I love a no-nonsense dive bar, and during my visits to Lancaster in Pennsylvania, I got to visit two great examples, starting with Brendee’s Irish Bar in W Lemon Street (corner of Lemon and Mary Streets).
Rarely have I felt so instantly at home in a bar, and the locals were super friendly and welcoming.
Sadly, a devastating fire resulted in the venue being closed down, but it’s expected to reopen next month (April 2025) – although I’d definitely recommend checking before setting out.
There was a great selection of beer at affordable prices, plus a formidable whiskey selection.
Note the ashtrays: this is a smoking bar.
The wonderfully eclectic music selection went from country to metal lo rap, and everything in-between.
Hildy’s Tavern
Next up is Hildy’s at 448 W. Frederick St., neighbourhood dive bar with a history spanning over 60 years.
There’s a great beer selection, outdoor seating, a full bar, a jukebox and darts.
More info
Brendees
449 W Lemon St, Lancaster, PA 17603
Smoking permitted
Hildy’s
448 W Frederick St, Lancaster, PA 17603
Opening hours
Mon-Thurs: 2pm-2am
Fri-Sun: noon-2am every day.
Smoking permitted
Join the forum discussion
Related posts:
In photos: Lancaster, Pennsylvania – architecture, street scenes, pizza and a great bar
In photos: a quick walk around Lititz in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
In photos: Lancaster Cemetery in beautiful shades of autumn, Pennsylvania, USA
Photo tour – a walk from central Philadelphia to Fishtown
Remembering the fabulously scuzzy Mars Bar in East Village, New York
Photos from the Leigh On Sea folk festival: bands, beer, banjos, Morris dancers and crowd scenes
Brixton Buzz beer sells out in 52 minutes at Kaff launch, with big Prince Albert after party, Sept 27th, 2013
The Park Hotel at Boomtown 2016: bands, beer, pool, Eva Lazarus and ping pong debauchery
