Want Pa. Dutch? Try Point Phillips Hotel

Most of us take this for granted, but parts of the Lehigh Valley are simply gorgeous. All along the Blue Mountains, which start at the Delaware Water Gap and separate us from the coal crackers,the views are simply breathtaking. Along the foothills, between patches of state gamelands, are the homes of the Lehigh Valley's mountain men, most of them descendants of our original residents. This story is about an out-of-the-way tavern buried in those woodlands called Point Phillips Hotel. No chain would dare start a business there. I'm sure it would fail every business model. But judging from the parking lot, I'd say the chains are wrong. The place was packed with customers attracted by the outstanding fare, friendly atmosphere, quick service and reasonable prices.

The place is owned by amiable Dan Tanczos, who grew up in the area. In fact, his mom and pop enjoyed their first date there. I had seen Dan at the courthouse numerous times, checking out older deeds, as some people like to do. But I never realized who he until I saw his brother Mark.He was there for dinner with his family, including his mother.  I know Mark because he is a Hanover Township Supervisor. Though Mark warned his brother about me, I was allowed to stay so long as I paid in advance.

What initially drew me to this country restaurant was the smoke house and promise of Pennsylvania Dutch fare. When I was a boy, going to Walp's was a big deal. But for reasons unknown to me, Pennsylvania Dutch food is all but gone from the Lehigh Valley. Outside of the Allentown's Farmers' Market, it's hard to find. But Point Phillips offers Pa. Dutch Pork and Sauerkraut, Dutchman's Steak, Bratwurst and Dutchy sides like red beet eggs, crunchy coleslaw and warm German potato salad.

In addition to the fare that used to be so common in this area, what I loved about the place is its sense of history. Tanczos, who is in the process of helping for a Moore Township Historical Commission., is a walking encyclopedia full of the history of the area.

It's a fascinating story. The original inhabitants along the foothills of the Blue Mountain were subjected to frequent Indian attacks, and would be forced to take refuge in the relative safety of Nazareth. A girl in the first family living at the property may have been abducted (and later adopted) by native Americans.

Across the street from this tavern is what was once known as the Chubbsville Hotel. That has a nice little spring in its basement, and the owner was often teased about watering down his drinks with water from that stream. A customer apparently saw a chub minnow swimming around in his beer.

The Point Phillips Hotel has named a drink after this piece of folklore.

Although the service is quick, this is the kind of place wherre you might want to stay awhile and relax, especially if you like to drink. One of the 12 beers on tap is Point Phillips Pale Lager. From every pint of Point Phillips sold, a donation is made to the Klecknersville Rangers.

I posted my find on Facebook, and learned I am far from the first person to discover what a truly great place this is for a family get together, romantic dinner or just someone who enjoys Dutchy cooking. One of my friends tells me he had a funeral dinner there when a family member passed. Though it was outside the hotel's normal hours, they opened and offered their full menu and bar to his family.