Remember the good old days when gas cost less than a dollar and the mall still had Woolworth?

I'm talking about the 80s, folks. It was decade of decadence, incredible music and movies, and going out to eat for less than $100.

You might be saying, "Wait, Chris. There is no way going out to eat was that cheap." Well, actually it was, and I have evidence to prove it.

The Portland Public Library's archives are loaded with old menus from the 80s. It's a tremendous archive of restaurants that are long gone, like Hu Shang and Carburs to establishments still going like The Great Lost Bear and Dimillo's.

With this wonderful list, I decided to put together a few of my own menus. I wanted to see how much it would cost to eat out in Portland in 1982. I can't say I remember much, since I was 2, so this was a fun little project. If you think you spend a lot now, wait and see how much it's changed in 40 years.

First Menu

Breakfast - The Good Egg

Portland Public Library
Portland Public Library - 1982
loading...

Such a great menu. It's like it was written yesterday, but with 1982 prices. Also, when's the last time you saw Sanka on the menu? Lets have breakfast.

Coffee               $0.50
3 Egg Omelet   $3.50
Juice                 $ .70

Total Breakfast - $4.70

Not a bad little breakfast. You get eggs, toast, juice, and coffee for under $5.00. A great start to the day.

Lunch - The Great Lost Bear

Portland Public Library
Portland Public Library - 1982
loading...

Cheeseburger   $3.85
Cookie Pie        $2.25
Ice Tea              $0.85

Total Lunch - $6.95

Could you imagine paying less than $4 for a restaurant cheeseburger? Now these puppies go for over $20 in some joints. Also, I didn't add a beer, because I couldn't find the prices. Sorry.

Dinner - Dimillo's

Portland Public Library - 1982
Portland Public Library - 1982
loading...

Lobster Dinner   $10.95
Shrimp Cocktail  $3.95
Cheesecake       $2.25
Wine                   $4.95

Dinner Total - $21.10

It's a dinner splurge. Lobster dinner, shrimp cocktail, even a little cheesecake to finish it off. Even a little wine to wash it all down.

First Menu Total - $32.75   

Three square meals, and we still keep it under $35. Let's see if we can change that for our next example. I want to spend some dollars.

Second Menu

Breakfast - Charley & Mark on the Square

attachment-Screenshot (204)
loading...

French Toast, Bacon, Coffee & Juice    $2.50

Breakfast Total - $2.50

We have found the greatest deal from 1982. A stack French Toast with all the amenities for less than $3.00. Where is my time machine?

Lunch - Carbur's

Portland Public Library - 1982
Portland Public Library - 1982
loading...

WBLM Blimp                $4.10
Strawberry Shortcake  $1.50
Mai Tai (2)                    $5.50

Lunch Total - $11.10

I had to splurge for the WBLM Blimp sandwich for, well, obvious reasons. Also, a few Mai Tai's at lunch raises the price a bit. Worth it, though.

Dinner - Hu Shang

Portland Public Library - 1982
Portland Public Library - 1982
loading...

Steamed Dumplings   $2.25
Crispy RIce Soup       $3.95
Young Chow Chicken $6.50
Vegetable Fried Rice  $3.25
Zombie (2)                  $6.50

Dinner Total -  $22.45

A wonderful feast at the Goatiest of all GOAT restaurants. Even with all this food and drink, the price still stays low.

Second Menu Total - $36.05

Even with alcohol, the price still stay under $40 for the entire day. Obviously the $2.50 breakfast was a big help. Let's do one more and try to go all out.

Third Menu

BreakfastDiPhilippo's Ye Olde Pancake Shoppe

Portland Public Library - 1982
Portland Public Library - 1982
loading...

Lumberjack Special      $4.75
Coffee                           $0.35

Breakfast Total - $5.10

It was a struggle, but I have gotten us over $5.00 for breakfast. Not a bad start to Splurge Day.

Lunch - Village Café

Portland Public Library - 1982
Portland Public Library - 1982
loading...

Large Western Sirloin     $9.75
Bowl of Minestrone         $1.20
Iced Tea                          $0.45

Lunch Total - $10.40

I couldn't even find a steak for over $10. However, at least the minestrone helps us spend so cash. Also, I miss this place.

Dinner - Thirty-Four Exchange

Portland Public Library - 1982
Portland Public Library - 1982
loading...

Beef Wellington    $13.95
Escargot               $3.95
House Salad         $1.50
Wine                     $10.00

Dinner Total - $29.40

I tried my best. I found a higher end menu, got the most expensive thing and still kept it under $30. This is impossible.

Third Menu Total - $44.90

Well, I got close to $50, but it's clearly difficult to try and pull off. However, I did expect to spend a little more than I did. We are talking about three meals out in a day for under $50 dollars. That's quite a feat. I guess 1982 was a lifetime ago.

What a difference 40 years makes, right?

31 Bucket List Restaurants in Maine

Here are 31 Maine restaurants that folks told us are bucket list worthy. They are very diverse can be found across the state.

LOOK: Maine's Most Expensive Airbnb Will Cost You 40k Per Week

A dazzling oceanfront property in Scarborough that features a stone fireplace, sun room, private gym and more is Maine's most expensive AirBnb rental at $40,000 per week. 

More From 102.9 WBLM