During my last year of high school, I was one of numerous residents of Gardiner, Maine who became increasingly intrigued by the growing assortment of decorations behind the windows of 153 Main Street. My anticipation grew as I peeked into the old brick building at plants, industrial lighting, and antique decorations. Gardiner’s new restaurant was coming to life slowly but surely, and I knew the wait would be worth it. Bintliff’s Corner Brew would soon become a staple coffee shop in my hometown.
A 35-minute drive down Interstate 95 from Waterville will bring you to Gardiner, a quaint town along the Kennebec River. Tourists and locals alike visit the historic downtown to enjoy the classic small-town Maine experience. Shoppers browse various local businesses such as our antique shops and the Alan Claude art gallery. Reny’s Department Store (“a Maine adventure”) is nestled within the strip of 18th-century brick buildings. Main Street is home to assorted restaurants, ranging from Gerard’s Pizza, our family-owned deli, to the A1 Diner – American comfort foods in a classic 1940s dining car. Bateau Brewery attracts fans of local IPAs. The Historic Waterfront Park is a picnic spot and the venue for Friday night concerts during the summer. But the heart of any town is its coffee shop – a must-have space for family brunches, coffee dates, or study breaks that require a chai latte for motivation. Bintliff’s Corner Brew is a classic cafe specially catered towards Gardiner, Maine.
When Roger Bintliff bought three buildings on Main Street, he initially intended to renovate them into apartment spaces. But as a well-established chef and restaurateur since the 1990s, he saw an opportunity for his new property. Roger decided that Gardiner needed a coffee shop. His vision led to the creation of Bintliff’s Corner Brew, the latest addition to the Bintliff’s restaurant franchise.
While the world was quarantined for COVID-19, Roger and his daughters worked tirelessly to renovate the new coffee house. They decorated the space from floor to ceiling with antiques that pay homage to the deep history of the surrounding town. The family anticipated that the wandering eyes of future customers would regard Maine memorabilia, such as the featured poster of Edwin Arlington Robinson, a prominent poet from Gardiner. They carefully placed antique books on the high shelves along the walls. They hung plants in pots around the dining spaces. Customers seated at the window would be able to glance out at the flowers in the window boxes and the library across the street. Others can lounge in leather armchairs in the back room, or at wooden tables.
Gardiner residents, myself included, watched in anticipation as the restaurant filled with plants, lighting, and tables. The window boxes blossomed with flowers. Antique Singer sewing tables lined the sidewalk for future outdoor seating. With every peek at what would soon be Bintliff’s Corner Brew, I became more excited to step foot into the new cafe.
Bintliff’s Corner Brew became a popular spot immediately after its opening in 2022. Olivia Bintliff, Roger’s daughter and a proud member of her family business, says “the once-curious community are now regular supporters, growing with [Bintliff’s] as we expand menus and elevate the experience.” Customers enjoy freshly brewed coffee with a wide variety of flavor profiles. The cafe serves everything from the traditional cortado and cappuccino to specialty pistachio chai lattes. Every morning, Roger bakes fresh bread for the restaurant’s French toast and Tuscan toast. The busy chef carves time out of his morning preparations to make a batch of hollandaise sauce to top the restaurant’s eggs benedict.
The Gardiner community and beyond show great support for Bintliff’s Corner Brew. Olivia shared that customers flock to the Restaurant every Sunday, creating a line out the door and onto the sidewalk. The restaurant’s Facebook page has over 5,000 followers. But the praise surpasses customer engagement. Bintliff’s Corner Brew was voted Best Breakfast/Coffee in Kennebec County for two years in a row. Furthermore, they were a top finalist for Best Brunch in the State of Maine in the 2024 Downeast Magazine.
Whenever I venture home to Gardiner, I treat myself to a vanilla latte at Bintliff’s Corner Brew. The friendly staff and warm atmosphere welcome me, and I make myself at home while I dine with my family members or work in one of the lounge chairs. As a Gardiner resident and a Mainer, I feel at home; Bintliff’s decor, menu, and general ambiance capture the essence of the town. The long-anticipated coffee shop serves its purpose indeed.
Roger’s other restaurants include Bintliff’s American Cafe in Portland, Bintliff’s Ogunquit Restaurant, and Bintliff’s Scarborough Diner.
Follow Bintliff’s Corner Brew on Instagram (@bintliffs_cornerbrew) or Facebook (Bintliff’s Corner Brew) for information on hours, menu items, and events. To learn more about businesses and events at Gardiner’s historic downtown, visit www.gardinermainstreet.org.
~ Alayna Blier `26
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