Something for Everyone

The Buck Hotel has just what you want for dinner, celebrations and even catering.
By Brenda Lange

Whether George Washington slept at the Buck Hotel is up for debate, however the fact is the venue is one of the top destinations in Bucks County.

Ideally located at the corner of Bustleton Pike and Buck Road in Feasterville, it’s easy to spot, with the large sculpture of a buck at the corner. For generations, the original tavern was a place for travelers to stop on their journey from Philadelphia to Trenton and New York. Today it is a favorite gathering place for dinner or drinks, celebrations and meetings.

“We’re essentially four businesses in one building,” explains Brian Ruhling, Jr., general manager. “We have a restaurant, bar, banquet facility and off-premises catering.” The hotel has undergone major renovations since the Ruhling family bought it in 1999. Two years of work went into the building and grounds before it was reopened in June 2001.

Ruhling, who comes from a business background, joined the family business last year and is continuing the revitalization efforts begun a decade ago.

“We’ve added the catering service through the Market; we’ve brought in a new executive chef; and we offer a variety of bands and entertainment,” he says. “We basically have something for everyone.”

What you’ll find
The banquet room seats up to 350, and has hosted every variety of life celebration. Pepsi, Verizon and other local corporations hold meetings there. Bands entertain regularly in the contemporary, intimate Bistro. The Market offers fresh foods and a takeout menu daily and catering for any event. And of course, the main dining room, with its two stone fireplaces and inviting décor, is a favorite.

Perhaps the best change in the past year is the addition of chef John Hunt, who is updating the menu and putting a new spin on some old favorites.

“We’ve improved the quality of our products, trying things we’ve never done here before, while maintaining the favorites that our regulars have come to know and love,” says Hunt. “We’ve improved on what we were already doing by using new providers, many who are local producers using sustainable methods, so we can get the freshest meats and produce possible.”

Hunt also has upgraded their seafood offerings and steak menu, saying these new aspects are what you can find in the finest restaurants anywhere. He urges customers to try out the Sunday brunch buffet, which has been compared to some of the top regional buffets, or try one of the holiday brunches, which is an expanded, more extravagant version of the standard weekend offering.  Menus, schedules and more information are available at www.thebuckhotel.com.

“This work is always a challenge, with no two days ever alike,” Ruhling says. “It’s exciting to stay ahead of the curve and find creative ways to make yourself different from other venues. We want to be the place that people say ‘I had an incredible experience there!’ and come back and bring their friends.”

Be sure to check out the special Valentine’s Day dinner!

Buck Hotel is located at 1200 Buck Road in Feasterville. For more information, call (215) 396-2002 or visit www.thebuckhotel.com.

Brenda Lange is a freelance writer in Doylestown (www.brendalange.com).