Union Barrel Works, Reamstown - Bar # 108

Today being the third Tuesday of the month meant it was my turn to drive and select our destination.  A few odd things happened that at least from my view are worth mentioning. First, I had already chosen Union Barrel Works in Reamstown as our destination as long ago as Friday.  As luck would have it on Saturday Terry mentioned that he had driven by a neat looking bar in Reamstown and was going to choose it when it was his turn.  In our 108 trips I don't think we ever decided on the same place the same week.  Second, when we entered we both immediately felt this would be a really neat place to return to.  Obviously, since we hadn't met anyone or tried their beer it was potentially premature and based solely on appearance.  

Immediately upon approaching the bar we were greeted by Sam (Samantha) who was happy to talk with us about the business, the beer, the building, and the food.  As we quickly learned, Union Barrel Works makes all of their own beer on site.  All of their beers, 10 were available on tap today, can be purchased by the growler to take home.  With 10 fresh brews available it was easy for us to each select two that both quenched our thirst and more than adequately flavored the palate.  Our bartender was happy to provide a small sample before we committed to a full glass.

Sam explained to us that the building has been around since 1911 when it started out as a hardware store and then at some point in the 1940's or 1950's became a sewing factory.  Her family has owned the building since the mid 1990's and has operated the bar and restaurant since April of 2007.  The renovations they made to the building were well thought out and have successfully made it look like it has been a bar/restaurant since 1911.  Everything fits and looks original.

As is our practice now we tried an appetizer and this time selected the Irish Nachos.  Really good!  No more needs to be said about that choice.  We talked with Sam and one of the restaurant chefs about their food and learned that everything that can be sourced locally is and they make just about everything in house.  Wow, if you're looking to try some unusual food items for Lancaster County you can consider the Louisiana Jambalaya or the Camel Shepherd's Pie.

Now that we have sampled some of their beer and one appetizer we are firm in our earlier decision to return.

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