Located just outside Elizabethtown Pennsylvania lies an eye opening to Welsh food served in a traditional setting. Along with several locally grown condiments and flavored with the new delight in small brewing of Beer, comes an interesting and flavor-able experience. Freshly made food made from recipes, and served onto your plate is the key to turning yourself and your guest into an enjoyable afternoon or evening at the Black Gryphon. Local musicians and entertainment can be enjoyed on the weekends. Parking is ample on 3 sides of the facility, close to an exit off Route 283 and nearby to the turnpike means travel to just about anywhere is with in reach. I frequent this restaurant. ***Note: Unlike other folks writing reviews I have never had a bad experience with the wait staff or at the bar. read more

The Black Gryphon is among the best restaurants in the Central Pennsylvania area. I say this with confidence after eating there more than once. The menu rotates with original dishes-- choices made with local ingredients that you'd be hard pressed to find elsewhere in Harrisburg. On top of the great food, the bartenders mix great cocktails. read more

Fresh, creative dishes and the best mixed drinks in town! Our go to place in Elizabethtown! Chocolate hot wings are a must try with their homemade blue cheese! read more

Unfortunately I haven't had the pleasure of enjoying the food even though I checked the menu and it looks interesting. I smelled the food and observed it being served at the bar. I like the atmosphere and they have a few quality beers on tap which are focused mostly on local like Stoudt's, Dogfish Head and Victory. I hope to return to enjoy a meal because I liked the time I spent here relaxing enjoying a couple pints. read more

I would highly recommend visiting this establishment for a diamond in the rough experience. The food is fantastic, especially the Cheesesteak, the menu changes seasonally and a HUGE portion of the menu is sourced from local purveyors who take pride in what they produce. This is a restaurant that will not serve you slop from a can or something from Sysco Foods like other establishments in town that tend to have higher foot traffic (TJ Rockwells). The part that cracks me up about this place are the complaints regarding the price points. If you have a general understanding of how food supply works, this place generally prices their food fairly. With an Entree you get a Salad, homemade bread, and your meal. Yes the average entree is around $17-22, but WELL worth the price considering that the owner visits the local purveyors to have an understanding of where his product is coming from and the quality that it consists of. This restaurant was one of the early birds on the Farm to Table scene. If you do not understand the pricing structure of alcohol then yet again you can not comment on the pricing. Typically the Black Gryphon gets in very solid craft beers and liquor. The pre-prohibition inspired cocktail menu has plenty of well thought out, well-intentioned, and labor oriented libations for prices much cheaper than speakeasies. Before complaining about the cost of your beer, compare the prices of the same beer else where. I'm sure the BG is typically offering it at a lower cost or for the same amount. I would compare the BG to many restaurants I have been in Philadelphia but that wouldn't be fair. Philadelphia has such an easier access point in collecting the best beers around without even trying. The Black Gryphon researches and hunts down the best beers they can get just to try and mimic that Philadelphia Beer Scene Selection. I will warn you that the food does take a while to prepare since it is all made to order, but don't let that intimidate you. The service can range from anywhere from average to excellent, be sure to try and catch Dave or Toeny behind the bar for a wonderful experience. Please visit this community oriented establishment for one of it's many events that help raise money for great causes like the Milagro House, HDSA, Pets For Vets, and more. Put your money where society needs it, places that support their communities. If you see a very-tall man in the restaurant, I'm sure it's Toeny, be sure to say 'hi,' and ask him about the restaurant. He may be eccentric but he's a man of passion and community. read more

Never been before so when I walked it I had no idea what to expect. Dave was the bartender, holy crap hands down best service. Price was great, but the service was even better. He knew his beers and history of beers. His recommendations were on point. He was very genuine and super accommodating. Food was pretty good too. read more

