By guest blogger Emily Trostle
Reasonably priced food? Beer that is brewed on-site to complement the menu? I’m there. And the Porterhouse Restaurant and Brew Pub in Lahaska fits the bill.
The beer vats are the first thing you see as you step into this cozy restaurant. Coming around the corner into the dining area, the comfortable bar beckons. Everything about the place feels welcoming, and that’s just the way Gabe Bond, the general manager, wants it to be. He wants patrons new and old to feel welcomed in this microbrewery restaurant with a neighborhood feel.
Frequented by suits-and-ties, young families and couples, the Porterhouse caters to those with a desire for great food that won’t break the bank. The ambiance is relaxing but not too dark. Most of the employees are Philly sports fans so there’s a good chance one of the multiple flat-screen TVs will be tuned to the evening’s game. Don’t worry, though, if you’re not a fan. The volume is kept low to prevent the sports bar vibe.
The best time to go is evenings in the middle of the week. You can mingle with the regulars and get one-on-one service from the wait staff and bartender. It’s also the best time for more intimate dinners. But if you plan on going on a Friday or Saturday evening, go early or call ahead for reservations.
Being fresh out of college, I still try to eat good food for cheap. I typically choose from the sandwich and appetizer menus. The Porterhouse’s roasted pork tenderloin sandwich is my favorite. Upgrade to the sweet potato fries and it’s meal-time heaven for less than $10. The Reuben sandwich is delightful, and the Black and Bleu Burgers are a favorite among my friends. For a light dinner that’s bursting with intense flavor, the Porterhouse salad is just the thing. In short, I’ve yet to taste anything mediocre here.
As for beer, there’s a brew for everyone. The Porterhouse’s brewer, Dean Browne, uses a 10 barrel Pub Brewing system to create unique cask conditioned brews onsite. The restaurant also serves four guest brews on draught and creations from other craft breweries in bottles. (The Web site lists what’s currently featured.) “Light” beers, bocks, lagers, and ales are usually all available. For the adventurous, fruit-flavored beers are made during the summer months. They also have multiple selections from the Philadelphia Brewing Co. on tap.
Gabe is often found mingling, greeting, and serving dinners so he knows why people are there. Even though the restaurant business is feeling the effects of the poor economy, Gabe sees a different picture at the Porterhouse. “We have our regulars and our menu is consistent, the portion sizes are good and the prices are modest. That’s why people keep coming back.” And when asked to pick his favorite item from the lunch menu? He considers all his options, debates with himself, then comes back to announce, “The buffalo chicken sandwich.”
Whether you’re looking for a good lunch or sit-down family dinner, a lively, fun atmosphere, on a budget or going all-out. I always enjoy bringing new people to the Porterhouse and sharing my little secret with them.
The Porterhouse Restaurant and Brew Pub
5775 Lower York Rd. Lahaska, PA 18931 (on Rt. 202, near the intersection of Rts. 202 & 263)
Phone: 215-794-9373
Web site: www.porterhousepub.com
Hours: 11:30am Tuesday thru Sunday, Closed Mondays
Patrons: Families, couples, loyal regulars
Wi-Fi: Available
