Molly's Pub, Lancaster - Bar # 113

If ever a neighborhood bar rose from the ashes of bad ownership, management and publicity, Molly's Pub has certainly pulled it off.  Looking at the physical interior it is still the same place, but that is where the comparison should end.  Kyle, the bartender, has a welcoming and engaging personality that invites conversation and makes you feel like a regular patron.  Molly's is back and worth the support of the community.

With today's huge number of tap handles at most bars, Molly's 8 taps initially seems insufficient.  However, when you combine the range of beer styles available on tap with the large selection of bottled beer there is something for everyone.  The appetizer we selected was at the suggestion of Kyle and it was a perfect compliment to a glass of beer.  Bacon and cheddar boxty is potato pancakes with, you guessed it, bacon and cheddar cheese and a green onion dipping sauce.

While there we had the pleasure of meeting Phil, the owner/chef, who came out of the kitchen to introduce himself because he remembered seeing our news article in LNP.  Very nice man who genuinely wants to have not just a successful pub/restaurant, but also be a good neighbor and a positive addition to Lancaster's restaurant scene.  If anyone can bury the negative immediate past that was Molly's, Phil can do it!

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Catalina's On Orange, Lancaster - Bar # 112

“Beer is the liquid version of Photoshop” – source unknown

Today the Retired Guys ventured out to Catalina’s On Orange in downtown Lancaster for the second day of their Grand Opening event.  Catalina’s is occupying the space once filled by La Piazza restaurant.  (Note, the failed La Piazza in Lancaster is not the same as the successful La Piazza in Lititz and should not be confused with it).

The new owner of Catalina's, Louis, greeted us as we entered the establishment and thanked us for coming.  The current owners of this establishment did a great job of minimal renovating and wisely chose to keep the very decorative brick wall as a backdrop to the bar.  The bar is in the lounge section of the building and has a menu distinct from that found in the pizza shop up front.  There are 24 beers on tap of which 22 are of the most enjoyable “craft” variety ranging from Ales to IPA’s and the heartier stouts.  In the foreseeable future 4 more taps will be added to the bar.  

Our bartender for today was a young man named Ángel who didn't care how we pronounced his name, assuring us he has heard all versions.  We asked him how his mom called him and he said sometimes it isn't so angelic!  Anyway, Ángel took great care of us and freely offered us a sample of any of the draft beers we were curious about so we didn't have to commit to a full glass of something we would end up disliking.  He went on to explain that plans for the future include creating a rooftop lounge as well as an expanded lounge in the basement.

It should be noted that Louis is very knowledgeable of the beers he has on tap and recommended a couple of IPA's that neither Terry nor I had sampled before.  They were both very good but our favorite clearly was Rubber Soul .  If you're an IPA fan, definitely give that one a try! 

In keeping with our tradition of trying an appetizer, we chose the empanadas and were glad we did.  The selection came with two good sized empanadas, enough to satisfy each of our late afternoon cravings for something more than liquid destined for our belly!  Based on the flavorful appetizer, we both agreed we would gladly return to sample more of the food from their menu.

Catalina's is new and likely will experience some growing pains while they settle in. Be patient. We believe they will become a popular spot in Downtown Lancaster in the near future.

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Union Station Grill, Columbia - Bar # 111

The "Retired Guys Beer Afternoon" train rolled into station number 111; the Union Station Grill in Columbia to be exact.  The charm of a 117 year old building is hard to describe, but the history of the building surrounds and welcomes you.

The basic facts of the bar area are 10 beers on tap, two light beers, and 42 bottle varieties to choose from.  There is dining directly adjacent to the bar with two other dining rooms and an outside patio.  The patio is a newer addition and looks to be a great venue to enjoy an outdoor brew.

Our bartender was Britany who was very outgoing and eager to promote the many positives of the Union Station Grill.  She knew her products and offered samples when confused old guys couldn't make up their minds.  Britany has the perfect personality for her profession.

In keeping with our newest extension of afternoon beers, we tried an appetizer.  Crab dip with pita bread was the choice on the recommendation of Britany and it did not disappoint.  The Tuesday special is steak, shrimp and fries and is a popular choice of the locals.  This is definitely a venue worthy of a return visit.

Until next time, Cheers!



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