One of the best parts about being home for the summer is the food! Living in Hershey PA gives me quick access to lots of different towns with a plethora of different food options. Being a foodie and having incredibly foodie friends means I am never short of someone to try new places with and this summer has certainly not disappointed with that. So, as my summer comes to a close I thought I'd share some of my favorite places to grub. I chose these places based on how often I go to them, how obsessed with their food I am and how reasonably priced they are.
1. Annie's Soft Ice Cream - Campbelltown
This is kind of unfair because I spent the beginning of my summer working there. Until I took my most recent job I had been there for four years and have definitely become biased to their soft serve. The raspberry soft serve available Wednesday-Sunday is addictive and their PA Dutch Style Pork BBQ from ASK Foods in Palmyra is the best.
2. Soprano's - Campbelltown
Working right next door at Annie's has consisted in many a dinner time breaks at Soprano's. I think at this point I've had almost their entire menu and have yet to find something I don't like.
3. Cork & Fork - Harrisburg
There are not words to explain my love for this restaurant. I was introduced to it last summer before leaving for school and fell in love. They are best known for the meat and cheese plates as well as their specialty pizza's however I've tried at least half of the menu and am never disappointed. Cork & Fork is also known for having a pretty good wine bar so those of you 21+ can check that out.
4. Home 231 - Harrisburg
Another great choice if you're in the city is Home 231. While I've only been there for lunch they also have a separate dinner menu. My first time there exceeded my expectations and is home to one of the best chicken pesto sandwiches I have ever tasted. Home 231 is unique in that they are dedicated to sourcing their food locally and supporting farmers in the area. That being said their menu changes with the season and the produce so there can be entirely new menu options every time you go.
5. Cafe Fresco - Harrisburg (Paxton Street)
Home to another one of my favorite Chicken Pesto sandwiches is Cafe Fresco. (Can you tell I like pesto?) I've only had the pleasure of experiencing the one on Paxton street but I always have such a good, fresh meal and the staff is always so polite. They have a great outdoor seating area and great food.
6. Au Bon Lieu - Hershey/Harrisburg
This is definitely one of the cutest places on this list. The tables have a chalk board surface so you can draw and design on the table while you wait and the staff is always really helpful and attentive. It's also great for those new to creperies. They have mealtime crepes and dessert crepes (also known as sweet or savory crepes) and sometimes if it's slow the owner will even let you take a crack at making you
7. Annie Bailey's- Lancaster
Anyone that knows me knows I had to put an Irish pub on here. Since Molly Brannigans closed in center city Harrisburg I was having trouble finding a place to fill that hole in my stomach. However Annie Bailey's did just that. Their traditional irish cuisine is spot on while they still have other options for those customers not as obsessed with potatoes or corned beef as us irish customers are.
8. Sugar On Top - Millersville
If you have any remnants of a sweet tooth you must try out Sugar On Top. This adorable doughnut shop, with their new Millersville location, is to die for. You can request on of their traditional doughnuts or invent your own creation. But no matter what you choose from plain sprinkles, to thin mint, to strawberry pie, to maple bacon every doughnut is sure to please.
9. Wasabi - Hershey
Ahh good old wasabi. Since it's opening it has become a staple for most Hershey residents. It has such a unique atmosphere and creative presentations. I'm no sushi connoisseur but I am always pleased with my order. Their hibachi is yummy too!
10. Hershey Pantry - Hershey (crazy, I know)
Speaking of Hershey resident staples! The Hershey Pantry is a must try for anyone that hasn't been and a must see for anyone visiting. Mostly known for their delicious breakfast menu they are sure to be every ones favorite. They have separate outdoor and indoor seating and although they are always busy it is worth the wait.
11. Folklore - Elizabethtown
For all those coffee lovers out there and cafe hipsters Folklore is the place for you. It's an incredibly cool layout with lots of unique coffee/pastry/random other things for you to try.
Now that I am sufficiently hungry, I leave you hopefully with a whole new list of places to try in central PA.