a huge hunk of chicken, slaw, sesame bun, and some jalapenos, so it had a little bit of kick. It comes with a huge iceberg wedge, which was actually really delightful with humble s&p seasoning and olive oil. I'm more of a pancake gal, but the french toast was everything I wanted it to be -- oh so soft and pillowy on the inside, crisp surface, and a generous dollop of butter. If you're a potato fiend like I am, you NEED to try the Palace Potatoes. I've never seen potatoes prepared this way, but imagine smashing a halfed potato on the grill and frying it to crispy perfection. Get this. It is quite salty, but I like that ;) Service was also really attentive and friendly. I might have to snag their cool merch next time. read more

Palace Diner - Fried Chicken Sandwich, French Toast, Palace Potatoes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

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

I had heard about Palace Diner for ages, and had plans to meet a friend in Biddeford, so we decided to find out why the reviews were so good. At first, I was a little bummed, because the wait was long (even on a weekday), the place was tiny and only had (admittedly charming) close-quarters counter service, and the menu wasn't particularly large or even seemingly innovative. And then, with whatever magical reason the staff possesses, they created an absolutely epic breakfast of eggs, potatoes, and toast. The eggs were perfect, and not oily or too salty. The toast was delicious and came with a little yummy jam. And the potatoes? I think they must boil some medium-small potatoes, then flatten them and fry them with butter and salt? But still, I can do all that, but it wouldn't taste the same. Whatever it is... OMGee. Worth the wait. read more

Don't be discouraged by the longer wait times as they can only sit around a dozen people - the food is absolutely worth the wait and the service is top notch!! You're transported back in time with the diner car, barstools and 50s music playlist. We ordered the lumberjack special and chicken sandwich. Both were absolute 10/10. The lumberjack comes with fluffy pancakes, crispy potatoes, eggs and your choice of meat (were pleasantly surprised they had pork roll this far from NJ, which we happily ordered) The fried chicken sandwich is extremely juicy and has a flavorful slaw that packs a punch with thinly sliced jalapeños. The wedge salad is a bit out of left field as the side, but complements the sandwich extremely well. Cash only, but worth every penny and another visit when we're coming through town. read more

Palace Diner - Lumberjack Breakfast - 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

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

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

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