By John Hall for Blue Mountain Town & Country Gazette
Have you ever eaten at the Berlinsville Hotel? It’s a really charming restaurant-tavern, described as a “laid-back, rustic tavern in an old house featuring hearty American pub eats, beer & spirits.” From my personal experience, I can tell you it is perfect for grabbing lunch or dinner. It’s also perfectly located for grabbing dinner if you happen to be on your way to Becky’s Drive-In just down the road.
The Berlinsville Hotel is one of the area’s historic landmarks and is the kind of place “regulars” often hit more than once a week. One friend I took there discovered the “B&B Burger” that is stuffed with “seasoned butter.” She declared it’s the best burger she has ever had and has been back two more times with friends of her own.
Built in 1761 and located at 4588 Lehigh Drive in Walnutport, the Berlinsville Hotel was once a stagecoach stop, a farmhouse and a doctor’s office. The current owners are proud to keep this beautifully maintained historic landmark open today as a popular area restaurant and tavern.
Pride of Ownership
Vicki and Maurice Ash are the current owners and their pride of ownership is clear, not just in the quality of the food and drink, but in the respect they give the historic building. According to Vicki, who I had the opportunity to speak with recently, one way they respect the historic structure is by not expanding it.
When you step through the front door you will feel the history of The Berlinsville Hotel right away. On the first floor, the main dining room will be to your left and the bar with more seating will be to your right. Up the stairs, there are two more rooms for dining and another bathroom that is actually original to the old hotel.
Even though the second floor has been modernized, the history of the building is respected with original floorboards that were brought down from the attic. The owners have also kept as much of the original wallpaper as possible throughout the building and have numerous pieces of hotel memorabilia on the walls.
The Menu
Vicki and Maurice have always been in the hospitality business and understand you need a well-priced, quality menu to keep people coming back, which they do. As owners of the Hotel for almost 11 years, Vicki told me they feel “fortunate and thankful” to be able to operate the restaurant-tavern “with the help of 5 great people in the kitchen.”
I have eaten there three times and you could say the menu has something for everyone. According to Vicki the main menu doesn’t change that much, however for fall she says they expect to add one or two seasonal items. They also have a garden they pick ingredients from in the growing season.
Now although the main menu may not change much the restaurant maintains a “specials” sheet that is always changing. Prime Rib Thursdays is the longest-running special at the restaurant with the other nights known in different ways, such as Monday “wing nights,” Tuesday “taco flights” and more.
Your best bet is to find them on Facebook (berlinsvillebar-hotel) and Instagram to stay up-to-date on the daily specials. The Berlinsville Hotel, which also has a Sunday Brunch from 10-11, is open seven days a week.
