Cumberland Valley is a great place for the classics. Whether it's an award-winning burger, a famous hot dog, or a restaurant dedicated completely to pie, you'll find your favorite American dish in the Valley. Below are a few recommendations for the best burgers, hotdogs, and pies in the area. View a complete list of dining options here.
Carlisle
If you're in the Carlisle area, stop by North Hanover Grille for their award-winning burgers. Local favorites include the Dickinson with bacon, American and Monterey Jack cheese, and the Patty Melt on rye with Swiss and onions. If you're in the mood for a hot dog, the Hamilton Restaurant is legendary. They even have their own historical marker that recognizes the importance of the restaurant and the contribution of Greek immigrants and their families to our local food culture. Try the hotchee dog, which comes slathered with chili, onions, and cheese.
A few other Carlisle suggestions include the lamb burger from Belgian restaurant Cafe Bruges and the bison burger named the Mifflin Bull Burger from 1794 The Whiskey Rebellion.
Beeman's Baked Goods is the place to go if you are looking for pie. They have been serving sweet treats since 1984 -- first at Farmers on the Square and then at their own location since 2014. Flavors include favorites such as coconut cream, lemon meringue, peach, and pecan. Or try a shoofly pie to experience true Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. Don't leave without getting a whoopie pie or two to go.
Mechanicsburg
Black N Bleu is another local favorite for American classics that are slightly "dressed up." Highlights include the Black-N-Bleu, with blackened grilled chuck topped with bleu cheese crumbles on a brioche roll with lettuce and tomato. Looking for a less-filling option? Try the mini cheeseburgers. These Black Angus sliders on soft brioche rolls with melted American cheese are just the right size.
Dad's Garage Grill & Burger House is an award-winning spot offering single, double, and triple burgers and their Big Block Burgers, including the Memphis Burger, a fresh burger topped with pork BBQ, an onion ring, and melted cheddar on a grilled bun They also have an old-fashioned hot dog and loaded chili dog on the menu.
Stop by Appalachian Brewing Company in Mechanicsburg. This local chain and brewery offers Epic Trail Burgers like the Firejumper with pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, and chipotle sauce. Another menu favorite is the Pierogies and Beer Brats made with their Mountain Lager (pictured above).
West Shore Area
You'll have to plan ahead of time, but if you are here during the warm months, definitely plan to visit Dewz Famous Dogz in Wormleysburg. This seasonal stand serves up piled-high hotdogs with options like the Dagwood with pulled pork and bacon, a Chicago Dog, the Chihuahua with sour cream, guac and chili, the Pizza Dog, and many more.
Big Ray's Burgers & Dogs offers 11 burgers, handmade daily and made with certified Angus ground beef and all-beef dogs, which come with various toppings. Everything is made fresh to order and is reasonably priced.
Other local standbys for burgers and American classics are Nick's 114 in New Cumberland, Flinchy's in Camp Hill, and Center Street Grille in Enola.
For a sweet fix, stop by the Pennsylvania Bakery, an institution in the town of Camp Hill. The counter is huge and filled with every sweet treat you could imagine, including all the pie favorites in varying sizes.
Worth the Scenic Drive
Twirly Top Drive-In is a seasonal, retro stand located in Gardners with burgers, hotdogs, ice cream, and more. It's an ideal stop for those heading to and from Pine Grove Furnace State Park and Kings Gap Environmental Education Center.
