Harrisburg's Hidden Gems

Best restaurants & bars in Harrisburg, PA

When my family first moved to Harrisburg, I had a really difficult time finding places that I liked. But over the past couple years, I found places that I love. If you ever find yourself in Harrisburg, for a short or extended stay, I hope this guides you to good food and good times.

View of Harrisburg from City Island

RESTAURANTS

Best Overall: The Millworks

The Millworks is a restaurant, brewery and art gallery with a rooftop beirgarten. You can dine in the main dining area, at the bar or in the outdoor courtyard. After dinner, you can view and shop the artist studios and galleries with painters, jewelry makers, designers and more.

Best Farm to Table: Home 231

Located on a quiet, tree lined street just a block from the Harrisburg Capitol building, Home231 is a seasonally driven, neighborhood restaurant serving contemporary homestyle cuisine.

Best Farmer's Market: Broad Street Market

c.1860, this is one of the oldest continuously operating farmers markets in the country Here is a current list of vendors.

Best View: Waterfront Grill

You would think that since Harrisburg is along the river, there would be a waterfront restaurant, but there are none. But, there is one a quick 15-minute drive from downtown, and it is the Waterfront Grill in Marysville. The deck has a nice view of the river and mountains.

Best Sushi: Takashi Sushi

I've tried all the sushi restaurants in the Harrisburg area. This one is my favorite.

Best Take Out: Pho King

This one made the list mostly because the name. Say it out loud with the correct pronunciation of Pho :) It is a great takeout option and the food is good!

Best Burger: Jackson House

Rumor has it this is where all the senators go for lunch, and that the owner drives to Philly every morning to get authentic Philly Cheesesteak hoagie bread. I don't know if that's true, but I know the burgers are the best in the city! Note they are only open 10:30-2 on weekdays.

Best Location & Ambience: Los Tres Cubanos

Located in the historic Shipoke waterfront neighborhood, Los Tres Cubanos offers traditional Cuban plates in an old-world atmosphere. Dining in the street in the summer is sublime.

Shipoke Waterfront Neighborhood

BARS

Harrisburg Beach Club

While you can't actually go swimming at this beach, you can still enjoy the sunshine with a view of the skyline over the river. There is an outdoor bar (sometimes two on a busy summer day), live music and a food truck. In the winter, you can reserve an igloo.

Spring Gate Vineyard & Winery

SpringGate Vineyard offers wine, beer, hard cider, food, and music in a lovely rural, farm environment. They also do events like markets and tours. I made a beautiful edible flower salad on a foraging tour of the vineyard.

Let me know if I’m missing any in the comments!