Where to eat in Harrisburg

Harrisburg Food Guide

I’ll spare you a long intro. I love to eat and Harrisburg has an incredible food scene. And that’s coming from a snobby former New Yorker. 

This is by no means an exhaustive guide; it doesn’t include so many great breweries that also serve food, and there are a few local favorites that just didn’t make the cut in my personal opinion. I added a section of places I have yet to try but are on my must-visit list—please leave a comment and let me know what I missed!

I also included my favorite spots in surrounding cities in case you’re driving through PA or a local who likes to explore our state through food (same).

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Restaurants:

Millworks—340 Verbeke St

If you live in Harrisburg you know this place has become a neighborhood staple, featuring food with ingredients from local farmers, a full bar, and, my personal favorite, art galleries to browse and shop. Everything is good—I feel qualified to say that, having tasted almost the entire menu by this point—but definitely get the mac and cheese.

Cork & Fork—200 State St

The homemade pasta is truly delicious. The veal and beef meatballs are drenched in a decadent red sauce that you’ll dream about later. But the real star here is the pistachio pizza. It’s okay if you don’t think you need pistachio pizza in your life—I wasn’t convinced, either. But if the sound of pistachio pesto, mozzarella, parmesan, arugula and pistachio dust even slightly piques your interest, give it a try and thank me later.

Harvest Seasonal Grill—2625 Brindle Drive

Harvest features an ever-changing seasonal menu with plenty of vegetarian-friendly options. I haven’t been here as frequently as the other restaurants featured on this list because it’s located outside of downtown, where I live, work, and frequent, but also because it has a bit more of a special-occasion, date-night feel to it.

Home 231–231 North St

As the name suggests, it has a very cozy, homey ambiance, friendly staff, and satisfying, hearty meals. If you go for brunch you have to get the house donuts with your coffee. The perfect start to the day.

Casual/take-out:

2nd St Shawarma—316 N 2nd St

The falafel has become my go-to late-night craving after a night bar hopping on 2nd Street, and the hummus is some of the absolute best.

Knead—937 N 3rd St

Dangerously good pizza. The baby badger is drizzled in hot honey that settles into pools inside perfectly crispy pepperoni. The grandma pizza has greasy, bubbly, insanely tasty crust. It rivals New York pizza. There, I said it.

Burger Yum—400 N 2nd St

Great burgers, hot dogs, fries, and milkshakes, with vegetarian portobello burger options and super friendly staff. You’ll find the Lyter family here often because our matriarch is obsessed.

Lil’s Pretzels—Broad St Market 1233 N 3rd St

The bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast pretzel roll is greasy, salty, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Better than your family secret hangover cure. It really is that good.


Coffee: 

Capital Joe—416 Forster St

I grew very fond of the Mechanicsburg location when I lived across the river, so imagine my delight when I first discovered the Harrisburg Capital Joe is even more spacious, with plenty of cozy nooks to curl up in with your coffee.

Little Amps—133 State St and 1836 Green St

Great coffee with a hip, eccentric vibe that reminds me a bit of Brooklyn.

Elementary Coffee Co—256 N St

I frequent the Broad St Market location and pair my Elementary coffee with all the delicious donuts and breakfast sandwiches the market has to offer, but the 256 N St shop is also just about the only local place to get a matcha latte and I love a matcha latte on a cold day.


Outside of Harrisburg:

  • Evergrain (Mechanisburg)

  • Tikka Shack (Mechanicsburg)

  • Denim Coffee (Carlisle)

  • Cornerstone Coffeehouse (Camp Hill)

  • One Good Woman (Camp Hill)

  • Rice and Noodles (Lancaster)

  • Passenger Coffee (Lancaster)


Need to try:

  • The Red Boat

  • Cafe 1500

  • Bricco

  • Pastorante 

  • Ad Lib Restaurant

Lip Injections Update

I’ve been receiving more questions about my lip injection experience lately. I know everyone is preparing for their post-quarantine glow-up (😉) so I decided to create a follow-up post about getting lip injections, answering more questions and letting you know what I would have done differently.

left: before lip injections // right: immediately after lip injections

left: before lip injections // right: immediately after lip injections

left: one week after lip injections // right: four months after lip injections

left: one week after lip injections // right: four months after lip injections

How much does it cost?

I got my lips filled by Dr. Day of OneSkin Dermatology and the cost is $700/syringe, due at the time of your appointment. I have heard from friends in New York that in the city the going rate is closer to $2000/syringe. In that case I say take a weekend trip to PA, stay in a cute AirBNB, and get your lips done all for less than the price than you’d pay in NY haha.

Is it worth it?

I absolutely think so! I was a bit insecure about my smile before and my confidence really soared. I don’t think you need any cosmetic surgery to build your confidence, but I also think if you want a plump smile (or to smooth crow’s feet or tighten up your jaw-line) you should go for it! No shame in doing what makes you feel pretty and confident.

Can you feel the filler in your lips?

They originally felt just a bit lumpy. Dr. Day assured me that this is normal and should go away, and it did. My lips feel perfectly normal and I can move them naturally.

Would you have done anything differently?

I didn’t get a full syringe injected and I wish I would have! I was very nervous about looking ridiculous and over-done so I didn’t get the rest of the filler added at my follow-up appointment. Now that all the swelling has subsided I realize I loved how my lips looked in the first 1-2 weeks while they were still a bit swollen. When I get my lips filled next time I might get a bit more done.

How long does it last?

I got my lips filled with Restylane and Dr. Day said it will last 6-9 months. Lasting time depends on factors like on how much filler is used and your metabolism. I have had friends ask if my filler has all dissolved because my lips don’t look as big any more. First of all, the swelling as decreased, so they are not as swollen and plump but still full. Second, I think they’re forgetting how thin my lips were before any filler. Look at that before picture of those thin little lips! Haha. The size that my lips look also changes depending on whether I add lipstick and lipgloss, which I do not do lately because I’ve been wearing a mask every time I leave the home. My lips are not very pigmented, so adding color and gloss accentuates the size.