I picked this spot simply because this app told me that Burger Yum had the best burgers in the…read morecity. I had planned on coming into town today for an event in Coronet Park. I'm so glad I did! A 15 minute bike ride, and a 40 minute bus ride got me there.. The young guys that were behind the counter complemented me on My tattoos, and made me feel extremely welcome. I knew exactly what I wanted, despite everything on the menu looking amazing. By the way, I will be back for the hot chicken. But I digress... I got a classic, and added cheese and bacon. I also ordered bacon cheese fries. The atmosphere of the place was so inviting and quaint I knew I had chosen the right place even before my food came. I hadn't eaten since breakfast so I was wildly ready for this meal. But nothing prepared me for what I saw when they called my name when my order was ready... I stuck my fork into the fries first, golden brown and smothered in bacon and cheese. The second my fork broke the surface, clouds of steam rose off, as they were piping hot. The burger, nestled in a half rap of chef's paper, screamed at me the dive into, which I did immediately. A few minutes and a few pictures in, I questioned whether I could finish everything but as you can see from the final photograph it was really never in question. However long I have to wait to come back to this establishment it'll be too long. Go there!

Never disappoints, friendly staff and delicious food. Best…read moresmash burgers in the area. Can't go wrong with burger yum!

Joy's Grill & Burger House became a Friday Night Date Night destination during my birthmonth after…read moreI spotted them on social media. I've driven by Joy's a million times and somehow never noticed it before. It's tucked into a busy strip mall and easy to miss if you're not specifically looking for it. Spoiler alert: you should be looking for it. My quest for the evening included both a burger and a chili dog, because they both looked amazing and I wanted the full Joy's experience. My adventure buddy and I arrived around 5pm and I was honestly surprised to see only one other person inside when we walked in. We grabbed a booth by the front door and looked over the menu again to finalize our plan. Since it was our first visit, we decided to order a few things and split them so we could try more. We ordered the loaded chili dog topped with chili, cheese, onions, and mustard ($5.25) and one of the Big Block Burgers -- specifically the Joy's Burger -- which came with grilled onions and mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, LA sauce, Swiss cheese, and fresh cut fries ($12.99). Naturally we added bacon for an extra $0.99 because that felt like the right decision. We also each grabbed a Diet Pepsi (to maintain some illusion of balance) for $2.50 each. Our total came to $25.69 before tip, which felt like a pretty solid deal for a two-person Friday night dinner adventure. The setup at Joy's has a classic old-school diner feel. The grill sits right behind the seating counter so you can watch your food being made, and they mix milkshakes right out front as well. The place is simple and no-frills -- and in my experience, those "keep it simple and do it well" places are often the real heavy hitters. The chili dog came out first, and the first thing I noticed was that this thing was HEAVY. This wasn't your typical skinny hot dog -- it was a full ¼-pound dog absolutely loaded with chili. The flavor reminded me of a Cincinnati-style chili dog and it was really good. The chili was flavorful instead of just decorative, the mustard and onions were balanced perfectly, and the bun did its job without getting in the way. As someone who takes chili dogs very seriously, I have to give Joy's credit for delivering a straightforward, perfectly executed chili dog. Next came the burger and fresh cut fries, and when I say this burger was big, I mean BIG. Two patties tall with all the toppings stacked high. We sliced it in half and immediately dug in. The bacon was perfectly crisp, the mushrooms and Swiss were generous, and the whole thing just tasted like a real, proper burger. Not a chain burger that started life frozen and tastes like it could have been reheated in my microwave at home. This was the kind of burger you picture when you say you're craving a burger. The fries were exactly what you want from fresh-cut fries -- the smaller ones nice and crispy, and the bigger ones crispy on the outside with that soft, fluffy inside. Splitting the chili dog and burger turned out to be the right call. It would have been easy to eat everything solo, but my stomach probably would not have forgiven me later. Our server was super friendly and attentive throughout the visit. While we were there, a few more people came in to eat, but overall it felt relaxed and easy for a Friday evening. Parking is free since Joy's sits in a strip mall, but it can be a little tight because there are several other popular businesses nearby. We were able to find a spot without trouble, but I could see it getting tricky during busier times. If you're looking for solid burgers, legit chili dogs, and an old-school diner vibe, Joy's Grill & Burger House is absolutely worth seeking out -- especially if you're like me and always on the lookout for your next great burger or chili dog adventure.

