Restaurant weeks throughout PA bring communities together while shining a spotlight on the small businesses that make up our local dining scenes. Prefix menus and restaurant week specials invite us to explore area eateries and try new cuisine from our favorite chefs. This year, you can dine out and make a difference during Harrisburg Restaurant Week with Meals that Matter, a fundraiser providing food and nutrition resources to Pennsylvanians facing hunger.
Reducing food insecurity is not just about increasing food access. Individuals also need to feel confident about making affordable, nourishing meals for themselves and their loved ones. This is the driving force behind our Nourish PA series supporting Feeding PA’s PA Healthy Pantry Initiative, which offers inspired and delicious recipes designed for our neighbors with limited ingredients and equipment who may be using the charitable food network. PA Eats works with Feeding PA nutrition educators to design simple, tasty meals and snacks that home chefs of any level can feel confident preparing.
Nourish PA’s One-Pot Kale and Almond Pasta
Together with Feeding PA, the Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District and primary sponsor, the Pennsylvania State Employee Credit Union (PSECU), we invite you to join the movement to end hunger. As you dine out during Harrisburg Restaurant Week, you’ll see Meals that Matter flyers, table toppers and check inserts at participating restaurants. Scan the code on these materials to make an easy, one-time donation to Meals that Matter! You don’t need to dine out to participate; anyone is welcome to contribute at any time. All of the proceeds from the fundraiser will support food and nutrition education programs, including Nourish PA, for Feeding PA member food banks throughout the state.
PA Eats Executive Director, Elizabeth Archer says, “At PA Eats, a partnership like this is at the heart of our mission. We love to celebrate the rich food culture of Pennsylvania, and we also know that we can’t truly celebrate food without ensuring our neighbors have access to nourishing meals. This powerful collaboration with Feeding Pennsylvania, PSECU, Harrisburg Restaurant Week and every participating restaurant, shows what’s possible when we unite for a common cause. The funds raised will have a direct and profound impact on the fight against hunger in Pennsylvania, and we are incredibly grateful to be a part of the campaign.”
Meals that Matter debuts at Harrisburg Restaurant Week, a two week-celebration of local food in the vibrant downtown of the state’s capital. It spans two weeks, from September 8 – 12 and again from September 15 – 19, and invites the Harrisburg community to support food security in the Commonwealth during Hunger Action Month. “Meals that Matter allows us to connect with the Harrisburg community in a meaningful way,” says Feeding Pennsylvania Community Relations Manager Erin Haafke. “It shows how a simple act like enjoying a meal can create a ripple effect of support, strengthening both our local restaurant scene and our charitable food system. We’re thrilled to be a part of a program that brings the community together for a great cause.”
Join us in dining at these fabulous participating restaurants during Harrisburg Restaurant Week:
AD LIB CRAFT KITCHEN & BAR: Ad Lib Craft Kitchen & Bar is a stylish take on the traditional American tavern, with reimagined small plates, a unique beer selection and locally-produced food. 1 North 2nd St., Harrisburg (located inside of the Hilton Harrisburg); (717) 237-6419.
AREPA HOUSE: Arepa House boasts a relaxed and casual atmosphere, and the tastiest Venezuelan fare in Harrisburg. Enjoy arepas, cachapas, tequeños, and more. 404 North 2nd St., Harrisburg; (717) 857-6656.
- Restaurant Week 2025 Menus:
CAFE FRESCO: Cafe Fresco provides you with a metropolitan retreat nestled in a small city. Located in the heart of Restaurant Row, Cafe Fresco continues to be an innovative leader in the Harrisburg dining scene. The Feng-Shui inspired setting offers comfortable, intimate dining spaces and a centralized, open bar that pulses with energy and excitement. 215 North 2nd St., Harrisburg; (717) 236-2599.
CARLEY’S RISTORANTE & PIANO BAR: Carley’s serves traditional and rustic Italian food, including homemade pasta, pizza, and seafood specialties. With live entertainment weekly, a warm, comfortable dining room and a full bar, you’re guaranteed a good time at Carley’s. 204 Locust St., Harrisburg; (717) 909-9191.
Dishes at Coda Rouge
CODA ROUGE: Hidden in plain sight on a busy corner of Uptown Harrisburg, the restaurant – at least from the outside – can pass for an office or a residence. Once you step inside, you’re immersed in a vibe of cultural creativity and fine cuisine. Co-owners Sachiko Baez and Jameson Christopher took pride in creating a space that’s warm, unique and bright. Art that covers the walls in a gallery-like presentation features work from local Black artists. Dozens of wine bottles are displayed to lean into an intimate, jazz bar feel. Have a cocktail at the bar area in the front. Enjoy a cozy meal in the main dining area. Gather with friends and family in larger groups in the upstairs lounge area. No matter the seating, your hosts will make you feel at home. 2013 North 6th St., Harrisburg; (717) 226-3884.
