REST IN PEACE

B&B RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

153 East Main Street New Holland, Lancaster County, PA 17557 717-354-2310

<12-2006> The B&B never enticed me to stop before I saw their sign promulgating their clam special. The barmaid was friendly as was her boyfriend sitting at the bar. In general, everyone was nice and talkative.

<3-2007> Another one bites the dust. Drove by today and saw that the B&B is gone. Doesn't look like the new place sells beer. I wonder who got this liquor license.

BALD STEWEY'S PUB & RESTAURANT
1804 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, DE 19808 302-892-2911

[6-2006] Bald Stewey's rated and 'A' when I first saw the sign. I had to turn around and found this bar about 1/2 mile off the Kirkwood Highway. I think it took me months and months to return because I was hoping it would e an awesome place and did not want to risk ruining that vision.

The time came to stop in on a mid-Friday morning. Surely, the Scottish piper on the sign would yield all sorts of interesting things on the inside - maybe even to include a fair young lass in a teeny plaid kilt skirt!

No such luck. There were 4 patrons inside and all of them stopped to stare at me as if I was some sort of intruder. The barmaid was probably the beautiful homecoming queen many years ago. Her bright blonde locks and chocolate-brown tan would probably be enough to classify her as pretty decent looking if she had the personality to match. Unfortunately my request for a beer seemed to almost be chore for her.

The owner of this establishment seemed to be quite involved in charity work as many certificates adorned the wall behind the bar. The dining room was large. The large sign announcing upcoming bands was empty of any tags. Im sure this place could be fun with the right crowd. Too bad there isn't any Celtic decorations inside.

BOO BOO's TAVERN
1016 Cotton Street Reading, Berks County, PA 19602 610-373-9471
N40 19.718 W75 55.074

Entered into rest: August 15th 2007. The building is now known as "Raphy's" although the owner states he may keep the Boo Boo's name.

1: Just because the neon lights aren't turned on doesn't mean they aren't open 2: The sign dates back to at least the 1940s 3: View from the bar into some of the living space 4: Yes, the dog is alive 5: Decorated for Christmas 11/4/05 6: Amy on a Friday night - the only night Boo Boos is open late ( sadly the volunteer bartender in this photo has passed away from cancer)

<01-06-04> This is exactly the type of bar that my book was intended to describe. Its been open for over 70 years and its fading sign has been hanging since the 1950s.

The old fellow working today limped to the bar from some sort of project on a table behind where the patrons sit. He said he "helps out" pretty often and tapped me a 12oz Lager for $1.00 Retro-ish Christmas decorations were all over the bar and the barkeep told me that Boo Boo's is "probably the most decorated bar in Reading". Looking to the right from the barstools offers an unobstructed view into the owner's living room, dining room and kitchen - no door even separates the bar from the residence. There was even a big yellow dog asleep on a rug.

The only other customer in the place was obviously a regular as the two guys bickered back and forth in a manner that only comes from many years and beers of practice. A second beer ("no bottles, just cans") cost $1.50 and tasted a bit fresher than the slightly musty draft and a bag of Good's chips cost just 35cents.

As I was about to leave the owner came down and told me about the old days when workers from the many local factories would come in for breakfast, lunch and supper and "the bar was always full". Guys would drink a double shot of whiskey to build the courage needed to work in some of the very dangerous jobs that existed throughout Reading. Back in the days "when you could be drunk and drive all over town and nobody bothered you".

This bar needs to be photographed because much of its appeal is visual.

<08-04-04> The old timer who could loosely be called the manager must have forgotten to turn on the neon lights today because the only signal that Boo Boos was open was that the front door was propped open. Even this was a poor sign because it opens into a foyer and is barely visible on the street.

The population of bar sitters was exactly the same this time as before: 1. The old fellow was in the kitchen getting the dog's lunch ready and slowly walked back to the bar to get me a beer. Cans of Lager are $1.50 and served reasonably cold. I passed on the glass. It didn't take long for him to launch into stories. The ceiling as decorated in red/white/blue and you have to give someone credit for climbing up a ladder to hang all those ornaments.

