There’s no better time for takeout than when you’re busy, and this month marks the season of holiday hustle and bustle. Not to mention everyday life just gets in the way of getting in the kitchen sometimes. And there are so many more choices than pizza delivery or Chinese (though we have recommendations for those too, which are awesome).
Here are our tried-and-true faves for takeout around the region for whenever you find yourself on the go—out and about and hungry in your own hometown or in another area of the Susquehanna Valley.
Harrisburg Area
1. El Sol Express
Associate publisher Rick Cochran turns to El Sol Express for quick Mexican takeout. “It is owned by the same people as El Sol. Just quicker than a sit down meal,” he says. Plus with two locations, one in Swatara and one in Camp Hill, it’s even more convenient.
elsolmexicanrestaurant.com/3401 Hartzdale Dr., Camp Hill, PA
2. Monte Carlo
Monte Carlo is an East Shore fave, home of the three-foot subs that are great for gathering around a game. Neopolitan- and Sicilian-style pizzas are also popular.
145 S. Cameron St., Harrisburg, PA
3. JoJo's Pizza & Pasta
The West Shore raves about JoJo’s Pizza & Pasta, serving Mechanicsburg since 1968.
jojospizza.net/107 W. Main St., Mechanicsburg, PA
4. Miso Sushi
“We love to grab rolls to go at our favorite ever sushi joint, Miso Sushi and Grill,” conveniently located off of Jonestown Road. “We always make sure to order a spicy tuna and avocado roll garnished with black caviar and Carribean roll (coconut shrimp and mango inside with spicy tuna and avocado on top, served with homemade wasabi sauce and sweet chili sauce),” says foodie contributor Hannah Wigton.
misosushibar.com/4620 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg, PA
5. Bangkok Wok
Bangkok Wok is the West Shore’s favorite for Asian takeout. Hot lemongrass soup satisfies when it’s cold out, and spicy Thai beef warms the soul. Of course, curries and pad Thai are always popular too.
bangkokwok.com/125 Gateway Dr., Mechanicsburg, PA
6. Shugar's
Brett Shugar was born and raised in Philadelphia, so he knows a thing or two about cheesesteaks. Any cheesesteak you order at Shugar’s is destined to be a Rocky-like hit. From the fresh rolls delivered daily from Philadelphia to your choice of cheese (including the hard-to-find liquid American), the quality ingredients and commitment to the true Philly recipe guarantee one great sandwich.
facebook.com/shugarsphillydeli/316 Bridge St., New Cumberland, PA
7. Mother's Subs
“The whole of Harrisburg is rejoicing at the return of Mother’s Subs, and I know why. The legendary sandwich shop closed its doors 35 years ago, but the same family has reopened at two locations, reviving the old recipes. The super Italian sub is loaded with fresh meat and served on chewy, fluffy rolls baked fresh every day. I can’t wait to try the meatball sub!” says Harrisburg-based contributor Diane McCormick.
motherssubspa.com/2101 N. Second St., and 770 Eisenhower Blvd., Harrisburg, PA
8. The Sandwich Man
Loyalists love The Sandwich Man in Colonial Park, ordering their faves with lingo like G9 and G2. Grab a visions of Utopia super club for two with corned beef, turkey, roast beef, Swiss and American cheeses, bacon, lettuce and tomato piled between three layers of rye bread—settle in with a football game (and a friend to help conquer this giant sandwich).
5640 Allentown Blvd., Harrisburg, PA
Lancaster Area
9. Rosa Rosa
Our hands-down favorite pizza delivery at the Heany house is Rosa Rosa cheese pizza with antipasto misto (a mix of marinated grilled eggplant, zucchini and red peppers with olives). Or order the Rosa Rosa pizza (same thing with pan crust instead of wood-fired oven crust). Of course there’s always the spaghetti pizza, an indulgence worth every carb. Share a slice with the fam on the sofa with Netflix before you slip into a carb-induced coma. -Editor’s Pick
rosarosapizzeria.com/1040 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA
10. Rice and Noodles
When the temps turn cold and perhaps you even have a cold, nothing hits the spot like Rice and Noodles’ veggie pho or regular beef pho for the meat eaters in your family. Now they have two convenient locations—in Manheim Township just outside the city as well as downtown with Sprout. Don’t forget the homemade macarons for dessert (go for pumpkin spice this time of year)! -Editor’s Pick
riceandnoodlesrestaurant.com/1238 Lititz Pike and 58 N. Prince St., Lancaster, PA
11. Yang's
The classic takeout/delivery choice is Chinese. In Lancaster, Yang’s veggie lo mein and hot and sour soup do the trick, cheaply and quickly.
