Elizabethville’s dining scene isn’t just about sustenance—it’s the hearty pierogies that warm our winter gatherings, the farm-fresh produce that fills our farmers market baskets, and the family-owned diners where you’ll find the fluffiest pancakes in the Susquehanna Valley. With rolling farmlands and tight-knit communities defining our region, we’re blessed with remarkable eateries. Here are the ones worth your appetite.
McDonald’s
$ | (717) 362-8416 | WEBSITE
The service isn’t perfect, but McDonald’s nails classic fast food, including their most popular Big Mac sandwich. If you’re dining in, grab a seat by the window and watch the busy drive-thru—it’s the epitome of fast food’s love of convenience and consistency. The kid-friendly atmosphere is clean and welcoming, with friendly staff who make you feel at ease.
Grab a booth with the regulars and you’ll feel right at home, especially with the free Wi-Fi making it a convenient spot to get some work done. Despite occasional drive-thru delays or missing items, the food quality remains good when received, and many enjoy eating in the dining room.
McFly’s Diner
$ | (570) 374-2840 | WEBSITE
For as much as the American diner shaped small-town Pennsylvania, its modern descendants are now perfecting comfort food. McFly’s is a prime example of the sort of hometown diner that could only exist in Port Trevorton. The McFly Burger comes with fresh-cut meat and crispy fries, and their waffle fries are simply amazing. But they win us over with sweet mint tea. If you’re from around here, you’ve seen a relative pour a tall glass of iced tea at the end of a hearty meal.
That’s exactly what their sweet mint tea is—the kind of refreshing finish you’d only find at home. We order ours with Bourbon chicken wings.
Jo-Jo’s Pizza
$ | (717) 362-3064 | WEBSITE
If you want to taste the best pizza sauce in Elizabethville, head straight to Jo-Jo’s Pizza. They know how to make a traditional pie—always layering their dough with that signature sauce before topping it with fresh mozzarella and quality ingredients. The result is a crust that crackles with each bite, holding up perfectly under the weight of their generous toppings.
They make excellent mozzarella sticks, but there’s a reason why their crab fettuccine is our undisputed favorite dish in town (and why the takeout orders keep rolling in). To avoid the busiest times, try ordering through the Slice app for a cozy night in.
Lakeside eats
It’s not usually a good sign when you see families with screaming kids and sticky fingers heading toward a lakeside restaurant. But it turns out that Lakeside Eats isn’t just popular because of its scenic location—the food here is very good. Service is fast and friendly (unlike nearby overpriced spots) and the burgers are satisfying. You’ll find some other solid options, like chicken nuggets served with a tangy dipping sauce on the side.
And although the hot dogs look like the sad ballpark variety, they taste great. Just make sure to add some toppings so they get to know the crispy onions.
Fire & Ice Smokehouse & Creamery
$$ | (717) 896-8444 | WEBSITE
Fire & Ice Smokehouse & Creamery is Elizabethville’s less famous barbecue spot, and we like the food better. While other places have a big-city feel, this restaurant is more rural. The walls are lined with rustic wood paneling, the servers wear plaid shirts, and it’s more casual. The place is spacious—and so are the portions. The pulled chicken is shredded into tender delicious strands, and the cornbread is crunchy around the edges.
Their baked beans are surprisingly flavorful, and the hot honey garlic BBQ sauce is so zesty, it tingles the tip of your tongue. Next time someone visiting Pennsylvania insists on going to a fancy steakhouse, take them for a drive up the river and then stop here for ice cream and eat at Fire & Ice.
Denny’s Lennies
$ | (717) 896-3644 | WEBSITE
Denny’s Lennies is known for their breakfast sandwiches. Unlike a lot of diner breakfasts we’ve tried, Denny’s aren’t a greasy mess. Biting through the soft, toasted bun reveals fresh-cut fruit and perfectly cooked eggs. Their homemade dishes are also prepared thoughtfully—flavorful, generous, and satisfying. And the desserts come with a welcoming atmosphere.
