Big Lost Meadery and Brewery — Restaurant in Wayne Township

We visited this newly opened meadery on a Saturday night around 8:30 PM. The place was at about half capacity or less, so it wasn’t overly busy. We seated ourselves at a high-top table near the bar and browsed the drink menu for about five minutes before deciding on two mead samplers, each consisting of three selections. Since they had six meads on tap, this allowed us to try all of them.

Unfortunately, the service was lacking from the start. It wasn’t clear whether we should order at the bar or if a server would come to us. After some awkward eye contact with the bartender, she eventually let us know she could take our order when we were ready. When we placed our order, we were required to start a tab, which seemed unnecessary given how slow the night was.

Once our samplers arrived, we were disappointed to find that all of the meads were served at or slightly above room temperature. We expected them to be served chilled, similar to white wine or Moscato, as that’s how we’ve had mead at other establishments. A quick search confirmed that mead can be served at varying temperatures depending on the style, but all six of ours leaned warm rather than even slightly cool. One of the lighter-colored ones was somewhat cooler, but still not what we anticipated. To improve the experience, we requested a glass of ice, which helped, but it didn’t completely salvage the flavors. Of the six, the Flathead Warrior was probably my favorite, but overall, none of them were particularly outstanding.

In addition to the meads, they also offer craft beers and mead-based cocktails. I sampled their stout, but it didn’t stand out from any other standard stout I’ve had. Perhaps the cocktails are the highlight of the menu, so I’d be willing to try those on a future visit.

As for the ambiance, the interior felt somewhat unfinished. The lighting was brighter than expected for a brewery-style setting, and the decor seemed incomplete, with animal mounts placed unevenly on the walls and large empty spaces that made it feel like the decorating process wasn’t done. However, they do have a spacious outdoor patio overlooking Lake Lorraine, which will likely be a great spot once the weather warms up.

Overall, for a brand-new establishment, my first impression wasn’t the best in terms of service and presentation. I’m open to giving them another try in the future, especially to see if their outdoor space improves the experience. I would recommend clearer communication from the staff or on the menu regarding the serving temperatures of their meads, as expectations can vary. With some refinements, this spot has potential to be a unique and enjoyable place.

Would I return? Possibly, but next time, I’d opt for the cocktails and hope for an...

Wonderful atmosphere. Excellent food. I ordered a double patty cheeseburger with ketchup, mustard, and pickle. I had their hand cut fries with two of their house made sauces. The Garlic Aioli and their grave sauce. It was apparent the burger blend was fresh house made. My mouth is still watering thinking about that burger.

I would recommend Big Lost Meadery and Brewery to any individual or family looking for a place to satisfy their hunger.

I will definitely be back to try some of their other menu items and give their mead a try.

Couldn't have asked for a better dinning experience from a brand new restaurant. They could have fooled me had they said they've been open for...

I travel weekly for work and often seek out local eateries and breweries. Discovering Big Lost Meadery has been such a treat. My time in South Dakota has been amazing, but the highlight has truly been the service and entertainment provided at Big Lost Meadery by Gracyn and Keith. Thank you for making me feel like a regular and your excellent work ethic. It was noticed and...