Governor's Restaurant and Bakery ~ Waterville, Maine

The minute you drive into the parking lot of Governor's Restaurant and Bakery in Waterville, Maine, fragrant smells tease at the senses. When you enter the building you can plan on being greeted by a smiling hostess who is ready to seat you in the family-friendly, accessible building.

The restaurant is filled with customers nearly any time of day. We go to Governor's at least once a month. The hostess leads us to a comfortable booth whenever possible as she recognizes us and knows we favor the seats. We are served hot coffee and tea right away as we look over the menu. Breakfast is served all day long for those who need the perfectly cooked eggs and home-made toasted bread. The restaurant features home baked goods. A set of display cases at the entrance is centered between two wings of the building is filled with baked desserts and breads.

The family oriented business originally started by Leith and Donna Wadleigh recently celebrated 50 years of service in the state of Maine. The Waterville location is one of 6 locations around the state. It is easy to see why the business has thrived and grown over the years. The wait staff is genuinely friendly and highly professional at Governor's in Waterville. The food is absolutely delicious.

As an observer I have frequently noticed and appreciated the respect and care that the wait staff shows for elderly customers. The seniors that frequent the restaurant are recognized and seated at favorite booths or tables. I hear waitresses inquire about their well-being. Fresh vegetables, soups and chowders of the day are offered up from the menu as options for the older customer. Many times I have noticed that the waitress knows exactly what a particular elderly customer favors.

Prices are fair for the large portion meals that are served to elderly singles, couples and groups. Starting at $5.99 and averaging $7.00 to $10.00 for full dinner meals there is something for everyone. The Congressional Chicken Sandwich features a large fried half-breast on a homemade roll. The crispy coating envelopes juicy breast meat that makes my mouth water. Served with crispy fries or onion rings it is a filling meal. After we order our Waitress Nikki L. smiles and tells us we should have ordered the "regular" when she leaves the table. I guess we do order our favorites frequently. The menu offers seafood, 100% USDA Prime Angus beef hamburgers, salads, steak, vegetable lasagna, sweet potato fries and coleslaw. To celebrate 50 years Governor's has Blue Plate Specials with meals that are reminiscent of the beginning days of the business. The Governor's theme runs through the menu with The Debate and Libertarian Combo plates of mixed appetizers. The Governor ??? Burger is a bacon Angus cheeseburger to be named after the November 2010 governor's race winner. Daily specials such as a Thanksgiving sandwich meal, meatloaf, haddock and chicken pot pie are popular with the customers. My mother favors the haddock with a cup of chowder when she dines at Governor's.

The diner is comfortable at the Governor's. The wait staff listens to the customer and never pushes extra food with additional costs on to anyone. Coffee flows freely. Your waitress will offer dessert with a smile as most people are stuffed from the meal and asking for a carry-out container. My husband and I keep saying that one day we are going in and having the dessert first as we can never fit one in after eating delicious chicken, turkey or steak. The desserts are outstanding. We've learned to order them now and again for a take-out. The cake slices are three layers high and the pie is a wedge like Gram used to serve. The gingerbread is better than Gram's.

You can't go wrong at Governor's Restaurant and Bakery in Waterville, Maine. You certainly won't leave hungry.