Milltop Tavern and Listening Room

The Milltop Tavern, near the City Gates and the Oldest School House, has been a haven for performers and lovers of live music for the past 51 years. The old stage at the top of the well-worn stairs has been graced by an almost countless array of singers, song writers, bluesmen, old-timey fiddlers, duos, trios, and musical aggregations of every description. Bands of varying styles from Blue Grass, Reggae, Blues, Folk, Southern and Classic Rock have made the old rafters ring with their music.

In 1960, the Milltop was a "Tea Room" at the north end of St. George Street. Dash Moore, the Florida Swampman, and Jeff Traintime were the principal performers. Don Oja-Dunaway wandered in off the street one day in July, 1976, and has been honing his craft as a singer and songwriter and coordinating all the music here for the past 35 years.

The roster of regulars and special guests in concert is varied and rich: Pierce Pettis, David Wilcox, Martin Simpson, Marc Berardo, Magda Hiller, Martha's Trouble, Salt Run, Lon & Liz Williamson, Bobby Hicks, Sam Pacetti, Lou Reid and Terry Baucom, Billy Dean, Rick Danko, and Maria Muldaur are among the names of the gifted performers who have left a touch of their magic in the cypress walls.

More recently our roster has included Sam Milner, David Dowling, John Winters, Just Wade, Smokin Joe, Katherine Archer, Will Pearsall, Colton McKenna, Cliff Knizley, Vinny Jacobs, John Dickie, and Aaron Esposito.

There is live music seven days a week, year round, and the opportunity to hear three different artists or more on most days. Patrons enjoy a grand view of the Fort and Matanzas Bay from under the canopy of our lofty live oak trees that shade the porch and deck.

A tradition of presenting great live music began 51 years ago at the Milltop. Come join us in keeping our tradition alive. See you at the Top!