GREAT ALL AMERICAN DINER RUN

Thisilldous Eatery presents

GREAT ALL AMERICAN DINER RUN

tasty places to take your bike

VIC’S WAYSIDE INN BAR & HOTEL 2645 LINCOLN HWY E, RONKS, PA 17572-9773 • 717-687-9186

We parked and walked up to the darkened building. If Shira had Spidey-Sense it was on red alert. “Umm, really it looks closed - let’s go!” “No it’s not – it’s a roadhouse. C’mon, let’s check it out.” “Okay… you rst.” I opened the door and the dark exterior was bathed in a warm illumination from inside. “What the f#@k…!” This all started just 20 minutes earlier. We were heading down to the Potomac Vintage Riders yearly Vintage Swap Meet. Looking to get there early, we had headed down to the Amish region of Pennsylvania that day and took a room at the very nice Hershey Farm. Nice staff, decent food, comfortable rooms, and a barn full of animals to play with. But, nothing in the way of nightly entertainment. We were sitting in the room at ten to seven twiddling our thumbs. Having enough of this I did a quick search and discovered Vic’s Wayside Inn Bar & Hotel. The reviews were mixed – to say the least, ranging from scary to the best dive bar on the planet. I’m in… Shira ehhh, maybe not so much, but she would come along anyway. Thus we ended up at a windowless roadside establishment next door to the Scottish Inn. Shira made the comment that places like this never went well in Supernatural. I was raised in bars like this but Vic’s took the roadside bar to an entirely different level. The large two-room tavern’s walls were covered with memorabilia from around the planet – much like our beloved Monkey with a Gun but on steroids! Unlike the Slaughtered Lamb, we got no silence or stares just friendly nods and the perkiest bartender we have met in a good while – PJ – came over and asked us what we’d have and then hung with us a bit. In a short time we learned that Vic’s was owned and operated by, well, Vic who had been here for over 50 years - Vic would probably be down around 10ish – but I knew we’d be in bed watching Bob’s Burgers by that time. Still, the bar was really fun – even if you just walked around taking in everything that was on their walls. In the attached room three women were playing a game of pool – Shira and I took note - waiting for an opportunity to play a game or two. Curious about the bar, I asked if they were locals and came here often. No, they were not – just three sisters from West Virginia on a yearly sister’s

weekend. They stumbled upon Vic’s and were more than happy to hang. I asked from where in the Mountain State they hailed. The one sis said, “Oh, a little town – you probably never hear of .” Try me – I am slightly familiar with one of the greatest motorcycle states in the nation. She said “It’s called Paw Paw.” I said, “Oh the town with the great tunnel.” That got them all shocked and smiling and we made three new friends for a few hours. Back at the bar, we asked PJ about the hotel. There really is not a hotel, as Vic lives there. Okay. But, there was one other thing about Vic’s – maybe as good as the atmosphere – they serve up really good food. Ney, fantastic offerings and nothing you’d think of in a place with this…umm décor. Along with some staples of the American tavern pub menu, you’ll nd Jumbo Hot Wings, Burgers, Dogs, and Cheese Steak sandwiches – but add to that Crabcake, Meatball, Beef and Pulled Pork sandwiches. The Chili and Chicken Pot Pie also looked good. But it was the other offerings dangling on signs off the shelf above the bar that got our attention and when some of these were brought out our eyes did get truly wider. Incredible Ribs, Shrimp & Scallops, Steamed Clams, and the best…Crab legs that made us wish we had waited on dinner. Now, before you start yappin’ about drinking and riding let me tell you that if you are riding in the region and looking for a simple place to overnight – take a room next door and walk over to Vic’s – the atmosphere, crowd, and especially the food is outstanding and not expected in the middle of this Amish area; or stop in during the day and have a coke – that always works too. Anyway, you decide. When in the Ronks region of Lancaster stop in at Vic’s Wayside and say hi to PJ from us. We promise you will not be disappointed. ~ Brian Rathjen