By John Milas, Executive Director, Webster Dudley Oxford Chamber of Commerce
Have you been to Webster, Mass. lately? If not, you need to go.
This mostly overlooked, historic town on the Connecticut line is home to the newest place to be in Central Mass. – Stave & Still.
Located at 131 Main Street in Webster, at the intersections of Main and School Streets near the Dudley line, the new watering hole features more than 150 types of craft spirits including an extensive collection of rare bourbon, whiskey, and rye.
Not your average drinking hole, Stave & Still is an upscale, yet approachable speakeasy-style lounge focused on craft spirits and beer, hand-crafted cocktails, a boutique wine selection and “farm to table” light fare. Cocktails are made with homemade bitters, shrubs, fresh ingredients and garnishes that resemble modern works of art.
General manager, Craig Valby, brings nearly 30 years of experience in the beverage industry to create a dynamic wine list comprised of the core varietals from boutique wineries that are known for their elevated quality and conservative production. He has also sourced craft beer from local and regional breweries to create a well-rounded and comprehensive drink list for all who partake.
Fresh, locally sourced ingredients, in-house brewed bittering agents; tinctures and old-world techniques are the key to a truly balanced and quality cocktail.
Be prepared to learn more than you could imagine about craft spirits and boutique wines from their knowledgeable staff and comprehensive “Imbibable Bible.”
Stave & Still is centered around putting a modern twist on classic favorites to create a sophisticatedly welcoming space. The “Big Ass Meatball” is nothing to scoff at, and the charcuterie board offers a variety of local cheeses, organic meats, and honey from local apiaries.
Be sure to save room for dessert, especially the liquid kind such as their Boozy Chocolate Milk Shake. Their dessert selections include a Death by Chocolate cake, the Cookie Monster, and It’s Like Bread Pudding, But Not.
Stave & Still brings an historical Webster building back to its original character while adding a modern and inviting feel to the space.
Exposed brick from the 1800s, a reclaimed wood-faced bar, visible copper pipes, and an assortment of eclectic art and conversation pieces creates a unique place to kick back and relax. Clustered soft seating, a copper-topped bar, and comfortable banquettes lends itself to quiet conversation or jovial interaction with new or old friends.
The adjacent outdoor patio conjures up a vision of a Napa Valley backyard, complete with soft lighting and comfortable seating.
Stave & Still sources fresh, seasonal, local ingredients that is incorporated into each menu item and their hand-crafted cocktails.
Florida-based event producer turned small-town Massachusetts restaurateur, Jessica Valby is the owner of Stave & Still and hopes to bring further revitalization and growth to the Main Street Webster area.
“There is so much opportunity to turn Main Street into a true dining and shopping destination. Anything we can do to further that growth, we will do.”
As an event producer, Jessica is intent on creating a memorable experience in her restaurant, similar to what guests see at an upscale event.
“People don’t remember the color of the linens or the chairs, or the type of flatware used; they remember how they felt. That’s exactly what Stave & Still is looking to create – a positively memorable experience.”
The grand opening took place on Tues., August 4. Reservations are strongly recommended due to capacity limitations imposed by COVID-19 precautions. Reservations can be made by phone or email at: EatandDrink@TheStaveandStill.com or 508.943.1933.
LOCATION AND HOURS
Stave & Still, located at 131 Main St. in Webster can be found online at www.TheStaveandStill.com. Their hours of operation are: Tues. – Thurs. from 11 am – 9 pm, Fri., and Sat. from 11 am – 10 pm, Sun. from 11 am – 4 pm with brunch served on Sat. and Sun. from 11 am – 4 pm.
