Marcy's Diner

47 Oak St., Portland, ME - (207) 774-9713

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Posted By Mark Weisberg on 10/13/2012 12:48:00 PM

Having visited on both a Sunday and Monday morning we did not feel that Marcy's caters to a mostly working class clientele. Indeed, it was a mix of college kids, office workers, foodie tourists, and others. Presiding was Darla, making sure everyone was happy as she worked the grill in the back. Her husband, sporting his NY Giants football cap, took names, estimated the waiting time, and encouraged us to sit in the back where we could annoy Darla. It is well worth the wait and I cannot see why anyone would annoy Darla.

The fluffiness of the scrambled eggs have a simple but revelatory secret to them. Go and see for yourself. The pancakes, which are truly delicious, are made on a separate side grill reserved for them and French toast, etc. That way the temperature and cooking time is kept uniform, producing a substantial, malty pancake that should not be missed. Home fries are constantly worked over on the side of the main grill and Darla does a masterful job keeping some of the moisture intact while crisping your portion on the outside. We had the blueberry muffin that was, to say the least, memorable. Get it grilled.

There are lunch specials that seem to be favored by local office workers as well as a brisk take-out business. On Sunday the soundtrack was the Traveling Wilburys and Roy Orbison. On Monday they programmed something else. All in all, great fun and great food.

Scorecard

Overall: One of the Best - Worth a Trip

Home fies

Rate this place

"We couldn't help but notice the beautiful muffins behind the counter. When we selected the raspberry muffin, our waitress offered to split them in half and grill them. How could we say no to that?"
Cliff Strutz

"Potatoes are boiled and cut every day before getting sizzled on the griddle in a bath of butter and margarine to become crisp/creamy home fries."
Michael Stern

"Chocolate pie: Each slice is one-quarter of a whole pie."
Michael Stern

"The $4.25 price of an omelet includes any two ingredients of your choice. Our choice, seen here in close-up, is chili and cheese. A perfect combination."
Michael Stern

"A view of the counter from one of Marcy's booths. This was late in the morning, between breakfast and lunch."
Michael Stern

"Where the people eat: a stool at Marcy's counter"
Michael Stern

"Bring cash. Marcy's is not a credit-card kind of place."
Michael Stern

"Originally known as Lou's when it opened in the 1930s, this place then became Mike's; and now it is Marcy's. It's our top choice for a big, delicious, and inexpensive breakfast in Portland."
Michael Stern