Lancaster Dispensing Co.

Lancaster Dispensing Co.Lancaster Dispensing Co.
Lancaster Dispensing Co.Lancaster Dispensing Co.
Bar, Eatery

33-35 North Market Street
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 17603
United States

(717) 299-4602 | map
dispensingco.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.52
Reviews:
4
Ratings:
9
pDev:
8.52%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews.
Ratings by Barnsley:
Photo of Barnsley
Rated by Barnsley from Pennsylvania

3.5/5  rDev -0.6%

May 21, 2014
More User Ratings:
Photo of NeroFiddled
Reviewed by NeroFiddled from Pennsylvania

3.73/5  rDev +6%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 3.75 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3
Lancaster Dispensing Co. is a beautiful old place just behind the central market, and it tries to looks if it fits in with that history. The marble-topped bar with a wooden arm rest must be original, as would be the pine wood-stripped floor (although it's most likely been repaired quite a bit). The wood and stained-glass back bar and pendant lights above must also be original, as would be the dark wood paneling. As for the Victorian looking wallpaper I'm not sure (probably not), but the false tin ceiling is clearly new but they're trying. A lot of it is old, and regardless of what's new or not, it still maintains its charm in the way it's set up and it takes you back in time a bit. I'll recommend it as a stop based on that alone.

There are 8 taps that understandably but also unfortunately feature Miller Lite, Yuengling, and Guinness (the group of which seems to be a Lancaster thing), but the other beers are pretty good and include something from Wacker (which is just a short walk away) and Stoudt's Market Alley (which is their Fest). There are a few bottles available as well, but again, they're nothing special.

The service is good, I'll give them that, even very good... and perhaps even a little bit better than that! They have an older gentleman there during the day that I've taken to be the owner as his service is so friendly and doting, but I could be wrong; and I've always received excellent service at night as well.

The food, however, is a let-down. It's not that it's poorly prepared, it's just that the chosen items aren't of the best quality ~ and not all of them, but some of them. It seems like bar food, and to a certain extent, it is indeed exactly that - it's not really a restaurant, but it could be better with just a few more thoughtful choices made in purchasing. Remember, food cost is actually one of the lesser considerations when you're dealing with utilities, payroll, maintenance and upkeep, rent, and so on ~ and having said that, I kind of understand as they're probably paying a premium for their location! If you do decide to eat there at least go for a burger.

Finally, a big boost, they promote live local musicians on the weekends which scores really well in my book. It's a beautiful and comfortable place to relax with a beer (or five or six!) and have a great time taking in some live music - two thumbs up!

My conclusion, and I hate to say it because I like the place so much, is to stop in for a beer, maybe even twice a day, or the live music on weekend nights, but don't eat there. You can get better quality food for less at Isaac's or the Spring House Taproom, both just a short walk away.
Apr 16, 2017
 
Rated: 3.94 by ShanePB from Pennsylvania

Jun 25, 2015
 
Rated: 2.75 by Stork_Brewz13 from Pennsylvania

Jul 02, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by SharkNado from Pennsylvania

Jun 16, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by Durandal_777 from Pennsylvania

Apr 23, 2014
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Reviewed by jwhancher from Pennsylvania

3.56/5  rDev +1.1%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.75 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3.25
Had dinner on a work trip. Nice Victorian building with decor that showcased old and new. Place was crowded around dinner time. Okay selection of draft beers. Bottle list seemed much more expansive. Stuck with a few Victory Hop Tickets after sampling their house Stoudt beer. Unfortunately, the Stoudt's sample tasted sour from likely dirty lines.

Service was good. Had to wait for some time for food but server was attentative for the most part. Food was okay. Had a spinach salad and Cajun pasta dish with shrimp. My portions seemed small but adequate. Prices were easily affordable. Anyone could find something on the menu to fulfill one's own needs it seems.

Overall, a decent place. Would try it again for some beers and wings if I ventured here again.
Apr 10, 2014
Photo of canjeeps
Reviewed by canjeeps from Pennsylvania

3.55/5  rDev +0.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 3 | food: 4
This a classic place for locals to go. It is located right by central market. It is a corner pub and you walk into back in time feeling. It is nothing to fancy or to worn. They have a long bar on the left and tight tables for dinner on the right. The drafts are 6 different. They have some of the macros but also have at least 2 locals. Service is hit or miss.Bottle selection is decent but not really every updated. Food is where it is at. Very reasonable prices for food and beer. The have specials every day. This a local casual place to grab dinner and a beer
May 20, 2011
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Reviewed by Beertroop from New Jersey

3.63/5  rDev +3.1%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
This place is in a great location in Lancaster. It is next to the farmers market where the a lot of Amish families go to sell their goods. There are many small stores in the area.

They have around six different taps ranging from Miller, Yuengling,Spring House Seven Gates Pale Ale,Magic hat #9, Sam Adams seasonal, Stoudt's Market Alley Amber (specially brewed for their restaurant), and Guinness Draught. They also have a good selection of bottled beers from all over the world.

Good atmosphere with a small restaurant and a long bar all in a one room location. On most weekends they have good local live music.

Not a bad place to have a good lunch during off peak hours due to the small size of the place.
Feb 16, 2009
Lancaster Dispensing Co. in Lancaster, PA
Place rating: 3.52 out of 5 with 9 ratings