Smoked deli-meats, thinly shaved and piled high on a freshly baked roll, caboodles of homemade noodles and vegetables in a savory chicken broth or a falafel sandwich fragrant with Mediterranean salad can all be yours for under $10. You work hard; you deserve quality food for affordable prices. Central Pennsylvania can give you what you crave, and guarantee you’ll save precious dollars. 

The National Restaurant Association reports that 27 percent of adults who said that when it comes to choosing a restaurant, they are paying more attention to coupons and value specials than they were two years ago.  Our 20 Spare the Wallet hot spots bring fantastic, eclectic food your way without sending you to the closest ATM to withdraw cash for the rest of the week.   

Jackson House 

1004 N 6th St., Harrisburg (717) 238-2730

Step into this cozy restaurant, just north of the Capitol complex, in historic Harrisburg. You can even sit in the front window to enjoy your lunch and the sights of the city. The enormous burgers are grilled over flames with all of the fixings and served with Italian-American pride. The Jackson Burger includes melted American cheese, smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato and a special sauce ($6.60). Philly cheese steaks ($6.95) and hoagies cannot be matched. Rolls, the essential ingredient, are delivered daily from a South Philly bakery.  Jimmy Pizzo’s Bada Bing ($7.25) includes sharp provolone, capicolla, coteghino, genoa and proscuittino.  New York deli style sandwiches are “overstuffed” masterpieces.  French fries are fresh-cut and equally decadent. No question as to why this spot is always packed with happy people. It’s a Harrisburg classic.

Kuppy’s Diner 

Brown & Poplar Sts., Middletown
(717) 944-5122 

Kuppy’s has been family-owned since 1933, and that commitment is obvious when you sample their enormous portions of homemade, comfort foods. Soups and pies are made fresh daily.  As your breakfast is cooked behind the counter, you can watch and chat with customers in this friendly, small-town atmosphere. Breakfasts feature light and fluffy pancakes, homemade blueberry muffins served grilled and warm with butter, baked oatmeal ($3.50), scrapple and omelets ($4.75) loaded with meats, cheese and veggies. Oyster pie (September through April) is a tasty tradition ($10.50). Red-checked tablecloths and chicken pot-pie ($6.50) will transport you back to simpler days. Antiquated menus are framed on the walls, but the original concept of “good food for fair prices” is still in place for current customers, many who travel from other towns to get their Kuppy’s-fix.

Simply Turkey 

30 Erford Rd., Camp Hill (717) 730-9805

What if it were always Thanksgiving? You don’t have to wonder anymore. Simply Turkey, a unique restaurant with a pleasant, comfortable vibe, spins that concept into reality with many fresh ways to serve that holiday food we anticipate and crave. A wide variety of fantastic soups are available and updated daily on their webpage. (Prices range from a small soup at $2.95 to a quart of soup for $7.95.) Try the 6 Shooter Chili, Chicken Sausage & Crab Gumbo, Portabella Bisque or traditional Turkey Rice. The original turkey sandwich features a generous portion of juicy, oven-roasted meat with many options for toppings including savory stuffing or cranberry relish ($5.50 - $6.25). William Bradford would be proud! 

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Neato Burrito 

316 4th St., #2, New Cumberland
(717) 770-0390

This local restaurant with the catchy name has spiraled into several locations on the east and west shores of Harrisburg. They boast mission style burritos that are described as “well over one pound of goodness.” You watch the creation of your burrito as you choose from fresh ingredients that are either steamed or baked. No fried foods are even offered.  Burrito options include vegetarian with rice, beans, salsa, sour cream and lots of veggies ($5.50). Other options are baked chicken breast ($6.25), Cajun chicken breast ($6.25), angus beef ($7.00) or black bean hummus ($5.75). The freshly made tortillas are available in jalapeno cheese, spinach, herb garlic, tomato basil, chipotle chili, honey wheat or a crisp taco salad shell. Spanish rice, with a mild salsa mixed throughout, adds something magical to these locally famous burritos.   3

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Annie Bailey’s 

30 King St., Lancaster (717) 393-4000

Downtown Lancaster is home to this authentic Irish restaurant, which serves up pub fare like no other. Irish Potato Nachos ($10.50) are house fries topped with bacon, scallions, tomato and Irish cheddar and jack cheeses topped with sour cream and served with a side of ranch. Another favorite is the pulled-pork quesadilla with house-smoked, pulled meat, banana peppers, queso blanco, chipotle and lime salsa ($10.00). Of course, the Shepherd’s Pie is loaded with ground lamb and beef, pan roasted vegetables and fresh herbs baked en casserole with mashed potato crust (Petite $11.50 and Hearty $15). Braised short rib crepes and Galway shrimp served with crispy potato cakes are novel items on the eclectic menu. The atmosphere is warm and inviting; guests tend to linger as they enjoy the incredible eats.  

