I discovered West Art while searching for a late-night work spot. For a town full of coffee shops and bars, I hoped it would be easier to find a quiet place to sit and work on a Tuesday night. But the coffee shops were closed, and bars aren’t great for a nerd with a laptop. Then I remembered a friend telling me about a place that has coffee, drinks, and a comfortable place to work: West Art.
A Living Room for Lancaster
Someone on Reddit called it “the weirdest bar in Lancaster”, and they may be right, but only in the best possible sense. You’ll also find good beer, good coffee, and a bar that’s open 7 days a week from 7am to 10pm.
Co-Owner Josh Gibbel told LNP “The goal is, from early in the morning to late into the evenings, to be a place where people can come together”.
The seating is cozy and inviting. Groups of sofas and arm chairs are grouped together adorning the corners of a large space lit by warm light. Coffee table books and chess boards sit out on tables ready to be used.
We know Lancaster for its quiet industriousness. West Art feels like its living room; a place to meet, to listen, or a space to create something.
A Sanctuary For The Arts
The Coffee Bar is only part of the West Art experience. Other rooms in the old church building host events almost daily. The options range from local music, comedians, yoga, and board game nights.
Here are a few of the upcoming events:
Thursday, Nov 13 @ 7:30 PM: The For the Birds Story Slam invites locals to share five-minute stories on stage.
Thursday, Nov 13 @ 8:00 PM: Rising NYC comedian Eagle Witt headlines an all-ages stand-up night.
Wednesday, Nov 19 @ 6:30 PM: A community dance night, led by live Celtic music from The Chivalrous Crickets and Midnight on the Water.
Friday, Nov 28 @ 7:30 PM: Local musicians gather to celebrate the storytelling genius of John Prine.
Every town has places vying to be your third space; West Art is the rare one that actually deserves to be it.
