Ambiance is 10/10. Very cool spot. Love the decor. I highly recommend the blackened halibut tacos. My son loved the chicken fingers and fries. Food was very tasty. Service was great. I definitely plan on coming back. Highly recommend. read more

First visit to Batson River Brewing and so glad we discovered this place! Absolutely loved the decor (they were decorated for the Holidays), the beer was tasty (did a flight to taste several offerings), food very good and reasonably priced. The charcuterie was large & had a good variety of items on it Salmon and Lobster Mac & Cheese were winners too! Rachel, our server, was very helpful and attentive. Will return for certain! read more

This place is a joke! I'm 70 years old and have eaten pizza in at least a hundred different places and this place is the WORST!!!!! a hundred times worse than Chucky cheese! My bloody Mary was tomato juice out of a can and seriously I don't think any vodka in it!!;!! And no celery or olives to boot! $23 bucks for crap pizza doe taste like bark off a tree no flavor at all wtf! Drinks are $18 on up and like I said they are $1 drinks at Best! It's a shame such a beautiful hotel in Biddeford could have such a HORRIBLE HORRIBLE Restaurant if you can call it that! Place is a total rip-off read more

Great service! Expertly mixed drinks and a nice selection of beers.Great atmosphere! Definitely worth your time. read more

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Great atmosphere. Friendly but forgetful service ("oops I forgot that because I was talking with my friend"). Junior varsity level service, even when it's friendly is still junior varsity service, and at these prices... The food was not good. One of the worst restaurant burgers I have ever had. Over cooked to the extreme and the "brioche" bun was tasteless. A pub that does a burger this bad isn't worth the trip. The beers I had (Vienna lager, Base Layer IPA) were not that exciting. Vienna lager was bland and the IPA unremarkable. The citrus salad arrived plated in a way that it looked like someone ate half of it first. And it wasn't good, a strange blend of tastes. The mussels were also over cooked and came in a sofrito that tasted like it was from a jar (not fresh). I had never seen sofrito that was red in color; I've usually had fresh versions that were green in color. The smoked haddock chowder was good, but was mostly potato (not much in the way of haddock). Considering the quality, the whole menu seems overpriced. A regretful choice and a truly disappointing meal. Definitely not a "gastropub". Would not go back or recommend to anyone. read more

Would avoid going here if other options exist. It's a shame because the hotel is very cool and the hotel lobby bar upstairs is great. Selfishly I want the restaurant to be good because it would be such a cool spot in Biddeford. Food is mediocre. Past times there have been long waits, even after being seated, food and drinks on nights where it isn't particularly busy. In this particular time hosts were very confrontational. Went to put our name in for a large group at 5:30. Host was being very rude to a couple and their older parents as they were checking in, almost seemed like the host was trying to pick a fight. Restaurant was not even busy. We had a two hour wait which was fine (we had a large group) so we grabbed drinks upstairs. I received a text that they had room for us so I replied "coming down". When we checked in the host said she never texted us. I showed the text and she was still confrontational. It was very bizarre. Totally understand people can have bad nights but the hosts didn't seem to have the temperament for the job. Food and service - below average. Drinks- average Ambiance/location- great. read more

The ambience was great, we loved the styling and vibe. It's your a discerning 'foodie' I'd say the food was meh. My hunch would be that Gordon Ramsey would have quite a lot to say. I asked for bread before the meal which came on a saucer with nothing. No butter, oil, balsamic, nothing. I asked for butter and it was provided but our bread cold by then. The bread was essentially a roll cut down and toasted. We've been here a few times always hoping for a great experience but coming away thinking the decor and food just doesn't match. I believe the potential for this restaurant is huge and could be at the top of Biddeford restaurant experiences. I really want to have a amazing experience but I think, unfortunately it's not there yet and will need to find 'that' elsewhere. read more

