I'm glad we were able to get a table because this restaurant deserves to be packed. Spectacular food, excellent service, inventive cocktails read more

Magnus on Water - Cool glass - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

My wife and I started going to Magnus during lockdown, right after we'd met. It was outdoor seating, you scanned your order via an app, and they'd bring your food out to a little table. And that more or less started a tradition with my wife and I of going in on birthdays and sometimes anniversaries. Sometimes, particularly in the dead of winter when all the tourists have gone from Maine, we go in just cuz. First of all, the menu and the cocktails. Just. F'ing. YUM. I'm a huge fan of the yuca fries which are crispy on the outside, perfectly soft inside, just the right amount of salt. The "Fall Green Salad" on the menu currently is just... It's a death wish meal. Like, if I'm ever on death row, and they're like "OK, buddy, what's the last meal you want?" It's going to be that salad. Well, maybe that and some lobster. ANYway the menu is generally small, which some people seem to take issue with, but changes regularly with seasonal foods, and all but the most picky of "Applebee's" fans will find something to enjoy. In other words, if you're expecting an eight page menu with low quality, bland food, this may not be the place for you. The presentation is always spot on, but the flavors? My god, I am just gushed over a salad? Yes. Yes I did. The sweetness with a nice bit of tart from the grapefruit, the slight bitterness of the radicchio, and then the curried pecans. This fantastic little crunch with the curry flavor and heat? Seriously. So freakin' good. The bartenders are wonderful and really know their stuff. Last night I saw a bottle I didn't recognize, which turned out to be creme de cocao. I've had DeKuyper and others, but this was so much better. I asked the bartender for a cocktail made from it and what she made.... *chef's kiss*. A tiny bit of coffee, some flavor from akvavit, some whiskey. It was so subtle, so delicious, and exactly my flavor pallet (I tend to be somewhat alcohol forward in my drink preferences). Whenever I'm in, I also order a "Last Word" since they always, always make them perfectly and it's difficult these days to find green chartreuse. The bartender very kindly explained to me what why his were generally better than what I made at home. And of course, the staff in general. We LOVE THEM. ALL of them. Magnus has a vibe, if you're a local in particular, similar to a neighborhood pub. The people get to know your face, they greet you warmly, they chat not just with you but with one another. It's clear, abundantly clear, that they like where they are. Parking is where you can find it on street in the area. We've never had any issues finding something within easy walking distance. The price, well lets face it, even going to eat at a local Irish bar these days is going to set you back, but for the current market I'd say it's average. We had three cocktails each, three appetizers, and one main dish for about $150, AND we had leftovers. BTW, refried yuca fries with over easy eggs? Perfect hangover food. read more

Magnus on Water - Last Word cocktail on the left, "Face Lift" (one of their signature cocktails) on the right. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

We had dinner on the patio, which is quite beautiful. There can be quite a bit of street noise at times as it's in a busy section of Biddeford. The cocktails and mocktails we ordered were delicious and came in beautiful barware we truly appreciated. Our salads were delicious, and our entrees were as well. My husband enjoyed his chicken and I had the cauliflower, I could have gone for a larger portion but it was certainly reasonable for the price. We didn't have dessert as the options were limited but we will definitely go back this fall when they switch up the menu. If we have guests coming to town we'd certainly make a reservation here, the inside of the restaurant was very nice and the bathrooms were super clean and easy to find. read more

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We had a great experience at Magnus on Water. The restaurant was comfortable with lovely decor. The drinks were delicious. The menu was good and we ordered four plates and it was enough for two people. We ordered the beef tartare, bluefin ceviche, hiramasa tiradito, and the steak frites. read more

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Good was good but not mind blowing. Some drinks were good, but I've had better . It was a bit loud but very pretty. Service was lacking a bit. Not worth the price. read more

Magnus on Water - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

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We came here for dinner and drinks and had a great time. They have both indoor and outdoor seating with heat lamps. Menu includes Peruvian inspired dishes. We ordered several cocktails and thoroughly enjoyed all of them. Couch surfer, tarantula, oob fashioned, face-lift, cool hand Luke, and black mamba. I highly recommend trying as many cocktails off their menu so you can experience their cocktail expertise. read more

