What We Ordered:
A Personal Chicken Pot Pie
- With mashed potatoes and gravy
- A “Wicked Good” Chicken Sandwich
- With Seasoned Curly Fries
- A Moxie
- A Root Beer
- A Slice of Bumbleberry Crisp
What We Got:
- The Chicken Pot Pie
- Mashed Potatoes with Chicken Gravy
- Cranberry Sauce
- A Homemade Roll
- The “Wicked Good” Chicken Sandwich
- Extra-Delicious Curly Fries
- Our drinks
- A Slice of Warm Bumbleberry Crisp
The Experience
It was a hot summer afternoon when we got to Dysarts and I was looking forward to the air conditioning! The place was busy (as is to be expected) but we were promptly seated.
The table had a pitcher of ice water and we were given cups shortly thereafter. While we looked over the menus, we placed a drink order. I had a Moxie, Kacie had a root beer. By the time our drinks were delivered, we had decided what we would have for dinner.
We placed our order and within minutes our food was ready and at our table.
I had the Chicken Pot Pie. It was absolutely amazing. The crust was not too thick, perfectly flakey, and delicious. The chicken was succulent. The peas and carrots were perfectly cooked.
Kacie had the “Wicked Good” Chicken Sandwich. The chicken was breaded and fried, with two slices of crisp bacon, Swiss cheese, lettuce, and a side of ranch dressing. I had a bite and it made me envious that it wasn’t my dinner.
The Chicken Pot Pie
I was full by the time I had finished my meal, but we decided to get some dessert anyway! We had a massive slice of warm bumbleberry crisp. It had freshly picked Maine blueberries and raspberries. It was truly mouthwatering.
Throughout our meal, though the place was crowded, our waitress was attentive and made her way back to our table several times. More than what would have been considered adequate.
The Aesthetic
The restaurant had a very authentic Maine feeling. It wasn’t an ostentatious “Clam Chowdah” aesthetic, it felt like I had stepped into my grandmother’s dining room. I really appreciated the homey-ness of the place.
Dysarts is a truck stop. There was an old truck in the middle of the dining room which reminded me of Bryant’s Stove and Music.
Most of the staff wore shirts with a Maine license plate emblazoned on the back which read “DYSARTS” fitting well with the aesthetic.
There was a nice juxtaposition of old-timey wallpaper and brick walls. The dining area itself was massive, there were three dining areas, a convenience store and gas station. We sat right near the front door and watched as the restaurant grew busier and busier.
When it comes right down to it, I really liked Dysarts. I appreciated it for its honest Maine styling and delicious food. It was a refreshing change from coastal Maine diners looking to draw tourists with a tongue-in-cheek theme.
The Review
Taste vs. Cost – Dysart’s didn’t break the bank. The food was exceptional and reasonably priced.
Portion Sizes – The portions were large. Large enough that I was full before I had finished.
Quality of Service – The service at Dysarts was exceptional. We were cared for the moment we entered the building. “I’m gushing.”
Aesthetic – Cozy, familial, and joyful; just like Maine.
Summary – I will be going back; there’s no doubt about that.