Batson is one of the best places for food, ambiance, drinks and fun in the Bidd-Saco area. I can only assume its current low rating is based on price or the fact it just opened in 2022 (growing pains). While expensive, the food is great. The menu is limited (18ish? items total for apps and dinners) but what they produce is top-notch. They have gluten free options (nice and thanks!). The food should be good - you pay for it. I've gotten the steak, scallops, and burger the different times I've gone - all great. Drinks are good. I'm glad they added the kids menu. The ambiance is great: Dim lighting, cool decor, fireplace, unique chairs, etc. Shared bathroom is very cool. Game room is worth a visit Service is usually good, server dependent. They seemingly try to limit the number of tables and people at the restaurant and bar (good idea). I know that the hotel gives its nightly guests preference on reservations so, while the restaurant may not appear full, the tables are reserved. read more

Food was bad, over priced. Ambiance is a smoke screen to a bad restaurant, Would never go back read more

Only stopped in for happy hour. Few beers and pretzels with beer cheese. So I can't really talk about the food. But I must say this place is gorgeous. Been to all the other locations and this one is by far the most attractive. It's worth the time to have a drink at the bar just to experience the ambiance. Come tourist season I'm sure they will do very well. As an aside the Lincoln Hotel which houses this venue is worth taking a peek. The restoration of an old mill building is just breathtaking. Have to stop back to try the food. Looking forward to doing an update for a more complete review. read more

I'm always one for simple menus, and Batson delivers there, but I would like to see a few more options. The Beer menu is great and definitely would recommend the Modern Eclectic and Backcountry Kolsch. Had the short rib tacos. They were just above average, but the pickled onion liquid and short rib braise turned my plate into soup. If I were running the kitchen, I'd probably suggest deconstructing it and letting the diner put them together. I'd also suggest a house salsa to kick up the acids in the taco since that's the only thing I felt it lacked. That's the only reason I'm giving it four out five stars- the food could have been just slightly better for the price. The dessert options were limited but delicious . As for the location- this place has such a great Boston meets 1920s Maine vibe. The decor and set up is perfect for that elegant but fun feel, with antiques and taxidermy. Not to mention the bar and game room. Definitely a cool vibe. read more

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This was one of the best places we ate on our vacation. Kids loved the game room and staff was super friendly. My niece loved the kids salmon and fruit and my nephew loved the pizza. I enjoyed the haddock bites and fried chicken sandwich. We ate here multiple time! read more

I was worried about the parking, but was pleasantly surprised to find parking along the street right by the entrance. Batson River entrance is a little hidden and a bit disorienting if you don't know where you are going, but follow the signs and you will be just fine. Once inside it a cool atmosphere which if you have ever been to the Portland one, it is not surprising. They have the fireplace and cozy seating options as well as high tops and tables for larger groups. Me and my gals settled in near the bar at a high top. Being gluten free I looked at the menu online before going in and I was a little sad that not much looked like an option to me. I was wrong! I talked to the server and they have gluten free buns and the pizza can be gluten free! She assured me they take proper precautions. I ordered the Prosecco and the mushroom pesto pizza! All was delicious. Service was friendly and fast. We all had a great time and will definitely be going back! read more

Batson River Brewing & Distilling - Biddeford - Mushroom pesto pizza on gluten free dough. It was crispy and delicious! - Distilleries Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

Our group of 6 visited this upscale establishment for an early dinner. As we were chowing down, the restaurant was filling up. The service was excellent and food was brought to our table en masse. Beet salad, short rib taco, duck confit toast and chicken sandwich were tasty and filling. The table next to us had a large pepperoni pizza arrive at their table. It looked perfect and may be a value purchase on this otherwise moderately expensive menu. A beautiful place to bring a date or impress visitors from out of town. The Lincoln Hotel is also visually beautiful with downstairs sitting area and upstairs lobby bar. read more

This Batson River only gets one star for ambiance. We frequent the Portland location and give it 5 stars. However, in Biddeford the food is almost mediocre but the service is horrific. Not only are the staff inexperienced they are terrible with an attitude. There were exceptions but we will not be returning to this location. Such a shame. It is a beautiful place but poor service ruins the experience. read more

