Federal Taphouse

Federal TaphouseFederal Taphouse
Federal TaphouseFederal Taphouse
Bar, Eatery

201 N Queen St
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 17603-3551
United States

// CLOSED //
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.8
Reviews:
10
Ratings:
39
pDev:
11.32%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by JamesCornman:
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Rated by JamesCornman

4/5  rDev +5.3%

Aug 08, 2014
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 3.67 by stakem from Pennsylvania

Jun 05, 2018
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Reviewed by NeroFiddled from Pennsylvania

3.99/5  rDev +5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3.75 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3.75
What to say about the Federal Taphouse? Well it's part of a chain, and it feels like it ~ not that that's totally bad, that can be good at times, but it lacks character. Bland. On the plus side they've got 100 taps? Is that right? 100 taps? YES! And it gets better - they're all pretty good and there are beers that you won't find anywhere else in Lancaster. That's enough for me to recommend it, and as much as that seems a bit odd to me as I'd prefer to a certain extent to send you to a place like Pour on Prince Street, they don't have the selection, and let's face it, that place is fancy and "expensive" and small and totally something different altogether ~ apples and oranges, or perhaps apples and something more exotic like dragon fruit.

Let me take a step back. The atmosphere is OK. The architectural elements are basic, as is the decor. The mirrors behind the taps might give the room a bigger look, but they don't give it any character. It's corporate looking, and a large open space. Despite their design efforts it remains bland and uninspiring.

The service is OK, and perhaps a bit better, but really it's just college kids behind the bar and at the tables so don't expect too much.

The food, thankfully, is pretty good. Again, don't expect more than what you'd expect from a decent chain restaurant.

So to add a little sprinkle of new information and then sum up, don't go on a weekend night, it'll be crowded with college kids; but do stop by for at least a pint and perhaps a bit of lunch or early dinner.
Apr 16, 2017
 
Rated: 4.06 by jbaker67 from Pennsylvania

Jul 04, 2016
 
Rated: 4.18 by TedStrosser from Pennsylvania

Apr 17, 2016
 
Rated: 3.53 by jp11801 from Florida

Sep 07, 2015
 
Rated: 3.06 by ShanePB from Pennsylvania

Jun 24, 2015
 
Rated: 4.5 by Jhub999 from Pennsylvania

Mar 22, 2015
 
Rated: 4.04 by Craft_Imperial from Pennsylvania

Feb 15, 2015
 
Rated: 3.95 by IdrinkGas from Pennsylvania

Feb 01, 2015
 
Rated: 3.75 by newbeeraday from Pennsylvania

Nov 29, 2014
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Reviewed by tone77 from Pennsylvania

3.65/5  rDev -3.9%
Finally got a chance to check this place out. Selection is excellent. A wide variety of brewers and styles to choose from. 2 of the 3 beers I had were from in state brewers that I had not heard of before. The atmosphere was ok, it kind of felt more like a restaurant than a bar. Service was very good, no complaints at all, food was good but not great. The prices were a little high, but not outrageously so. Overall it's a place worth checking out if in the Lancaster area.
Nov 15, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by Renegawam from North Carolina

Nov 09, 2014
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Reviewed by Shandycan from Pennsylvania

3.75/5  rDev -1.3%
Stopped in with the wife and kid during a trip to the outlets. 100 tap list was quality, divided into sections for easy reference. Big selection of hefes, to the chagrin of the wife! So positive wife points. She had a pizza I had the turkey club- both were monstrous portions and above average. Kids portions are also huge. Service was somewhat indifferent by our server, despite being there at a slow time, but the 'host' (whom I presumed to be manager) was very friendly and pleasant.

Will keep it in mind for future visits to the area
Oct 21, 2014
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Reviewed by MarkGamber from Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +5.3%
The food is good and they have 100 beers on tap, always something you'll like. The service is usually pretty good, also, but the atmosphere usually leaves something to be desired. I've never felt like "hanging out" as I do at other local places. I find myself trying to choke down a beer or two and getting the hell out of there. But, that having been said, the beer or two I choke down are always top quality.
Aug 27, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Mealy58 from Pennsylvania

Aug 20, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by American_Mike from Pennsylvania

Aug 01, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by orangesol from Pennsylvania

Jul 02, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Stork_Brewz13 from Pennsylvania

Jul 02, 2014
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Reviewed by Lancbeerguy from Pennsylvania

4.89/5  rDev +28.7%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 5 | service: 4.75 | selection: 5 | food: 4.75
I entirely disagree with a former review on this place (about their food). The food is absolutely fantastic, and I have eaten here numerous times. It is in no way "lackluster". They have a wood fire oven for their pizzas and they have the best burger in the city. I have had nothing but excellent food. Everything is fresh and the presentations and portions are great for the price.

As far as the beer goes, they have 100 drafts, and it seems that their tap list is constantly changing. They are very creative in their choices, and I love trying new things there.

