Let’s be honest—Hershey’s chocolate-scented air is delightful, but we also get our share of dreary Pennsylvania days. When the sun finally breaks through and the breeze carries that sweet aroma, dining al fresco becomes non-negotiable. These 14 spots are where you’ll want to savor that moment, places where the outdoor experience is the main attraction, making you grateful you can simply enjoy the view without a winter coat in sight.
Houlihan’s
$$ | (717) 534-3110 | WEBSITE
Houlihan’s dining area is filled with comfortable booths and spacious tables set on polished concrete floors. During the day, it’s brightened by the glow of large windows overlooking the street. It’s so many worlds apart from the typical cramped chain restaurant, you almost expect a celebrity chef to emerge from the kitchen and start explaining each ingredient. But what you get instead are delicious Stuffed Shrooms, various tasty drinks, and all manner of casual American dishes.
Sweet T & Greens
$ | (717) 298-6202 | WEBSITE
Though it can be tough to get a table here on weekends, it’s still easier than driving to the coast for fresh seafood—which is what eating at Sweet T & Greens kind of feels like. This beloved spot is in Hershey, and it’s about 90 percent indoor seating. The tables are cozy and welcoming, and the smoked salmon, well-seasoned greens, and sweet potatoes are the exact kinds of things we want to eat on a chilly day. Sweet tea is optional, but highly encouraged.
And if you really can’t find an open dinner table, try visiting early before they run out of the award-winning mac and cheese.
Hong Kong Chef Chinese Restaurant
$ | (717) 312-0725 | WEBSITE
A quick trip to the Giant grocery store is the best thing a Hershey resident can do for a convenient meal. The second best thing is to end that shopping run with a takeout order from Hong Kong Chef. It’s located right inside the store and has a long menu of Chinese entrees, a flavorful hot and sour soup, and more affordable dishes. While the food is authentic and the service is friendly, the point of this place is to call ahead and pick up generous portions that taste fresh.
It’s not fancy enough for a sit-down date night, but you won’t be disappointed if you arrive hungry for a quick and tasty bite.
Hidden Still Spirits
$$ | (717) 298-1663 | WEBSITE
Hidden Still Spirits is a popular American restaurant tucked inside a charming old brick building off Chocolate Ave. While we really enjoy the main dining room—which feels like eating inside a warm whiskey barrel—the indoor/outdoor patio situation is every bit as cozy. It has weathered wooden tables and string lights that make you feel like you’re on vacation even if you live here. There’s also a circular brick bar you’ll want to forklift into your own living room.
It’s all a perfect setting to enjoy some flavorful Ny Strip steak, creative fish with macaroni and cheese, or a grilled cheese crab cake sandwich.
Bentley’s Bakery
$ | (717) 547-5671 | WEBSITE
If you’re tired of the usual chain bakeries (or just want something with more character) try Bentley’s Bakery, a sweet spot in Hershey. The treats are delicious, but this place is more about service. Getting something gluten-free is basically your best bet, but it’s what you should try regardless. The top pick is the GF Coconut Cashew cookies with chocolate and some cake. The staff goes above and beyond, and with reasonable prices and ample parking, it’s a great spot to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Hershey’s Food Hall
$ | (717) 534-4900 | WEBSITE
This chocolate-themed destination in the heart of Hershey is almost as overwhelming as it sounds. It’s only worth visiting during off-peak hours, avoiding weekends and holidays (and they do a lot of school group tours too). This, frustratingly, only makes the experience more memorable when you time it right. So check their website for crowd forecasts before you decide to go, and maybe even arrive right at opening too.
Once you’ve navigated those crowds, get the giant pretzel, freshly made s’mores, and chocolatey drinks—even if you’re just passing through. You don’t know when you’ll next have the chance to enjoy these indulgent treats while watching chocolate being made mere feet from where you’re standing.
Pho Miss Saigon
$ | (717) 533-6857 | WEBSITE
The unique round building at Pho Miss Saigon is more memorable than the decor. But they have enough satisfying dishes like pho bo vein with homegrown herbs and sprouts to please your hungry family. Stop by after a day at the park, request a table by the window, and prepare to witness a steady stream of take-out orders alongside the consistent aroma of amazing pho. Make your visit a little earlier than you think. The small groups tend to linger and you may have to wait.
