Fun and convenient location downtown. A bit dive-y, but that's not a bad thing...just know what kind of atmosphere you're getting when you come here. Also? They don't have a huge selection of beer/drinks, but what they do have available is basic and convenient enough. Enjoyed the bar area, though could have done without the bees constantly hovering around me. My cousin and I probably should have re-seated ourselves next to the fireplaces - away from the bar. No idea if it would have made a difference though. The place is packed at certain times, but my cousin and I managed to hit this place up recently around 6:30 or 7pm on a Friday night. A couple people playing ski ball or whatever, but ultimately not too many people around. TL;DR Fun place for a random beer and a little beer pong or ski ball. Personally, wouldn't want to be there when it's packed. It is convenient and chill though, and I'd visit again.
(3)
Andrew D.
Decent spot in downtown Harrisburg. Pretty packed on a Saturday night. Bartenders were mediocre. Didn't get food, but drinks were reasonably priced. Gin and tonic was 90% tonic though Mixed crowd with a good guy/girl ratio. Overall decent, but not great. Good burrito place next door though!
(3)
Kayla L.
Horrible experience. First of all this is an out door bar.You are outside drinking. Problem with that is they are trying to enforce a dress code for outside drinking no hats and a jersey is inappropriate to wear to the outside bar and must be coat checked on a table for a $1.00....since no one goes down town anymore this is their sad excuse for trying to make a buck.....oh and if you order a Trash Can drink.......20.00 for 2 in a small plastic cup no red bull sticking out of it like most bars do....when i say small plastic cups it like cheap nickle a drink night plastic cups for 10.00 per drink.....never again. Used to like going there now they can just go out of business like the rest of the bars on 2nd street.....
(1)
Angela D.
Warning to all potential customers: This bar will not give you a cup of ice water after serving you alcohol - they require you to pay $2 for a bottle of water. I've never been to a bar that will not give you a cup of ice water. It's unethical and extremely poor service. I will not be drinking at this spot again.
(1)
George C.
Best summer bar in downtown Harrisburg. Awesome layout, and different activities to do. Cornhole etc. two different levels, and has fire places in different areas. Drink times can be a little bit, but this bad is always packed, so what do you expect.
(5)
Chris S.
I find it weird that the cost of drinks differ from which bartender you get, one minute a drink costs $4 the next minute it costs $5... Basically I'm just saying watch your money at this place.
(1)
Greg G.
Stood at the bar for 15 minutes, on a slow night. Didn't get served. Left in disgust. Bartenders served people multiple times before even acknowledging anyone in my group, seemed to be some people they knew. Sad, because I've had some fun here in the past, but can't really justify going again.
(2)
N G.
One of the better spots in Downtown Harrisburg. But then again, I'm not a fan of the Harrisburg nightlife at all. The venue itself is nice. Spacious and outdoors. Also has a rooftop bar. The music is alright. The drinks, however, are extremely weak. I'll stick to shots and/or beer here.
(2)
Christopher T.
The atmosphere of Sawyers is interesting with outside seating around fire pits and a DJ that begins playing around 10pm. Our group also had a helpful and friendly waitress. However, the drinks here were terrible. I believe that the drinks had been watered down or the bar tenders simply weren't putting any alcohol in the drinks. So my friends and I decided to have shots and they simply did not taste like vodka. The DJ also played music that was at least 10 years old. I'm okay with older music being play, but it should be peppered throughout the "set" not the primary music being played. This place has a good idea, but in the end it doesn't work. Although, this experience seems to be a common theme living here in Central PA. My friends and I would not return to Sawyers. In general, the bar and club scene is questionable at best in Harrisburg.
(2)
Kat S.
