At brunch, anything is possible. Hungry for French toast? You can have it. Hankering for a sandwich? Order away. And from all-you-can-eat buffets to ethnic eateries with weekend menus, Central PA has it all. Read along to find our favorite brunch spots across the midstate. Warning: You may be tempted to pour yourself a mimosa in the meantime.
Harrisburg Area:
1. The Circular, Hershey: Try a bit of everything, and do it in chocolate-covered luxury. Each Sunday, The Circular in The Hotel Hershey hosts a prix fixe buffet-style brunch with offerings ranging widely from sweet to savory. Just don’t leave without sampling the desserts, of course. This brunch books quickly, so make your reservation in advance.
2. Cornerstone Coffeehouse, Camp Hill: Need a java jolt? Head to Cornerstone Coffeehouse for some of the region’s best coffee drinks (we love the Honey Vanilla Latte). Oh, and they serve breakfast and lunch items, too. The homemade baked oatmeal, served with steamed milk and fresh blueberries, is always a hit. The salads are surprisingly satisfying as well. www.thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com Coffee snobs convene
3. El Sol Mexican Restaurant, Harrisburg: The food is muy delicioso, but the real highlight of El Sol’s Sunday brunch is their make-your-own Bloody Mary bar (or Bloody Maria, if you prefer tequila.) House-made tomato juice, stuffed olives, Cholula, Old Bay, you name the mix-in; they have it. Pair yours with classic huevos rancheros, or try something more adventurous.
www.elsolmexicanrestaurant.com Bueno Bloody Mary bar
4. Federal Taphouse, Harrisburg: This place is known for its wood-fired creations, so it’s fitting that one of their best brunch items is the breakfast pizza. Sweet caramelized onions contrast with salty breakfast sausage and cheddar, and the over-easy eggs on top are the highlight of this mid-day dish. The breakfast poutine—homefries, cheese curds, bacon, egg and gravy—is worth ordering, too. Lancaster locals, you can get this, too, at their Red Rose City location. /
5. Hershey Pantry, Hershey: Even if Hershey Pantry only offered their famous cinnamon roll, the line would still be out the door. But the truth is that their other brunch items are just as good, or maybe even better. We love the French toast, stuffed with seasonally-flavored cream cheese (the red raspberry is, literally, the jam).
/ www.hersheypantry.com Fabulous French toast
6. Home 231, Harrisburg: A farm-to-table fave, Home 231 has an extensive brunch menu and great seating options. We love the street-side and courtyard tables on a sunny day in the city. Plus, you can get donuts—rolled in sugar and served with chocolate, salted caramel and crème anglaise, no less. Try the lobster roll for a winning sandwich option. / www.home231.com For an al fresco brunch
7. The Mill, Hershey: The seafood options are magnificent at this Hershey hot spot. Uncle Pig’s crabcake sandwich—with brioche, bacon, arugula and caper dijonnaise—is stellar if you’re feeling lunch-y. For a breakfast spin, try the blue crab Benedict. The raw oysters are super fresh too. / www.themillinhershey.com
8. Mangia Qui, Harrisburg: When it comes to a sophisticated brunch, Mangia Qui knows how to do it right. We go for the “Bennys” (eggs Benedict) in all of their varieties: Classic, crab, filet, surf and turf, smoked salmon and more, if you can believe it. Sweeter palates will love the Italian breakfast, including a variation of French toast made from egg-battered pecan raisin sweet bread and mascarpone. / www.mangiaqui.com When you’re feeling fancy
9. RockBass Grill, Lemoyne: A Harrisburg favorite for the serene view overlooking the Susquehanna River. Here you can fill up on the River Scramble, a combo of scrambled eggs, veggies, sausage and potatoes. Bring the kids; they offer a children’s brunch menu too. / www.rockbassgrill.com
10. Sophia’s at Walden, Mechanicsburg: If you love Sophia’s on Market, try their second location for a new taste of Sunday brunch. Cinnamon roll pancakes, finished with cream cheese drizzle, are a crowd-pleaser. Same goes for the southwest Benedict, featuring chorizo and roasted red pepper hollandaise. Go in the warmer months for brunch outside.
