Hershey, Pennsylvania was built in 1903 for workers of The Hershey Company. Today the town is home to a handful of great restaurants.
Hershey town’s centerpiece is Hersheypark (Photo: Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company)
Most people come to Hershey for one thing: chocolate. Tourists get their heart’s desire of sweets at Hersheypark amusement park and Hershey’s Chocolate World interactive tour. After all the confections are consumed, rides are ridden, and prizes are won, a satisfying meal is the perfect way to top off a day of fun. Here are seven of the best restaurants in Hershey and the surrounding area.
Eat like a local: Your Place Restaurant & Pub
This local chain has served both residents and travelers in central PA since 1972 by providing a welcoming “neighborhood bar” feel. The biggest draw is the stromboli, deli meats and cheese wrapped in pizza dough, baked until piping hot and crispy. What makes this pizza shop standard rise above the competition is the not-so-secret secret ingredient, deli mustard, which gives just enough kick to make this one of the most unique strombolis in the world. Service is fast and friendly and perfect for a dinner after a long day of walking around Hersheypark.
1077 W Governor Rd
Families departing Hersheypark may need a great meal (Photo: Raul Jim, the Photographer via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
Surf and turf: Devon Seafood + Steak
Travel through a culinary experience at Devon, where flavors from around the world shine. Whether it is the French-inspired lobster bisque worthy of a Mainer or San Franciscan Cioppino with Italian American approval, this restaurant’s focus is fine and fun food. The entire family is welcome here. Nestled in a residential area just outside of the park, Devon is housed in the spacious and historic Hershey Press Building. There is ample seating, but Devon’s is popular, and reservations are recommended.
27 W Chocolate Ave
Best refined dining: The Circular
Located in the iconic Hotel Hershey, The Circular is the flagship restaurant of the Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company, which includes the park, hotels, and 16 eateries. Built by Milton S. Hershey himself, The Circular captures new and fresh flavors in an iconic American setting. Executive Chef Bart Umidi draws from more than 30 years’ experience and presents influences from Hawaii, the American south and west, and Bermuda. The menu is versatile, from small plates to intimate meals. Stay for desserts made by award-winning pastry chef Van French.
100 Hotel Rd
The Circular’s fine entrees include items like Maine Lobster Toast (Photo: Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company)
Best BBQ: Smoked Bar and Grill
Small and friendly, Smoked is located on the busy Chocolate Ave. at the convergence of all roads leading to Hershey. All barbeque meats are smoked in-house and are served with an array of sauces. Meats include brisket, pulled pork, ribs, chicken, and sausage. The menu features specialty items like applewood cold smoked shrimp with pineapple, California style nachos, and a variety of smoked tacos. Beyond meats, Smoked chooses to serve everyone by including vegetarian options and offering a kid’s menu.
1201 W Chocolate Ave, Hummelstown
Best for a beer: Tröegs Independent Brewing
Tröegs has been a staple in the central PA brewing scene since 1996. The brewery’s popularity led to the construction of a mega-sized tasting room. After deciding on a beer from the massive tap list, diners need to queue up to order from the kitchen. The Snack Bar is a snack bar in cheeky name only, serving culinary-inspired sandwiches, small plates with international flare, and specialty items like duck leg confit, rockfish, and frogs’ legs. If open, upstairs seating provides a great view and a more intimate touch as opposed to the family-style gatherings in the main bar area.
200 Hersheypark Dr
The view of the brewery from upper level seating (Photo: Michael C. Upton for TravelMag)
Watch sports: The Bears’ Den at Hershey Lodge
The Hershey Bears are the town’s American Hockey League team and farm franchise for the NHL’s Washington Capitals. The Bears’ Den is the unofficial home of Bears fans. It is a wonderfully fun place to wind up during a game and this place satisfies sports enthusiasts year-round with several TVs all tuned to games. A friendly atmosphere allows families to eat in this hockey rink replica dining area. The menu is a pub style offering of wings, burgers, and a few entrees.
325 University Dr
More chocolate: The Chocolatier
Just like the name suggests, The Chocolatier is all about Hershey’s. Located at the park’s exit, above the gift shop, the newest dining addition to the Hershey complex impresses guests visually and gastronomically. Several booths are fashioned from old park rides. Outdoor seating overlooks the carousel and provides bird’s-eye views of a few rollercoasters. The “fun to table” menu includes sandwiches, burgers, and flatbreads as well as a few entrees. The Chocolatier is open to all, and a park ticket is not necessary. Limited parking is available; avoid fees by visiting after park or event hours. A large selection of milkshakes, cocktails, and desserts include signature Hershey’s chocolate.
100 Hersheypark Dr
Fun to table is the theme at the Chocolatier at Hersheypark (Photo: Michael C. Upton for TravelMag)