5 Best Restaurants In Carlisle PA

My husband and I have found ourselves in Boiling Springs at the Allenbury while I happen to be pregnant. This puts me in the perfect position to find all the best restaurants in Carlisle PA, just down the road from Boiling Springs, as I am extra food focused during pregnancy. 🤣
The restaurants here serve super fresh, farm-to-table food since there are so many farms in the area. And with Carlisle being known for its rich history, most are in or near historic downtown Carlisle.
#1 of the Best Restaurants In Carlisle PA : 1794 The Whiskey Rebellion
Our first stop in town was 1794 The Whiskey Rebellion and this was the absolute best dinner spot. It’s for sure one of the best restaurants in Carlisle PA, and a must-see if you are into history and whiskey. It also happens to be one of my personal favorite restaurants that I’ve tried over the past month.
The actual Whiskey Rebellion took place in 1794 on the premises of this restaurant, which is underneath the Comfort Suites Hotel in historic downtown Carlisle. In terms of whiskey, they have a menu with over 50 international whiskeys including different flight options, and a large menu of whiskey cocktails.
Outside of the history and whiskey, they serve a menu using fresh ingredients from local farms with favorite items like tender steaks including a weekend prime rib special, juicy burgers, crab cakes and pastas. You’ll leave with satisfied taste buds and a happy stomach.

We started with the Molly’s Twist pretzel which was SO GOOD and the mac n’ cheese, and our entrees were the filet and the beef stroganoff. The beef stroganoff was the highlight for me, especially because I don’t like mushrooms and this dish was made 100% mushroom free.
There’s also a cozy atmosphere here – with a stone fireplace, wooden floors, a courtyard and a cool, dimly lit bar hidden behind an iron cast gate. It’s great for special occasions or wonderful family meal as well – when we were there, there was some sort of family reunion going on.
As we drove off they were taking a big group photo. The Comfort Suites it’s attached to is also a great choice for a hotel in the Carlisle area.

Menu & more info: 1794 Whiskey Rebellion website.
Momma Spriggs
Momma Spriggs is a close second for the best restaurants in Carlisle PA for sure. The best thing about this farm to table restaurant is that they serve only the freshest food made from the freshest ingredients, beautifully presented and craftfully made. One thing to note is that Momma Spriggs does not serve alcohol, so you will have to bring your own if you’d like to indulge, which they fully endorse.
Food lovers shouldn’t miss out on this one. Momma Spriggs offers fresh seafood specials and favorites like the crab cake, salmon, homemade soups, jumbo pretzel smothered in crab dip or the prime rib. Also, they have a lot of delicious looking desserts.

You’ll notice even as you drive by that there’s a huge outdoor patio here, both a front patio and back, and you can expect friendly service. This makes it the perfect Friday night date spot or family outing go-to for a nice night.

Café Bruges
Cafe Bruges is a somewhat unexpected, friendly local restaurant in Carlisle known for their fresh array of delicious Belgium cooking. This charming restaurant is perfect for if you love Belgium food or are in the mood for being a little adventurous.

Favorite menu items at this nice Belgium spot which make it one of the best restaurants in Carlisle PA include moules frites, quiches, burgers, mussels, and of course plenty of Belgian beers.
Redd’s Smokehouse BBQ : Top Choice for Quick Food of the Best Restaurants In Carlisle PA
Redd’s serves delicious smokehouse BBQ in the heart of Carlisle, and some of the best food for a more laidback meal in the town. You can also come here for quick food or take out, and have a MUCH more satisfying meal than your average fast food choices.

Some menu highlights: bacon on a stick (yummmmm), chicken wings, the dry rub and the sampler so you can try them all.
One13 Social
One13 Social is more modern compared to the other options on this list, offering a great experience and upbeat atmosphere which make it one of the best restaurants in Carlisle PA. It’s a great place for any outing whether it’s a casual lunch or more special occasion.
Make sure to try a few of the small plates as appetizers, like the well loved Korean BBQ ribs or smoked goat bread. Some entree favorites are the salmon au poivre and the duroc pork chop.

In addition to good food and an inviting atmosphere, there’s also a wonderful cocktail bar here for a few pre or post dinner drinks as an added bonus.
Bonus: Leo’s Homemade Ice Cream For Dessert
Since dessert is the best part of the meal in some people’s opinions, I couldn’t write this article without including the best ice cream spot in Carlisle. People come from all over town for Leo’s Homemade Ice Cream, making it the perfect place to end your night.

Lauren Kessel
Lauren Kessel is the author of this blog post and the creator of the Inspired Backpacker travel blog. She is a passionate digital nomad, with the mission to make slow travel a more accessible way of life for everyone. Lauren believes travel is an important means of education and more importantly, a way for people of different cultures to come together and understand each other better. She has a BS in Tourism and has planned countless domestic and international trips for herself, her family and friends, having visited over 12 countries and 30 states so far.
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