Boo Boos closes around 6 each night with Friday being their only open evening. Always closed Sunday. Again, crime was attributed to the early closing plus the fact that "all the good drinkers have died off". The old fellow said that Boo Boo was the nickname of the present owner's father and that he too is called that. The bar was standing when he was a boy "and that was 71 years ago".

With parking being nonexistent, crime being rampant at night and the building no doubt in less than tip top shape - I would imagine that when this business gets sold, it won't open again as a tavern.

Overall, Boo Boos is a pretty good bar. It's survival stands as sort of a tribute to the toughness of the men who used to work in Reading and patronize it. Newbies get treated as nicely as regulars, prices are fair and you can't beat a barroom where you can see a sleeping dog and the household kitchen.

<11-2005> I visited twice in one week this month. The first time found the Independence Day decorations still hanging but when I returned, just a day or two later, the tap room was embellished with elaborate Christmas decorations. When I commented on how I enjoy seeing them every year I was told there were more to come.

Boo Boos is a man's bar. While women are certainly welcome - I have gotten the most entertainment value out of listening to the older men discuss life, politics, their medical woes and history. Seeing that Boo Boos is a just a block from the Catholic cemetery which is the site of the service at Hannahoe's grave, I asked the owner if he had ever been to the memorial. His reply? "The only reason I ever go up there is to get a piece". That's an interesting 80-some year old guy!

On this visit, the guy who was tending bar, "just to help out", was friendly and nice and said that he had been diagnosed with cancer but wasn't going to seek the treatment which would only make him sick and prolong, not save, his life. Sad... but at least he would be using his remaining days in the best health he can.

As I have said in earlier reviews, they just don't make taverns like this anymore.

<11-2006> Is it really possible that its been one year since I have been to BooBoo's? I know I have stopped several times but it was too early for an opening. This late afternoon Friday stop found the bar room to be greatly decorated. The Christmas decorations here have become a big part of my holiday mentality.

The $1.50 Lagers were cold and taken without a glass.

1: BooBoo 2: Xmas Wreath with BooBoo in it 3: Taking a break from tending bar 4: Well decorated for the holiday 5: A reindeer that is is old and repaired many times over

[8-2007] I stopped at Boo Boo's on a Wednesday and was immediately stopped in my tracks - most of the kitsch that gave Boo Boo's character had been removed and pool tables grace the old dining room. My first thought was that Boo Boo had passed away. Thankfully, he is still alive and kicking.

A man soon emerged from the back and identified himself as "Raphy" - the new owner (for about 2 months). We struck up a conversation. Read more about that at the Raphy's entry under Berks County.

I am sad to see this legend, a bar I often referred to as the best in Berks County, gone. But, at least the business will continue - albeit in a vastly different format.

BOONEDOCKS
(formerly Creekside Inn) 3011 Seven Valleys Rd (Rt 616) Glen Rock, York County, PA 17327 717-428-0214

[9-18-2001] The one constant about The Boonedocks is that the jukebox is almost always blaring music. Often this is while the muted satellite music station displays on the big screen TV. You can't beat 90cents for an 8oz draft. There is usually a moderately intoxicated person or two, male or female, at the bar although they always seem to be happy drunks.

Strange things I have seen here: An Olive Oyle look-alike was crying and was carried out by her boyfriend. It reminded me of Bluto hauling her away. One evening an attractive female arm wrestled the bar tender. She had amazing arms and probably would have won if he had not given up. Excellent “wimpies” ( crab balls ) that are made fresh each time and are almost all crab meat.

Everyone smokes at this bar. Everyone. Almost all of the males wear hats at all times. A woman I met at the auction said that her husband stopped here one night on his way home and was terrified that he wouldn't get out alive. Maybe he was in a suit and tie and driving a Volvo but I have never felt bad vibes here even when the drunks get to butting heads.

[7-2005] Boonedocks appears to be closed. My Saturday afternoon inspection found the tavern closed up with no signs of life.

