We Ranked The 12 Best Steakhouses In Central Pennsylvania And Here Are The Results
One steakhouse on this list sears its beef at a blistering 1,700 degrees.
Another cooks over wood-fired charcoal and holds a rare certification to serve real Kobe beef. That is a lot of fire for one region.
Central Pennsylvania takes its steak seriously, but the best pick depends on what matters to you.
I care about the cut first, then how it gets cooked. A dry-aged ribeye and a skewer of picanha carved at the table scratch very different itches.
Setting counts too. I love a room with history, like a former speakeasy from 1929 or an old chocolate factory.
Other nights, I just want a family-run place with free parking and a solid filet.
Your perfect steak dinner reflects your mood and how dressed up you feel.
1. 1700 Degrees Steakhouse
Most kitchens heat a grill. This one goes for something closer to a blast furnace, searing steaks at 1,700 degrees, which explains the name.
The menu leans on Midwestern prime and dry-aged steaks, plus certified Angus beef. Sustainable seafood and a raw bar give non-steak fans a real reason to come along.
Not in a steak mood? Soups, salads, and other main courses round out the menu nicely.
Big windows look out over Market Square in downtown Harrisburg. Inside, leather and cowhide finishes set a polished, grown-up tone without feeling stiff.
The lobby lounge has a 12-foot, two-sided fireplace, which makes a great spot to wait for your table. Dinner runs Monday through Saturday, so skip planning a Sunday steak night here.
Save room, because dessert gets creative. Think Cherry Chai Creme Brulee, Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake, or a Cast Iron Chocolate Chunk Cookie built for sharing.
Complimentary valet parking for dinner guests is a nice bonus downtown. It means one less thing to stress about before a big night out in Pennsylvania’s capital city.
The restaurant also picked up an OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award back in 2015. Pretty good for a place built around one very hot number.
Address: 1 N. 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101
2. Devon Seafood + Steak
Steak on Chocolate Avenue sounds like a dream someone had after too much candy.
Devon Seafood + Steak makes it real, inside the building that once housed the Hershey Department Store.
Seafood is the headliner here, with fresh catches sourced directly from trusted suppliers. Oysters come raw or Rockefeller, and lobster bisque makes a strong opening act.
Beef fans aren’t left out. The kitchen serves USDA Prime Black Angus, including filet mignon, plus surf and turf combos for anyone who refuses to choose.
Crab cakes and scallops round out the ocean side of the menu. Seasonal specials also show up, so it pays to ask what’s new.
Dessert is where Hershey shows off. You can finish with a peanut butter torte or Hershey’s chocolate velvet cake, which feels like the only fitting choice on this street.
The setting is upscale and refined. Dress up a little and enjoy the history around you.
Outdoor dining opens up seasonally, and private dining space is available for bigger groups. Reservations are accepted, so you can lock in a table ahead of time.
Pair dinner with a day of sightseeing in town. It turns a steak night into a full-blown Pennsylvania road trip with a sweet ending.
Address: 27 W. Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, PA 17033
3. 401 Prime
Any happy hour menu with a Prime Beef Chili Dog gets attention fast.
It shows 401 Prime knows how to have fun while still taking fine dining seriously.
The Lancaster spot aims to set the standard for refined service in South Central Pennsylvania. The goal is an immersive meal, not a rushed one.
Steaks anchor the full menu, joined by other upscale dishes. You can browse the full lineup, the dessert menu, and the bar menu online before you go.
The bar menu is where things get playful. Wagyu Meatballs, Crab Deviled Eggs, and a 401 Sloppy Joe all make an appearance.
Salads get a twist, too. A Wasabi Caesar and a Kocher Wedge Salad bring some personality to the table.
Then there’s the Triple Cut Miso Bacon, which sounds like something you’d order twice. The name alone is a strong sales pitch.
Happy hour pricing is offered Monday through Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. and again from 8 to 10 p.m. It’s a smart way to sample the kitchen before committing to a full steak dinner.
Lancaster city makes a fun backdrop for an evening out. Grab a few small plates early, then decide whether you’ve got room for a big cut.
Address: 401 N. Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603
4. KōLE Chophouse
The name KōLE comes from the Pennsylvania Dutch word for coal.
Fitting, since steaks here cook over live fire on a Josper grill fueled by wood-fired charcoal.
Seasoning stays simple with just salt and pepper. When the beef is this good, the kitchen lets the fire do the talking.
And the beef list is serious. You’ll find American and Australian Wagyu, authentic Japanese Wagyu, and certified Kobe beef.
That Kobe certification is rare. KōLE is one of only a handful of restaurants in the state allowed to serve it.
The setting adds to the fun, inside the historic Wilbur Chocolate Factory in downtown Lititz. Steak in a former chocolate factory might be the best plot twist on this list.