Issei Noodle 

54 W. High St., Carlisle (717) 243-7826

In a truly Zen-like atmosphere featuring artistic stonework, you can choose from about 20 different dishes with freshly made, authentic noodles and broths from Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.  The owner’s wife grew up in Okinawa in a family that ran a restaurant. If you’ve ever eaten instant ramen noodles, a visit to Issei Noodle (where the noodles are made fresh each day) will ensure that you never do again. Pho soups ($7.00 - $8.00) are extremely popular and provide a healthy, filling meal. Yaki Udon ($9.00) is a delicious noodle dish with a unique sauce that is not duplicated elsewhere. Adding bubble tea in sweet potato with black tapioca beads ($3.75) will complete your culinary experience in the heart of historic Carlisle, a few doors down from Carlisle Theatre. Sounds like date night to me… 

Shab’s Pita Stroller 

2269 Paxton Church Rd., Harrisburg 

(717) 545-4575

Mediterranean food that is healthy and incredible guarantees that Shab’s never lacks customers. Friendly and efficient workers add to the appeal. There’s a relaxed vibe that surrounds the place, yet customers are promptly served. The traditional falafel includes fava beans, chickpeas, fresh parsley, garlic and allspice ground together, cooked and served with lettuce, tomatoes and tahini sauce ($4.48). Vegetarian-stuffed grape leaves taste as exotic as they sound ($4.95). Tobbooli, described as the perfect salad, is a mix of chopped fresh parsley, tomatoes, onions, cracked wheat, lemon juice, vegetable and olive oils. The food at Shabs is extremely nutritious, another bonus. Value meals like grilled chicken, classic gyros, turkey strollers and steak tip kabobs are all served with soup, salad or fries – all for under $7.00. A lunchtime favorite is the 300 Calorie Delight ($6.36); it is slices of grilled chicken breast served on top of a Mediterranean salad. This unique eatery offers tempting foods with an emphasis on your wallet and your waistline. What could be better?

230 Café 

398 2nd St., Highspire, (717) 939-9223

This quaint diner turns out some hearty meals for amazing prices. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are all fantastic. Belgian waffles ($3.50), creamed chipped beef over home fries ($4.25) and specialty omelets ($4.00 - $6.00) are a great start to anyone’s day. Lunch and dinner offers many more choices including pastas, seafood, salads ($4.75 – $7.25), wraps ($5.95) and Paninis ($5.75). Imagine sitting down to three rolls of bread-filling wrapped in roast beef topped with brown gravy ($7.95) or some homemade chicken or ham pot pie ($6.95). If this isn’t enough, the desserts are made fresh daily and include many varieties of cakes, like orange creamsicle and raspberry coconut. Tollhouse cookie pie combines two great desserts into one, and 230 Thunder combines three layers of moist chocolate cake with peanut butter icing, chocolate syrup and even peanut butter cups. It’s rich and amazing, but we all deserve some, right?   

Rosa Rosa Pizzeria 

1040 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster 

(717) 299-9903

The menu boasts that customers can “Experience Italy in Lancaster” and they live up to the claim. The wood-burning brick oven pizza ($8.50 - $10.50) comes in eight varieties with ingredients like wild mushrooms, fontina cheese, fresh broccoli, plum tomatoes, shrimp, Italian sausage and others. In addition, the calamari fritti ($9.50) and the antipasto misto featuring zucchini, eggplant and roasted peppers ($7.00) is authentic and flavorful. Customers can see every tempting pizza through the glass counter including the famous spaghetti pizza, a house creation ($4.50 per slice). Caprese salad ($9.00) and dishes like Manicotti all Maria ($11.99) and Timballo di Melenzane, baked eggplant with cheese and herbs ($11.99), provide large portions of high quality food. On weekends, Andrew Gerofsky, the Martini Czar, is on-site mixing hundreds of drinks in the intimate café connected to the pizzeria. 

Paxtang Grill 

3323 Derry St., Harrisburg 

(717) 564-2738

This friendly family-owned and operated restaurant has been in business for over 50 years, which is one indication of its quality. The menu offers many tempting choices and features weekly specials like New York strip steak, grilled salmon and Seafood Night entrees all under $10.00. Grilled pork chops and flat iron steaks include generous portions and two side dishes for $12.95. Mussels Mykonos made with homemade red wine sauce ($8.95) and authentic Greek gyros are served in warm pitas ($6.95). Their signature pasta dish, Paxtang Ala Grill, combines grilled chicken, garlic, onions, mushrooms, bacon and parmesan over fettuccini ($11.95). Comfort foods like roast chicken and hot turkey sandwiches are offered in lunch portions for $5.25. The beer-battered mozzarella sticks ($4.95) will ensure a return visit in the near future.   

