3 minute read
First Capital Dispensing Company: Raising a Glass to 50 Years
The history, music, and community of a Downtown York institution
By Brendan Salyards | Manager, Economic Initiatives
First Capital Dispensing Company, located on the corner of W. Philadelphia and N. Pershing Streets, is a haven for locals and tourists to unwind, celebrate special occasions, and enjoy fantastic live music. The bar opened its doors in April 1975 as one of the first bars in York to feature live music, and it is one of the few that has consistently maintained live music events throughout its history. First Capital remains much the way it was when the bar opened, with owner Michael Axe committed to preserving the character of this York institution, for example, remaining a smoking bar.
The bar is a quintessential pub, and St Patrick’s Day is a big event each year with special menus, including iconic Irish-fare such as Shepherd’s Pie, Corned Beef and Cabbage, and Guinness Stew. First Capital’s wooden chairs and small tables seem to have been extracted from the Emerald Isle, their purpose as platforms for patrons to carouse. The bar top is weathered from 50 years of conversions, lubricated by the libations dispensed from the bar. The ambiance is enhanced by its light fixtures and empty bottles that now serve to illuminate First Capital’s hallowed hall.
The spirit of the place lies in the sense of family created by local regulars and passing tourists, which encourages folks to visit decades later. “It’s always a pleasure to see people's faces when they walk in the door,” shares Mike. “Folks will say, ‘Oh, I worked here 30 years ago and wanted to stop in to see the place again.’”
First Capital has a great selection of local and traveling bands. Once, members of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, an old-time string band based in Durham, North Carolina, dropped in for a jam session after a performance at the Appell Center. The bar showcases a broad range of music, from Bluegrass and jazz to country folk. Open mic nights, held weekly on Wednesdays at 9:00 pm, are a chance to check out local up-and-comers or take up the mic yourself.
Mondays at First Capital are Snack Club nights, where patrons pool snacks, both local and exotic, on the center table to share. Those wishing to capture their own piece of history can purchase commemorative 50th Anniversary t-shirts at the bar. The bar is open Monday to Saturday, 3:30 PM to midnight-ish, depending on the crowd. Stop in and raise a glass to this Downtown York institution!