[12-2006] The Boonedocks is definitely gone. It is now a coffee shop and restaurant. People have said the food is good and reasonably priced. Some of the old bar still remains.

CAMELOT INN
6065 Fritztown Rd Sinking Spring, Berks County, PA 19608 610-678-8666

[01-05-02] The Camelot is a time warp bar - the dying breed of tavern that makes you think that you went back in time as soon as you pass through the doors. It is not only exactly like it was about 5 years ago when I last went in - but the sole patron at the bar said it is exactly like it was 25 years ago.

The dining room still remains setup, complete with placemats, even though they “haven’t served food in years”. The bar is heated by a woodstove. There are some old and interesting photographs of Reading - its vibrant downtown and trolley/street cars.

The old man who owns this diamond in the rough apparently does not believe in change. He has a recliner next to the woodstove and when I was last here - he was asleep in it in the middle of the day. I think I left without a beer because he never woke up. This time, he was away somewhere and a friend was tending bar. He wasn’t sure if they had Captain Morgan ( they did ) and had to “go find ice” to finish the captain and coke. He didn’t even know what to charge for a “highball” so he said $2.

The walls of this place are pine board paneling. The men’s room has two urinals and two sinks. Unusual in such a small place and a hint that this place was often hopping from the workers of a nearby steel fabricating company.

The only guy at the bar said there is never a band but the owner’s cute niece and her friend tend bar from time to time. The old man often opens at 1PM and closes at 6PM is things are slow. The basement houses many rooms and another bar - a speakeasy of sorts from the days of prohibition or simply to stay open past the legal hours.

I like this place even though there are only two draft beers ( Rolling Rock was one but the other was out of order and had a cup covering its tap head ).

COYOTE BOB'S
5373 Lincoln Highway West (Rt 30 & Biesecker Rd) Thomasville , York County, PA 17364 717-792-4871

For many years this was the “San Remo” and had a windmill out front with a painting of a cocktail glass with olive.

Then, it was sold and turned into a bar and nightclub. This place didn’t last long and it too closed. It reopened in September 2001 as Coyote Bob’s. Presently the only place in York that has country line dancing and lessons. Decent food. Two of the best barmaids anywhere, Lydia and Portia, work here.

[10-10-2002] Stopped at Bob’s to get a beer and the doors were locked and the neon signs gone from the windows. The writing was on the wall for several months - an ad in the paper seeking a silent partner in a bar that turned out to be CB’s, reduction of hours to only opening at 4PM, and word that he needed $60,000 ASAP or the place would close.

[9-15-2002] Coyote Bob’s closed its doors this week. Almost one year from when it opened. Rumor was that Bob owed $60,000. Being the only pure country bar in York, this bar should have worked out. I attribute some of their ills to Bob’s snobbish manner and the poor way he treated his employees.

[02-2006] The under 21 club is closed and the building is sitting empty and is for sale.

[10-2007] The property is now a family restaurant. Sort of odd to see the entire intact bar in the middle of the dining sections.

DJ'S MOTORSPORTS BAR & RESTAURANT
220 Park Road North, Reading (Wyomissing), Berks County, PA 19610

[1-05-2002] Driving through Reading I saw this bar off to my right. It had only been open one month when I stopped. The fancy doors and look of the dining room immediately gave the odd impression that this motorsports themed bar catered to the "fine dining" crowd. The lights were low and the tables well set. Hanging above the dining room was a real, full-sized Grand Prix car. The walls are all decorated with racing posters and memorabilia including a mannequin in a nomex racing suit and helmet. The bar is straight ahead as you come in the front entrance.

Dave the bartender was friendly and the typical Captain and Coke was $3.50. He said the owner races Porsches. Past the bar is a garage that is sort of a museum of cars and bikes. A beautiful classic T-Bird and restored Indian are two of the highlights. The owner and family were planning to hoist a dirt track car to the ceiling the following day.

