Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s Best Kept Secret — BBQ & Lots of It!

One may not think of Harrisburg as the “BBQ Capital,” but there are plenty of BBQ restaurants to go around in addition to tons of BBQ foodies. “For some reason, BBQ has become a very popular offering in the Hershey Harrisburg region,” states Rick Dunlap, Director of Public Relations for Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau (HHRVB).

Here are our top five spots for BBQ when you visit!

Boo-Boo’s BBQ (Harrisburg)

This is soul food at its best! Fried chicken, ribs, brisket and so much more on on offer, as well as a slew of classic sides, such as baked beans, coleslaw, cornbread and fries. Located in Midtown, Boo-Boo’s now offers local delivery! 912 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg; (717) 727-7089.

Camp Curtin Bar-B-Que Station (Harrisburg)

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Situated in the former Camp Curtin Fire Station, this popular barbecue establishment pleases patrons with plenty of authentic Southern-style barbecue entrees and sandwiches. Ribs, pulled pork sandwiches and pulled beef sandwiches, along with their famous baked beans, are a must. 2504 N. 6th St., Harrisburg; (717) 232-1080.

Shakedown (Grantville)

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Shakedown is all about the Applewood smoked barbecue offerings. Its Tres Hombres sandwich is a popular choice, as are the baby back ribs, barbecue chicken and the Big River baked beans. 668 Firehouse Rd., Grantville; (717) 469-4167.

Smoked (Hummelstown)

Though it’s situated a bit outside Harrisburg, this spot is definitely worth a visit. With its signature barbecue entrees and sandwiches with dirty mesquite BBQ chips on the side, Smoked is the perfect spot for lunch or dinner. Add in the fact that Smoked offers eight different sauces, including its Troegenator BBQ sauce, you know this spot isn’t messing around! 1201 W. Chocolate Ave., Hummelstown; (717) 298-7900.

Three Sons Barbeque (Harrisburg)

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Tucked in the back of the Club Med Billiards pool hall, Three Sons Barbeque has been knocking its customers socks off with mouthwatering brisket, ribs wings, chili, loaded sandwiches and homemade sauces. 101 S. 38th St., Harrisburg; (717) 920-5401.

Want to learn more about the Harrisburg area and what to see, do and eat in the city? Visit our travel guide and start planning your next Harrisburg adventure!

  • Feature photo: Bigstock