Really creative and exciting. Tried as much as we could among out group of 4. Cocktails rocked. Troegs fondue and Persian fires were excellent appetizers. My elk burger special with arugula, Gorgonzola, and apple butter was exceptional. Our server was awesome! Service was well paced, he answered all our questions and had solid recommendations. We had a three hour dinner and not once felt rushed or left alone too long.
(5)
Tyler G.
Much to my surprise, I found The Garlic Poet in the lobby of the Clarion Hotel I had booked a room in for the night. This hotel stay quickly became one of uncertainty to excitement as I looked over the beer list and ancient looking (in a good way) leather-bound menu. I wanted something simple so I ordered the fish and chips. The fish was so tender it fell apart under the slightest of prodding, but was still flavorful and moist. The "triple cooked" fries won't be for everyone, but I found them to pair nicely with the soft white fish. A Troegs Perpetual IPA washed it all down. Can't wait to come back here!
(5)
Judy H.
I was not a fan of the tamale but the meat was very good. The beef had a smoky flavor and the shrimp was delicious. I started with the chicken tortilla soup which was wonderful. I had the fondue with pear chutney, which did not disappoint. I will definitely return on my next visit to Harrisburg.
(5)
Brandon V.
My wife and I got their combo, something along the lines of 2 soups a snackable and two "smalls". She got a bisque, it was great but my soup... man was it good. Haddock and chili! We opted to get the cheese board which is an upcharge. Four different cheeses with sprouts and pickled veggies. We didn't like two of the four cheeses but the other two were great. The board comes with a mustard, apricot and honey/hops blended dips. I got a small brisket which was smoked to perfection. It also came with corn bread (best I've ever had!) With a from scratch bbq sauce. (also spot on) my wife got crab cake with the breaded potato bites, both were really tasty. With our meals, her wine and my beer it was an extremely good meal for just under $70. Unfortunately no room for desert... Until next time I guess. Highly recommend this place. Great service, and the food is well worth whatever the price is. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Jay F.
After seeing garlic poets billboards for a good 6 months I finally decided to give it a try. Probably a great place for a date night, but we brought our children and the service was poor. The waiter was highly impatient with us and serval times commented "I can come back when you are actually ready to order." Yes it does take us a little longer to pick out entrees for three children plus ourselves. We thought if we put an early appetizer in we could figure out the children's order and ours while we knew something was coming. The waiter informed us everything had to be ordered together. And the odd rules continued from there. However the food was delightful. I would go back again, leave the kids at home and request another waiter. Kudos to the chef
(4)
Veronica N.
The vibe here is very chill and enjoyable. The service was excellent. The only real negative is that in yelp it says it's good for kids. While they do have a kids menu, they couldn't find and cups, so the 3 children at the table had to be given their drinks by the parents every time they wanted a sip. The food was very tasty. We got the calamari, which was good, but not a stand-out. My brother got the special burger...an elk burger. He ordered it medium rare and was pleased with it. I tried some and found that it was seasoned well and not gamey at all. I got the brisket platter with chipotle corn bread and an eggplant-pearl onion vegetable side. The brisket was cooked nicely and the corn bread was delicious. The other guests enjoyed their meals as well-fish & chips. The bread is served with a different compound butter most nights. On our visit, they had a root beer float butter which was different, but very good. The menu isn't expansive, but it has plenty of different options. Their beer and cocktail list is fantastic! I will definitely try this place again sometime.
(4)
Rodney C.
I usually avoid hotel restaurants like the plague, but this time I had a great meal. The restaurant serves farm-to-table locally sourced organic food. I had the special which was scallops served with fingerling potatoes and carrots. It was all delicious. My wife had the grass-fed beef hamburger on a gluten-free bun along with grilled greens and a salad. No complaints from her, either. They have a gluten-free menu if you ask for it and even brought us some gluten-free bread before the entrees were served. The services was excellent and I really liked the decor of the restaurant.
(5)
Chris K.
Amazing food selection! Wonderful staff. A bit noisy and the menu is way to complicated to navigate. But overall experience was terrific. We will eat there again.
(5)
Tiffany I.
Spectacular. We have been to the Garlic Poet twice and I cannot recommend it highly enough. The menu does a fantastic job of appealing to the adventurous and the more staid diner. The servers are enthusiastic and well informed. You should follow them on social media as well, their executive chef posts a lot of information on daily specials, menu planning and the garden where he grows produce for the restaurant. A minor quibble: I left a voicemail midway through the week asking for a reservation. When I didn't hear back, I called again, leaving another voicemail. I assumed that was adequate. When we arrived, they had no record of any reservation. They accommodated us very quickly, but I was disappointed with the lack of follow through initially.
(5)
Christian G.
The service was really good there. I got the meal that came with two soups, a starter, and two small plates with my gf. The soup was to die for and the complimentary bread and butter was delicious. The starter was just okay though and the main dish was good. Overall a great experience and I would be willing to try it again.
(4)
Chip L.
This restaurant is in a Clarion Inn? Great food and completely unexpected. The bone - in filet is fantastic
(5)
Tori H.
