Fig & Barrel Pub Brings Pre-Prohibition Cocktail Culture to Downtown York

Exploring the pub’s creatively elevated menu of eats and libations

BY HANNAH BEARD | MARKETING & MERCHANT ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

Fig & Barrel Pub brings historic and urban vibes to Market Street in Downtown York. The décor is a nod to York’s past, including leather chairs from the old Yorktowne Hotel in front of the fireplace, exposed original brick walls, and light fixtures made from steel and cable that are reminiscent of York’s industrial roots.

“One of the things we liked about York was the history,” said Nathan Novak, who owns Fig & Barrel Pub with his wife Lisa “Part of our concept was something that felt old and authentic. We love this building’s old brick walls and architecture. This place had the authenticity we were looking for.”

Celebrating its 5-year anniversary this Fall, Lisa and Nathan knew they wanted to plant their restaurant roots here after learning of the growth happening in Downtown York.

“We were excited about all the development in Downtown and thought we could contribute to that. We wanted to be a part of helping to revitalize and make the city come alive again,” shares Nathan.

The menu reflects the couple's beliefs and passion for creating a unique dining experience, resulting in elevated comfort food, creative craft cocktails, and pre-Prohibition libations. “The food is made correctly, the classic way, the way it's supposed to be done. We make everything ourselves in our scratch kitchen,” says Nathan.

The pre-Prohibition theme is even embraced by the staff, who dress in old-fashioned garb on Thursday nights, while live jazz is featured, to highlight a big part of the pub’s historical concept.

Nathan was never a French fry guy, so they won't be found anywhere on the menu, but there is a section dedicated to Potato Tots with creative takes like Poutine and Loaded Crab. Other menu items Nathan and Lisa love are the Woodfired Pizzas. Both make for great late-night eats. On Fridays and Saturdays, the kitchen is open until 1 am, and drinks are served until close at 2 am.

“We love the energy of Downtown York. We love all the people we have met, the people are really great,” Nathan added.

NEW MENU ITEMS TO TRY:

Avocado Tartine - Sourdough toast, avocado smash, feta, house-roasted red vinaigrette, arugula, served with a side salad

Bloody Mary Board - House fire-roasted tomato Bloody Mary mix, rotating selection of spirits like York-made Jalapeno Holla Vodka, cheeses, olives, pickles, shrimp, and bacon

Mimosa Board - Pineapple, grapefruit, mango, and pear juice, side of prosecco, fresh berries

The Fig & Barrel Pub | 25 West Market Street, York, PA 17401 | figandbarrel.com

MY DOWNTOWN:

Favorite spot to grab a quick bite?

“I like to walk around CENTRAL MARKET and see what strikes my fancy.”

Where do you shop downtown?

“I enjoy SUNRISE SOAP COMPANY, MY GIRLFRIEND’S WARDROBE, and ARTEMIS VINTAGE.”

Favorite gallery?

“CREATIVES ON KING in the Royal Square District. Reagan Bitler (owner) was a high school teacher of mine and helped assemble our dining tables at FIG & BARREL.”

-LISA NOVAK, THE FIG & BARREL PUB