The 573 area has a wide variety of eateries to boast. From up-scale fine dining restaurants, to eclectic specialty places, to favorite local burger joints, whatever your craving is, you’re bound to find it here in the 573. My favorite places are the out-of-the-way, hole-in-the-wall, diamond-in-the-rough dives that go unnoticed by most, but is a treasured secret oasis for locals in the know.
Too good to be kept secret any longer, here’s one new addition to the 573 Favorites we just can’t help but blab about!
My favorite places are the out-of-the-way, hole-in-the-wall, diamond-in-the-rough dives that go unnoticed by most, but is a treasured secret oasis for locals in the know.
Right off of highway 72 in Millersville, there’s a brand new place that’s taking the locals by storm. I’m sure if you travel this road, you’ve probably passed it several times without even knowing it exists. Camouflaged by the original mother company, The Millersville Pit Stop Gas Station, The Pit Stop Lounge is a sweet little country oasis breathing the breath of night life into this sleepy little rural town.
Greeting us at the bar with that warm small town hospitality, a young woman smiled, took our drink orders and said to take a seat wherever we like. We picked a nice spot in the sun by the window and started studying the menu which was written in dry erase on a giant white board across the wall. Very big menu...both in items and size...lol
We didn’t have much time to look though before our drinks arrived, and they were so beautiful I nearly forgot we were there to eat food!
The Frozen Strawberry Margarita was everything you’d expect and so much more! So sweet it was almost like candy, you can’t even taste the alcohol! With a flavor that will remind you of those fruit rollups mom used to put in the lunch box, but spiked to your desired strength, this tasty icee cocktail will have you giggling like a schoolgirl in no time! As a bonus, The Frozen Strawberry drink mix comes virgin, and you can build whatever drink you want with it, it doesn’t have to be a margarita...or even a cocktail for that matter!
...nothing short of magical.
The Dream Sickle is another fishbowl sized serving of frozen goodness. Aptly named this drink is take-you-to-another-world delicious! Creamy, dreamy, sweet and light, this refreshing orange and vanilla flavored treat, much like the Strawberry, tastes just like a familiar favorite from your nostalgic past...Push-up Pops! And also like the Strawberry, you can have whatever kind of shot (or shots) your heart desires added to the mix. We tried ours with peach schnapps and it was nothing short of magical.
The next drink we tasted must be named more for where the drinker can be found the following day and not so much for its features. Looking like a mystical clear turquoise ocean lagoon, and tasting like pure heaven, The Irish Trashcan is made from 6 different hard liquors, including both rum and vodka, and a splash of Redbull. Strong, deceptively decadent, and hypnotically beautiful, this drink is downright dangerous. Much like sneaking a peak at a deadly singing siren, proceed with caution…
Soon after our drinks arrived, the first dish was out, and I could not wait to sink my teeth in!
The Grilled Chicken Salad had the whole table going oooh! Impressively large, and loaded with an array of delicious ingredients, The Grilled Chicken Salad commands the attention of the room when it’s served. With huge pieces of tender tasty grilled chunks of chicken, crunchy italian spiced croutons, big hunks of thick bacon, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, chives, and your choice of dressing, this meal was so hearty and satisfying, I nearly forgot it was a salad!
The Grilled Chicken Salad commands the attention of the room when it’s served.
Next up was the BBQ Pork & Pimento. Around here there’s one place... that I probably don’t even have to mention... that most people think of when you think pulled pork and pimento, but I’m telling you, The Pit Stop is giving them a run for their money.
...a new local legend.
With an impossibly thick serving of sweet tender pulled pork and a spicy slab of pimento cheese grilled between two pieces of Texas toast, this BBQ Pork & Pimento sandwich has quickly become a new local legend.
The Pork Steak dinner at The Pit Stop Lounge is, for lack of a greater word, PHENOMENAL! I knew I was in for a treat when we asked the waitress for a steak knife and she looked at us like we were nuts before turning around to get one saying, “Ok...but you won’t be needing it…”
The Pork Steak dinner at The Pit Stop Lounge is...PHENOMENAL!
Shelly’s secret pork recipe creates a steak so tender it falls apart at a touch! Served with a side of your choice and a hot soft buttery baked potato loaded with cheddar bacon and chives, and topped with the most perfectly balanced sweet/spice BBQ sauce I’ve ever had, this melt in your mouth rich delight was hands down the table favorite!
...trying not to slip into a food coma...
As we leaned back in our chairs trying not to slip into a food coma, owner and long time entrepreneur, Shelly Williams came by to check and see how we were doing, giving me the perfect opportunity to find out more about this awesome place.
Built and established during the 2020 shut down, The Pit Stop busted onto the scene like a force to be reckoned with and hasn’t slowed down or had to look back once. Its Grand Opening was in August of 2020 and it has been growing like crazy ever since.
“It was kinda scary,” Shelly said about deciding to follow through with her business plan after the announcement of the Covid-19 quarantine lockdown. “I’d already been approved for the loan in February and we had just started construction on the new building.” With the fear of a pandemic, an unstable market, and an uncertain future, Shelly bravely pushed forward and took her chances betting on herself, which was the best move she could have made, and I’d wager the folks around here think so too.
...a one stop destination for food, fuel and fun entertainment!
Not only does The Pit Stop Lounge offer an extensive and impressive food and drink menu, they also have fuel, a convenient store & an ice cream bar next door, AND a game room with billiard tables, darts, slots, and a jukebox in the back. With ladies night and karaoke every Thursday, and several opportunities to try your luck with their game of Spades or scratchers as well, The Pit Stop Lounge in Millersville is a one stop destination for food, fuel and fun entertainment!