The Mill Event Venue — Restaurant in Abilene

The venue itself is gorgeous. It's the service we received during our wedding that was the issue. The venue event coordinator was nice up until the day of the wedding. She watched our wedding party like a hawk.

1st issue: the bridal suite in the upstairs area of the warehouse section either doesn't have A/C or it didn't work properly the day of our wedding.

2nd issue: we brought our own cigars. The event coordinator told us they sell cigars and cigars could be smoked outside. Once she saw us smoking cigars with a butane torch lighter (anyone who smokes cigars knows this is a common lighter to use for cigars) she said that it was a fire hazard and why couldn't we just use matches. Thankfully one of my groomsmen informed her that it would take a whole book of matches to light ONE cigar.

3rd issue: Our wedding party was accused twice of bringing in outside alcohol. Never happened. My best man was given a flask (it was empty) He had sat it on the table while we were smoking cigars when the event coordinator came to question us about our use of a torch lighter. We had children in our bridal party so they had Hawaiian punch upstairs for the kids to drink. Our wedding party got accused of drinking up there too.

4th issue: While maid of honor was upstairs in the bridal suite getting everything picked up and moved out the event coordinator went upstairs and started questioning her saying "you do realize this has to be all picked up and put back the way you found it, right?". Then started questioning her about the Hawaiian punch we had for the kids.

5th issue: We opted for a cash bar. I didn't think that opting for a cash bar with LITERALLY mean a cash bar where no one could use a card and open a tab. Therefore ALL of our guests instead utilized the main bar. They shut down the bar inside the warehouse down SUPER early because of this.

There were other issues we had with how customer service was handled but I'm not going to continue to drill home every little thing that was said or done. I worked head of security for a major bar/event venue in Fort Worth. I have never seen customer service this awful. Especially if we had a couple that just shelled out $2500 to rent out a portion of our venue. We were not rowdy. We were respectful and courteous with the staff of The Mill. We did not receive the same level of respect back. Again the venue was beautiful. But the customer service needs to be worked on IMMENSELY. Therefore until they get these things handled I would NOT recommend holding your wedding...

The Mill is a good place to spend a few hours with friends or a date. Renovated from the old "Texas Mill and Elevator company," it is now a fantastic wine bar with a great atmosphere. There isn't a ton of space inside, but ample room outside with numerous tables. Even when the place is packed, there is quite a bit of separation between tables, enough to feel like you have some privacy.

The prices are a little expensive (~10$-12$ for a glass of wine) which is to be expected, considering the lack of other similar options in the area, and the quality of the atmosphere. The drink options were sufficient, and they change regularly, anyone should be able to find a beer or wine they enjoy. There are also some limited food options on their menu (over priced for the amount of food received).

There is often live music on nights that are open to the public (Wednesday-Saturday, I believe). When I have been there this has been great -not too over bearing or loud.

Over all, I am impressed by The Mill. Their drink choices are good, atmosphere (main draw) is amazing, and it is the perfect place to spend some time relaxing and enjoying...

Went to The Mill to celebrate my anniversary, since it has always been great and consistent. However, my experience this time was far from the consistency that am used to. After having such a bad experience I realized it is under new ownership... I have many years experience in the service industry & am usually lenient when it comes bad service, it happens! But it seemed like they had volunteers working rather than trained staff. Not to mention there was what seemed to be a couple arguing behind the bar, extremely distasteful especially on such a special occasion. I also heard, I think maybe the manager ask her employees (volunteers) a few times "if anyone working knew anything", clearly not. And I thought that was really rude to her workers. No one working looked familiar im guessing they cleaned house & replaced them. So sad, we loved the staff in the past. Hopefully this establishment under new ownership can get it together & make the mill what it used to be. Until then I will not...