Ever since the little diner that could was moved from its historic home near Allentown (right?), it’s had a hard time finding its niche in the downtown scene.
At first, we thought we were looking at our version of The Continental in Philadelphia, but that didn’t pan out. Briefly, it was an Asian fusion bar and restaurant, Konichiwa, but again, it was a miss.
It’s also been a Mexican-themed bar (maybe that was first? Who knows.) The point is, Blue Heaven, a gourmet burger joint, may be the match we’ve been waiting for.
I’ve eaten here, oh, at least half a dozen times already. I’ve been lucky that the weather has been perfect for lunch dates, and every one I’ve taken has enjoyed their meal as much as the last.
Blue Heaven specializes in gourmet burgers. My current favorite is the Crunchy Sesame Tuna Burger, seared tuna burger with panko, cilantro, lettuce and sesame vinaigrette on a soft roll. The New Mexican Burger is a sinful treat — beef hamburger topped with jalapeños, white nacho cheese and blue corn tortilla chips. The Tapenade Chicken burger is a must for those of you who miss 5:01 Downtown’s famous tapenade spread (we do!). This is the closest I’ve found to this old favorite, and it’s mounded high on ground chicken with greens on a soft roll.
My husband has deemed the Cobb Salad (shown above) his “favorite salad in Harrisburg,” and he’s not the only one raving. The classic cobb ingredients are combined lightly with a honey mustard dill dressing.
Also of note: the Crabby Patty, lump and panko crabcake topped with the house remoulade slaw. The Dill Salmon Burger feels healthy, topped with thin slices of cucumber, red onion and a honey mustard dill sauce.
On my “to try” list is the Caprese Burger – fresh Angus beef with fresh mozz, tomato, basil pesto, balsamic and olive oil, and the Blackened Blue Cheese Burger – beef with crumbled blue cheese, honey mustard dill sauce, LTO on a soft roll.
Not only is the food delicious, but it’s the perfect size. I often add fries for $1 (request the chipotle ketchup on the side for dipping!) and I always leave perfectly full, but never over-stuffed.
In addition to the aforementioned Cobb, Blue Heaven also offers a New Mexican Chicken Salad, Sesame Tuna Salad, Grilled Chicken Caprese Salad and Caesar Salad. Add protein for a little extra $.
The third component to Blue Heaven’s draw is their milkshakes. With flavors like Vanilla Cupcake, Tootsie Roll, The Elvis (peanut butter & banana) – plus classic vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, root beer float – you truly can’t go wrong. All shakes are $5. Add malt to any shake for 50 cents. Or, spike it with flavored booze (the menu makes suggestions for each shake) for $2.
Blue Heaven also is a proud purveyor of Skinnygirl Margarita. Get one mojito-style for $6.
