Theo's Bar & Grille — Restaurant in Lower Allen

I don't have enough positive things to say about Theo's. They came through for us during a very difficult time, and hosted a private party event for us following my father's funeral, with excellent food, exceptional service, and on very short notice.

None of my father's immediate family (including myself) are local to the area and were not familiar with Theo's. But when I contact them to inquire as to availability and pricing, they quoted a simple, elegant menu that would satisfy the entire group (young and more senior folks alike). They gave us a customized menu (we were not limited to only their published dinner and lunch selections) and accommodated our request for buffet style, instead of a more restrictive sit down event. They even had a small table of petite desserts, ordered fresh from the nearby Pennsylvania Bakery.

Theo did not give me a contract to sign, or even require a deposit. He just asked what food we wanted, how we wanted it, and for how many people. I wasn't even sure if he would take our last minute request seriously, but when I visited the restaurant the night before, they had all of the information down and were able to show me the space (even multiple options) for our private party. It was perfect.

Theo said he's been 'doing this years' and it shows. Our event was seamless and of the highest quality. The waitstaff even helped us cut a cake (it happened to incidentally be someone's birthday) and gave us plenty of to-go boxes so everyone could bring home leftovers. It was just what we needed, and a very welcome end to what was a very difficult week.

THANK YOU THEOS AND TEAM!! We couldn't be...

Hosted a 30 person group outdoors in late November. The owner Theo and his staff were very easy to work with, even changing up the plans relatively last minute for a group of our size with ease. Patio was wonderful. Very nice stone and plentiful heaters both propane free-standing and hanging from above. Our COVID-conscience crown appreciated the bar area outdoors being open but still warm. There was an extended patio area which was unheated that we didn't use, but it still looked very nice and new. It was closed at the time of our visit.

Food not only exceeded my expectations for Central PA, but was very good by any standard. Menu ranged from budget friendly sandwiches and pizza to delicious seafood dishes, steaks, salads and pasta. Lots of positive remarks on the food. The specials were particularly thoughtful. Great beer and cocktail menu. Several TVs outside for good viewing.

We ate at the outside bar and tables so there was a very limited staff present, but they were timely and attentive. I heard talk among our group about how good the service was. They were open to how we wanted the checks split and were very accommodating.

We only passed through the indoors on the way to the restroom, and it had a family restaurant vibe. Lots of parking. Location was good and it was easy to find.

We were in town for a group outing and Theo's fit the bill wonderfully. I'm not from the area so I won't be a regular, but when we're in town again Theo's will be a destination for a...

It appears this place cherry picks, or, who knows.

My wife has been requesting to stop by Theo's for months now (we are retired from the military lifestyle after having been away from PA for 25 years prior) and much to my dismay, we did. Why dismay? Well, look at the footprint for a non-chain restaurant; it's huge, so surely given that, COVID and inflation, the prices are a bit high, for the atmosphere.

So what was the atmosphere? We were seated by a hostess who appeared to either disgruntled by her employee, or that we were wearing less than desirable attire (no flip flops or frayed clothing, rather it's a hunch..). We sat there with menus open for about 5 minutes. We sat there for an additional 5 minutes with menus closed. No drink order taken, no acknowledgement of any kind, except when we were leaving, at which time I overheard one of the servers say, "they're leaving." Upon exiting, we were given salutations of, "have a good evening." Umm, we had JUST arrived.

As I didn't wish to make a stink, I left without saying a word, though, I left without recourse as well, so there's that.

It is doubtful I will return. Look, I know the industry is hurting, but, 10 minutes without a drink order is unacceptable by any measure. There are obviously many good reviews, so I want to give them the benefit of the doubt that this was a one off, albeit, it was Theo's first...