Crush Flights, Brisket Fries & a BBQ Festival You’ll Want on Your 2025 Calendar
This week was packed with serious foodie finds—whether you’re brunching in Hershey, happy hour-ing in Harrisburg, or sinking your teeth into smoked meats in York County, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
⸻
Brunch Goals in Hershey: The Hershey Pantry
We were sold at Crush Flight and lunch served all day—but then The Hershey Pantry came through with a S’mores Cinnamon Bun the size of our heads and honestly? Game over.
This cozy spot is a brunch dream and a must-visit when you’re in the Hershey area. Breakfast not your vibe? No worries because lunch is served all day long.
Here’s what we ordered (and absolutely devoured):
The Crush Flight – Four house-made crushes, bursting with flavor (can also be made into mimosas):
• The OG: Orange Juice, Tito’s, Sprite
• Pucker Up: Lemon Juice, Tito’s, Sprite
• Island Time: Pineapple Juice, Tito’s, Sprite
• Sunshine: Grapefruit Juice, Tito’s, Sprite
Chicken & Waffles – Crispy fried chicken on a fluffy Belgian waffle, topped with spicy cayenne honey butter. Sweet, savory, and a little spicy.
Pantry Club – Grilled turkey, smoky bacon, creamy brie, and herb aioli. Stacked and fully satisfying.
Dill Chicken Salad Wrap – A refreshing combo of dill-seasoned chicken, juicy tomato, mozzarella, and spinach wrap. Light, but packed with flavor.
S’mores Cinnamon Bun – Warm cream cheese icing, melty chocolate chips, toasted marshmallows, chocolate drizzle—served on a cinnamon bun that might legally qualify as a cake. Unreal.
📍 801 E Chocolate Ave, Hershey, PA
⸻
Downtown Happy Hour Find: Stocks on 2nd in Harrisburg
Looking for happy hour with free parking, craft cocktails, and half-off whiskey? 👀 Say no more.
We’re kicking off our 3-part Harrisburg Happy Hour Series with a favorite: Stocks on 2nd. Located right in the heart of downtown, this place has a stylish vibe and an even better happy hour, running Tues–Fri from 5–7PM.
Here’s what we sipped and snacked on:
Old Fashioned – Their signature cocktail and a must-order. Smooth, balanced, and expertly made.
Brisket Flatbread – Tender brisket, BBQ sauce, cheddar, and roasted peppers on a crisp flatbread.
Brisket Fries – A mountain of brisket piled high on beer cheese-smothered fries. Just. Yes.
Plus a few $1-off drafts to round things out. Whether you’re winding down after work or starting your night out, Stocks hits all the marks.
📍 211 N 2nd St, Harrisburg, PA
Stay tuned—next week we’re revealing another one of our go-to spots downtown! Cheers @explorehbg
⸻
BBQ Heaven: Smoke on the Rail in New Freedom
Did you know there’s a can’t-miss BBQ festival in York County every summer? One where you get to vote on the best wings and pulled pork? Now you do.
This weekend we hit up Smoke on the Rail in New Freedom—and this wasn’t just any backyard BBQ. This was the PA State BBQ Championship, and the winners here are heading to the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational in Tennessee. Legit.
Here’s how it went down:
Wing Wars (Friday) – First Responders vs Pitmasters in a smoked wing showdown. $15 = 10 wings = a deliciously hard decision.
People’s Choice Pork Competition (Saturday) – $15 got us 9 different pulled pork samples. Every pitmaster brought their A-game.
Brickers Famous Fries – You already know. Iconic.
Slushymania – Mango and watermelon spiked slushies = summer perfection.
Fluffy Floss Factory Milkshake – The Strawberry Kraze came in a mason jar, topped with a cheesecake slice and a strawberry shortcake ice cream bar. Ridiculous. In the best way.
Best part? Admission and parking are completely FREE. Save the date now for next July—it’s the same weekend, same location, and totally worth the trip. @exploreyorkpa @smokeontherail
📍 Marge Goodfellow Park, New Freedom, PA
⸻
That’s it for this week’s roundup—whether you’re chasing brunch, whiskey, or world-class BBQ, Central PA is showing up strong. Catch you next week with more foodie finds and local gems!
—
Follow along on IG @thehungiecouple for daily eats, hidden gems, and more adventures across Southcentral PA and beyond!