Review!!!!

Alrighty... I don't have the patience to update since the last time I wrote... So this is my restaurant review for The Porterhouse. Enjoy!!!

For the college student with a desire for great but reasonably priced food and beer that is brewed on site to compliment the restaurants menu, The Porterhouse Brew Pub and Restaurant in Lahaska can’t be beat.

The Porterhouse is a ten minute drive from campus, straight up 202 North in Peddlers Village. It’s unassuming from the outside but guests are welcomed by the 10 vats of fermenting beer behind a wall of glass. There’s a view of the vineyards from the upper-level seating area and the overall effect of the restaurant is friendliness.

Frequented by suits-and-ties, young families, and couples young and old, The Porterhouse caters to those with a desire for great food in a comfortable atmosphere who don’t want to break the bank. The ambiance is relaxing while not too dark. Most of the employee’s are Philly sports fans so there is a good chance that one of the multiple flat-screen TV’s will be tuned in to the evenings game. Don’t worry though ladies, the volume is kept low so as to prevent that sports bar vibe.

The best time to go is Tuesday thru Thursday evenings. This is when you’ll be able to mingle with the regulars and get great one-on-one service from your wait staff or bartender. This is also the best time for more intimate dinners. Beware! If you plan on going on a Friday or Saturday evening, go early! For one, the lunch menu will be much gentler on your wallet and secondly, it’s not unusual to encounter one-hour waits as early as 6 o’clock.

For the uncertain diner, the wait staff is generous in suggesting menu items that are popular and wine or beer selections that will compliment your meal. Waiters and bartenders are great resources for a superb meal that most diners take for granted!

It’s difficult to go wrong with any of the appetizers, soups, sandwiches and salads though. These college-kid-friendly items are simple, slightly adventurous, extremely satisfying and priced well. Their renowned burgers are less than $10 (unless you upgrade to the sweet potato fries which is highly recommended by the author) as are their fresh salads and flavorful appetizers. For diners who have more sophisticated palates and a great appreciation for well cooked steaks (and, perhaps, slightly deeper pockets) the selection and the quality of Porterhouse steaks rivals those of steak houses.

Gabe, the man in charge, is often found mingling, greeting, and serving dinners. When asked how he wants people to feel when they walk into the restaurant he says simply, “Welcomed!” In these tough economic times, the restaurant industry is suffering. People realize that it’s much more cost-effective to go to a grocery store than dine out. As Gabe points out though, “…We have our regulars and our menu is consistent 99% of the time, the portion sizes are good, and the prices are modest. That’s why people keep coming back.” And when asked to pick his favorite item from the lunch menu? He considers all his options (it is an extensive menu), verbally debates with himself, then, fifteen minutes later announces, “The buffalo chicken sandwich is my favorite!”

To recap, students with grumbling bellies and thin wallets can enjoy numerous menu items for less than $10. For the best deals, go in the afternoon and eat from the lunch menu. To avoid the crowds and enjoy an intimate dinner with your sweetheart or good friends while getting attentive service, go on a weeknight. For those who get giddy about food and wine/beer pairings, ask for suggestions from the wait staff. For a couple, an appetizer to share and a sandwich or a salad each will put the bill at a comfy $30. Skip the appetizer and save $10. If your parents are visiting and offer to take you out for dinner, take the opportunity to cash in on Mom and Dad’s generosity and go to The Porterhouse and get your steak and seafood entrée’s. Just make sure to say thanks!!