Old Millstream Inn — Restaurant in Saint Charles

I really want to rate this as a 4.75, but limited to whole values a 4 is far too low so a 5 it is.

I have been to the Old Mill Stream here and there over the past 16 or so years. This was my first time there after Shay’s took over the menu.

The Good: The food was good at the Old Millstream before, but Shay’s is so much better. I had the red beans and rice with andouille sausage and the side of coleslaw and both were by far the best I’ve had from any restaurant. Honestly, my wife was tired of hearing me talk about it. Our food was delivered promptly, and despite the bartender being responsible for serving the patio in addition to the basement bar/dining area his service was excellent. We had to wait a while for refills but there really is only so much one person can do with a full bar and full dining area to serve, and a solid wall preventing them from observing our table from inside.

The Bad: Mill fries are no longer an option as a side (but are a separate appetizer). That was one thing that really set the restaurant apart from others for me. Also the service model has changed from the previous one. Now you make your order at the bar if sitting on the patio instead of having a server who waits on guests outside. I much prefer the old model, although I can understand if this was driven by staffing issues, or if this is something that they implement for non-peak hours (we were there on a Thursday for a...

Before you dine, you need to go downstairs to the bar. It is so fun and interesting, there is a wall of benches and tables that you have to step up in and the original bricks... it's worth grabbing a drink before you go upstairs and enjoying a meal.

The upstairs is pretty neat too, tables have lava lamps and there are paintings of the Beatles on the walls.

The food, it was pretty good. You normally don't find smoked pastrami and it was on the menu and was really good. We also tried the chicken, brisket and pulled pork. The chicken and brisket were excellent, the pulled pork was a little dry and not really our cup of tea. We also tried the red beans and rice... half of our party liked it the other half thought it was a bit too tomato based. The brisket chili was spot on, if you don't like spicy, this is not for you. For the sides we tried the green beans, potato salad, french fries, corn and Mac and cheese. It was pretty split on who liked what, so I suggest just trying all of it for yourself (the green beans were my favorite lol)

We also split the smoked strawberry cobbler, I wanted to like it, but there was a weird redhot/cinnamon taste and I just couldn't get down with that and strawberries.

Overall it was an fun and great experience and we will be back next time we pop in to...

Ginger Ramsey reviewed The Old Millstream Bar — 1 star Just now · 1st the inside of the place was terribly hot no a/c we sat outside. They weren't that busy.We were seated had to flag someone down to get drinks after abut 20 minutes 2 other persons went and got there own,once the waitress was flagged down she ask the person what they wanted there was 2 others at the table the waiter just started to walk away .I stated do you think we would like something to drink she said (OH).We had to again to get someone to get something to eat 20 minutes later.We placed our order an hour went by and (NO) checked in on us.So I I went and found someone and ask about are food,I 1st ask the the manager not hear I was told whats the probably well the service and we haven't gotten our food a a salads 1 burger,and some millfries.She said well we all have (1) cook.Well who's probably is that and what about the lack of service.You go to a restaurant for service because you don't want to do it yourself for the evening. In all my years I have (NEVER) had such a lack of service or concern for there patrons.But it does have a nice outside area and that's all it has going for it. Don't waste you time. Because all you will have is time...