Haven't been the the original CKW, so I don't know how this compares, but the drinks are on point, and the location is pretty great as well. Lots of seating inside (though a little limited at the bar), and outside there's a nice expansive patio with tables, umbrellas, and additional seats. I haven't tried any food here, as there's a decent Mexican restaurant and Zoetropolis, which has excellent food, all connected by this patio. Some nights and weekends, you can enjoy live music outside, AND the patio is dog friendly! The parking situation is pretty good too -- if you can't find a spot on the street, there are two parking garages and two paid parking lots near Lancaster Central Market, all within easy walking distance. read more

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This is one of my favorite bars in the city. They are a tap room only, but they allow you to bring your own food in to eat while you are drinking. Their beers are delicious and they also have PA spirits if you do not like beer. The staff are so nice and they often have live music on the weekends in the summer. The patio outside is perfect especially, if you have a dog. It's an amazing location and the vibe is awesome! read more

Columbia Kettle Works 2nd Gear - Breweries Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

I absolutely loved this place. Great indoor and outdoor seating options. It's nestled between a Mexican food restaurant and Zoetropolis- also a super close walk to other breweries! The server was great. We watched the Penn State game and enjoyed our flights. We will definitely be back to try more of the great list of beer available! read more

Columbia Kettle Works 2nd Gear - Breweries Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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We popped over to Columbia Kettle Works for a quick drink during our weekend in Lancaster. There is a pretty big draft list and the friendly bartender gave us a few tastes before we settled on our full pours. Since PA requires food to be served with drinks, the business is selling hot dogs and veggie dogs to fit the requirement. My husband and I shared a hot dog and, I have to admit, it was a delicious treat that went great with the beer! We enjoyed our beers and hot dog at the picnic table outside. Cute spot and I'd happily return! read more

Try a weeknight or get a growler if there is a beer you know you like. If all else fails pack ear plugs. Maybe the novelty will wear off. We were visiting friends in Lancaster and checking out a few breweries in the area. This was our second stop of the night. We had dinner plans later so were not there to eat but apparently you could get takeout from next door. The place was packed. I know it was a Friday night but it was uncomfortable. We ordered a few beers and found a spot stuck in a corner to stand. We eventually grabbed one bar stool to share between the three of us. It was also very HOT. I heard multiple people complaining about it. In February it was necessary to go outside to get some air and cool off. It was also incredibly loud. It was hard to carry on a conversation. They don't clearly state on the board regarding a la carte tasters or flights or how many are in them. They do sell flights but we just split some different beers. I understand it was busy, but it was hard to get even a second to chat with the bartenders or get any recommendations. The beer list is all up on a digital board. We ordered the chocolate brown, the Arcanus Bock, the Clan Gunn Scottish Lager, and the Kulmbacher export. The chocolate brown was the best of the bunch in my opinion. All the beers were good, but none blew me away. There are so many other breweries. I would rather go someplace where I can have the option to sit and I can carry on a conversation with the people I am with. I would say give it a try and taste some beers. I would just avoid it on the weekends. read more

Verdict: A night at the Kettle Works works for me. 3.5/5 Came here with a group of friends. I hadn't been to the other location so I enjoyed the chance to try some more of their selection. None of the beers really jumped out, yet none were bad. Clan Gunn Scottish Lager was my first pint. I liked it but grew a bit tired of the flavor 10 oz in. The Kulmbacher Export scwartzbier was my second pint and that would be my go-to next time. Nothing spectacular but certainly an enjoyable and easily drinkable beer. There's a Mexican restaurant right next door, with an adjoining door. You don't need to go outside. They'll deliver. Sure, it's like 10 feet but it's nice that they'll bring the food to your table. Is it good? Not sure. I wasn't feeling it that night. Looked about standard for PA Mexican fare. read more