1232 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA
12. Souvlaki Boys
Souvlaki Boys serves up fresh Greek style eats in downtown Lancaster (yet convenient to Manheim Township) when you want something light and healthy like the fave of our vegetarian writer Crystal Schreffler: veggie pita and spanakopita.
souvlakiboys.com/1 W. James St., Lancaster, PA
13. Uncommon Pizza
Uncommon Pizza has a Manheim Township cult following, perhaps partially due to the fact that they deliver beer with your pizza. Locals also love dining in for specials like Sunday brunch as well as friendly service from this local, family-owned operation.
uncommonpizza.com/616 Paxton Place, Lititz, PA
14. Caruso's
With four Lancaster-area locations, Caruso’s is a local go-to for pizza and subs (they even make their own rolls). We love their little pepperoni rolls to eat in the car on the way home!
carusospizzeria.com/1908 Fruitville Pike, Lancaster, PA/3545 Marietta Ave., Lancaster, PA/2719 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA/201 PA-372, Quarryville, PA/2036 Main St., Lititz, PA/2933 Willow Street Pike, Willow Street, PA
15. American Bar & Grill
Style girls (and our hubbies) love American Bar & Grill (or ABAG as it’s known by locals) for a junk food fix. A neighborhood fave for Grandview Heights residents, it’s known for its stepped-up bar food like burgers, the best wings in town, Reubens and a killer mac and cheese.
1081 N. Plum St., Lancaster, PA
16. Slice of Brooklyn
When you want the ‘za a little more gourmet, Grandma pizza from Slice of Brooklyn fits the bill. Thin crust square style pizza with plum tomatoes, homemade pesto and fresh garlic topped with parmesan cheese is a vegetarian fave of contributor Crystal Schreffler.
asliceofbrooklyn.net/1750 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, PA
17. Hot Z Pizza
And sometimes, you pick a place based on location. Account executive Sue Ottenheimer’s neighborhood spot is Hot Z Pizza when she’s on a time crunch. Two locations make this one a Lancaster-area fave.
hotzpizza.com/2056 Fruitville Pike, Lancaster, PA/3001 Harrisburg Pike, Landisville, PA
18. The Fridge
The Fridge offers unique combos for foodies and over 100 craft beer choices. “Plus it’s great for grabbing a growler to go,” says account executive Erica Keene. Win-win for the adults. “Great sandwiches and soup too—everything made from scratch.”
beerfridgelancaster.com/534 N. Mulberry St., Lancaster, PA
19. Chop Sushi
“Chop Sushi on Gallery Row is our new go-to,” says account executive Erica Keene. Her family loves the poke and hibachi bowls. Poke is a Hawaiian raw fish salad. The classic poke bowl comes with ahi tuna, Hawaiian sweet soy sauce, sweet onions, sesame seeds and green onions, but you can customize creations too. Hibachi bowls offer options for landlubbers, like chicken or steak over rice with your choice of sauces and toppings.
chopsushilancaster.com/126 N. Prince St., Lancaster, PA
York Area
20. Pho Bistro
Bun xao rau chay (mixed vegetables on rice vermicelli) from Pho Bistro is contributor Kaila Young’s go-to in York. She’s been known to bring leftovers home, “but then eat them as soon as I get home because I could not resist!”
yorkphobistro.com/887 E. Market St., York, PA
21. Viet Thai Café
When you’re craving something a little spicy, vegetable pad Thai from Viet Thai Café hits the spot and packs a nutritious punch.
vietthaimarketstreetcafe.com/2535 E. Market St., York, PA
22. Mitsuru-Ya
Yorkers love Mitsuru-Ya for sushi. Always a quick, easy and healthy option for takeout when you want something light.
mitsuruya.comcastbiz.net/2023 Springwood Road, York, PA
23. Gyro X-Press
Our marketing and events coordinator Bri Burkhart loves Gyro X-Press, a locally owned Greek drive-thru with no website or even seating. You know it’s gotta be good for folks to seek it out. Get the Greek salad, and since it’s healthy go ahead and have a honey puff for dessert.