Everything about the Black Gryphon is strange- in a good way. Take the cocktail that Anthony Morgan, chef and owner, and Dave Jones, bartender, created for me. It was a custom blend of apple infused vodka (made from local apples), house made limoncello (based on a recipe from the Italian side of Morgan's family), a muddle of lemon and mint (from the garden beside the restaurant) and ginger beer. Served in a martini glass, the bright, citrus, complex flavors in the drink were individually familiar, but not quite normal when mixed together. But, the combination was outstanding. Infused, fresh, local, and passionate are some of Morgan's favorite words when talking about the food and the purpose of the Black Gryphon. The menu- which changes three times a year- has the names of farms and fisheries listed in the food descriptions. Not unusual these days, but Morgan takes it further, putting his passion for local-but-different right into the restaurant's motto, "Be strange, eat fresh." How fresh and strange? I ordered a deceptively simple dish for the appetizer, deviled eggs. They were amazing. The eggs that were used to make the creamy, delicate, topped with a perfect bite of smoked trout, deviled eggs? They're from Sandy Ridge where the chickens are cage free--cage free because, says Morgan, the farmer went in one day and ripped out all the cages. Cages were required by large, commercial buyers but seemed cruel to Sandy Ridge. So, no more cages and the Black Gryphon has a source for truly fresh, local eggs and is supporting a local farmer. The eggs came on a bed of chopped greens that were tossed with a horseradish crème fraiche. Unusual, but the bitter horseradish had the perfect edge to highlight the velvety egg yolks. Groff's veal, my entrée, became a slow cooked pot roast, rich but not heavy, reminiscent of tender, dark meat turkey. Served with mashed potatoes, the dish was as comforting as a home cooked dinner but more exciting. Morgan cites his upbringing, with its mantra of "eat first, then ask what you ate," as the reason he's passionate about food. You can't get much more fresh and local than a tomato out of your grandparents' garden. With an Italian grandmother and a Welsh grandfather on his paternal side (the restaurant's name comes from the gryphon on the Welsh flag) and German on the other, there's no way to avoid loving all kinds of food. Philip and Susan Morgan, Anthony Morgan's parents, ate at the restaurant the same night I did. Philip refers to the same tomato plants his son remembers when talking about family influence on the restaurant. Philip's mother ruled the kitchen with her red sauces. His father was, "lucky to get one dish a year," that wasn't Italian. Susan's family contribution is a chocolate cake recipe that results in the desert to order, when it's on the menu. Given that it wasn't on the menu that evening, I ordered rhubarb crème brulee for dessert. A bit sweet for my taste, but the consistency was nice. Anthony Morgan likes that whole families come to his restaurant and spend time eating and enjoying. As if on cue, a multi-generational family sat down at the table next to me. Vegetables are served family style and replenished as often as you like. The family next to me paused their conversation long enough to ask their server the origin of the carrots (Masser's Produce) and say, "this is so good!" There is nothing fast or rushed about the Black Gryphon. Morgan hates fast food--he swears he's not even tempted by the occasional french fry. He points to the movie "Fast Food Nation," and his own travels, as the source of his disdain for processed, chain restaurant food. Before opening Black Gryphon, Morgan went to Wales to learn about the food from that side of the family. Everything he saw and ate was local, and he liked the creative use of every part of the animal or plant. He's fond of braising, for its ability to tenderize the toughest cuts of meat. He enjoys literally mashing ingredients together, like blue cheese into the potatoes. Seasonal root vegetables are also smashed, making a traditional Welsh stwmp, or "mash of nine sorts Between the expanses of paved parking lot, the busy corner location and the edgy yellow flag new comers to the Black Gryphon aren't sure what to expect. Except for the occasional Welshman, who recognizes the flag. Morgan says that people have stopped in to ask if it's a tattoo parlor, or a biker bar. The restaurant, at least the location, is officially 65 years old this year. It has been everything from a supper club to a sports bar. As for Anthony Morgan- with his Italian, Welsh and German, but raised surrounded by the farms of Central Pennsylvania- he's a bit strange. But, if strange means hopping up to take a writer outside where she can sample sage flowers right off the plant, and serving up food and drink that's simultaneously complex and familiar, then I'd say a little strange will do ya good. read more

I had been eying up this place since I moved to the Hershey area 3 years ago and I finally got to go a few weeks ago (thanks to a Groupon deal!). The food was very good! Their appetizers are a bit small for the price you pay, but they're still very tasty. The drink selection was very nice and the service was great. For my meal, I got a meat trio of venison, bison, and elk in a stroganoff-like dish, which was really tasty. I definitely recommend this place if you're in town and want to try something a bit different. read more