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The Retired Guys made it out again, stopping at a newly opened bar in downtown Lancaster. Check out our experience at: https://beerafternoon.blogspot.com/2018/10/2nd-gear-lancaster-taproom-columbia.html Full text here: It may be a challenge to find this downtown Lancaster gem, but it is certainly worth the effort. Tucked away on North Water Street around a shared courtyard with Zoetropolis and the yet to open Cocina Mexicana, is 2nd Gear Lancaster Taproom -- Columbia Kettle Works. The area is still somewhat of a construction zone on the outside, but inside is a taproom finished comfortably with a kind of hip industrial look. As with most well planned establishments, when inside the world outside melts away and the city hustle and construction fades. Garry and I made a quick walk through a few weeks ago to make sure we could find it. From that visit we knew we had to return. At that time we met Maddie and Justin, the staff on duty. Justin was our bartender today and was as welcoming as before with quick conversation about the beers available and very interested in our quest to visit all of Lancaster County's pubs. He was eager to assist in our selection with samples and a description of whatever we were not sure of. With 16 taps it does not measure up quantitatively to some of the taprooms with mega numbers of spouts, but all of the drafts are high quality Columbia Kettle Works brews plus a few guest taps with other micro-brewery products of the same standard. 2nd Gear also seems to have a friendly and engaging clientele that sets a very nice atmosphere when you are not a "regular". We had the pleasure of enjoying everyone's conversation including that of another new downtown business owner of The Bread Pedaler, Robbie. Looking at his menu peaked our interest to visit another new Lancaster City restaurant. He spoke of his menu items using fresh local ingredients. We all should support local business. It is building this growing Lancaster County economy. In the end, 2nd Gear is worth getting out the GPS or consulting Google Maps if necessary. If you go one time, I'm sure you will find your way back again. Until next time, CHEERS! read more

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This is a fantastic brewery! Great service, great beer! Highly recommended the IPA's , but the other beers also looked good. Even with current limitations in businesses, they are doing a fine job all around. Will go again. read more

Columbia Kettle Works 2nd Gear - IPA - Breweries Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Great new addition to Lancaster! Columbia Kettleworks' second location. Delicious beers as always!! Went for the soft opening. Did not see many snacks, but you are free to bring in food (not drinks) from other places. The place has a cool vibe and great service behind the bar! read more

Columbia Kettle Works 2nd Gear - Breweries Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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Not for the beer it's because Justin is not tending the Taproom on Tuesday anymore .. he's warm friendly and inviting tells u his name and asks urs .describes the beers in detail..and always recommends a great one ..the place has no vibe without him Only going on his shift and numerous others feel the same.. read more

Overall: Despite the exterior they are up and running. It's a little cold and sterile even by new industrial standards. Nothing very inviting or cozy, but nothing offensive either. Just kinda there. it was mostly empty, so that didn't help, but It is connected to Zootropolis, so there's your charm I guess. Should also help a lot to get Cocina open next door. Beer: Started with an IPA and was underwhelmed. Luckily, the bartender was persistent and got us into some good German brews (should have known with Chad brewing). All in all, left feeling like they had a solid draft list and nice to see a few guest taps too. Staff: Couldn't be nicer. read more

Disclaimer here: I was dressed as The Jolly Old Elf Himself....Santa. It was for the Santa Stumble benefiting the Lancaster City Police. So they couldn't tell it was yours truly. Right off the bat.... service at their other location was an issue. NOT HERE. The two barkeeps were absolutely great. The beer tasted better, the air was cleaner, everything was uplifting why? The SERVICE!!! Santa says these guys were NOT naughty but very nice. Expect some good stuff underneath your trees. Good job boys! read more

Columbia Kettle Works 2nd Gear - Columbia Kettle Work 2nd Gear Santa Stumble - Breweries Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Was visiting Lancaster for the weekend I went with my friends. Beer just ok nothing wow . I feel quiet pricey for what it is, but the service was very rude on Saturday night the bartenders were ignoring us the whole time. So next time in Lancaster I rather take my friends elsewhere. read more