Stopped by Joy's Grill & Burger House while looking for a lunch spot on Yelp, and wow, I'm so glad…read morewe did. The place is clean and simple, and when the food is this good, fancy décor really isn't needed. We were greeted warmly by Autume as soon as we walked in. It's self-seating, with booth and counter seating available, and free parking is available, which is always a plus. Melissa took great care of us, upbeat, cheerful, and even singing Christmas carols while making sure every customer was happy. We ordered the burger and fried chicken based on Melissa's recommendation, and oh boy, it was soooooo good. Brenda, the cook, definitely knows what she is doing. The owner buys whole chickens, cuts and marinates them in a house seasoning, and it truly shows. The chicken was perfectly cooked, not greasy, not salty, just right. One of the best burgers and fried chicken meals we've ever had. We wrapped things up with cappuccino chip ice cream. They serve Hershey's ice cream, which is always a win. We always try to support family-owned restaurants when we travel, and this place is exactly why. Nothing mass produced here, just food made with care. If you're in the area, stop by and say hi to Autume, Melissa, and Brenda. You won't be disappointed. Even if you're not nearby, it's worth the drive. So glad I don't live close, otherwise I'd probably be 1,000 pounds. Oh, and did I mention the fresh, hand cut fries?

It's been 12 years since I last went to the Jackson House, and finally getting back there felt like…read morestepping into a completely different life. New me, new experience. like not a single cell from back then made the trip with me. We pull up, deal with Harrisburg parking (a whole separate scam I won't get into today), and walk into this little hole-in-the-wall lunch spot that closes at 2. That alone explains why it's been over a decade. But the second you step inside, it hits you this place has an aura. Straight New York-Philly energy. Metro signs everywhere, burger memorabilia, cheesesteak philosophy on the walls, Italian pride, city pride, just buku love, buku vibes. You order in a separate little room that feels like a classic bodega. Glass cooler with lunch meats, tiny soda setup, 50-cent refills, vanilla and cherry add-ons if you're feeling fancy. Cash only. No exceptions. We actually had to leave and hit an ATM because my roommate forgot. That's the kind of place this is. Feels like there's no internet in there. Like they might still be running a ham radio in the back. The guys working there? Straight 1970s New York swagger. You can tell this place has not changed since the day it opened, and that's exactly the point. And the wait,yeah, you're waiting. 20 minutes easy. But that's part of it. That's Staves of all the instant gratification and doom scrolling. It sets you back to a forgotten time. Then the burger comes out. This ain't no smash burger. This ain't no little quarter-pound situation. This is a big, meaty, juicy, chewy, greasy, gooey pound of flesh. And yeah, keep all of that. I'm staring at it for 30 seconds, salivating, practically full just looking at it. I finally put the bun on and go at it jerking my head around like a dog playing tug of war (making the most carnivorous, bestial sounds) I got the Jackson burger, lettuce, tomato, J-sauce. I need my J-sauce. And it hits and for a brief moment there is no worry in the world. This isn't a place you go every week unless you're trying to test your mortality. But when you go, you go all the way: 22-ounce Coca-Cola, burger, fries. No half measures. And the crowd? Office guys in suits on their lunch break. Capitol crowd. That's the vibe. I'm never in that world, so stepping into it felt like being dropped into a different city entirely--honestly felt like a Manhattan Lunch Break. The burger itself? Timeless. Not chasing trends, not trying to be Shake Shack, not Five Guys. This is some old-school, 1950s, Back to the Future-type energy. I half expected Marty McFly and Doc to walk in, get em one. Only surprise? No shakes. Feels like they should have shakes. They don't do fries with that shake. Now the one knock: the fries. Flavor? Perfection, hand cut boardwalk style fries. But I got a lot of little end pieces, now that's straight up disrespectful to me, how you gonna treat me like that?. I don't want to dig through little nubs to find actual fries. That's where I gotta be honest, dock a point. Overall though? Food: elite Experience: unmatched Vibe: 5/5 Conclusion - 4/5 (fix those bum-ass fries.)

