A nice York "original" - this is a small but very unique bar that offers an excellent selection of beer, with some good ones always on tap and a much larger selection via bottle. The front room is somewhere between "cramped" and "intimate" - but it all adds up to a fun spot - especially on some weeknights when the local talent shows up to play. Guitars...buckets....spoons....washboards - they're all used to deliver some great music that fits this quirky little spot just perfectly. Service was good - people were friendly; even though I was a little older than the average customer here (late 20's-early 30's) I never felt out of place. Note - only one small (tube) TV, so understand, this is not a sports bar or anything like it.
Definitely put this place on your "must see" list when you're in York. Prices were decent, too - especially for Domestic Craft Beers.
I'm impressed with this place. Â Its a small bar on the corner of Philadelphia and Pershing with really friendly service and a good selection of beer. It's on the quiet side so you can actually hold a decent conversation with your friends, your friends friends, the bartender(s), or anyone else. Â It's just a really friendly environment.
Review Source:"First Cap" as  the local's call it is like Cheers from TV.  It is the perfect 3rd place that Ray Oldenburg would be proud off.  It is a variety of locals from College Students, Hippies, Musicians and Lawyers, and Politicians.  The beer selection is wide ranging and have great micros from all around. It has a well worn appearance. As a regular visitor you can't go wrong with anything on the menu.  Hummus is homemade in different variations all great.  Note to visitors if you want food, you should be there by 6:30,  because  kitchen closes early depending on crowd.  Feel free to talk to others around you and hear some local stories.  Wed Night is open mic night and is always a adventure.
Review Source:Living in Maryland I have easy access to a huge variety of beer that I can buy in singles - not so in PA. When I'm up in York First Cap is definitely my first choice to catch up and have a beer. It has the kind of atmosphere I like - a little on the rough side but I prefer to call it intimate and eclectic. I also enjoy the food and, while I've never seen any of the live groups, I always enjoy the music that they have playing. The only downside is that they allow smoking, so I make sure to take some Zyrtec before I head in.
Review Source:Known as the First Cap to all locals, this place is an institution.
It's got fine beers, inventive and delicious food, and eclectic live music almost every night. But it's also a smoking establishment with a dive-y atmosphere (in a good way).
It's simply a wonderful place to relax with a micro-brew or a shot of whiskey, any time of the day or night. The patrons are usually very friendly (I'd say the friendliest crowd I've found in downtown York).
There is a TV here, but it's a tiny one up in a corner, so it's not the place to go to watch a big game.
I love the fact that there are two rooms - the live music can be in either room, depending on the size of the band. They have local folk rock, jazz, acoustic, open mics, jazz, indie stuff...like I wrote above, very eclectic.
My favorite bar in York.
I have to admit I was slightly freaked out by this place at first. Â The exterior is definitely nothing to write home about and the crowd hanging around outside can look somewhat sketchy at times. Â When I walked in I felt like I was in someone's kitchen at home. Â It's definitely not Philly that's for sure!
I went here on St. Pat's Day and realized this is exactly what Maewyn's should be like all year! Â The crowd was very lively...there was Irish music, hand clapping, floor stomping, Irish jigging (not even kidding) and it was a great time! Â The staff was very friendly. Â One said I looked sad. Â I really wasn't...that's just my normal "York face" but regardless I told her I was sad because I forgot to wear green and she pinched me! Â Made my entire life complete! Â
Where ambiance is lacking the crowd certainly made up for it. Â Just be warned that there is a $10.00 minimum if you use a credit card so if you're expecting to go and have one drink at the bar forget it!
Overall: This is hands-down one of my favorite places in town to eat, drink, and be merry. It is a classic, local spot with rich history and character.
Weak points: Wear something old you can burn the next day, it's kinda smoky. Too you may need to develop tough skin to deal with the bar hags, but what do you expect it's a locals joint! (Seriously, it's very pleasant, it can get busy and you might have to wait, but why not relax and have a Rogue?
*Be warned though - they'll close the kitchen as early as 8 pm. So be sure to call ahead if you want to eat later in the evening.
Strong points: The food at the First Cap can be phenomenal. The menu offers something for everyone, anything from the California burger to the chicken Ceasar salad to a crab cake appetizer of deliciousness. They constantly offer inventive specials and the chef does work some magic.
The bar is equipped for the pointiest nosed beer snobs, but the whole place is blue collar built. The space is unique and very home felt. No corporate cloak, this is a locals bar/eatery. Â
If you are considering going to the First Cap you certainly should. If you don't think it's the hippest place in town; then you and I just disagree.
I have to say when I first moved to York, I totally overlooked First Cap, but I now love this place. It's a great bar to listen to music, meet great people, enjoy a wide variety of brews and a great bar menu - very tasty burgers. This is small bar with lots of character. If you are from Baltimore, this will remind you of the Horse You Came in On or the Cat's Eye Pub. Their kitchen closes a little early (by 7PM), but if you call before 7 to tell them you are coming in soon to order food, they will gladly stay open (we do this all the time). The First Cap is a cross section of local York City folk, area transplants, artists and budding young musicians. They have live music many nights - honestly they have the best local musicians. Â This is a smoking bar. They have a few tables and chairs, and seating at the bar. They also have a small back room if you want to get away from the live music and hang with a few friends. Â Don't make the mistake I made, stop by and grab a brew if you are new to the area or just swinging through. Monday's have great music and a nice crowd gathers around 9PM. Â There is parking on the street or across the street at night next to the Rail Trail (along the train tracks).
Review Source:The Cap is great. The Cap is good. The Cap is the only place to get a decent micro-brew that doesn't also put "sports" in front of their name.
Other places are catching up with adding Troegs and a few Victory bottles, which is GREAT, but none can match the fun (albeit a little stagnant at times) cooler of craft beer from California to PA.
Service is....well, the service is friendly if you have been there a few dozen times. I can see how a first timer can see it as being a bit chaotic, but don't let that stop you- ask anyone at the bar for help and they'll flag the bartenders for you.
Live music via a great group of local musicians on Monday and a variety of acts the rest of the week.
I hear the burgers are great, too.
I frequented this bar during and after my college years in York. Â The Grassroots crowd here is great. Â Great music, surprisingly good food and one of the best bottled beer selections in town. Â Sorry Quick 6. Â
I miss Monday nights at the Cap with Danny & Dave from Hexbelt. Â The bar mysteriously but temporarily cleared out during "set breaks." Â Ah, those were the days.
I'm out in California now, looking for my next "First Cap."
I usually go here with my dad whenever I'm in town. Â To the person who wrote that the drinks are expensive: Â you've obviously never had a drink in California. Â I can go to the Cap and get TWISTED for under $20. Â
I only give it four stars because they still allow smoking. Â PA needs a REAL smoking ban, not that watered down if-a-third-of-the-business-goes-to-food crap.
Overall I like the Cap though. Â And they have a photo hanging up of my mommy (R.I.P.) sitting at the bar when she was about 21.
Anytime I have an extra twenty bucks to throw down on a little beverage time, First Cap is my first pick.
It is a nice peaceful bar that has a really dark and wood grain interior. The bartenders are always friendly and the service is quick .
The music is usually a sort of open mike night, but you will usually find the same musician(s) there every time.
They are definitely attempting to create a hippie lounge atmosphere, and the clients follow que.
It is a comfortable scene in here usually.
Aside from the main bar room, there is an additional area in the back to dine in a bit more privacy.
The menu selections and drinks are overpriced.
The food is okay, nothing spectacular, my favorite item is the red bean hummus.
If your looking for a casual night out downtown First Cap is a good pick.
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