I did it.
I sat at a bar counter.
I was awaiting a takeout order and pulled up a stool. Nothing happened, no one asked me to leave and no one came over and told me I was breaking the rules.
A surprised bartender said, “I don’t even know how to act. You are my first customer at the bar since last June.” He didn’t know how the evening was going to play out but said, “I have hope that things are only going to get better.” I agreed.
It’s very freeing, climbing on to a seat at the bar after a year. Try it while checking out these lively places.
Rubber Soul Brewing Co., 136 S. Hanover St., Hummelstown, 717-220-1741
Move over Troegs, there’s a new brew kid in town (well, the town next to Hershey anyway). Robust, multi-nuanced brews made in-house range from the always popular IPA “dry-hopped with citra and bursting with pineapple, peace and coconut”, a very drinkable and refreshingly spiced Czech-style pilsner to a “sticky bun inspired stout.”
Sit inside at this cool, former municipal building space, either at the custom, copper-etched bar or at tables spread across patterned concrete flooring with (weather permitting) garage doors open. The hearty menu features appetizers, soups, salads, pizza and sandwiches.
Even if you are not a beer drinker, the food stands equal with the brews in bold flavor and quality. Crisp and flaky pizza crusts spin out of the brick oven with delicious toppings such as artichoke pizza garnished with black olives, mixed greens, mozzarella and sprinkle of balsamic dressing. The soft and buttery perogies ($8) are slathered in roasted sliced peppers and chopped bacon, and the soul burger, ($15) gains intensity from pastrami, brie cheese, caramelized red onions, lettuce and chipotle sauce under the bun. Add either the hand-cut fries, ($2), onion rings ($2) or outstanding sweet potato fries ($3) to this massive and messy signature burger.
Duke’s Bar and Grille, 5302 Carlisle Pike, Carlisle, 717-478-3853
This Duke’s doesn’t have a river view like its sister in Wormleysburg, but it does have Route 581 and commercially heavy Carlisle Pike fueling customers inside. There are so many things on the menu, it’s mind-boggling to try to decide what to order. Stick to what they do best here: thin and crispy wood brick pizzas, wings, fresh 1/2 pound black Angus burgers ($9.50-$13.95), the classic, overstuffed baked potato ($10.50), shrimp seafood pasta ($17.95) or pie in a mug ($5.25).
Carrabba’s Italian Grill, 5250 Carlisle Pike, Hampden Twp., 717-795-9200
At this noisy, family-friendly chain, you can feed the kids spaghetti with huge meatballs while you delve into wood-fired grill marked, USDA choice center-cut Tuscan grilled sirloin steak (7oz for $16.99 or 10oz. for $19.99). Favorites range from signature fettuccine weesie, an Alfredo style shrimp and mushroom pasta, to the four-cheese lasagna with meat ($15.99).
T.J. Rockwell’s American Grill & Tavern is on Mount Gretna Road in Elizabethtown. 2009 PennLive file photo HARHAR
T.J. Rockwell’s American Grill & Tavern, 800 Mount Gretna Road, Elizabethtown, 717-367-5544
For two decades, customers have sought out this back roads eatery for its bubbly tiki bar scene and energetic backyard seating. Head outdoors with children in tow to meandering deck dining and a sheltered cabana. The burgers are always good here. Try the grilled Pittsburger ($10.99), with classic cast of ingredients, notably French fries, coleslaw and melted pepper jack cheese beneath the bun. Everyone at the table will enjoy the crisply deep-fried and cheese and bacon enriched Rhino fries ($10.99) with ranch dressing or the signature ale house battered colossal onion rings ($8.99).
Bull’s Head Public House, 14 E. Main St., Lititz, 717-626-2115
You still can’t sit directly across from the bartender at the small stretch of counter because it isn’t conducive to proper COVID-19 social distancing. However, the award-winning pub area is open. CraftBeer.com gave top honors to this American/British accented pub for best beer bar in Pa. in 2016 and 2017. Heavy drapes, long chandeliers and a convivial main bar area add to the charm. Pastry enhanced favorites are the steak and ale pie ($14.50) topped with ethereal puff pastry layers, the hand crimped Cornish pastie ($11) bulging with beef, potatoes, turnip and onion mixture, and their famed beer battered fish and chips (single is $11, double is $15).
Arooga’s Grille House & Sports Bar, 4713 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, 717-737-9464
Whatever recipe for success Arooga’s is following, it’s working. Whether it’s all of the televisions, generous portions or excitable vibe, customers keep coming back and now they can take their seats at the bar.
Known for their baked, boneless or original wings (5 for $6.99) and homemade hot sauces, Arooga’s has introduced several standout menu items. Arooga’s famous cheeseburger sliders (3 for $9.99) consist of plump, rounded steak patties slapped with melted American cheese on brioche roll. Pete’s pepper jack cubes ($8.99) are hand-breaded and deep-fried and house made the B.I.G. soft pretzel ($10.99) comes dangling from its own metal stand and served with Fat Tire beer laced dipping cheese.
Fiesta Mexico, 3957 Paxton St, Harrisburg, 920-1553
This sprawling terra cotta and wrought iron establishment spreads out both upstairs and down. Spacious high ceilings and arched brick accents divide up the rooms into festive dining spaces, with comfy wrap-around seats set up Cabaret style. Sip lime, strawberry and mango frozen margaritas right from your bar seat beneath ceramic-shingled roof at the elbow-shaped counter.
