This in-depth, Alternate Lancaster assessment covers every part it’s worthwhile to learn about downtown Lancaster’s premier rooftop restaurant and cocktail bar.
Situated on the Twelfth ground of the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Sq., The Alternate gives panoramic views, upscale New American delicacies, craft cocktails, and an environment in contrast to anything within the area.
Whether or not you’re planning a date evening, weekend brunch, or sundown drinks with a view, The Alternate Lancaster delivers a memorable eating expertise definitely worth the reservation.
THE EXCHANGE LANCASTER AT A GLANCE
- • Location: 25 South Queen Road – Twelfth ground of the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Sq.
- • Delicacies: New American, Small Plates, Craft Cocktails
- • Value Vary: $–$$ (Small plates $12–18, Mains $24–36, Cocktails $12–16)
- • Hours: Mon–Thu: 4–10pm • Fri: 4pm–12am • Sat: 11am–12am • Solar: 11am–10pm
(Brunch served Sat–Solar 11am–3pm) - • Reservations: Extremely really useful, particularly for sundown hours and weekends
- • Greatest For: Sundown cocktails, date nights, spectacular views, particular events
- • Web site: theexchangelancaster.com
The Alternate Lancaster Evaluate: First Impressions
Subtle design and superb views at The Alternate | Photograph: Higher ResidingIt’s not on daily basis you discover a refined rooftop bar in a mid-sized historic metropolis, which makes The Alternate so sudden in Downtown Lancaster, PA.
This rooftop restaurant and lounge on the Twelfth ground of the Lancaster Marriott gives one thing you merely can’t discover elsewhere within the space – panoramic views of each town’s historic character and the encircling Amish nation.
We arrived round 5:30pm on a spring night, taking the devoted elevator on to the restaurant. Stepping out, we had been instantly struck by the stylish, up to date ambiance that felt prefer it belonged in a a lot bigger metropolitan space.
The area is fantastically designed with floor-to-ceiling home windows, dramatic lighting, glossy furnishings, and an open kitchen the place you possibly can watch the culinary group in motion.
The Area
The dramatic chandelier and open kitchen at The Alternate | Photograph: Higher ResidingThe Alternate completely balances indoor magnificence with out of doors leisure. The inside eating space options comfy leather-based seating, a bar, and unimaginable views from practically each desk. The design aesthetic is fashionable however heat, with wooden tones and earth colours creating an inviting ambiance that’s upscale with out feeling stuffy.
The out of doors terrace is the place The Alternate actually shines. A number of seating areas embrace high-top tables, lounge seating, bar seating, and comfortable fireplace pits surrounded by chairs. Glass limitations guarantee clear views whereas offering safety from the wind.
The View from The Alternate Lancaster Rooftop
The view from The Alternate rooftop the place historic downtown meets countryside | Photograph: Higher ResidingOkay, the view right here is totally unimaginable. We scored a desk close to the home windows and had been handled to a sweeping panorama of downtown Lancaster’s church steeples, historic buildings, and the rolling countryside past. Even with mild rain that night, watching the sundown paint every part in pink, purple, and orange was fairly magical.
What blew me away is how one can see Lancaster’s complete persona specified by entrance of you. The entire historic downtown spreads out beneath, after which simply past all that metropolis allure, you’ve received rolling inexperienced farmland stretching to the horizon. It’s like getting the right snapshot of what makes Lancaster so distinctive – you actually see the place the historic metropolis ends and the countryside begins.
The Meals at The Alternate: Small Plates, Massive Taste
Govt Chef Ryan McQuillan has created a menu that’s as spectacular because the views – elevated consolation meals with inventive twists that showcase native components. The menu is split between shareable small plates and extra substantial entrées, with wood-fired pizzas forming a good portion of the choices.
