Maine: The Way Life Used To Be

On the back: “U.S. Rte. 1, Dunstan Corner, W. Scarborough, Me. 5 minutes from Old Orchard Beach. DIning- Dancing- Cocktail Lounge. Also at 152 Main St., Westbrook, Me. Rt. 25, Portland- Westbrook Line- Maine Tpke. Exit 8.”

On the back: “Tucker 3-6082, Route U.S. 1, Scarborough, Maine. Open year ’round, 7 days a week.

“Bewtween Scarborough Downs and Old Orchard beach. Acres of parking- rotary parking for trucks.”

I really wish I could have eaten at this joint! I love the booths and stools!

From an old postcard with three views of “Wonderbar Steak House” in Biddeford. I don’t know if it’s still open.

“3 private banquet rooms- Seating 225. Air conditioned- Beautiful cocktail lounge. Main dining room (not shown) seating 250.

“Downtown low prices- Ample free parking.” Notice the glasses of tomato juice in the bowls?  June Cleaver also served it that way on Leave it to Beaver. It must have been a popular beverage serving suggestion.

The last time I had been to the Miss P was when she was at her old location down the road in the 1980’s. I’ve been anxious to see her in her new digs.  I was also anxious to see if it was now a trendy frou frou restaurant or true to its earlier working class ethic of good hot food and plenty of it for cheap. Having said that, I know a lot of time and money goes into restoring and maintaining a piece of history let alone make a profit, so I also went with an open mind.

We got there around 8:30 a.m. and it wasn’t yet full, but about fifteen minutes later it was packed and a line had formed, so do go early to avoid crowds. I was very happy with how it looked inside, including the original Worcester clock on the wall. It was very clean.  I also immediately noticed the Whoopie pie cake underneath one of the cake stands on the counter. I inquired if they made it and was told that they do all of their own baking.

The menu did not disappoint except for the fact it was noted that breakfast is not served all day! To me that is a cardinal rule of diners, but this is my only complaint. My husband and I both ordered the “short stack” or blueberry pancakes and he also ordered the corned beef hash.

I was planning on taking a picture of the pancakes but when they came they looked so good I forgot all about picture taking! The pancakes were about 8 inches each and were LOADED with real blueberries. They were so delicious that before I could think “I can’t eat all of THIS” they were gone. The hash arrived a bit late but it was unlike any I had seen before. It had carrots and celery in it and generous chunks of corned beef.

My husband was awestruck and after saying he had no more room from eating the pancakes they were gone in minutes.

Overall I loved my visit and breakfast. For $20 not including tip we had all of that plus real maple syrup I requested and coffee for my husband*. I will definitely be back! They do serve lunch and dinner, too!

*I am a coffee drinker, but only first thing in the morning which for me is about 4:00 a.m.