What are the essential ingredients for a successful lunch meeting? We talked to some of the Susquehanna Valley’s most savvy networkers for their insights and recommendations. Here are their top restaurant picks for sealing the (delicious) deal.
Tom Baldrige’s picks
president/CEO, Lancaster Chamber
The Pressroom
In some ways, Baldrige says, his top three spots for business lunches are similar: “They all provide comfortable settings that invite people to relax and invite conversation, consistently offer good service, and offer the option for both indoor and outdoor dining.” Located in the historic Steinman Hardware Building in downtown Lancaster, The Pressroom offers a seasonal American menu with historic mid-1700s ambiance. Baldrige’s top pick is the Caesar salad—romaine with Parmigiano-Reggiano, creamy Casesar dressing and grilled bread—and he adds grilled chicken.
26-28 W. King St., Lancaster, PA / pressroomrestaurant.com
Photo courtesy Annie Bailey's Irish Public House
Annie Bailey’s Irish Public House
Just a few steps from Penn Square, Annie Bailey’s occupies a Victorian-era Lancaster landmark, a long-time men’s clothing store. The menu mixes traditional Irish fare (Waterford fish & chips) with American classics (King Street burger with house fries). Whether you call them chips or fries, they’re house-made. Baldrige’s go-to: Caesar salad to which he chooses to add white anchovies. “To me, it’s about the ability to get business done while enjoying great food and service,” says Baldrige.
28 E. King St., #30, Lancaster, PA / anniebaileys.com
The Greenfield Restaurant & Bar
Family-owned and -operated since 1979, The Greenfield offers a full menu directed by Chef Rafe Hottenstein. While Baldrige prefers the grilled Caesar salad (notice a theme?), the creative menu offers plenty of choices such as Ironstone Springs’ Angus beef sliders—three all-natural, locally grass-fed beef mini burgers topped with smoked Gouda, Kunzler bacon and pickled onion, served on mini brioche buns. “Not only are [these] restaurants all great, they also all support the Chamber, so I am more than happy to give them my business and extol their virtues,” Baldrige summarizes.
595 Greenfield Road, Lancaster, PA / thegreenfieldrestaurant.com
Dave Black’s picks
president & CEO, Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC
Ad Lib Craft Kitchen & Bar, Hilton Harrisburg
“If we are working with out of town clients over several meetings, I like to use [Ad Lib at the] Hilton Harrisburg or Greystone Public House to establish the professional, upscale services available in the region. Ad Lib has lots of booths and alcoves in which to have private conversations, great service, and great food, plus I’m a fan of Hilton GM Joe Massaro,” says Black. Ad Lib features two lunch menus—an a la carte along with an express lunch menu. “I’m a simple lunch guy, so the St. John’s clam chowder and a wedge salad are great. Occasionally, I will do their very special turkey club as part of the lunch triple header with the chowder and wedge salad,” Black says.
One N. Second St., Harrisburg, PA / adlibrestaurants.com
Millworks
“Unique, local flavor” is how Black describes the ambiance at Millworks, renovated into a restaurant and craft brewery with artist studios from its previous life as Stokes Millworks in midtown Harrisburg. “Millworks has its share of booths for private conversations, a private room for larger meetings, and is a unique setting,” says Black. “I really like their deep fried catfish sandwich—of course I really like most anything deep fried. The southern chicken sandwich is very good as well.” Not only are menu selections locally-sourced, but they are either organic or from farms following sustainable practices.
340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg, PA / millworksharrisburg.com
Cornerstone Coffeehouse, Camp Hill
“We have a lot of members and work with a lot of people throughout the region, so I do a lot of meetings on the West Shore,” Black says. He says the main reason he’s a fan of Cornerstone Coffeehouse is its proprietor. “Sue Pera always makes customers feel special, and we have been friends for many years. It’s a great venue for a salad, a wrap or a sammie [sandwich] and some serious conversation. We have used her culinary kitchen in the back for larger lunch meetings as well. Location, service, and good food—and of course great coffee—in a place that feels like home,” summarizes Black.
