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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