August 8, 2024Bert & The Elephant: Authentic Belgian Beer
Looking for a new experience in Lancaster City? Transport to Belgium at Bert & The Elephant, a new bar serving authentic Belgian beer and food! Bert Flores, the owner, is excited to spread his passion for Belgian beers across Lancaster City!
From Millersville to Lancaster City: The Evolution of Bert’s Bottle Shop
Starting off in 2017 in Millersville, PA, as a transition out of working in IT, Flores created Bert’s Bottle Shop. There he sold 450 different types of bottled beers, having takeout be the focus with a small percentage of customers dining in. While operating in Millersville, he noticed that Belgian beers gained a following. He then visited Belgium multiple times and truly immersed himself in the culture, discovering his love for the “beer culture” they have.
After a few years in Millersville, Flores decided to move downtown to a larger space which is now Bert & The Elephant. By opening in the city, Flores can reach his main goal of drawing more people to Lancaster City.
Creating a Belgian Experience: The Ambiance and Design of Bert & The Elephant
When entering the restaurant, customers will be greeted with the ambiance of a traditional Belgian bar including dim lighting and a cozy, inviting atmosphere. One unique aspect of the setting is the shelving above the bar full of glassware, which was designed by Flores himself. Each different beer is served in a glass specifically meant for it. Adding to the experience even more, the bar and bar stools take influence from the Belgian bars Flores visited. He explains that he wants customers to think of Bert & The Elephant as an experience. “What I tried to design is not just a restaurant, but a destination.”
Something for Everyone: A Diverse Beverage Menu
Flores notes that although they will focus on beer, there will still be something for every customer. “We are going to be focused on mainly Belgian beers, but also American craft and for the folks who like wine and drinks, we will have something for everyone.”
Once given a menu, customers can choose from a variety of beverages spanning from Belgian beers on tap to American craft beers and wines from countries like Spain, Italy and France. If you can’t decide from the 16 Belgian beer options, customers can always ask for a flight and enjoy an array of flavors. If you are looking for something sweeter, opt for the premade craft cocktails on tap. Choose from options like a Long Island or a Margarita all created from Flores’s homemade recipes.
Belgian-Inspired Cuisine: Savor the Flavors of Belgium
The food served also immerses every customer into Belgian culture. Choose from simple options like mussels and frites to more complex options like Belgian meatballs in a wheat or blonde beer cream sauce with garlic shallots and mushroom gravy. You also can’t forget to order the ultimate comfort food: beef carbonnade, an onion based Belgian beer beef stew served with fresh bread and a side of fries.
A Nod to the Past: Keeping Bert’s Bottle Shop Favorites on the Menu
Additionally, Flores understood that he needed to incorporate the original menu items from Bert’s Bottle Shop as well. “We tried to have many Belgian inspired items at the start, and we knew we needed to keep some staples from our old location which are wings and flatbreads.”
Customers can find comfort in the familiar and enjoyed dry-rubbed, doubled baked wings lightly tossed in sauce, or a fresh locally made flatbread from Sunny Daze Flatbread in downtown Lancaster City.
A Community Hub: Bert Flores’ Vision for Lancaster City
Overall, Flores feels very connected to Lancaster and hopes to make an impact through his business whether that is fundraising or providing a spot to foster a sense of community within the city. “I am a Lancaster County resident, I went to school in Philly, and I’ve always had a home here.”
Visit Bert & The Elephant at 29 E King Street in Lancaster City!