This was my first time eating at this restaurant. It was a slow night for a Saturday night. My friends and I all thought our dinners were delicious. read more

We had a fun meal at the Gryphon. Beer and drink selection is good. Food is not gourmet, but they clearly make an attempt to be something more than just a typical Central Pennsylvania restaurant. Definitely worth the trip from Harrisburg. read more

Woohoo! As Good as it gets! pretty well sums up this restaurant. Frankly, I was just shocked and amazed to see negative reviews on Yelp for this wonderful restaurant. My wife and I first went there after the Realtor that we bought our house from in Elizabethtown gave us a gift card to go. We have been there five times since mostly for dinner but once just for drinks. I thought that I would address one concern that others mentioned about the limited menu. I look at it the exact opposite way. They do 10 or so meals and they do them very, very well. As far as the speed of preparation, I appreciate the care that they take in creating the best possible meal. They bring out drinks, bread, salad, or whatever else you might want until the entree is ready. In the six times that I've been there, I've never actually thought that it was taking too long to get my meal, so I was surprised to read this concern. Honestly, I'm in 100% agreement with Matt. One of the best restaurants in central Pennsylvania. I have been to a number of restaurants that are far pricier than the food and service didn't compare. read more

Very unique (if somewhat small) menu. Great beer selection. Order the rarebit for your appetizer. This locally owned restaurant sources almost all of their ingredients from local farms and meat shops. Amongst the best restaurants in the Harrisburg/Lancaster/Hershey area. read more

I have attended Black Gryphon before and after the fire. The interior looks great and updated but the lighting is not ideal. It seems like the lights are spotlighting individual tables and it is far too dim. The beer list is extensive but the prices on both drinks and the food seem to be quite overpriced. The online food menu doesn't give prices so we were surprised to see the small plate of a Caesar salad was $7.50 and an additional $5 for chicken. When the plate eventually arrived, it only had a small amount of shredded chicken on top. When we were first seated, the bar area was very busy, but the rest of the dining area was not with 4 servers working plus a food runner from the kitchen. It took more time than we are used to from our many other dining experiences to give our drink order. By the time the server approached our table, we were ready for our food AND drink orders. My suggestion would be to sit at the bar (which I have done solo), order a delicious beer, order the wings and avoid any other overpriced item, and enjoy your long evening. read more

Nothing but good things since the reopening (post fire). Also, they buy local homebrewers beer and wine to serve in the restaurant! Very cool idea! read more

To be honest I would really give it a 4.5 but yelp doesn't allow for halves. First I give it at least 3.5 stars to start with for the food alone. I got what you would think would just be a regular lunch meat sub, but it had a very European twist. (In a good way I assure you.) It was made with a very tangy cheese, that left a wonderful rich flavor in my mouth and the meat was wonderfully flavored, much like lunch meat in texture but taste more like a fine sausage. The bread was nice and crusty yet and really balanced out the meat and cheese. The atmosphere was pleasant. It is definitely a bar but has a nice feel about it. Nice wall hangings and great decor. There was a live band when I was there and that was really great. They were a little too loud but nothing that is worth complaining about. The waiter seemed a little distant, which comes into play about the half star I took away earlier. However, he made sure to visit us enough to not feel isolated from the staff and not too much to feel overbearing. Overall, the Black Gryphon was a great place to eat and should be checked out if you looking for bar food with an ever so delightful twist. read more

I've never had a bad drink here, and I've been coming here since they opened. I am vegetarian, and they always have a couple options for me. I lived in Brooklyn for two years, and even though I had so many options, I still really missed this place. this is my absolute favorite place to go in central PA for sure. If you like great cocktails, inspired food, and the best beers, this is the place to go. read more

I love this place and suggest everyone try it!!! Great beer selection, rotating menu with great ingredients and very knowledgeable ownership

They mean well. Good funky drink options. Well thought out menu options but somewhere between the menu and the food being delivered there is a lot to be desired. Burger was bland and lacked seasoning. The clam pasta dished was supposed to have both diced clams and whole clams. No diced clams. Basically buttered noodles w garlic and 6 mini clams. The cheese steak was super tender steak inside a HUGE roll that ran roughshod over the steak. We got 2 deserts and the Ricotta cake was decent but tiny. Needed ice cream too. The fried ice cream was good. Staff was very friendly so there is optimism. read more

Have went there with my fiancee. Both times the food was not very good at all. They are trying to be too trendy and it is not working.