CORK & FORK: This brick-walled Italian restaurant, right on the corner of downtown’s iconic State Street, serves locally-sourced pizza, pasta, small plates and wine. Perfect location, good food and great vibes! 200 State St., Harrisburg; (717) 234-8100.
DODGE CITY STEAKHOUSE: Founded in 1980 by Doug and Debbie Krick, Dodge City Steakhouse offers fresh, never frozen USDA Angus Reserve beef loins and hand-cut steaks. All ingredients are carefully sourced and prepared for an exceptional dining experience. 1037 Paxton St., Harrisburg; (717) 236-2719.
EL SOL MEXICAN RESTAURANT: El Sol redefines the way you experience Mexican food and atmosphere! Authentic dining at its best, table and bar service comes with professionalism, attention to detail and hospitality. Immerse yourself in the relaxed environment and enjoy the entrees, drinks, decor and full experience. You will be sure to fall in love with Mexican food all over again! 18 South 3rd St., Harrisburg; (717) 901-5050.
JB LOVEDRAFT’S MICROPUB: JB Lovedraft’s aims to cultivate, provide, maintain and proliferate a safe environment that focuses on the arts, live music, libations, and an overall alternative atmosphere. Be top of your class with their unique back-to-school-themed Restaurant Week menu! Enjoy an appetizer, entree and dessert for $30. 225 North 2nd St., Harrisburg; (717) 238-2009.
MEN IN THE KITCHEN RESTAURANT & LOUNGE: Men in the Kitchen Restaurant & Lounge blends flavors and experiences to create a unique dining and socializing atmosphere. Their passion is to deliver exceptional food and drinks in a vibrant and welcoming setting. Join them during Restaurant Week for an unforgettable culinary journey! 606 North 2nd St., Harrisburg; (717) 982-5850.
Dishes at The Millworks
THE MILLWORKS: The Millworks is a regional destination in Midtown Harrisburg that showcases central Pennsylvania’s artistic talents and agriculture. This lofty space features a full bar, art galleries and farm-fresh local fare. Please note: Millworks is only participating in the first week of Restaurant Week (September 8-12). 340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg; (717) 695-4888.
RUBICON: Rubicon is a modern Italian restaurant with a global twist, blending timeless flavors with innovative influences. Housed in a beautifully restored historic building with chandeliers, soaring ceilings, and artisan-crafted details, Rubicon’s ambiance is both elegant and welcoming. It offers a perfect blend of modern sophistication and historic charm, with views of the Capitol. 270 North St., Harrisburg; (717) 317-9027.
Outside Sammy’s Authentic Italian Restaurant
SAMMY’S AUTHENTIC ITALIAN RESTAURANT: Sammy’s offers traditional Italian dishes, friendly and attentive staff and service, and an unbeatable view of the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building. With a warm family atmosphere, Sammy’s is a dining experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression. 502 North 3rd St., Harrisburg; (717) 221-0192.
STOCK’S ON SECOND: Stock’s on Second offers a farm-to-fork gastropub with a bar that specializes in American whiskeys and bourbons. Their food is made with local, regional, and sustainably-grown ingredients, with 90% of their products sourced from farms within 90 miles of the restaurant. 211 North 2nd St., Harrisburg; (717) 233-6699.
wake and bake café: wake and bake café is Harrisburg’s newest and sweetest addition to the downtown scene. They serve up a wide variety of incredible treats, breakfast and lunch items, coffee, specialty drinks and more. 240 North 3rd St., Harrisburg; (717) 350-8795.
ZERODAY BREWING COMPANY: The Zeroday Brewing Company Taproom features a small batch brewery, a dedicated event space, a relaxed atmosphere, and a variety of tasty food. Come relax, meet new people, hang out and unwind. 925 North 3rd St., Harrisburg; (717) 745-6218.
Dining out at Harrisburg Restaurant Week
We hope to see you out and about! To learn more about Harrisburg Restaurant Week, visit its website and follow it on Facebook and Instagram. Visit Meals that Matter any time to make an easy, one-time donation.
- Cover image and flyer: Meals that Matter
- Nourish PA photo: Dish Works
- Restaurant photos: Courtesy of the respective restaurants
- Last photo: Harrisburg Restaurant Week