I had a group of 7 come into Sawyers on a reservation. The weather was bad, so we ended up indoors. This is no longer a full diner restaurant. Their menu is primarily hotdogs and fried items. While waiting for the rest of the group, I sat at the bar (full service bar plus mixed adult frozen drinks) and talked to the young bartender Marlo. She was really the best part of this visit to Sawyers. Marlo provided me and later the whole group with very attentive service with a smile. I will note, here, that our group made up the majority of the business at Sawyers on a Wednesday night, so we were able to get mostly uninterrupted attention from the wait staff. The only healthy item on the menu was a "side salad" which you could add chicken to. The rest of us ordered hot dogs as novelties..because some of these hot dog choices are crazy. I had a mac and cheese hotdog...fried hotdog wrapped with cheese on a roll, smothered in mac and cheese. YIKES. It was a fun photo op, and actually the hotdog itself was REALLY tasty. The mac and cheese was lacking in much flavor and I would guess was pre-made. Mozzarella sticks are good. Drinks are not cheap here...ask before ordering refills. There are no happy hour specials, so keep track of your bar tab. If we could have been in the outdoor space I think we would have enjoyed our experience more..the tables outside look great. This is really just a bar at this point. Food is a side note. Once again, compliments to server/bartender Marlo. She was excellent.
(3)
Leigh T.
Service was awful. Food was nothing special. Wanted this place to be a regular spot but the experience was so below average that I felt compelled to never come back. Poor execution and no attention to detail. This place seems to survive because of location? The place does look cool. Never heard of a local coming here or raving about it. It is just there. Been a long time since I was there so it might be better than a few years ago.
(2)
Joshua N.
I had some beer and the old bay fries. The fries were fine. The beer was beer. The service on this Tuesday night wasn't great at all. But the atmosphere at the outdoor seating was awesome. Making it a great place to hang out. I don't know what the food inside was like. I'm hoping to go back and give it a try.
(3)
S F.
This was my first time here (new resident), and we went there on a friend's recommendation and sat in one of the cabanas. The atmosphere/cabanas/outdoor area are VERY nice. I have nothing bad to say about any of that. But our waitress sucked. She didn't know the difference between a Miller Light and a Miller Genuine Draft, asking "aren't they pretty much the same thing?" She couldn't list any of the beers that they had to offer, she basically rushed us out of the cabana (I think because we weren't going to order any food... even though they weren't busy at all!), and she only introduced herself AFTER we had settled the tab!!! She was pretty attentive but I think it's pretty bad when the server doesn't even know what's on tap!!! (And who thinks MGD and Miller Light are the same thing?!?!?!!!) I'm not sure I'll be going back. The ignorant and somewhat rude server was really off-putting. I'm sure H-burg has better bars with better servers who don't make you feel rushed to get out of there.
(2)
Chris O.
My friend and I chose this place at random as we were walking 2nd Street after the sun had just gone down. We were crazy hungry from an exhausting day of strolling around the city, and Sawyer's just stood out to us. It was probably the single best food-related decision I've ever been involved in making. It changed my life. Don't believe me? Read on. So when we walked in, I didn't even notice the outdoor seating area on the other side of the building. I was pleasantly surprised, and as it was a beautiful April night, I was very happy about being able to enjoy the last bit of Pennsylvania humidity before heading back to the dry west coast. Small fire pits are scattered around the yard, and it felt great to recline and warm my feet by the fire while perusing the menu. And that's when I saw it. Something I'd totally forgotten about. The beer I'd fallen in love with in college... the beer I can't find anywhere in California... the beer that in 24 hours I'd have to wait months to taste again... The word "Yeungling" was scrawled ever-so-neatly next to one of the burgers on the menu. And I realized they pair beers with different burgers so that you get the ultimate taste experience. I didn't even give it a second thought. I placed my order like a boss, and waited in giggly anticipation. The burger... to call it delicious would be a slap in the face. It was so much more than that. The meat was a glistening medium, pouring hot, red juice onto my plate at the first bite. The bacon was thick, salty, and the perfect combination of crisp and chewy. The lettuce was stacked in a chilled pile under the top bun, while the bleu cheese created a tangy variance that made my hairs stand up. Washing it down with the Yeungling... there are no words. These people know their stuff. And maybe it was the heat of the day that made the meal so satisfying. Or the quiet, early-evening atmosphere that allowed the venue to be chill unlike what the late-night bar scene might look like here. But it was an excellent end to an excellent Easter vacation with family and good friends, and I'll always remember Sawyer's for helping that happen.
(5)
Mike Z.
