Date Night at 12 Hawks: What Ephrata Couples Should Order

Best bet for a date night plate: split the smoked brisket sliders to start, then order two entrees you can trade bites of, like the bacon-wrapped meatloaf and the blackened salmon. Add one dessert to share. That combination runs about $45 to $55 for two people before drinks, and it covers savory, smoky, and something lighter.

Here's the reasoning behind that pick, plus a few other combinations that work depending on your budget and how hungry you are.

Time it around happy hour if you can

Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 2pm to 4pm. If your schedule allows an early date, this is the cheapest way to try more of the menu. Appetizers and select drinks drop in price during that window, so two people can sample three or four small plates for what one full entree usually costs. If you want the specifics on what's discounted and why locals build their week around it, there's a full breakdown in this guide to happy hour deals.

The tradeoff: happy hour crowds skew toward after-work regulars, not necessarily a quiet date-night vibe. If you want lower lights and less noise, aim for after 6pm instead and skip the discount.

What to order if you're splitting everything

Sharing plates works well for a first date or a couple who wants to taste more without overordering. A few combinations that hold up:

• Starter: smoked brisket sliders or the loaded nachos, both built for two forks.

• Main: one from the grill, like the bacon-wrapped meatloaf, paired with something lighter like the blackened salmon or a grilled chicken sandwich.

• Side swap: ask for one order of fries and one of the seasonal vegetable so you're not stuck with two of the same side.

• Dessert: one shared dessert is usually enough. Portions are large enough that finishing a full one solo isn't necessary.

If you'd rather browse the full lineup and build your own combination, the complete list of dishes and prices is on the dinner and drink menu.

Craft cocktails worth ordering

If cocktails are part of the plan, a few notes. The bar makes a solid old fashioned and a well-balanced margarita, both good starting points if you're not sure what you like. Seasonal specials rotate, so ask what's new that week instead of defaulting to the same order every visit. Two cocktails plus an appetizer will usually run $25 to $30, which is worth knowing before you sit down if you're watching the total.

One honest tradeoff: this isn't a cocktail bar with a ten-page drink menu. It's a bar and grill that does a handful of drinks well. If you want an elaborate tasting flight, set that expectation aside and focus on food instead.

Can you watch a game and still have a date night?

Yes, but plan around it. Every screen carries whatever's playing that night, including NFL Sunday Ticket during football season. If your date includes catching a game, a booth or table near the bar puts you close to the action without sitting directly under a speaker. If you'd rather have a quieter conversation, ask for seating farther from the main screen bank when you arrive. Staff can usually accommodate either request without a long wait, except during marquee games when the whole place fills up fast.

Plan around the closed day

The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays, so double check your calendar before booking a Tuesday night out. If you're curious why that day specifically, and what it means for staffing and food quality the rest of the week, there's background on why 12 Hawks stays closed on Tuesdays. Every other day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all available, so a date night doesn't have to mean dinner only. An early Saturday breakfast date works just as well if evenings don't fit your schedule.

Group size and reservations

For a party of two, walk-ins are usually fine outside of peak game nights and weekend dinner rushes. If you're combining a date night with a larger group, like a double date or family gathering afterward, calling ahead is worth it so the table's ready when you arrive. Larger parties get seated faster with a heads up, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

12 Hawks keeps the menu straightforward enough that you don't need to overthink a date night order. Pick one dish that's rich, one that's lighter, share a starter, and time your visit around happy hour or a quieter evening depending on what kind of night you want.