Pour Man's Brewing, Ephrata - Bar # 171

Today we experienced our 171st bar in Lancaster County!  Our new normal, after all the bars we've been to, is the excellence we have come to expect in the whole bar service industry that we are fortunate enough to be surrounded by. 

 At Pour Man's Brewing in Ephrata we first met Ryan, owner partner and brewmaster at this relatively new addition to the craft beer scene in Ephrata.  His knowledge of the brewing process and enthusiastic support of the whole craft brewing industry is infectious.  It is truly hard to imagine any other industry where "competitors" talk so highly of each other especially when they are in such close physical proximity.

We learned from Ryan and later from one of the other three partners (James) how the local breweries help each other out as they work through the new business growth cycle.  Upon later reflection, the craft brewing industry is providing life lessons in how to get along and further promote progress to benefit all while still competing for the same customers.  Very impressive!

Pour Man's has a truly rotating set of 8 taps of home grown brews with not a single beer designated as permanent.  While "types" such as Stouts or IPA's (my favorite) will always be available, no particular sample of a specific variety is guaranteed to be aorund tomorrow.  Based on The Retired Guys experience from the past 8-9 years it is great to be exposed to different types of beers and Pour Man's encourages this type of change.  For regulars at Pour Man's there is no choice but to grow your taste palate as a result of not settling into a regular pattern of selection.

At Pour Man's you can expect a selection from 8 taps of excellent brews.  Food items are limited but will grow in the future and even now should satisfy any patron's hunger and fullfill their needs for immediate gut filling.  As a final testament to the beer quality, both Retired Guys requested a Howler fill of their favorite beer type for consumption at home tomorrow. 

Do we recommend you visit?  Let the Howler fills speak for you!

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2nd Gear Lancaster Taproom -- Columbia Kettle Works, Lancaster - Bar # 153

It may be a challenge to find this downtown Lancaster gem, but it is certainly worth the effort.  Tucked away on North Water Street around a shared courtyard with Zoetropolis and the yet to open Cocina Mexicana, is 2nd Gear Lancaster Taproom -- Columbia Kettle Works.  The area is still somewhat of a construction zone on the outside, but inside is a taproom finished comfortably with a kind of hip industrial look.  As with most well planned establishments, when inside the world outside melts away and the city hustle and construction fades.

Garry and I made a quick walk through a few weeks ago to make sure we could find it.  From that visit we knew we had to return.  At that time we met Maddie and Justin, the staff on duty.  Justin was our bartender today and was as welcoming as before with quick conversation about the beers available and very interested in our quest to visit all of Lancaster County's pubs.  He was eager to assist in our selection with samples and a description of whatever we were not sure of.

With 16 taps it does not measure up quantitatively to some of the taprooms with mega numbers of spouts, but all of the drafts are high quality Columbia Kettle Works brews plus a few guest taps with other micro-brewery products of the same standard.

2nd Gear also seems to have a friendly and engaging clientele that sets a very nice atmosphere when you are not a "regular".  We had the pleasure of enjoying everyone's conversation including that of another new downtown business owner of The Bread Pedaler, Robbie.  Looking at his menu peaked our interest to visit another new Lancaster City restaurant.  He spoke of his menu items using fresh local ingredients.  We all should support local business.  It is building this growing Lancaster County economy.

In the end, 2nd Gear is worth getting out the GPS or consulting Google Maps if necessary.  If you go one time, I'm sure you will find your way back again.

Until next time, CHEERS!

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Divine Swine BBQ, Manheim - Bar # 170

A short drive north of Manheim will reward you with quite a unique experience. Divine Swine seems like a cross between an old west saloon and a classic mid-western Bar-B-Que joint.  There is great music playing in the background, microbrew beers on tap from across the street and a friendly staff.

First about the beer.  That's why you are reading this, right?  Not an over abundance of taps, but there is a beer to choose from most styles and even a cider on tap.  There is also a wide range of bottled beers that are reasonably priced and includes the option for mix and match 6 packs to go at a great price.  There is absolutely no complaints from The Retired Guys about the beer here.

What this place is known for and seems to bring in the regulars is the Bar-B-Que.  Cierra, our server and the assistant manager, explained the commitment to always serving food that has been prepared fresh that day.  Our selection of Chili Fries was very filling and had that great smoky taste that you only find in authentically smoked meats.  Cierra pointed out that the meat is smoked every day starting at 2:00 AM.  I wouldn't want to work that shift, but I will always enjoy the product of that dedicated craftsman.

Today was another great day of beer and food, but also getting to interact with the staff.  The Retired Guys have come to enjoy talking with our servers almost as much as the beer.  We had very good conversations today with Cierra and the manager Ronnie, the food is worth going back for and the beer is another example of local craft beers that make you forget about the huge mega brewers.

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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