Wagyu isn’t the only route to a great meal here. A Smash Burger, grilled octopus, Tagliata, and a classic Shrimp Cocktail all hold spots on the menu.
The menu shifts regularly with the seasons, so your next visit might look different. Tiramisu makes a sweet way to wrap things up.
Reservations are encouraged, though walk-ins are welcome. The bar and lounge stay open later than the dining room, which is handy if you want to linger.
Address: 52 N. Broad Street, Lititz, PA 17543
5. The 1796 Room
A dinner reservation that comes with a history lesson?
The name honors the resort’s early history, dating back to 1796 and the mineral springs that helped make Bedford a destination.
The 1796 Room is the resort’s signature steak and chophouse. It focuses on USDA Prime beef aged for 21 days.
Those steaks go under an infrared broiler before reaching your plate. That gives the kitchen serious heat to work with and a classic steakhouse result.
Fish, poultry, and chops share the menu too. So if someone in your group isn’t craving beef, they still have choices.
The atmosphere is upscale, making it a good fit for anniversaries or a special weekend away. Bedford sits farther west than most stops here, so it’s worth planning around.
Bigger celebration on the calendar? A private dining room seats up to 24 guests.
Dinner runs Wednesday through Monday, so Tuesday is the night off. Reservations are recommended, especially if dinner is the main reason you’re heading to the resort.
Pair your meal with a stroll around this historic Pennsylvania property. It’s a pretty great way to work up an appetite or walk off dessert.
Address: 2138 Business Route 220, Bedford, PA 15522
6. Final Cut Steakhouse
Feeling lucky? Final Cut Steakhouse sits inside Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, so your dinner plans can come with a side of excitement.
The menu centers on premium beef and fresh seafood. Prime cuts and American Wagyu lead the steak side.
Seafood lovers get plenty to work with. Lobster and scallops appear on the menu, along with oysters on the half shell and fresh catch selections.
That lineup makes surf and turf an easy call. Pair a steak with lobster and you’ve basically hit the jackpot without touching a slot machine.
The restaurant promises elegant dining with exemplary service. Decadent desserts round out the experience for anyone with room left.
Reservations are available, which is smart on a busy night. Booking ahead lets you plan the rest of your evening around a set dinner time.
Grantville sits a short drive from Harrisburg, which makes it an easy evening trip. Hop in the car, enjoy a big steak, and head home happy.
A night here feels like an event. Dress a little nicer and treat it like the special outing it is.
Address: 777 Hollywood Boulevard, Grantville, PA 17028
7. The Glass Lounge
Since 1984, one Harrisburg family has kept this hand-cut steakhouse humming.
The Glass Lounge has been voted Simply the Best and Readers’ Choice by Harrisburg Magazine multiple times.
The mood is casual and relaxing, not white-tablecloth formal. Think of it as a steak night you don’t need to dress up for.
Steaks are cut by hand, and the menu stretches well beyond beef. Sandwiches and salads give you lighter options when a full steak feels like too much.
Hours are a bit unusual for a steakhouse. Doors open at 11 a.m.
Monday through Saturday, making lunch a real option alongside dinner.
The restaurant closes at 9:30 p.m. and is closed on Sundays, so plan your visit accordingly.
Outdoor seating is available when the weather cooperates. Takeout is also an option for steak on the couch.
Free parking with plenty of space makes life easier on Front Street. TVs mean you can catch the game while you eat.
Family-owned places like this are a big part of what makes Central Pennsylvania dining special. Decades of loyal service usually say more than any fancy sign.
Address: 4745 N. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110
8. Dodge City Steakhouse
Fresh beef, cut right here. Dodge City Steakhouse uses never-frozen USDA Angus Reserve beef loins and hand-cuts them in-house.
Seafood gets the same careful treatment. Staff remove the bones and shells themselves, so you can just enjoy the bite.
Meals are prepared to order with wholesome, natural ingredients. The menu changes with the seasons, giving repeat visitors something new to try.
The restaurant proudly calls itself Central Pennsylvania’s Premier Steakhouse. That’s a bold title, and the kitchen backs it with award-winning food.
Lunch is a real option here, served Tuesday through Friday. It’s a nice way to enjoy a quality steak in the middle of the workweek.
Dinner runs Tuesday through Sunday, with Sunday service starting at noon. Mondays are closed, so mark your calendar.
You can dine indoors or outside. Takeout and curbside pickup work well when you want a great steak without much fuss.
Planning an event? Catering is available too, which means your next party could skip the sad deli tray.
The Paxton Street location makes it easy to reach from around Harrisburg. One visit should explain the confident nickname.
