Rock’s Family Diner

A St. John River Valley beacon since 1945, Rock’s is Fort Kent’s go-to place for three meals a day. Take-out is popular; if you plan to eat here, service is eat-in-the-rough. Walk in, study the wall menu, place your order and pay. Then find a seat. In a short while, out comes a member of the staff with your cheeseburger, chili dog, sandwich, or hot-lunch plate.

The burgers are ingenuous short-order patties that get squished hard on the grill; but they are fatty enough to be full-flavored and juicy. A single is fine, but if you’ve got a big meat craving, go for a double. Cheese, bacon, and pizza sauce are possible toppings. On the side of any meal, fried potatoes are a must. Seven versions are available: jo-jo’s, curly fries, plain fries, fries topped with gravy, hamburger or Italian sauce, or as a classic mix (aka poutine): potatoes heaped with mozzarella cheese and dark brown gravy.

A case up front and the counter are arrayed with all kinds of kitschy, made-here desserts, including turtle cheesecake, Rice Krispie concoctions, an array of oversized cookies, and some mighty fine whoopie pies. (The diner will ship its whoopie pies.)