Slow service and overpriced. Cenacle salad over powered by vinegar, steak was tough and overcooked. Crabcakes ok but dry. Entries avg $20. Drive past this one and go to tj Rockwells read more

I was introduced to this place by a friend that lives in Etown. I have been back a number of times and have never been disappointed.The food is fresh and delicious. They make their own salad dressings,I had both the ranch and the stilton blue cheese dressing and can't decide which I like better. My husband and I went for dinner one evening,we started with "Rarebit" which was a cheddar cheese fondue with yuengling lager-it was served with toast points.We enjoyed this with sangria.For the main course I had the pork loin with stwmp(yes- there are no vowels!),appplesauce and veggies.The waitress explained that Stwmp is a welsh dish which is a mash of root vegetables. My husband had the lasagna which was delicious, but it being a very hot evening,it wasn't really the right choice. The portions were huge so we boxed most of it. For desert we had a hazelnut brownie with vanilla gelato.Since we were too full, we requested that the gelato come on the side,so that we could pack the brownie as well. I will be going here more often.I recommend the potato pancakes(we got it as a side),they are quiet unique I find the restaurant and bar area a bit too dark and have always sat in the sun room. I commend this place for using local ingredients and promoting local artists. The prices are reasonable and the service excellent read more

My husband and I came to the black gryphon for a date night. We heard good things about the food and were really excited to try it out. I made reservations for a Saturday night. When we arrived, we entered and there was no hostess or anybody there to welcome us. We hung up our coats and waited until finally the bartender told us someone would be with is shortly. A young man came and seated us, didn't say anything about a reservation or anything, like he didn't even care about the 8:00 reservation. Once we were finally seated, a girl came to take our order. She crouched down and leaned on the table while taking out order which I thought was odd and unprofessional for a place that claimed to be fine dining and classy. We ordered our drinks and salads and "small plates" (appetizers). We even specifically said "we will start with...". She then proceeded to take our menus away. We ate our salad and appetizers (over a long period of time because the service was slow). The food was good but the service was just terrible. When we were finished with the appetizers the waitress came and asked if we wanted to see the dessert menu. At thy point we were just ready to leave because it was so slow and the waitress never even asked us about entrees!!!! Did she really think that we were coming in to just eat a salad and an appetizer?? Apparently. And to top it all off, our bill was outrageous for 2 salads, a bowl of soup and a small plate of 3 perogies. Needess to say we were very disppointed with the service. We probably wont be returning. read more

So disappointing! We made the 30 minute drive because we had heard such good things. Service was pretty slow. Finally got our entrees at 8pm (for a 6:30pm reservation). My fish tacos were not very good. The tortillas were stale & I had to pick the fish out to eat it--roughly 4 fish sticks--for $21! My husband ordered the hanger steak cooked medium & received it barely over rare. He couldn't eat it at all--way too bloody! They took it off our bill, but, sadly, we will never return. The restaurant was highly overpriced, and we were grossly underwhelmed. read more