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Very pleasant wait staff. However, the bartender seemed drunk. Minimal options. I had the chicken which was overdone. My wife had a drink, which was mostly ice. The ceviche was mineable Nice atmosphere, but I can't recommend it Steve read more

Wow on food and cocktails. Just a fa lot fest. So delicious and always a surprise. It's a great atmosphere too. read more

Magnus on Water - Shrimp anticucho - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

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Why doesn't Yelp allow for 6 stars? INCREDIBLE Cocktail bar worth the trip. No, I don't care if a trip would require you to drive 2 hours-- it's worth it. Aren't you listening? :-) Super list of craft cocktails, and an incredible Peruvian chef making some of the tastiest dishes this side of the Andes. Go here, order lots of tasty drinks and dishes, engage in some witty banter with Jonathan at the bar, and wonder (like I do) why you don't come here weekly. This is easily one of the best date night locations (and cocktail bars) in a 200 mile radius-- and yes, I know Portland is in that range. *wink* read more

I can't say enough about this place. A bit hard to find at first due to smaller signage and modest outdoor building, but what an Oasis inside! The indoor section is very upscale and classy, but the outdoor space was beautiful and relaxing; a tiny vacation paradise! The table vibe with small modern lanterns was an ambient vibe and there was a fire pit as well. The food and the DRINKS!! My mouth is watering just thinking about them! Drinks that you could easily get drunk on because they're delicious, and the tapas style unusual Peruvian dishes were SO good. Not necessarily a place for kids or teens unless they have very open minded palates, but for adults? I'd go there every weekend. Service was perfect! My only suggestion is to turn down the music ;especially if you're going to play hip hop where they are dropping the f-bomb. We had an 83 year old lady with us. Just some constructive feedback. read more

Just an overall wonderful place. First of all when someone remembers that you, the customer, have been there before it makes the night memorable. Riley is the perfect hostess - she remembered that I had been there before, and she was great, catching my husband's question about df - dairy free. The place is spotless - really clean and upscale. The food is amazing, so different and tasteful that it made me want to return after my first visit, and will return in the future to try other dishes. It is a really cool place, so I hope you will try it. My only thought is that it could have more amazing different dishes on the menu although that might be difficult for the cooking staff which obviously does a wonderful job! read more

Magnus on water might just be the best meal I've ever had in my entire life. The waiter was awesome and walked us through the concept menu, recommended dishes, and really had a grasp on what we might like. The drink I had here was by far the best drink of my entire life. The foam on top was so good and truly I have yet to find anything that compares. All of the food was great. I've never had a branzino, let alone a full fish, and it was a special they had and it was so good! Every bite was perfect and I am just waiting until I can get back here. If I could give this place 6 stars then I would. read more

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Overrated imo. Ate there with another couple and had a bunch of tapas and cocktails. Left the dinner not particularly full or satisfied. Too much vegetarian type fare which I'm fine with but the stuff with meat left much to be desired imo. Not worth the price point and portion size imo. read more

In a town getting a lot of goody buzz, this is by far the best food and best drinks. We love going here in part because the staff is so amazing. It is small, so make a reservation. read more

For a number of years, we've talked about going to Magnus, but just hadn't made it. What a mistake! We made it there tonight, and it was delightful. The wine list was perfect for outdoor dining and the cocktails were just the ticket for a summer evening. We shared the lettuces salad which was very simple but really tasty, plus an order of fried yuca, which was prepared perfectly - crispy and tasty! We also shared papas huancainas, which are deep fried purple potatoes with a tangy sauce over them. Their take on pork and beans was simply perfect. The pork belly has been marinated, then grilled and the beans were delicious and tangy. Two of their mcMagnus chicken sandwiches were amazing. Paired with fried plantains. Made for a really delicious upscale fast food chicken sandwich. What a fantastic meal!! read more

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Delicious "Peruvian" restaurant in Biddeford. I put quotes because it's quite elevated Peruvian food. Very inventive. Service was great and friendly and the ambiance was excellent. We felt right at home at the bar; everyone was super friendly and chatty. read more

