The Pines Restaurant and Beer Garden in Mercer is a cherished local spot that offers a delightful dining experience paired with refreshing beverages. Known for its warm ambiance and diverse menu, The Pines appeals to both casual diners and beer enthusiasts alike.
Whether you’re stopping by for a hearty lunch, a relaxing dinner, or simply to enjoy craft beers in their charming beer garden, The Pines has something for everyone. Their menu reflects a perfect balance of classic favorites and innovative dishes, crafted to satisfy a variety of tastes.
Overview of The Dining Experience
At The Pines, the atmosphere is as important as the food. The restaurant’s interior features rustic decor with cozy seating arrangements, while the outdoor beer garden offers a lush, inviting space ideal for social gatherings and casual evenings.
The staff prides themselves on attentive service and creating a welcoming environment. The menu changes seasonally to incorporate fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring every dish is vibrant and flavorful.
“The Pines isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a community hub where great food meets great company.”
Appetizers
Start your meal with a selection of appetizers designed to awaken your palate. From crispy fried delights to fresh salads, the starters at The Pines set the tone for a memorable dining experience.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Loaded Nachos | Tortilla chips topped with melted cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, guacamole, and your choice of chicken or beef. | $9.95 |
| Beer-Battered Onion Rings | Thick-cut onions dipped in a special beer batter, fried to a golden crisp, served with house-made ranch dip. | $7.50 |
| House Salad | Mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and a choice of dressing. | $6.00 |
| Buffalo Wings | Spicy wings tossed in buffalo sauce, served with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing. | $11.00 |
Main Courses
The mains at The Pines Restaurant showcase a mix of hearty entrees and lighter options, catering to a wide range of preferences. Each dish is carefully prepared to highlight fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Ribeye Steak | 12 oz. ribeye grilled to perfection, served with garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. | $24.95 |
| Beer Garden Burger | Juicy beef patty topped with cheddar, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and house sauce on a toasted bun. Served with fries. | $14.50 |
| Pan-Seared Salmon | Fresh Atlantic salmon served with lemon butter sauce, wild rice, and steamed asparagus. | $19.95 |
| Vegetarian Pasta Primavera | Seasonal vegetables sautéed and tossed with penne pasta in a light garlic and olive oil sauce. | $15.00 |
| BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich | Slow-cooked pulled pork smothered in BBQ sauce, topped with coleslaw on a brioche bun. Served with kettle chips. | $13.95 |
Sandwiches & Wraps
Perfect for a casual lunch or a light dinner, the sandwich and wrap options at The Pines combine fresh ingredients with bold flavors. Each comes with a side of your choice.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey Club Wrap | Roasted turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo wrapped in a flour tortilla. | $12.50 |
| Classic BLT | Crisp bacon, lettuce, and tomato on toasted sourdough bread with mayo. | $11.00 |
| Veggie Hummus Wrap | Grilled vegetables, hummus, lettuce, and feta cheese wrapped in a spinach tortilla. | $11.50 |
| Philly Cheesesteak | Sliced steak, sautéed onions, peppers, and melted provolone cheese on a hoagie roll. | $13.95 |
Salads
Freshness is key in The Pines’ salad selections. Each salad is crafted with crisp greens and seasonal toppings, served with your choice of dressing.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Caesar Salad | Romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, croutons, and classic Caesar dressing. Add chicken for $4.00 extra. | $9.00 |
| Berry & Walnut Salad | Mixed greens topped with fresh berries, candied walnuts, goat cheese, and raspberry vinaigrette. | $11.00 |
| Greek Salad | Tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onions, feta cheese, and oregano with a lemon-olive oil dressing. | $10.50 |
Beer Garden Selection
The centerpiece of The Pines is its beer garden, which boasts an extensive selection of craft beers, local brews, and classic favorites. The beer menu is curated to complement the flavors of the food menu, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Seasonal Brews: The beer garden frequently rotates seasonal and limited-edition brews, offering guests a chance to taste new and exciting flavors throughout the year.
| Beer | Type | ABV | Price (Pint) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercer Pale Ale | American Pale Ale | 5.5% | $6.00 |
| Hops & Pines IPA | India Pale Ale | 6.8% | $7.00 |
| Golden Lager | Lager | 4.7% | $5.50 |
| Stout Moon | Stout | 6.2% | $7.50 |
| Seasonal Pumpkin Ale | Amber Ale | 5.8% | $6.50 |
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, The Pines offers a variety of refreshing drinks. From classic sodas to freshly brewed iced teas, there’s something to quench every thirst.
- Freshly Brewed Iced Tea – $3.00
- Lemonade – $3.00
- Soft Drinks (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite) – $2.50
- Sparkling Water – $3.00
- House Coffee – $2.00
Desserts
Complete your meal with one of The Pines’ decadent desserts. Made in-house or sourced from local bakeries, these sweets offer the perfect ending to your dining experience.
| Dessert | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate Lava Cake | Warm chocolate cake with molten center, served with vanilla ice cream. | $7.00 |
| Apple Crisp | Baked apples with cinnamon crumb topping, served with whipped cream. | $6.50 |
| Cheesecake | Classic New York-style cheesecake with a graham cracker crust. | $6.75 |
Specials and Events
The Pines Restaurant and Beer Garden regularly hosts special events and promotions. From trivia nights to live music sessions in the beer garden, guests are encouraged to check the schedule and make reservations early.
Happy Hour specials run weekdays from 4 PM to 6 PM, featuring discounted beers and appetizers. These offers provide excellent value and a lively atmosphere perfect for unwinding after work.
“The happy hour at The Pines is unbeatable — great food, great beer, and a fantastic vibe.”
Conclusion
The Pines Restaurant and Beer Garden in Mercer stands out as a versatile destination for food lovers and beer aficionados. Its thoughtfully curated menu, combined with a welcoming environment, makes it a top choice for locals and visitors alike.
From appetizers to desserts, and from classic lagers to innovative IPAs, The Pines ensures a memorable dining experience. Whether you visit for a casual meal or a special event, the charm and quality of The Pines will not disappoint.
For the latest menu updates, seasonal specials, and event announcements, be sure to visit their official website or follow them on social media.
