Since the 1930s the Fairview Inn has been a haven for Lancaster residents looking for a place to unwind, and owner Rick Barnhart Sr. said in that respect, the place hasn't changed much over the last 80 years.

Barnhart purchased the bar 11 years ago after telling the former owner to let him know when he would sell it.

The bar, which Barnhart said was originally a butcher shop speakeasy, still has the original beverage coolers behind the bar. There are legends about how the alcohol would be loaded into the speakeasy from the rooftop, but there's nothing but stories to verify it, he said.

He first ventured into the bar at 176 E. Fair Ave. as a customer in the late 1960s or early 1970s when draft beer sold for 35 cents.

"It was always the place everybody went. It's not a bar, it's a Lancaster tradition," Barnhart said, which he added is the bar's motto considering its lengthy and notorious local history.

The bar serves up standard bar food for lunch and dinner, such as fish sandwiches and chicken tenders, and 10 draft beer options, including import and craft beers. There's also a pool table and jukebox for bar patrons as along with two outdoor patios.

The Fairview Inn will start up its Ohio State football game parties with the start of the season, something the bar is known for. Barnhart said he usually has drink specials and large crowds for the games.

As the old bar's second owner, Barnhart said he hears a lot of stories from people who have been coming there for decades.

" 'I met my wife of 30 years at the Fairview' — those are the kinds of stories," he said. "It's fun and it's casual. It's a gathering place."

The bar and patios are filled with various signs with sayings Barnhart saw and liked during his travels. Whenever Barnhart sees a sign he likes, he copies down the words and has the sign made locally.

He particularly enjoys the sign greeting customers as they walk in from the parking lot near the back patio area: "Welcome! It doesn't cost anything to be nice. If you are not, you get a free ride in a cop car."

This sign, he said, reflects the feel of the bar and warns off anyone who wants to start trouble that it won't be tolerated.

Since Barnhart purchased the bar and the surrounding apartments (there are 10 near the bar), his goal was to "clean them up," and he said the neighborhood has improved greatly as a result.

Barnhart also has future plans to upgrade the Fairview Inn, including installing new floors and a new bar, which will still have an old-style appearance.

"We take pride in ownership," he said.


Twitter: @SpencerRoushLEG

Fairview Inn

The bar is open from noon to 2:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday.

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