Nice outdoor bar area for the summer, lots of room so plenty of people can roam around the multiple bars and the upstairs lounge. Haven't had the food yet, but beer prices are reasonable. Shots, well, not so much, and they are not strong either if getting anything mixed. Good music, overall a good time if you are looking for an active night scene. This place is always on my list when bar hopping in downtown h-berg. Never seen the place without a crowd!
(4)
Brian R.
I think by the time you finish reading this review the name of this dinky little diner will have changed- it has already 4 times since I've lived here. Is it really that hard to have a regular downtown diner that servers regular diner food late nights on the weekend? What a novel idea ! Instead, we've had this strange ever-morphing destination that seems to have a different name every week and is eventually doomed to be replaced by a 12 story office building. In the meantime, while the food is nothing more than average at best, they do have a pretty cool outdoor space that is big enough to contain a large outdoor party smack in the middle of the 2nd St scene, complete with fire pits and VIP tents. It took me a long time but after giving it a try I'll admit it's really a fun place to hang out and enjoy a drink during a warm summer evening.
(3)
Mia K.
Ok, so from the day that Tom Sawyer opened I have avoided it like the plague mixed with syphilis X a thousand. A diner, downtown - I mean, who does that. Really? Who does that? But sometimes the majority of your friends are at a venue, and you suck it up and go. Wow, I was so insanely wrong for avoiding this place. Good beer, fun atmosphere. I'm such an idiot for waiting so long to go. The bonfires totally scared me off. All I could think of was a bunch of rednecks sitting with their pick up trucks roasting marshmallows and pork and beans or something. The music is good, and loud enough to hear - but not so loud that you can't talk. Drunkies like to talk ... and there's nothing I like more than to exchange stories about people I don't like and the cute boys I watch walking in. Plus!!! OOoh this is good. People watching galore! If you sit or stand near the front you can watch EVERYONE walking down 2nd street. I definitely love this place now. Too bad summer is almost over!!!
(4)
Bill T.
Probably one of the best places downtown during the spring and summer time. Just a great atmosphere and a fantastic location. Something about being outside, with a beer in your hand, seems like a block party! Reasonably priced and a great place to have a casual drink; happy hour; or to listen to live music. And it is usually filled with people of all ages. As someone who is a little bit older (just hit 30 this month...ugh) -- going to some places I feel out of place. But Sawyers has a wide range of people and ages -- so it really is a place for everyone. I was somewhat upset when they closed the actual diner portion for breakfast -- they used to have a great breakfast selection and it was my usual spot after a night of drinking. But now, it's just a great spot for the actual drinking! Kudos to Sawyers for having a great outdoor location and keeping things simple.
(4)
Devin E.
It was my first Saturday night out in the city last night and Sawyers didn't disappoint! The drinks were cold, the music was bumpin' and most importantly the girls were fine!
(4)
liz m.
AKA: Sawyer's Cantina.......awesome outdoor atmosphere. Around back they have a top deck which i just discovered! Staff is amazing! Very friendly and patient! Food is delicious and very well priced! Thursdays from 8-10 is $0.50 tacos!!! Drafts usually $2 and bottles $3 Mixed drinks are about $5. Definitly a good chill spot downtown. Perfect break from the "club scene!" AND NO COVER CHARGE!!
(5)
Shannon M.
Couldn't agree more with Liz M on the staff. extremely attentive and friendly. we enjoyed a pitcher of beer outside before a senators game and had a great time. nice atmosphere and large space. bathrooms were quite clean and had 6 stalls in the ladies room! Easy walk to the ped bridge for the game. didn't try the food but I am sure we will be back.
(4)
Norman E.
Never ate here. The outdoor bar/patio and stage, and all the seating is pretty cool. This is a popular meeting spot for friends, and you can usually get a drink pretty quick. Overall, I've always had a great time when I go here.
(4)
Cynthia R.
We are from out I state and decided to visit Harrisburg for a birthday celebration. It was Saturday night and we stopped at Sawyers. The weather was perfect to hang out outside. Our party of 20 was very comfortable and well tended to by staff. Drinks were served promptly. We played cornhole and 'beer pong' but an oversized version. Had a blast! This was the perfect environment to have drinks and spend some time with friends outdoors. Will definitely return when back in the area!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : DJ Good For Dancing : Yes Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : Yes Outdoor Seating : Yes Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes
Erica R.
