Broken Axe Restaurant Opens in Lock Haven
by Chris Miller
LOCK HAVEN – Diversity.
That is what Lock Haven’s newest restaurant option has to offer.
The Broken Axe Brew House, located on the corner of East Bald Eagle and North Liberty Street sees itself as a very welcome addition to the dining and entertainment options available in the city.
The brainchild of locally-known bartender Nick Hawrylchak, Broken Axe will be the only restaurant in Clinton County to offer on-site, fresh brewed beer which will be available in the later-end of 2016. As well, Nick and Chef J. T. Genevish, III have prepared what they say is a menu fit to please any palate.
“The goal is to bring something different to town,” said Nick in an interview Monday night. “It is our hope that locals and visitors to the area will appreciate the diversity in food choices J. T. will be preparing.” Chef Genevish packs a hefty resume of more than 20 years in the food service industry, including experience at Strawberry Hill and Lancaster Brewing Company.
“The focus will be on having fun with the menu,” Hawrylchak said. Genevish will be purchasing food from and supporting local farmers, butchers and bakeries to provide top-knotch local fare. “He (Genevish) has full freedom to make additions to the menu, including driving through the country and finding fresh meats and vegetables to be used for that night’s specials” exclaimed Nick.
Along with a seasonally revolving menu, Broken Axe will be replenishing it’s draught beers on tap. “When one (keg) kicks, there will be a different one to take it’s place the next week.” It is this idea, Nick says, that will keep customers coming in to whet their appetite. With 21 beers on tap, there is enough variety for even the pickiest of tasters. In fact, Broken Axe will assist pickiest of tasters in their quest to find the perfect ale. Nick prides himself on his ability to find the perfect beer for the mood and your tastes.
So what is on the menu for the “soft opening” this week? Broken Axe will be featuring more of their appetizers and small bites for the inaugural opening including house-made hummus, a chicken and bean white chili, house-made pretzels and beer cheese dip, a “build your own nachos” option with pulled chicken and other tantalizingly tasty dishes.
Aside from the ale and foods available there is a great variety of decorum on adorning the walls. From pictures of the 1939 “last raft” down the Susquehanna to postcard enlargements of lumbering days gone by, Nick has been able to work with local historian Lou Bernard of the Ross Library. In fact, there is great reason for the lumbering decoration.
“Lumbering is in my blood,” he exclaimed. Nick and his wife Jocelyn both come from genealogical lines of lumbering families. “It adds a family touch,” he said as he showed pictures of a family member with his lumbering crew carving paths through the forest. “I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for them,” he proudly states.
Broken Axe Brew House will be open from Tuesday – Saturday this week (December 8 – 12) 7 – 10 p.m. by reservation only. Regular dining hours will be open Tuesday – Thursday 3 – 11 p.m. and Friday & Saturday 3-12 a.m. The kitchen will be closed at 10 p.m. all nights.
