The Governor's Restaurant in Old Town, ME

If you’re going to the Governor’s on the weekend, you better call (207-827-4277) ahead to ensure you’ll be seated, especially if there are a bunch of you. After August, college students typically fill the seats to get some genuine home cooking.

The Governor's in Old Town - Reuben on Marbled Rye with FF and ColeslawBy the author.

The Reuben Sandwich with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island Dressing on marbled rye is to die for! The Governor’s Reuben is my favorite sandwich. BTW, their coleslaw is the creamiest, tastiest coleslaw I’ve ever had.

In Old Town, the Governor’s is open from Sunday to Thursday, 6:30 am to 9 pm, and from Friday to Saturday from 6:30 am to 10 pm.

The Governor’s started a partnership with Spencer’s Ice Cream in Bradley, ME, to bring their famous ice cream to the Old Town restaurant. Many will remember when the Governor’s was Cree-Mee’s, and then Wadleigh’s on Stillwater Avenue.

So, they’ve brought back the original Ice Cream window, which is open from Monday to Friday, 4 to 8 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 8 pm. So now, you can treat the kids after church without driving out to Bradley — even though it’s well worth the drive. Am I right?

If you love ice cream — and who doesn’t? — you must try the “Peanut Butter & Chocolate No-Bake.” It’s the same recipe as their no-bake cookies.

Breakfast at the Governor's in Old Town, ME

Breakfast at the Governor's in Old Town, ME, is an event! The Governor’s is a quaint restaurant bringing delicious food to workers, tourists, college students, and families.

If you haven’t been there, there is a model railroad track with a train that goes around the top of the dining room. The kids will love it. I know I do, and it's been half a century since I was a kid. The Governors is a great restaurant to stop by to jump-start your day.

Thomas the Tank Engine

How about a bacon, egg, & cheese biscuit?

The Governor's Bacon & Egg Biscuit

They have various options to choose from; grab your choice of coffee or tea while they get your breakfast sizzling on the grill.

The Capital plate is sure to fill the hardiest appetite. You will get two eggs, three bacon strips, the choice of either three sausage links or ham, and home fries with toast.

The Belgian Waffle breakfast is the perfect option if you're traveling with little ones, though adults love it too! It provides a crispy Belgian waffle topped with whipped butter, homemade whipped cream, and the choice of either blueberry or strawberry topping — and you can add a side of bacon, sausage, or ham to the Belgian waffle.

The Governor's in Old Town - Double Red Snappers with Onion Rings.By the author.

Lunch for Me & You, Just Us Two

Travel to The Governor’s for lunch with a partner or friend. Enjoy quality time and great conversations over lunch. Their Bacon Cheddar Burger has a 6oz beef patty with cheese, bacon, lettuce, and tomato. Or, choose soups, salads, or sandwiches.

I love the double red snapper lunch (above). I chose onion rings, though several other sides are available with your order. The onion rings are also excellent with a lobster roll and fried clams.

A lobster roll with fried clams and onion rings.By the author.

Since you’re in Maine, get a taste of Maine with the Maine Lobster Roll, toasted on a hot dog roll. All lunch items come with a side of crinkle-cut fries, but you can substitute a half-dozen other sides.

The Governor's in Old Town - Dessert CabinetBy the author.

Throwback Thursday

A special YouTube message from “the Governor” Leith Wadleigh.

The Governor's in Old Town - Dessert Cabinet 2By the author.

Coffee & Dessert with Your Significant Other or BFF

If you are craving sweets, stop by with your significant other and enjoy time together over coffee and pie. Indulging in their world-famous Chocolate Cream Pie will be sure to satisfy that sweet tooth while enjoying a cup of coffee. Want something more on the fruity side, the Governor’s Two-Crust Apple Pie will hit the spot.

Pie Day 2015

This was from seven years ago, but things change really slowly in Old Town, Maine. As you can see in the picture above that I took recently, they still have a massive cabinet full of pies. They might not be 50% off when you go, but you’ll still get a huge slice, and the wait staff will come around often to refill your cup. That goes for any of their dozens of dessert choices.

Dinner is always too much food for one sitting at the Governor's

To me, there is no place for a Reuben like the Governor’s. The Reuben is a delicious huge sandwich with corned beef, swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and topped with thousand island dressing on marbled rye bread. The sandwich comes with crispy fries, not pictured.

If you’ve had a busy day traveling and exploring around Bangor, Orono, and Old Town, ME, try Governor’s Blue-Plate Combo.

The Blue-Plate combo has four choices: three slider cheeseburgers; a cheeseburger, and a local red hot dog; two red hot dogs; or two cheeseburgers. All Blue-Plate Combos come with French fries and ice-cold Pepsi products. No matter which you choose, it is a lot of food for an affordable price.

The Governor's in Old Town - Dessert Cabinet 3By the author.

Dessert & Coffee/Tea can be a meal at the Governor’s

Many Mainahs around Old Town come into the Governor’s just for dessert and coffee. If you’re not that hungry, not a problem, you can take some home with you.

At the Governor’s, coffee and tea can be a meal. Since the Governor’s has an on-premises bakery, there are many items to choose from.

The Banana Split is perfect for a nice hot day and comes with three round scoops of ice cream, your choice of three toppings, whipped cream, nuts, and cherries — and of course, banana slices.

Looking for something more to share among your group, the Federal Deficit is sure to satisfy the sweet tooth. It combines Banana Split, Brownie Delight, and strawberry shortcake. This is a massive sundae with caramel, peanut butter, blueberries, cherries, and all your favorite sugary delights, enough for a family of four or five to share.

Thursday Family Night

Some of the stores have Thursday night (dine-in only) as family night with 50% off for kids (13-years-old & under) drinks and meals with the purchase of adult entrees. Check with the wait staff or call to ensure the store close to you participates.

The Governor’s is the perfect spot to stop by to grab a bite. Whether you’re a college student, traveling through Maine as a tourist, or a local Mainah, the Governor’s will surely satisfy your palate and your wallet. By the way, there are five other locations in Maine to serve you — Bangor |Lewiston | Waterville | Ellsworth | Presque Isle.

About the Author.Photo by Jean Springs from Pexels.

Stephen Dalton is an Old Town native, a retired US Army First Sergeant with a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland, and a Certified US English Chicago Manual of Style Editor. Also, a Top Writer in Investing, Nutrition, Travel, Fiction, Transportation, VR, NFL, Design, Creativity, and Short Story.