An extensive menu showcases page after page of Mexican dishes, which vary in taste from mediocre to magnificent. Portions are more than generous. The best thing or at least the item with the most flavor is the caldo de pollo soup ($6.10). Big chunks of chicken, chunky fresh vegetables and freshly chopped cilantro augment lip-smacking broth. Order another margarita and munch on crisp, tasty-warm chips before delving into chimichangas, enchiladas, tacos, burritos or main course salads. Chicken taquitos are the highlight on Jose’s Combo platter ($13.25) You can taste the chicken stuffed into these crispy-clad deep fried tortilla bundles.
The Hillside Cafe in Fairview Twp. Sean Simmers, PennLive.com. February 11, 2015
Hillside Café, 589 Salem Road, Fairview Twp., 717-938-6300
Since the 1950s, the Hillside Café has been a roadside, double-wide beacon for steaks and cakes. After a quick-spreading electrical fire destroyed the original restaurant, the resurrected modular-looking footprint splits into two halves -- spacious sports bar and secluded restaurant. The best recommendations here are the super-tender, fist-size filet mignon and signature, no filler crab cake.
Devon Seafood + Steak, 27 W. Chocolate Ave, Hershey, 717-508-5460
Chic and sleek, you can fit the whole family here into elongated booths or hang ten from seats around well-versed bartenders at the bar counter. Fresh fish is flown in daily. The center cut steaks and 18 oz. center cup prime bone ribeye ($46) or Kansas city strip ($43) steaks are served with two sides. For an additional ($3.50) you can substitute lobster Mac n cheese as a side.
The Federal Taphouse is at 234 N. Second St. in Harrisburg. The Federal Taphouse has 100 craft beers on tap. 02/20/2014 Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com PENNLIVE.COMPENNLIVE.COM
Federal Taphouse, 234 N. Second St., Harrisburg, 717-525-8077
Upbeat and urbane, Harrisburg hipsters have found their niche at this busy bar and restaurant. Even unhip old folks love their Fed fries, freshly cut and cooked in duck fat next to 14oz. Black Angus grass fed New York strip steaks ($28) glistening under gorgonzola chive butter. Faroe Island salmon topped with dill beurre blanc sauce, seasonal vegetables and Parmesan risotto ($28) is a dish many people love too.
Rising Sun Kitchen & Bar, 2850 Horseshoe Pike, Palmyra, 717-641-3258
The pavilion protecting, socially-distanced tables and chairs at the side of the building are gone. Patrons are now seated at the walk-around bar counter facing the bartender and things almost seem normal. Friday and Saturday nights especially, the Who’s Who of Hershey and Hummelstown step out and sidle up to the bar as live music plays nearby.
Perogies ($8) don’t get much better than the ones served here, heaped with caramelized onions and redolent of ginger and soy sauce. The conspiracy burger ($17) epitomizes the two handed sandwich heading, toppling with hash browns, fried egg, melted cheeses, seasoned tomato and candied bacon. For a burger easier to contain, delve into an oversized cheeseburger ($14), made with creamy Havarti cheese and caramelized onions.
Michael D'Ambrosio, Miguel Villanueva, Maddy Plank and Angela Acri-Zimmerman at Cork and Fork in Camp Hill. May 22, 2020 Sean Simmers | ssimmers@pennlive.com
Cork & Fork, 4434 Carlisle Pike, Camp Hill, 717-317-9366
The downtown Cork & Fork raised the bar on service, ambiance and robust fare, and this second venue has followed suit. The restaurant is ideal for a drink at happy hour (4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday). Select wines are available by the glass ($7), and the $9 pizza and $2 bottled beer choices change every week.
The Pistachio pizza ($15) is stained with pistachio pesto, baked in 850 degree oven and piled with lightly dressed arugula. The oven roasted, Greek-style Brussels Sprouts ($10) tumble over the plate tossed in cucumber vinaigrette, Feta, walnuts, olives, tomatoes and roasted corn. The house staple -- arugula roasted beet salad ($11) -- combines crunchy fennel, onion and pancetta.
Ted’s Bar & Grill, 7300 Allentown Blvd., Harrisburg, 717-652-3832
The neighborhood bar scene is as lively as ever at this popular venue. The ambiance warms up as patrons gather round tall tables. The good house specials and plenty of assorted beers on tap are crowd pleasers. Wings (6 pieces for $7) are omnipresent. The garlic BBQ is rich, thick and studded with lots of garlic bits.
McCleary’s Public House, 130 West Front St., Marietta, 717-426-2225
After walking the nearby Susquehanna River trail, stop in for a pint of Guinness seated next to locals at this neighborly Irish/American pub. The Victorian-accented front dining room shares a double-sided bar with the back end pub. The glass-enclosed garden room has its own bar, gas-fueled heating, stage area and a newly built mock “pier” with a sandy deck area but no table service. Favorites here include the wine-splashed New Zealand mussels ($13.99), the signature crisply fried wings blasted with different sauces ($13.99) and McCleary’s famous and delicious fish and chips ($15.99).
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