Maine Grains will expand its presence in Skowhegan with the late June opening of the Biergarten restaurant and brew pub in the recently renovated historic Spinning Mill on the Kennebec River.
The 2,700-square-foot, 125-seat Biergarten will serve craft beers and seasonal dishes in the Bavarian culinary tradition. The menu will highlight locally-sourced ingredients for traditional German sausages, soft pretzels, chicken schnitzel, pickles, and krauts, along with vegetarian and vegan options.
Maine Grains, a gristmill, operates at 42 Court St., less than a mile away, and has an onsite cafe and bakery, the Miller’s Table.
Erik LeVine, head chef at the Miller’s Table, will lead the kitchen at the Biergarten.
Bangor-based Pike Project Development is building out the restaurant and kitchen space. The building is being redeveloped by Dash Davidson of High Tide Capital.
In addition to indoor seating, the Biergarten will have an outdoor patio with fire pits, and a quick-service window, open seasonally. The restaurant will also have a performance stage to host live music and special events. Already on the schedule is an Oktoberfest, a November Lanternfest and a Winter Fur Ball.
Maine Grains owner Amber Lambke said in a statement, “This isn’t just a place to grab a beer, it’s a community gathering place. The Biergarten is designed to bring people together around shared tables, whether they’re locals looking for a welcoming spot to gather or visitors exploring the beauty of Maine.”
Lambke was a Mainebiz Business Leader of the Year in 2022.
The circa 1922 Spinning Mill is also home to a 20-room extended-stay hotel, called the Skowhegan by Kasa.
Another 41 loft-style apartments are being built on the upper floors of the mill. There will also be a 10,000-square-foot event space available for weddings, conferences and other gatherings.