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Railroad Street Bar & Grill isn’t your typical dive bar; it’s a neighborhood institution brimming with authentic character. Nestled beside the active Reading Railroad line in Linfield’s industrial heart, this establishment offers a genuine, down-to-earth charm that’s increasingly rare. It’s the kind of place you stumble upon and instantly feel like you’ve uncovered a local treasure, a true find on the other side of the tracks.
The Unexpected Journey of Railroad Street
Mike McCloskey, the approachable owner of Railroad Street Bar & Grill, never envisioned himself in the restaurant business. “Eleven years ago, if you told me I’d be running a restaurant, I would have laughed,” he confesses. Initially, McCloskey, a real estate investor, and his partner purchased the property intending to lease it out. However, the location’s raw potential quickly captivated him, sparking a new entrepreneurial direction.
At 44, McCloskey transitioned from real estate to restaurateur, building his vision around beloved comfort food classics and an impressive drink selection. His concept was simple yet effective: elevated bar fare like gourmet grilled cheese, crispy chicken wings, hand-cut French fries, juicy burgers, and hearty steak sandwiches, all paired with an exceptional draft beer system boasting 43 rotating taps. This commitment to quality and variety quickly set Railroad Street Bar & Grill apart.
A Dive Bar Atmosphere with Broad Appeal
From the outside, Railroad Street Bar & Grill might seem like a quintessential blue-collar haunt, perfectly at home by the railroad tracks. But stepping inside reveals a welcoming and eclectic atmosphere that defies easy categorization. It’s a place where generations converge – from families and local workers to hipsters and seasoned beer aficionados. The unifying factor is the bar’s unpretentious and accepting vibe; judgment is checked at the door, and everyone is welcome, whether you’re nursing a light beer or exploring the extensive whiskey selection.
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The bar comfortably accommodates guests in its 60-seat dining area, along the 37-seat bar, or on the spacious 60-seat outdoor patio during pleasant weather. The interior décor is a playful mix of wood paneling adorned with beer labels, vintage license plates, neon signs, skateboards hanging from the ceiling, and humorous placards adding to the lighthearted ambiance. The background music typically leans towards alternative rock, completing the bar’s relaxed and casual personality.
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For those seeking additional entertainment, a back room reveals a vibrant collection of pinball machines, offering a nostalgic and engaging diversion. This dedicated pinball area adds another layer to Railroad Street’s unique charm, making it more than just a typical bar and grill.
Farm-to-Table Flavors in a Bar Setting
Railroad Street Bar & Grill distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Owner Mike McCloskey champions local farms and takes a hands-on approach to food quality, even growing many of his own vegetables. This “seed to sauce” philosophy means that the tomatoes and peppers in their sauces, and many of the potatoes for their famous fries, come directly from nearby gardens, ensuring peak freshness and flavor. Onions, another key ingredient, form the base of the bar’s flavorful sandwich jams.
Burgers and chip steak are sourced from grass-fed cattle raised at Why Not Farm in Glenmoore, PA, further emphasizing the commitment to local and high-quality ingredients.
The French fries at Railroad Street are far from ordinary. Hand-cut daily from fresh potatoes, they are transformed into culinary creations. The Beerchamel Fries, smothered in a rich beer and cheese-infused béchamel sauce, are a customer favorite. For a more decadent option, the Lobster Fries are loaded with lobster bisque, shredded Maine lobster, Monterey Jack cheese, Old Bay seasoning, and Parmesan.
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Chicken wings are another highlight, with a heat spectrum ranging from mild to intensely hot “You Gotta Be Kidding Hot.” Creative sauces like blood orange habanero, jamberry BBQ, and garlic butter enhance the wing experience, offering a flavor for every palate.
The half-pound, hormone-free beef burgers are substantial and customizable. The Jefferson burger features Jefferson’s Whisky bacon jam and provolone cheese on grilled Texas toast, while the St. Lucifer burger delivers a spicy kick with seasonings from St. Lucifer Spice Company, bacon, red onion, sharp cheddar, and a Parmesan-crusted Kaiser roll. The Get Railed burger is a hearty stack of pulled pork, bacon, cheddar, and house-made IPA barbecue sauce.
However, Railroad Street Bar & Grill truly shines with its grilled cheese and gourmet sandwiches. The kitchen team creatively crafts unique combinations like The Worst Crab Cake Ever Grilled Cheese, The Lobster & Cheddar Grilled Cheese, The Spice Orchard Beef Brisket Grilled Cheese, and The French Dip Grilled Cheese.
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A standout is The Claude “Girouxben,” a tribute to Philadelphia Flyers captain Claude Giroux. This epic sandwich is piled high with seasoned steak, bacon, mild and sharp cheddar, smoked Gouda, provolone, and coleslaw, finished with Gulden’s mustard and a sweet balsamic aioli – a true hat trick of flavors.
An Elevated Bar Experience: Whiskey & Craft Beer
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Railroad Street Bar & Grill is not your average “shot and a beer” joint. “This isn’t a shot and a beer joint. In fact, I usually don’t allow shots at the bar,” Mike emphasizes, highlighting the bar’s focus on quality and experience. Whiskey is meant to be savored here. McCloskey’s commitment to local extends to his spirits selection, supporting smaller distillers alongside well-known brands. His house bourbon, Jefferson’s, is a sought-after Kentucky micro-batch. The bar boasts over 500 hand-picked whiskeys, catering to both novices and connoisseurs.
With 43 beers on tap and a curated bottle selection, beer lovers will find their perfect pint. Local breweries like Neshaminy Creek, Victory, and McKenzie’s are well-represented, alongside craft beers from western Pennsylvania breweries like Pizza Boy and Fat Head’s Brewery, showcasing a diverse range of styles and flavors.
Adding to the welcoming atmosphere are the bartenders at Railroad Street. Known for their friendly and down-to-earth personalities, they are ready to offer a listening ear, share a joke, or simply provide a comfortable space to unwind. Whether you’re looking for company or solitude, Railroad Street Bar & Grill offers a genuine escape.
Your Next Favorite Neighborhood Spot
Despite minimal reliance on social media and no prior restaurant experience, Mike McCloskey has cultivated a thriving business rooted in treating his employees and customers well. The devoted following and the ubiquitous ЯR bumper stickers are a testament to the unique appeal of Railroad Street Bar & Grill. It’s more than just a bar; it’s a community hub, a place where quality food and drink meet genuine hospitality.
Railroad Street Bar & Grill is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11 AM to midnight; Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 2 AM; and Sunday from 12 PM to 12 AM. They are closed on Mondays. Stay updated with their offerings on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Visit Railroad Street Bar & Grill at 36 Railroad St., Linfield, PA 19468, or call them at (610) 496-7043.
- Photos: Ken Alan