Address: 1037 Paxton Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
9. The Log Cabin Restaurant
Back in 1929, this building started life as a speakeasy.
Today The Log Cabin Restaurant serves upscale, farm-to-table dinners in Lancaster County.
Thoughtful renovations over the years have kept its timeless character. More than 100 art pieces fill the interior, so there’s plenty to look at between bites.
The seasonal menu covers steaks, lobster, and other seafood. Duck breast and pork shank keep things interesting for anyone exploring beyond beef.
Vegetarians get a roasted squash and mushroom entree. The kitchen also accommodates gluten-free and vegan needs.
Start with soup or a cheese and charcuterie plate. Then let the main event take center stage.
Live music fills Friday and Saturday evenings. Mystery dinner events also pop up, adding a little theater to your meal.
Business casual dress is requested, so leave the gym shorts at home. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend nights.
Getting there is simple. Leola sits less than 20 minutes from downtown Lancaster and about 15 minutes from downtown Lititz.
Dinner starts at 5 p.m., and the kitchen closes an hour before the doors do. Sundays are off, so plan your visit for Monday through Saturday.
Address: 11 Lehoy Forest Drive, Leola, PA 17540
10. Kelly’s Steak & Seafood
Penn State fans, take note. Kelly’s Steak & Seafood sits in historic Boalsburg, just minutes from State College and University Park.
Chefs Sean and Tien Kelly lead the kitchen. Their menu carries a Pacific Northwest image, which is a fun twist for a steakhouse in the middle of Pennsylvania.
Freshness is a big deal here. Beef, seafood, and poultry arrive in daily shipments.
The menu mixes classic and casual. You’ll spot a Crab Cake, Blackened Salmon, and a Prime Rib Sandwich alongside a Reuben.
Burger fans have choices, too. Kelly’s Burger and a Bison Burger both make the lineup, along with a Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich.
The restaurant aims for consistent quality and solid value. It’s also family-friendly, so bringing the kids along works just fine.
Timing matters. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Tuesday through Saturday, with last seating at 7:45 p.m. on weeknights and 8:45 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Reservations are recommended, since walk-ins get seated after booked guests. On a football weekend, that tip could save your evening.
Takeout is offered on certain weeknights, though availability can change. It’s a handy option after a long day exploring Happy Valley.
Address: 316 Boal Avenue, Boalsburg, PA 16827
11. Progress Grill
Harrisburg’s longest-running family-owned fine dining restaurant has earned its bragging rights.
Progress Grill specializes in hand-carved, grilled steaks and award-winning fresh seafood.
Entrees come with two sides of your choice. Pick from salad, baked potato, French fries, home fries, or the vegetable of the day.
The appetizer list reads like a greatest hits album. Clams Casino, Fried Calamari, and Lollipop Lamb Chops sit next to Spinach Pie and Stuffed Mushrooms with Crab Meat.
Soup lovers can go for French Onion or the Soup of the Day. Seafood Bisque shows up on Fridays and Saturdays.
Can’t decide between land and sea? The Best of Both Worlds section pairs Filet Mignon with Lobster Tail.
There’s also the Poor Man’s Surf and Turf, matching filet mignon with a broiled crab cake. Honestly, that combo sounds pretty rich to us.
Homemade desserts finish things off. Gift cards are available, too, which makes an easy present for the steak lover in your life.
Reservations are strongly recommended. Hours run Monday through Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m.
Planning a party? The private dining room holds up to 40 guests, with dedicated servers and customized menus.
Address: 3526 Walnut Street, Harrisburg, PA 17109
12. The Gaúcho’s Way Brazilian Steakhouse
Skewers of grilled meat arriving at your table, carved right in front of you?
The Gaúcho’s Way Brazilian Steakhouse calls itself the first Brazilian steakhouse in Lancaster.
The experience follows the traditional churrasco style of Brazil’s southern Pampas. Premium fire-grilled cuts are served rodizio style, sliced tableside straight off the skewer.
Picanha is the famous one, a prized cut in Brazil. Short ribs and skirt steak also join the parade.
Need a break from meat? The gourmet salad bar offers signature salads, fresh fruits, vegetables, and a variety of cheeses.
Families get a sweet deal here. Kids ages 5 and under eat free, and children 6 to 11 eat at half price.
Lunch is served daily starting at 11:30 a.m., including weekends. That makes it a fun pick for a midday feast.
The location inside Park City Center is a bonus. Shop first, then reward yourself with a plate piled high.
Pacing yourself is the real strategy. Rodizio dining works best when you sample a little of each cut before going back for favorites.
Gift cards are available for the meat fans you know. It’s a lively way to wrap up a Central Pennsylvania steak tour.
Address: 629 Park City Center, Lancaster, PA 17601