2133 Market St., Camp Hill, PA / thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com
George M. Book, Jr.’s picks
president & CEO, West Shore Chamber of Commerce
Black N Bleu
Located on the Carlisle Pike, Black N Bleu has what Book considers an ideal location for a business lunch, with plenty of parking. Inside, the menu is extensive, but Book only has eyes for one item. “The one dish I always get is the lobster mac and cheese. It is, in my opinion, the best lobster mac and cheese combo I’ve had. No matter what you order, the portions are very large and the service is always good,” he says.
6108 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA / blacknbleu.com
Dukes Bar & Grill, West
There are two important factors for a business lunch,” says Book. “Number one is location. Dukes West has that, being right at the intersection of Carlisle Pike and I-81. Number two is variety on the menu—everything from healthy options to good old fashioned burgers—and Dukes has that covered too. The service is tremendous and the portions are ginormous; you may even take some home with you. I like the Pennsylvania Dutch pretzel sandwich with Dijon mustard—it’s the end all, cure all.” There are more than 30 additional sandwiches, wraps, street tacos, and hot dogs on the menu, along with two dozen types of beef and chicken burgers.
5302 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA / dukesbarandgrille.com
Rock Bass Grill
“The majority of our membership base is in Cumberland County, but we do have quite a few members in Dauphin County. Rock Bass Grill is an ideal choice since it’s located right on the river,” Book says. “The scenery is fantastic and there’s a great atmosphere; you can go in and have a conversation, eat, and not feel rushed. There’s a great selection on the menu—you can go with a full meal or a sandwich. I always get the crab cake sandwich.” In addition to sandwiches, burgers, and salads, Rock Bass Grill offers numerous soups including homemade “off the hook bangin’ clam chowder” served with fresh steamed clams in the shell.
461 S. Front St., Wormleysburg, PA / rockbassgrill.com
Michelle Crowley’s picks
president & CEO, Carlisle AreaChamber of Commerce
Denim Coffee
“The Carlisle Area Chamber has 21 member restaurants and coffee shops in central Cumberland County that are open for lunch. All have a different feel, taste and charm of their own…my job gives me the chance to get out and try them all,” says Crowley. “When I’m in downtown Carlisle for a quick meeting over coffee, Denim Coffee has a great ambience, and the staff knows so much about the perfect cup of coffee.” The menu offers espresso and specialty coffee options (roasted in their own facility in Shippensburg), panini sandwiches, soups, baked goods, and smoothies made with 100 percent fruit.
1 S. Hanover St., Carlisle, PA / denimcoffeecompany.com
Helena’s Chocolate Café & Creperie
It’s the word “chocolate” etched into the bakery’s street-front glass that jumps out at you—am I right? “Helena’s has great coffee, plus macarons and other delectable treats, including crepes [both sweet and savory],” says Crowley. She says it’s the perfect spot for a brunch or lunch meeting. The soups are homemade; salads highlight seasonal local produce; sandwiches are prepared on house-made sweet rolls. Colorful French macarons, cookies, pastries, cakes, and gelato are all made from scratch. How can you not make a sweet business deal here?
36 W. High St., Carlisle, PA / helenascafe.com
Brick Kitchen and Bar
Crowley says Carlisle has numerous lunch options with a casual downtown vibe. “For the more intimate lunch, The Barn at Allenberry, Boiling Springs Tavern, and Brick have a professional vibe, with [indoor or outdoor] intimacy for quiet conversations,” says Crowley. Run by husband and wife Maura and Mark Bricker, Brick offers a seasonal menu including small plates that are perfect for lunch, plus a creative lineup of salads, soups, and sandwiches—featuring plenty of seafood, like salmon club, fish tacos, lobster roll, crab cake, and blackened fish sandwiches—along with the signature Brick burger.
113 W. High St., Carlisle, PA / brickcarlisle.com
Kevin Schreiber’s picks
president & CEO, York County Economic Alliance (Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation)
Roosevelt Tavern
For Schreiber, the Roosevelt Tavern is an obvious choice. “I’m a city-dwelling, urban walker, but it’s hard to argue convenience when the Roosevelt is right next door to our office,” he says. “Their farm to table [approach] is on point. Go healthy with a spinach salad or indulge with the legendary cream of crab soup; up your style points by requesting a side of sherry. For an extended lunch, enjoy the pub burger over happy hour or take in the new outdoor patio or event dining space.”