Lancaster Area:
11. American Bar & Grill, Lancaster: When everything on the brunch menu is under $10, how can you go wrong? At this popular locals’ bar, the cream chipped beef is a crowd-pleaser (served on your choice of toast or homefries). Plus, mimosas and Bloody Marys are only four bucks apiece, served in pint glasses too. / www.abglancaster.com Good cheap eats
12. Annie Bailey’s, Lancaster: This Irish pub is a favorite for nights out, but it’s just as fun for brunch. Here, breakfast items are given an Emerald Isle spin. Try the French toast, which is battered with Bailey’s Irish Cream and cinnamon, or the celtic eggs Benedict, which is topped with grilled rashers (thin sliced pork loin). You can even go all out and order a traditional Irish breakfast. / www.anniebaileys.com Pub grub goes brunch
13. Aussie and the Fox, Lancaster: This place is all about the ambiance. Try to get seated at one of the window booths for prime people watching on West King Street. On the menu, you’ll find Australian-inspired entrees and tried-and-true American faves. Don’t leave without ordering an espresso drink (we love the Flat White). Bonus: Their brunch starts on Friday. / www.aussieandthefox.com
14. Bistro Barberet & Bakery, Lancaster: This new-kid-on-the-block of a restaurant is becoming one of the hippest eateries in the city. As you might have guessed from the name, the bakery is one of their claims to fame. Take a look through the pastry case and you'll see why: Chocolate eclairs, macarons, gourmet cupcakes...need we go on?
/ www.26eastlancaster.com Fanciest pastries
15. Bulls Head Public House, Lititz: Head to downtown Lititz this Saturday for the Full Monty (otherwise known as a full English breakfast). Across the pond, and now here in Central PA, breakfasters enjoy a round meal with the usual coffee, eggs and toast, but also baked beans, mushrooms, tomato and the English version of bacon and sausage./ www.generalsutterinn.com For a full English breakfast
16. Carr’s Restaurant, Lancaster: Two words: Cobb salad. This Style staff favorite features Neuske’s applewood-smoked bacon, blue cheese, grilled vegetables and a mouthwatering balsamic dressing. Not to worry, if you miss them on Sunday, you can always pick up the Cobb to-go at their Central Market stand. Carr’s house omelette, with lump crabmeat, spinach, fried tomato and cheddar, is another dish that’s sure to please. / www.carrsrestaurant.com
17. Commonwealth on Queen, Lancaster: One great thing about Commonwealth on Queen is that they serve breakfast and lunch all day, and on Saturday and Sunday, you have the option to order from the brunch menu as well. A fab weekend-only entree is the chorizo sausage gravy and biscuits, a spicy twist on the Southern classic. Go ahead, top it with a poached egg or two. / www.commonwealthonqueen.com
18. Cork & Cap, Lancaster: A tried-and-true dining spot in Lancaster, Cork & Cap offers brunch drinks that rival the brunch eats (spoiler: They’re both great). Cocktails change seasonally, but here’s an example: The iced mocha, with espresso, Godiva liqueur, Kahlua and whipped cream. The crab Benedict is a must-have on the menu, featuring crab cakes, poached egg and herb hollandaise on—get this—sweet corn fitters. / www.corkfactoryhotel.com Fantastic brunch cocktails
19. The Dragonfly Café, Lititz: When you have dietary preferences (vegan, anyone?), picking a brunch spot is not always an easy task. Head to The Dragonfly Café, which offers a large selection of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and organic options. Customers love the crepes, which come in sweet and savory options and, of course, gluten-free if you desire. / www.iheartdragonfly.com Most accommodating menu
20. Eden Resort & Suites, Lancaster: Fill your glass and your plate at Eden Resort & Suite’s Champagne Sunday Brunch. You’ll have a hard time choosing where to head first, with seven food stations available and offerings ranging from fresh cinnamon rolls to custom pasta creations. As for your complimentary beverage, will you have an Eden Sunrise (bubbly with cranberry juice), Champagne or a mimosa? Why decide? Have it all. / www.edenresort.com Grandest brunch buffet
21. Foundry Craft Grillery, Lebanon: A new addition to the Lebanon restaurant scene, known for their wood-fired oven. Their seasonal brunch menu rotates throughout the year, but fan favorites include the blackened shrimp and cheese grits, as well as the wood fired grilled French toast, served with maple sugar and hardwood smoked bacon. Pair with a Brass Monkey, or as we’d call it, a “beer-mosa.” / www.foundrylebanon.com
22. La Petite Patisserie, Lancaster: Come for the macarons; stay for the brunch. At La Petite Patisserie, their succinct Sunday menu is largely French inspired (no surprise there) and definitely delicious. Although they’re known for their sweets, consider ordering the Croque Madame—baked ham and cheese with velvety béchamel sauce on house made brioche, topped with a fried egg. / www.petitedessert.com