We needed a quick lunch spot in Harrisburg and a local highly recommended the Jackson House. It was…read moredefinitely not what we expected. This is a small restaurant near midtown that one might just pass by without a second thought. Don't do that. While small, we were able to find a table. But plan ahead because there was a long line tha ended up out the front door. Burgers and fries were very good. No pre-pattied burgers here. Get lots of napkins too because the burgers are juicy.

Friendly service. Original menu for food and drinks, great taste. The different shops/ateliers of…read morevarious artists are nice to visit.

from our drinks to the desserts everything was delicious. Service was great. Our server was…read moresuperb.

I needed my car navigation to find Big Rays, but it was definitely worth finding…read more I've been looking for local restaurants that specialize in all-beef hot dogs. I believe I found it at Big Ray's. My two dogs were just as yummy as I expected, but I could only eat one hot dog because I had to get the fresh-cut, homemade French fries. Very homey feel with friendly service. Al fresco dining is available when the weather is nice. The staff was very friendly, and I can attest that the food is great.

Big Ray's Burgers & Dogs has been sitting on my "must-try" list since summer, so when a Friday…read moreNight Date Night rolled around--and I was craving a proper chili dog--the decision was easy. The only real question: Would Big Ray's chili dog treat me kindly? (Important considerations were made.) We arrived around 5:30pm on a chilly January Friday and quickly realized we were not alone in this brilliant decision. The dining room was already about ¾ full, which I take as an excellent sign when evaluating burger-and-dog establishments. After a quick menu scan, I locked in my order: a ¼-lb beef hot dog with chili, mustard, and onions ($4.99) plus a Diet Pepsi (because balance). Adventure Buddy went all in with the Honey Butter Chicken Club ($8.59) and an order of fried pickles ($4.99), washed down with an orange Fanta. Total damage? Under $27. Date night win already. The food came out fast and piping hot, which is exactly what you want when you're this hungry. My chili dog immediately delivered--solid flavor, generous chili, and most importantly, the hot dog was grilled, giving it that slight snap that separates the pros from the amateurs. No soggy sadness here. Adventure Buddy's chicken sandwich was also a standout. This was a legit chunk of chicken breast, not a sad, thin patty pretending to be something it's not. Crispy, juicy, and the honey butter added just the right touch of sweetness without crossing into dessert territory. The fried pickles were thick-cut, crunchy, and exactly what fried pickles should be--dangerously snackable. All around, Big Ray's absolutely delivered. Solid food, quick service, great value, and the kind of place you immediately add to your "easy yes" rotation for burgers, dogs, and sandwiches. I'll definitely be back--especially once the weather warms up and that front patio becomes fair game.

I've heard great things about Dad's Garage, so I decided to check it out on a solo Friday night…read morewhen I was seriously craving a good burger. I was hoping all the hype was true and maybe I'd even find a new spot to add to my breakfast places to try list -- but, spoiler alert, I won't be doing that. Pulled in around 5pm and found parking (miracle, since there are only about 4 or 5 spots). Inside, I was greeted right away and told to seat myself. The specials board out front caught my eye, so I went with the bacon cheeseburger croissant, upgraded my fries to chili cheese fries, and grabbed a Diet Pepsi. I was the only dine-in customer, but there was a steady flow of pickup orders. Still, a 20-minute wait for my food felt long considering it was just me sitting there listening to FM radio straight out of an 80's prom (hello, Mr. Mister's "Broken Wings"...literally). When my food finally arrived, the staff immediately realized they'd forgotten the chili cheese on the fries and whisked them back to fix it -- good save! The chili itself? Fantastic. Like, "I-need-this-on-a-hot-dog" fantastic. The fries, though...yikes. Grease was literally pooling and dripping through the basket like a leaky oil pan. The burger was fine -- solid flavor, but the proportions were off. Giant tomato and onion slices took over the show, and the croissant was way too big for the small patty. Loved the croissant idea, just needs a smaller bun or a bigger burger. Ended up eating the patty and ditching the salad-sized toppings and half the croissant. The check was the real surprise: $12.99 for the burger, $2.49 for the Diet Pepsi, and another $2.99 for the chili cheese fry upgrade -- plus a mysterious "conveenience Fee (2.99%)" for $0.55. Maybe time to run spell check before charging extra, Dad. All in all with tip, $20+ for a burger that didn't quite live up to the hype. It hit the spot for a burger craving, but not enough to make me a regular. Glad I gave it a try -- it's got potential and a great location (even if parking is a tight squeeze). But honestly, it might be time for Dad to roll up his sleeves, give the menu a tune-up, and maybe double-check that receipt printer while he's at it. Bottom line: Cool concept, great chili, and 80s prom tunes -- but for $20+, I expected a little more horsepower under the hood.

