Biddeford’s exciting restaurants and bars are perfect for a weekend getaway.
A former milling town in the southerly realm of the Pine Tree State , Biddeford ’s downtown is line with brick building that look like they ’re ripped flat from a postcard stamped in 1900 . In fact , some of the oldest buildings\date as far back as1847 . On the town outskirts are fen where tall , gullible eatage sway in the current of air and beach where tilt make homes for obscure sea creatures .
But you ’re not here for that . You ’re here to run through . One huge standoff to this township of just over 22,000 is its national reputation for serving really really keen food . food for thought . So while there are raft of culinary destinations in Maine , Biddeford demands your full gastronomical attention .
Travel Time
28 minutes from Portland , ME1 hr and 35 minutes from Boston , MA
If You Don’t Do Anything Else
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Biddeford’s famous Palace Diner
The Palace Diner , was one of the first glow jewels in Biddeford ’s crown of delectable restaurants . Much like the rest period of the townsfolk , the original substructure for the buffet car , an old gearing car , was to begin with built far before that raft of battercake could be post to Instagram .
Built by the Pollard Company in 1927 , this train - car - turn eatery is one of only two remaining Pollard cars in the United States . Co - owners Greg Mitchell and Chad Conley were capable to breathe fresh life into the quad when they took over in 2014 .
“ We create our own fare based on diner classic that was a departure from the previous proprietor , ” order Conley . “ We add our own interpretation to the brand , strong-arm space , and divine service experience to turn Palace into the exciting and fun yet classic place that it is today . ”
Biddeford, Maine|Photo: Getty Images / DenisTangneyJr
Since then , the restaurant was list one ofEater ’s 38 good eating house in Americain 2018 and Biddeford was cry one of America ’s “ next expectant food cities ” byFood & Wine .
Customer favorites include the Deluxe breakfast sandwich , the chicken sandwich , the flapjack , and the tuna melt . If fan favorite recommendation still leave you diffident of what to set up , Conley has advice .
Fill Your days
After indulging in meal you ’ll certainly think back , create memories in other parts of Biddeford .
Outdoor fun : If your favor mode of travel is on a personal exercise set of steering wheel , stop by aBiddeford Darlingsmeeting . This group of smasher is an outdoor skating group whose meetings often have a theme or joyful thingmajig . former merging themes admit a skate and screen of the Barbie picture or an eventide “ under the stars ” skating event .
For those who would rather observe a way from point in time A to direct vitamin B complex without the utilisation of rapidly rotate disks , a walkway in one of Biddeford ’s park or a wildlife taciturnity is a wonderful manner to spend an afternoon . Try outClifford Park : 240 acres filled with shoe fossa , a playground , areas to field day , and hiking trails . There are even lawn tennis court of law if you still ca n’t quite agitate theChallengerscraze . A view of the Saco river can be see atMechanics Parkwhich , although smaller than Clifford , contains lit up walk paths and park benches gross for a dawning coffee chat or evening journaling session overlook the water supply . Time spend commune with wildlife can be found atRachel Carson National Wildlife Reserve , where bema allow prophylactic for migratory birds .
Indoor playfulness : For more indoor kid , the Saco Museumcontains the largest collection of portraits by the prolific , deaf creative person John Brewster Jr. , who spent the 2d half of his aliveness in Buxton , Maine .
Rabelais , a bookshop which also set back a excerpt of rare James Cook books , offer a place to browse writing about the very affair this town is know for : its cuisine .
Eat, Drink, and Sleep
Where to eat in Biddford
Morning : Start the morn with a woodwind - firedRover Bageland aVietnamese coffeeHere on the weekend ? Opt for a Maine crab melt off the brunch carte du jour at Catface Cafe from two - sentence James Beard semi - finalist and co - owner Krista Cole .
Lunch : Fried seafood is the name of the secret plan atFish & Whistle , a locally sourced eatery acknowledge for its ( you guessed it ) fish and chips .
dinner party : Run over toQue Huong Restaurantfor a Thai Tea and fresh springtime pealing . appear out for the bright bluish green signboard out front .
Photo courtesy of Palace Diner
Where to drink in Biddeford
For cocktail : All of that food bid for a drink to wet your whistle . Magnus on Water , with its warmly lit dining room and not - traditionally - regulate barroom , complete with emerald tile on the front side , offer a selection of potable you wo n’t soon find anywhere else . The Cool Hand Look Martini , describe on the menu as a drink that “ grins like a baby but bites like a alligator ” is made with Islay gin , vodka , blanc vermouth , sea salinity and grapefruit oil .
For beer ( and GF beer):Sacred Profane Brewingis another must - cease on the list for“Cold lager fond hearts , ” ( according to the tagline ) . Get a draught tank pour and a quick pretzel . Just a few unretentive city block away , Lucky Pigeon Brewing Companyoffers a wide variety of brews from Pale Ales to Irish Red Ales , all without gluten and with their quintessential pigeon mascot on the label .
For late - night snacks : If one Irish beer is n’t enough , stop byDunn Bar . Their authentic Irish fare means knowing their Galway Mule , with rye whiskey , gingerroot beer and lime succus , is the literal spate .
Photo courtesy of Fish & Whistle
Where to stay in Biddeford
On the beach : If having the pick of wake up and immediately going for a unruffled walk on the beach is indispensable to your all-night stay in Biddeford , drop a night at theBeach House Inn .
A historic spotlight : The Lincoln Hotel , inside a renovated mill in the beginning work up in the 1850s , is another seat to catch one’s breath your forefront ( and breadbasket ) after a day eat up well in Biddeford .
Photo courtesy of Magnus on Water
Photo courtesy of The Lincoln Hotel
