Located at 10 E. Main St. in the heart of Festus’ Main Street business district, a new bar concept called Central Tap brings a unique twist to the local beverage scene. Heading up the concept is Denny Foster, of Main and Mill Brewing Co., the new bar is now open. The unique venue promises to deliver a fun, flavorful and nostalgic experience for all who visit.
At the core of the concept is a varied drink menu that is designed to keep things fresh and exciting. With 24 taps in total, one-third will be dedicated to non-alcoholic beverages, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. Expect a wide variety of drinks, from lemonade, cold brew coffee, teas and yerba mate to a lineup of house-made sodas, including root beer, cola and ginger beer. “The offerings will change weekly,” Foster said.
For those craving something a bit stronger, the bar will also feature a variety of craft beers, many of which will differ from the offerings at Main and Mill. There will also be eight slushies available, some alcohol-infused and some completely non-alcoholic, making it the perfect place for a refreshing drink no matter your preference. There will also be two cocktails on tap, which will also rotate depending on seasonality. Down the road there are plans to lean into ferments like kombuchas.
The bar’s interior will be an experience in itself. Designed with a heavy emphasis on a fun and vibrant pop culture aesthetic, the space will evoke feelings of nostalgia through its design and décor. “Overall what we’re trying to do is add another level of fun,” he explained of the vibe.
A mural created by local artist Kenzie Wolk graces the back bar, and Wolk also designed the signage on the building’s exterior. Back inside, there’s nostalgic nods to TV shows, video games and pop culture located throughout the space. Exposed brick walls mix with some drywall, creating an eclectic vibe that’s both modern and vintage. The flooring, chosen for both practicality and style, is a ceramic that mimics the look of hardwood, making it perfect for the high-traffic environment.
Lighting also plays an essential role in the space, with built-in lights illuminating the bar area and spotlighting the atmosphere. To create an even more inviting environment, Central has an outdoor space with a small porch area that has hinged bar stools that are built-in as well as standing room for patrons to enjoy the fresh air, along with a prime view of Main Street. Seating on the front outdoor area has room just over a dozen, and standing room for several more guests, while the main seating area indoors has room for around 40, with around eight seats at the bar.
One of the most exciting features of Central is the back deck, which will be open throughout the year, offering a unique space for patrons to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. This area will include a stage, as well as a drop-down screen, perfect for live music or movie screenings. The back deck overlooks the production area located below, and enclosed glass provides a cool behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creative process. “We should be able to fit around 100-plus in our back deck area without any issue,” Foster explained.
As the project continues to evolve, the team is committed to ensuring that the space remains a dynamic and engaging place for patrons to relax, drink and have fun. And if it seems like a lot of thought has went into the space, that’s because it has.
This project has been over six years in the making. The building was purchased with the vision of transforming it into a vibrant space that would bring something new to Main Street. After more than two years of renovations, including focused work since January, the team is excited to bring their vision to life.
As the bar opens, they have plans to roll out additional concepts located under the same roof, with plans to launch a food concept and a cocktail bar called Six. Six will be an upscale cocktail bar designed as the perfect setting for date nights or a relaxing evening with friends. Although it was initially planned to be the first phase of the project, it has since pivoted to be the grand finale, capping off the development of this unique space.With so much to offer, this new venue is sure to become yet another go-to spot on Main Street for locals and visitors alike, with its ever-evolving drink menu, nostalgic aesthetic and exciting future plans. Stay in the know by following Central Tap on Facebook.