What We Ordered
Calabrian Chili Wings with toasted hazelnuts | Photograph: Higher ResidingThe Calabrian Chili Rooster Wings ($16) had been crispy with simply the best steadiness of warmth, sweetness, and crunch from the toasted hazelnuts. They’re served with a blue cheese dressing to chill off the spice. These aren’t your typical bar wings. They’re severely next-level and fully addictive.
Crispy Child Artichokes with grated parmesan and citrus aioli | Photograph: Higher ResidingThe Crispy Child Artichokes ($14) are an enormous portion that arrive golden and crunchy however completely tender inside. They’re served with a shiny citrus aioli that’s superb for dipping and the parmesan on prime ties all of it collectively fantastically. We actually scraped the plate clear.
Spicy Crab Bucatini – beneficiant crab, good al dente pasta, unimaginable flavors | Photograph: Higher ResidingFor one thing extra substantial, the Spicy Crab Bucatini ($26) delivered wealthy, satisfying flavors with a touch of warmth. The pasta was al dente, and the crab was surprisingly beneficiant. No skimping on the seafood right here. The San Marzano tomato sauce had depth with out overpowering the fragile crab.
Strawberry Matcha Tiramisu | Photograph: Higher ResidingFor dessert, the distinctive Strawberry Matcha Tiramisu was the right finish to tame the warmth from the wings and pasta. Strawberry flavored cream wrapped round a cloud-like cake and dusted with matcha powder made for a pleasant spring-inspired pairing, balancing earthy richness with shiny sweetness.
All through our meal, we watched the kitchen sending out wood-fired pizzas that appeared and smelled unimaginable, they usually weren’t skimping on dimension both. A number of diners round us ordered them, and based mostly on their reactions, these will certainly be on our listing for subsequent time.
The Drinks
The Mezcolada. A smoky-sweet mixture that modified our thoughts about mezcal | Photograph: Higher ResidingThe bar program at The Alternate is severely spectacular. The colourful purple and pink cocktails aren’t simply Instagram-worthy, they’re expertly crafted with distinctive taste mixtures.
The Elixir #2 ($14) with gin, St. Germaine, and Sauvignon Blanc was floral and refreshing, superb for heat climate sipping on the out of doors terrace.
Elixir #2 with gin, St. Germaine, and Sauvignon Blanc | Photograph: Higher ResidingWe additionally tried the Mezcolada ($14) with Joven Ilegal Mezcal, Piña Colada Tea, lemon juice, and peppered honey. It’s a smoky-sweet mixture that was effectively balanced and distinctive. I’m usually not an enormous fan of Mezcal, however this drink modified my thoughts.
Additionally they provide a stable wine listing with good by-the-glass choices and native craft beers. For non-alcoholic choices, they’ve a number of inventive mocktails with the identical consideration to element as their spirited counterparts.
Service & Hospitality
The service at The Alternate is excellent. Our server Jozlyn was educated about each the food and drinks menus, providing sincere suggestions when requested and checking in at acceptable intervals.
After we had questions on components, she didn’t hesitate to examine with the kitchen, and she or he appeared genuinely enthusiastic concerning the restaurant. That zeal got here by way of in her detailed descriptions of preparation strategies and taste profiles. The pacing of our meal was spot-on. We by no means felt rushed, even because the area stuffed up.
The Crowd
The out of doors terrace at The Alternate in Downtown Lancaster, PA | Photograph: Higher ResidingBy the point we left round 8pm, each seat on the bar and most tables had been crammed with a energetic mixture of date evening {couples}, after-work gatherings, and guests like us experiencing Lancaster’s shocking rooftop scene. The ambiance was energetic however not overwhelming. You might nonetheless maintain a dialog with out shouting.
The gang appeared various in age, with a mixture of younger professionals, middle-aged {couples}, and even just a few well-dressed older patrons. There’s no costume code however general the vibe was smart-casual, relaxed, and even a bit refined.