55 Memory Lane, York, PA
24. Moonlight Café
No need to go out for a fancy Italian meal when you’re pressed for time. York writer Kaila Young grabs takeout from Moonlight Café in Dover for casual Italian cuisine at one of the area’s BYO hidden gems. She orders the afumicato without chicken, which is a penne dish with brandy rose sauce, spinach, sundried tomatoes, roasted red peppers and smoked cheese. All kinds of pasta dishes as well as panini, soups and salads are available too.
moonlightcafeyork.com/4140 Carlisle Road, Dover, PA
25. Never Forgotten BBQ
Never Forgotten BBQ is a veteran-owned York fave for carryout when you’re craving the flavors of summer but it’s cold outside. Take home smoked meats by the pound, from whole chicken to pit beef and slabs of ribs, plus made-from-scratch sides.
neverforgottenbbq.com/2582 Eastern Blvd., York, PA
26. Essan
Our York contributors Hilary Arthur and Cindy Kalinoski both turn to Carryout Courier (carrioutcourier.com) when they’re crunched for time. “We don’t usually get carryout,” says Kalinoski, “but when I’m working hard and craving something amazing, I call Carryout Courier and order up some coconut chicken soup thom ka gai [creamy coconut-based broth is infused with tender chicken, mushrooms, herbs and spices] or my other favorite, pad Thai from Esaan. So comforting, especially in the winter!”
esaanofpa.com/30 N. Beaver St.,York, PA
27. Caeser's Pizza
Caeser’s Pizza of York is home of the BIG slice that lives up to its name. Takeout one giant piece of delicious pizza or try their pretzel stromboli; either way, marketing and events coordinator Bri Burkhart says you won’t be disappointed.
caeserpizza.com/1125 Roosevelt Ave., York, PA
Regional Faves
28. Roburrito’s
Our writer from the White Rose City Kaila Young recommends the bean burrito from Roburrito’s. Red Rose fans can get one too, at the Lancaster location. And three York-area locations make it a convenient choice on that side of the river. Be sure to check out creative specials before you order.
roburritos.com/227 N. Prince St., Lancaster, PA/397 W. Main St., Dallastown, PA/Central Market, York, PA/201 Memory Lane,York, PA/1277 W. Market St., York, PA
29. Crazy Tomato
You know what sounds crazy good? Bacon wrapped jalapeños stuffed with maple cream cheese, known as devil’s purses at Crazy Tomato. Add an order to your old Lou’s smoked wings or gourmet wagyu burger to go. The ‘za gets crazy in craft pies like hog meets heaven, topped with pork barbecue, brisket, bacon and sweet heat. With two locations in York and one just across the river in East Hempfield Township, Lancastrians can now go crazy too.
crazytomatopa.com/1738 Filbert St., York, PA/1270 E. Philadelphia St., York, PA/380 Centerville Road, Lancaster, PA
30. Issei Noodle
A serious step up from college couch surfing days, Issei Noodle offers ramen, only better. Try the spicy tan-tan ramen with pork, bok choy, broth and Japanese noodles. Or many vegetarian options, like the noodle salad and yaki udon, satisfy with lots of veggies.
isseinoodle.com/54 W. High St., Carlisle, PA/44 N. Queen St., Lancaster, PA
31. Giant
Perhaps it’s an unlikely place to find sushi takeout, but Giant and its Sushi Wednesday special at select locations are staples at the Heany house. It’s great for “sushi wimps” who prefer the cooked stuff (get the crispy crab), or slightly sophisticated sushi eaters can grab a spicy raw tuna roll. At 5 bucks a roll on Wednesdays only, you can feed a crowd on a budget. -Editor’s Pick
giantfoodstores.com/Regional select locations
31. Neato Burrito
Some people might feel like they have a burrito baby in their belly after eating this one-pound wrap of goodness from Neato Burrito. Contributor Crystal Schreffler’s pick: The cowboy crunch.
neatoburrito.com/Regional locations
33. Wegmans
Wegmans has long been a West Shore fave for gourmet takeout, and they have plans to open a Lancaster location too. Asian bars with sushi, fruit and salad bars, pizza, pasta, wings, soups and even a bar dedicated to tastes of Mexico—there is something for everyone. We’re fans of the healthy options like butternut squash with baby spinach and Craisins, cider glazed carrots with pumpkin seeds, farro with mushrooms and roasted tomatoes, Tuscan style roasted squash with kale and tons of other gourmet veggie sides.
wegmans.com/6416 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA
By Keely Childers Heany | Photography by Donovan Roberts Witmer
