Lancaster Smokehouse, affectionately known as the lanc, is a popular southern-style barbeque restaurant located in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. Situated at 574 Lancaster Street West, this restaurant is housed in a historic building that was originally built as a railroad hotel in the 1840s. Over the years, it has undergone several renovations, including extensive restoration work following four fires between 1992 and 199In 2011, the building was acquired by Hog Tails, who transformed it into their second location and rebranded it as the Lancaster Smokehouse. Today, it is renowned for its smoked meat dishes that are prepared using aged hickory, setting the stage for a delightful culinary experience.
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A Rich History
The Lancaster House, initially known as a railroad hotel, holds a significant place in the history of Bridgeport, Ontario. It was the first hotel constructed in the area and was issued a license to Gottlieb Bitzer. In 1896, John Grasser purchased the building from Habfried Hunderhager. Throughout the years, the hotel served as a meeting space and even had an 85-person dining room during the 1930s, under the ownership of Herman Wagner. From 1956 to 1976, David Kirby owned the tavern, and during his tenure, he established the Ocean Queen lounge, which became a popular jazz venue with a nautical theme. However, the building faced a series of fires between 1992 and 1994, ultimately leading to its complete renovation. Mike Kelly owned the building during this period, and the tavern continued its operations as a bar and a Dixieland jazz venue.
In 2009, Hog Tails, a southern barbeque restaurant based in Waterloo, was established by Chris and Cathy Corrigan. Due to its overwhelming success and limited seating capacity, the restaurant decided to expand and purchased the Lancaster House from Mike Kelly in 201As a result, the tavern was rebranded as the Lancaster Smokehouse. Chris and Cathy Corrigan undertook extensive renovations, including upgrading the kitchen facilities and expanding the seating capacity to accommodate up to 600 guests. The original Hog Tails location in Waterloo was eventually sold to Darryl Haus in 2015 and permanently closed.
Despite the change in ownership and the rebranding, the Lancaster Smokehouse has continued to embrace its roots by hosting weekly Dixieland jazz shows, a tradition that was initially established by David Kirby. In recent years, the Smokehouse has also introduced weekly blues shows. The restaurant gained further recognition when it was featured on the popular Food Network show, you gotta eat here! in 201To enhance the dining experience, the Smokehouse added a concrete outdoor patio in the early 2020s, providing guests with the option to enjoy their meals al fresco.
Southern-Style Barbeque Delights
The Lancaster Smokehouse is renowned for its authentic southern-style barbeque dishes, with a menu that primarily focuses on meat-based offerings. Some of the signature dishes include Texas short ribs, Nashville Hot Chicken, Po' Boy sandwiches, and Beef Brisket. These dishes are prepared using traditional smoking techniques and aged hickory, resulting in tender and flavorful meats that are sure to satisfy any barbeque enthusiast. The menu also features local beers, wines, bourbons, Southern-themed cocktails, and a selection of soft drinks to complement the flavorful dishes.
Portion sizes at the Lancaster Smokehouse are generous, ensuring that guests leave with satisfied appetites. In fact, the restaurant has gained a reputation for providing ample portions, with some diners even taking home leftovers for the following day. For those with a sweet tooth, the Smokehouse partners with Crumb Bakehouse, a sister company, to offer delectable desserts that perfectly complement the savory barbeque flavors.
A Receptive Audience
The Lancaster Smokehouse and its predecessor, Hog Tails, have played a significant role in popularizing southern cuisine in the Waterloo Region. Their success has inspired a trend of Southern food restaurants in the area, offering residents and visitors a taste of the South in Ontario. The restaurant has garnered positive reviews for its food and atmosphere, with many praising the rich flavors and authentic barbeque experience. However, some critics have noted occasional delays in service and expressed mixed opinions about certain dishes. Nonetheless, the Lancaster Smokehouse remains a beloved destination for barbeque lovers and those seeking a unique dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is the Lancaster Smokehouse located?
- What is the history of the building?
- What type of cuisine does the Lancaster Smokehouse serve?
- Does the Lancaster Smokehouse offer vegetarian or vegan options?
- Can I make a reservation at the Lancaster Smokehouse?
The Lancaster Smokehouse is located at 574 Lancaster Street West in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.
The building that houses the Lancaster Smokehouse was originally built as a railroad hotel in the 1840s. It has undergone several renovations, including extensive restoration work following four fires between 1992 and 199
The Lancaster Smokehouse specializes in southern-style barbeque dishes, with a focus on smoked meats prepared using aged hickory. The menu also includes a variety of side dishes, desserts, and beverages.
While the Lancaster Smokehouse primarily focuses on meat-based dishes, they do offer a few vegetarian options, such as salads and vegetable sides. However, the menu may be limited for those following a strict vegan diet.
Yes, the Lancaster Smokehouse accepts reservations. It is recommended to make a reservation, especially during peak hours, to ensure a table is available.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| - Authentic southern-style barbeque | - Occasional delays in service |
| - Generous portion sizes | - Mixed opinions about certain dishes |
| - Weekly Dixieland jazz and blues shows | |
| - Featured on Food Network's you gotta eat here! |
Overall, the Lancaster Smokehouse is a must-visit destination for those craving authentic southern barbeque in Kitchener, Ontario. With its rich history, flavorful dishes, and vibrant atmosphere, it offers a unique dining experience that will satisfy both locals and visitors alike. Whether you're a barbeque aficionado or simply looking to explore new culinary delights, the Lancaster Smokehouse is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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