There seems to be a communal obsession and adoration for the restaurant Main & Mill Brewing Company, located at (you guessed it), the corner of Main Street and Mill Street in downtown Festus, Missouri. It is easy to understand why people flock and continue to revisit this locally, family-owned establishment.
As labeled on their menu, they really are “A Hometown Classic.” The rare quality that Main & Mill has dialed in on is an appeal for multiple generations to find comfort, connection and a place to feel cool.
Recently, we sat at the main/lower bar. Bartender, Ryan, took good care of us. Like all their servers, he was attentive, personable and educated about the cuisine and beverages they specialize in.
Main & Mill has a variety of “American pub fare” which includes flavorful, house-made appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, salads, fancier entrées and more. They serve fried chicken on Sundays. Over the years, we may have tried everything on their menu and have yet to be disappointed. Jason especially loves the fish tacos and Red Bird sandwich. My favorite is bouncing between their variety of healthy and fresh salads.
Oh, and they also brew and craft their own delicious and unique beer! They have several mainstay flavors always on tap, along with seasonal specialty creations. They are currently featuring their decadent “Valentine’s Daze,” a chocolate covered strawberry stout. In addition to drinking on-site, you can take most of their beer home in cans or bottles. This, along with a plethora of merchandise is available for you to treat yourself or give as gifts.
Main & Mill offers several dining locations, depending on the day/needs/season. The primary, main level has many booths, tables and a spacious bar. Here you have a view of their large, silver-colored brewing barrels.
They also have an upper dining/tap room, with numerous tables. When it is warmer out, one can drink and dine on their outdoor upper patio area which has a covered deck and outdoor patio lights.
The rustic elements of the building’s exposed red brick, wood beams and black ironwork, paired with pictures of their renovation progress and this historic Main Street location, are intriguing and appreciated by those who love nostalgia, design and the ambience it creates.
While there last night, I observed a young couple in a booth, romantically holding hands. The next booth over was an older group of folks laughing, perhaps on a double date. There were several different tables with high chairs of young children with both small families and in large groups. The bar had individuals dining and drinking solo, as well as pairs of friends, just catching up. I took note of the range of ages from an itty-bitty infant up to some people likely in their 80’s. Everyone was connecting in some way, while truly enjoying their meal and drink.
To the Main & Mill team, your patrons thank you for providing “community through your craft.” We respect and value you. This is another non-paid endorsement.
Please join me in supporting the people who work and live here in the Festus, MO area.
240 East Main Street
Festus, MO 63028
636-638-0130
More to explore and experience outside:
Main & Mill made my kids’ list of favorite aspects of Festus:
