Old Mill Inn at Fair Park

The Old Mill Inn at Fair Park provides home-cooked fare at reasonable prices. The menu offers a simple assortment of soups, salads, sandwiches, and entrees, but we found it had plenty for us.

The Old Mill Inn at Fair Park provides home-cooked fare at reasonable prices. Built for the 1936 expo as an example of a working mill, the Old Mill Inn has changed owners several times, but has now been restored to its original looks. The stone exterior and wood shingles lend an air of old-world charm to the building. A small waterway in front leads to a mill wheel that has worked in the past, but was not moving the day I went. Outdoor tables under large shade trees promise enjoyable spring dining.

The menu offers a simple assortment of soups, salads, sandwiches, and entrees. The kids' menu is sparse and without our old standby of chicken nuggets, so we had to get creative. If your kids eat hot dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, you'll be fine.

First to the table was a plate of fresh-out-of-the-oven rolls. We slathered real butter on the steaming bread and dug in. The tasty grilled chicken sandwich arrived on a white bread bun with fresh vegetables, like something we would make at home in the backyard. The tender chopped steak was covered in brown gravy and surrounded by a sea of crisp, thick-cut fries. The gravy was perfect, no lumps, plenty of flavor. The fries were unsalted, but salt shakers on the table remedied that. Two sides come with an entree and I chose broccoli and macaroni and cheese. The mac had a creamy sauce and chunks of cheddar and the broccoli was boiled—a rarity these days—but it all took me back to when I was a kid at Grandma's house. Our friendly server kept our glasses filled with free refills on the iced tea and soft drinks.

A full bar lines the wall of one dining room. Meal price ranges from $6-$12 with soft drinks or iced tea. Credit cards accepted. The restaurant is handicapped accessible.