Local bars, restaurants coming up with creative ways to comply with state’s alcohol restrictions

A chicken tender for 75 cents or a slice of toast for 50 cents. That’s all you need to order to drink alcohol at Colonial Grille in downtown Irwin.

It’s now offering this new menu option in an attempt to follow the governor’s new order of alcohol consumption only being allowed during sit-down meals. The restaurant had no comment, but we caught up with customers. 

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“With everything going on, it’s a light-hearted way you know to poke some fun at the situation,” customer Chad Barker said.

Other restaurants are doing something similar, such as Ale’s House in Franklin Pennsylvania.

On its menu, you can order the Wolf Dog and Trump Sandwich.

The owner said they are trying to be light-hearted and make the best out of a tough situation.

Other restaurants are also trying to meet the guidelines, such as Hunter’s Inn in Meadville, with its new “Here for a Beer” menu.

“We are going to do what we have to do to stay open, and we might as well do it with a little bit of humor,” said Hunter’s Inn owner Megan Botka.

You can order 25% of the basket of fries, one onion ring or cheese ball.

The owner said she’s having fun with the menu, but she understands the seriousness of the virus and is following every safety guideline.

“But we do have customers that want to stop and have a single beer on their way home after their own stressful day at work. Essential workers, nonessential workers, everybody is entitled to that,” Botka said.

Gov. Tom Wolf ordered the new restriction last week after he said people were ignoring mask and social distancing requirements at bars and restaurants.

According to the Allegheny County Health Department, the increase in COVID-19 cases was attributed to people crowding and drinking at bars while letting their guard down.

With a new bipartisan bill, Wolf is looking to help struggling businesses.

The governor is urging Congress to provide financial relief to restaurants nationwide.

If passed, the bill would provide $120 billion to help restaurants with economic challenges caused by the pandemic.

Local restaurants happy to have indoor dining despite restrictions Local restaurants happy to have indoor dining despite restrictions

Cox Media Group