There are certain places where outstanding food speaks for itself, and certain places where the atmosphere, service, and vibes really can elevate the overall experience. Batson River is the latter, and we loved our lunch outing in one of the adorable seasonal outdoor ice fishing sheds. We chose a few "handhelds," including the blackened haddock tacos and fried haddock sandwich, both of which are served with a red cabbage slaw. I enjoyed the tacos - the ratio of fish to slaw and aioli, etc. was just right. And the sandwiches are served with a generous amount of crispy French fries. On a weekday in March, many of the local shops and restaurants were closed. It was an unseasonably warm day, and we were happy to stumble upon Batson River for a fun and memorable lunch! read more

Batson River Brewing & Distilling - Kennebunk - Blackened Haddock Tacos - Breweries Near Me - Kennebunk, Maine

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We had a wonderful experience here. First thing to note - when they say they are dog friendly, they actually mean it! We had lunch here on Sunday, just after seeing Santa on the boat from the bridge down the street. Highly suggest putting your name in before you want to eat (it was about an hour wait when I put our name in at 11:45). Their reservation system sends you a text when they put your name on the list, and from the link they send you, you can also check your position on the list. They text you when your table is ready. When we arrived with our dog to check in, we were given a couple of seating options in the outside heated deck area. We chose seats looking outside, which were topped with fur warmers, which made them comfortable to sit on. There are plenty of heaters on, which made it nice and cozy. Also, the plethora of Christmas decorations inside and out, made it also feel cozy, and festive. For lunch, I had the blackened fish tacos, which comes with mango pico, red cabbage slaw, chipotle aioli, cotija, on corn tortillas. They were super flavorful, and delicious. I stuck with fries, and they even had sour cream for dipping them. We will absolutely be back to try more of the menu! read more

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The restaurant is in a great spot with plenty of opportunities for outdoor seating and even a fire pit! We ended up sitting inside and loved the beers (of course) as well as the food. read more

Lovely spot for a quick lunch especially after walking around the kennebunk area all day! Lots of options for American cuisine and great sized portions to keep you energized for the rest of your day Kind servers! Lots of indoor and outdoor seating! read more

Batson River Brewing & Distilling - Kennebunk - Breweries Near Me - Kennebunk, Maine

Based on the atmosphere, service, and cocktails, the Batson River Brewing and Distillery receives a 5 star rating. This was my second stop while staying in Kennebunkport. The patio is a perfect spot to enjoy some cocktails and food while taking in the sights. There is also music playing to add to the relaxing atmosphere! Definitely a solid place to unwind and relax with lots of food and drink options. read more

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Our food was amazing. Service: everyone was sweet and welcoming and accommodating of our kids. One thing to note is they only have a couple tables that their high chair accommodates. Other than that, all of our food was super delicious. I would love to come back . read more

Batson River Brewing & Distilling - Kennebunk - Haddock tacos - Breweries Near Me - Kennebunk, Maine

This place is a staple! I know they have several locations, but I have actually only ever been to this one. The atmosphere is great, and if the weather is good, they have an awesome front patio. In the winter they transform this whole place into an insane mix between Santa's workshop and a cozy lodge. Now to the food and drink. The drinks are somewhat hit or miss for me, but they have a lot of great cocktails and beers, and they have good discounts during happy hour. The food is always good, though it is a little pricey for the portions. Overall this place is worth a visit. It is a staple we fall back on when we can't decide where yo go. I suggest coming by during happy hour so you get a good discount (I believe it's Mon-Fri 3-5) read more

Batson River Brewing & Distilling - Kennebunk - Watermelon salad and Chowder - Breweries Near Me - Kennebunk, Maine

Lovely establishment. The views from any outdoor seat are phenomenal, and the indoor spaces are adorable and cozy. Food and drinks were superb, and shown is the burger, quinoa salad, and the old fashioned. The burger was done to perfection, with a lovely sauce on it that really elevated the flavor. The old fashioned was so fun, and very fall themed with a few pumpkin seeds in it too! Fries were to die for. Only lack was the service, as lovely as our server was, seemed to forget about us a bit. But it was also a very busy day! read more