Fun and convenient location downtown. A bit dive-y, but that's not a bad thing...just know what kind of atmosphere you're getting when you come here. Also? They don't have a huge selection of beer/drinks, but what they do have available is basic and convenient enough. Enjoyed the bar area, though could have done without the bees constantly hovering around me. My cousin and I probably should have re-seated ourselves next to the fireplaces - away from the bar. No idea if it would have made a difference though. The place is packed at certain times, but my cousin and I managed to hit this place up recently around 6:30 or 7pm on a Friday night. A couple people playing ski ball or whatever, but ultimately not too many people around. TL;DR Fun place for a random beer and a little beer pong or ski ball. Personally, wouldn't want to be there when it's packed. It is convenient and chill though, and I'd visit again.
(3)Andrew D.
Decent spot in downtown Harrisburg. Pretty packed on a Saturday night. Bartenders were mediocre. Didn't get food, but drinks were reasonably priced. Gin and tonic was 90% tonic though Mixed crowd with a good guy/girl ratio. Overall decent, but not great. Good burrito place next door though!
(3)Kayla L.
Horrible experience. First of all this is an out door bar.You are outside drinking. Problem with that is they are trying to enforce a dress code for outside drinking no hats and a jersey is inappropriate to wear to the outside bar and must be coat checked on a table for a $1.00....since no one goes down town anymore this is their sad excuse for trying to make a buck.....oh and if you order a Trash Can drink.......20.00 for 2 in a small plastic cup no red bull sticking out of it like most bars do....when i say small plastic cups it like cheap nickle a drink night plastic cups for 10.00 per drink.....never again. Used to like going there now they can just go out of business like the rest of the bars on 2nd street.....
(1)Angela D.
Warning to all potential customers: This bar will not give you a cup of ice water after serving you alcohol - they require you to pay $2 for a bottle of water. I've never been to a bar that will not give you a cup of ice water. It's unethical and extremely poor service. I will not be drinking at this spot again.
(1)George C.
Best summer bar in downtown Harrisburg. Awesome layout, and different activities to do. Cornhole etc. two different levels, and has fire places in different areas. Drink times can be a little bit, but this bad is always packed, so what do you expect.
(5)Chris S.
I find it weird that the cost of drinks differ from which bartender you get, one minute a drink costs $4 the next minute it costs $5... Basically I'm just saying watch your money at this place.
(1)Greg G.
Stood at the bar for 15 minutes, on a slow night. Didn't get served. Left in disgust. Bartenders served people multiple times before even acknowledging anyone in my group, seemed to be some people they knew. Sad, because I've had some fun here in the past, but can't really justify going again.
(2)N G.
One of the better spots in Downtown Harrisburg. But then again, I'm not a fan of the Harrisburg nightlife at all. The venue itself is nice. Spacious and outdoors. Also has a rooftop bar. The music is alright. The drinks, however, are extremely weak. I'll stick to shots and/or beer here.
(2)Christopher T.
The atmosphere of Sawyers is interesting with outside seating around fire pits and a DJ that begins playing around 10pm. Our group also had a helpful and friendly waitress. However, the drinks here were terrible. I believe that the drinks had been watered down or the bar tenders simply weren't putting any alcohol in the drinks. So my friends and I decided to have shots and they simply did not taste like vodka. The DJ also played music that was at least 10 years old. I'm okay with older music being play, but it should be peppered throughout the "set" not the primary music being played. This place has a good idea, but in the end it doesn't work. Although, this experience seems to be a common theme living here in Central PA. My friends and I would not return to Sawyers. In general, the bar and club scene is questionable at best in Harrisburg.
(2)Kat S.
