Let’s be honest—sometimes a night out in York can feel like settling for the same old beer-and-wings routine. From underwhelming cocktails to menus that haven’t changed since the Bush administration, it’s time to leave the guessing to us. We’ve scouted the scene, and these craft cocktail lounges, historic taverns, and modern gastropubs can make all the difference between a forgettable evening and one that’s actually worth the Uber fare.
Knotty Pine Tavern Inc
$ | (717) 846-7242 | WEBSITE
After the grind of the workweek, we need a solid excuse to hit one of the grittiest spots in town. And Knotty Pine Tavern, tucked away in York, gives us plenty. They have some of the best wings in the area, DJ nights we’re hooked on, and reasonably priced beers you can grab to unwind with the crew who didn’t invite you to their boring party.
Rockfish Public House
$$ | (717) 893-5928 | WEBSITE
This season, if you visit Rockfish Public House in York, you can indulge in a seafood tower, scallops in pesto sauce, seafood pasta, and perfectly baked grouper. The $85 platter serves two, and you can add a Caesar salad and a carafe of lemon water for another $25. Call the restaurant to make your reservation or inquire about their outdoor seating.
Victor’s Italian Restaurant
$$$ | (717) 854-7958 | WEBSITE
Victor’s Italian Restaurant in York is one of our favorite lively Italian spots in the area. It’s great for watching Joseph craft incredible cocktails while enjoying a veal Marsala, fresh table bread with olive oil, and a couple of those fantastic drinks. Skip the apps—they can be disappointing anyway—and focus on the daily specials instead.
Bridgewater Public House
$$ | (223) 848-3585 | WEBSITE
Sundays don’t have to be spent fighting with crowds, wrestling with chores, and hoping the Eagles don’t embarrass us in that game with the Cowboys (they will). Instead, spend your time at Bridgewater Public House enjoying those $8 large cheeseburgers and fries and drinking something cold from their nice bar (it’s not BYOB).
The First Post
$$ | (717) 430-8115 | WEBSITE
You want comfort food, you just don’t want to sit through a stuffy formal dinner—and “The Girl from Ipanema” on endless loop in the background—to get it. The First Post in York has you covered with hearty shepherd’s pie, creamy grits and scallops, a pork chop that’s the best you’ve ever had, and classic rock tunes playing softly in the dining room.
White Rose Bar & Grill
$ | (717) 848-5369 | WEBSITE
Priced at $18 a person, White Rose Bar & Grill offers a satisfying dining experience with tasty dishes at fair prices. You can expect menu highlights like the BLT with crispy bacon, Italian wedding soup, and plentiful vegetarian options, all served on the covered patio with great music and ambiance.
Coomb’s Tavern / Bones n Shells
$$ | (717) 854-8146 | WEBSITE
Coomb’s Tavern / Bones n Shells in York will serve up a vibrant seafood experience with three distinct menus under one lively roof. You can expect standout dishes like the celebrated cream of crab soup, praised as one of York’s best, along with fantastic crab cakes, perfectly steamed crab legs, and prime rib hailed as top-notch. The friendly, attentive staff and plentiful parking add to the welcoming atmosphere, complete with live music and daily specials.
While the Old Bay French Fries and Cole Slaw might be average, the overall seafood quality and energetic vibe make this a solid choice for a seafood meal.
Eagles Nest Restaurant & Event Venue
$$ | (717) 755-8095 | WEBSITE
You can spend the holidays stressing over a menu, timing multiple courses, and wondering if your guests are having a good time. Or you can settle into a cozy booth at Eagles Nest Restaurant & Event Venue, let Teddy guide you through the prime rib and specialty cocktails, and simply enjoy. Stop by this upscale but welcoming spot if the second option sounds right. There’s a festive ambiance and a creative drink menu, perfect for this special time of year.
Arooga’s
$ | (717) 718-9464 | WEBSITE
Arooga’s is a convenient, accessible restaurant in York that understands that late-night cravings are all about indulging in crispy, satisfying bar food. Plus, with a solid menu of favorites like the fried pickles (the best thing here) and the chicken Sizzling Fajitas, we’re sure the offerings can go a long way in convincing your friends that no future game night should be without a trip to this spot.
Holy Hound Taproom
$ | (717) 855-2410 | WEBSITE
We’re always trying to find the best spots for every occasion, whether it’s as simple as a casual hangout or something a little more specific—like where to go when you need a reliable pub crawl stop with great beer. Holy Hound Taproom, with its hit pork tacos and praised Meet Your Maker burger with hand-cut fries, works for both. The atmosphere has that cool, old school bar vibe with plenty of character, and the staff is super nice and attentive, even accommodating gluten-free requests.
It gets busy and loud when full, but with about 30 rotating beers on tap and a daily happy hour from 4-6pm, it’s a recommended spot for a fun night out in York.
Avalons
$ | (717) 747-1137 | WEBSITE
Avalons is a newly renovated spot where the fun night out package for four costs about $120. You’ll get the best margaritas and daiquiris in town, a variety of egg rolls, and craft beers on tap as starters. And the main event is the friendly bartenders serving reasonably priced drinks with music from Motown and the 80s. End your night with karaoke, pool tables, and the satisfaction that if you enjoy it all from the outdoor patio with a bar, you won’t have any boring evenings.
The Cove
$$ | (717) 793-3771 | WEBSITE
The Cove offers fresh fish dining in two ways: indoor and outdoor. For around $25 a plate, you can sit in the cozy heated pods and eat mahi sandwiches with crispy fries, a choice between the prime rib quesadilla or generous mac and cheese, and a sturdy cup for your kid’s drink. Or you can pay $85 for a family meal for four and enjoy all of that from the comfort of your own patio.
The staff, especially server Bryna with her whiskey knowledge, and the down-to-earth owners make you feel right at home. BINGO nights add that extra layer of fun, while the outdoor seating by the water creates the perfect atmosphere for a date night.
Corky’s Pub
$ | (717) 600-2695 | WEBSITE
Let’s be honest—sometimes you just need a break from the usual dinner-and-a-movie routine. That’s where Corky’s Pub comes in. The food is consistently satisfying, and the drinks are always well-made. Spend your evening surrounded by bowling, laser tag, or arcade games, and forget that boring nights out exist.
Granfalloons Tavern
$ | (717) 843-5450 | WEBSITE
Granfalloons Tavern in downtown York isn’t launching a new seasonal menu. Their gift to the city is simply that the tavern’s doors are open. Head here for the favorites we love: the fantastic gumbo with rich flavor, delicious wings with crispy skin, and a gooey, golden brown mozzarella sticks platter.
Murph’s Study Hall
$ | (717) 848-4030 | WEBSITE
Some people dream of fancy cocktails or gourmet small plates, and others just crave a dollar grilled cheese and a lively game of pool. Murph’s Study Hall delivers exactly that. Grab your friends, order those cheesy sandwiches, and don’t forget to challenge someone to ping pong while the good music plays.
West York Inn
$ | (717) 845-5884 | WEBSITE
If you’re the kind of crowd that thinks one genre is never enough, stop by West York Inn—one of our top-rated spots—for a marathon of rock, metal, and punk shows, clean modern bar vibes, separate non-smoking areas, and generally well-regarded dining with the occasional skinny sub roll for about $25 per person.
Levant Mediterranean Cuisine
$ | (717) 893-5891 | WEBSITE
Levant Mediterranean Cuisine offers a Mediterranean Platter that includes grape leaves, chef’s special salad, and a variety of traditional dishes with a modern twist. The meal concludes with authentic hospitality in a cozy, clean atmosphere and a $45 bill per person.