Brancyn's Restaurant and Bar, Denver - Bar # 145

The Retired Guys unearthed another Lancaster County gem in Denver today.  Brancyn's Restaurant and Bar, formerly The Black Horse Restaurant and Tavern, was well worth the drive north on Route 222.

There are only 6 beers on tap, but all are local brewery creations that covered a respectable range of styles.  And if the drafts don't grab you, the great selection of bottles probably will.  Along with the beer on our afternoons we have come to look forward to our food sampling.  Today we chose a sampler appetizer that included some wings, tenders, shrimp and mozzarella bites.  Not gourmet, but it was fried and fried is usually good.  This was no exception.

As we walk down this road of beer happiness we have come to appreciate how the bartender sets the mood and atmosphere of each establishment.  Today Dave greeted us warmly and immediately upon entering.  As others entered he was the same welcoming face we saw and very accommodating to those dining as well.

Overall, it was another enjoyable afternoon at a watering hole we may never have traveled to without our beer quest.  It is also necessary to mention that Brancyn's got it's name as a tribute to two young ladies who passed away too soon.  We find it easy to root for success for an operation with a heart like that.

Until next time, CHEERS!



SPECIAL NOTE

Watch for a special gathering the Retired Guys are planning when we go to our 150th bar.  This will be occurring in September with details to be announced on our Facebook page very soon.

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Shot & Bottle, Lancaster - Bar # 144

After what seems like forever due to vacations and visitations, the Retired Guys have resumed our outings.  Today we visited a relatively new location in the Bar / Restaurant scene right in downtown Lancaster at the historic Griest building.  The Shot & Bottle is situated on the main floor and offers a great view of the bustling Lancaster Square area.  

We entered, then seated ourselves at the far end of the bar so as to maximize our appreciation of the scenery afforded us on this fine summer day.  Our bartender, Liz greeted us with a warm welcoming smile and engaged in an outgoing and friendly manner.  We selected our beer then asked about the available appetizers.  When questioned specifically about the "Dutch Fritters" Liz' eyes lit up as if we had just located a winning doorprize ticket and claimed they were a fantastic snack.  We proceeded to order them and were extremely pleased we had followed the advice offered.

As we moved on to our second beer, we had the pleasure of speaking at length with Mike (another bartender) who was busy doing prep work for the evening rush.  As he clearly was able to multi-task we were able to have a good discussion about some of the bars we had been to and some he suggested we make a point to visit even if they are smoking bars.

We thoroughly enjoyed our 144th visit due in large part to the friendliness of the staff who took care of us.  The draft beer selection was more than adequate to desireably quench our thirsts and our sampling of the appetizer proved that the food selection will at least fulfill the expectations of a casual dining customer.  It is fair to say that we'll be back!

Keep watching our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Retired-Guys-Beer-Afternoon-246464365759312/) as we will post an "event" highlighting the location where we will be visiting the 150th bar.  That visit will occur during the 3rd week of September.  Full details will be provided in the near future in the Facebook Event.

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J B Dawson's Restaurant & Bar, Lancaster - Bar # 143

"Beer. It always seems like such a good idea at the time, doesn't it? What's worse is beer seems like an even better idea after you've had some."

Today, Terry was scheduled to get a new battery for his iPhone so as seems to happen very often, one decision affecting our lives caused another to occur and it worked out for the best!  We went to J B Dawson's which is conveniently located close to the Apple store at Park City Shopping Center in Lancaster and are glad we did.

As we sat at the bar, we were greeted immediately by Kendra who would be our bartender for the afternoon.  Kendra took an interest in our quest to visit every bar in Lancaster County and then the next thing we knew, Andrew the restaurant manager came out to talk with us as well to find out more about our journey.  We were impressed by the friendliness of both our contacts and consequently thoroughly enjoyed our visit.  We did not try any of the appetizers as we generally do simply because we got off to an earlier start and could still feel a fullness from the consumption of our respective lunches.  That I believe was a planning error on both our parts.

