A blend of inventive pub fare and a welcoming atmosphere
By Katelynn Henry
The Avalon Ale House is more than just another restaurant. It has brought a tropical paradise to Hanover with colorful wallpaper and neon signs adorning the walls, unique plants and tanks filled with fish of every color. “I am mostly inspired by my travels,” says Matt Albright, owner of The Avalon Ale House. “Every time I go somewhere, I bring a new idea back with me.”
Once located across town, The Avalon Ale House found a new home in the Grandview Plaza in August 2024. In its new Baltimore Street location, the ale house has grown in its style and its offerings. “We want to stand out from the rest while still having something for everyone,” says Albright.
The Avalon’s menu blends classic comfort food and coastal-inspired favorites. Enjoy chicken wings bathed in one of the 30-plus sauces with a side of fries. Devour loaded nachos as a starter and an Avalon burger as your meal. Expand your palate with items such as the Sunken Ship, featuring grilled bread topped with a crab cake and red shrimp immersed in a bowl of cream of crab soup. Or try the Seafood Ramen, consisting of ramen noodles bathed in an IPA seafood broth with shrimp, vegetables and a snow crab cluster.
Pair your meal with a drink from the ample draft list, featuring everything from crisp IPAs and refreshing ciders to smooth lagers and fizzy seltzers. For something different, explore the well-rounded spirits and wine menu, or treat yourself to a specialty cocktail from the rotating specials menu.
The Avalon hosts weekly events such as Trivia Night on Tuesdays, All You Can Eat Chicken and Fries on Wednesdays, All You Can Eat Crab Legs and Shrimp on Thursdays and Karaoke on Fridays. The ale house also hosts live bands on occasion.
The Avalon’s Rickhouse
Tucked away behind a bookshelf, another world exists. Stepping into The Avalon’s Rickhouse speakeasy, visitors are immediately greeted with antique decor, comfy seating and a calm, relaxing atmosphere. Behind the bar, whiskies of every kind adorn the wall. The lighting dances across the glass bottles, making them shine with golden allure. There are over 300 whiskies for everyone to try. “We want to create a community,” says Toby Wildasin, the Rickhouse’s whiskey advisor. “Whether you have a deep love for whiskey, just starting out or don’t like whiskey at all, there is a seat for you here.”
The Rickhouse opened in June. What started as a whiskey bar has slowly developed into a unique speakeasy through its hidden entrance and cozy atmosphere. Albright did not plan the venue’s historical decor; it has developed alongside his journey with whiskey, hospitality and creativity. It gives the room an ever-evolving, organic spirit.
The Rickhouse speakeasy’s decor is not the only reason to visit. Albright and Wildasin have worked hard to curate a whiskey selection like no other. “Typical bars may carry Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark and Woodford Reserve,” says Wildasin. “We love getting whiskies you won’t see at other restaurants.”
Customers wanting to expand their taste for whiskey can try one of the carefully curated whiskey flights. These blind flights put an eccentric spin on discovery, creating a fun, flavorful challenge.
In September, The Avalon and Rickhouse introduced Avalon’s Pours of Paradise to their menus. The whiskey is exclusive to the restaurant after being hand-selected by Albright, Wildasin and their team. “Not every restaurant gets this kind of opportunity,” says Wildasin. “We were able to select our own barrel and have it be our very own whiskey.” This whiskey can be tried as a single pour or in a signature cocktail. Try the Avalon’s Pours of Paradise while getting into the fall spirit with the Cinnamon Bourbon Crush cocktail.
Along with the wide-ranging whiskey selection, the Rickhouse offers a rotating cocktail menu exclusive to the speakeasy. Customers can also enjoy the full Avalon Ale House food and drink menu while enjoying the ambiance of the Rickhouse.
With its dual venues and diverse menu, The Avalon Ale House and Rickhouse bring a rare sense of originality. The decor, food and drinks combine to make more than just another meal; they make an experience to be remembered. Whether you’re visiting Hanover or a local looking for a new place to eat, pull up a chair at The Avalon; you just might find your new favorite spot!
The Avalon Ale House
18 Baltimore St., Hanover
717-797-3881
www.theavalonalehouse.com
11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday
11 a.m. – midnight Friday and Saturday
11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sunday
The Avalon’s Rickhouse
4 – 10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday
4 – 9 p.m. Sunday
