Square Mile Public House, Mountville - Bar # 141

There was no mistaking the warm welcome in Tiffany's voice as the Retired Guys sat down at the bar in the newly opened and remodeled Square Mile Public House in Mountville.  The "Welcome, I'm glad you're here", was genuine and made us feel we were in the perfect spot for a Tuesday afternoon beer.  Twelve beers on tap with a range from light to craft and a cooler full of great selections will allow anyone to find something to match their taste.

Speaking of taste, the menu looks great!  If the very attentive wait staff doesn't bring you in, the food should.  As usual, Garry and I wanted to try an appetizer and asked Tiffany for some advice.  Even though she is not a fan of seafood, admittedly she doesn't eat it at all, Tiffany recommended the Square Mile Crab Pretzel.  It did not disappoint!  There was plenty for the two of us and it had a very good crab flavor.  We can't wait to return and sample more of the menu.

I have tried to mention before how Garry and I have come to appreciate different things about bars on our quest to visit every bar in Lancaster County.  At first it was just about drinking beer during the day because we could.  Now it is about the social make up of each watering hole.  The regulars, the staff, the food and how everything blends together to make for a comfortable respite from whatever you need a break from.  Square Mile has only been open for three weeks, but they seem to be building a nice client base.  We only met two bartenders directly, Tiffany and Ann, but they are both very personable and know their job.  The rest of the staff seemed energetic and eager to please if my observations are correct.  And lastly, Kelly the owner.  Quick with a smile and right on top of the operation.  Kelly and her husband Dan, a part owner in Union Station Grill in Columbia, have put together what seems to be a winning combination in a perfect spot.

Until next time, CHEERS!

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The Dock (at Kyma Seafood Grill), Stephens - Bar # 140

"Things work out best for people who make the best of how things work out"

Today the Retired Guys went on a trek to Stevens in an attempt to find an interesting bar as our 140th visited location.  We were actually headed to Johnny's Bar & Steakhouse but drifted into "The Dock" which is an outdoor appendage of Kyma Seafood Grill.  We arrived a few minutes before the official opening time but were welcomed anyway by the friendly staff who were there busily prepping for their upcoming work shift at 4:00PM.

Our bartender was Jordan, a very professional and energetic young lady who was knowledgeable of all the beers on tap (6) as well as capable at making some very good recommendations from the ample selection of available bottles too.  Jordan advised us that "The Dock" is really a part of Kyma and Johnny's, while considered totally separate, is actually owned by the same person who owns Kyma.  So, in effect, there are three distinct bars under one roof.  Are we in a dream or were we in a serious accident and are now finding ourselves in heaven?  We discovered that Jordan is a student at Millersville University entering her senior year in Political Science.  Based on how she approached all her customers and handled everything as it got busier we both felt confident that she would be successful wherever her future career leads.

We tried the fried pickles as an appetizer and enjoyed every bite!  As luck would have it, a very strong storm was passing through the Lancaster area as we were getting ready to leave.  So, Terry enjoyed one more beer (I was the driver so could not) and while there, we observed the delicious looking meals being served to the many customers who managed to get in before the rain.  Jordan suggested to us that if we should return to eat, the "Colossal Crab Cake" or the "Johnny's Special" would be excellent choices and we could not possibly be disappointed.  As it happens, we had plans to go out for dinner this coming Saturday so will return.

This location is just another example of how wise our choice to visit all bars in Lancaster County has turned out.  Under nornal circumstances we would not plan to go this far out of our way for a meal let alone just a beer.  Now, we can't wait to get back to try the other two bars!

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Quips Pub, Lancaster - Bar # 139

I have never been in a genuine English pub so I have no legitimate point of reference.  However, after the Retired Guys visited Quips Pub in Lancaster, I feel the pub has so many good points that whether it is authentic or not doesn't matter.

Jen and Riley, our bartenders, were friendly and welcoming.  The décor sure seemed British to me; lots of wood with a large u-shaped bar.  One of the first things I noticed was the lack of big screen TVs everywhere.  I really appreciated that element of the atmosphere.  To me a pub should be a gathering place of friends and those who will soon be friends.  Quips seems to foster an air of personal interaction and enjoyment of the community.

And then there was the music.  Garry and I both enjoyed listening to classic rock from, and I'm guessing, mostly the late 1960's to mid 1970's.  Garry could even name who he was dating at the time each song was a hit!  He must have been quite the ladies man.

Of course this is beer afternoon so we did have a couple of brews from a great tap selection.  Quips has 16 taps with the beer selection spanning a wide range of styles that should satisfy most. Bottled beer is also available.  We decided to try their crab dip with crusty baguette and it hit the spot perfectly.  The warm dip had a very good crab flavor and the bread was fresh.

On this quest we are having a great adventure.  We started out just wanting to find beer in the afternoon because our retirement schedule allows us to do that.  Along the way we are finding out what makes  this county a great place to live.  We are going into corners of the community we didn't know existed and coming away with an appreciation that for all the differences in us, they still make us all basically the same.

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 

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Website