The Old Feed Mill

Mazomanie's Old Feed Mill. 8/18/2023 dwm

 It was 1857 when the Milwaukee and Mississippi Railroad Company arrived from Milwaukee to survey the area that became Mazomanie before moving west to Prairie du Chien to create the first railroad linking Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River.

 The crew also developed water as a power source for a new flowering mill, which 166 years later is now the Old Feed Mill.

 It's been a restaurant 20 years now and continues to grind its own flour and uses it for the bread it serves with meals.

We went there for the first time last Friday.  It's known for pot roast, cider roast chicken, and bread pudding.  Friday nights in Wisconsin is associated with fish frys and that was the choice of the others at my table.  I went with a smaller entree, a beer battered and breaded chicken breast tenderloin.  

The chicken breast tenderloin. 8/18/23 dwm

A wide porch offers outdoor seating in the summer and there was a three-piece band playing when we visited.

Inside the historic structure is minimally decorated, letting the building itself be the star.  Large wood beams and concrete walls establish a sense of place and history that sets off nicely against the antique tables and chairs used by guests.  Quilts hand from the rafters or on walls.

Dinner entrees range from $18 to $28.  A small town of 1,768 isn't usually where you expect to find an award-winning restaurant but this place attracts guests to brunch, lunch, and dinner from all over.

It's been honored by Midwest Living Magazine and by the Food Network for serving the best of country cuisine. (Award and historic details come from the Old Feed Mill's website.)

The main dining room. 8/18/23 dwm

 The atmosphere is relaxing, the service excellent, and the food delicious.

 

  It took us too long to get their for our first visit - it's open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner; serves Sunday brunch 10 - 2 and dinner from 3:30 - 7.

 There is rustic bar and a gift shop with a variety of country and Wisconsin decor.  I was surprised by the shop's size.

 Located in the center of town just north of U.S. Highway 14 it's not hard to find as road signs show you where to turn, so you can't miss it, plan your trip soon.