My family loves to eat at diners. On many an outing, we always keep our eyes peeled for a new place. Just writing this article led me to check out a couple spots we already had on our “to try” list. I have found that many diners are family run and may even include several generations. Perhaps this is one reason diners cater to such a variety of tastes; you can order breakfast at lunch, order a burger or seafood, meatloaf or a club. You can find something for every picky eater, while not breaking the bank. All of the diners we have visited are very family friendly. I feel as if I am revealing secret family recipes by revealing my favorite finds!

The most traditional diner is the kind in an old dining car; we visited examples of these in Gardiner and Farmington. There are six remaining Worcester Diners in Maine, but two of them are presently closed. Worcester Diners were made in Worcester, Mass., by the Worcester Lunch Car Co. Those in Maine that remain open are: the A-1 in Gardiner, the Deluxe Diner in Rumford, the Miss Brunswick Diner in Brunswick and the Wirebridge Diner in New Portland, formerly the old Parks Diner in Waterville. The two that are closed are the Miss Portland in Portland and the Minute Man Diner in Springfield. I was sad to hear that the Miss Portland Diner recently closed. We hope to see her reopen in the future. The Palace Diner in Biddeford reopened in 1997, so there is hope after retirement!

An A-1 classic

The A-1 Diner in Gardiner, a beautiful example of the classic diner, is located in an old Worcester diner. The outside looks like an old, rounded metal trolley. Interestingly this traditional diner serves the most eclectic menu. Traditional items such as meatloaf and club sandwiches and desserts such as apple pie and bread pudding shared the menu board with fennel potato soup and Russian chocolate torte. Also listed was gingerbread with lemon sauce, which my mother-in-law often speaks of making in days gone by, an old-fashioned Maine treat. Fellow diners here managed to stay on the low carb diet.

I loved the atmosphere, the worn, smooth wooden booths, the twirling counter stools and the classic metal sunburst behind the counter. Neatly stacked white mugs and small metal tins for cream and tea stand ready behind the counter. Prices here reflect the refined fare available, items such as Greek salad with fried calamari, or Latin beef stew.

Specials were in the $10 to 12 range. The A-1 Diner is located at 3 Bridge Street. The diner is open Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for brunch. For more information, call (207) 582-4804, or check www.a1diner.com

Plenty of comfort food

The Farmington Diner in Farmington is another example of the old railroad dining car style diner, though much longer and wider than the A-1. The Farmington Diner is a true blue-collar, meat and potatoes, stick-to-your-ribs kind of place. The menu is enormous; if you cannot find something you like, you probably are not hungry! Interestingly, folks I spoke about it all had their own favorites to make sure to add, including our photographer Daryn Slover.

The vinyl-padded booths wrap around the diner corners. I loved seeing the old Toastmaster bun warmer, which keeps rolls moist and warm until served. The Farmington Diner serves breakfast all day, and comfort foods like shepherd’s pie.

A recent Friday featured choices of beef or oyster stew and fish or scallop chowder. The long dessert menu included strawberry rhubarb pie, Grapenut pudding and chocolate pudding, rambled off by our waitress. You can even purchase a T-shirt here to match the wait staff’s. The diner is just over the bridge on Route 4/27, across from Hippach field. Hours are Mondays to Thursdays 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, call (207) 778-4151.

Roadside diners have grown to include special local hot spots that feature the same comfort foods, counters and booths that originated with the dining car diners. Open early for breakfast, often through lunch or later, these tend to be the place the locals frequent and the tourists search out. Lunch includes comfort foods such as macaroni and cheese, and meatloaf. Pies are required. You may also find old-fashioned desserts like custardy bread or Grapenut pudding, gingerbread with lemon sauce or Indian pudding. The place is always busy; note my parking lot strategy, if the lot is full, the food is good!

Here are a few of our favorites:

Railroad memorabilia

The Railroad Diner in Lisbon Falls though relatively new to the world of Maine diners, opening one and a half years ago, this will become a destination spot. It’s located in a lovely, genuine former railroad depot that once served the shipping for the nearby mills. The sense of being in the present, in a locale rich in history, is amazing.

