Our Story
Our Story
This eatery is one of the oldest continuously operating Inn’s serving food in Pennsylvania. The cornerstone on the front upper floor reads, “Built by Jos. & Ann Bowman 1859 A.D”. In the early years, the Inn was named Ye Olde Golden
Key Hotel. In the early 1900s, it was owned by George S. Trafford.
George was born in Jonestown and worked as an Ironworker in his younger years. He was also a master marksman. He lived in Lebanon on South Eighth Street and passed away at the age of 69. Blanche Molly was the owner of the Inn during Prohibition. The Inn was called Molly’s Tea Room during Prohibition and was just one of the many Tea Room’s or illegal speak-easies that operated at that time.
Tip Karinch, the originator of Karinchville, bought the Inn in the 1930s and changed the name to the Blue Bird Tea Room and eventually the Blue Bird Inn. He owned the establishment until 1996. During this period Frank Karinch, his brother, operated the Inn for 42 years until 1989. During that time, Joe Arnick was a popular bartender.
In 1996, we purchased the Inn and began a massive updating which included the addition of a deck that was again updated in 2015. In 2009, in celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the building, a new section was added off the south side of the building. The new section was designed to provide a unique dining experience unlike any in the area.
This eatery is one of the oldest continuously operating Inn’s serving food in Pennsylvania. The cornerstone on the front upper floor reads, “Built by Jos. & Ann Bowman 1859 A.D”. In the early years, the Inn was named Ye Olde Golden
Key Hotel. In the early 1900s, it was owned by George S. Trafford.
George was born in Jonestown and worked as an Ironworker in his younger years. He was also a master marksman. He lived in Lebanon on South Eighth Street and passed away at the age of 69. Blanche Molly was the owner of the Inn during Prohibition. The Inn was called Molly’s Tea Room during Prohibition and was just one of the many Tea Room’s or illegal speak-easies that operated at that time.
Tip Karinch, the originator of Karinchville, bought the Inn in the 1930s and changed the name to the Blue Bird Tea Room and eventually the Blue Bird Inn. He owned the establishment until 1996. During this period Frank Karinch, his brother, operated the Inn for 42 years until 1989. During that time, Joe Arnick was a popular bartender.
In 1996, we purchased the Inn and began a massive updating which included the addition of a deck that was again updated in 2015. In 2009, in celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the building, a new section was added off the south side of the building. The new section was designed to provide a unique dining experience unlike any in the area.
Our Eatery
Our chef is committed to seeking out the best quality locally sourced ingredients. Our steaks are hand carved from USDA Certified Angus Beef. We use fresh locally grown all natural chicken breast. Our ground beef is ground fresh and never frozen. Our seafood is sustainable from certified fisheries. Our pork and ground beef is sourced from local butcher's.
We believe fresh is better tasting and better for you. Your food is made to your specific order request when your order is placed. We are sure your Server will provide you with an exceptional level of customer service. We thank everyone for their patronage in the past and look forward to your return to the Blue Bird Inn.
Our Eatery
Our chef is committed to seeking out the best quality locally sourced ingredients. Our steaks are hand carved from USDA Certified Angus Beef. We use fresh locally grown all natural chicken breast. Our ground beef is ground fresh and never frozen. Our seafood is sustainable from certified fisheries. Our pork and ground beef is sourced from local butcher's.
We believe fresh is better tasting and better for you. Your food is made to your specific order request when your order is placed. We are sure your Server will provide you with an exceptional level of customer service. We thank everyone for their patronage in the past and look forward to your return to the Blue Bird Inn.
Our Eatery
Our chef is committed to seeking out the best quality locally sourced ingredients. Our steaks are hand carved from USDA Certified Angus Beef. We use fresh locally grown all natural chicken breast. Our ground beef is ground fresh and never frozen. Our seafood is sustainable from certified fisheries. Our pork and ground beef is sourced from local butcher's.
We believe fresh is better tasting and better for you. Your food is made to your specific order request when your order is placed. We are sure your Server will provide you with an exceptional level of customer service. We thank everyone for their patronage in the past and look forward to your return to the Blue Bird Inn.
“This is off the beaten path, but worth driving a few miles out of town. Easy find not far from the turnpike exit at Lebanon/lancaster. Big menu with tons of great options. Their fresh cut fillet is fantastic and always cooked to perfection. Interesting entrees, appetizers and sandwiches. Burgers are delicious. Casual. Big fireplace in the winter, and a great outdoor bar/patio in the summer. Outdoor seating in warmer weather.”
Tripadvisor Review
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“Love the Bluebird, the atmosphere is probably one of the best in the area (especially the patio in the summer), the food is consistently great, and the alcohol selection is great. We are here often for Lunch and Dinner and are never disappointed. The open face brisket sandwich will clog your arteries but you'll be smiling the whole time. 10/10 would recommend to a friend.”
Yelp Review
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“This is the place I hope every other restaurant will be. I stopped here after a bike ride and absolutely loved everything they had. The menu is simple and amazing. It was hard to pick an item. The pork tacos were in a class of their own. The sauces and chutney were delicious. The crab cake was something that all other places should strive to replicate. The restaurant and deck are just fabulous. Orange Crush at the bar was fantastic. I want to eat here every night. I really wish they could train other Inns around the state how to do it the way it should be done. Years ago, this quality was much more common in our state. I really like this Inn!!!”
Google Review
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Address & Hours
Phone & Email
(717) 273-3000
bluebirdinninfo@gmail.comO
Address & Hours
Phone & Email
(717) 273-3000
bluebirdinninfo@gmail.com
Address & Hours
Phone & Email
(717) 273-3000
bluebirdinninfo@gmail.com
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