If you are looking for a high end meal, and great cocktails this is your place. We started off with the cabbage salad and sashimi which were both delicious with a nice hint of spice. Next we had the eggplant and yuca fries that were seasoned well and perfectly prepared. Finally we had the most amazing chicken sandwich and the ribs and beans. All I can say is Wow. Finished it off with the best Tres leches you will ever had We sat at the bar and Emma our bartender was so exceptional, and welcoming you will ever experience. read more

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Magnus has been one of favorites since they opened and for so many reasons; the cocktails, the atmosphere, and more than anything, the people. But it was never for the food. Don't get me wrong... it was fine. Just paled in comparison to the other things. But there's a new chef and the menu is BOMB! Upon my first time seeing it I could tell there was a new chef and suspected he/she was Peruvian. He is But that's not all. According to his coworkers, he's also a beautiful soul and the energy in the kitchen is highly positive. You can taste it. In fact, everyone here acts like it's a privilege to work here. We just love it! The McMagnus is very recommended if you like fried chicken. The best I've ever tasted. read more

Magnus on Water - Facelift: vodka, coconut, orange blossom, hibiscus, lime and guava-banana foam. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

Magnus is one of those restaurants that manages to be extremely creative with both their food and drink menus, yet when you're eating and drinking everything feels cozy and familiar. Their cocktails are incredibly unique. Blyth and Burrows and Portland Hunt & Alpine are the only places that immediately come to mind that are in the same realm (I'm sure I'm missing some...), so if you're looking to drink something you've never had before, I'd definitely recommend Magnus!! For food, it's definitely not cheap eating, but it is incredible eating. We've never tasted something here that we felt we overpaid for. Every element of every dish is well thought-out. They had a braised beef shank special a little while back that we still talk about. Service is extremely inclusive and friendly, and the design in the restaurant is stunning. If you're in the area and want to experience something new, you have to give Magnus a try!! read more

Magnus on Water - Delicious beef shank, foccacia and salad - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

I can't say enough about this restaurant. First of all, it is adorable and cozy and romantic. The wait staff and owner and Chef and hostess are amazing. Then there's the food. It is comfort food with the most delicious flare. This is one of the best restaurants I've ever been to. read more

Magnus on Water - The base is cabbage and there's Reggiano Parmesan cheese and trumpet mushrooms and sunflower seeds, etc. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

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Great place. Great food. Interesting Peruvian cooking Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzx

Great place for drinks and snacks in Biddeford ! Service is stellar! The place is gorgeous! One feels transported to London or NYC with the chic decor and smart crowd. The food is very good. We both had their fried chicken sandwich which was outstanding! read more

Can I give it six stars? I don't offer that lightly. But I would if I could. This has been on our list forever - and my only regret is that we didn't make the trip sooner. Well worth the 30 minute drive - and I think we're gonna have a much better relationship with our friends in this area as an excuse to keep coming back. not that we need one. the food far exceeded my greatest expectation and the service was so genuine and authentically engaging that I wan to go back tomorrow. and the next day. this group loves what they do, and they do it well. put this to the top of your list if you're in the area - or even if you're not. It's that good, capiche? read more

This place!!! Extremely inventive and balanced cocktail and mocktail menu. The food was creative and delicious - nothing on the menu struck me as something I wouldn't order, and it was quite inventive. Ambiance and staff (both behind and in front of the bar) were top notch. If I lived here this would be my local. Foodies, don't miss it. read more

Return 13 months later The entire experience is beyond incredible From drink to food and incredible service. Do not pass go ...go directly. Do not miss this gem. read more

Magnus on Water - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

The food is absolutely delish!!! They serve you in chapters. We had the Lettuces OMG talking about tickling your taste buds. Pumpkin seeds egg and a delish dressing. Then we had the Yuca potatoes with a yummy dip that was my husbands 2nd chapter my 2nd chapter was Papa Huancaina if you can't take spice don't get this one however i absolutely loved it!!! 3rd chapter my husband had pork and beans he cleaned his plate I had the McMagnus which is a juicy crunchy breaded chicken sandwich I was full by the time it came out but I was able to take in a few more bites very yummy with fried plantain chips the Epilogue my husband and I shared the tres leche cake we got it to go and it was fire!!! The service was absolutely pleasant professional and classy. The ambiance was sophisticated and classy I loved the vibe the music playing in the background was a whole grove. If you like sophisticated trendy places this is your spot. My husband brought me to this restaurant for my birthday and I can say I was extremely pleased from the time we walked into the door until we left I will come here again. PS I ordered the awkwardly social drink sooooo sooooo soooo good!!! And the glass it's in is fancy I loved everything about this restaurant read more