I had a group of 7 come into Sawyers on a reservation. The weather was bad, so we ended up indoors. This is no longer a full diner restaurant. Their menu is primarily hotdogs and fried items. While waiting for the rest of the group, I sat at the bar (full service bar plus mixed adult frozen drinks) and talked to the young bartender Marlo. She was really the best part of this visit to Sawyers. Marlo provided me and later the whole group with very attentive service with a smile. I will note, here, that our group made up the majority of the business at Sawyers on a Wednesday night, so we were able to get mostly uninterrupted attention from the wait staff. The only healthy item on the menu was a "side salad" which you could add chicken to. The rest of us ordered hot dogs as novelties..because some of these hot dog choices are crazy. I had a mac and cheese hotdog...fried hotdog wrapped with cheese on a roll, smothered in mac and cheese. YIKES. It was a fun photo op, and actually the hotdog itself was REALLY tasty. The mac and cheese was lacking in much flavor and I would guess was pre-made. Mozzarella sticks are good. Drinks are not cheap here...ask before ordering refills. There are no happy hour specials, so keep track of your bar tab. If we could have been in the outdoor space I think we would have enjoyed our experience more..the tables outside look great. This is really just a bar at this point. Food is a side note. Once again, compliments to server/bartender Marlo. She was excellent.
(3)Leigh T.
Service was awful. Food was nothing special. Wanted this place to be a regular spot but the experience was so below average that I felt compelled to never come back. Poor execution and no attention to detail. This place seems to survive because of location? The place does look cool. Never heard of a local coming here or raving about it. It is just there. Been a long time since I was there so it might be better than a few years ago.
(2)Joshua N.
I had some beer and the old bay fries. The fries were fine. The beer was beer. The service on this Tuesday night wasn't great at all. But the atmosphere at the outdoor seating was awesome. Making it a great place to hang out. I don't know what the food inside was like. I'm hoping to go back and give it a try.
(3)S F.
This was my first time here (new resident), and we went there on a friend's recommendation and sat in one of the cabanas. The atmosphere/cabanas/outdoor area are VERY nice. I have nothing bad to say about any of that. But our waitress sucked. She didn't know the difference between a Miller Light and a Miller Genuine Draft, asking "aren't they pretty much the same thing?" She couldn't list any of the beers that they had to offer, she basically rushed us out of the cabana (I think because we weren't going to order any food... even though they weren't busy at all!), and she only introduced herself AFTER we had settled the tab!!! She was pretty attentive but I think it's pretty bad when the server doesn't even know what's on tap!!! (And who thinks MGD and Miller Light are the same thing?!?!?!!!) I'm not sure I'll be going back. The ignorant and somewhat rude server was really off-putting. I'm sure H-burg has better bars with better servers who don't make you feel rushed to get out of there.
(2)Chris O.
My friend and I chose this place at random as we were walking 2nd Street after the sun had just gone down. We were crazy hungry from an exhausting day of strolling around the city, and Sawyer's just stood out to us. It was probably the single best food-related decision I've ever been involved in making. It changed my life. Don't believe me? Read on. So when we walked in, I didn't even notice the outdoor seating area on the other side of the building. I was pleasantly surprised, and as it was a beautiful April night, I was very happy about being able to enjoy the last bit of Pennsylvania humidity before heading back to the dry west coast. Small fire pits are scattered around the yard, and it felt great to recline and warm my feet by the fire while perusing the menu. And that's when I saw it. Something I'd totally forgotten about. The beer I'd fallen in love with in college... the beer I can't find anywhere in California... the beer that in 24 hours I'd have to wait months to taste again... The word "Yeungling" was scrawled ever-so-neatly next to one of the burgers on the menu. And I realized they pair beers with different burgers so that you get the ultimate taste experience. I didn't even give it a second thought. I placed my order like a boss, and waited in giggly anticipation. The burger... to call it delicious would be a slap in the face. It was so much more than that. The meat was a glistening medium, pouring hot, red juice onto my plate at the first bite. The bacon was thick, salty, and the perfect combination of crisp and chewy. The lettuce was stacked in a chilled pile under the top bun, while the bleu cheese created a tangy variance that made my hairs stand up. Washing it down with the Yeungling... there are no words. These people know their stuff. And maybe it was the heat of the day that made the meal so satisfying. Or the quiet, early-evening atmosphere that allowed the venue to be chill unlike what the late-night bar scene might look like here. But it was an excellent end to an excellent Easter vacation with family and good friends, and I'll always remember Sawyer's for helping that happen.
(5)Mike Z.
