Remember when ‘York seafood’ meant frozen fish sticks and a side of tartar sauce? No. Neither do we. While Pennsylvania’s landlocked reputation might suggest otherwise, York’s culinary scene is swimming with fresh, flavorful catches. Whether you’re craving a classic lobster roll to devour by the Susquehanna or a sophisticated cioppino for a special occasion, these are our top picks for seafood in York.
Rockfish Public House
$$ | (717) 893-5928 | WEBSITE
Forget those tired fish and chips. At Rockfish Public House you get a proper plate of seafood. Yes, they’ve got your classics (seafood pasta, Caesar salad), but others you’re definitely not going to find at a chain (scallops in pesto sauce, perfectly baked grouper). What you really need to know about is their raw seafood tower. We’re talking fresh shellfish, a carafe of lemon water, a mountain of seafood, and enough flavor to make your taste buds sing.
The First Post
$$ | (717) 430-8115 | WEBSITE
The First Post is a well-regarded restaurant in York that feels like a welcoming neighborhood gathering spot, complete with comfortable booths and a relaxed atmosphere. The menu wanders from classic comfort foods to inventive dishes like grits and scallops and lettuce wraps that will make you forget your usual seafood expectations. The $45 family-style sharing option is also an excellent answer to the eternal question of ‘where to go for a casual celebration in town’.
Eagles Nest Restaurant & Event Venue
$$ | (717) 755-8095 | WEBSITE
A restaurant where cheese is flambéed table-side in Mediterranean style is our kind of restaurant, especially when there’s an upscale but not stuffy atmosphere involved as well. Eagles Nest is York’s premier seafood institution and is a classic spot with lots of creative cocktails and lots of butter that makes for a classy but still casual dinner. (Hello, $38 prime rib entrees.) The crab cake is optional. But, at the same time, it isn’t, if you know what we mean.
White Rose Bar & Grill
$ | (717) 848-5369 | WEBSITE
The steady stream of regulars who fill White Rose’s covered patio at lunchtime knows exactly what they’re doing. You can order the Italian wedding soup by the cup or bowl—and our go-to is the BLT with extra crispy bacon. Just be sure to request the vegetarian appetizer sampler too. The attentive servers like Stevie are some of the most accommodating around, and make sure every celebration with a brought-along cake feels special.
Kelly’s Inn
$$ | (717) 755-3896 | WEBSITE
Ignoring the outside world comes naturally at Kelly’s Inn. Distractions should be muted so you can give the crab-cake-this and bacon-dressing-that affordable meals (just $14 for the popular crab cake platter) the attention they demand. Whether you’re in the typically quiet dining room or seriously considering a lunchtime Bloody Mary at the bar side with smoking, they serve you efficiently and you can leave satisfied and seafood-full within an hour.
2 Wild and Crabby Guys
$ | (717) 578-5872 | WEBSITE
2 Wild and Crabby Guys has long been a crab-filled refuge among the bustle of York’s Central Market House and the seafood kiosk is still one of the best lunch spots anywhere in Pennsylvania. A bowl of cream of crab soup rarely goes down anything other than spectacularly, and a Crab Squared sandwich goes down similarly satisfyingly. Everything hovers around the $15-$20 mark, though if you bring a friend, you can share a couple of the popular dishes too.
3rd Base
$ | (717) 650-1948 | WEBSITE
In a town where late-night options often mean greasy spoons or fast-food chains, the consistent quality and welcoming vibe of 3rd Base’s casual menu stands out. The York spot is a brightly lit, no-frills space that captures the spirit of classic American late-night dining.
The always-available, reasonably priced offerings range from about $8 to $15, and you can feast on anything from a loaded surf and turf cheesesteak to crispy fried chicken sandwiches—while the selection of adult beverages is impressively varied. The digital jukebox keeps the energy up, the staff stays friendly even during the post-midnight rush, and the food—like those mild wings or that peanut butter cake—hits the spot every time.
It’s exactly the kind of local, family-run place that makes you want to come back, again and again, for a quick, satisfying bite that doesn’t break the bank.
MOFONGUITO’S HOUSE
$ | (484) 764-6846 | WEBSITE
Technically, you can dine-in at Mofonguito’s House. But the York spot is so cozy and bustling—and the mofongo-stuffed dishes so generous and flavorful—that it’s better for everyone if you savor yours slowly. Our favourite menu is the Mofongo Stuffed with Shrimp. Think perfectly textured plantains with well-seasoned shrimp and delicious sauce that melds into every forkful.
Big Jim’s Seafood House
$$ | (717) 894-5985 | WEBSITE
Let’s be honest—sometimes you just need a break from all the polished perfection out there. If that sounds right, you’ll love Big Jim’s Seafood House. It’s the perfect spot to start with a bowl of their awesome Maryland crab soup and finish with some very good hush puppies and crabby fries.
There’s a lively bar area and plenty of seating if you want to settle in for some quality time with their nicely done seafood and yummy margaritas, but you can also grab a draft beer poured well and enjoy the live music playing loudly enough from outside. The atmosphere might be a bit bare, but with good company and weekly events like Bingo Thursday, it doesn’t really matter.
The Captain Krab
$$ | (717) 900-6421 | WEBSITE
This seafood spot occupies a cozy, welcoming space in York County that can fit families with their hungry kids, or anyone who needs a satisfying meal away from the daily grind. The Captain Krab’s seafood boil bags continue to be the standout order. Hot, juicy shrimp and crab legs are drenched in that amazing butter sauce, with the Krab House Special Sauce adding a Maryland twist to a New Orleans classic.
And the generous portions, with their fresh ingredients and affordable prices, are a meal in themselves.
Bones-n-Shells
$$ | (717) 741-4320 | WEBSITE
The York location of this seafood and steakhouse is just as dependable as its reputation suggests. Their French onion soup is always satisfying—the classic, rich broth with melted cheese, or the cream of crab soup loaded with fresh seafood are our favorites—but the prime rib and New York strip steak are similarly excellent. It’s a dining experience that suits quick weeknight dinners as well as leisurely ones, solo meals, or celebratory occasions like Mother’s Day.