The bar and hotel are beautiful. Nice seating, large bar and eating area. Its 6-7 draft lines at a high end hotel restaurant... just fyi. Its in the basement of the hotel, so on a 80 degree sunny day, it was cool and dark in the basement. The food was pretty good, beer was respectable. I didnt like how they list 16oz pours in the menu and only delivered it in a 14oz glass. Just be correct and honest. They also would not do half pours or 4oz tasters. read more

I was so excited to visit Batson's new location in Biddeford. We very much enjoy their Kennebunk location, and Biddeford definitely lived up to what we expect from Batson. First, it is worth visiting to take in the amazing holiday decor. Inside and out, the decorations are simply stunning. I started with their coffee stout, which was very smooth and coffee-forward. We had the duck fat cornbread with hot honey, which was amazing. I highly recommend this! I had the Batson burger, and it was very moist. I love the flavor that the Boursin cheese adds. My husband had pork and beans, which he also enjoyed. Our service was great as well. I am so happy to have a Batson location close to home! read more

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Came to Biddeford to enjoy a cocktail at the Lincoln, then went to Batson River downstairs for another drink and light dinner. We ordered the happy hour haddock tacos and beef tacos. They were delivered fairly quickly but my beef tacos were lukewarm and inedible. The haddock tacos might have been ok but they were drizzled with a cream sauce that wasn't specified on the menu (I can't eat cream) and my husband said they were just ok. Finally flagged down our waiter, who took away the beef tacos. Not long after, a woman brought new tacos (both beef and haddock) and said they should be hot now. The new fish tacos had hot fish (and cold tortillas) but the beef tacos were still lukewarm. We were never offered a different dish or even another round of drinks. We didn't have to pay for the food but I went home hungry. FWIW, we visit the Kennebunk location regularly and it's always excellent. If we go back to the Biddeford location, I'll stick to drinks and have dinner elsewhere. Too many other great choices to put up with mediocre food here. read more

Batson River Brewing & Distilling - Biddeford - Tortillas and beef filling were both room temp. Even if they were hot, they are difficult to pick up with the 2-tortilla design. - Distilleries Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

I have been to the Biddeford location several times. This review is a blend of those experiences and the score is where I think the restaurant is currently. Recently it seems service is slipping. A few weeks ago my dinner companion sent his meal back a few times because they made the same mistake a twice. Then last night the wine I ordered to have with my entree didn't arrive until we were ready for the check. Also the shrimp po boy only had 5 small shrimp. I really enjoy the atmosphere, the wine selection, the duck fat cornbread and the chicken sandwich. I hope things get back on track. read more

Wonderful atmosphere! Was a busy Saturday night, put my name in for a table of six , said would be a 2 hour wait. Which isn't a problem you are able to enjoy cocktails at The Lincoln lounge while waiting for your table. They text you when your table is ready, wait was only 1 hour. Food was great. Service was great! Love the look and vibe of the restaurant. Beautifully decorated for the holiday. read more

Come for the drinks, but don't stay for the food. Batsons ambiance is gorgeous and a great place to hang, but service and food presentation usually lacks (at all locations). But definitely hit up the bar for some good cocktails! read more

Two visits in a week. First one for lunch, second for dinner. Atmosphere is a 10. Food a 5-6, not anything that would make me come back for that alone. If I came back, probably just have a burger. Drinks good. Service better the first time (lunch), second time for dinner was poor. Wait staff very nice, pleasant, but service and check-ins were slow in getting drinks, wait for food - which would have been better had drinks been attended to more closely. Check out was lengthy and frustrating for dinner meal. Same for another table with the same server. One in our party had a gift card and the bill wasn't split correctly leaving us to have to Venmo that person to even things out. I understand that staffing has been and continues to be an issue in this post-pandemic world. Wait times are longer with almost everything and we've all had to adjust expectations. Our wait staff was lovely, but clearly overwhelmed. And why the hostess wasn't able to check us out when our wait staff was not available makes no sense, especially when you have two tables clearly frustrated and milling about waiting on one person to show up to check us out. Our first lunch experience, the service was much better. I would go back for a drop in lunch or a drink and appetizers at the bar if I were in the area, but I would not make a plan to go again for dinner. Food average, service average to poor and atmosphere great. Really want to love this place as the detail in the setting and decor was amazing. Will update this if we stop in again. read more

