2 minute read
The Bar on Main
from SCENE AUGUST 2023
by Kate Noet
Just two years young, The Bar on Main has become an immediate mainstay in beautiful downtown Waseca.
Located at 100 State St., coowners Makayla Rae Selvik and Sarah Kay Hoffman purchased the building in June 2021 and opened The Bar on Main + Thyme on Main (which is the entire structure and all of the spaces within) in September of 2021.
“In the beginning, we weren’t entirely set on any restaurant or bar concept. While Makayla had worked in the industry, neither of us had a super clear vision or passion for what we wanted to do with the bar/restaurant space. Nonetheless, we dove right in,” explained Hoffman.
The ladies embarked on their venture with the vision of keeping everything as simple as possible. Procuring a reliable, talented staff was paramount in the womens’ ultimate plan. Their kitchen manager is Cora Lee. Makayla and Sarah, however, are there a lot for the day-to-day hours as well. The venue is open from 4-9 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. They are also open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, including brunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The full menu can viewed at thymeonmain.com/menu.
Among their delectable, comprehensive menu choices, the ladies feature these popular favorites: Trash Can Nachos — parmesan and cheddar cheese tortilla chips, pork, onion, black bean and corn mix, bourbon sauce, Queso, Jalapeño, cilantro; Better Than Sex Burger — Swiss cheese, fried onion, Jalapeño, bacon, bourbon, pickle spear, kettle chips; Fiesta Lime Shrimp Bowl — romaine lettuce, sushi rice, pico, avocado, cucumber 507 sauce, lime shrimp, cilantro. Jalapeño; Thai Chicken Tacos — flour tortilla chicken, cilantro-lime slaw, Thai, cilantro, wonton strip, tortilla chip;
“We offer a very unique experience and environment in Waseca. Everything on the menu is fairly simple, but elevated. We also offer craft cocktails, which is probably the biggest reason people initially come to The Bar on Main. And also, because the building is home to three Airbnb’s, and two small event spaces. It has a charm like no other place nearby,” said Sarah.
From the interior design to fun atmosphere and incredible food and drinks, Makayla and Sarah’s guests get a unique all-around experience. Furthermore, they are located directly at the main intersection in downtown Waseca, which means people are able to explore the shops and hop around to various places before or after hanging out at The Bar on Main.
The women host a huge Ladies Night to kick off the holiday season at the end of November or beginning of December. They also host several other events throughout the year. For example, they recently hosted The Joy of Thyme event and a huge wedding celebration. Other, smaller events the girls have helped out with include: Pancakes, Prosecco & Pajamas, Trivia Nights (with the local library), Thyme at the Track (for Kentucky Derby), and community Lyceums.
“People from all over Minnesota (and beyond) come to The Bar on Main and Thyme on Main to check out all we have to offer. We’ve made it very clear with our headline neon sign, You are right where you need to be, and desire to instill a sense of happiness, joy, and inspiration to everyone who steps through our doors,” — Sarah and Makayla (thymeonmain.com; 925.960.3072)
