Bar: Millwoods
Address: 1826 W Pearce Blvd. Wentzville, MO 63385
Score: 7.1/10
Last weekend the boys hit the bars for what was essentially a glorified high school reunion, and while we didn’t attend Millwoods, it did pop up in conversation. Now 2 years ago, we would’ve probably spent our entire night here. However, since we’ve started this journey of rating bars, Millwoods has been lost in the shuffle. It’s kind of like breaking up with a girlfriend and hitting them with the “It’s not you, it’s me” line. Sometimes you just grow apart, and need some space to mature.
Millwoods checks every box of a dive bar. It has that old school bar feel to it. Classic round bar top tables, and a nice size wooden bar that takes up the center of the room. The left section of the building consists of pool tables, seating, and a stage where they will have DJs and live music perform. A nice u-shaped bar sits in the middle providing plenty of seating, while the back of the bar consists of more tables and dart boards. As you could probably guess, sports memorabilia of St. Louis teams and signs, posters, and other collectibles from alcohol companies.
The bar starts to fill in around 2-3 as the hardworking blue collar jobs get off work and head to the watering hole for drinks. Good conversation and flowing drinks continue through the night. The atmosphere stays lively as the hours go on, but never gets super rowdy or out of hand. If you are looking for a quieter spot, Millwoods has a lower level known as the Taproom. This is a more laid back spot, and less hectic or busy as the actual bar spot upstairs. They have a full bar and operate as one with the upstairs, so don’t have to worry about sacrificing any drink deals or worrying they don’t have your favorite alcohol.
It is the Taproom that made all of us fall in love with Millwoods. It was one of the first bars we started drinking at once we became of age, and continued going there for many years. This eventually became a regular spot whether it was for birthdays, celebrations, or just a place to grab beers with friends.
By going so often, we became friends with Chad, who was always the bartender down there. Chad was an awesome bartender. Quick service and super friendly. Was a huge reason we always went. Walking into a bar and getting a drink put in front of you without even having to order it is a great way to make your mother proud, and her to know you don’t frequent the bar too often. Soon however, Chad took a new job to better his life and stopped bartending. Really selfish if I must say so myself. And after his departure, our Millwoods visits became less and less frequent. And it’s not because it’s a bad bar or anything like that. It’s more so that things changed, and we didn’t adapt.
Millwoods was one of the first bars I fell in love with. And just because I don’t frequent it as often, doesn’t mean I ever stopped loving it. I’ve had a lot of great memories there over the years, and it may be time to make some new memories. It certainly hasn’t been given the love it has deserved for all the joy it has brought me in the past, and it’s time I make the return.
Decor: Your typical bar decor. Sports and alcohol. No gimmicky theme or anything like that to bring people in.
Price: Definitely on the cheaper side. A few drink specials throughout the week, but can also go when no deals are occurring and get out of there for pretty cheap.
Price: dirt cheap like most tru Missouri dive bars
Service: Awesome service. All servers and bartenders are great and friendly. Chad was a standout as he was always our bartender and slowly became a friend. All the others bring the same energy, just don’t see them as often.
Atmosphere: A little more lively bar with an outgoing crowd. The Taproom provides a quieter setting if you’re looking for a place to focus more on conversation.
Cleanliness: Clean no worries.
Bonus Points: Used to allow smoking upstairs, then they stopped, but still see people do it on occasion. Further research will need to be tested to determine the status of cigs inside. Also have free popcorn to dehydrate you to make you drink more.