You don’t want to be stuck at the counter while the last bowl of large pho under $15 sells without you.
Jersey Mike’s Subs
$ | (717) 298-6652 | WEBSITE
As much as we like grabbing one of Jersey Mike’s quick subs, the Hershey Park location has a convenient setup that deserves your attention for a fast lunch. The counter service is generally efficient with customizable options, and Joe prepares sandwiches and fresh brewed sweet tea. It’s exactly the kind of spot where you want to be munching on a decent sub when you’re in a hurry, though the bread can be a little dry and the tables often need wiping down.
Starbucks
$ | (336) 414-0268 | WEBSITE
This Starbucks is the best coffee spot in Hershey—not just the immediate area, but all of Hershey. The straightforward drinks here aren’t needlessly complicated, but still taste like every ingredient in the cup has been carefully considered. They make some of the town’s best versions of lavender matcha green tea and chai lattes, and walk that tricky tightrope between efficient and relaxing.
If you’re looking for a comfortable place to unwind and it’s a nice day, you should specifically end up inside this clean, calm cafe that’s now Starbucks’ lovely spot for studying or chatting.
Stacks at Hershey Lodge
$ | (717) 520-5656 | WEBSITE
Stacks at Hershey Lodge isn’t a particularly remarkable restaurant—but it does have one big superpower: its breakfast nachos. The retro-themed eatery is located in a clean, friendly environment with quick service—but it’s those breakfast nachos that warrant a moment of quiet appreciation usually only reserved for mountain peaks or a perfectly ripe avocado. Plates are generously portioned with beignets, bacon deviled eggs, and candied bacon. It’s a relaxed, flavorful experience.
The standard breakfast dishes act as perfectly acceptable background noise.
Desserts Etc.
$ | (717) 999-7996 | WEBSITE
Desserts Etc. is a Hershey spot that warrants an appropriately indulgent (and affordable) afternoon treat. Their gorgeous display case has a glass front that opens up to a dessert selection you never knew could look this tempting. It’s got a giant chocolate peanut butter cake in the center, a counter intended for chatting, and at about 3pm, friendly staff roam from table to table, taking cake orders.
We’d brave Hershey traffic to watch the afternoon light filter through the window from one of the tables scattered around the shop. It’s the only sweet spot in town we feel that way about.
Freshido
$ | (717) 500-5335 | WEBSITE
Most of the seating at this Korean-inspired eatery is inside a bright, modern space with clean lines and cheerful lighting. Seating is first come, first served, so have a friend claim a table while you order at the counter up front. Focus on the Gangnam Style and Bibim Chicken bowls, and ask a friendly staff member to help you pick a bubble tea flavor. During lunch hours, the restaurant is filled with office workers and families drawn by the fresh ingredients and customizable options.
When dinner rolls around, they’re gradually replaced by smaller groups sharing sushi bowls at sleek, minimalist tables while enjoying the satisfying, flavorful meals.
Lisa’s Cafe on Chocolate
$ | (717) 508-1729 | WEBSITE
From the outside, Lisa’s Cafe on Chocolate just looks like a simple museum cafe. But after you order from their menu of sandwiches and breakfast items, walk through the Hershey Story Museum building and find the adorable seating areas. It’s a cozy space with plenty of tables and booths, a quiet atmosphere perfect for conversation, and a few window nooks you’re welcome to use in case you overdid it with their delicious avocado toast.
Lisa’s Cafe is one of the best restaurants in Hershey, but it’s such a convenient spot that we’d come after touring the museum just to relax and have a seasonal special coffee.
Devon Seafood & Steak
$$$ | (717) 508-5460 | WEBSITE
If we were judging Devon Seafood & Steak only by the service, we wouldn’t tell you to rush here. But this chic restaurant, which is located in Hershey, has one of the best raw bars in all of Pennsylvania: an impressive, fresh selection of seafood that’s considered the best in the area. That is really why you should come here (and why you should always start with the raw bar). The menu is mostly steaks, seafood, and signature dishes—and you’ll finish whatever you order.
This is mostly a dinner spot for special occasions, but on weekends they get lively during peak times (and occasionally have signature cocktails too).