This year’s Harrisburg Restaurant Week runs Sept. 12-16 and 19-23. Check out my top picks, and be sure to follow along via Instagram.
Harrisburg Restaurant Week began in 2008 by the Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District. Originally known as “Pamper Your Palate,” aimed at drawing crowds to Restaurant Row, today Restaurant Week spans two weeks, city-wide to celebrate area dining.
Harrisburg Restaurant Week
Local restaurants offer special menus during Harrisburg Restaurant Week. It’s a chance to try a new-to-you spot or revisit an old favorite. Many feature prix fixe menus for a set price, allowing diners to try multiple courses.
Harrisburg Restaurant Week runs Sept. 12-16 and Sept. 19-23.
Participating Restaurants
Tap on the restaurant to see its Harrisburg Restaurant Week menu.
- Alvaro Bread & Pastry Shoppe
- Appalachian Brewing Company
- Bacco Pizzeria & Wine Bar
- Cafe Fresco
- Carley’s Ristorante & Piano Bar
- Crawdaddy’s
- Dodge City Steakhouse
- El Rancho Restaurante y Pupuseria
- Federal Taphouse
- JB Lovedraft’s MicroPub
- MASA Authentic Mexican Cuisine
- McGrath’s Irish Pub
- The Millworks
- The Original Hot Dog Factory
- Pastorante
- Romano’s Macaroni Grill
- Sammy’s Authentic Italian Restaurant
- Stock’s on Second
- The Sturges Speakeasy
- Zachary’s BBQ & Soul
Sara’s Restaurant Week Picks
The great part about a two-week restaurant week is that you have ample chance to check out more than one spot. I’m planning to use this opportunity to visit a few I haven’t visited in a while, a favorite go-to, and one that’s new to me.
Sammy’s Italian Restaurant
I love Italian food, and I love Sammy, and frankly, it has just been way too long since I’ve visited. Sammy’s is offering a 3-for-$40 menu with choice of starter, entree, and dessert. I’ll probably go with a Caesar Salad, Fresh Shrimp Fra Diavolo, and New York Style Cheesecake. View the options here.
Zachary’s BBQ
I’ve yet to visit Zachary’s BBQ (located inside HMAC), and I’m excited to check out their food — I’ve heard great reviews! They also are offering three courses prix fixe for $40. I’ll probably start with the Cornmeal Crusted Whitefish and somehow choose between Low Country Jabalaya and Shaker Fried Chicken for my main. For dessert, it’s Apple Brown Betty, served with vanilla bean ice cream.
Zachary’s took it a step further with Harrisburg Restaurant Week Cocktail Pairings — be sure to ask about those (I will be!). Check out the full HRW menu here.
The Millworks
I’m no stranger to The Millworks, it’s one of my Harrisburg go-tos, so it’s a natural pick for Harrisburg Restaurant Week. They haven’t yet released their Restaurant Week offerings, but I’m confident it will be a delicious display of the farm-to-table concept The Millworks is known for.
Appalachian Brewing Co.
ABC is offering three courses for $30. Appetizers include options of Bang Bang Shrimp, Appalachian Root Beer BBQ Sausage, or Pretzel Sticks. For entrees, choose from Crab Cake Sandwich, Parmesan Crusted Chicken Alfredo, or Apple & Cranberry Pork Loin. Finish it off with your choice of Tres Leches Cake or Stuffed Brownie Sundae!
Cafe Fresco
During Restaurant Week, you can sample Cafe Fresco‘s signature style with three courses for $40. I’m in for Blistered Shishito Peppers (I can’t get enough!), with either Cashew Chicken & Broccoli or the Wagyu Swiss Burger, depending on my mood. For dessert, good luck choosing between Creme Brulee, Peanut Butter Tart, or Caramel Apple Crumble. View the menu here.
What else to do in Downtown Harrisburg
There is much to explore in downtown Harrisburg.
During week two of Harrisburg Restaurant Week, follow up or start your downtown Harrisburg adventure with SoMa Sips! Visit tasting rooms, sip @ soma and sip @ 17, Sept. 15 and 16. Details here.
Friday, Sept. 16 also is 3rd in the Burg. Take a stroll around downtown or Midtown Harrisburg. Visit SoMa for live music and craft beer.
