Maine Loses Local Treasure: Obscura Café & Drinkery to Close in June

Lewiston is saying goodbye to yet another very popular local gem.

Obscura Café & Drinkery, sitting so pretty and perfect at 108 Lisbon Street has officially announced it’s closure at the end of June, according to The Sun Journal. 

The community? Truly feeling the heartbreak of it all. Because, this is now one of many other local businesses that have had to shut their doors.  

Obscura Brought More Than Coffee — It Brought Culture

Obscura opened three short years ago, and promised an entirely different vibe, which I believe they delivered.

It’s artsy, creative, and has this incredible speakeasy vibe that certainly made it stand out.

This was not just another cafe.  

In a very heartfelt reel on their Obscura Facebook page, co-owners Angie Lafrance, Corey DuFour, Nathan Hines, and Chef Jules Muzyka explained the challenges that have made it impossible to stay open.

The challenges were stated a bit in the explanation of closure.  

Saying they stayed as long as they possibly could, the current declining conditions and safety in the area have proven insurmountable; they could no longer draw the same previous event-centered crowds.

Another Creative Space Lost in Downtown Lewiston

They cited they had struggles with the city over permits for their event space and the loss of their planned speakeasy which was a major part of their model, made it very hard to bring in the same crowds they once did.  

Read More: Obscura Café & Drinkery Is The Most Unique New Spot Coming To Lew

“We stayed as long as we possibly could,”  

The City of Lewiston did respond with sadness saying, “It’s never easy to close a business that comes from the heart,” 

And that’s exactly what Obscura was and it was built with creativity, magic and heart.

To be bluntly honest, the city has watched far too  many unique spots come and go and this one, hurts.