The dining area is always clean, and they also have the most Elizabethville (it’s a feeling too) family-friendly vibe, with a steady stream of regulars returning for those breakfast sandwiches.
BrewBoxx Coffee
$ | (717) 636-2612 | WEBSITE
You need two very important things to visit this coffee shop in Elizabethville. First, time—you’ll want to linger. Second, bring your curiosity. The drinks here reward exploration. We really love the Tokyo Fog. The balance in this seasonal special shimmers like morning dew. But our favorite drink is the iced vanilla latte. BrewBoxx is also great for breakfast. You’ll notice lush greenery and natural light all around—it enhances your muffin (or anything).
The cozy seating and warm atmosphere remind us of the hidden gems we always seek.
Schiano’s Italian Restaurant
$ | (717) 362-1389 | WEBSITE
The pizza has a thin crust, but it’s also soft in the middle. There’s no other pizza like it, and this Elizabethville restaurant specializes in everything Italian-related. Their dinners are the size of your forearm. They don’t just satisfy when you dig into them. They play your taste buds like a symphony, yet remain well flavored and comforting beneath the surface. The wait staff is excellent too. They even treat everyone like family—attentive servers surrounded by welcoming atmosphere.
It sounds like a cliché, but it’s pretty genuine. If that sounds extreme, just get the take-out.
China House
$ | (717) 453-7211 | WEBSITE
Here’s my China House rule: come on Fridays, grab a booth by the window, and order the pepper steak. It’s a generous plate with tender beef, crisp bell peppers, and onions in a savory brown sauce. This pepper steak is saucy, and unlike some versions, it doesn’t skimp on the vegetables. This might seem simple, but it’s the perfect comfort food to warm you up on a chilly winter evening.
If it’s not Friday (when the pepper steak is especially popular), order the beef and broccoli—a classic dish with tender beef and fresh broccoli in a garlic sauce.
Carsonville Hotel
$ | (717) 362-9379 | WEBSITE
Carsonville Hotel is one of the most delightful stops on a country drive, which is why you’ll find families here enjoying a weekend meal or travelers with maps in hand looking to try Yuengling beers and good food. We don’t blame them. The seafood Bloody Mary special is fantastic and the buffalo chicken nachos get the job done. But perfection isn’t quite the point of this spot. It’s the warm, inviting atmosphere of the classic hotel.
Your cue to start relaxing is when the staff brings out huge portions of Bay Fries and that fabulous Thin Mint Cheesecake.
Indian Trail Country Market
$ | (717) 905-2468 | WEBSITE
Think of Indian Trail Country Market as Elizabethville’s version of a classic Pennsylvania country store. But instead of just groceries, there’s a bustling hot food counter in the corner. And their version of a sandwich is a cheesesteak—the best in the area. These subs are piled high with thinly sliced beef and melted cheese before being wrapped in soft hoagie rolls.
We like to order ours with extra peppers and onions, which means “fully loaded” and directly translates to “worth every penny.” And those garlic galore paninis sizzle, unlike the quiet hum of the refrigerated cases nearby, which we’ve never actually seen anyone ignore while picking up their lunch.
Pizza Delight
$ | (717) 905-2085 | WEBSITE
If you grew up in Elizabethville, there’s a good chance you formed core memories here, picking at mozzarella sticks while waiting for your pizza, pressing your nose against the glass to watch the strombolis being rolled out, and claiming a booth by the window while your parents ordered. Since then, a lot’s changed around town, but not at Pizza Delight. The chicken bacon ranch pizza is always perfectly crisp and cheesy, and we’re never disappointed with the cheesesteak on that delicious bread.
No visit is complete without trying their taco salad with those homemade shells.
