Jethro's Restaurant & Bar, Lancaster - Bar # 177

Jethro's Restaurant & Bar has been a city eating anchor since it's opening on groundhog day in 1978.  This quaint neighborhood locale has been managed and owned by Bob and Jennifer Esbenshade since they purchased it in 1992.  The pair actually met there as employees then later married and bought it!

As I believe we have mentioned in previous blogs our affinity for a bar has grown beyond the number of beers on tap and evolved to be one of enjoying the feeling of being at home surrounded by familiar and friendly faces while enjoying a brew.  The friendliness factor comes first from the face behind the bar and then from the customers we are priviledged to sit beside and gab a bit with.  Today, The Retired Guys got to visit a little bit of bar heaven as we enjoyed meeting and talking with the earlier mentioned bartender, Bob and an assistant as well as a couple of Bar/Restaurant regulars.  There were two beers on tap both being of the craft variety and of course a full bar to satisfy the desires of those who prefer to enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine with their meal.

Since the bar opens only at 5:00PM, we arrived there basically at dinnertime. As we consumed our first beer and continued our conversation with Bob he suggested that we try the special of the day - Chicken and Waffles.  So far, we have never been disappointed with a food suggestion from a bar employee and we felt even more secure with it coming from one of the owners.  Well, was it good you may ask.  It was good enough to convince us a return visit is in the cards in the near future!, Our feeling was that if this is the quality of a "basic" dish we are looking forward to sampling something a little more sophisticated.  

If you've never been, or if it has been a while since your last visit get over there and enjoy an excellent dinner served by friendly and outgoing staff.

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The Exchange, Lancaster - Bar #176

Only one word went through our minds as we stepped off the elevator at The Exchange in downtown Lancaster; WOW!  The views of the city are breathtaking and the first class design of the venue gave us the feeling of being somewhere special.  Of course, Mother Nature contributed with the rain that produced the above rainbow for everyone’s viewing pleasure.

As we entered the vestibule off East King Street, we were greeted by smiling staff who welcomed us and directed the way to the elevators that would carry us to the 12^th floor.  Even with The Exchange only being open for 5 weeks, every aspect seemed to operate without a glitch.  The staff was welcoming, engaging and eagerly performed their duties professionally.  Mike, Buckels and Brenton were behind the bar and very personable from the moment we walked in.  They provided the type of service that brings people back.  Mike even shared his recipe for an “Old Fashioned”.

Oh, yes!  The beer!  While the beer selection is a bit limited compared to some tap setups, the variety compliments the food selections perfectly.  Speaking of food, we enjoyed a margarita pizza with a thin, crispy crust, mozzarella cheese and tasty sauce.

The Exchange has pulled together many of the things The Retired Guys have come to appreciate while on our trip around Lancaster County bars.  The atmosphere is casual and promotes personal interaction among you and your friends.  The appointments of the various sitting areas are comfortable and relaxing.  The staff obviously enjoys their job and creates a place that we want to return.  The Exchange may not be the top of the world, but it is the top of Lancaster and that affords a pretty cool view.

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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