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Signature pork barbecue
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Owner Chuck Miller with his son and chef, Brandon
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Half pound sirloin and brisket burger
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It’s an unassuming spot nestled among Harrisburg, Linglestown, Hummelstown, and Middletown, but it’s official. The barbecue, burgers, and sides are legit. And it’s worth the drive from anywhere in the Central PA region.
The bacon is sizzling and its smoky scent fills the air. Owner Chuck Miller unloads fresh rolls from Philadelphia and his youngest son Brandon, the chef, is whistling along to “Sweet Home Alabama” as he checks the ribs in the smoker before they open for the afternoon.
Workers on their lunch breaks pile in and the food starts flowing. In the evenings, a lot of couples and families gather. It’s BYOB, no frills counter service; the focus is fully on the food.
By far, the biggest seller is the pork barbecue sandwich. “We sell out of ribs regularly,” Chuck states; “[those] and the brisket are our specialty.” Chuck is originally from Knoxville, Tennessee. “I’ve been barbecuing since I was a kid,” he explains. “This place came up for sale two years ago, so we bought it.” His son had been a chef at several area restaurants. Now he’s in charge of cooking up a huge menu of Southern specialties that range from smoked wings, loaded salads, and scratch made sides to sandwiches (barbecue included, but don’t miss the Big Boy grilled cheese stuffed with their spicy pimiento cheese blend and bacon between Texas toast). Brandon’s baked beans are a must-try. With five kinds of beans and “our special sauce,” as he calls it, they’re hearty with a tangy twist that includes a raspberry ale. The green beans are textured with whole grain mustard, bacon, and red onion for an extra kick. The creamy mac and cheese does not disappoint either. If you order the fries—and you should, because they’re generously peppered and delicious—be sure to share; the order is heaping.
Of course, the barbecue is the real draw to this destination. “We make all our own sauces,” Chuck says. There’s the Official sauce, a sweet Kansas City style tomato based sauce; golden Carolina, which is vinegar based “and really good with pork”; spicy Tennessee sauce; hot honey BBQ, which is “great on wings”; and a Carolina mustard sauce too.
While the barbecue is the reason most come to Official BBQ & Burgers, Brandon and Chuck agree the half-pound sirloin and brisket black label burger is one of their favorites. “It’s a custom cut of meat we get—all 100 percent Angus of course—with extra brisket.”
If you simply can’t decide and have a big appetite (or feel like sharing), try the sampler platter for $32.99 with three meats (pulled pork or turkey, brisket, four wings, or half a rack) and two sides. If you’re in the mood for a little less, Grandma’s chili and a toasted cornbread muffin with homemade honey butter will hit the spot. Should you save some room for dessert, Heisler’s homemade ice cream, made just above Reading, is available to cool down your palate and satisfy that sweet tooth. Either way, you really can’t go wrong with this menu. “If you make good food, they will find you,” Chuck says. “That’s what we keep telling ourselves.”
Official BBQ & Burgers
6295 Lyters Lane, Harrisburg, PA / officialbbq.net / 717-564-2152