Foodie’s Guide to Lancaster City: Bar Edition

Are you looking for bar recommendations in Lancaster City? As a Lancaster native, I’ve got you covered! Whatever the occasion is, the Foodie’s Guide to Lancaster City: Bar Edition can help!

Cheers!

If you came back looking for more recommendations for Lancaster City, welcome back! If you are new here, you might have missed the other foodie guides that I’ve posted. In 2019, I started off on a journey to round up the best restaurants in the city. You loved the Foodie’s Guide to Lancaster City: Dinner Edition SO much, I decided to make one for everything from breakfast to dessert. There are so many incredible places to eat and drink in Lancaster City, so keep your eyes peeled for more guides. Whether you are in town for the weekend or you live here and want to try a new place, check out the Foodie’s Guide to Lancaster City: Bar Edition! Cheers!

1. Shot & Bottle

2 N Queen St, Lancaster, PA 17603

Located in the heart of Lancaster City on Penn Square, Shot & Bottle is a must-visit on your next trip downtown. This bar boasts only Pennsylvania-made spirits and sources its ingredients as local as possible. This is evident in their seasonally rotating drink and food menus. Sit at the bar and watch as your cocktail is crafted to perfection. The bartenders hands move a mile a minute, adding each ingredient with precision and passion. Looking for something more casual? Head to the Teetotaler section for a non-alcoholic beverage.

Recommendations: Lady Finch, Lanc Old Fashioned, Uncle Buck (Seasonal), Espresso Martini, Peach & A Prayer (Seasonal/pictured)

2. Decades

438 N Queen St, Lancaster, PA 17603

This boutique arcade is for the gamer at heart. Decades brings all the nostalgia the minute you walk through the door. The menu is not shy of themed cocktails that nod at your younger years. What is better than a bar where you can play Ms. PAC-Man while you sip on an adult drink pouch (think alcoholic Capri Sun)?? You can also spend your evening bowling in one of the six lanes if arcade games are not your thing. Moral of the story: Grab a group of friends and go let loose!

Recommendations: Kirby’s Dreamland, Heart Container, Waluigi’s Lemonade, Espresso Martini, Dragon Ball Z, Toasted Pecan Smoked Old Fashioned, Pineapple Express (pictured)

3. Horse Inn

540 E Fulton St, Lancaster, PA 17602

The Horse Inn is a historic pub nestled in the east side of the city. The low-lit, speakeasy vibe of this bar paired with its award-winning cocktails is what brings people back (Not to mention their Horse Fries). Enjoy your craft beverage while playing shuffleboard or listening to their occasional live music. They also source their ingredients from local farmers and purveyors to support the vast amount of businesses that make Lancaster so unique.

Recommendations: Ask the bartenders! They know best.

4. Conway Social Club

29 East King Street, Lancaster, Pa 17602

Conway Social Club is a speakeasy of true intent. You must wait for the green light and knock before gaining entry to this establishment. After climbing the stairs and journeying beyond the curtain, you will be transported to the roaring twenties. Enjoy a refreshing seasonal libation that is made with house-made tinctures and tonics. Make sure to pair your beverage with one of their delectable small plates. The conversations are endless in this hall lined with gilded paintings and chandeliers.

Recommendations: Midnight Polo, Yellow Canary (pictured), Absinthe & Apricot, Night Stick

5. The Exchange

25 S Queen St, Lancaster, PA 17603

Looking for a bar with a view? The Exchange is it. This rooftop bar offers a panoramic view of Lancaster city from both its indoor and outdoor seating area. They have an extensive beverage menu that boasts a variety of seasonal cocktails, as well as bubbly, wine, and beer. Also, the outdoor terrace has fire pits, so you can enjoy the view year round. Be sure to make a reservation, as this is one of Lancaster’s hottest bars!

Recommendations: Smokeshow, Mood Swing, Te-Quila Mockingbird, Notorious F.I.G. (pictured)

6. Annie Bailey’s Irish Public House

28-30 E King St, Lancaster, PA 17602

Annie Bailey’s is one of Lancaster’s oldest and most popular bars. This pub is a staple for any bar crawl due to its charm and enormous drink menu. There is truly something for everyone. Whether you are going for a drink on the patio or visiting during the St. Patty’s Day celebration, you are sure to have a good time! Look out for some of their other popular events, including Oysterfest (Sept./Oct.) and St. Baldrick’s Day (April).

Recommendations: Brambling Through Time, Whiskey Sour (pictured), Irish Car Bomb

7. Proof of Lancaster

30 N Queen St, Lancaster, PA 17603

Proof is the newest bar in the city, but it’s quickly becoming a favorite. They boast a sophisticated, curated menu of wine and spirits from around the world. If you are an avid traveler, you just might be able to find your favorite drink that you otherwise could not get in Lancaster (Or the U.S. for that matter). It’s the perfect location for a romantic evening or a night cap.

Recommendations: Proof Old-Fashioned, Gin and Tonic (pictured with Nordes gin), ANY of the red wines

8. Our Town Brewery

252 N Prince St, Lancaster, PA 17603

On your way into the city, make a pit stop at Our Town. This is one of the few micro breweries located in downtown Lancaster. What started out as a home-brewing hobby turned into one of the best breweries in the city. You can always see what’s in the vats because of the open air concept, and you can tell by the quality that the makers take pride in their product. Check out their website for live music and other events.

Recommendations: Press On, In the Shade, Coffee & Pie, Guide You

9. Tellus360

24 E King St #42, Lancaster, PA 17602

Tellus360 is the jack of all trades in Lancaster City. This Irish pub has multiple levels, including a rooftop bar that is weather proof for the winter months. In the warmer months, the rest of the roof turns into a green space with corn hole and food stalls. During the week, you will find casual pub crawls and sports fans seeking a place to watch the game. However, at night on the weekends, the Temple turns into a club with a DJ and dance floor. Check out their website for event details, including the DJ schedule and other live music.

Recommendations: Anything with whiskey, Jimmy Juice, Guinness

10. Columbia Kettle Works 2nd Gear

112 N Water St, Lancaster, PA 17603

2nd Gear is the taproom of the famous Columbia Kettle Works that resides across the river. This taproom has a ton of craft beers to choose from, and a handful of them rotate with the seasons. If you are not into beer, they also offer PA liquors and seltzers. They have a BYOF (Bring Your Own Food) policy, so you can bring in whatever snacks you desire or purchase food from the adjoining restaurants. Stick around for live music on the weekends, or hangout with your pup in the courtyard. It’s one of Lancaster’s fave spots to mingle!

Recommendations: Somethin’ Spooky Pumpkin Stout, Oatmeal Stout, Cerveza Del Sol, Escape Goat Grapefruit Crush Seltzer (pictured)

Dear Friends…

I hope that the Foodie’s Guide to Lancaster City: Bar Edition was super tempting and made you thirsty! I know this will guide you to wonderful experiences with your friends and family, and I hope that you will fall in love with Lancaster just as I have!

This post may contain affiliate links, though all items are 100% recommended and used by myself personally. This means that at no extra cost to you, minimal compensation may be earned from any items purchased while visiting this site. This is to provide the ability for me to maintain the blog at no extra cost to you!

The restaurants in the Foodie Guides are in no particular order. New guides will be created as new restaurants are experienced. Many restaurants require street parking. However, there are handfuls of garages within walking distance around the city. Also, street parking is free during specific hours depending on the block. Download the ParkMobile app for easy parking! Recommendations are encouraged for sit down restaurants.