After a few patrons left following their lunches, we had a chance to speak more with Kendra and learned of her longevity at J B Dawson's and some of her other experiences in locations around Lancaster in the restaurant / bar profession.  We noted that while she made time to talk with us, she also kept busy attending to her job duties.  Conscientious is a term that comes to mind and which would explain that longevity.

On tap there were 5 beers of which only 1 was of the "light" variety and there were a number of bottle choices to select from.  Kendra was kind enough to offer a sample of any of the draft beers before committing to a full glass.  As mature beer drinkers we did try a couple of samples but, if truth be told, neither one of us has ever been in the situation where we have declined a freshly poured glass of beer!

For some time now, Terry and I have been discussing the holding of a special event and as it happens, Kendra in conversation asked if we had ever thought about doing one.  So we decided that now would be as god a time as any to mention it to our readers.  Our plan is as follows: We will enter our 150^th bar in September and thought we’d do something a little differently to mark the occasion.  In a blog posting between now and the 149^th bar we will announce where the 150^th bar will be.  We will also post an “Event” on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Retired-Guys-Beer-Afternoon-246464365759312/) that provides date, time, and location.

Over the years, a few of our readers have suggested we advise where we plan to go so that they could accompany us.  We have decided that for this one event we will acquiesce!  So for anyone who follows our blog or FB page, look for the announcement and try to meet us there.  We will look forward to seeing you. 

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P. J. Welihan's Pub and Restaurant, Lancaster - Bar # 142

There are chain pubs and there are neighborhood bars.  You cannot really compare the two especially as Garry and I have grown to appreciate more than just the beer selection on our quest.  However, it is possible to create a very comfortable atmosphere in a sports bar as P. J. Welihan's Pub and Restaurant has done in the new Shoppes at Belmont complex on Fruitville Pike.

On entering the pub you are immediately impressed by the many large screen TVs circling the entire room and the mammoth 9 panel TV behind the bar.  The next thing you notice is the taps.  There are 36 taps with a full range of beers that includes many local microbrews.  Robby, our bartender, was quick to greet and provide a beer list.  Today was also Robby's first day at P. J. Welihan's, but you would never know it.  He seemed smooth in moving around behind the bar and confident on the touch screen.  In observing the rest of the staff, they were energetic and attentive to the clientele.

Sampling the food has become something the Retired Guys have come to look forward to.  Today we chose the PJ's Ultimate Combo.  With the thumbs up approval from Robby, we dove in and we were not disappointed.  Of course, it was all fried so how could it not be good?  There was plenty for the both of us too!

Today was another relaxing afternoon of friendship, world's problems solving and beer.  Seize the day folks.  Grab a friend, have a brew and talk face to face.

Until next time, CHEERS!



To see all the places we have been to,
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Square Mile Public House, Mountville - Bar # 141

There was no mistaking the warm welcome in Tiffany's voice as the Retired Guys sat down at the bar in the newly opened and remodeled Square Mile Public House in Mountville.  The "Welcome, I'm glad you're here", was genuine and made us feel we were in the perfect spot for a Tuesday afternoon beer.  Twelve beers on tap with a range from light to craft and a cooler full of great selections will allow anyone to find something to match their taste.

Speaking of taste, the menu looks great!  If the very attentive wait staff doesn't bring you in, the food should.  As usual, Garry and I wanted to try an appetizer and asked Tiffany for some advice.  Even though she is not a fan of seafood, admittedly she doesn't eat it at all, Tiffany recommended the Square Mile Crab Pretzel.  It did not disappoint!  There was plenty for the two of us and it had a very good crab flavor.  We can't wait to return and sample more of the menu.