50 N. Penn St., York, PA / roosevelttavern.com
Photo courtesy Central Market
Central Market
With 22 dining options, Schreiber says York’s Central Market is the place to be, whether you have a lunch meeting or not. “It epitomizes and personifies York. If your meeting [guest] is from out of town, then the 1880s bustling market house must be on the bucket list. It showcases York’s agricultural commerce, in grand architectural style,” he says. “It serves as a perfect spot if you’ve no lunch plans, because invariably you can conduct a lot of business and run into all York’s friendly faces and business leaders while wandering our market.”
34 W. Philadelphia St., York, PA / centralmarketyork.com
Photo courtesy Green Bean Roasting Company
Green Bean Roasting Company
For a lunchtime cup of joe along with light fare, this downtown York café has it all—especially for Schreiber. “York’s oldest coffee shop keeps York caffeinated and is one of the few female-owned roasting companies in the world. Delicious coffee roasted on site, creative and classic drinks, and you’ll inevitably see half of York make their way through. Plus, the baristas are exceptionally stylish (and I’d be in trouble if I didn’t say that as one is my wife)!”
100 S. Beaver St., York, PA / facebook.com/greenbeanroasting
Carrie Stuart’s picks
president, Gettysburg Adams Chamber of Commerce
Gettysburg Eddie’s
Amidst memorabilia dedicated to America’s pastime and local baseball Hall of Famer Edward Plank, Gettysburg Eddie’s serves up an all-American menu to match. (Baseball trivia: Plank was the first major league southpaw to win 300 games.) Stuart says the restaurant’s seating options are always a “hit.” “Gettysburg Eddie’s can entertain a casual business meeting or a small group of 25 upstairs in a quiet setting. Their staff is always accommodating. And you can’t go wrong with the Southwest salad.” All of Gettysburg Eddie’s soups are house-made.
217 Steinwehr Ave., Gettysburg, PA / gettysburgeddies.com
Mamma Ventura’s
“The fresh daily specials at Mamma Ventura’s Restaurant are always a staff favorite,” says Stuart. Offering a wide variety of hot and cold subs plus Italian specialties, Mamma V’s—as the locals call it—also serves up hospitality, according to Stuart. “This venue is perfect if you’re on a tight schedule for your meeting. You can almost always get in and out in an hour, with their fast and friendly service,” she says. Plus, they are located in the heart of Gettysburg, just off Lincoln Square.
13 Chambersburg St., Gettysburg, PA / mammaventuras.com
The Farnsworth House
Located in historic Gettysburg and built in1810, the Farnsworth House has a colorful history of its own—including the 100 bullet holes that mark its walls. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places; not surprisingly, the extensive menu is peppered with Civil War references. “Farnsworth House Inn has a great atmosphere whether you eat inside the tavern or outside on a beautiful day,” says Stuart. “Their 26th North Carolina pulled pork is some of the best around!”
401 Baltimore St., Gettysburg, PA / farnsworthhouseinn.com
Susquehanna Style Staff picks
Rick Cochran associate publisher
Café Fresco
Harrisburg’s Café Fresco provides “the best of both worlds” for Cochran. “The center city location is a convenient walking distance for business professionals who may not have access to a car during the day. Lunches include salads and sandwiches, and you can easily turn your business lunch into a great early dinner with specialty cocktails! The Paxton Street location has always been a great spot to drop in and enjoy either inside or outside seating. The variety of salads is fantastic—my favorite has always been the barbecue ranch salad, and then there’s the chicken barbecue sandwich too. My mouth is watering.”
215 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg PA / cafefresco.com / 3352 Paxton St., Harrisburg, PA / cafefrescopaxton.com
Sammy’s Authentic Italian Restaurant
“Located right across the street from the State Capitol building, Sammy’s Italian Restaurant is the perfect place to break some (garlic) bread Italian style,” says Cochran. “Lunchtime entrees like veal Marsala, cheese ravioli, or even a fresh mozzarella pepper hoagie in the cozy dining room will take you on a Roman adventure while you are sealing the deal. Plus, you never know who might walk in the front door.”
