A Look Back at Portland, Maine’s Dining in the 1980s: Flavor Meets Affordability

What's the deal with these prices today, folks? Am I right?

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

Eating Out in the 1980's

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

You might be saying, 'Wait, Chris. There’s 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 collection of restaurants that are long gone, like Hu Shang and Carbur’s, as well as establishments still around today, like The Great Lost Bear and DiMillo’s.

READ MORE: Portland, Maine’s Must-Visit Bars: Wine Enthusiast’s Top 10

How Expensive it was to Eat Out in Portland in 1980's

With this wonderful resource, I decided to put together a few of my own menus. I wanted to see how much it would have cost to eat out in Portland in 1982. I can’t say I remember much, since I was only 2, but 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

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 a menu? Let’s 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 way to start to the day.

Lunch - The Great Lost Bear

Cheeseburger   $3.85
Cookie Pie        $2.25
Iced Tea            $0.85

Total Lunch - $6.95

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

Dinner - DiMillo's

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, and a slice of 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

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

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. It's totally worth it, though.

Dinner - Hu Shang

Dinner Total - $22.45

A wonderful feast at the goatiest of all GOAT restaurants. Dispite all this food and drink, the price still stays low.

Second Menu Total - $36.05

Even with alcohol, the price still stays 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

Breakfast - DiPhilippo's Ye Olde Pancake Shoppe

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 for our Splurge Day.

Lunch - Village Café

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 some cash. Also, I miss this place.

Dinner - Thirty-Four Exchange

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?