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If you need evidence that Proof of Lancaster is the spot to be when dusk hits, you’re in luck.
From the steps leading you downstairs to the specially curated lighting that sparks ambience, this speakeasy-adjacent whiskey and wine bar is much more than a watering hole. It’s a place to sip cocktails with an international twist and taste small plates with a farm-to-table feel.
Be forewarned: You may spend your entire evening mingling at the bar with neighbors or chatting with others while sitting comfortably in a high-back loveseat. In short, it’s an experience, not just a stopover.
Bar manager Alex Faulkner says he’s especially passionate about “the crux between art and agriculture” where wine and spirits live. Rather than limiting its geographic scope, Proof went in the opposite direction, sourcing from myriad international locations—and unexpected ones at that. A cabernet-merlot blend from Israel, an Indian whiskey, and a Norwegian gin are just some of the choices before you. That’s not to mention scotches aged upwards of 30 years. For those bent on hops, Proof’s rotating draft list satisfies.
“You’ll be able to taste something from somewhere that you may not have experienced before,” says Faulkner.
Owners Rob Ecklin and Sara Tuscher are a family duo operating Proof under Ecklin Development. They started Proof in mid-March with the notion of “bringing a touch of worldliness to our small town,” as Faulkner puts it.
Despite the focus on the beverage side of things, you won’t leave Proof hungry. Its small plates and charcuterie are generous, teeming with imaginative ingredients like rabbit, salmon roe, foraged mushrooms, speck, drunken goat cheese, fresh oysters, and wild ramps. Proof switches its offerings frequently throughout the seasons, the marking of a truly adventurous establishment. What’s there one visit may not be the next, though customers can trust that the quality will be consistent.
As you sip your cocktail—some floral and refreshing, others smokey and citrusy—the excitement of a varied meal only compounds the experience.
Whether you go for food, a night cap, or both, top it off with a house-brewed espresso at the end for a well-rounded take.
Despite its upscale appearance, Proof remains a comfortable, cozy environment with a smart casual dress. “There’s definitely a casual element,” says Faulkner, meaning you can still feel comfortable while spending time there.
Faulkner is passionate about wine and spirits, touting the diverse and accessible program suited for a wide range of palates. It’s not just your surroundings, but also the flavors you get the chance to imbibe that bring a level of warmth to Proof.
For Faulkner, his personal sense of adventure seeps into Proof. “I love the outdoors. I rock climb. I try to do backpacking trips whenever I can,” he says. “That kind of folds into wine and spirits at their best.” The fermentation that these beverages go through is nothing if not rooted in nature.
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Since Proof operates exclusively in the evenings, it’s not a happy-hour-style establishment. As the bar evolves over time, expect wine and whiskey flights and other experiential additions to further evoke that existing sense of adventure.
If you’re seeking a spot for quaint events, Proof is the solution. The private room accommodates up to 25 people, a solid size for a range of occasions. Your event will take on the space’s refined, yet artsy feel. Alternatively, you can rent out the whole place for a night to suit additional guests.
At Proof, exposed stone and brick bring in a sense of home while contemporary textures, seventies light fixtures, and lo-fi music give that going-out feel that patrons love. Ultimately, the bar and lounge (not to mention the highly attentive staff at your beck and call) do what they came to do: serve small plates, wine, and spirits with a premium complexion.
Proof’s interior designer Wendy Stewart Phillips says, “We looked for all natural materials like the zinc bar top, cork floor topped with handmade Turkish rugs, leather sofas, and copper tables to create a rich surround that was warm and inviting.”
Phillips adds that Proof is “another example of historic re-use,” something Ecklin Development is known for. This is seen in their work with the Stevens School Ballroom, Conestoga House and Gardens, Griest Building Observation Deck, and more. “Again and again, they take architecturally significant buildings in downtown Lancaster, renovate them with authentic, top shelf materials, and reinvent them for today’s relevant use,” she says.
Proof of Lancaster is open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to midnight. It’s first come, first served with no reservations required, though groups of eight or more or those planning an event can contact info@prooflancaster.com to secure space. Visit www.prooflancaster.com to learn more.
Proof Lancaster
30 N Queen St (Lower Level) Lancaster, PA 17603
