Red Pin Bar and Grill, Lancaster - Bar # 125

The saying goes; What's old is new again.  That is kind of what is happening at Rocky Springs in Lancaster.  There was a time when the Rocky Springs Amusement area was a hub of activity for all of Lancaster County.  Trolleys from every direction brought people from all over the county and beyond to the thrill rides in the park, roller skating, swimming and boating on the Conestoga.  Those days are long gone, but out of those ashes has risen another amusement hub at the Rocky Springs Entertainment Center.  At Rocky you have bowling, laser tag, the Red Pin Bar and Grill and an area to reserve for parties.

As the Retired Guys have discovered, our journey has grown from enjoying a beer drinking afternoon, to discovering Lancaster County social treasures and the people who make them special.  The Red Pin is brand new and still forming it's personality, but after meeting Fred and Jai the bartenders and Sherry the owner, we believe things will come together nicely.  Everyone seems dedicated and eager to please.

There are twelve beers on tap that range from the domestic popular brews to craft beers of various styles.  The menu is a bit limited compared to what is planned for down the road, but what is available has some items unique to the Red Pin.  The Retired Guys chose the Amish Board complete with bologna, cheese, pretzels, mustard, pepper jelly and pickled veggies. By the time we finished we had a Pennsylvania Dutch accent.

Overall, Rocky Springs Entertainment Center should have a big upside.  The renovations appear to be on a first class level with something for the whole family, the food is worth going back to enjoy again, and the staff is there to make your visit enjoyable.

Until next time, CHEERS!

To see all the places we have been to or just to view our website click on one of the selections below:

In sequence, most recent to earliest

In order alphabetically 

In a map

Website





Black Forest Brewery, Ephrata - Bar # 124

"A fine beer may be judged with only one sip, but it's better to be thoroughly sure." - Czech proverb

Today the Retired Guys ventured out on a Friday rather than the usual Tuesday because our destination has limited days of operation.  As a result, we got a chance to prove that even at our age, we're still flexible!

The Black Forest Brewery in Ephrata makes all their own beer in house and provides a wide variety of flavors with 6 taps that allow any beer connoisseur to find something that more than adequately satisfies their thirst quenching desires.  My regret today was that I was the driver and had to limit my alcohol content!

Eric was our bartender who demonstrated that he really likes what he is doing as the bar manager.  He explained the virtues of each of the beers to us, provided any samples desired, showed off the brewing facility, provided a history of the Black Forest Brewery, and constantly spoke positively of all aspects of the operation as well as other local breweries.  Thanks to Eric, we were introduced to the owners, Bob and Denise who also happen to own the Americana Inn.  By the way, if you plan to visit the Black Forest Brewery and you're not familiar with Ephrata, you should look for the Americana Inn.  The Brewery is right behind it.  Bob and Denise told us about their Inn and Denise shared with us some of the processes that make their food excellent.  We had an appetizer of Buffalo Chicken Dip and Tortilla Chips and carrots.  The dip, having been made fresh was unquestionably excellent with the chips.  I tried it with the carrots too and found they are not a great match but also found I could just eat the dip itself by spoonful.  We also met Jazzy (Jasmine) the restaurant cook and asked her if she could recommend one thing to eat at the Brewery that she personally prefers.  Without hesitation she told us about the homemade chili and the others concurred. Definitely sounds like something worth trying. 

In December the Brewery will be celebrating its third anniversary.  Based on our experience with the beer and appetizer, they should be around for many more years to come.  Terry and I definitely will be returning and we suggest any of our readers go give it a try.  If you drink too much there may be a room available at the Inn to spend the night.

To see all the places we have been to or just to view our website click on one of the selections below:

In sequence, most recent to earliest

In order alphabetically 

In a map

Website

The Inn at Bully's Restaurant Pub, Columbia - Bar # 123

In today's ever maddening world it is great to find a haven where one can be shut off from the outside chaos and noise.  Bully's is such a refuge. As the old solid wood doors close behind you, the hustle of the real world falls away and you are whisked 100 years ago to when life was slower and the building first came into existence.  The ornate carved bar and tin ceiling are proof that they don't build 'em like this any more.

The beer is another measure of just what a great find Bully's is.  They not only have Yuengling Lager and Miller Lite on draft, but also 9 other micro brews.  Some selections are from a brew master in York who honed his craft in Germany.  Kayla, our bartender, informed us that he used to work there.  How did they let him get away?   They didn't let Kayla get away and she is very knowledgeable with the beer on tap and the extensive bottle inventory.

In case you're not sure drinking beer is a good hobby/pastime/guilty pleasure, all you have to do is open the Beer Bible available right there on the bar.  The "Bible" says in the first sentence that beer is the oldest and most popular alcoholic beverage in the world.  Who are the Retired Guys to buck a trend stated in the Bible?

Today was a very pleasant surprise and is definitely worth a return visit.  The staff is friendly and outgoing.  The beer is wide-ranging in styles and of high quality.  The building is from a bygone era with charm not found in today's strip malls, gas stations or grocery stores.  Give yourself a treat and go have a beer in place far from today's craziness.

Until next time, Cheers!

To see all the places we have been to or just to view our website click on one of the selections below:

In sequence, most recent to earliest

In order alphabetically 

In a map

Website