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).
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