Traveling to PA - Bube's Brewery in Mount Joy is a Place to See

I dug this out from my days doing free lance work for local newspapers.  The articles were published by the Montgomery Newspapers in 1996.  Some of the characters have changed, but not the fun.  The information is well worth reading if you are ever planning a trip to PA.  This is one of my top pick's for a must see, must do while in Pennsylvania.  Their web site is: http://bubesbrewery.com/index.htm

A FEAST FIT FOR A KING - OR A PEASANT LIKE ME

As far as good food and entertainment, I tend to look for places that are unique and interesting. So, when Santa -- yes, I said Santa -- told me about Bube's Brewery in Mount Joy, Lancaster County, I was eager to give it a try. After all, Santa wouldn't lie.

Most Sunday evenings Bube's offers a Medieval Feast in the Catacombs, one of Bube's three popular restaurants. The Catacombs, a series of underground rooms that are 43 feet below street level, was originally used a aging vaults full of giant oak casks of beer, the prefect setting for our step back in time.

As the Feastmaster greets each group of guests, they are guided down the steep flights of stairs to be seated at long tables for a communal meal that will begins only after everyone in each room is provided with the rules for the evening. "Prior to each course the Feastmaster will enter and read to you from the book," explained one of the lovely hostesses, or should I say wenches, who are there to add to the evening of entertainment. At the point of his saying "The book," everyone in the room must, at the top of their lungs, shout, "The book," or risk missing the next course of their meal.

Another rule is regarding the beverages served for the evening, a delicious fruit wine and a hearty ale. The beverage is only supplied if one of the female guests is willing to make a plea to the Feastmaster to have refills brought to their table.

All done in good fun, there was no problem finding a courageous sole willing to plead thirst on behalf of her companions.

Throughout the four hour evening six courses are brought to the tables by servers dressed as peasants. Still, the evening passes swiftly, the wait between courses no hardship as musicians, a sword swallower and fire eaters entertain the audience. And it is the audience who really adds to the show as wenches and fools interact with those present.

While Penelope makes an attempt to find a single man willing to be her future spouse, Jane and Annie offer relaxing back massages for any men in the audience who need relaxing. Poor Penelope has far less success at finding a mate than her pair of friends. -- It seems there are plenty of men in need of relaxing.

Bill is the loveable fool of the group, harmlessly passing among the tables sharing his friendly babble, with his newfound friends. Bill most enjoys showing the things he carry's in his leather pouch, in particular a tiny shoe, his obvious pride and joy. He seems to have a particular passion for shoes, a warning to those present keep their feet firmly planted in their's.

One's mouth begins to water as the succulent scent of roast pork fills the air as an entire roast pig is carried past the tables. That plus juicy roast beef, a spicy rice combination and mixed vegetables makes up the delicious main course, slowing winding things down for the evening.

It would be difficult to tell whether the food or the fun were most satisfying, probably they were just the perfect complement to each other. The only negative thing I could find about the entire evening was getting up for work the next day; but even that was easier knowing I was going to have almost as much fun recreating my evening for others as I had living it the first time.

The $30 price is a bargain. I've had dinners without the fringe benefits that have cost more and haven't been nearly as delightful. Several times a year Bube's also offers a Roman Feast, complete with Caesar's as servers wearing togas.

For reservations call 717-653-2056. Bube's is located between Routes 772 and 230, at 102 North Market Street in Mount Joy, PA.

BUBE'S BREWERY - A BIT OF HISTORY AND FINE FOOD

In 1876, German immigrant Alois Bube bought his small Mount Joy brewery during a time when German-style lager beer had become the rage among American beer drinkers. Though hundreds of breweries emerged across the United States to keep up with the demand, Bube's Brewery is the only one still in almost intact condition. In fact, Bube's bears a plaque marking it as being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Alois Bube was not only a good brewer, he was a smart businessman. He expanded his business several times and even built a Victorian hotel attached to the brewery so that he could serve his beer and accommodate overnight guests.

Though Mr. Bube died suddenly in 1908 at the age of 57, he had enough financial security that his family was able to continued living in the location even after they closed for business prior to the prohibition of 1920. They continued to live at the location until the 1960's. Restoration of the complex began in 1968 and continues today.

Currently Bube's is owned by Lancaster County Businessman, Sam Allen. Under Allen's guidance the one-time brewery now houses three excellent restaurants, a museum, an art gallery and a Brewery-Store.

The Bottling Works is a restaurant tavern located in the original bottling plant of Bube's Brewery. It provides casual dining indoors or in the Biergarten, an outdoor drinking garden like those once found in Bavaria, Mr. Bube's homeland. Steaks, seafood, light dinners, sandwiches and salads are the menu of the Bottling Works. Live entertainment is featured on Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as live jazz in the Biergarten during summer months. Other special events are also held throughout the year. Lunch is served beginning at 11:00 AM Monday through Saturday and Noon on Sunday. Dinner is served at 5:30 PM on weeknights and 5:00 PM on weekends. For reservations call 717-653-2160.

The original bar and dining rooms of the Victorian Hotel portion of Bube's Brewery houses their second restaurant, Alois. Each room is individually decorated like a work of art. Artist and chef, Ophelia Horn provides guests with an a unique experience in fine dining, combining her talents in the visual and culinary arts. The menu is an ever changing variety of foods and condiments drawn from an international repertoire. Reservations are available Tuesday through Thursday from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM; Friday and Saturday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM; and Sunday 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM by calling 717-653-2057.

The Catacombs Restaurant offers dining several stories below the surface of the street in the aging cellars of Bube's Brewery. One is taken on a guided tour of the brewery as they are led to their tables by a costumed guide. One will experience a unique fine dining experience with a menu that includes both traditional and gourmet dishes. Dinner is served seven nights a week in the Catacombs beginning at 5:30 on weekdays and 5:00 on weekends.

A Medieval Feast is held most Sunday's in the Catacombs Restaurant, complete with a cast of characters who will interact with audience, making them part of the night's entertainment. Also, Roman Feasts are held several Sunday's a year, as well as a Halloween Feast in October. Advance reservations are necessary by calling 717-653-2056. Private feasts may also be arranged for groups of 20 or more on nights other than Saturday and Sunday.