A Local Bar Gets a Fresh Makeover While Keeping Its Heart

The Idle Hour in Mount Morris wasn’t always a hotspot, but new owners Megan and Britton Brooks are changing that. Since buying the place in early 2024, they’ve given the back patio a glow-up, upgraded the stage for live music, and added more fun events like themed bingo nights and adult prom. But they’re not erasing the bar’s past. Instead, they’re blending new ideas with old favorites—like keeping Halloween Bingo or Christmas celebrations alive while adding fresh twists. The Brooks’ goal? To make The Idle Hour a go-to spot for both locals and visitors. Megan puts it simply: "Mount Morris isn’t on everyone’s radar, so we need reasons for people to stop by. " That’s why they kept classic features like vintage signs from nearby businesses, proving that change doesn’t mean losing what made the place special.Food and drinks still draw crowds. While the menu stays mostly the same—burgers, wings, and wraps remain staples—the bar now offers happy hour from 4 to 5 p. m. , with half-price bites and drinks. Some drinks, like the apple pie shot (apple vodka with cinnamon), even taste like dessert in a glass. Hand-battered chicken tenders and mozzarella cheese logs dipped in sweet chili sauce round out the appetizers, keeping things simple but satisfying. It’s clear the Brooks want the bar to feel like a second home. Britton jokes that messing with the menu could be risky—customers love what’s familiar. So while they’re adding new energy, they’re also respecting the bar’s history. The result? A place where old-school charm meets fresh ideas, making it worth the drive for anyone nearby.