Banded Brewing Company — Restaurant in Biddeford

Okay, let’s cut to the chase: the beer here is so good, it almost feels like they’re showing off. But, as much as I love a good ipa praise session, let’s skip the beer accolades—everyone knows it’s like a high-five in a glass.

Tonight, my kitchen culinary skills were not going to please anyone, which nudged my brain towards a genius thought: why not swing by Banded for some takeout? The idea hit me out of nowhere, probably inspired by their Instagram feed that’s basically foodie bait.

I zoomed over and ordered their famous “Banded Burger” with double patties—because if you’re going to burger, burger hard—and added bacon, because, well, it’s bacon. The Better Half went for the fried chicken sandwich, just to mix things up. I snagged an IPA to tide me over during the wait and settled in. Service was fast, and just as I was about to solve the mystery of the bottom of my beer glass, the food arrived.

Hoisting the bag felt like lifting a small child—weighty with promise. Back at home, we unveiled a burger so perfect, it could’ve had its own photoshoot. Seriously, it was all burgers strive to be: tall, stacked, and perfectly cooked. Best burger in Biddo, hands down. Don’t walk, run. The chicken sandwich was no slouch either—if you like a bit of spice, the Szechuan sauce is your new best friend. Seriously, stop what you’re doing and go there. This place nails the trifecta: fabulous food, fantastic beer, and zero reasons to eat...

I had high hopes for Batson River Brewing, but our recent visit was a huge letdown. First, I found hair in my food—not sure how that even happens at a restaurant unless the kitchen is that chaotic. When I brought it up to our waitress, Megan, she said she’d take the burger off the bill as an apology. That sounded fair... until the checks came.

Instead of removing the burger, she split the cost across our other two checks. One bill came to $56 for just two drinks ($10 each) and a burger being only ($18). The second bill was $51 for cornbread ($12), another burger ($18), and a drink ($10). The math doesn’t lie—clearly, the cost of my burger was just redistributed, not comped. It was also clear we were being stereotyped because of our age, which definitely contributed to the dismissive and careless service we received.

It felt misleading and dishonest. If you’re going to promise to comp something, do it. We weren’t looking for a handout, just basic respect and transparency. Sadly, I won’t be coming back—and I’ll be...

Cool place! Solid beer, energized atmosphere, ping pong table, fooseball, and corn hole available. Really neat open view of the brew house, as it's a bit of a warehouse setup. But I have a major bone to pick. As a big fan of sour beer, I was hugely disappointed in their Berliner Weisse, "Barchen." This beer should never have been served; big nose and taste of vomit, which is an off-flavor caused by Butyric acid- caused by too much oxygen introduced in the kettle souring process. I probably would have given this brewery 4 stars, but the fact that they are serving this unacceptable beer is a heartbreaker. In summery, go for their IPA's, but stay clear of their...