23. Greenfield Restaurant & Bar, Lancaster: Head to Greenfield this weekend for a charming brunch in a historic setting. Order the strawberry chicken salad for a light meal that won’t weigh you down, or try their Belgian waffle, with berries and a scoop of local Good Life ice cream, for something more indulgent. / www.thegreenfieldrestaurant.com
24. On Orange, Lancaster: Craving pancakes? Head to On Orange, where they make Swedish pancakes that make diners go ga-ga. They say the secret ingredients are oats and buttermilk, which soak overnight before going into the batter. Served with maple syrup and apples, it’s one delicious dish. / www.onorange.wordpress.com Perfect pancakes
25. Porch Restaurant & Pub, Myerstown: Every second Sunday, head out to Myerstown for a special brunch experience. The menu rotates monthly, so prepare to be pleasantly surprised. An old standby is the crab cake Benedict (available every menu, and for good reason), but the staff says you can expect “the usual brunch fare, but not the typical.” We’re intrigued. / www.porchrestaurant.com
26. Penn Square Grille, Lancaster: Housed in the iconic Lancaster Marriott, Penn Square Grille has full breakfast and lunch menus, so variety is no issue. We say opt for the Farmer’s Market Omelet, featuring peppers, onions, Linden Dale Farm goat cheese and house cured thick cut bacon (and, boy, do they know bacon). Plus, the location is perfect for a day of strolling through Lancaster City. / www.pennsquaregrille.com
27. The Pressroom Restaurant, Lancaster: Get all of your brunch and lunch favorites here, plus the novelty of a do-it-yourself cocktail. They have the more common Bloody Mary bar, but also offer a unique mimosa bar. Take your mini bottle of champers up to the spread, and load up with fresh fruits, juices, and more. / www.pressroomrestaurant.com Magnificent mimosa bar
28. Rachel's Cafe & Creperie, Lancaster: This longstanding downtown favorite is famous for its crepes. Their flavor offerings change with the seasons (make a special trip for their pumpkin crepe this fall...yum!), but you can always make your own, too. Oh, and don't you dare miss the Nutella hot chocolate. / www.rachelscreperie.com
29. Tomato Pie Cafe, Lititz: When at Tomato Pie Café, ordering is a no-brainer. And no, tomato pie is not pizza. Flaky pie dough is filled with fresh tomato and herbs, topped with a gooey, cheesy topping, and baked. The result is something that will keep you coming back to Lititz for more. If you live near the Burg, you’re in luck; they have a second location there, too./ www.tomatopiecafe.net Most memorable signature dish
York Area:
30. The Copper Crust Co., York: When you’re craving brunch during the week, stop by The Copper Crust Co. in downtown York. Located within York Central Market, this spot is ideal for a quick pastry (handmade croissants anyone?) or a more elaborate meal, like the lemon curd French toast. / www.thecoppercrust.com For a quick bite
31. Fidler & Co., Biglerville: A new go-to near Gettysburg. As a “craft kitchen,” they take pride in local ingredients. Test it out with the chicken and waffles (poultry from nearby Rettland Farm), piled high on sourdough waffles and topped with chicken gravy. For a sweet delight, the French toast, made with baguette and pastry cream, will satisfy. /
32. Front Porch Café, York: One of York’s favorite BYOBs. Here you can take a leisurely brunch on their wraparound porch or inside the restored historic mansion. Fans rave about the quiche of the day, perfect when paired with their signature tomato bacon bisque. / www.frontporchcafeyork.com Bravo for BYOB
33. John Wright Restaurant, Wrightsville: Take in the summer scenery at John Wright Restaurant, overlooking the Susquehanna River with a stunning view of the Veterans Memorial Bridge. With a waffle station, made-to-order omelets and weekly lunch specials, their Sunday brunch buffet does not disappoint. / www.jwrpa.com Brunch with a view
34. Otto’s Kitchen & Cocktails, York: For Otto’s all-weekend brunch, the menu is short but solid. If you’d like to order something different from the usual, we suggest the falafel Benedict, a Middle-Eastern spin on the iconic entrée. Or perk up with the steak and eggs, featuring coffee-rubbed hanger steak, sweet potato latke and poached eggs. / www.ottosyork.com
Most unique eggs Benedict
35. White Rose Bar and Grill, York: At White Rose, you can practically swim in the Bloody Mary (seriously, it comes in a fishbowl), and at $5, the price can’t be beat. The brunch menu has all of the favorites, plus the bonus of a hefty burger list. Try the Chesapeake burger, topped with hot crab dip, and ask for it on a pretzel roll for something really special. / www.whiterosebarandgrill.com Most Bloody Mary for your buck
