Obscura Café & Drinkery Is The Most Unique New Spot Coming To Lewiston

Hold onto your hats babes, because this new spot is going to blow us all away, take us to a new time and place, where we'll never want to leave.

Obscura Cafe and Drinkery is located on 108 Lisbon Street in Lewiston and will be opening in June. Date to be announced. This is a place that you have never experienced here in the state of Maine.

Obscura is owned by Nathan Hines, Angie LaFrance, and Corey DuFour. They are the, "Dream Team." When you are ready to say thank you after your senses have exploded by this experience, those are the names you'll address the thank you cards to.

I am honored to be friends with one of the owners, Angie and from my experience, when Angie is creating, she is delivering something inspiring. She sucks you into her orbit with her artistic ability.

Jules Muzyka came onboard as their chef and has developed the entire menu and kitchen related coordination. So, after you eat and the food has taken you on a journey of self-discovery, I again, give you the name for your thank you card.

Okay, let's get into it.

I was able to talk to the owners and the way they described this labor of love will be with me forever. This is not just another bar or restaurant, it's an escape, and was created from the hearts of hard working people that are not afraid of fighting for their dreams, as unbearable and hard as it may be.

They did it, they birthed a project that I believe will not only be a success but written about in the history of our city in years to come.

When I spoke to them, they told me that the inspiration for Obscura comes from the unique character of the building it calls home.

They filled me in on the inspiration saying,

Originally the flagship location of Lamey-Wellehan, the building was designed in the Art Deco style of the period. 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.

 Owners, Obscura Café & Drinkery

They all possess this combination of abilities that vibe so well together. So incredibly well, that they were able to work together to create a place that holds & respects not only historical significance as well as bringing you an updated and modern, speak-easy feel.

They went on to say,

Between Corey’s love of historical Lewiston and skills carpentry, Angie’s lifelong practice as an artist, and Nate’s knowledge and background in film, we put together a place that pays tribute to all of those things at once. We’ve taken
it from a classic retail store that had long been left behind, to a café and drinkery that is reminiscent of the theaters of the early twentieth century.

Owners, Obscura Café & Drinkery

Furthermore, I was told that the name hints at the goal of Obscura, which is to bring something different to patrons. They wanted to create a place that would be more than just another food and drink spot.

They yearned for a place to utilize the unique space to it’s full potential and to provide a venue where people can also be entertained by a variety of unique events and features.

I know this to be true, even though I have yet to visit that when you step into Obscura, you'll feel like you've been pulled to another time and place altogether. They're most notable feature is the theater screen above the bar that will feature an ongoing rotation of silent films to add to the ambiance of your visit.

There’s the original Art Deco display windows and a gallery wall for displaying the work of local artists and for the returning season of the L/A Artwalk that will have the
downtown district bustling. Upon stepping inside you’ll see a beautiful custom
spiral staircase that was built by Don DuFour of Greene.

The staircase leads up to their mezzanine that has a perfect bird’s eye view of the space below as well as the theater screen and will be used for small private functions.

The interior houses an antique baby grand piano as well as many unique antique pieces
from the furniture to the décor.

They also told me,

We also have plans in the works to develop the downstairs level into a speakeasy with a bar and stage for performances. There will be no shortage of special themed events, holidays, art markets, and entertainment.

Now, beyond the atmosphere, we will offer a menu of delicious café style foods
created by their very talented chef, Jules Muzyka.

They will specialize in tasty paninis such as our French Onion Soupanini, Picaadilly pickle panini, and a variety of other unique takes on some of the more classic sandwiches. We will also feature rustic flatbreads, small plates and snacks, charcuterie, and both sweet desert specialty waffles and savory mashed potato waffles topped with.

Escape your reality and jump into a port hole that leaves you with the essence of what came before. We will follow this launch and let you know when their official open date will be. I'll be there, will you?

One thing that stuck with me when talking to the owners was when Angie said,

I want a world again where people lift each other up instead of always competing. Everyone deserves a break or a leg up.

Angie LaFrance, Owner

This shows you who is moving in and I am glad to call them my neighbors.

Make sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming updates on everything they're doing!

Check out the full photo gallery below of Obscura's yummy dishes and excellent style.