Sandwich Man 

111 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg, (717) 236-7171

Every conceivable sandwich offered in minutes with the freshest ingredients possible is what you will find here. Let’s start with the Super Combo, which is constructed from Danish ham, cooked and Genoa salami, cappicola, Provolone cheese, tomato, onion, lettuce and pickles (half $5.00 or whole $9.95). From there, 5-ounce sandwiches with corned beef, turkey, pastrami, roast beef or kosher-style salami and all of the fixings are priced at $6.00. The Visions of Utopia, a Super Club for two eaters, features rye bread, lettuce, turkey, bacon, roast beef, American cheese, onion, corned beef and Swiss cheese ($7.50). In addition to the renowned sandwiches, custom salads are offered and designed by the customers. The basic tossed salad ($3.50) can be topped with hard-boiled eggs, a half garlic pickle or an order of any meat or cheese for only $1.00. One note on the corned beef: it’s “prepared the old-world way rich with spices, mild peppers and light garlic.” Sandwich Man claims to serve the “best and biggest subs” and their customers tend to agree.  

Lancaster Dispensing Company 

33-35 North Market St., Lancaster 

(717) 299-4602

This popular eatery, known affectionately as DipCo, is housed in a red Victorian building that was once the site of the Grape Tavern in 1893. Food and spirits are impressive and always draw a crowd. Monday nights are for tacos; beef, chicken or bean tacos for $.75. Tuesdays are for specialty burgers and Thursdays bring fish’n chips. Sandwich possibilities include the crab melt, which is fresh crabmeat salad smothered in melted mozzarella served warm on a toasted English muffin ($7.75), tenderloin tips on toast ($5.95) or an open-face brie sandwich with baked ham served on pumpernickel toast ($5.75). A blackened Cajun catfish sandwich ($6.95) and a New England smoked turkey sandwich with crisp apples, cheddar and fresh spinach keep things interesting. Dishes like pesto or Cajun cream linguine can be ordered with shrimp, salmon, chicken or vegetables ($7.95 - $11.95). Spend some time in downtown Lancaster!   

Mexitaly 

1170 Haines Rd., York (717) 600-8226

Combining the best of Mexican and Italian treats makes for a unique and delicious dining experience. Family recipes provide customers with amazing foods like their signature pizza. Ingredients include salsa, chorizo, cheese, beans, sour cream, quacamole and pico de gallo (small $12.99 and large $16.99). Deep-fried Stromboli is a favorite and features pepperoni, ham, Italian sausage and meatballs (small $5.99 and large $9.99). Cheese steak pizza contains grilled southwest steak, peppers, onions, Jack and cheddar cheeses (small $11.99 and large 15.99). Desserts are delectable, especially peach or apple empanada, which is dough stuffed with peaches or apples, deep fried, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and topped with whipped cream ($3.99). They provide a perfect ending to this blended-culture cuisine.

Fujihana 

935 Loucks Rd., Rt. 30 Northwest Plaza, York 

(717) 845-8988

Authentic Japanese food in a beautifully decorated space can be yours at lunchtime! Fujihana prides itself on preparing authentic food. The presentation makes every day feel like a special occasion. A Sushi and Sashimi Bar lunch served with soup or salad ($8.95 – $10.95) will make that return to work seem much more manageable. Sushi rolls (two for $7.95 or three for $9.95) come in spicy yellowtail, cucumber, shrimp tempura, asparagus, tuna avocado, spicy shrimp and many more varieties. Hibachi lunches, made-to-order, feature veggies, pork, chicken, salmon, scallops or even filet mignon ($7.95 – $11.95). The lunches are served with soup or salad, vegetable and steamed rice. Don and Udon in delicious varieties like fried pork and egg, sliced beef and vegetable or chicken stir-fry noodle can be enjoyed ($7.25) and savored during a meal you won’t soon forget.

Café Cambelltown 

1028 E. Governor Rd., Hershey 

(717) 533-5150

This chic B.Y.O.B. café offers so many choices. The Campbelltown Salad is iceberg, baby greens, sugared pecans, fresh berries and red onion served with the house raspberry lime vinaigrette dressing ($8.95). The avocado salad is unmatched. It features southern-style grilled shrimp, nested in half of an avocado, served on a bed of greens with boiled egg slices, citrus wedges, tomato and red onion with citrus dressing ($10.95). The grilled portabello mushrooms are broiled with mozzarella, cheddar, jack cheeses, tomatoes, black olives and Greek dressing ($6.95). Late breakfasts feature stuffed omelets, vegetable lovers’ omelets ($8.95), and buttermilk Belgium waffles ($8.95). Coffee is ground fresh on site daily and the lemonade is fresh-squeezed.  Bruster’s milk shakes and floats are fantastic. It’s attention to detail that makes this place a local favorite.

