Checkers Bistro, Lancaster - Bar # 169

Favorite Quote - "Things go best for people who make the best of how things go"

From the outside (as seen above) Checkers on Harrisburg Pike in Lancaster looks like an average run of the mill strip mall bar location.  Once you open the door and let your eyes wander just a bit you’re immediately aware that you may be a bit underdressed for such a nice facility.  Our first impression was that we had walked into a private club.  That was immediately tempered when we were so warmly welcomed by our bartending tandem of Ken and Hector.  Their genuine friendliness made us feel like we had just walked into a friend’s house to enjoy some conversation (no politics, religion, vaxing or other controversial subjects!) over a couple of glasses of beer rather than a stuffy old bankers club.

Speaking of beer, there were 7 draught taps of quality craft brews and a significant selection of bottled beers; enough to satisfy any taste.  There was one tap on nitro and we had a sample.  Taste is a purely personal thing so I know any reader won’t just take my word for it but I have not yet met a nitro beer that I like.   Go ahead and give them a try.  I’m still looking for that first one that will be enjoyable.  It is out there but has just not been found yet!

We had a couple of really good appetizers that were enough to convince us that a future dinner at Checkers is in the cards.  I noticed today that the Retired Guys are getting out there and trying edible things that normally would not be chosen in our regular menu.  Clearly our adventure is expanding taste in beer as well as food!  Definitely a plus.

Checkers has been in Lancaster for a number of years now with the Harrisburg Pike location being the second.  Based on our experience today, I’d recommend going there for a drink or two or drinks and dinner.  It will feel like you have stepped up a notch or two without the huge economic investment of joining a club.

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

In sequence, most recent to earliest

In order alphabetically 
In a map 
Facebook page 

Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar, Lancaster - Bar # 168

You only get one shot at a first impression and Harvest Seasonal Grill and Wine Bar sure made the most of it.  As you enter into a modern, fresh and clean establishment one of the first things you notice is the organization.  Each table is set elegantly and precisely with the bar even having place settings with menus positioned perfectly at every two stools.  Immediately, the always first class Retired Guys knew we were in the right place.

The Harvest Seasonal Grill’s menu is based on farm to table.  Most of the ingredients used in the food preparation are from 13 local farms that are listed on the menu.  The appetizers we sampled validated the benefits of fresh and local to the max.  Our compliments to the chef!

You may ask, what are beer lovers like us doing in a wine bar?  It is true they only have 6 beer taps, but they have chosen wisely.  Every beer was a craft beer from a local brewery such as St. Boniface and Troegs.  But as we have discovered on this mission, our visits are enjoyable for more reasons than just the beer.  Austin, our server, was knowledgeable about all the beers, food preparation and the lengths the Harvest Grill will go to satisfy dietary needs.

Today was enjoyable for so many reasons.  Great service from Austin, scrumptious food and supporting local farms made this day a dandy.

Until next time, CHEERS!

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

In sequence, most recent to earliest

 

In order alphabetically 

 

In a map 

Facebook page 

Pour, Lancaster - Bar # 167

Just when you think you have found all of the gems in downtown Lancaster, you walk into another.  Upon entering Pour, you are struck by the charm of a neighborhood pub that has the class of a fine dining restaurant.  The bar is just right to accommodate a gathering and interaction of friends.  The small and intimate dining areas, art work and outside patio all come together tastefully and comfortably. 

All of the staff were very cordial, even those not directly serving us.  Sam, our bartender, was very friendly and outgoing.  He seems to take pride in what he does and where he works.  The beer selection was nothing but great craft brews on tap with a wide assortment of bottles also available. Sam explained how they try to rotate the drafts regularly and prepare food from locally produced sources.

A good measure of a Retired Guys Beer Day is the escape from the real world.  We certainly did not feel compelled to complain about politicians or solve the world's problems today.  No doubt most of the great day can be credited to Sam's service, the excellent food and another notch in the "Beer Belts" of The Retired Guys.

Until next time, CHEERS!

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

In sequence, most recent to earliest

In order alphabetically 

In a map 

Facebook page 

Black Gryphon, Elizabethtown - Bar # 166

I have to begin with a disclaimer for today's blog. The Black Gryphon in Elizabethtown had so many interesting and good qualities, I'm sure I will leave something out.  First, the Black Gryphon like the mythical Phoenix, has been reborn after a fire.  Everything inside is fresh, clean and first class.  They do have some bottles of beer that survived the fire and are available for sale.  I thought it a nice bridge between the old and new establishment.

Upon entering, The Retired Guys were greeted by our bartender, Dave, who throughout the afternoon continuously impressed us with his enthusiasm for his profession and pride in who he works for,   One of the first things he sold us on was the annual Beermas Eve celebration at The Black Gryphon on Christmas Eve from 12 noon to 5:00 PM.  We have already added this to our calendar!

Another gold star was earned when he recommended our appetizer selection.  It was a special that is only available on Wednesday; Nashville Hots.  It is a breaded chicken thigh on open-face wheat bread with a super special mayo mixture drizzle.  If there on a Wednesday, this is a must have.

I could go on and on about the enjoyment of this visit, but do yourself a favor and create your own great afternoon visit.  The craft beers on draft are all wonderful, the food we sampled was an appetizer that tasted like fine dining, the dining room is adorned with the artwork of local artists and Dave was engaging and ever attentive.

Until next time, CHEERS!

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

In sequence, most recent to earliest

In order alphabetically 

In a map 

Facebook page