Batson River Brewing & Distilling

Went out on a Saturday night before New Years with a friend. We got last minute reservations and were super excited to try this place after seeing the photos and menu online. The food was great and the cocktails were good, and the atmosphere was amazing. It was decorated for Christmas and was full of happy customers, and it’s the reason this restaurant has four stars. We unfortunately didn’t have a great experience with the service here. It was really busy and I understand having to wait longer to get waited on, and we were having a good time so that alone wouldn’t be a problem. But while we were seated at the bar, we were watching employees check their phones while people were waiting on refills, and the employees seemed to go out of their way not to make eye contact. When we did get the attention of one of the girls behind the bar, she seemed almost annoyed with us and was very short with her interactions. Overall a great dinner out with a friend, but could have been much better with better service. Hopefully it was a fluke and she was just having a bad night, but I would recommend table seating to try to avoid a similar situation

This place is one-of-a-kind and I highly recommend giving it a visit because there is nothing like it in your hometown. They were accomodating to my large group and even made us an off cocktail menu that we were interested in trying. The prices are reasonable, but lean on the upper spectrum of what you would pay for brunch, but it’s worth it just to take in the details and decorations out into this interior. Dress can be casual here, but maybe would recommend some some weekend dress-up.

Establishments like Batson River are the reason I hesitate to give 5 star reviews. If I gave 5 star reviews for restaurants that are just "alright" you wouldn't be able to delineate just how incredible this place is. It epitomizes excellence in every way. The venue is decorated with authentic pieces. I had to close my eyes as I ate the haddock tacos. It was like experiencing live classical music. Service was top notch. Dylan was super welcoming and made for an excellent experience. HIGHLY recommend. I'd come back to Maine for many reasons, but Batson River alone would make the trip worth it.

Last few reviews are pretty negative. But, my wife and I had a fantastic time at Batson last night. Had some killer fish tacos and a very good Pecan old fashioned. They were cranking busy but we weren’t in any rush as it was Friday night and we wanted to take our time anyway. So we chilled and enjoyed ourselves. Thank you Batson. Oh and Kayla is a fantastic bartender.

Super cozy spot with delicious food and drinks. The cocktails were very good. Highly recommend a reservation for this spot. When we came, they had a fire in the fireplace and the dim lighting made it a very comfortable spot. Seems like the menu changes seasonally because we came in late October and there were some great fall themed cocktails on the menu. Definitely recommend!

Reception was friendly. We waited in the back room for a table. There it was so cold with cold air blowing on your head and neck that you had to wear your jacket. Not greeted or informed we had to order at the bar. When we moved to a table in the front, we waited a long time for service though we did get an apology. We waited also quite some time for more drinks. The poutine (ordered without pork) was very good. The mussels were good with a red sauce. Wings were not that good. The burger was really good and it appeared that most tables ordered the burger. It's quite eclectic and full there with the Christmas decorations. They have a very nice big fireplace. With either more wait staff or more efficiency, the service would have been better. Parking in the front was full but there is a parking lot nearby that charges a whopping $16 for 2 hours. Many other good breweries in the greater Portland area where you don't have to pay (or so much) to park and visit.