Black Gryphon is quite unlike most other restaurants in the Central Pennsylvania area. The menu changes several times per year to cater to both people's tastes and what's currently fresh and in season. Fresh ingredients are the cornerstone to what makes The Black Gryphon remarkable. The vegetables and fruits are all organic and locally grown. Meat and seafood come directly from area butchers and markets. People have a misunderstanding as to what it takes to actually prepare food the way it should be prepared; everything here is made to order. Another aspect that's different, is that the staff genuinely treats you like friend or family (it's hard to walk out without hearing several goodbyes). The staff is extremely knowledgable and attentive, and keen to talk to you and treat you like person, rather than see you simply as "Check #352". The menu remains extensive, but not overbearing, offering both light fare and more substantial dishes (if you're here for dinner and are just given the "Mains" menu, don't be afraid to ask for the "Lite Fare" menu as well). The kitchen is flexible and is willing to work around allergies and tastes, as well as offer further vegetarian and vegan options. The beer list is phenomenal, especially for the region, with plenty of hard to find imports and microbrews that change frequently. They also cellar beer as well (which means they let it age for several months to over a year which gives the beer a more mature, complex flavor), which is also hard to come by. The bartenders know their beer, wine and liquor in and out, and can easily help with a suggestion. As for recommendations, it's hard to choose a bad thing on the menu. The Chocolate Hot Wings (NOTE: not actually made out of chocolate - they're made by tossing wings in their regular hot sauce, adding Wilbur's chocolate to the mix) are definitely something to try! The Welsh Pierogies are also fantastic (although they're heavy) and worth indulging in. For something with a bit more substance, order a Gryphon Burger, made from pork and beef (I order mine medium rare, topped with bleu cheese). Personally, I'm usually not satisfied with burgers, but this does not disappoint. As far as entrees go, the crab cakes are great - very moist and flaky. I also would recommend the Osso Bucco, any of the pasta dishes, especially the lasagna (they only offer this dish on Thursdays, however), or the steak. I really haven't had something on the menu that I have not liked or thought was dissatisfying, it's hard to go wrong. Typically, I don't write many reviews, or at least not this thorough, but after seeing so much negative feedback, I felt compelled to set the record straight. I feel like most people misunderstand this place and come in to find their expectations different from what they actual experience. I live in the area and come here often, but I'm constantly travelling, whether it's New York or Philadelphia or California, and I honestly can say that this restaurant and it's cuisine and service could fit well in any big city. That said, this place is a solace, and doesn't offer the same Sysco, mid-grade quality food or the same line-up of beers on draft that every other restaurant serves. If you're looking for top notch service (by that I do not mean sitting down to have your order taken and served in 6 minutes flat, it's not that "in-and-out" sort of service) and excellent food, or really, if you're just tired of eating at the same places that offer the same things and you want a change of pace, The Black Gryphon is the answer. read more

The on tap beer was really limited - in the past they have had interesting choices - but variety of types I.e. Pilsners, stouts, etc. This time not so - and the food was good - fresh and well done - but the choices were odd. No seafood except crab cakes - seemed like they were doing the best with a tight budget. Very attentive staff as we were initially the only patrons.... five others walked in during our visit - so very quiet. They worked very hard to make the experience great - but it was depressing and odd. read more

The food was very good and unique. The beer list, extensive. The best part of the experience was the interacting with the owner. What a cool dude. He came and sat at our table while explaining the beer he has (which is not your run-of-the-mill brews). He is very passionate about beer and his business and is very creative. Visit! You will not be disappointed. read more

Extremely overpriced for a mediocre meal. Probably the most disappointed i have been in many years. The food was ok but the menu made the food sound like it was an upscale restaurant and it was priced as such. The cast iron roasted chicken was a piece of chicken that tasted as good as the frozen heat and serve but it cost $20!!!!! The special oven roasted pork was an ok burrito that cost $19!!!! Yes $19 for burrito. (I have to say the beer selection was good.) How anyone would go back there after eating there is beyond me. (i normally don't write reviews but after spending $80 for a burrito and a piece of chicken...) read more

I ate at Black Gryphon a few months ago. It was a memorable experience for all of the wrong reasons. Slow service, over priced, the soft drinks tasted like a chemical cleaner had been poured in. I complained and new drinks were brought over with the same problem. Myself and others at my table ended up drinking orange juice and cranberry juice as those were the only beverages Black Gryphon apparently had without a chemical cleanser taste. The waiter and manager stated that they were aware of the issues with their soft drink dispenser... so why were they still serving this to customers?? A disturbing experience. I'll never go back. No problems like when it was LC Jordans years ago. read more