The aroma of cooking food was incredible and as I was leaving at 5PM people were starting to come in for supper. The maitre d' told a phone caller that they have no more reservations for that evening.

This place has some connection to the new Reading Royals hockey team. The team has been there for promotions and some of the players seem to eat and drink here.

[09-04-04] This bar is closed. The sign has been removed. There is a LCB application sign on the door.

DR DREMO's
2001 Clarendon Blvd Arlington, VA 22201 703-528-4660
www.drdremo.com

[4-2007 - Reviewer: Beds] - Sent to me in an email: "American Tom, Sadly, Dr. Dremos (before that demo’s tap room) in Arlington, Virginia is being torn down for yet more luxury condos. Such an eclectic place… an old car dealership that became an old brewpub that became a weird but lovable bar. The neighborhood is growing too much for places like this to exist anymore. That’s a shame. I spent many happy evenings and some afternoons there"

Dr Dremo's will close the doors at the current location on Sunday, Jan 27th, 2 AM. We are actively scouting for a new location. If you know of any spaces for sale or lease in the Clarendon/Courthouse area, please contact us.

The Dr Dremo and Taco Bell property has been sold to Elm St Development. Plans call for 141 residential units and 34,685 sf of ground floor retail.

"Thanks to all who have helped make Dr Dremo's a success. From the patrons to the staff. Hope to see you soon."
-the Doctor

[1-2008] One of my top priorities for the holiday season was to get to DC and visit Dr Dremo's. The only time I was here was for an event and that isn't an accurate time to see how things are run.

Things worked out and I arrived as this eclectic place had only two weeks left to live. Having only been at the downstairs, outside breezeway bar I wasn't even sure how to get in.

My cohort, even with a law enforcement background, was apprehensive about entering but immediately fell in love as soon as she saw this place. My past experiences outside were positive but after seeing the inside I know exactly why so many people will be in mourning when Dremo's closes.

Eclectic is an understatement with enough things to look at to keep a person visually occupied through several drinks. A beer aficionados will be in their glory as dozens of beers from far and near are available for consumption.

Our nachos were good and the male server was up to speed with all of the beers available. That is something you just don't find at most places.

I am going to try to get back down for the auction at the end of the month. I sure hope the Dr finds a new location but even if he does I doubt it will have the character that years of life have awarded this site.

[3-2007] Hary's was a great place to watch the annual St Patrick's Day parade as it passed by. Their attempt to shield their patrons from the elements was feeble but the tent was better than nothing. The old building has seen its better days but there is still some very amazing architecture to be seen here. It's a shame that someone doesn't swoop down upon this place and save it.

[2-2007] Yes, Hary's is definitely closed. Looking at this from this purely from the standpoint of its historic pub status - it's another sad loss.

[5-2005] I can usually find a few good things about almost any bar. I don't think I can about this place. The building is nice and sits in a residential area just one block off Lancaster Ave/Business Route 222. The huge collection of glass block next to the bar allows lots of light in and this bar has a lot of potential.

The problem is that it is just plain creepy. Skulls and bones and a stuffed owl loom over the bar and the restrooms are marked and men's and ladies "crypts". I don't know if this theme caused this bar's downhill slide but it is definitely dying. A for sale sign is posted in the front yard and the gloom inside is further enhanced by empty coolers, turned off jukebox and even a lonely unused hot dog machine.

The bartender was eating a meal from a fast food place while his two customers drank their beer.

Reportedly, this was a hangout/headquarters for a motorcycle gang in years past although those days seem to be over - not even 1%'ers would choose this place.

While it is always a possibility that someone will buy this tavern and redo it into something exciting and noteworthy, it is far more likely that it will end up that this review will turn into a red ink entry.

[12-2007] Tonight I picked up a boli and while I was waiting I looked through the back of the dining room and saw the bar area. I knew they had a barroom here but am not sure where I thought it was. It was a surprise to see all those people back there.