Hometowne Cafe
$ | (570) 473-5399 | WEBSITE
Why are we telling you to stop in Elizabethville? Because it’s where the best sausage egg and cheese bagel we’ve ever eaten is. Hometowne Cafe is a local favorite that offers a decent menu selection with consistently good food and drinks. But you’re coming here for breakfast. Everything is made to order. The bagel is fresh and toasted perfectly, and you can thank their friendly staff for your quick service. Plus, portions are generous.
They give you so much raw milk cheese on that bagel, it’s hard to finish it all in one sitting. End your meal with a latte that’s smooth and rich, with just the right amount of foam that lingers on your lips.
Taco Bell
$ | (223) 297-1003 | WEBSITE
This Taco Bell is actually in Elizabethville, not some big city. If you’re out late and hungry, head here. Its drive-thru lane is filled with the sort of quick service you might find at a roadside pit stop—and has a way of making a late-night craving feel satisfied. The menu is straightforward and filled with favorites. The Taco Box meals should always be in your order.
The generously portioned food comes in those familiar cardboard containers that keep everything hot and is covered in that signature seasoning. The staff is also excellent, and the service is friendly and efficient.
Dunkin’
$ | (717) 362-1900 | WEBSITE
Dunkin’ is a familiar name, and there are plenty of them around Elizabethville. But this is our go-to. It’s a standard spot with a drive-thru that serves one of the best choriza wraps in the area. The wrap is flavorful, the coffee is reliable, and the friendly morning staff tie it all together. Their great iced Matcha also comes with a perfect balance, which you won’t actually need to customize because the standard preparation hits just right.
If you’re in a rush, you can grab all of the above at the counter.
Villa Schiano
$ | (717) 365-5043 | WEBSITE
One time, we ate lemon chicken three nights in a row. After that delicious research, we officially declared Villa Schiano’s lemon chicken the best in Elizabethville. But that’s not the only reason to visit this local restaurant. Save some room on your plate for their generously portioned dishes. And never leave without clarifying their hours, as their confusing schedule might send you home hungry.
Ciao’s Pizza
$ | (717) 453-7988 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of solid pizza joints around Elizabethville, and this is one of them. Ciao’s Pizza is known for their Hawaiian pizza, which is delicious, but we really love their perfect crust and generous portions. Order the Hawaiian with extra pineapple. Then fold that crispy slice in half and enjoy it with a sip of soda in one go. And if you’re bringing the kids, ask for a booster seat instead of a high chair. Is it still technically kid-friendly?
We bet the friendly staff (fans of making families feel welcome) would say so.
Gonder’s Grubb House & Catering
$ | (717) 362-9796 | WEBSITE
Lots of people come to Gonder’s for their pulled pork. But they have other great things that involve generous portions. You can order a nicely seasoned beef platter for take-out and share it with the family for a quick dinner, or grab some chicken at their counter for lunch. But what truly makes Gonder’s so special is its location in Elizabethville—a town more charming than the restaurant’s own decor. Gonder’s is one of the last family-owned spots left in the area.
Burger King
$ | (717) 362-1532 | WEBSITE
Burger King is a fast-food chain with locations across Pennsylvania. Their Elizabethville spot makes the best Impossible Whopper in the area—specifically the plant-based patty variety. We know this because we once ordered a dozen for a family gathering and didn’t stop talking about it until the last one was gone. It has a balance of smoky flavor and fresh toppings that’s more satisfying than expected.
Most veggie burgers around town are just microwaved, but Burger King flame-grills theirs for that authentic char. Brilliant.
Grille and Grub
This Elizabethville wildlife park is known for one thing: the safari bus tour. It’s a guided ride with one giant side of animal feeding. It’s why people come here—a chance to feed bison and gazelles directly from your seat that makes you question if there really is a bus under all those friendly creatures. But it’s there, moving, and layered with interesting facts from the guides. Some people like to buy extra feed bags all throughout the tour, but these are not distant animals.
They’re close and curious so you can hand them snacks from your window and watch them together with your family. Grille and Grub’s petting zoo also ranks in the top of our animal interaction power ranking.