Federal Taphouse — Restaurant in Harrisburg

Stopped by here for a late lunch. My wife and I were some of the only customers at the time. Service was OK, our server was also the hostess but didn't really impact service since it was during a low period. I don't drink, but my wife was impressed with the great craft beer selection. Lots of unique finds to try. If you are into craft beers, this is a good place to try. For food we got the poutine and the peach and prosciutto pizza. I thought the poutine was good as the fries were really crispy and the cheese and gravy were OK. My wife is really picky about poutine, so she wasn't as impressed. The pizza had a great flavor, but had two issues. First, the center of the crust was too flimsy and soggy. There was no way to eat a slice without folding the tip up towards the crust or using a fork. Second, really didn't notice the prosciutto at all. Out of the entire pizza, only tasted it in one bite. If it was there, it was chopped so small as not to be visible. But what gets the low score was the bathrooms. Both my wife and I were disgusted with them. The smell hit me in the face as I walked through the door of the bathroom. Reminded me of an outhouse. Was some minor graffiti in the bathroom too. The beer keg sinks were cool,. but poorly done as the faucet spout sits too far back and water ends up splashing over the back of the sink onto the floor. My wife said the women's bathroom was even worse. This then makes us wonder if the kitchen is maintained any better than the bathroom. For this reason alone, we won't...

100 beers on tap, how awesome! This would be a beer lover's dream if it was not for a few major oversights.

No flights,no samples, terrible service (for a high end beer bar - bar tenders should know beer).

I was shocked, when the bar tender told me there was a 1 sample limit - even though they are about 3/4oz. 100 beers - but you only get one sample. I have never been to a variety beer bar that does not have samples. The bar tender was not able to give an appropriate recommendation either. It's more upsetting when you consider the high price of the beer. Most places keep the beer prices fairly consistent and adjust the size of the glass. A run of the mill tripel cost us $10.00 The prices are not shown on the menu or the board.

The food is above average, but nothing to write home about. The salad I got would have been fantastic except for the rubber chicken slices.

When you go to a place like this, you want a few things:

Samples when picking a beer, possibly flights, a bar tender with knowledge of the products served.

I should have read the reviews, they are spot on. Although, even I was floored by the 1 sample policy.

A good idea, ruined by poor management. Look elsewhere. There is no point in going to this place, unless you want a mediocre bar experience with a...

I love the beers here- great selection, good brews. Also, their fries are definitely among my favorite; but so far, every time I've been to this location (about 6 -8 times), I've had the same server. She is blonde and works behind the bar, and EVERY time I go, she treats my table like we're a complete nuisance- from the second we walk through the door! I've ignored it every time. A few times, I've asked for her opinion on a beer and every time she has just said "it's good" and that's it. That is NOT helpful in a taphouse with 100 beers on tap. Beyond that- she'll come up to the table the second I sit down and ask if I'm ready to order- every time I have said "I'll just need a minute" and then she'll come back.... 30 minutes later (not exaggerating); It's pretty freaking frustrating. When the bartenders are not busy, they'll just stand at the end of the bar and talk, which is fine, but that's the main reason they take 30 min to come back to the table for our order. I've given this place a couple of chances now, it's not the restaurant's fault, but if that bartender continues to serve me, I am about fed up....