My wife and I had lunch here today. We both had Philly Cheese Steak Subs, with French fries and…read moreonion rings. Also a diet Pepsi and iced tea. The cheese steaks were delicious very close to just as good as those at Philadelphia Cheese Steaks and Hoagies in Camp Hill. The fries and onion rings were quite good too. The wait service was excellent. The decor was very interesting with dozens of antique auto themed signs and memorabilia. Bill was $36.00 + tip which put it over $40. I felt it was a little too high for what we ordered.....and this is the only reason I awarded a 4 instead of 5 star review. I would dine here again. They are known for their Fried Chicken which looked delicious at another table, I will try that menu choice when I have more time because they cook to order and it's a 25 min wait for the fried chicken.

For the second time ever, I visited a brewery after already knowing about its beers. (The first…read morebeing Flying Fish, R.I.P.) But this place is much more than beer, and I can't recommend it enough. First, there is a bar completely separate from the eating area, so you can choose what experience you want. Second, I've known that all their beers are top notch, which is why I wanted to come here. I'm not an IPA guy, but the black IPA is some top notch stuff that anyone can appreciate. Not super hoppy, really well balanced. Blonde stout is another superb creation, Lancaster gets some depth into it that many other breweries can't manage. Third, if you want food, they learned from the Food Network and limited their menu to just a few choices, all excellently prepared. I ordered the Angry Mac with gator meat. It had excellent flavor, they made it spicier like I asked, and unlike most places they provided plenty of meat. Great quantity and great taste that I wasn't expecting. I tasted my friend's polenta and it was perfectly balanced with some cheese, not too salty. I could eat that for days. Finally, Eva, our waitress? Wonderful. My friend and I were weighing dessert, we wanted a brownie but not the whole hot fudge brownie sundae. Eva made it work and even split it between heated and cold. What a great server. Props to Eva! To get this quality of food, this quality of beer, this quality of service, and this quality of ambiance all in one? No wonder my friend was willing to go two days in a row. I need a Lancaster Brewing in my town.

On a cross country trip we stopped at the Tap Room and found the best food, amazing staff (Destiny)…read moreand the most engaging patrons. What a fun time and wonderful experience.

Cool, eclectic dive bar with really good food…read more We bellied up at the rail, both bartenders were awesome. The beer was cold, service was good, food wa great. I had a Philly and my husband had the pickle smash burger. Both were delish! We shared some tots and neither one of us could finish our plate. Don't forget to checkout the upstairs bar and deck that has a view of the capital's dome.

I came here for a fairly early dinner one night so the place was super quiet. The bartender was…read morevery nice, quick to grab a drink and my order. I had a Whiskey BBQ burger which was tasty, with a side of fries. I also got an order of the homemade cheese sauce on the side to dip my fries in which didn't have as much flavor as I anticipated, but it was still pretty good (I mean... it's cheese. Come on.). What made the evening more interesting was a guy who sat at the bar having a full conversation with himself... we thought he maybe had headphones in but nope. The staff definitely was keeping an eye on him and doing the best they could with the situation. All in all, I'd come back when I'm next in town to hang again.

Food was great, service was great, and a great vibe. A good spot to meet up with friends.read more

High Dive is an interesting mashup. From the name and the first impression inside, it reads as a…read moredark, slightly dingy dive bar, and it fully delivers that vibe. Then you open the menu and realize there is a surprisingly large Hawaiian themed food selection. It is not really a restaurant, though. It feels like a bar first, with a better than expected food program, not the other way around. The bar service was excellent. I ordered a Sazerac, and they served it with the absinthe on the side so you can add it to taste. That is a small detail, but it shows care and attention, and it made for a great drink. Service overall was friendly and prompt. Even though it is clearly a bar, it is also calm enough during certain hours that you could do some work or have a low key meeting. I would not try that during peak drinking hours. I am not sure of the exact hours, but it seems like more of a late day or evening spot than a lunch stop. If you are in the area and want a solid cocktail and a snack, High Dive is an easy pick.