Magnus on Water - Awkwardly Social Drink - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

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Amazing! Just amazing. Here we go..... My husband and I literally decided Saturday morning to do a quick road trip from Boston to Biddeford and made a last minute reservation at the Lincoln Hotel (review on that too later). The Lincoln has a restaurant on premise that was over booked and we needed to find somewhere to eat, pronto. Most spots close around 9 pm, so know this going in. I was scrolling Yelp and was discouraged until I fell upon Mangus. I called, was so politely told to come on down and the kitchen was open until 10:30! Yippee. They held us 2 seats at the bar and then the magic started happening! I wish I took pictures but we were starving and chowed down appropriately! From the amazing homemade focaccia, to the roasted squash delicata to the pork Coppa, I can't even explain the flavors. Beyond! But the real magic was with Brian, one of the restaurant partners and head mixologist! Damn Brian. You can mix a mean drink and do with so much love. He and my husband started chatting about a drink he orders at a Boston restaurant and Brian not only recreated it , but did it the next level up! Service beyond service, food beyond food, cocktails beyond cocktails!! BRAVA!!!! read more

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A memorable dining experience in Biddeford, Maine. The atmosphere, food and waitstaff made for a pleasurable meal. Scott helped us choose two inspirational cocktails to start. My wife and I shared two small plates: Raddichio salad + yuca fries and one large plate of braised short rib. For dessert, we each enjoyed a picarone, a sweet potato donut & pineapple-Montenegro sauce. Magnus on the Water is definitely on our "we'll be back" list. read more

Magnus on Water - inspirational cocktails with vodka (top) and bourbon (Lodi) - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

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Magnus on the Water is a gem in Biddeford, incredible cocktails, especially the Boulevardier, and food that's both creative and comforting. We had the chicken and it was phenomenal. We sat at the bar where our liquid artists, Jonathan and Isabella worked like a dream team -- friendly, funny, and insanely skilled. The vibe? Warm, inviting, and unforgettable. Our visit to Magnus was a delight from start to finish. A must-visit. read more

Magnus is such a hidden gem in downtown Biddeford! It's very unassuming with a small storefront, but an absolute gem! The the carrots and the rabbit are standouts, and their extensive cocktail list had something for everyone in our party. Service was amazing too- our server was so informative in navigating the menu! We vacation in Biddeford annually and can't wait to come back next year! read more

Went back again, and another phenomenal meal. Our party had one of each of the entrees and they did not disappoint. Definitely the best food in Biddeford. This time we sat at the bar and that was a fun experience interacting with the staff. Highly recommend! read more

Decidedly not my jam. Take a look at their small menu online and you'll quickly be able to determine if it's yours. Your options are limited, it's very expensive (if you split 2 apps and each have 2 drinks, you're at $100), but the presentation of the food and the atmosphere are very nice... well, minus sitting outside during rush hour horn honks in the summer. It's one of the only fancy restaurants in Biddeford with Elda, the food photographs and tastes delicious, the interior design and patio are very nice, and it will keep getting written about in the content factories forever. My GF and I drive by it daily and try to guess if it will be open: beautiful thursday evening, nope; Friday? Sometimes! Sometimes not! Obviously someone is backing this place with a LOT of money. I live a 10 minute walk away but I'm rarely drawn here except for the occasional patio drink. It feels out of place to me, but perhaps it's ahead of it's time. If you're trying to impress someone and money is truly no object, I would probably still go to one of the amazing restaurants in Portland, but you would have a very nice time here. It's undoubtably scratching someone's itch. read more

I really like this restaurant. Small plates. Interesting drinks. Cozy in the winter. And then the summer months are sitting outside with little fire pits that are awesome. It's a great spot. To have dinner or drinks. read more

Incredible cocktails, food, service and ambiance... The side chick glassware is adorable!!

