The Old Mill is a restaurant inside a historic building on Route 23 (the address is actually 53 Main Street) in South Egremont, Massachusetts. Hubby and I spent his birthday weekend in the area and had passed by it on the way to our B&B. The building had caught my eye, and so when our innkeeper later recommended it, we dined there before heading back home to New York.

We were warmly greeted upon our arrival by a friendly staff. We did not have reservations but were given a very nice table, even though the dining room was fairly busy. The hostesses were very personable and made us feel welcome. Our waitress was efficient and did not neglect us even though she had several other tables, including a party of six. There was a moment when it took her a little while to get back to us, but she apologized profusely and made up for it immediately with great service.

The food was excellent! Hubby started with a warm fig appetizer - the figs were stuffed with gorgonzola and wrapped in prosciutto. I tasted one and thought it was the best fig dish I'd ever had. Hubby was pleased. For my appetizer, I had a tough time deciding between lobster ravioli or a kind of gruyere-onion "tart." I went with the tart and loved it. For our main courses, Hubby had red meat - I can't recall whether it was lamb or beef, but I do remember it had a bone and he raved about it. My entree was panko-crusted trout. I received a large portion of two pieces of trout, and the fish was excellent. Both of us also enjoyed our accompanying vegetables and starch. Everything was cooked to perfection. The bartender made some excellent cocktails to start off, and they have a very nice wine list.

The service was very professional and friendly. We never felt rushed. Everything we requested was brought to us promptly. We ordered some cake for dessert, and I secretly asked the waitress to put a candle in it for Hubby's birthday (I did this to him wherever we went that weekend, just for fun). She brought a number of the wait staff with her to the table and they all sang a rousing "Happy Birthday" much to his embarrassment and my delight. Later, she was helpful with driving directions.

We enjoyed the atmosphere a great deal. Even though the dining room was full, our ears weren't assaulted by the noise -- so their their acoustics are good. This is something we appreciate a lot because poor acoustics seem to afflict far too many restaurants these days, and I like conversing during dinner without shouting. The beamed ceilings, old architecture, candles, woodwork, and rustic decor were very pleasant. They have a pretty fireplace and some very nice artwork here. The Old Mill also offers dining in their bar, which is small but cozy and full of character. We enjoyed our experience and the delicious food at the Old Mill and will stop by again next time we visit the Berkshires.