do not look at reviews before oct 2022, they don't reflect the new direction. the rat got upscaled, $9 draft beers, $17 cocktails, expensive food. 2 cocktails, 1 gin n tonic and a side of fries was $65 before tip. 1 beer and 1 cocktail was $28 before tip. fake brick walls, fake plants, bar is half the size. a great homey spot for the locals got neutered. bartender matt is a treasure though

I've often said the further you get from Philadelphia or New York, the higher the restaurant ratings. Do we rate on a scale or absolute basis? It seems unfair to rate a rural basement tavern on a par with say, The Campbell Bar, at Grand Central. With that said, if last night at The Rathskeller is a sign of things to come, then I'm awarding this new srart-up 5 stars. Here's why. The new owner hired singularly the best bar tender anywhere, for miles. He's that good. He's responsive and remembers customers and their preferences. He's the bar tender all of us want when we visit a bar. His service is personal - you're "home" when you belly up. He adds class to what was formerly something above a dive. A perfect bar also never uses automated or corporate measured pours. That second pour is always just a tad larger than the first. That's what tells you you're a welcomed and valued guest. Likewise, offering a sip or taste to enable you to make your selection makes the Rathskeller classy. There's a difference between offering a customer a sip and making him ask for one. In the latter case, you're forcing me to ask for a taste. This makes me uncomfortable. The new Rathskeller has gone for the professional bartender where, just as it is on television, he reads your mind and anticipates what I want. I like that. Now, when I choose where I want to go, it's The Rathskeller. If last night's experience is a precursor of what's to come, I'll be spending many nights here. What a change from the old. I started wtih fresh tomatoes and burrata. Oh, God, it was good. A mouthful of delicious tomato and squishy fresh burrata was such a treat. I couldn't hold the flavors in my mouth long enough. I almost ordered a second but moved on to something else. I'm grateful to the new owner who's bringing class, quality, service, warmth, and atmosphere where none existed. For those who loved the Frenchtown Inn, now gone, I predict the New National Hotel and Rathskeller will equal and exceed the former Frenchtown Inn. In fact, that may be one reason the deal to re-open the Frenchtown Inn fell through.

Owner, bartender, and all the other staff are polite, friendly and just wonderful! Drinks are delicious. Overall, lovely place

Love the new recently redone Rathskeller. Still has that cozy feel but much more updated and no longer feels (or smells) like grandma's basement. Fantastic drinks/food, great music and a wonderful owner. Highly recommend The Rat @ The National Hotel!

The staff was very friendly and attentive also everything was delicious - definitely going back. Great music variety playing in the background too. We also loved the fireplace and ambience.

Tough go give a review since the place seems temporary until they open a full restaurant. The food and drinks were very good and staff friendly and attentive. Unfortunately it was very cold and the prices seemed a little steep for being in a basement. $16 small martinis

Excellent ambiance and the staff is also very friendly and attentive! The bar is well stocked, and menu tho limited, still has some great variety in cuisines. Definitely will be returning often!!

Cool bar in the basement. On Friday nights, a jazz quartet plays: they are great! Creative cocktails as well.

Delicious food and great atmosphere. Really enjoyed!!

Such a great place , Karoeke Wednesday's are so much fun !!