Rawlinsville Hotel Restaurant & Bar, Holtwood - Bar # 138

"Depth perception and beer obviously aren't related!"

Today marked our 138th visit to a bar in Lancaster County.  Somehow we manage to keep finding a gem of a location!  Once again, we are glad we took on the task to visit all non smoking bars as it has taken us near and, perhaps more importantly, far.  Well about 30 minutes worth of driving far today. 

The Rawlinsville Hotel Restaurant & Bar built in 1851 in Holtwood and serving food and beverages since its inception is no longer a hotel but it continues to be a welcoming bar and restaurant for regulars and newcomers alike.  We found an adequate selection of beers on tap (7) of which 3 were of the light variety.  Our bartender for the day was Jamie who took great care of us and advised of the varied bottle selection  as well as those on tap.  When we asked about appetizers she claimed all were good but clearly steered us to the crab dip with bread.  Made in house, it was delicious!  Soon after the crab dip arrived, we were introduced to Chrys, the establishment owner.  Chrys let us know that she started at the Rawlinsville as a waitress and then she and her husband purchased the "Hotel" about 4 years ago. 

Chrys spent a lot of time talking with us shamelessly showing her pride in the facility, her employees, and the customers.  All of her food is made on site and is very reasonably priced.  We were especially curious about the crab cakes and roast beef and she explained to us how they are made.  If we hadn't been drinking beer, we would have definitely noticed our mouths watering!  Another great location added to our ever growing experience.

This is a bar and restaurant we will be revisiting for sure in the not too distant future!

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Olde Lincoln House, Ephrata - Bar # 137

"Beer is the original Photoshop"

The Olde Lincoln House in Ephrata Borough is another of the relics from the past that has been around longer than the sum of the two Retired Guys ages!  The building was erected prior to 1813 and when built was just the second edifice in the town then known as “New Ephrata”.  From the start, it was planned as a tavern type of establishment with boarding rooms and has been in the drinking / eating business non-stop through today (no more boarding though).  Notably, it still has the original bar as well as tin ceiling tiles that certainly lend an air of nostalgia and might I also say “charm”?  Interestingly, it was not named Lincoln as a result of a visit by Honest Abe but rather because the town of “New Ephrata” had a name change to Lincoln before it was eventually absorbed into Ephrata Borough.

We had the pleasure of being served by our bartender of the day, Jen, who remembered us from when we visited the Tiki Barn almost two years ago.  Jen was very knowledgeable of the beers on tap (12) and made excellent recommendations to suit our tastes.  She also recommended a change when the weather is warmer to see if we would add to our taste repertoire.  She affectionately pointed out one of her regulars, a man who goes by the name of "Dickey" who has been visiting the bar for 50+ years.  Now that's a regular!

We sat in front of a row of 6 taps and four of the beers were regionally local with two of them being right from Ephrata.  This is the kind of thing we have noticed repeatedly when visiting "mom & pop" establishments in the county.  It seems that they all make an effort to support local establishments and thereby improve the local economy for all.  It may be just a personal view but we definitely need more of this dedication to the home front!

As is our normal experience we tried an appetizer of fried pickles and mentioned to Jen that our last experience was not so good since it was clear those offered were just frozen items dropped into a deep frier.  She promised us that they were a new addition to the menu and felt they were really good.  We tried them and they were excellent!  We mentioned that we intended to return as a group of 4 in the month of May and Jen strongly advised making a reservation for a Saturday night.  Unfortunately, Jen finishes her shift around 5:30 and won't be our server but we're confidant the rest of the staff will be just as efficient and friendly.  We're looking forward to our return and recommend any of our readers take a chance and visit as soon as they can.

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Huricane Pizza Grill and Tavern, Columbia - Bar # 136

As you drive on Columbia Avenue the Hurricane Pizza Grill and Tavern appears to be an ordinary pizza shop with some beer signs in the window, but inside it is a different story.  The upper level is a nice looking casual dining establishment.  The lower level tavern that opens at 4:00 PM is a pub with a long bar stretching the length of the room and plenty of seating at tables on two levels.

As the tavern undergoes some cosmetic renovations it is still neat and clean, but the staff and patrons make Hurricane a good choice to stop for a brew.  There are 10 beers on tap with a well stocked cooler and some very good happy hour specials as well.  I was drawn to the Rolling Rock draft; you just don't see that from a tap very often in this area.  Belinda and Jenna, our bartenders, were very friendly and had a great relationship with their "regulars" who stopped by.  As Belinda spoke with passion about a fundraiser they recently conducted for the Four Diamonds Fund, Garry and I instantly had admiration and felt a kinship with Belinda.  Garry and I originally met as volunteers for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Today was another relaxing day fulfilling our mission to visit Lancaster County's Pubs.  We are learning much about the people who live here.  We have to admit, we are enjoying the people the most on this quest, the beer is coming in second.

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