The Mill Steaks & Spirits

Went to the Mill for dinner mid-week.  The prime rib was very good, the mushroom soup was excellent, and the baked potato was alright.  Service was very good.

Two complaints:  1)  we were there during happy hour, and found that meant only $0.75 off beers that were expensive in the first place -- no HH specials for food;  2) baked potatoes don't come with entrees -- instead, I had to pay $5.95 for a small potato add-on.  When I pointed out to the waitress that the menu states "$3.95 for baked potato with dinner, $5.95 a la carte", she said that management only considers it "with dinner" if the diner states they don't want the vegetables that come with entrees but want to substitue a baked potato.  

The Mill used to have nice potatoes with their entrees, but the waitress explained that the new owner changed the policy.  In Idaho, not having a potato with your entree and charging six bucks for a small one added on seems like nickel-and-diming your customers.

Overall, 4 stars for food and service, 1 star for the new manager, whom our waitress explained has made changes that dozens of diners don't like (she even said she tells diners to send a letter to the manager telling him to stop messing with a winning formula).  

In the future, I'll skip the Mill to try Steamers, the restaurants at the Shore Lodge or the Hotel McCall, or other similar "high end" places.

Weird.... Was seated quickly and glanced at the paper menu/place mat in front of me. Most meals were around $30. I would have eaten in the attached bar area, but could not stand the smoke. A gal came over and asked what I would like to drink. Water was fine with me for now and I asked, " Do you guys have burgers or sandwiches?" Her reply was, "uhhhh, I'm just here for the beverage order you'll have to ask the waitress." REally??? Kept seeing the waitresses' head popping out from around the corner, but my wife had run to the car, so she wasn't coming out of her hiding spot until my wife came back. Finally she came and explained that they had burgers, but would have to go check on the price of them from next door. Again, weird. IT was late and I was over it so I decided to suck it up and spend 28 bucks on prime rib. They're out of it except the well done end cuts. Not for me. Ordered a different steak which came out tasty, but not $30 bucks worthy.

Upon leaving we were warned of the mom and 2 cubs that have been seen in the back by the dumpster. Decided to drive back that way when we left and sure enough, there's a cub black bear leaving the dumpster. I've lived in bear country for many years and by not securing a dumpster full of meat trimmings and bones is a great way to get someone injured or be forced to kill a "problem" bear. Take responsibility for your town folks and wildlife and lock up your dumpster!

Well the good : steak was cooked precisely. Staff was prompt and accommodating. The bad: my steak was not seasoned well at all. overpriced. The ugly: bagged lettuce for the salads. Seriously???? if I'm paying $30 for an entree ... come on.