At most restaurants, if you find yourself unable to be seated immediately, you’re handed a circular disk that lights up to alert you when your table is ready. So, what do you do in the interim? If you’re like most, you stand around, nervously glancing every 20 seconds at the disk to ensure you don’t miss your call. Not much fun, right? Well, here’s an alternative. Richmond’s newest restaurant, The Millstone Social, has come up with a better idea of something to do while waiting for a table – practice your golf swing. Yes, that’s right – take club in hand and slice away on the practice green set up at the front of the restaurant (if you’re more of a miniature golf kind of person, they also have plans for a putt putt simulator in the near future). While the installation isn’t guaranteed to improve your golf game, it is guaranteed to make waiting a lot more fun.
Ashley Renton and her husband Dennis, along with two other couples, opened the restaurant in July next to its namesake Millstone Park. Renton says the owners’ goal is to “provide a little bit of something for everyone.” Part elevated sports bar, part cocktail lounge and part live music venue, The Millstone Social seems to be living up to its potential in all three areas. Thirty big-screen TVs allow for plenty of opportunity to cheer on your favorite team; the expansive bar has a well-stocked inventory of some 40 bourbons, 20 wines and 20 beers on tap, and live music is offered several nights a week. But open mic night, a front row seat for the big game, and even an opportunity to improve your golf shot will only take you so far.
The rest is up to the quality of the food. Early reports indicate The Millstone Social is on target with its menu as well. Nothing fancy or fussy – The Millstone Social specializes in simple dishes prepared just the way their customers like them. Start the meal out with apps such as the deviled egg flight, a sampling of six eggs which changes on a regular basis, or the truffle fries topped with rich truffle oil and house seasoning, served with a garlic aioli. The best-selling main course, according to Renton, is the Kentucky Hot Brown – described as “succulent roast turkey breast and ham piled high on toasted sourdough and topped with creamy cheese sauce, tomato slices and thick cut bacon, all brought together for a bubbly, hot, comforting finale in the oven just before serving.” Not far behind in the favorite category is the Water Street Wagyu Burger. Hand-pattied wagyu beef is seared to the customer’s liking, and finished off with truffle oil, French-fried onions and choice of cheese, served with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle and house-made chips. What’s a meal without dessert? Luckily, at The Millstone Social, you don’t have to find out. You can opt for house-made delights such as bourbon crème brulee, cheesecake and beignets, or choose between two cakes – a velvety chocolate with whipped chocolate icing or their luscious carrot cake.
If you’re a fan of Eastern Kentucky University sports teams, you might want to order one of the dishes marked with a Maroon fund eligible symbol. “If you order one of these dishes, part of the money will be donated to the EKU athletic fund,” says Kayla Grabecki, front house manager. Richmond residents aren’t the only ones thrilled with the opening of The Millstone Social. It promises to be a hit with visitors as well, according to Lori Murphy Tatum, Richmond Tourism Director. “The Millstone Social is a welcome addition to our historic Main Street, bringing a unique blend of local flavors and an atmosphere capturing the essence of Richmond,” says Murphy Tatum. “We are thrilled to see new businesses like this one which enrich our community for those who live here, and at the same time, show visitors why Richmond is such a special destination.” For more information on The Millstone Social, go to visitrichmondky.com.