Positive: server and cool vibe and the Lincoln bar upstairs is cool! Negative: 90 minute wait, no reservations taken Sub-par food-a $52 steak frites arrives slathered in a Demi-glace and blue cheese (I love blue but this was over the top) for days. Steak was barely warm, frites are fries that are not shoestring and likely from a freezer. An arugula salad that was doused with red pepper that erased the natural peppery flavor of the arugula. Ketchup in a plastic container and literally a liquid aioli (liquid, not even kidding). My dinner companion opted for the chicken sandwich which was ok but lacked the mentioned toppings and remoulade. We ate because after nearly two hours everyone was hungry. Aside from ambiance and and good server ( she was friendly) the food is vastly overpriced and espoused for what came out. It's too bad because we like Batson in Portland...but will not return for dinner anytime soon. read more

Love the ambiance here. Beautiful setting. Bar is long. Booths & tables. Convenient to the upstairs Lincoln Hotel. Food was good. Get the Bavarian pretzel app!! read more

Made our annual trip to Batson River and it's so unfortunate how they ruin the experience by blasting the lights on at 9:10 and basically kick everyone out. Also not a fan of the "suggested" tips starting at 25%, and going up from there. read more

Amazing food! I had the duck fat cornbread which was served on a warm plate from Jesus himself. Ordered Smoked Haddock corn chowder which was incredible as well. Drinks were super strong and delicious, well worth the inflation. read more

Gorgeous environment and fantastic food. Will definitely be back and tell others about this place.

Updated to say this place still sucks. Waitress was nice. Ambience is PERFECT. But the food is so bad!! So many better places to go!

Service was pretty bad! Place wasn't that busy and it took over an hour for our food. We were only drinking soda and we never once got refilled. When our food came out the food runner just dropped and never asked if we needed anything else. I then had to go find my waitress who was talking at the register to ask for sodas. My steak was super cold and when I told the waitress she just uncomfortably smiled. We couldn't take it anymore and just boxed up our food and left. I will not be returning. read more

I so want this establishment to do well because it's a great addition to Biddeford, it's a beautiful setting and decent food. But this is the second time the staff has been complacent and not accommodating. We were told by our waitress that they don't serve a spicy-dirty-martini. When we asked for just dirty we were told if we wanted half vodka half gin we would be double charged for the alcohol because 'our computer system won't allow us to order it any other way'. We took our seats at a pub table in the bar because the place was half empty. They made us go back to the host stand to check in and then were escorted to the same table. Either the staff needs better training or management needs to up their customer service game. read more

We opted to sit at the bar instead of waiting for a table. It was great. The bartender was super kind and helpful. Our drinks were fabulous and the food was good. We only ordered a couple of apps and a bisque but it was good. We moved to the area recently and are happy this is so close by. Oh, and the place is friggin' gorgeous!! We will for sure be back. read more

I wrote my review for Batson River in Biddeford a few days ago. Since that review I spoke to my 2 friends that joined us that night. I heard how they did not enjoy their food at all. when the food is is good a person does not mind paying for quantity! The tacos were dry and no taste. ( just add that to my last review). Ambiance is beautiful. Kitchen is slow, as I mentioned our waitress Mindy was great. Thank you, Toni Annakatoni@aol.com read more

The new Batson River Brewing at the Lincoln Mill in Biddeford is sublime. It is beautifully decorated and appointed. It reminds me of what it might have looked like in the roaring 20s in Chicago. It's beautiful and tastefully done. The restaurant also is very good. I went with two friends. We had a couple of different dishes and several drinks. Everything was great from the pizza to the scallops. You won't be disappointed. read more

Swanky atmosphere. Reminiscent of a 1920's NYC gentlemen's club. Dark, sophisticated, classy. But. You're still in Biddo. Two yummy cocktails, two mediocre happy hour apps. $64 before tip. read more

