What’s Old is New Again
By Robert Waldner
Photos by Addison Fitzgerald and Kate Gardiner
The words “The Mill Top” seem to have a life of their own as they float off the tongues of locals who speak adoringly about one of St. Augustine’s most treasured taverns. Since 2016, the community has felt the absence of the Mill Top – and it’s iconic waterwheel – from the St. George Streetscape.
The Mill Top Tavern and Listening Room opened at 19 St. George Street in 1971. Over the last four decades it’s charm and impeccable acoustics have decorated its reputation as one of St. Augustine’s best music venues. Legend has it that the tavern’s sonic clarity was a product of walls made of Pecky Cypress, a rare lumber formed by a fungus that leaves long, narrow cavities in the wood and reveals unique patterns in the finished product.
“We focus on promoting original talent. You can go anywhere and hear Lynyrd Skynyrd. We thrive on originality,” says Ken Kale, a twenty-year employee who now serves as The Mill Top’s General Manager and ownership partner, adding emphatically that, “…when a musician performs here, the television sound is turned off. We close on Super Bowl Sunday, simply because we are not a sports bar.”
In February of 2016, when The Mill Top closed to address serious structural concerns, a hole was left in the tightly-knit downtown business scene. However, nobody imagined the plot twist that was about to occur. “We initially closed due to termite and weather damage in the front room that was built in the 1970s,” says Kale. “But, during demolition, it was discovered that the foundation was completely compromised and that the back of the house, built in 1881, would have to come down as well. It was heartbreaking.” There was no choice other than to demolish and rebuild. “Because the back of the house was a historical structure we had to get permission from the historical society to take it down,” he explains. “Our customers were upset but what none of us realized, all those nights when we had a packed house, was just how unsafe the building was. I was genuinely shocked when I reviewed the findings. There’s been this inside joke amongst ourselves that the only reason the building was still standing was because the termites were holding hands,” Ken says in jest.
Due in large part to the red tape associated with demolishing and rebuilding on a historical site, the projected timeline was originally estimated at one year. That timeline doubled due to archaeological digs and historical unearthings such as old relics, trinkets, ancient cookware, and most notably, an ancient well. “We can finally see daylight,” says Kale.
He concedes “We’ve lost some of our bayfront view due to new buildings that have gone up since we were last open. However, we are gaining outdoor seating on St. George Street as well as a new courtyard between the building and Orange Street that will also have seating. We’ve definitely gained a lot more than we’ve lost.”
If more seating and the sole fact that the Mill Top is reopening aren’t enough to get excited about, their new, and first-ever, full kitchen are sure to put you over the edge. With some old staff members coming back and a wave of new talent coming in, The Mill Top is on track to reclaim its standing as one of St. Augustine’s best entertainment venues. “We’re getting the band back together,” says Kale excitedly.
Remember those Pecky Cypress walls? They’ve been repurposed and will make up the new bar and stage.
“I’ve been in the business for 30 years and worked at some very upscale bars. The Mill Top is hands down the most unique place I’ve ever worked,” says Kale. Showcasing salvaged paraphernalia from the original structure, The Mill Top Tavern will be blazing a fresh trail while paying homage to its celebrated history. For more information and updates on The Mill Top’s new and improved digs, visit the Mill Top Tavern website HERE or call (904)829-2329.