KALEY'S KORNER
Business remains open under new management with the name Brewer's
101 S Third Ave 19611

KNUCKLEHEADZ BAR & GRILLE
4740 Penn Ave ( Rt 422 ) Sinking Spring , Berks County, PA 19608 610-670-7000

<6-2006> Knuckleheadz bills itself as a biker bar although you don't often see hordes of bikes parked out front. The strip mall location doesn't damage the interior from having a nice, small-town tavern feel. The decorations are a mix of things from movies, sports, beers and Harleys. Good pizza, cold beer.

The interior is roughly split in 1/2 with a dining room side and a few tables on the bar side. Barmaids have never been overly friendly and often seem to be gabbing about their lives to patrons.

MAGGIE'S BAR & GRILL
(formerly Doughboy Pizza & Lounge) 193 East Main St Leola, Lancaster County, PA. 717-656-9907

<11-25-2003> Walked into the Doughboy about a year after the last visit. Two thirds of the people sitting dopily around the bar were the same people that were there during my last stop. Same barmaid also. Nobody said hello. The barmaid acted disinterested. Three Amish boys played pool in the nearby backroom. Regulars kept coming in and people would holler out to them. No need to stay for a second beer at a place that wasn't friendly, didn't have free food and had nothing to look at. Grabbed my change and headed out without even a second glance from anyone.

<2-2006> The Doughboy is now "Maggies Bar & Grill". I immediately turned around to try this bar for a noontime beer - hopeful that the new name and image would also mean a happy staff.

The middle-aged barmaid barely acknowledged my presence as I ordered a $1.75 Lager. Lacking good looks one would think she would make an effort to be fiendly and interested. Nope. She did ask if I wanted a menu. Not having time, I declined the menu but decided to try a slice of pizza. It arrived weighing as much as a brick and sporting about the same level of taste. Nasty.

Nothing has improved here. Some of the Doughboy signage still hangs inside. I won't be back anytime soon.

McCOY'S PUB & BILLY'S MARTINI BAR
109 Wilmington-West Chester Pike (Route 202) Chadd's Ford, PA 19317

<8-2007> The Millmont has morphed into the newer, brighter "Lookout Bar & Grill"

1/2: The Morgantown Hotel on a snowy afternoon. 4: Come inside to a blazing fire in an ancient fireplace 5: The doors are closed and the farewell sign ( 6 ) is posted.

<2-2005> A real fireplace burning real hardwood is a good thing . The bar has a fireplace that burns large chunks of oak to push back the cold chill of Pennsylvania winters. No screen, no fanciness - just stones that have seen countless cords of woods turn to ash while patrons drank beer nearby.

The front sitting room is another interesting feature. Enough glass so that you can watch the world go - even in the middle of a snowstorm.

<8-2006> The hotel is closed. Supposedly a new drugstore bought the corner lot and will soon raze this historic building. With plenty of development just outside of town I do not see the need to knock down a gem like this. I don't care if they offer to pay me to shop there - if it goes up I will never spend a dime at that business.

The most idiotic thing is that Rite-Aid says they have a corporate policy NOT to buy and destroy buildings that are registered as historic. But because this whole BLOCK was registered as historic it didn't they had no problem tearing it down as it did not fit the LETTER of their policy. That proves that the policy is complete BS as the SPIRIT should be to save historic sites.

RITZ ON MAIN
138 East Main Street New Holland, Lancaster County, PA 17557 717-351-7489
www.theritzonmain.com

<1-2005> My brilliantly crafted review of The Ritz got lost in mid-2004 and vanished into the bowels of the computer. It made me sad. But, I have enough to say that writing again is no big deal.

I always liked the abandoned movie theater in New Holland and was happy to see that it had been bought and would become a bar/restaurant. The first time I walked in I was completely blown away by the beauty and class of the inside of the building. It was visually stunning with its perfect lighting, flat screen TVs, well-preserved stage and overall atmosphere.

Owners Beth & Jeff had certainly created a masterpiece from a derelict building.

The Ritz has very good food and crisp cold beer (but why do you have Pabst on tap?) :-) I have yet to catch a band there but the karaoke is quite entertaining.