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This was my second trip here, last time in the summer which made sitting on the upper deck beautiful! Was excited to return and happy to be sat in the warmth. Such a great location and our waitress Marisa was a total angel. She gave us a heads up that their rewards program has some pretty sweet deals and it seems harmless imo. My friend and I were happy with our drinks and found the food to be just what we needed. The sweet potato chili was a standout and I was super impressed by the olives and za'atar hummus. I would recommend the She'll Yuzu (not pictured) over the clarified lucky charms and marshmallow cocktail I got because the latter was adventurous but too sweet for my taste, no fault of theirs. The yuzu was amazing and had the perfect fruity strawberry flavor. Will definitely be coming back this summer, and returning to the lovely art gallery next door and nearby shops! read more

Batson River Brewing & Distilling - Kennebunk - lucky girl and thyme cocktails - Breweries Near Me - Kennebunk, Maine

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Some of the finest on tap beers anywhere. Also great food. My wife had the beer battered haddock bites and I got a hamburger and fries. The haddock bites were the best she ever had my wife said and the burger was great. The burger was tasty. The fries were fantastic - they had some kind of a coating on them that was superb. This restaurant is a great place to visit in the area. read more

Love this place! The vibes were amazing and loved being able to be outside, we had a great time playing some of the games, especially the scrabble board. Truffle fries were amazing and the hummus was pretty good too! read more

Batson River Brewing & Distilling - Kennebunk - Truffle fries - Breweries Near Me - Kennebunk, Maine

Such a great place to stop into during the holidays! I came for lunch the day before Christmas Eve, and there was no wait! With no reservations this was a surprise, so expect a bit longer of a wait. The restaurant is beautifully decorated and has lights and decor on all floors, the space really made the experience! The food was good, nothing too exciting. You are really coming here for the atmosphere and decor, but would definitely recommend checking them out during any holiday! read more

Batson River Brewing & Distilling - Kennebunk - Breweries Near Me - Kennebunk, Maine

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We stopped here on a whim while walking around Kennebunkport because it looked like a nice place to people watch while having a drink. Our drinks were good and we got a pretzel to snack on too which was good also. They have a really nice front porch with a balcony also to sit on. We sat on the second floor balcony and really enjoyed the beautiful day! read more

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I've been to the other Batson River location but never this one. Parking was a bit challenging at first, but we ended up finding street parking easily. I didn't realize how small it is inside, especially with the outdoor and upstairs areas closed. We came just for a drink, and it was great--pretty average pricing for a cocktail and a draft beer. Service was good and attentive. I'd definitely come back on a nicer day to enjoy the outdoor seating. read more

We stopped here for a quick lunch on a Monday and they were pretty packed. I loved the soft pretzel, you could tell it was homemade. And the mustard and beer cheese were also delicious. The salads were alright but hit the spot. The chicken was moist and the cesar not overly dressed. The watermelon salad was refreshing. The duck fried cornbread was special. I would recommend ordering that. Overall friendly staff. read more

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We got the blackened haddock tacos with the watermelon Greek salad and the haddock bites. The food was delicious!! We sat at the bar and enjoyed the interaction with the bartender. It was a nice day, so the indoor/outdoor space was great. The cold IPA was ok. The other IPAs didn't have much flavor. The All Maine Points cocktail was refreshing. read more

This place looked intriguing as we were walking through town. It wasn't crowded on a Monday afternoon and we got a seat looking out over the street. Our server brought our beers and we ordered the cheesesteak to share. My beer was great and the sandwich arrived hot and looking good. The bread was fresh, the beef was tender and the caramelized onions and cheese were yummy. It had a dipping sauce which was REALLY good. All in all, the perfect lunch on a perfect day. read more

