The city of York is happily experiencing revitalization of the downtown area, which is where you are if you have a day in court in York County. The Downtown Inc consortium, at 16 N George St., encourages and promotes the growth of new businesses to inhabit historic spaces, and that includes restaurants – which is great for them as well as you, if you are in the courthouse during weekdays, and feel the need to eat!
We’re sharing this info for visitors to the historic city, and for residents who might not know what’s new here, or who might just want a creative nudge to go get lunch somewhere different. Leave the car – these 10 spots are close walking distance from Court (hashtag “boost your heart AND your appetite”!), and grouped in order of proximity. And FYI, these are weekday schedules only. For weekends, check local listings.
(Google Maps disclaimer: “These directions are for planning purposes only. You may find that construction projects, traffic, weather, or other events may cause conditions to differ from the map results, and you should plan your route accordingly. You must obey all signs or notices regarding your route.”)
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1) The Left Bank Restaurant and Bar
Dinner only M
Lunch & Dinner T-F
And by Left Bank, they mean the Parisian one, with the menu and focus on service details also modeled on fine French fare. The delectable menu is not afraid to impress … whether you’re in the mood for a shaved lamb cheese steak (delicious idea!) or having a good enough day to order the 19 dollar Wall Street lunch burger.
- Head north on N George St toward E Philadelphia St
- 120 N George St, York, PA 17401 (1 min walk)
2) Bistro 19
11am-10pm M-F
Self-styled “moderately priced simple meals in a modest setting,” this menu is stocked with fresh items made from scratch. French onion soup, gourmet appetizers, assorted sandwiches and a surprisingly huge selection of salads – everyone will be tempted! Outside seating for better days, casual elegance inside for all others.
- Head south on N George St toward E Clarke Ave
- 19 George St, York, PA 17401 (1 min walk)
3) Di Carlo’s Pizza
11am-7pm M-W
11am-9pm TH-F
A new Old style pizza for downtown York … They tell you it’s Sicilian style “Crispy squares of crust with homemade tomato sauce and provolone cheese topping,” but what they don’t tell you is that the cheese is added cold after the crust is fired! Reviews are really good so it has to be a successful new Old way to do it. Better yet – the ingredients are all prepared fresh and from scratch. AND you can get it by the slice, in case you really have to grab and go.
- Head south on N George St toward E Clarke Ave
- 24 N. George St. York, PA 17401 (1 min walk)
4) The Stage Deli On George
7:30am-3pm M-F
Some new twists to classic deli items, with the same great old fashioned deli menu. And this venue lives up to its name with the “stage” thing… Catch great music on the front steps from time to time, or stop in early for a breakfast sandwich. Desserts are packed and ready to go too, if you need a little pick-me-up later in the day. Of course, you might find a fresh fruit, whipped cream and cream cheese icing croissant to be just the morning coffee-mate you want.
- Go out front door and cross the street
- 26 N George St, York, PA 17401 (1 min walk)
5) Central Market House
6am-2pm T, TH
5-9pm 1st & 3rd F
Individual Vendor hours may vary
You can get anything here — when they’re there. The lifeblood of any colonial town, old city markets now breed commerce and conversation all over again. Try your luck with enticing food vendors, or plan ahead and make a visit to watch a culinary school cooking demonstration and order a favorite from the likes of Mezzogiorno’s, Roburrito’s or Biar’s Chicken, (too many to list them all!). This is a great place to zip to for a pre-court, Take Five expresso and maple bacon-wrapped cream cheese cinnamon bun (Pepper’s Grille). Absolutely no sense in going to court without breakfast.
- Head north on N George St toward E Philadelphia St
- Turn left onto W Philadelphia St
- 34 W Philadelphia St, York, PA 17401 (2 min walk)
6) Mudhook Brewing Co.
4pm-10pm T-W
11am-10pm TH-F
A fully stocked grill pub menu (that happens to include the brewery too) for the meat & fries OR soup & salad crowds. The closest it gets to local love for the Irish at heart, and if you feel up to dessert – overload your chococrave with The Mudcake. You probably should walk further than the two minutes back to the courthouse to work off this one!
- Head south on N George St toward E Clarke Ave
- Turn right onto W Clarke Ave
- Turn right onto N Cherry Ln
- 34 N Cherry LnYork, PA 17401 (2 min walk)
7) White Rose Bar & Grill
11am-10pm M-TH
11am-11pm F
There is absolutely no shame in craving hot Maryland crab dip in the middle of the morning. In the middle of York. In the middle of a court appearance. Maybe the last part will be uncomfortable, maybe you’ll feel a little crabby yourself? But when it’s time for lunch you can head out the door and stroll 3 looong minutes to find the dish of your daydreams. The HotRock, cook-at-the-table menu walks a little steep into your wallet, but there are many other options, and the daily specials are very appealing.
- Head north on N George St toward E Philadelphia St
- Turn left onto W Philadelphia St
- Turn left onto N Beaver St
- 48 N Beaver St, York, PA 17401 (3 min walk)
8) Esaan Thai Restaurant
11am-3pm M-T
11am-9pm W-F
Made to order, BYOB, gluten free, vegetarian and vegan available, female owned, and highly praised … Lenon Peachlum gave it 5 fb stars and some loud advice: “Take home a Mason jar of Jai’s homemade peanut sauce!” On G+ Joseph Hagan adds, “A little pricey (BUT you get what you pay for!)”
- Head south on N George St toward E Clarke Ave
- Turn right onto W Clarke Ave
- Turn left onto N Beaver St
- 30 N Beaver St, York, PA 17401 (3 min walk)
9) Liquid Hero Brewery
4-10pm T-F
Home guys make good while rescuing themselves and their friends from the ordinary — this brewery offers soul-satisfying standard grill-pub fare, including Pizza, Wings, Burgers, Stromboli’s, Sandwiches, Salads, and Gyros, all served in relaxed company. Definitely not recommended to sample the brews and go back to your court date. This might be a good place to retreat to after the court day is over, and if appropriate, pick up a growler to enjoy safely back at home.
- Head north on N George St toward E Philadelphia St
- Turn right onto E North St
- 50 E North St. York, PA 17401 (5 min walk)
10) C-Town Supermarkets
8am-9pm
No time to sit and order? Maybe you can dance a little in the aisles as you grab something on the run. One review touts the wonderful Salsa Music, of all things, in this neighborhood style groceria. C-Town markets offer grocery items localized per community. Health department ratings suggest it might be best to stick to pre-wrapped and packaged foods, but since those are the quickest to eat, this makes the C-Town a great choice on a nice day for a brisk walk and a quick, convenient bite.
- Head north on N George St toward E Philadelphia St
- Turn right onto E Philadelphia St
- Turn left onto N Duke St
- 139 N Duke St, York, PA 17401 (5 min walk)
Bon appétit!