502 N. 3rd Street Harrisburg, PA / sammysitalianrestaurant.com
Keely Childers Heany Editor in Chief
Grand Central Bagel Café
Grand Central combines the best of the east, with menu items named for iconic New York landmarks, and the west, with Panache Coffee freshly roasted and delivered the same week from Oregon. “Grand Central Bagel is a great meeting spot with some of the best bagels locally, yummy cream cheese combos, sweet treats, and, of course, coffee—the currency of business. It’s a great in-between for west Lancaster and east York pros to meet,” says Childers Heany.
245 Centerville Road, Lancaster, PA / grandcentralbagel.com
Tapenade Bistro
“Tapenade Bistro is a family-owned spot with an elegant ambience and a fun menu that has a great energy. Plus it’s conveniently located off of 83 in York," says Childers Heany. Tip: Follow their Facebook page for the inside scoop on daily specials, such as Baja fish tacos, in addition to a full lineup of creative sandwiches, wraps, salads, and more.
2509 S. Queen St.,York, PA / facebook.com/Tapenade-Bistro-126712667486
Sue Ottenheimer senior account executive
Photo courtesy Isaac's
Isaac’s
This south central PA restaurant chain is filled with personality, from its pink flamingo logo to its sandwiches colorfully named after birds. Ottenheimer says it’s simply her favorite. “Isaac’s is always a ‘go-to’ spot for me—there is always one nearby, there is plenty of parking, the food is good and there is something for everyone on the menu. And it doesn’t break the bank!”
About 20 regional locations / isaacsrestaurants.com
Chase Hafer account executive
Sprout
An offshoot, or dare we say “sprout,” of Lancaster’s Rice & Noodles Vietnamese Eatery, Sprout offers an extensive menu, from soups and sandwiches to bowls—all with ethnic flair. “I love Sprout for a quick lunch—it’s fast, clean, and has something for everyone, including a wide array of vegetarian options, with the friendliest staff in town,” says Hafer.
58 N. Prince St., Lancaster, PA / riceandnoodlesrestaurant.com
Greg Zoerb account executive
The Firehouse
“If you’re looking to combine Harrisburg history with a delightful dining experience, check out (or revisit) this 2nd Street eatery,” says Zoerb. “The building was constructed back in 1814 and is the oldest standing firehouse in Harrisburg and the second oldest in Pennsylvania. The restaurant has been a local favorite for years. If you’re into seafood, strongly consider the Phoenician trout baked in Kosher salt. It’s a can’t miss entrée!”
606 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg, PA / firehouserestaurant.com
Cork & Fork
“With the emphasis on fresh local ingredients (and locations on both the west and east shores in Harrisburg), these restaurants are popular with the business crowd, hungry for the large selections of fresh pizza and small plates,” says Zoerb. Highlights of the Italian menu: house-made pasta and creative flavor combinations, such as the pistachio pizza or the apple jalapeño salad.
200 State St., Harrisburg, PA / 4434 Carlisle Pike, Camp Hill, PA / corkandfork.us
Photo courtesy Mangia Qui
Mangia Qui
Where else can you order a DBLT (DB for duck bacon)? If downtown Harrisburg is your meeting place, Zoerb says this European eatery fits the bill. “Consistently a great dining experience for years…Mangia Qui delivers your choice of Italian dishes, or try the upstairs tapas bar. You won’t be disappointed.”
272 North St., Harrisburg, PA / mangiaqui.com
A note from the writer, Karen Hendricks:
For me, business lunches require three critical ingredients—a strong wifi connection for typing notes, flavorful coffee to keep the conversation flowing, and comfort food because it feels like you’re talking at a kitchen table. If I’m meeting with someone to interview them, I pick one of the Susquehanna Valley’s landmark coffee houses like Lancaster’s Prince Street Café, Harrisburg’s Little Amps, Mechanicsburg’s Capital Joe, Hershey’s Cocoa Beanery, Elizabethtown’s Folklore, Gettysburg’s Ugly Mug or Ragged Edge.
