Johnny's Bar & Steak House, Stevens - Bar # 159

Almost a year ago we headed out with the intention of visiting Johnny’s Bar & Steak House in Stevens, PA but got waylaid a little.  As first time visitors we weren’t familiar with the fact that there are three separate bar facilities all somewhat attached and as it happens we entered into The Dock (at Kyma Seafood Grill).  It turned out that the staff was all female, of the young variety, and quite nice so I encouraged Terry to let me change my choice and we stayed to enjoy the beer and uh, well, the scenery.  Note that at our age, just about everyone else is of the young variety.

We aren’t sorry that we changed our minds back in May, 2018 but today’s adventure left us scratching our heads wondering why we took so darn long to return to this area! The experience today reminded us of two other bars we have been to where the interaction with both the staff and customers left us longing to have a place where we would be happy to be known as regulars!

Our bartender for the afternoon / evening was Trish who clearly likes her chosen profession and is a natural at mingling with her clients.  She has been at Johnny's for some time now and is there simply because she likes it.  Trish helped us with a sample of beer before committing to a full glass and encouraged us to share a bottle of a high ABV (15%-20%) to be better able to handle the drive home.  That bottle was a $17 purchase and is easily the most expensive beer we have sampled.  It was worth it!

A few years ago we realized that our experience at any given establishment was based more on the interaction with staff and other cutomers than the selection of beer available.  Early on we made a big deal about the number of taps and how many of those were "light", etc.  Today proved again that memories that last come from the rapport developed between ourselves and other customers at the bar, well, a particular customer.  Truly, it was a fun afternoon.

As is our custom, we sampled an appetizer with today's being a Flat Bread and it was great.  That, coupled with our hearing repeatedly that the steaks at Johnny's are second to none has convinced us to return for a full meal in the not too distant future.  If you have not experienced Johhny's, stop at the bar sometime for a brew or two.  You will probably enjoy your visit.

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Smokehouse BBQ and Brews, Bird-in-Hand - Bar # 158

Today as The Retired Guys traveled over the Old Philadelphia Pike toward one of the signature tourist destinations in Lancaster County, we discussed whether we would feel like tourists in our own backyard.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  The Plain & Fancy complex east of Lancaster in Bird-in-Hand is also home to The Smokehouse BBQ and Brews.  Upon entering you are in a typical gift shop like many in Eastern Lancaster County, but by wandering down a short hallway you will enter a country-themed restaurant and a bar area.  Alex, our bartender, immediately engaged us in conversation and talked about the beers on draft including offering samples.

As Alex multi-tasked with other bar duties, we exchanged views on personal taste in different beer styles and other Lancaster County watering holes that we have visited and enjoyed.  It seems that along this beer journey The Retired Guys have become fluent in the language of beer.  As I have said before, one of the great unexpected pleasures of this quest is meeting the hard working and knowledgeable staff people and regular local patrons.  The twelve taps, all dispensing craft beer at The Smokehouse, sure gave us much in common and plenty to talk about.  Even as the shift changed to the evening staff, the atmosphere stayed upbeat and friendly.  Cassandra, who relieved Alex, was very out-going with an infectious sense of humor.

The food we sampled was a mix of Lancaster County fare and traditional bar food.  We enjoyed corn fritters and fried pickles.  Again I repeat myself, how can you go wrong with deep fried?  Both sure went very well with beer.

Another good day at the bar.  We had such a good time today we forgot to solve the world's problems.  I trust your experience as a local tourist will be as enjoyable as ours.

Until next time, CHEERS!

To see all the places we have been to, just click on one of the selections below:

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