What to Order at 12 Hawks: A First-Timer's Menu Guide

Start with the burger. If you only eat one thing on your first visit, order the bacon cheeseburger with fries. It tells you everything about the kitchen in one plate: how they cook their meat, how fresh the toppings are, whether the fries are fresh-cut or frozen. Most kitchens like this get it right, and it's a safe bet if you're bringing kids or picky eaters.

Breakfast: what to get if you're up early

Breakfast crowds want two things: coffee that's hot and food that's ready fast. Order the classic two-egg breakfast with hash browns and toast if you want something simple and cheap, usually under $12. If you want something heavier before a long day of work or errands, get the biscuits and gravy. Portions run generous, so split it if you're not starving.

Kids' breakfast plates are smaller versions of the adult menu, usually one egg, one pancake, and a strip of bacon. Ask for it on the kids' menu instead of ordering a full adult plate. It saves you a few dollars and cuts down on waste.

Lunch: fast, filling, and easy to split

Lunch is where sandwiches and soup make sense. The French dip and a cup of soup is a good combo if you want something warm without spending 45 minutes at the table. If you're on a short lunch break, skip anything fried that needs a long cook time and go for a sandwich instead.

For groups, order a couple of appetizer plates to share alongside individual sandwiches. Wings, nachos, or a basket of fried pickles work well split three or four ways. It keeps the bill reasonable and gives everyone something to pick at while they wait.

Dinner: the plates worth the wait

Dinner service slows down and the kitchen has more time, so this is when to order something that takes longer to cook. Steak, a full rack of ribs, or a chicken dinner with two sides are good choices if you're not in a hurry. Expect dinner entrees to run higher than lunch, typically $15 to $25 depending on the cut or portion.

If you're feeding a family, order one or two shareable appetizers first, then let each person order their own entree. Splitting one big plate five ways usually leaves everyone hungry again in an hour.

Craft cocktails: what to order if you don't drink much

Craft cocktails can be intimidating if you're used to a simple rum and coke. Here's the plain version: an Old Fashioned is whiskey, sugar, and bitters, stirred, not shaken, served over one big ice cube. A Moscow Mule is vodka, ginger beer, and lime, served in a copper mug. A margarita is tequila, lime, and orange liqueur, and it's the easiest one to order if you've never had a craft cocktail before.

If you don't know what you want, tell the bartender two things: what liquor you normally drink, and whether you like sweet or sour. That's enough for them to point you toward something you'll actually like instead of guessing off a long menu.

Happy hour: when to come and what to order

Happy hour runs Monday through Friday, 2pm to 4pm. This is the cheapest window to try food and drinks you might otherwise skip. Order a couple of appetizers and a cocktail during this window instead of waiting for dinner prices. It's also a quieter time to bring kids if you want to avoid a dinner rush.

Game day: what to order if you're staying for a while

If you're watching a game on one of the screens, order food that holds up over a couple hours. Wings, nachos, and burgers travel well through overtime. Order in rounds instead of all at once: appetizers first, then entrees at halftime. It keeps the kitchen from getting slammed all in one ticket and keeps your table full through the fourth quarter.

For groups watching a big game, call ahead if you want a table reserved. Weekend games and marquee matchups fill up fast, and walk-ins during a big game might mean standing room only.

Bringing kids: what actually works

Stick to the kids' menu for anything under 12. Chicken tenders, mini burgers, and mac and cheese are the safest bets and come in portions sized for smaller appetites, usually $6 to $8. Order an appetizer for the table to keep kids occupied while adult entrees cook. It cuts down on the "we're starving" complaints halfway through the wait.

The short version

• First visit: bacon cheeseburger and fries

• Breakfast: two-egg plate or biscuits and gravy

• Lunch: French dip with soup

• Dinner: ribs or steak if you have time

• Drinks: margarita if you're new to craft cocktails

• Game day: wings and nachos, ordered in rounds

12 Hawks in Ephrata serves all of this daily except Tuesdays, with happy hour Monday through Friday from 2 to 4pm. Come hungry, come early if you want a table during a game, and don't be afraid to ask the bartender for a recommendation instead of guessing off the menu.

Questions about anything covered here? 12 Hawks is local and happy to help.