Downtown York offers a number of interesting restaurants, from coffee shops to food markets to finer dining, with more restaurants opening. York will feed you well if you decide to explore the culinary side of York!
Consider checking out some of the places below!
I-ron-ic Art and Thrift Boutique and Coffee House
This coffee shop and art and thrift boutique is the perfect introduction to Downtown York. Start your day with coffee and breakfast as your browse the sculptures, paintings and other art found in this trendy shop in the city’s WeCo neighborhood.
We made this our first stop, picking up a hot cup of joe — but we could have had a hot chocolate, expresso or latte — in a variety of flavors. There are muffins and bagels and such, but if you hit the place near lunchtime, I-ron-ic also serves a Turkey Pretzel (turkey, bacon and provolone cheese served on a pretzel roll) and its I-ron-ic Club Panini (Virginia ham, roasted turkey, kindler bacon, sharp cheddar, mayo and mustard), among other sandwiches, soups, and salads.
Getting there: 256 W Philadelphia St, York, PA 17401
Website: http://www.i-ron-ic.com/
Central Market
Designed by architect John Dempwolf and built in 1888, Central Market is a great place to have brunch or lunch in Downtown York. The York Central Market is a cousin of the oldest farmer’s market in the US, which is in downtown Lancaster.
The large, open building is first a feast for the eyes and then a feast for the belly. From the outside the building looks like it is either two or three floors but it’s actually one open space with cathedral ceilings. The architecture of the market building evokes a late medieval European gothic, but the style is actually considered to be Romanesque Revival.
It’s the go-to spot for lunch every Tuesday and Thursday and a popular gathering spot for a Saturday morning breakfast and lunch. It makes sense why “Market Day” means so much in Downtown York! So much better than a mall food court and you’re supporting small businesses!
Some have described Central Market as a hipster flea market. There’s a spice guy who also sells catnip and specialty teas. There’s a bonsai tree seller. There’re florists. There’s chocolates. There’s a cupcake vendor. There’s a soap maker. There’s pet treat bakery. There’s a wine guy. In fact, it features more than 60 vendors selling everything from old-fashioned soda to Korean barbecue, and fresh meats and produce.
Getting there: 34 W Philadelphia St, York, PA 17401
Website: http://www.centralmarketyork.com/
York City Pretzel Company
For snacks, you really should pay a visit to York Pretzel Company, a small-batch, hand-twisted pretzel bakery for their signature pretzel, just out of the oven.
While you’re enjoying this little bite of heaven, ask to watch a pretzel being twirled. The regular pretzels are made from just six ingredients: flour, water, yeast, brown sugar, salt and butter, and a little bit of magic. They also offer cinnamon sugar pretzels, signature pretzel nuggets (with several dipping sauces), cinnamon sugar nuggets, sandwiches on pretzel bread, and drinks.
They always have a small batch of fresh pretzels ready. And of course, there are chopped up pretzels to use for stuffing and some pretzels rolls, as well as pretzel sandwiches.
I wandered into their facility on a Saturday morning. The place smelled heavenly, and then I was invited to watch the pretzels being made. I walked out with a pretzel in my hand — almost went back for another when my husband insisted I share!
Getting there: 39 W Market St, York, PA 17401
Website: http://www.yorkcitypretzelcompany.com/
The Handsome Cab
This restaurant is a cozy, modern designed restaurant in an historic, renovated building with art work on the 2nd floor to view and purchase. Food and art — that’s singing my song. Art is an important part of The Handsome Cab, and you can take a glass of wine, cocktail or beer to the Cab Art Gallery on the second floor, and explore the artists’ studios on both the second and third floors of the building.
It also has a nice sized bar and a piano for live entertainment, allowing you to relax and enjoy the retro industrial hip ambiance. The bar offers an extensive wine list, along with an option to try flights of wine. You can get salads, appetizers, and small or large plates of several entrees.
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| “Cairn, Stacking Stones,” Barb Kling, acrylic on canvas |
The Cab Gallery boasts local artists and showcases amazing talent in the local community and around the world.
Getting there: 106 N George St, York, PA 17401
Website: http://www.thehandsomecab.com/
Revival Social Club
Revival Social Club is one of the newest entries to Downtown York’s culinary scene, but its hip atmosphere, creative cocktails and imaginative menu make it worth trying. While the menu features an extensive selection of globally inspired delicacies, the restaurant focuses, whenever possible, on farm to table entrees and appetizers — ensuring there will always be something new on the menu. Everything is made in house. The evening we visited, we enjoyed the pickled deviled eggs. Deviled eggs and pickled eggs are both favorites of mine — but oh my, combined together? Heaven. 🙂
As with many other downtown restaurants, it’s in an historic building that made me wonder whether it was haunted. However, the ambiance is pleasant, the seating comfortable, and the decor updated contemporary rustic.
Getting there: 19 N George St, York, PA 17401
Website: http://www.revivalsocialclubyork.com/
Know before you go: There are three parking garages downtown. If you’d like to park in a garage and walk, the Philadelphia Street Garage is the most central option. Parking Garages are free on Saturdays and Sundays.