Shank's Tavern

 

 

A GREAT neighborhhod tavern! The food is good and the price is right. The rotating taps always offer something new. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. You can feel the history when you're in Shank's. Located in Marietta, a stones throw from the Susquehanna River; Shank's is a local favorite, but also pulls people from all over South Central Pennsylvania. They have open-mic nights, where you can hear music by local artists. Monday through Friday, you'll always have a home in Shank's Tavern; but, don't go there on a Saturday night because they're closed. I asked Bob (Shank) once,"Why are you closed on Saurday?". He replied,"Because I like to go out and drink beer too!". I love Shank's. Ask for Tina, she'll treat you right.

Shank's Tavern is the oldest continuously operating tavern in Lancaster County, opening in 1814. It has been owned and operated by the Shank family since 1930. While longevity alone does not make a quality bar it surely won't hurt the ambiance, right? Having been recently nominated for inclusion to the PA beer fly C and I decided to make a trek to this long established Marietta watering hole.

Hey, the place is from the early 1800's and is dripping with old time charm. It is weathered by not downtrodden and offers plenty of polished wood and warm, comfortable ambiance. A large 24 seat bar dominates the main room with numerous small tables lining the walls. A small open area in front of the bar offers a few more tables and a small stage area for their open mic nights on Tuesday (Acoustic) and Thursday (Blues). A second, smaller, satellite bar is off in a secluded room. It has a four tap tower and is used presumably during busy nights, special events and private parties.

Two four tap draft towers offer up eight selections with only Miller and Coors Lite being duds. The other six beers were, on the night we visited, Guinness, Anchor Steam, Victory Headwaters, Franziskaner Hefe, Stoudts Karnival Kolsch and the local stalwart Yuengling Lager. A two door beer cooler is tucked into a corner of the main room and offered up numerous craft choices such as Troegs('nator and pale), SNPA, Abita(t-dog and purple haze), DFH 60 min, Stoudts(scarlet Lady ESB and Gold), Stone IPA, Anchor Steam and a few European offerings such as Stella, Newcastle Brown and Boddingtons. Overall not a mind blowing selection but certainly enough to offer up a quality craft brew for a pint or two to accompany your meal. If so tempted six packs to go and even growler fills are available.

Our service was good with the bartender doing a fine job juggling the bar stool patrons along with us dinner eating type folks at a table along the wall. Tina, a sixteen year Shank's veteran, took good care of us with plenty of info, chatter and friendly banter.

Tuesday is Pho' night at Shank's so how could we not go with it? For those who don't know, Pho' is an Asian rice noodle soup with fresh basil, fresh cilantro, fresh bean sprouts, shrimp and meat balls. Their offering was quite nice and while I am not a Pho' connoisseur I found it to be quite tasty and filling.

The rest of the menu is quite "bar food typical" but interesting and well priced! Bar pizza, burgers, subs, salads and a nice array of appetizers are offered up for your hunger. I thought the prices were very reasonable with most sandwiches in the $4-6 range and whole bar pizzas for $7-10.

Shank's offers other weekly specials such as Thursday Beef on Wreck and Friday Sushi and Seafood night.

Overall I very much enjoyed my visit to Shank's. Is it a craft beer destination? No, certainly not. But, it is a charming place, in a lovely old, river town in which one can find friendly atmosphere, pleasant service, a pint of craft beer or two and a hand made meal. I am sure we will return again, I am certainly eyeing up that Friday Seafood Bonanza!