I have tried to mention before how Garry and I have come to appreciate different things about bars on our quest to visit every bar in Lancaster County.  At first it was just about drinking beer during the day because we could.  Now it is about the social make up of each watering hole.  The regulars, the staff, the food and how everything blends together to make for a comfortable respite from whatever you need a break from.  Square Mile has only been open for three weeks, but they seem to be building a nice client base.  We only met two bartenders directly, Tiffany and Ann, but they are both very personable and know their job.  The rest of the staff seemed energetic and eager to please if my observations are correct.  And lastly, Kelly the owner.  Quick with a smile and right on top of the operation.  Kelly and her husband Dan, a part owner in Union Station Grill in Columbia, have put together what seems to be a winning combination in a perfect spot.

Until next time, CHEERS!

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The Dock (at Kyma Seafood Grill), Stephens - Bar # 140

"Things work out best for people who make the best of how things work out"

Today the Retired Guys went on a trek to Stevens in an attempt to find an interesting bar as our 140th visited location.  We were actually headed to Johnny's Bar & Steakhouse but drifted into "The Dock" which is an outdoor appendage of Kyma Seafood Grill.  We arrived a few minutes before the official opening time but were welcomed anyway by the friendly staff who were there busily prepping for their upcoming work shift at 4:00PM.

Our bartender was Jordan, a very professional and energetic young lady who was knowledgeable of all the beers on tap (6) as well as capable at making some very good recommendations from the ample selection of available bottles too.  Jordan advised us that "The Dock" is really a part of Kyma and Johnny's, while considered totally separate, is actually owned by the same person who owns Kyma.  So, in effect, there are three distinct bars under one roof.  Are we in a dream or were we in a serious accident and are now finding ourselves in heaven?  We discovered that Jordan is a student at Millersville University entering her senior year in Political Science.  Based on how she approached all her customers and handled everything as it got busier we both felt confident that she would be successful wherever her future career leads.

We tried the fried pickles as an appetizer and enjoyed every bite!  As luck would have it, a very strong storm was passing through the Lancaster area as we were getting ready to leave.  So, Terry enjoyed one more beer (I was the driver so could not) and while there, we observed the delicious looking meals being served to the many customers who managed to get in before the rain.  Jordan suggested to us that if we should return to eat, the "Colossal Crab Cake" or the "Johnny's Special" would be excellent choices and we could not possibly be disappointed.  As it happens, we had plans to go out for dinner this coming Saturday so will return.

This location is just another example of how wise our choice to visit all bars in Lancaster County has turned out.  Under nornal circumstances we would not plan to go this far out of our way for a meal let alone just a beer.  Now, we can't wait to get back to try the other two bars!

To see all the places we have been to or just to view our website click on one of the selections below:

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Quips Pub, Lancaster - Bar # 139

I have never been in a genuine English pub so I have no legitimate point of reference.  However, after the Retired Guys visited Quips Pub in Lancaster, I feel the pub has so many good points that whether it is authentic or not doesn't matter.

Jen and Riley, our bartenders, were friendly and welcoming.  The décor sure seemed British to me; lots of wood with a large u-shaped bar.  One of the first things I noticed was the lack of big screen TVs everywhere.  I really appreciated that element of the atmosphere.  To me a pub should be a gathering place of friends and those who will soon be friends.  Quips seems to foster an air of personal interaction and enjoyment of the community.

And then there was the music.  Garry and I both enjoyed listening to classic rock from, and I'm guessing, mostly the late 1960's to mid 1970's.  Garry could even name who he was dating at the time each song was a hit!  He must have been quite the ladies man.

Of course this is beer afternoon so we did have a couple of brews from a great tap selection.  Quips has 16 taps with the beer selection spanning a wide range of styles that should satisfy most. Bottled beer is also available.  We decided to try their crab dip with crusty baguette and it hit the spot perfectly.  The warm dip had a very good crab flavor and the bread was fresh.

On this quest we are having a great adventure.  We started out just wanting to find beer in the afternoon because our retirement schedule allows us to do that.  Along the way we are finding out what makes  this county a great place to live.  We are going into corners of the community we didn't know existed and coming away with an appreciation that for all the differences in us, they still make us all basically the same.

Until next time, CHEERS!

To see all the places we have been to or just to view our website click on one of the selections below:

In sequence, most recent to earliest

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