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Batson River in Kennebunk is THE holiday bar in Maine. Pros: - The space (and staff) are decked out decked out head-to-toe in holiday decor. Couldn't ask for a cuter themed space for Christmas. This aspect brought my review to 5 stars, hands down. - The drinks are delicious - It's in downtown Kennebunk, meaning it's right in the thick of things and not out-of-the-way - The upstairs has games (darts? more?) - Service is friendly and prompt Cons: - No reservations (understandably). Prepare for a wait, or plan on getting on their lengthy waitlist ASAP - They close at 8p.m. (most days? all days?) which seems a little early - The food is hit or miss and overpriced for what it is. The Poutine was massive, but the fries were cold and the cheese gelatinous (for $18); my Caesar salad was $12 and had maybe one drop of dressing. On the other hand, my friends loved the Lobster Mac, clam chowder, and Duck Fat cornbread. Don't let the cons scare you off; TLDR: Beautifully-decorated for the holidays, perfect to grab drinks in a cozy space, yet long waits and prices that don't match the quality of the food. Visit after mid-November and you'll have a wonderful time! read more

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The fish shack was a cool experience. It was tight inside, but as should be expected. There are heaters inside for the colder months to make it very comfortable. Haddock tacos were great, but a little heavy on the remoulade and cojita cheese. Lobster roll was fantastic. Fries were mixed with some having freezer burn, so we picked out the good ones. The cosmo drink was only filled about two-thirds full. It was a team effort for service, so we were well attended to for the duration of our stay. Make sure you book the fish shack reservations in advance as they are rightfully popular. read more

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Everything we got was delicious and we enjoyed our time here. For cocktails, we got the Mr. Brightside, Bee's Knees, and the Drops of Jupiter. For food, we split a Caesar salad, Lobster Mac n Cheese, and the Fried Haddock sandwich. read more

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Ate here on recommendation by a local shop owner in town and couldn't have been happier. The place had a really cool vibe and the entire restaurant was still decked out for the holidays from floor to ceiling (literally). We got some super tasty craft beers and cocktails made from their own spirits and delicious salads. Oh...and you HAVE to get the soft pretzel....SUPER TASTY. read more

Batson River Brewing & Distilling - Kennebunk - Miracle on Western Ave (bourbon focused cocktail) with their craft beer flight in the background. - Breweries Near Me - Kennebunk, Maine

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Always a favorite. Good outdoor seating with fire pits. Food is yummy, drink menu caters to all! Service is lovely. read more

Batson River Brewing & Distilling - Kennebunk - Breweries Near Me - Kennebunk, Maine

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This patio is a wonderful place to sit, enjoy a drink and soak in the ambiance of Kennebunkport. The Cajun fries hit the spot for a quick appetizer. The watermelon salad was refreshing and delicious. The drinks were strong and flavorful. read more

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Let's start with the good: the food was excellent and arrived quickly. Portions were the perfect size (despite being a little on the pricey side). The overall vibes and aesthetic of the building were nice, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating options. Thats where the positives end. The not-so-good: the service was horrible. We had to wait for a hostess who was unfriendly and passed us off onto a waitress to be seated. This waitress was very friendly, but was not our waitress for the evening. Our assigned waiter arrived a few minutes later to take our drink and appetizer order. We ordered the pretzel and the mussels, but never received the pretzel. Our drinks were never refilled, nor was the offer made to do so. It was ten minutes after the mussels arrived before our waiter came over to take our meal order. I could see him on the other side of the restaurant on his phone as he talked with other staff while they wrapped silverware bundles. The kitchen staff who delivered both the appetizer and our main courses were super friendly though, so shout out to them! Unrelated to the food/service was the condition of the bathrooms: wow, what a wreck. There were paper towels and water all over the floor. Had we gotten to keep the waitress who seated us, the experience would've probably been ten times better. read more

Service was phenomenal. We sat outside and it was decorated really cute for Halloween. The food was really good - we would definitely recommend the fried chicken sandwich!! read more

Batson River Brewing & Distilling - Kennebunk - Outside - Breweries Near Me - Kennebunk, Maine

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Such a fun spot to hang out at for drinks and apps. They have formal seating and an upstairs area with more casual seating and games. The servers are really nice. read more

Batson River Brewing & Distilling - Kennebunk - a scrabble board - Breweries Near Me - Kennebunk, Maine

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This is a Hidden Gem! We happened to be within walking distance of this place and gave it a try. It was AMAZING! From the prompt service to the Signature Cocktails and food that's Gourmet Status. If you have the chance Do NOT pass this place by. So good we ate there twice in one week and it surpassed itself each time. From the wait staff to the food 5 Stars!!!! read more