Nice outdoor bar area for the summer, lots of room so plenty of people can roam around the multiple bars and the upstairs lounge. Haven't had the food yet, but beer prices are reasonable. Shots, well, not so much, and they are not strong either if getting anything mixed. Good music, overall a good time if you are looking for an active night scene. This place is always on my list when bar hopping in downtown h-berg. Never seen the place without a crowd!
(4)Brian R.
I think by the time you finish reading this review the name of this dinky little diner will have changed- it has already 4 times since I've lived here. Is it really that hard to have a regular downtown diner that servers regular diner food late nights on the weekend? What a novel idea ! Instead, we've had this strange ever-morphing destination that seems to have a different name every week and is eventually doomed to be replaced by a 12 story office building. In the meantime, while the food is nothing more than average at best, they do have a pretty cool outdoor space that is big enough to contain a large outdoor party smack in the middle of the 2nd St scene, complete with fire pits and VIP tents. It took me a long time but after giving it a try I'll admit it's really a fun place to hang out and enjoy a drink during a warm summer evening.
(3)Mia K.
Ok, so from the day that Tom Sawyer opened I have avoided it like the plague mixed with syphilis X a thousand. A diner, downtown - I mean, who does that. Really? Who does that? But sometimes the majority of your friends are at a venue, and you suck it up and go. Wow, I was so insanely wrong for avoiding this place. Good beer, fun atmosphere. I'm such an idiot for waiting so long to go. The bonfires totally scared me off. All I could think of was a bunch of rednecks sitting with their pick up trucks roasting marshmallows and pork and beans or something. The music is good, and loud enough to hear - but not so loud that you can't talk. Drunkies like to talk ... and there's nothing I like more than to exchange stories about people I don't like and the cute boys I watch walking in. Plus!!! OOoh this is good. People watching galore! If you sit or stand near the front you can watch EVERYONE walking down 2nd street. I definitely love this place now. Too bad summer is almost over!!!
(4)Bill T.
Probably one of the best places downtown during the spring and summer time. Just a great atmosphere and a fantastic location. Something about being outside, with a beer in your hand, seems like a block party! Reasonably priced and a great place to have a casual drink; happy hour; or to listen to live music. And it is usually filled with people of all ages. As someone who is a little bit older (just hit 30 this month...ugh) -- going to some places I feel out of place. But Sawyers has a wide range of people and ages -- so it really is a place for everyone. I was somewhat upset when they closed the actual diner portion for breakfast -- they used to have a great breakfast selection and it was my usual spot after a night of drinking. But now, it's just a great spot for the actual drinking! Kudos to Sawyers for having a great outdoor location and keeping things simple.
(4)Devin E.
It was my first Saturday night out in the city last night and Sawyers didn't disappoint! The drinks were cold, the music was bumpin' and most importantly the girls were fine!
(4)liz m.
AKA: Sawyer's Cantina.......awesome outdoor atmosphere. Around back they have a top deck which i just discovered! Staff is amazing! Very friendly and patient! Food is delicious and very well priced! Thursdays from 8-10 is $0.50 tacos!!! Drafts usually $2 and bottles $3 Mixed drinks are about $5. Definitly a good chill spot downtown. Perfect break from the "club scene!" AND NO COVER CHARGE!!
(5)Shannon M.
Couldn't agree more with Liz M on the staff. extremely attentive and friendly. we enjoyed a pitcher of beer outside before a senators game and had a great time. nice atmosphere and large space. bathrooms were quite clean and had 6 stalls in the ladies room! Easy walk to the ped bridge for the game. didn't try the food but I am sure we will be back.
(4)Norman E.
Never ate here. The outdoor bar/patio and stage, and all the seating is pretty cool. This is a popular meeting spot for friends, and you can usually get a drink pretty quick. Overall, I've always had a great time when I go here.
(4)Cynthia R.
We are from out I state and decided to visit Harrisburg for a birthday celebration. It was Saturday night and we stopped at Sawyers. The weather was perfect to hang out outside. Our party of 20 was very comfortable and well tended to by staff. Drinks were served promptly. We played cornhole and 'beer pong' but an oversized version. Had a blast! This was the perfect environment to have drinks and spend some time with friends outdoors. Will definitely return when back in the area!
(5)