Mike's American Diner in Arundel, Maine

Mike's American Diner is a straightforward breakfast and lunch spot in Arundel that does the fundamentals well. You'll find regulars nursing coffee alongside visitors passing through, and the kitchen cranks out heaping plates of corned beef hash, chicken and biscuits, omelets, and chowder. The portions are genuinely big, the prices won't wreck your budget, and the service staff keep coffee cups full.

• Two chicken breasts, biscuit, and gravy for under 30 bucks
• Hash browns consistently praised by repeat customers
• Breakfasts arrive in 20-30 minutes, no fuss
• Staff remembers names and keeps coffee topped up

Get the chicken and biscuits with an egg added on top (the gravy is the thing). Order raisin toast on the side and the hash browns. The French toast muffin is worth sharing. If you skip breakfast, the haddock chowder and tuna melt both hold their own.

Casual diner feel with good natural light and enough space to breathe. Not quiet, but not loud either, people are there to eat and linger.

Breakfast is the main draw here. The chicken and biscuits comes with two meaty breasts and a flaky biscuit soaked in gravy. Hash browns are a point of pride (one regular swears they're the best ever). The French toast muffin arrives grilled with butter on the side. If you're not a breakfast person, haddock chowder, tuna melts, and salads round out the menu.

Guests rave about the value and portion sizes. One regular said the chicken and biscuits with gravy was a 10 out of 10. Service gets consistent praise for being friendly and attentive, with servers like Trish known for keeping things running smooth.