Portland, Maine, Dive Named Best Place in State for a Blue Plate Special

For decades throughout the United States and Canada, a blue plate special was an absolute reason to visit a restaurant. If you don't know what that is, it usually is a special meal served at a discounted rate that you wouldn't typically find on the menu. Once upon a time, they were almost always served exclusively on blue plates.

The tradition of blue plate specials in Maine is still going strong in some areas of the state. Some diners and dives have keep it alive by offering up unique meals, but the tradition is quickly vanishing.

LoveFood decided to try their hand at identifying the best restaurants in America that still offer up blue plate specials. For Maine, LoveFood put the spotlight on a Portland restaurant that locals would probably prefer stay a townie secret.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CBG (@cbgportland)

Congress Bar and Grill was named the best place to get a blue plate special in Maine. The charming dive has remained a cozy place to grab a seat and get a delicious meal and stiff drink for years. While other places around it have changed dramatically, CBG has managed to keep the same feel.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

A post shared by CBG (@cbgportland)

CBG's menu is straightforward on diner fare, from a delicious burger to fried haddock, chicken wings, and grilled cheese. But CBG also delivers a pretty solid vegetarian menu as well.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

A post shared by CBG (@cbgportland)

In terms of blue plate specials, CBG always seems to be cooking up something good, from fancier dishes like rainbow trout or duck confit to standard diner fare like bangers and mash or a reuben sandwich.