The barstaff is always adequate although I did ask someone about the one particularly attractive female who went from personable to disinterested. Turns out she met a fella and now he has ordered her not to flirt and mingle. Hmmm, I wonder how her tips are between "pre" and "post" boyfriend?

The Reading H3 has apres'd at The Ritz on 2 occasions and had a blast both times. The first was their grand opening weekend when the legendary Dick Yuengling was supposed to show up. 2.5 ft of snow on Friday prevented him from showing up but the run went thru New Holland anyway. A year later the hash returned and Mr Y made his appearance. He hung out and signed autographs and we had an amazing time. We will definitely be back for another urban trail and Ritz ON-IN.

<8-2005> The Ritz has a great new website - 1000x better than the previous mess. This page does a great job conveying the food and atmosphere of this tavern.

<12-1-2005> The Ritz is closed as of November 27th. Their website says: "The Ritz on Main is closed for business as of Sunday morning 11/27/2005. We absolutely appreciate your support. We thank our staff for being dedicated (Kitchen, Bar, Servers, Security, Clerical) we could not have made it this far without them. Special thanks to Cindy Weaver, Andrew Kuster, Kim Nichols, and Judy Heinbach - you have been with us through thick and thin. Thanks to our DJ's, especially DJ Ronnie Ron, and DJ Andy M who have been here since we opened. Thanks to our Bands, especially Screamin Daisys, Dave Stahl Big Band, and Monkey Bunch (aka No More Monkeys). We have had some extremely great times! We have met some great friends. We will miss you all! We are thinking positive and encourage you to do the same: The Ritz is for sale, with many interested parties and will optimistically be re-opened before too long."

<8-2007> The Ritz has reopened and is posted as a new listing (with a referral back here).

<1-2005> Reviewer: ALKIE - This is a new place to the York area that I absolutely had to check out. This bar is another Ron Kamonika club and is owned by the same guy who owns Market Street Saloon and the Hardware Bar in York. This place is an attempt to recreate an ultra hip New York/Philly big city club with a small dance floor, intimate seating, and a VIP section. The night that I went in, the crowd was better than the average York place and the drinks were reasonably priced. They are also partnering with some magazine, XS, to have theme nights such as Greed, Lust, Gluttony, etc etc like the “seven” deadly sins. I’ll have to check this place out again during one of those nights. The music was also a good club mix. Fair warning, parking is problematic here. If you like small hip clubs, then this is your place.

625 TAVERN
Route 625(New Holland Road) Knauers, Berks County, PA 19607
N40 14.563 W076 00.030

<12-26-03> Getting a tip on an interesting new tavern is like getting a tip that Saddam is hiding in a spider hole behind a specific house - you have to act quickly. If you wait too long the bar might burn down or close before you get there. So, less than 48 hours after "Abe" at The Penguinn told me about the 625, I was driving up to take a look. I am ashamed to say that this pub is less than 10miles from my front door and I have never even driven by it.

The big sign out front looked like some pranksters had dug it up from a bar and planted it in the front yard of a private home. Abe was right, this bar was literally in the basement of the owner's home! The American Dream! Pulling into the lot I saw the handwritten sign directly people to around the corner ( presumably to keep drunks from trying to walk into his home) and then the sign with the pointing arm - directing people to go down the concrete steps and through the industrial steel door.

My first impression of the inside of the bar was that it really WAS a bar! I guess I expected some fellows sitting around a keg watching the news on a tiny black and white TV. The bar itself had about ten stools and there was a shuffleboard table and pool room. I was greeted by Adrian the barmaid who tapped me a $2.00 Yuengling Lager and promptly gave me a menu when I inquired about food. She told me that she doesn't know how to make wings because "I don't work Tuesdays" (wing night - 20c each). No problem because I craved a hamburger equally.

After saying that this was my first time there, I was asked what brought me to the 625. I had already gained enough of an impression for a basic evaluation so I told them about the tavern project. One of the customers told me that "Denny", the owner, used to have a sandwich shop upstairs (now a rented room) and decided to put a bar downstairs.

