New Lewiston restaurant inspired by 1920's nostalgia
A new bar and restaurant has opened in Lewiston, with plans underway to expand its basement to serve as a speakeasy-style event space.
Obscura Cafè & Drinkery celebrated a ribbon-cutting last week to commemorate its official opening at a former shoe store at 110 Lisbon St. Table seating or carry-out will be available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays, and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
“Originally the flagship location of Lamey-Wellehan, the building was designed in the Art Deco style of the period,” notes the Obscura website. “Lewiston natives Corey DuFour and Angie Lafrance had long held a vision for what would become Obscura and partnered with another Maine native, Nathan Hines, to bring our shared vision to fruition.”
A large projector screen will show silent films (think Harold Lloyd and Charlie Chaplin classics) for guests sitting on antique furniture pieces. Posters highlighting the cinematic masterpieces of the 1920s era line the walls. And a custom-built spiral staircase leads to a mezzanine that the restaurant’s website suggests will provide “a perfect bird’s eye view of the space below as well as the theater screen.”
“When you step into Obscura you’ll feel like you’ve time traveled,” the website noted.
A “speakeasy style lounge” in the basement, still under development, will eventually host stand-up comedy nights and musical performances, as well as both public and private events. Once complete, the space will be “equipped with a custom service bar for beer and wine, an antique baby grand piano and a stage.”
But the menu will reflect the more modern palate, with “inclusive” and “creative” offerings including vegan and gluten-free options, according to the restaurant’s website. The current menu shows several types of popcorn, flatbreads, sandwiches and salads. A small array of specialty waffles — including a garlic-herb-cheddar waffle topped with fried chicken fritters and cream sauce — is also available. A list of drink options was not posted online.
However, plans to develop a restaurant and event space don’t appear new. According to a 2018 preview in the Lewiston Sun Journal, DuFour was developing a gallery with a coffee shop and maker space in the same location, but under a different name. Lafrance, the listed contact of the new restaurant, did not immediately respond to an interview request.
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments