Cute speak easy type of restaurant/bar. Great staff and drinks. Friendly and gives great cozy vibes while being in a crowd but not feeling crowded. read more

First of all, the restaurant is in a brick lined basement, so it is LOUD LOUD echoey & LOUD. I had high hopes at the beginning because we got a lovely corner table and the ambience seemed nice. But I already knew which oysters I wanted to order because I could hear easily from across the room the choices from another table. But within 15 minutes of our seating, they seated a table of eight loud people right next to us while the rest of the 100 seat restaurant was completely empty on a Tuesday. Confused me. I know for sure that I had put on my reservation that this was an anniversary dinner, but I guess that wasn't noted or important to this restaurant. That's OK it's our first visit. First impressions I guess aren't important. Luckily, I had a paper napkin in my purse, and I was able to wad it up and put it in my ears: that helped decrease the noise level. My husband is lucky for him very hard of hearing, and he just can turn down his hearing aids. Our dozen oysters were delicious; and the mignonette was very good. Again raising my hopes. My husband's "Cha Muy Buena" cocktail was tasty for him; alas there were not any interesting vodka martini variations for me and my dirty martinis were barely adequate over the course of the night--slightly soiled maybe. My husband was also happy with his hot lobster roll. For my anniversary dinner I was really looking forward to a nice steak but alas, I was not interested in paying $65 for 6 ounces of Waygu; so I settled for your Belvi bao bun rip-off, which was fine and by the time it came out, I was so hungry I devoured it. And then for dessert: I was so excited to get the cheese course because I saw you had the Humboldt Fog! And I figured you could not mess this up! And my husband loves a good port which he was able to order the Grahams 30 year (but wow? no 40 year ports? hmm) 30 minutes later: I mean, I guess you had to bake the bread to go with the cheese??? I can't imagine what else would take that long. Except again that you have one server for 100 seat restaurant on a Tuesday night and there's 35 people in it. I guess I need to plan my anniversaries on different nights. Or buy better fire suppression for Josephine's because I don't ever wanna give my anniversary up to anybody else again!!!! read more

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Stopped in for dinner while on a business trip. I had planned to just sit at the bar but they offered me a booth which was super cute and very comfortable. While I was perusing the very long drink menu a guy set up and was playing music live! My cocktail was very good! As was my lobster roll which kind of surprised be being from New England myself! We would call it a Connecticut style roll more than New England. I don't usually order dessert but I had a hankering so I got the Texas brown sugar cake. I would say there was too much topping but it was tasty. read more

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We stopped into Proof on a freezing Friday night, since it was new since the last time we had been to Lancaster. It's located I believe in an old bank vault and it is below ground. When you see the sign for the restaurant outside, you go into the alcove and open the big iron gate and go down the steps. It's really cool down there & it has a nice dark speakeasy vibe. There were groupings of couches and tables. We ended up actually sitting at the bar. They actually had comfortable barstools. I would probably recommend a reservation. We had made a reservation for 5 PM and then decided to sit at the bar instead of a table because they told us that all the couches were reserved... But we were there for well over an hour and there were plenty of couches still available when we left, so I'm not sure what the deal was there. The cocktails are pretty pricey going as high as about $19. I had seen online that they had a flight of sparkling wines and before I arrived I was considering that until I realized it was $40. But the cocktails are very well mixed. The food menu I'm sure would not appeal to everyone. It's kind of eclectic and they have some small plates and a few entrées, but it's pretty limited. I would recommend the charcuterie board because you can just pick and choose from the charcuterie menu as to how you want your board created. We were all pleased with the charcuterie board. We would most likely return there for cocktails, but I don't think we would do it as a dinner spot, we ended up going elsewhere to eat our dinner. But I definitely do recommend checking this place out! read more

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I was visiting my brother and we decided to finish our night off by stopping at proof. The atmosphere was beautiful incorporating the old and the new. The ambience was very comfortable and upscale. I did not know they had food there as we were only there for drinks, so I'll have to try the food next time.I enjoyed the service because it was non-invasive and gave us our space to converse eight but they seem to notice exactly when we needed more drinks. I would definitely recommend this place if you're in Lancaster for a drink. read more

Proof - Menu - Lounges Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

The food was delicious, service great. However the dessert that we ordered was cheesecake , the top was burnt! The server told us they burn the top of cheesecake to make the center creamy. Well unfortunately the cheesecake was not enjoyable to me, but everything else was good. read more

SO good! This has been on our list for quite some time and I'm so glad we finally made it in. First, what an amazing atmosphere. The stone walls, the lights, the vibe .. love it all. It's very cozy and inviting. Everyone on staff we encountered was fantastic. Our server did an excellent job with recommendations and being attentive. The food .. AMAZING!! The charcuterie board is a must and wow what a portion. My ravioli was so good .. I've never had anything like it. Highly recommend! read more

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A frequent place my co worker and I love to hit up on weekday social hours (half off drinks, some special food items). Ambience kind of has that art deco vibe (did I get that right?), trendy, speakeasy vibes all around. Great place to bring friends and dates. It is small, so I would either place to sit at bar or make a reservation online. Service is always great! The waiters are friendly, personable, and quick to clear tables and get round the clock drink and food orders. Great cocktails, fun with a decent variety, I do believe they add or switch it up every now and then? Will have to get back on that ha ha. They have a decent wine and spirit selection as well. Food is always delicious! I haven't had a single item here that disappoints. The only down side is that they had such a small kitchen, so fries are not on the menu. They rotate these items as well. Good oyster selections, always tasted fresh. Charcuterie is always a wonderful shareable! I would not recommend Proof for a large hearty dinner (some friends of mine have come with that intention), but if you just want something like or drinks with small plates, this a good place for that! read more

Proof - Lounges Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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The food was outstanding! We had a combination of appetizers and plates! The flavors and textures treated our palates with such delicious treatment! Come here!!!! Casey was also an amazing server! Ambience was excellent! Loved the holiday decor! . Keep up the great work! read more

Came here for an after dinner drink and was able to be seated at a nice cozy table immediately. The decor is very trendy and there was a nice amount of people there. Our server was very knowledgeable and polite. Even the bathrooms were beautiful. I'll definitely go back to try the food. read more

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Proof has been on my list for SO long and I was not disappointed! This place has some very innovative (and a few classic) dishes to go with some great drinks and a beautiful speak-easy atmosphere. Our server was so kind and quick, and I loved her earrings (Tums logo in the shape of a heart). Everything was delicious, from the clearly fresh seafood tower, decadent lobster risotto, refreshing spring greens, savory seared local duck breast, and light and sweet Meyer Lemon Cake. The Hibiscus Mistress and Putting on the Ritz Mocktail were also lovely and refreshing. Overall, a wonderful experience and I'd love to come again soon. read more

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Stopped in for drinks. Had an old fashioned that was great! Entire party enjoyed their drinks. Definitely recommend!

Had dinner with my wife here last night for the first time. What a pleasant surprise! The people, the vibe, the drinks, and the food were all great! Friendly and attentive service from a very professional staff. We left with big smiles on our faces! Now to the highlight of our experience - these folks serve up the best Oysters in the area and they do it right! Having a chance to chat with our server/barkeep, it was clear they take Oysters as seriously as we do. Simply put - no need to go to Philly, Baltimore, or NYC to find the best Oysters - just to go to Proof. And then try everything else - it was all first rate! read more

Reminds me of Conway Social and The Exchange, as far as ambiance and decor. Proof has the same low light, intimate feel like Conway and various sized relaxed lounged areas like Exchange. Service was friendly and knowledgeable. Terrible photo, but you walk down the steps to the right of Details (opening the metal gate/door and walk down steps). Upon entrance, there is a large group seating area, which shifts to the bar, high tops, and then smaller "pod" like seating around the corner. The booths on the right provide privacy, while the seating to the left is open and designed with comfy plush seating. Only had cocktails this time, which were delicious! Looking forward to trying the small plates next time. read more

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This new bar shows promise with its trendy atmosphere and extensive alcohol list. While the potential is evident, there are areas that need improvement. Service can be a bit slow due to the crowd coming in. The cocktail menu was a bit lacking. Most of the cocktail options were alcohol forward with only one option that was fruit/citrus forward. I'd imagine with the addition of more cocktail options would please a variety of taste buds. With some adjustments, this bar has the potential to become a standout destination in the future. read more

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I heard that this was a newer bar that had opened in Lancaster and needed to try it out while visiting. From our arrival, we walked in with welcoming live music. It was pretty packed when we came, so it took some time for the servers to come around. Unfortunately, they had run out of ingredients for the pisco sour early into the night, so I just ordered a gin sour. The drink was done very well, I just wish there was a few more options of signature cocktails with varying flavor profiles. As for the food menu, there was a good selection of bar food but I was wondering whether or not this was a bar, restaurant, or both. It was a bit overwhelming to look at the list of alcohol available which I feel like could be omitted from the menu. Overall, with a few changes, I think the experience would be elevated. read more

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We started an anniversary evening on a Thursday evening at Proof. We did look at the menu and decided would just do drinks and appetizers. The drinks were good and the happy hour oysters were total gold. Waitstaff were good answering questions and being flexible with us when we determined it would just be starters and drinks. Mood in the room was an appropriately lit environment. The seating was unique - it has some more relaxed areas with knee height tables (like you might have in a living room) OR we could sit at a table. We chose the table; it felt really large for two people. Looking around the room, all the tables seemed this way. We ended up moving to another location for dinner. Would visit again. read more

My husband and I have been coming to the city to visit family for almost a decade but have never actually been to any bars/restaurants in the city; so my SIL and her husband took us out to a few places and this was one of them. This "basement" speakeasy has a very classic and relaxed feel to it that I really enjoyed. The waitstaff were all very friendly and enjoyable to talk to. They did their best to check in on us and get us what we needed even though the place got very busy fairly quickly. Because it got busy, the volume level got a bit loud at times but the bartenders and the staff did a good job asking patrons who were being loud to tone it down a bit. Our party enjoyed all the drinks we ordered. From their cocktail menu, we ordered the Bygone and the Day Trader; my husband ordered a Dark and Stormy and really enjoyed the dark rum suggestion from our waiter. All in all, we had a great time here enjoying the atmosphere just sitting, catching up and sipping on our drinks. I would recommend this place to others and come back myself! read more

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Lower level space with great ambiance. We were greeted immediately upon entering and were able to pick long bar seating, table seating, or cushioned, high back "love seat" lounge seating. We chose the later for our party of four, as we were having cocktails and apps. Limited, but adequate tapas and seasonally changing cocktail menu. Service was fantastic and food was tasty and ample. No reservations taken, but arriving pre-theater wasn't a problem getting a seat. read more

Proof - Bar area - Lounges Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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Came to check out this space reminiscent of a speakeasy for drinks and was pleasantly surprised to find a scotch based cocktail. Cugine was smokey and sweet without being cloying. The service was attentive without being overbearing. Alas, the food menu did not offer us enough options due to our specific dining needs and preferences, but I dare say those without allergies and other restrictions would enjoy the food options. read more

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Absolute favorite drink spot in Lancaster. The wine list and the small plates are always phenomenal. But our favorite thing has to be the oyster menu. Usually featuring east coast oysters, and they always seem to have stock from PEI or NB which are our preference due to their small size and brininess. read more

High quality food & drinks. We also LOVE the atmosphere, and great had great service! Highly recommend for a dinner with friends/colleagues. read more

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We stopped in for drinks and dessert after dinner. We had the Keylime pie and don't spill the tea and they were both so delicious. Love the atmosphere. read more

First time here last night. Overall, very good and will return. Cheese board was a little disappointing. Cheese was good, a sharp cheddar and a Gouda. But, it was cramped on the cutting board and cheese cut too thick ( a common complaint of mine). Accompanying jamb was very nice, not enough bread however. Main course was a swordfish schnitzel which was delicious, but really more of a katsu with panko bread crumbs. Deserts were the stars of the show; a perfect key lime pie (ask for a knife, no way to cut it with s fork) the server should know this. Second desert was a fig cheese cake. Very, very good. Server was nice but a little slow and completely missed my drink reorder. Atmosphere good, lighting a little low for the menu design, noise level good. Will return! read more

If you are looking for a sensual wine bar in place to get cool cocktails, definitely check this place out. The ambience is perfect and they have an incredible food menu if you're looking for tasty plates with your beverages. The concept that they curate a list of beverages from around the world is awesome and unique. There is nothing else like it in Lancaster! Highly recommend. read more

Food and drinks are great- the lobster roll, charcuterie and crab cakes are favorites. Wish they had blue cheese olives for the martinis!

Had a fantastic meal and evening here on a Tuesday night in December. It was cozy and quiet that night. I had the seared scallops which were great. The drinks were fantastic. The service was present and alert to our needs. Will be back. read more

The schnitzel was delicious and the key lime pie was the best I've ever had. I can't wait to go back

Solid first visit. In our party, the thoughts on the food was a bit mixed. The standout for me was the Burrata. I will visit again when the menu changes or for happy hour at the bar. read more

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Ambiance is 10/10! This is a really cool spot for drinks, I haven't had the chance to get food here yet but sitting at the bar in the dimly lit underground space was really cool and fun. Decent dirty martini as well as plenty of craft cocktails. I'll be back to try the food, great spot for a pre or post dinner drinks for sure. read more

I thought this place was very cute. Loved the atmosphere. Our waitress was a sweetheart and we enjoyed our Old Fashions. I like lively, but it really was way too loud to hold a conversation, even in a little lounge cubby. read more

Very cool vibe, but be prepared to pay top dollar. However drinks were delicious. Service can be a little slow when they're busy.

This place is hands down the best meal in Lancaster, and probably all of Central PA. The menu is constantly changing with emphasis on farm fresh ingredients that rotate quicker than the seasons. The cocktails are consistently top notch, while the rotating food menu has delivered every single time. The Chef Chris pays extreme attention to detail, and it pays off--while you pay an extremely reasonable price. Oh yeah, and it's in a cellar that's older than the United States read more

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A cool new bar/ restaurant located in downtown Lancaster! I came across the restaurant on Instagram and was intrigued by the ambiance and drinks that were posted on social media. So, my fiance and I decided to have a date night here. The restaurant was a little hard to first locate (somewhat hidden) but once you're there, you realize that you can quickly miss it. Our GPS took us around to the back but, there is also a front entrance. We sat at the bar for a drink and split an app. The drink & food menu isn't huge but there are plenty of options to choose from that I'm sure everyone would enjoy something here. For a drink, I had the Clear Conscience and my fiance had the Proof Old Fashioned. We were both very impressed with our cocktails and enjoyed sipping on them during our time there. For an app, we were torn between ordering the fresh oysters or a charcuterie board. We went with the charcuterie board special that evening - speck (cured, smoked ham), drunken goat cheese, roasted nuts, pickled vegetables, and Mediterranean olives. I cannot express enough how delicious this charcuterie board was! I very much enjoyed the speck (reminded me of the fresh prosciutto I enjoyed in Spain) and the goat cheese was amazing. read more

Proof - Charcuterie Board - Lounges Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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Incredible! Greta vibe, great cocktails, great food, great service. The French dip was particularly good.

Had wanted to give Proof a try and restaurant week was the perfect opportunity. Inside you had several seating options, we chose the bar. We started the night with the charcuterie board. The board contained two meats and two cheeses, fresh bread, blueberry jam, olives and mustard. It was fantastic. I had the lobster roll and it was so fresh and buttery. The meat was tasty and filled the sandwich. Hubby had the crab cake, which he also enjoyed. . I enjoyed a wine spritz and hubby stuck with his traditional drink (Hendrix and tonic)-both were very good. Highly recommend stopping by Proof for the atmosphere and enjoy some high quality food and drinks served by friendly staff. read more

Location is perfect, in heart of downtown Lancaster. Menu is full of rotating options, and the drink & spirits selection is next to none in the area. As an avid whiskey drinker, they have quite the selection of American and European whiskey (scotch, Irish). Plenty to choose from. Bartenders are knowledgeable and personable. Recommend to anyone new to not new to the Lancaster area. read more

Great vibe. Have not tried the food yet. Drinks were great. Neat hidden little spot in downtown Lancaster.