North Hanover Grille 

37 N. Hanover St., Carlisle (717) 241-5517

This bustling Carlisle restaurant in the historic district offers great food, which explains why it’s always bustling. There’s a week’s worth of reasons to try this eatery. Mondays are pasta nights, Tuesdays offer $.35 wings in 20 unique varieties, like bourbon honey barbeque, garlic parmesan, lemon pepper, Cajun hot and Old Bay®. Wednesdays feature Greek dishes like tiropitas, spanakopitas and pastitsio ($8.95). Customers can order one pound of crab legs on Thursdays ($12.95). The North Hanover dip sub features roast beef and Swiss cheese with fried onions and mushrooms ($7.25). The Rachel is a lighter twist on the Reuben; it’s made with grilled roasted turkey, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing ($5.50). Portions are generous and can be washed down with beers from around the world.

Coakley’s 

305 Bridge St., New Cumberland 

(717) 774-5556

It’s definitely worth a trip into Central PA’s Original Irish Pub for Dublin loaded potato skins ($6.99), a cheesy crab pretzel that easily feeds three ($11.75), Old Bay® or Cajun fries ($3.50), traditional deli sandwiches like the Reuben and the Rachel with homemade chips ($8.95), amazing hot crab dip ($9.99), many varieties of wings and so much more. The Pittsburgh pretzel sandwich features ham, melted cheese, coleslaw and French fries ($7.99). The Buffalo chicken wrap is crispy chicken strips with all the fixings and topped with blue cheese dressing ($7.99). The cheesy crab burger is a decadent treat and a hefty size for $7.50. This fun sports bar comes with games for entertainment and a cozy atmosphere that has made it a local tradition.

Chestnut Hill Café 

532 W Chestnut St., Lancaster 

(717) 509-2008

This charming neighborhood eatery is heavy on style. Try coconut cappuccino ($2.95) or an almond joy latte (small $3.15, large $3.65) for that mid-day pick-me-up.  Red espresso is served hot or frozen with shots of vanilla, cinnamon or ginger. Speaking of frozen, 100 percent fruit smoothies in mango, strawberry, pineapple, coconut or four-berry are served ($3.95). Pastries, a yogurt bar ($3.50) and whole grain waffles served with warm syrup and butter ($4.95) are all enticing. Try grilled peanut butter and jelly ($4.45) or a Black forest ham and brie Panini ($7.95).  The spicy ginger peanut chicken wrap combines diced chicken breast, cucumber, red pepper and green onions tossed with a spicy peanut sauce, romaine lettuce and chopped peanuts ($7.95). Dessert is a must; try the affogato, an Italian dessert that combines ice cream with piping hot espresso ($4.25). Waffle sundaes and Central Market milkshakes in cappuccino crunch ($4.25) or black raspberry ($3.75) only sweeten the already incredible deals.   

Roburrito’s 

1277 W. Market St., York, (717) 848-5323

From the hip website to the cool owner, Roburrito’s offers something different with the basic concept that lots of good food for great prices will attract many fans. Signature burritos with a choice of chicken, steak or potato ($5.75) can be enhanced with chips, salsa and even a drink ($1.25). The “Roburrito” is a warm tortilla, cheese, rice, black beans, salsa, sour cream and their legendary guacamole. Other favorites for the same pricing include the BBQ featuring Old Grumpy Mark’s Texas Hold’em sauce, the fajita burrito with grilled peppers and onions on cheese, rice, beans, salsa and sour cream, or the shrimp burrito with cheese, rice, beans, romaine, cucumber and fresh salsa. The Surf & Turf burrito includes shrimp and steak with Midnight Mango sauce ($6.50). Fans say that crushed chips are the secret ingredient. Although the place is small and mainly for take-out orders, the food is big on taste and quantity.

The Miner’s Club Restaurant 

201 Iron Valley Dr., Lebanon 

(717) 279-7409

Imagine a country club atmosphere where you can choose selections like a Pittsburgh Flank Steak Salad ($8.25) that features mixed greens, tomato, cheddar cheese, blue cheese and steak fries, or Asian Chicken Salad in a Martini Glass ($6.95) that offers tender chicken, noodles and vegetables in an Asian dressing. With the option of adding a crab cake ($6.00) or grilled salmon ($3.75) to any salad, you can create your own masterpiece that won’t deplete your savings. Don’t miss Chef Ann’s Crab Dip ($7.50), which features crab with scallions, cheese and spices baked to perfection. Also, the Pizza Ala Sausage ($6.75) contains Italian sausage, sweet peppers, assorted cheese and roasted red pepper pesto. Steamed clams beurre blanc ($7.95) include one dozen clams served with a garlic wine butter sauce and bread stick for dipping. Finally, the pinwheel potato wedges ($6.25) are topped with bacon, cheddar, scallions, shredded pork, sour cream and a Texan rub. Exquisite surroundings only make everything taste better!  717