Batson River Brewing & Distilling in Kennebunk, Maine

Batson River Brewing & Distilling sits right in Kennebunk and does its own beer, spirits, and food. You'll find locals at the bar, families at lunch, and people looking for something different (including winter ice shack dinners). The place swings from casual to a bit more polished depending on when you go.

• Shrimp cocktail, halibut tacos, haddock tacos stay fresh.
• Buffalo wings and truffle fries get called out regularly.
• Batson River's own craft beers and bourbon selection.
• Seasonal ciders and a whoopie pie flight for dessert.

The buffalo wings and truffle fries show up in nearly every review. Tacos, whether haddock or halibut, come with a spicy chipotle aioli that works. The lobster bisque is worth ordering if it's available. The whoopie pie flight gives you a reason to linger over dessert. If you're gluten-free, the staff will help you sort through the menu.

Bright and designed to look good, with room to spread out. The noise level depends on timing, but early afternoon stays quiet. Holiday decorations in winter transform the whole place.

The kitchen handles both the comfort food and the seafood reasonably well. Service can run hot and cold, and the vibe tends toward friendly rather than formal. It's a spot that works for a birthday dinner, a casual lunch, or just stopping in because you wanted to try their beer.

Guests praise the fresh ingredients and craft beverages, and several note the staff goes the extra mile on dietary requests. The winter ice shack dinner sparked curiosity and ended up being a hit. One recent visitor called it "a great atmosphere," though a few have noted the service tone can skew more casual than the decor suggests.