Great Sunday Brunch menu and atmosphere. Food was amazing. Nice variety and options. It has a good vibe, but could have been better if they weren't playing Michael Jackson tunes loudly. It needed more of upscale jazz or more ambient music to elevate the experience. Service was friendly, attentive and professional. Will definitely come back! It reminds me of a modern speakeasy with the eclectic seating, decor and lighting. read more

On top of the hour and a half wait to be seated then took 45 minutes for drinks to arrive at the table the appetizers came out before drinks arrived. Then an hour later food started arriving and to my surprise my food was not served then they offered to cook my order but by that time my party was finished with their meals so why do the order so everyone would have to wait for me to finish eating. Spoke to manager and excuse was under staffed. If you don't have the staff to run full capacity then don't run at full capacity. This is what happens when you over work your staff. And then wonder why you are understaffed.this may be a glaring reminder to not over work your staff . People can complain about wait times but not being served in a timely manner or at all is much worse than waiting to be seated . Just my two cents read more

I hope this is not the direction that Batson is heading in, but unfortunately, my experience last night was less than stellar. I've always been a fan of their crispy warm duck fat cornbread, and I eagerly awaited for it to arrive only to have the cornbread itself be cold and soft and served in a warm cast iron skillet. the pan was hot, but they obviously didn't take time to warm up the cornbread and I guess they were hoping that the pan would warm the cornbread. I was disappointed. I also for the first time tried their lobster bisque. again, disappointed. Living in the state of Maine I would expect to receive fresh lobster meat in my bisque , which was in fact, generous portion, a claw. Unfortunately it tasted and was a previously frozen piece of lobster. Texture, terrible mouth feel, and none of the sweetness of a fresh lobster. This is not been my experience with Batson in the past. If these were in fact, modifications/cutbacks to these menu offerings, it doesn't bode well as to my returning or recommending Batson to my friends/family. 5* to our Server Nicole. read more

Amazing atmosphere and fantastic menu. Lots of beers and drinks to choose from. We got the smash burger which was perfectly cooked and flavorful. We also tried the heirloom tomato salad, and that was delicious and fresh. The desserts were delectable! read more

We had a very mixed experience here. Our server was very pleasant and helpful and our drinks were as expected. We were three people and two of the meals looked nicely plated and tasted properly seasoned. One was a scallop dish, and the other was the strawberry rhubarb salad with Salmon as an extra. The salmon was ordered med rare and came medium, but was still tasty. My wife ordered the large garden salad with seared tuna as an add on. The dish was late coming to the table, and we waited to start. We were all surprised that the portion on the tuna was almost nonexistent. ID guess less than an ounce. We took pics, and asked the server if this was a mistake, she went to the kitchen and came out and said "Tuna is expensive and you are getting the amount that is appropriate for the charge". Hmm.. tuna costs $28 LB for sushi grade? This is Biddeford, not Boston or even Portsmouth.. So the $10 extra for an oz of tuna was stunning. As insult to injury, the chef offered to double the amount for 50% extra.. my wife passed. Further the salad wasnt seasoned and was totally tasteless.. I tried it and was stupefied. I again asked the sever if there was this was normal, and finally told her that she needs to tell the chef that this salad isnt correct.. UGH.. The right action would have been to offer my wife something else as she was definitely disappointed. We will not be returning, it was a bad meal for her and ultimately me as I am now taking the time to write this. Id pass, as their response to a poorly prepared dish was dismissive. read more

Batson River Brewing & Distilling - Biddeford - Tuna add on for $18 is not worth $2 - Distilleries Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

What an absolutely stunning place! It's located in a newer hotel, The Lincoln, and let me tell you, it's not your average hotel ! The design was absolutely breathtaking and felt more like a soho lounge than a bar in Maine! We enjoyed delicious concoctions and mouth watering food! We ended the night by sitting in front of their fireplace and transported me to the Austrian alps. Cannot wait to visit again and check out your other locations! read more

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