The railroad memorabilia includes railroad lamps, model trains, pictures and a Maine Central sign. We enjoyed great food, generous servings, and friendly staff. My girls and I spent a rainy afternoon soaking in the place, chatting with our waitress and thoroughly savoring our lunches that included burger and fries, and chicken fingers and fries. Our waitress, Sarah Caron, told us that the Friday night all-you-can-eat fish is very popular.

The Railroad Diner has the best coleslaw I have had in years. The pies are tasty and tall; we split two slices of pie and were glad we did when we tried to squeeze in 2-inch high pies. Specials are written on a chalkboard and include an extensive dessert menu with lots of homemade pies. On our recent visit, those desserts included chocolate cream pie, grasshopper pie and turtle cheesecake.

We missed breakfast, but I checked the menu. Some of the breakfast items bring the history to mind: Hobo sandwich, Railroad toast (their version of French toast) and Steaming Station Hotcakes. The Railroad Diner is at 697 Lisbon St. in Lisbon Falls, at the mill end of the road just at the turn to the left or east. The co-owners are former sisters-in-law Lisa and Sonya Caron. For more information about the diner, call (207) 353-6069.

Delicious crepes

Rolly’s Diner, located in New Auburn, makes terrific homemade crepes that overflow your platter. A specials board also lists the desserts. Wonderful, whimsical decorations here are ever-changing and it’s fun to see the new theme. You do not want to miss the hot air balloons in the summer.

On our recent visit, Easter decorations covered the restaurant. It’s very kid-friendly, whether that’s the talking snowman in the winter or a “chicken-dance” gizmo on the counter, which makes the children wonder. Note that Rolly’s is open for breakfast and lunch. The diner is at 87 Mill St. just over the South Bridge. Rolly’s is a family run diner; co-owners are mother and son Rolande and Kenneth Blais. Rolly’s is open Monday through Saturday from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday 7 a.m. to 12 noon. For more information call 207-753-0171.

Worth a trip

Uncle Moe’s Diner on Sabattus Street is on the road to Augusta. This is one of the places we always rushed past, while taking note of the full parking lot (a sure sign of good food according to the Churchill family trip rules).

Well, this is now a new favorite and a definite destination spot. Comfy seating, comfy food. A real winner. The pine cabin look of the interior makes you comfortable right away. The menu here is extensive, with everything from chicken to fish to burgers and fries.

Desserts sounded great, too, with strawberry shortcake listed as a regular item. We were too full on this visit. As I said, we will have to go back. There is an extensive Friday and Saturday specials menu. Uncle Moe’s Diner is open Tuesday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Breakfast is served until 3 p.m. For more information, call (207) 375-4055.

Of course, it’s fresh

Becky’s Diner on the waterfront in Portland, gives us a reason to detour to Commercial Street if we are in Portland near a mealtime; this is a wonderful little diner. Becky’s Diner is a popular local spot where you can eat your fill, but leave room for dessert!

The fish is so fresh here it’s delivered right to the back door. I can personally tell you that the fish does melt in your mouth! My girls love the home fries, and muffins on the grill.

Becky’s Diner is at 390 Commercial St. The diner is open Tuesday through Saturday from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays and Monday from 4 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call (207) 773-7070 or www.becky’s.com.

Generous platters

The Maine Diner on Route 1 in Wells is amazing. This diner is huge in comparison to the others we have visited. Good thing too, as there is usually a line out the door, with a seating system where you get called on a pager when your table is ready. Do not let the techno start have you worry about the great food to come!

A winner for their seafood chowder, the prizes are posted prominently. Yes, I have sampled some; the bowl is too small! Delicious! Platters of food are generous. A stop at this diner is worth the wait. Check out the Remember the Maine Gift Shoppe beside the diner; the shop features American diner memorabilia. For information, call (207) 646-4441.

Whether the diner is your point of destination or a stop along your way, savor the chance to make a memory. Most diners open early for breakfast, serve breakfast through lunch, then will stay open Friday and Saturdays for supper. If you are making a special trip, check hours to be sure your diner of choice will be open. And make a stop at www.dinermuseum.org, a Web site full of information.

Edith Churchill is a freelance writer living in Auburn who frequently takes day trips with her family.