Great vibes, average/below food and good service. Food was cold plate was scalding hot. Heat the food not the plate on the line!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 4
Whitney Walton
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!
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!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Craig Dodson
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 !
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Jason W.
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.
Jack R.
Food and drinks were good, but not worth the price in my opinion. Service was a bit slow especially for a Wednesday nights.
Frank Bruno
Wonderful place, very cozy, clean and fragrant, excellent family atmosphere. grade 10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
j'aime les chevaux
It took us an hour and a half to get our food. Our waitress was awful and could have cared less. We asked twice about our food, and she actually said they had a couple of big parties they were waiting on, that they were almost finished, and that she would see to our order after they were done! She set my plate down so hard the little cups of sauces nearly spilled. The kicker was her 20% gratuity was automatically included in the bill, so once she took our order she had us! And there was no management to talk to. We looked. This was my third and last time; pathetic. I used to waitress, so I know what I’m talking about.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 1
Lori N.
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.
My friends took me here for a night out. It has been years since I've been to Biddeford. I really like what has been done with the city! My friends wanted me to see the amazing Christmas decorations but Batson had already taken them down. I love all animals, so I made a point to not look at all the stuffed animal decor. I got the fish tacos - very good! The Spanish-type rice was an odd side dish. My friend enjoyed the sweet corn bread and tomato soup. Her husband ordered a pizza. This is located in a really cool spot and I thought, while descending the stairs, "This is a great place for a party or event." Many nooks and spots to sit and socialize. The service was good, too. Overall, a lovely experience.
T D.
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.
M A
Really want to love this place....I've given them multiple opportunities since they opened- and it's always an incredible let down!Food is always poorly conceived and prepared... service is incredibly slow and extremely awful... and they pay zero attention to allergies- you can politely communicate someone at the table has an allergy five times....and they will still bring you a salad with croutons ect.Don't waste your time or money
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 1
Samantha Nassi
Worse service I’ve ever experienced. The server wouldn’t let me order an appetizer while ordering my drink. It took forever to order and extremely long to get food. Server ignored us unless we flagged her down. She was rude and unprofessional. There was a 20% added to the bill automatically which explains why she wasn’t interested in us. She was more attentive to surrounding tables which were smaller parties. 2 1/2 hours is too long to wait for dinner. Excellent food however.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 1
austen caron
As we had high expectations for batson river, we were severely disappointed with the experience we had the Biddeford location. The atmosphere was great and the service was great. But, over an hour to wait for an appetizer after an hour and half wait for a table seemed a bit excessive. We chose to leave after waiting the hour for an appetizer. Hopefully a different location fairs out better than this one.
A must visit
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great vibes, average/below food and good service. Food was cold plate was scalding hot. Heat the food not the plate on the line!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 4
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!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Apple Crisp, Tacos, Fried Chicken Sandwich, Happy Hour, Fries
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!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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 !
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
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.
Food and drinks were good, but not worth the price in my opinion. Service was a bit slow especially for a Wednesday nights.
Wonderful place, very cozy, clean and fragrant, excellent family atmosphere. grade 10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It took us an hour and a half to get our food. Our waitress was awful and could have cared less. We asked twice about our food, and she actually said they had a couple of big parties they were waiting on, that they were almost finished, and that she would see to our order after they were done! She set my plate down so hard the little cups of sauces nearly spilled. The kicker was her 20% gratuity was automatically included in the bill, so once she took our order she had us! And there was no management to talk to. We looked. This was my third and last time; pathetic. I used to waitress, so I know what I’m talking about.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 1
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.
Restaurantji Recommends
My friends took me here for a night out. It has been years since I've been to Biddeford. I really like what has been done with the city! My friends wanted me to see the amazing Christmas decorations but Batson had already taken them down. I love all animals, so I made a point to not look at all the stuffed animal decor. I got the fish tacos - very good! The Spanish-type rice was an odd side dish. My friend enjoyed the sweet corn bread and tomato soup. Her husband ordered a pizza. This is located in a really cool spot and I thought, while descending the stairs, "This is a great place for a party or event." Many nooks and spots to sit and socialize. The service was good, too. Overall, a lovely experience.
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.
Really want to love this place....I've given them multiple opportunities since they opened- and it's always an incredible let down!Food is always poorly conceived and prepared... service is incredibly slow and extremely awful... and they pay zero attention to allergies- you can politely communicate someone at the table has an allergy five times....and they will still bring you a salad with croutons ect.Don't waste your time or money
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 1
Worse service I’ve ever experienced. The server wouldn’t let me order an appetizer while ordering my drink. It took forever to order and extremely long to get food. Server ignored us unless we flagged her down. She was rude and unprofessional. There was a 20% added to the bill automatically which explains why she wasn’t interested in us. She was more attentive to surrounding tables which were smaller parties. 2 1/2 hours is too long to wait for dinner. Excellent food however.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 1
As we had high expectations for batson river, we were severely disappointed with the experience we had the Biddeford location. The atmosphere was great and the service was great. But, over an hour to wait for an appetizer after an hour and half wait for a table seemed a bit excessive. We chose to leave after waiting the hour for an appetizer. Hopefully a different location fairs out better than this one.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3