I had a good time talking with Adrian (21, "22 in ten days", an OT student at Alvernia who will be cutting back on her hrs due to clinicals, cute little pierced belly and Capricorn zodiac symbol tattoo on ankle, can't make haddock either because the owner never showed her where the fish is) and "Stu" from South Carolina. Stu moved to PA after being contacted by his 1/2 brother and sister whom he had never known. They quickly made him crazy so he was now renting the room above the bar - an interesting place to live. He said that another relative in Florida had offered to let him stay there. I could tell that Stu yearned to get below the Mason-Dixon but was making the best of his present less-than-ideal situation in PA.

The owner came by twice without really saying much or appearing to harbor much holiday cheer. The prices for pitchers and 6 packs weren't cheap but the atmosphere of the 625 makes this a bar to return to.

Miscellaneous thoughts: three TVs on the wall - mounted side by side. Bottles of Moxie for sale for 75c (will try one next time). Two shuffleboard teams call the 625 home. Labatt's is the biggest selling beer followed by Coors Lite.

<2-2003> Stopped in with ALKIE on a Wednesday night and met Barmaid Christa. She is what all barmaids should aspire to be. Said hello when we walked in, attractive, great service. An accountant by day who works pt here each Wednesday and every other Saturday. The 625 probably has as many or more good looking female customers and staff as any small bar in Berks County. The owner was lurking around and changed the Y-Lager barrel when it blew. Stu was also here.

<3-24-2004> The 625 is a good place to take a study break; a quick ten minute trip that transports me to a world of cold beer and nice-looking women! Found the bar surprisingly empty with the super-hot Christa on duty. She told me that she did three years of bikini modeling (no surprise). The emptiness was an anomaly because customers soon started coming in. A 2 for 1 special was on as Christa trained new hire Amelia. The new cutie will work Thursdays and probably every other Saturday night. With a background of working in bars in Pottsville - she should have zero problem taking whatever the tame 625 can dish out!

Stu wandered in and seemed in a good mood. Christa introduced each regular to the new worker. $2 pints. Barmaid Amy had a baby boy and Adrian has quit because she is pregnant.

<9-2004> Stu told me that he no longer wants his true identity revealed in the book. He said to refer to him from now on as "Stevie". Stevie he wants, Stevie he is!! :-)

<10-2004> Stopped by on a Wednesday night and couldn't find a parking spot. The 625 was hosting the shuffleboard league. The entire place was packed with shuffleboard-minded men. Barmaid Christa was running around like a chicken with her head cut off but still immediately said hi to me by name and apologized for making me wait. She then took a minute or two to come over and chat. She is as nice as she is beautiful and is quite possibly the best barmaid in Berks County. I was surprised to see that "Stevie" wasn't in.

<12-2004> Christa has departed the 625. Apparently because of a conflict between the owner and herself. Strangely enough, Stu/"Stevie" wasn't there either.

<1-2-2005> The 2nd day of 2006 has been dreary. Ugly. The type of day that makes people with Seasonal Affective Disorder crawl under their comforters and not come out. I decided to drive around and see if Pennsylvania looked any differently this year than last. Pulling into the driveway I looked at the sign and the tavern info was gone - replaced with info on subs and "free pool on Monday" and a poorly drawn picture of a fat guy eating the word SUBS. WTF? There were several ugly signs in the driveway that pointed to the former taproom - all they said was SUBS.

I know this was a sandwich shop before it was a bar. But that was upstairs on the first floor. You have to have some amazing subs to make people go out of the way to Knauers and then go DOWNSTAIRS. Especially with a Turkey Hill just up the road.

A doofus came out of the place and I asked him where the bar went. He said the place has changed hands and "we couldn't have kept the liquor license with the school being so close". That is a bunch of crap.

The barmaid at the Bowmansville Hotel told me that Denny's (owner) wife took ill and he didn't want to be bothered so he sold the whole location. She didn't know where the liquor license went but I'm sure it didn't go to mom and pop.

