The experience we had at the bar for dinner lastnight was nothing short of excellent! The bartender liam was great and offered amazing recommendations including the tuna crudo which had a 12/10 presentation and taste. We also had the short rib dinner which is now my new favorite! The biscuits are a great starter or pairing with the short rib dish. Food is consistent, staff and service is attentive and personable. Atmosphere is outstanding. A must try! Thank you to the staff at batson River, we look forward to our next visit!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Apple Crisp
Having been to the Kennebunkport location, we had to check out the new Biddeford location in the Lincoln Hotel. First we had to check out the impressive hotel lobby (where are we?!?). It’s a lot to take in; gorgeous and glamorous!! We walked downstairs into the lower level, which feels like a night club. Then to the long hallway into Batson. Wow! This place is amazing!! Had happy hour beers and wine, Cajun fries. Ian, our bartender, was attentive and chatty. Great service. The fries came out in minutes.
We were honestly a bit nervous about eating here based on some of the reviews. I am glad to say we experienced none of the issues that others shared below. The Service was very friendly and prompt and the food was very good. The vibe is very cool and it's very well decorated and furnished. We only had some large salads and apps but all of the food was very fresh and well prepared. The scallops on the salad were some of freshest I have ever had and were perfectly cooked. We will be back !
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Batson is bringing a new life to Biddeford! The food, the atmosphere, the service are all five star! We had Julie as a server and she brought a whole vibe to our experience. Batson is good for drinks and small bites, but also a date night or celebratory meal. Something for everyone on the menu. There are no reservations and parking can be limited, so plan ahead! If you come on a weekend, there will likely be a wait— but it is WORTH IT! Enjoy! The music is also versatile and fantastic. 10/10
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Recommended dishes
Pretzel with Beer Cheese
Baston River in Biddeford - what a visually stunning place. Incredible and super cool. They really challenge your senses. A very attractive place to hang out. Beer was really good, the cocktails were tasty & modern. Food is a little too heavy, just like previous visits. If they just improved the food just a little, this would easily be a 5 star review and a must visit knockout spot (we tried 15 menu items between this location and others). Service here was attentive at the door getting us seated, unremarkable from that point on. Overall this visit was a good experience.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Our waitress Marissa got us right in. She was incredibly efficient and her personality was so friendly. We enjoyed our entire experience. The mussels were so delicious as was everything we ordered. Can’t wait to return!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
We were in the area so we dropped in to pick up some of their beer and try it out. We did not eat there because we had seen all the negative reviews on the service.
Nonetheless I received prompt service when I brought my take-out to the counter. The place is unique. You enter the door at street level and then descend down two flights of stairs to what is apparently the basement of an old mill building. When you enter the door it is like another world. The place is truly unique in the way it is decorated.
Despite the bad service reviews and high 'hotel' prices for their menu items we will go back and have a meal and give it a shot.
My husband and I visited the restaurant with another couple this past Monday night.
They live locally, had been here a few times before, and were so excited to bring us there.
We were wowed by the space from the moment we walked into the lobby.
Every detail was thought about in the design.
Now, onto the dining experience. We arrived at 4 and were seated promptly. There was a little confusion about the Happy Hour specials, but that was cleared up quickly.
We ordered a lot of food and a few drinks in our attempt to sample as many items as possible. The Downeast Blackberry Cider was delicious, as were the appetizers (Sour Cream and Onion Dip with homemade chips and Brussel sprouts for us and poutine for our friends). Food arrived got and was well spaced apart. We were still finishing the last of the appetizers when dinners arrived, but I am a slower eater.
Wings were definitely hot and flavored perfectly. Short rib tacos (2 to an order) also good. Pizza was amazing - our friends ordered one with potato and garlic, sooo yummy!!
Lastly, dessert - a hazelnut and chocolate mousse. Almost a coffee-like flavor with real hazelnuts. Delicious!!
$120 with a 25% tip for my husband and I: one rum and Coke, 1 hard cider, 2 appetizers, wings, 1 dinner entree, and 1 dessert. Not inexpensive, but what great food in a great space.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chicken Wings
We've been here twice. The atmosphere is "over-engineered coziness". We came both times during happy hour, but the second time were informed that "We don't do that anymore."
The food is decent but expensive. The servers make it clear that they don't want to be there, and I understand.
I would go back if they bring back the happy hour. I'd leave after that hour and be perfectly happy. Barring that, I'll go somewhere else.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3
I ordered the vegan cauliflower dinner. The presentation was beautiful, however, looks were deceiving. The cauliflower was under cooked to the point I could not cut it. The sauce was too spicy, it left a blister on my lip, and I like spicy foods. Our waiter needed to be trained in manners and service. He never came back after we were served our dishes. Had he come back, I would have told him about my dish. We also would have ordered more drinks, but we never got a chance to. He also only addressed one person at the table and not all. I left feeling very disappointed. The place is beautifully decorated, but the service and food were not up to the hype. I might give the place another try, but not for awhile.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 3
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 5
