The owners of Sonder & Dram at 12 Ash St. in Lewiston opened the new upstairs Sonder Lounge on Wednesday with plans to ease into an expanded schedule in the coming weeks and months.

The lounge is in the former bon Vivant space at 133 Lisbon St., and there is a stairway connecting to the main bar area downstairs. The former restaurant space has a much larger and more modern kitchen, which will begin playing a bigger role in the near future with expanded and elevated food offerings. There is also a second bar upstairs.

Co-owner Peter Flanders said they have started a cribbage league Wednesday evenings but the lounge is open to anyone. He wants to add some unique aspects to the lounge like a wine list and a separate menu at some point.

For now they’re talking about a trivia night and possibly other events. Flanders said they are already expanding their take-out and delivery offerings using DoorDash and Uber Eats.

Sonder & Dram opened in late June 2018 and has developed a following as the only true cocktail bar and now lounge in Lewiston.

Flanders has previously said Sonder & Dram can be standing room only on the weekends and opening the lounge is a natural progression to offer more space in an upscale atmosphere and the ability to add some elevated food options.

The new lounge is open from 5-11 p.m. Wednesdays. As word gets out and they can add staff, Flanders said they would like to expand the lounge hours to include Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

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