This was a good bar with a unique location and nice barmaids. Another shame.

<11-02-01> This is a small place with pool tables in the backroom. Old-fashioned carved wood bar with stamped metal ceiling. Mostly rock on jukebox but Hank Williams Jr Greatest Hits, Tim McGraw and Garth there too. Biker bartender left at 6 and a young hottie in long black skirt with totally slit sides came in. She ( Amy) is the Fri and Sat niter DJ as well. Large ice-cold beers were only 1.25 Small are 75cents. <> The backroom was cleared out and a DJ played some decent music. Nobody danced – mainly because it was a crowd of about 99% males and the first time attempt at this.

<11-25-03> Drove by and this bar is closed. The beer lights are out of the windows. No idea what happened.

<6-2005> A tipster said that the owner of this tavern ran into a world of legal problems that lead to its demise. Reportedly, somewhere during this process, the PLCB license was not renewed and the result is what you see today. The building may have been sold and it is being converted into another use - most likely apartments.

<10-2005> A small sign on the front door of the tavern states that a zoning hearing was held July 19th 2005. The owner has requested a variance to build apartments. In my mind, this reduces the chance of this building being returned to a saloon to 0%.

TIMOTHY'S SPORTS BAR & RESTAURANT
600 Noble Street, Kutztown, Berks County, PA 19530
www.timsuglymug.com

WAHTNEY'S
2415 West Main Street Ephrata (Clay), Lancaster County, PA. 17522 717-733-2014

<3-2007> Wahtney's has been closed for several months now. I remember many times stopping in for a Lancaster Brewing Company lager and snacks. The dining area was a bit more upscale but the bar always seemed to welcome whoever wandered in.

This place has been a pub since 1766 and used to have over 100 types of beer. I hope someone revives it.

WELCOME INN
7456 Spring Rd New Bloomfield (Meck's Corner), Perry County, PA 17069 717-582-2469
N40 23.286 W77 08.628

4: Old Postcard reads "Poplar Grove Inn, 3 Miles East of New Bloomfield, PA". (The Poplar Grove Inn is the Welcome Inn today at Meck's Corner)

<5-2-2004> After making a wrong turn I came upon this ramshackle old building. It looked like it might have been a bar many decades ago. There was no sign out front and no cars in the parking lot. The roof was concave and the back of an old worn old horse's.
The strange thing though was that a Budweiser neon sign shined brightly from one window and a single air conditioner hummed away in another.

It was indeed a bar and it was open. A swiftly-flowing creek merged from under the building, ran along the front wall and disappeared under the parking lot. Strange.

Braveheart was on the TV as an old fella made small talk with the barmaid. He was the only customer on a beautiful Saturday morning. The middle-aged barmaid served up $2 bottles of Yuengling Lager. The old guy said that the building had been built in the 1930s and had always been a bar.

They don't make taverns like this anymore. Worth stopping by to see. Stand in the lot and look at the creek as it literally comes out from under the bar. You just don't see that too often!

<12-2005> Stopped in for a quick beer on the way home from the cabin. 5 or 6 guys sat around the bar as the barmaid sat in the corner chewing her finger nail. One hailed "Red" to fetch him one more beer. As soon as she served him she was on the phone. Before long she was discussing, in animated detail, what seemed like every personal issue she had in her life. Wow. I really didn't want to hear about her relatives issues with the opposite sex, drinking and jail.

<1-2007> Someone told me the Welcome Inn is now a pizza joint. Will have to investigate.

<3-2007> UNCLE NUTZ - reports that the Welcome Inn is indeed gone. He states it was purchased by a former rugby player who has completely renovated it into a family-friendly sub and pizza shop.

BLAINSPORT TAVERN
15 North Blainsport Rd Reinholds, PA.
~~N40 23.286 W77 08.628~~

<11-2007> This tavern has been closed for many years. For some odd reason the new telephone book still includes a yellow pages listing for this bar.