Oh man....Magnus, you are doing everything right and so much more. I have come to Magnus a couple of times since it has opened, and it is one of the places that is really putting Biddeford on the map. First off, the facility is phenomenal. From the outside to the inside, everything was clearly thought about. There is no sign, so it can be hard to find, but the wooden door in contrast with the hues of blue from the outside, it just matches the whole theme of Magnus. On the inside, it's fairly small with some cafe tables, a bar, and a couple of larger sized both, but everything is done tastefully from the lighting fixtures, the decor, etc. Even to the bathrooms where the walls are decorated with recipes to drinks that worked out, and may not have worked out, everything is well-thought out. The cocktail menu is really where Magnus shines. Don't expect to get a typical drink that you could get anywhere else. The couchsurfer is a cool drink with salt foam on the top, which reminds me of an updated, cool margarita. The Padawan is a drink that tastes healthy, but is insanely delicious.The White Hops Negroni and a cool showpiece, but goes down so easily. Honestly, there hasn't been a drink that I have tried that I didn't like. I'm not a huge tequila guy, but even the drinks with tequila are insanely good. The food that Magnus provides is primarily small plates with a couple of larger plate options. Again, the food does not disappoint. First off, the Masa Hushpuppies are out of this world, and the aioli that it comes with and delicious. The steamed buns are flavorful, the ragout surprising with it's elements of crunch, but amazing, and the chochoyotes is a spicy corn dumpling which was also good. Honestly, this will be a go-to spot whenever I am in the Biddeford area. Definitely some place to check out when you are in the area. read more

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Tried Magnus during a recent vacation via a recommendation from a friend. The cocktails are unreal. We had the tarantula- highly recommend if you like smokey drinks. The clam toast and seasonal salad offerings were also beautifully plated and delicious. We also tried the whole cod and highly recommend. We can't wait to go back. read more

Magnus on Water - Olives, clam toast, salad - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Biddeford, Maine

Food, service and atmosphere are all absolutely fantastic. The scallop dish was quite possibly the best scallop dish we've ever had. We will be back!! read more

Every dish is divine. A limited menu worth savoring every bite. We had carrots in a pistachio nut butter, along with mixed greens. The swordfish was perfection with a light crunch to the edge on top of melt-in-your-mouth, potatoes, delectable sauce, and yellow and red peppers cooked to the perfect mouth feel. every dish has this perfect blend of incredible flavor and texture. The almond cake with blueberries was out of this world. The service incredible. Highly highly recommend. read more

This place was a terrific new find in Biddeford which is coming up quickly in terms of its food & beverage scene compared with Greater Portland. We loved everything we encountered at Magnus on the water with these small exceptions: The entrance door does not face the road and the signage on the doors that do face the road is indiscernible from the car. Google Maps knew we were at the right place, so after parking directly in front, we could easily see the signage on the doors while we were on foot, directing us to the entrance door around the corner. Secondly, while small menus are all the rage these days and I personally prefer 2 pages or less, this menu is a bit too small for our preference. Only 2 entrees, btw NOT referred to as entrees or main dishes, distinguishable only by price compared with the other menu items, is simply not enough choice for my preference. I'm a carnivore and managed just fine with my 2 dining companions to 'share' all the shareable dishes. The window booth seating was perfect for sharing all the many plates we ordered. The food is not only delicious but eye candy as well for those who appreciate the appearance of their food in addition to the flavor. We were all stuffed by the end of the meal and no scraps went back to the kitchen. Our host and server was delightful. Friendly and willing to chat, stopping by as if on cue when needed, and not lingering when not needed. Perfectly balanced service. The deliveries to the table were timely and in very good order. The wine was an excellent match with the food choices, not easy to achieve with a substantial wine menu which they have. The 'mocktail' was right in line for a 'foodie' celebrating an 18th birthday. I will most definitely recommend this gem to everyone that will listen and look forward to our return in warmer weather to experience the extensive outdoor dining space carved from the hillside above. Magnus on the water wins with this reviewer. Many thanks. read more

Fantastic meal in the delightful little space. Superb service. Limited menu is the only drawback. Duck confit was excellent, as was the clam toast. Highly recommend. read more