Worth
Whereas The Alternate isn’t a price range eating possibility, the costs really feel honest for the standard, expertise, and setting you’re getting. Small plates vary from $12-18, mains from $24-36, and cocktails from $12-16.
Contemplating the prime location, glorious service, and the apparent care put into each meals and drinks, we discovered it to be good worth in comparison with related institutions in bigger cities, the place you’d simply pay 30% extra.
Closing Ideas on Eating Right here
Flooring-to-ceiling home windows present unimaginable views from each seat | Photograph: Higher ResidingFor Lancaster’s dimension, The Alternate feels just like the sort of stylish rooftop you’d anticipate in a a lot bigger metropolis, but it maintains a heat and accessibility that makes it a must-visit throughout any downtown Lancaster keep. It’s superb for particular events, spectacular date nights, or just treating your self to sundown drinks with a view.
The Alternate efficiently balances being a vacation spot restaurant with out feeling like a vacationer lure. They’ve created one thing that appeals to guests whereas sustaining the standard and authenticity that retains locals coming again.
Insider Suggestions
- Reservations: Make them effectively prematurely for prime sundown hours (5:30-7:30pm)
- Timing: Arrive 15-Half-hour earlier than your reservation to get pleasure from a drink on the bar first
- Seating: Request a window desk when reserving, however the out of doors terrace is the prime spot when climate permits
- Climate Concerns: Out of doors seating is topic to cancellation for rain or excessive winds, so have a backup plan
- Parking: The Penn Sq. Storage is most handy, positioned at 28 S Duke Road
- Age Restriction: Have to be 21+ to enter after 4pm
- Gown Code: Whereas not explicitly said, good informal is suitable and helps you match the vibe
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Backside Line
The Alternate gives probably the most memorable eating experiences in Lancaster. The place nice meals, inventive cocktails, and sweeping rooftop views come collectively in an area that feels each elevated and welcoming. It’s the sort of place you inform associates about, and the explanation you’ll begin planning your subsequent go to earlier than you’ve even left.
Often Requested Questions About The Alternate Lancaster
Is The Alternate Lancaster rooftop bar open year-round?
Sure, The Alternate is open year-round, with heated out of doors seating accessible in cooler months.
Does The Alternate Lancaster take reservations?
Sure, reservations are extremely really useful, particularly throughout sundown hours and weekends.
What kind of meals is served at The Alternate in Lancaster?
The menu options upscale New American delicacies, with small plates, wood-fired pizzas, and inventive entrées made with native components.
Are you able to go to The Alternate only for drinks?
Sure, friends can benefit from the rooftop bar for cocktails, wines, beers, and mocktails with out ordering meals.
What’s the costume code for The Alternate Lancaster?
Whereas there’s no formal costume code, most friends put on smart-casual apparel.
The place can I park for The Alternate Lancaster?
The Alternate is positioned within the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Sq., which has a related parking storage with in-out privileges for resort friends. Road parking is obtainable (free after 6pm) and a number of other public parking garages are inside two blocks.
When is the perfect time to go to The Alternate Lancaster?
Arrive round 5:30pm to safe a major window desk for sundown views. The rooftop will get busy by 8pm with a energetic mixture of patrons. Weeknights are typically much less crowded than weekends.
Does The Alternate Lancaster have out of doors seating?
Sure, The Alternate options out of doors fireplace pits and heated seating areas on the rooftop, good for having fun with cocktails with panoramic views of downtown Lancaster’s church steeples and historic buildings.
Is The Alternate Lancaster costly?
Anticipate upscale pricing to match the elevated ambiance and prime rooftop location. Small plates and appetizers are fairly priced for the standard and portion sizes, making it accessible for each particular events and informal drinks.
How does The Alternate examine to different Lancaster rooftop bars?
The Alternate is Lancaster’s premier rooftop eating vacation spot, providing a classy expertise you’d anticipate in a significant metropolis. The Twelfth-floor location gives unmatched views of the historic downtown space and surrounding countryside.
Instructions
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