The Neighborhood Dive

Charles Coulombe remarks upon the fascinating social life that can be found in small, neighborhood taverns, "where everybody knows your name." Even as a university student, I could never stand trendy bars with a huge cover charge, where the music was so loud that conversation was rendered impossible. Unfortunately, such pretentious places abound in university towns. To this day, my husband and I enjoy a little pizza pub in Bellefonte called The Hofbrau, less than a block from our parish church. We often go there with friends after the Miraculous Medal novena on Monday nights. Although the decor has not changed much since the early 1940's, as I have been informed by certain inhabitants of Bellefonte, the food is good, simple tavern fare. As in many old Pennsylvania taverns, there are two entrances, one which leads directly into the bar, which in former times was only for men. The main entrance opens into the "dining area" to be used by ladies and families. The Hofbrau is a great place to talk for hours, solving the problems of the world.