Fresh Starts

24 Aug 2020

Longtime hangout transforms into modern gathering place

Summer 2020

Written By: Molly Absolon | Images: Lara Agnew

Once Victor, Idaho’s dive bar, West Side Yard (formerly known as Timberline Bar & Grill) was purchased by Wind and Seth Mills in February 2018. The two brothers had big dreams, transforming the dingy and outdated building into a modern piece of functioning art.

The Mills brothers had just returned from a trip to Thailand and were inspired by the way the Thai people reused old materials in new construction and design. West Side Yard’s existing Quonset hut seemed like a cool feature to save, but it wasn’t the only gem hidden under layers of siding and drywall. Wind notes that there were plenty of pleasant surprises — some of which they incorporated into the design — but a lot of the previous work was patchwork and cheaply done. In the end, the Mills overhauled the building to create a modern, industrial feel that features lots of steel, concrete, and exposed beams. The entire front of the restaurant is a wall of windows that lets natural light into what was once a dark and dreary space.

Today, West Side Yard has plenty of family-friendly seating, two new pool tables, a lounge area, and a full bar with 16 beers on tap. The establishment’s large, back room hosts live music, parties, business meetings, and private events.

The outside patio is the perfect place to take in a Teton Valley summer — the lawn is dotted with yard games, a fire pit, and a customized, vintage 1940s school bus that functions as an outdoor bar with sloshy machines. Awnings offer protection from the sun and an oversized propane fireplace
takes the chill out of cool evenings.

“It’s not just a bar and restaurant, the options are endless. It’s a space for the community to use. We saw a need for an establishment where people could bring their entire families and spend some time, not just eat and leave,” says Seth. “We welcome you to make the West Side Yard your backyard,” explains Wind.

"Our goal is to make our backyard, your backyard." Wind Mills

In January, the Mills brothers hired General Manager Stacy Hulsing after seeing her success at Il Villaggio Osteria and Spur Restaurant & Bar in
Teton Village. A Victor local, her knowledge, friendliness, and expertise is a welcome addition to West Side Yard’s team.

What started as an investment and a place to showcase their unique architectural style, has become a long-term asset to Teton Valley’s ever-evolving community. “Our goal is to have something for everyone. We want everyone to feel welcome whether it’s eating good food or just hanging out enjoying the atmosphere,” says Wind.

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