We recently returned to the Black Gryphon after staying away a few months - earlier this year, we stopped for a drink and ordered fish and chips to share. Unfortunately the wait for our food was late, but because we needed to be at another appointment, decided to take the food to go. We didn't discover until we arrived home the order was nowhere near the quanity received when eating in. Things have not improved and I have a fear the place is heading to becoming another statistic of those places that 'didn't make it'. Dave is the only bright spot in the restaurant --very knowledable of the beers and takes the time to tell about each - he has a new bartender who clearly isn't nearly as educated about the beers -- frequently responds 'I'm not sure.' To make matters worse, the owner/chef is in a constant state of panic while also waiting on tables ---the atmosphere is very stale and unfriendly. We obviously didnt stick around for dinner. read more

Tried this place again. Still incredibly over priced. Service was ok, food was average. Drink prices are on par with NYC. Still did not feel good about the experience. Not for me. read more

We love BG. Lately, we've been going once a week. The drinks are creative, the beer list is unique, and the locally-sourced food never disappoints. While we always look forward to the new seasonal menu, we also have favorites: steak, crab cakes, and wings. If you are willing to pay for amazing, fresh wings, get them! My husband loves the chocolate hot (made with Wilbur Buds). We like to sit at the bar, but the dining room is nice too. Tip for anyone from out-of-town: the Black Gryphon is one-of-a-kind. Don't go in with expectations based on reviews. Just enjoy the experience. read more

Best bar in a five mile radius. Lots of beer selection and interesting house infusions. Tony is the owner/chef and is very creative with his menu. The peanut butter burger, tacos (Thursday night), and friend milk with morning cereal are current favs. read more

Went here after a movie on a Saturday night. Great beer selection, knowledgable staff, but left smelling like old fryer oil. Need to improve their kitchen ventilation. Had the fish and chips and my wife had the enchelada. Food was good. They should add bangers and mash to the menu! read more

Good food, higher prices due to sourcing and originality of menu. Great selection of beers from the bar. Food is all locally sourced... Very fresh. We'd go there every weekend if the prices weren't so high. Try the Chicken Wings, they are the best in the region. read more

My fiance and I love the Black Gryphon. The burgers are my personal favorite, while he loves that the beer list is diverse and extensive. The staff is always helpful and charming. I remember one night, a group of us got caught on out in the rain on our motorcycles and the people at the Black Gryphon hooked us up with various things from the kitchen to help keep dry on the way home. MANY weeks later, the next time we saw them, they asked us how the ride home in the rain went! I saw a lot of comments about their menu being overpriced and while I hate the back of forth bickering of message boards and review pages I did want to say one thing. We don't have a lot of money to spend on going out and having fun, so what we do spend we're very careful with. If we're going to go out for a night we want to have the best time possible because it may be the only time that month that we do. After a meal at the Black Gryphon, we never feel guilty, disappointed or cheated in what we spent.... just immensely satisfied. read more

I really want to love this place. I've been there 3 times now. Each time - slow slow service and mediocre food. What's sad is that this place needs a major overhaul on the outside. The building is extremely run down (hey, it is old), and weeds in the parking lot. Just does not look inviting. I do love their wacho's though. They are good.... once you get them. read more

Great food, friendly server, very extensive beer list (like 30 pages...lol). Bar tender needs to shake martinis a bit longer but still tasty! Definitely worth a try!! read more

A bit over-priced and not much selection, but the food and service was good.

We have lived in Elizabethtown for 8 mos. and we have dined here about 5 times. I love their craft beers and their tapas menu is delicious. Service has also been great. We will be back. read more

We've been the Black Gryphon 3-times now and we've always had a nice experience. The last time we sat at the bar and enjoyed really great service from Dave. He probably just thought he was doing his job, but I thought it was all the little extra things he did that made the evening very enjoyable. Happy hour is great because the small plates and pottage are half-off. We had the sliders (2 on the plate) and the ground beef was local, fresh and seasoned nicely. The house small plate d'jour was pheasant sausage wrapped in bacon with a stoneground mustard cream. Incredible. Note, that since quality is top-notch, don't expect an overflowing plate, so just take your time and savor the goodness. I really like that they try to keep all the food ingredients as local as possible. Oh, and I almost forgot about their infused vodkas. I totally heart the caramel and they have chocolate-infused made with Wilbur's chocolate buds. read more