Narrowing down where to eat in New Cumberland can feel like trying to pick the perfect shade of beige at a paint store—overwhelming, with subtle differences that somehow matter immensely. Good thing you’ve got this list. Whether you’re craving a classic diner breakfast, a cozy Italian spot, or a burger that locals swear by, we’ve done the delicious legwork for you.
nicks114cafe
$ | (717) 774-6612 | WEBSITE
Even on a Tuesday afternoon, you might find it difficult to get a booth at Nick’s 114 Cafe. And there are several reasons for this. First off, the atmosphere is about as cozy as your grandmother’s kitchen. It’s also affordable, and the comfort-food-heavy American fare is very good and pretty inexpensive. The standout, meaty crab cakes should always be on your table, and you should bring one or two people to split them with.
For a satisfying, casual meal that won’t cost more than $25 per person, it doesn’t get much better.
Brew Crumberland’s Best
$ | (717) 774-6511 | WEBSITE
Unfortunately, Brew Crumberland’s Best doesn’t have the most organized service at times. But even though you might wait a few extra minutes during a rush, this coffee shop is still a New Cumberland staple. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see students with textbooks spread out, remote workers on laptops, and locals grabbing their morning cup through the convenient drive-thru.
Bring a book, be prepared for tight parking out front, and then head inside to enjoy some delicious sweet cream, as well as unlimited refills of top-notch coffee.
China Cafe
$ | (717) 909-8808 | WEBSITE
Whenever we’re craving something satisfying and affordable that stays under $12, we head to China Cafe. It’s a reliable Chinese spot near New Cumberland that’s perfect for a quick lunch break or a casual dinner with a friend who appreciates a good chicken with cashews. Order that along with the vegetable rice—but most importantly, try the lunch specials served hot with plenty of vegetables.
They’re the dependable comfort food of the China Cafe menu, and you’ll feel like you missed out if you skip them.
Amelia’s Smash
$ | (717) 980-5925 | WEBSITE
Amelia’s Smash is a burger spot that’s been around for a while, but unlike some tired fast-food chains, this is a place we’re completely on board with. It occupies a compact space, has two counters with bar stools, and serves New Cumberland’s best smash burgers. They also have really good hot honey chicken sandwiches, homemade fries, juicy sandwiches with fresh buns, and options for special dietary needs.
Amelia’s is moderately priced and a bit more focused than many of its competitors, but it’s absolutely worth it for the excellent food.
Villa Roma Pizza & Subs
$ | (717) 774-7234 | WEBSITE
Hands down, the best pizza and subs spot in the Harrisburg area is right here in New Cumberland. Open until midnight most nights, the dining area is a scene populated by every type of local: families grabbing dinner after sports practice, groups of friends sharing wings, and regulars who have been coming here for years. There are no fancy gimmicks, but things like the California wings, Philly Cheesesteak, and massive subs taste better fresh out of the clean kitchen anyway.
Or, share some large pizzas that have something for everyone to enjoy.
Wild Rabbit Pies & Pints
$ | (223) 322-7178 | WEBSITE
Wild Rabbit Pies & Pints is a popular spot in New Cumberland that makes some of the best grilled cheese and artisan pizza around. The grilled cheese comes with various cheese blends, and there’s even one with bacon and tomato in addition to classic cheddar. The artisan pizza with short rib is the best, though. It’s perfectly crispy, with a charred crust, and tender pieces of short rib steaming on top.
While there are plenty of people who come to Wild Rabbit Pies & Pints to grab a pint and leave, you can also sit down and have a full meal here that involves some pretty good mac and cheese and pretzels with beer cheese, mustard, and salt mixed in.
Bruno Pizzatown USA
$ | (717) 774-4721 | WEBSITE
If you visit Bruno Pizzatown USA with your family, make sure you grab a seat near the pizza counter—you’ll have the best view of the pizza-making. A cook rhythmically tosses and stretches dough and a giant oven glows with heat—for hours, until the crust is crisp and golden. Taste it in the signature seasoned pizza, which has perfectly melted cheese and a colorful mosaic of sausage, pepperoni, green peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
Neato Burrito
$ | (717) 770-0390 | WEBSITE
This South Central PA counter-service spot has been a local favorite since 1998 for their generously portioned burritos, particularly the Cowboy Crunch with Verde sauce. This is no fleeting trend: The sauce adds a tangy brightness to every bite. But our favorite thing on the menu is the custom-built burrito with a wide variety of toppings, and the more traditional offerings—like the consistently high-quality food and friendly service—are good, too.
There’s colorful and fun decor inside, so take advantage of their convenient takeout options through the app or have a little lunch in their welcoming environment.