The place is great.
Jun 21, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by SharkNado from Pennsylvania

Jun 16, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by barneysdad from Pennsylvania

Jun 14, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by Barnsley from Pennsylvania

May 21, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by jhlosito75 from Pennsylvania

May 04, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by Yellolab2010 from Pennsylvania

Apr 27, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by Durandal_777 from Pennsylvania

Apr 23, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by DLSheidy from Pennsylvania

Mar 12, 2014
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Reviewed by curmudgeon236 from Pennsylvania

3.38/5  rDev -11.1%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 3
I could write a ton about the lackluser overpriced food, but this is a place you go to for BEER. A simple sheet of paper lists the current offerings, divided into categories. Each beer is listed by type, brewer, ABV, price, and a brief description. Pure 'kid in a candy store' stuff. In the categories of 'porters' and 'brown ales' alone, I had way too many choices. And I thank you for that! They were even nice enough to point out that one of my favorites, Siera Nevada Tumbler had been discontinued by the brewery, making this the last pint I would ever consume.
Majorbuzzkill...
That being said, I'll be off to the Taphouse for Sunday brunch, enduring the pricey, lackluster food... to worship at the glory of the tap list!
Mar 12, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by MargaritaMags from Pennsylvania

Feb 28, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by KolbMarley from Pennsylvania

Feb 18, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by jackrodgers77 from Pennsylvania

Feb 12, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by BradC from Pennsylvania

Jan 15, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by Corburk from Pennsylvania

Oct 26, 2013
 
Rated: 2.5 by Liberatiscioli from Pennsylvania

Oct 22, 2013
 
Rated: 3.25 by GeoffreyM from Pennsylvania

Oct 21, 2013
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Reviewed by Slatetank from Pennsylvania

3.84/5  rDev +1.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.75 | service: 3.75 | selection: 4 | food: 3.75
I decided to stop in for some pizza and a pint or two with my wife and brother after a weekend in Philly. We enjoyed some appetizer hummus and had the breakfast pizza with egg and ricotta as well as the fig and roasted duck option. The place is slightly smaller than the harrisburg location but has upstairs also. The food was well cooked and service was friendly but not above & beyond.

I like the selection and menu here, the quality is very good and I will return for a brew if in the area most likely.
Oct 10, 2013
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Reviewed by howsmydrinking from New Jersey

3.83/5  rDev +0.8%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 5 | food: 3
Been there a few times now and feel like I could rate it accurately. The 100 beers are not just local PA brews as mentioned in another review. They hit a very wide variety. Beers from all over and a lot that have not been available in this area previously. I don't know of any other place where I can drink a Firestone Walker Double Jack, followed by a Avery Maharaja and topped off with a SoutherTeir Creme Burlee. All on tap. Can't remember seeing any bottles, but I suspect there was a glass fridge under the taps. Glassware was appropriate for the beer being served. Prices were on the high side - e.g. $9 for a 12oz pour of Maharaja. Most everything is $7+ with the exception of some PA brews which are $6.

Big open building. Big L-shaped wrap around bar lined with taps against opposite wall. Pizza oven located to the side and served up continuously. Another small bar in front of pizza oven is somehow separate from the main bar and you can't transfer your tab if you move. The bar in front of the oven has wait service. They'll make you close your tab at the main bar and reopen again.

The complaint I will make about this place is the atmosphere. It fills up to critical levels on busy nights and a lot of the customers are quite rude and douchey. Most don't know what to get or just get mixed drinks. It's basically a beer bar turned into late night club. I do not like that in my beer bar but I suspect it's quite pleasant at slower times.

Another time, I came with group of friends in the afternoon and was seated at a table that was completely blinded by the sun shining through the huge windows (no shades).

Food was alright - I had some kind of pork sandwich which I wouldn't get again. The wings are interesting. They're baked in the pizza oven with some uncommon seasoning. Wife had salad which did not look or taste too good. The one time I tried the pizza, it was very good. Will recommend and order nothing but the pizzas next time.

Parking - It's attached to a parking garage which I believe is 4 dollars. Park on the street after 6pm for free and free on Sundays. Note, saw my car getting hit by the guy parked in front of me on the street when I was walking out. Guy sped away quickly but no damage to the car. Like I said before, douches...
Aug 09, 2013
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Reviewed by Scary_Version from Pennsylvania

3.44/5  rDev -9.5%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3 | selection: 4
Went once on opening week and I was impressed with the layout. Very open layout. Tons of seating ( although mostly 4 person tables ). The bar is WAY to small. For a place having a 100+ beers on tap they should have made it more bar friendly and less of a sit down restaurant (in my opinion). Beer selection is great most of it is local stuff from Pa region. Hopefully they will rotate a bunch of taps other then just seasonal or it could get boring. Cheapest beer there was Miller High LIfe and that was really the only of the "Big Three" that I could see. Beers are any where from $5 to $6 per.

Note- When setting up a tab they do not print a list of what you ordered that night (at least not mine while I closed at the bar) I ended up being overcharged and didn't realize it until later the next day. So if only doing drinks Cash is probably best.
Jul 16, 2013
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Reviewed by CMR from Pennsylvania

3.28/5  rDev -13.7%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 3 | selection: 4
After a two year delay we were happy for this place to finally open. The happiness didn't last when we found out that they don't offer beer flights; something I think is necessary when you have over 100 beers. Worse still, when we requested a small taste of something to help in a decision, we were refused and told "we don't do that here". Quite a disappointment.
Jul 04, 2013
Federal Taphouse in Lancaster, PA
Place rating: 3.8 out of 5 with 39 ratings