A lot is new at the Mill Creek Tavern on West River Drive. Scott Ingersoll, the new owner of Mill Creek Tavern, updated the interior of the historic tavern including the kitchen, added a new bar top and floors, and incorporated a new menu. The renovated tavern reopened in early March.
He describes Mill Creek Tavern’s food as American pub fare accelerated.
“We use fresh ingredients and homemade sauces and dressings,” Ingersoll said. He will source produce from local farmers when possible and offers many Michigan craft beers.
The menu features homemade offerings such as slow-roasted beef birria tacos with homemade garlic broth, perch dinners, and the MCT Bacon Jam Burger. He also kept the award-winning burger Mill Creek Tavern is known for.
Besides “amazing food and unrivaled service” Ingersoll plans to give back to the community. He will host fundraisers for local schools and charities. He envisions adopting families in need, bike drives, and Christmas gift drives. He plans to open the dining area for events for trivia, wine & canvas nights, and other “fun little events,” he said.
Like most restaurants, finding workers has been a challenge. He said he is slowly but surely filling needed positions. He wants to increase hiring to 30 employees.
Ingersoll, a 1994 graduate of Comstock Park High School, previously owned and operated a couple of restaurants in Jenison and worked part-time for Mill Creek Tavern 10 years ago. He also previously owned a cell phone store on West River Drive. Ingersoll’s father Dan Ingersoll, a former custom builder, is assisting him in the renovations and repairs of the Mill Creek Tavern.
The historic building opened in 1890 as the North Star Saloon and Motel. Mill Creek Tavern was owned by the previous owner for about 13 years.
Mill Creek hours are Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a,m, - 2 a.m., closed Sunday. Happy Hour Monday – Friday from 3 – 6 p.m