McDonald’s
$ | (717) 774-1027 | WEBSITE
A trip to McDonald’s on Wesley Drive isn’t complete without an order of the fluffiest, most morning-ready breakfast platter we’ve ever had. The breakfast items at this fast-food spot only sizzle away until mid-morning, but you can get their crispy and golden hash browns, savory sausage patty with eggs, and buttery biscuit all morning, as well as some good things later like fresh pineapple mango smoothie, or classic burgers and fries.
It feels like the kind of place that families have been stopping by twice a week (at minimum) since it opened years ago, and is absolutely worthy of a new family routine.
El Rancho Restaurante Bar & Grill
$ | (717) 562-7874 | WEBSITE
As the name suggests, El Rancho Restaurante Bar & Grill offers Mexican favorites, and while they’re solid (especially at around $8-12 per plate), our favorite things here are the chicken quesadillas or the tacos with all the fixings. Everything at this casual spot is both shareable and affordable, so bring a group and order a lot (and bring your own drinks while they wait on their license).
You should probably get an extra order of the quesadillas, but we recommend ordering in stages, as all of the food comes out really quickly.
Taqueria El Puente-1
$ | (717) 305-2620 | WEBSITE
In the heart of New Cumberland, Taqueria El Puente-1 serves authentic Mexican food in a space that feels like a cross between a cozy neighborhood spot and a bustling market stall. The menu celebrates traditional flavors, with dishes like the signature chicken al pastor, generously stuffed burritos, and tacos made with homemade tortillas. Order the el puente bowl, and don’t skip the meats. The tender, delicious chicken paired with perfectly seasoned rice and beans is reason enough to visit.
Beacon Hill Diner
$ | (717) 774-5004 | WEBSITE
If you’re a breakfast lover and tired of settling for soggy toast every time you crave a morning feast, allow us to introduce you to Beacon Hill Diner. All of the food at this hidden gem is homemade and fresh, served with impressive speed. It doesn’t get overwhelmingly crowded, and most hearty plates here cost less than $18, so it’s a very reliable spot to remember—especially because the service is genuinely friendly and attentive.
There’s a satisfying selection of things like avocado eggs benedict, steak & eggs, and chopped steak & eggs, as well as an amazing salad bar with unique items like dolmates and cucumber salad.
Fratelli’s Towne Tavern
$$ | (717) 774-4781 | WEBSITE
New Cumberland has plenty of casual dining spots, but none of them serve pizza and Stromboli with dough as perfectly homemade as Fratelli’s Towne Tavern. They hold the title of a hidden gem near the movie theater, which would be a big deal even if it weren’t for the generous portions and reasonable prices. They sell standout appetizers like pretzels and cheesesteak egg rolls, as well as wings and Italian entrees. Don’t make yourself choose between the two.
Instead, get both—the wings are praised for their flavor, and the Italian comes in hearty options like Grandma’s Sunday gravy with veal, pork, sausage, and meatballs over rigatoni with ricotta. The tavern ambiance—which is good for a relaxing friends’ night out—will run you under $20 for a satisfying meal, with the heavy pour on alcohol adding to the value.
John’s Diner
$ | (717) 774-5004 | WEBSITE
This reliable diner near New Cumberland serves plenty of classic options, from turkey dinners to broasted chicken, but they’re most famous for the Augolemeno soup. It always comes out steaming hot, and after tasting it, you’ll want John’s Diner to become the standard for every place and product that’s part of the Comfort Food Industrial Complex.
Boomerang Bar & Grill
$ | (717) 920-3627 | WEBSITE
Boomerang is our go-to spot for a weekend getaway or any other sort of lively night out near New Cumberland. It’s a versatile venue, so most tables have groups enjoying everything from casual dinners to full-on parties. Every visit brings that familiar sense of family, which you’ll inevitably feel with the consistently friendly staff and the hot, well-presented food like the beloved wings.
After you finish your espresso martini—which some call the best, though reviews are mixed—keep the night going with the ample entertainment, including music and comedy events just a few feet from your seat.
Dairy Queen (Treat)
$ | (717) 774-2036 | WEBSITE
There are a lot of places selling ice cream treats in the area, and many of them are worth your time. The classic soft-serve stands at various drive-thrus, for example, and the little dessert counters at some diners. But our top pick for a Blizzard is Dairy Queen (Treat). The desserts here are exceedingly creamy and satisfying, like frozen clouds of indulgence.
There are a bunch of different flavors (starting around $4), but be sure to get the signature Blizzard with its perfect blend of ice cream and mix-ins. It’s one of the top treats in the neighborhood, though be prepared for the occasional menu surprise or slower service—the friendly staff makes it worthwhile.