Batson River Brewing & Distilling - Kennebunk - Great Drinks - Breweries Near Me - Kennebunk, Maine

Solid good, great spot with kids out front, most importantly great beers and ambiance

Loved this place. Cool ambience, awesome fish tacos and guacamole , and super friendly and attentive staff! A great place to meet friends- the staff goes above and beyond. Good beer and cocktails. read more

Return trip to Batson River Kennbunk, as the last few trips to Maine we've frequented the Wells location. 5 stars again. Jessica, our waitress, went above and beyond. We have a 2 year old and it's so hard to go out to eat because she walks around and wants to talk to everyone and Jessica was so helpful. She spoke to my daughter, danced with her a little, and brought her water to play with. As you can see by my Yelp profile, I go to a lot of restaurants and have had over 500 documented experience I've written about and Jessica is hands down the best waitress I've ever had. She helped me with my food selections, checked on us, and again was SO KIND to my daughter. Perfect experience in the perfect ambiance. This is hands down somewhere you should stop and have a bite. Looks like they have brunch until 3pm on Sundays! Can't wait to try that next time. read more

Food was excellent...lobster chowder was creamy and flavorful as were the crispy brussel sprouts. Lobster roll was tasty, if a bit dry. French fries were very munchable. Waitress was friendly and helpful but had a lot of tables to cover as the weather was perfect for outside dining. Beer options were unusually slimmed down (end of season?) All in all a very comfortable meal! read more

I really enjoyed the interior of the restaurant, the dark walls make the place feel so special and cozy and the service was solid. I ordered their blackened haddock tacos with mango and I was so impressed, I also got a side of the truffle fries which are a must! The seasonal cocktails are delicious as well. read more

Service was friendly and fast. We got the duck fat poutine, Brussels and fried haddock, along with a few cocktails made with their in house vodka, gin and bourbon and it was all delicious! Sitting by the warm fire place was perfect on rainy day. Debating going back for a second night! read more

Nice spot with great views of Kennebunkport! The outside is definitely where to sit but was a bit cramped (understandable, it's summer). The Boursin burgers my son and his friend got looked delicious but I wasn't too crazy about my salmon - they couldn't blacken it (although they offered blackened haddock) - and seasoning was bland). The Caesar salad was good and I enjoyed the Napa Cabernet. read more

Went here for lunch today. Atmosphere and interior design was 10/10! Our meal was delicious too- I got the beer breaded haddock bites and my husband got the lobster roll and Cajun fries & the duck fat corn bread was AMAZING (you must order)! As well, service was prompt! read more

Batson River Brewing & Distilling - Kennebunk - Breweries Near Me - Kennebunk, Maine

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Such a fun place. Plenty of seating. Bar, booth and high tops. Small and larger groups. Plus they have the cool shacks outside but you need reservations and I just having been able to plan ahead to reserve one. The drink menu is pretty vast with obvious beer and a full bar and cocktail options. The food menu offers enough options for a variety to personal tastes. We both went with the chicken sandwich as my first choice was not available. The staff was professional and attentive. Which is hard to find sometimes. They have two leaves seating at this location. They have a store of sorts in the main floor and an arcade upstairs. Love the decorations with the frames and animal head. Love the Kennebunk and Portland locations. Have not been to the others yet. But will. read more

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Excellent cocktails- wow! Friendly service. Various indoor and outdoor seating options. Great location.

Great place for a drink and appetizer. They have some very good cocktails and an ok beer list. They've expanded their menu this year, so we ate dinner there. No complaints. The cornbread is excellent! Fish and chips were very good. A couple of folks had the lobster roll, which while on the small side was chock full of fresh lobster. read more

Nice Maine-born brewery with some yummy dishes (duck fat cornbread and poutine). Good water views from their patios. read more

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Alexis was amazing!! She is so funny and sweet. She took multiple group photos for us during our meal. She was constantly checking on us and making sure we were having a good time! I would definitley recommend coming here and asking for Alexis. She is awesome. The food was really good and the drinks were great! 10/10 would come back read more