Florida license plates flank those from Maine, Massachusetts, and New York in the parking lot of Moody's Diner of Waldoboro, Maine. On a brisk October afternoon, the orange depicted on the license plate of the "Sunshine State" is distinctly out of place in Down East Maine; however, at Moody's diner it is no less welcome than the minivan from Illinois, the RV from Minnesota, or the Maine pick-up truck.
It is this familiar and welcoming atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists to Moody's diner. Upon entering the building, visitors are greeted by the sights and sounds of a busy restaurant: pots and pans clang together in the kitchen, waitresses run between tables and behind the counter, and contented patrons read the paper while sipping hot coffee.
Amidst all this turmoil, a sure sense of calm is perceptible. The head waitress recognizes visitor's presence saying, "It'll just be a minute for a booth, dear." The 30-second wait proves wholly worthwhile: cushioned benches, Formica tabletops, and vintage salt shakers create the perfect 1950s table setting.
With green linoleum floors and cheerful curtains on the window, Moody's Diner exudes the charm of the '50s. This is unsurprising, since the restaurant has kept many of the same features since its opening, more than seven decades ago, in 1930.
Although it began business in the '30s, its ascent to popularity and fame coincided with the advent of travel by automobile during the summer vacations of the 1950s. The casual, home-like environment at this Down East landmark has not changed since that time, even though the building has been expanded, most recently to accommodate about 108 guests.
One-hundred eight diners seems like less at Moody's Diner; booths provide an element of privacy and the atmosphere is pleasingly quiet. Service is immediate, since there are enough green apron-clad waitresses to serve double the maximum occupancy of the diner. The complete experience is not unlike being served lunch at home by a mother; the waitress is careful to point out the specials of the day and refers to everyone as "Dear" or "Honey."
This experience has widespread appeal to both local clientele and those traveling from other areas. Moody's Diner is equally eager to provide a meal of comfort foods, including haddock fish chowder, grilled cheese sandwiches, and chocolate cream pie to a weary traveler as a cup of coffee and homemade chocolate doughnuts to a retired businessman.
The range of clientele present at Moody's Diner is a testament to its charm. At one table a grandmother and granddaughter share lunch. They speak quickly and comfortably, stopping only to take bites of their grilled cheese sandwich and lobster roll. They come to Moody's Diner at least once a month to have lunch together.
Directly behind them, two older women sit with an older man, each with his or her own piece of pie. The party of three: a husband, wife, and mother-in-law, sit together silently devouring their desserts. They do not look up as their forks delve into thick meringue topping and buttery crust; they are fully enjoying the diner's extensive selection of baked goods.
A mother and her five children are seated at a table in the center of the dining room. They are regulars at the diner; the waitress is able to recite the desires of each member of the family before they open their mouths. The children love the hamburgers and turkey sandwiches at Moody's: The mother loves the ease of feeding five children without complaints.
At the counter a young couple drink black coffee as they pore over road maps of the surrounding area. They have planned a trip from Illinois to visit relatives and view the Maine fall foliage. As they wait for their meals to come, they discuss the possibility of a trip to Maine next fall with friends from Illinois, specifically to Moody's Diner.
"It is so homey here," the woman exclaims. "Our friends have to see this to believe it."