Millside Tavern
The EDA visited Millside Tavern on Oct. 23, 2024.
Prior to the meeting Becky Berning, co-owner of Millside Tavern with her husband Scott, gave a tour of the business. Berning wove a story of family, history, and community that marks the restaurant/tavern as a unique gem for both old and new St. Michael residents.
History
The story begins with the first Anthony Berning and his family settling near the original Catholic Church in St. Michael along the banks of the Crow River in 1855. Anthony bought the land where the old church stood and established a small farm in 1866 when a new Catholic Church was built. Anthony and his sons stopped farming and established the flour mill in 1881. Anthony worked the mill until he died in 1897. After his passing his oldest son, Joseph Berning took over the mill.
Joseph and his sons worked the mill his entire life until he passed in 1930. The Mill was handed to another son and remained in operation until 1991. During this time the bridge, dam and tavern were constructed.
Anthony Berning was Scott’s third great-grandfather. But it was Scott’s second-great grandfather that established the tavern in 1938. In 1940, the ownership of the tavern passed to Scott’s grandparents Everett and Loretta Berning, and they ran it until 1996 when it was purchased by Scott and Becky.
Ties to the Community
Becky reminisced about the Banjo Benny’s live music and that it was a hopping place after the dance hall would let out. She pointed out the area where live bait used to be displayed and sold. She spoke of transforming a haven for old snowmobile parts to a game room at the tavern. And perhaps the most endearing story was how they empowered children to help do work (like put up chairs, collect ketchup/mustard bottles, etc.) in exchange for an ice cream cone or malt. This created a long, deep connection with the community and built long-lasting relationships.
“Kids that helped years ago now bring their families in to share a piece of this down-home family atmosphere,” Becky shared with a smile.
Millside Tavern’s Future
Millside Tavern is slated to be taken over by one of Scott and Becky’s sons. There may be interest in expanding the business at that time. But for now, Becky seems very satisfied with how the Tavern serves the community.
Millside Facts
- Established in 1938
- Building is 2,680 square feet that sits on 300 feet of river front
- The building has a bar, cooler, small kitchen, inside seating, a game room and two restrooms
- All staff are part-time
- Voted the Best Burger in Minnesota each year since 2011 in the Crow River News Reader’s Choice Awards
- Voted Best Burger in Minnesota in 2023 by the Star Tribune
- The Tavern is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sunday Noon – 9 p.m. They are closed on all holidays.
Most Popular Items
Traditionally the most popular burger has been the Double Bacon Cheeseburger with Onion Rings.
However, the Western burger and Berning burger are growing in popularity.