This is the third in a series of six stories featuring Maine burger and milkshake destinations — Burger Boy in Caribou, Houlton Farms Dairy, Owl’s Head General Store, L&H Burgers in Rockland and Fat Boys in Brunswick. The diners featured were culled from a list of recommendations from Bangor Daily News readers and staff. Please note, these features are just a sampling of the most recommended destinations and are not intended to endorse those on the list or discount any not included.
CARIBOU — A red and white zigzag roof sticks out of the otherwise green landscape on a drive down Sweden Street in Caribou. Underneath that roof, Burger Boy serves up their freshly-ground beef burgers and Aroostook County fries — local favorites. Owner Spenser Ouellette says though the roof is a pain to maintain in the winter, it’s as iconic to the area as their food.
Burger Boy, a retro 1950s and 1960s-style diner serving everything from cheese-and-gravy-laden poutine to burgers and clam strips, has been a staple in Caribou since the days of go-go boots and tie-dye. And although the original sign recently came down and the menu displays became digital, the restaurant remains a favorite of Mainers near and far.
A welcome challenge
Ouellette purchased the diner, with its wall of windows and black and white tile floors, about two years ago. After working in a kitchen in high school and college, he knew he someday wanted to purchase and run his own restaurant.
That opportunity came after graduating with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine at Fort Kent and a master’s from Thomas College in Waterville.
“I like the challenge of it,” Ouellette said. “I fell in love with it, and I didn’t want to spend my life working for someone else.”
A native of Van Buren, the 27-year-old who smiles easily and knows regular customers by name pours his heart and soul into his business. Often clocking more than 100 hours a week, Ouellette does everything from overseeing the 20 employees to manning the register or fixing the heating system.
A Caribou staple
Each day, hundreds of customers, young and old, swing open the door and order an ice cream cone, fries or one of the joint’s well-known burgers.
“It’s been a staple of the Caribou community and it’s still a pretty hoppin’ place,” Ouellette said.
Customers often tell him how they remember coming to the diner with friends in the 1970s. He too remembers visiting as a child, coming down with his family from Van Buren for burgers and shakes.
The diner is open seasonally from March to November. Summer tourism to and through the area draws a lot of new customers who can’t miss the roadside building and large arrow sign.
“We get a lot of people coming through on their way to Fort Kent, but we’re also really popular with the local people so we see a lot of repeat business,” Ouellette said.
A local touch
The single-story building was built in 1967 on top of the town’s former public swimming pool and opened in 1968. A picture of the pool surrounded with bathing suit-glad Mainers still hangs on the wall at the back of the diner.
The restaurant is full of both old and new local paraphernalia. Records and discs hang above the registers and a juke box sits on every table. But it’s not just the decor. The food and events also harken back to a bygone era.
Kitchen staff grind beef daily from large shoulders ordered from local farms for the burgers, giving them an evident freshness. The tender burgers ooze with savory flavor and juiciness. They are topped with melted cheese and sandwiched in a soft bun. Potatoes from Moir Farms in Woodland are used for the hand-cut thick french fries, crunchy on the outside with a creamy lightness on the inside, are served up piping hot. For those not interested in burgers, the menu is chock full of other options — crisp corn fritters, taco salads, lobster rolls and Gifford’s ice cream in just about every flavor served up by the cone, cup or whipped into a shake.
“You can tell the difference between fresh and frozen, so we do it all ourselves,” Ouellette said. “We just make really good food. Our burgers are a lot better than McDonald’s.”
Customers agree.
“Our family’s favorite place to go is Burger Boy,” said Donna Clement of Caribou, adding that the price and quality can’t be beat. “Everything is homemade and done to perfection.”
Ouellette regularly holds classic car shows with door prizes and kids eat free on Mondays. In an effort to give back to the community that supports his business, Ouellette often brings free food or desserts to Caribou’s many summer events.
“It’s my way of giving back to the community, they support me, so it’s nice to be able to give things to them,” Ouellette said.
A quick look at Burger Boy in Caribou
How to get there: The restaurant is located at 234 Sweden Street. When traveling through Caribou on Sweden, the restaurant is on the left. Look for the large sign and red and white zigzag roof.
Family-friendly features: Burger Boy offers “Kids Eat Free Mondays” if a paying adult purchases a basket meal. The restaurant has dine-in, pick-up and drive-through options for ordering.
Hours: Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Payment method: Burger Boy accepts major credit cards and cash.
Famous for: The restaurant is well-known for its freshly ground beef burgers, local fries and corn fritters.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Burger-Boy-Caribou-ME/386840286578