Dear other restaurant that I used to go to all the time that serves grass fed burgers and locally sourced foods, I'm going to break up with you. It's just that I found someone else that just really gets me. I know I might be rushing into it but I think I need to move on. The Garlic Poet has everything you did and more. Gluten free bread, vegan dishes, amazing interior and thoughtful design everywhere you look. The waitstaff is thoughtful and attentive. I wasn't even half way through my meal and I couldn't wait to invite my friends out to dinner for the amazing build a burger that was made for me with apple chutney, home made pickles and fresh greens with a thick cut slab of bacon. Oh my! And to top it off in a gluten free roll none the less! No more: "burger no bun" for me! An honest to goodness piled high burger I can hardly fit in my mouth with fresh cut fries and a side of hard cider.... Oh, yeah. It was that good. I'm sorry, but hopefully you'll find someone who sees the good in you like I did. And maybe they won't discover the Garlic Poet like I did. I wish you all the best. I will always remember the good times we shared.
(5)
Tim A.
We had a great evening. They ran out of several of the specials, but the food we had was excellent. Charcuterie and cheese plates were varied and tasty. 3 of our party had the scallops which were tender and well seasoned. One person had the filet and he raved about it. The ice creams were original and an excellent ending to our meal. The restaurant staff was very accommodating to our needs and the service was excellent. We will definitely go back. Tim A.
(4)
Ray B.
Food only hits a 3, but the hard too define rich old white guy Library decor is pretty comfortable. Love the rotation in beers. Don't trust the cocktail s.
(4)
Alima H.
As a vegetarian, I found the food here to be average at best. I thought it was too pricey for what I was getting. Maybe it's better if you eat meat. Glad I came once to see what all the hype is about, but I don't think I'll be back.
(2)
Jennifer N.
So, I cannot comment on the food, but I can comment on the bar. When I think hotel bar I think old decor, fluorescent lights, and odd couples. Garlic Poet is none of the above. If you moved the bar into NYC, I'd believe it belongs there. Great beer list with many unique choices, and many rotating taps. Service is good, and the atmosphere gives the feeling of being in an old library, in an old mansion. Just wish the restroom was in the bar/restaurant and I'd have really forgot it's in a hotel. PS- Yelp close time is not accurate. They close when it gets slow.. And this is pretty late on weekends!
(4)
Dawn R.
Enjoyed everything about the Garlic Poet, from the handcrafted cocktails (with poet collector cards) to the delicious foods, much of which is locally sourced. I particularly like the idea of two sizes for entrees. Great ambiance, good location, definitely will go back!
(5)
Melissa M.
The ambiance here is unique. Our server was awesome. I had the tomato bisque and a salad. Both were good. Recommended.
(4)
Brian G.
I've been here three time in the last two weeks, it's so good! Don't let the fact it's in a Clarion hotel scare you away. This place is a hidden gem. The ambiance feels like you're sitting in Edgar Allen Poe's library; very hipster, fresh and eclectic. The food is fantastic! They source most of their food locally, as well as grow most of the vegetables and herbs both on site and at the chef's personal garden. The short ribs are like butter, and can be cut with a fork. The curry peach flat iron steak is amazing. The hummus is downright legit, and the cheese board- awesome. However, probably the best thing on the menu has to be the tomato bisque. It's the end all of tomato bisques. Seriously. And don't snub your nose at the specials. The specials are very interesting, and are certainly indicative of the chef's passion and love for food. Wild boar, short rib, decadent tomato ragu and ricotta cheese burger??? Yes please!!! The beer list is extensive and broad, with a wide array of various types of beer from all sorts of micro breweries. The drafts are ever changing with the most well known beer (at least locally) is Troegs. If you're a beer head, this place won't disappoint. The service is incredible. If you go, ask to be sat in Ann's section. We had her twice out of the three times we've been here and she is fantastic! She's knowledgable about every beer and menu item, can make great recommendations and is just as passionate about food as the chef! She is very friendly and efficient; and can take care of you without being intrusive, but is also willing to chat if you had questions or comments or just want to talk about food. The other server we had was also great: friendly, efficient, non- intrusive and knowledgable. We will definitely become regulars here!
(5)
Art T.
Eat here. If you're nearby, eat here. I'm almost two hours away and I'm thinking of making this place a regular dining spot. And a regular bar, too. The reason I was nearby was due to work that took me up to the Harrisburg area. This spot was maybe only 15 minutes from my hotel, but well worth the drive. I don't even remember how I found it (Yelp, probably), but I'm so glad I did! STARTED WITH... burrata This is a dish of homemade ricotta encased in homemade mozzarella with smoked grape tomatoes, diced pancetta, candied Brussels sprouts, and a balsamic reduction. Oh... oh wow... this was heavenly. If I had to complain, it would be to include more veggies, because they were super flavorful, but not super plentiful. The cheese is astronomically good, though, and everything works together marvelously to make an outstanding dish. FOLLOWED UP WITH... a seasonal offering, roasted cauliflower This was surprisingly fun, though it was predictably delicious. The roasting process lightly caramelized the cauliflower, though a little more heat might have been even better. Still, this was a fun dish, with three colors of the veg in small bite-sized pieces. The roasted garlic aioli might have been a bit much, but the roasted pine nuts were a playful and lip-smacking treat. WITH THE MAIN COURSE BEING... housemade meatloaf This was no ordinary meatloaf, though. House blended beef, veal, and pork, a bourbon-molasses glaze, and a side of quite possibly the best mac 'n cheese (truffled) I'd ever had. I'm hard-pressed to describe the dish much more beyond that, because I feel that doing so would cheapen the experience. I will say, though, that I was thrilled to find that the entrees come in big and little portions. I think this is outstanding, not only on a size-control level, but also in allowing us to try multiple dishes (maybe more than one appetizer as in this case). At the Garlic Poet, you're going to want to try as many dishes as possible. By the way, this would be a good time also to mention that they have fixed price "combos" (for lack of a better term) for their menu. You can get a soup, two apps, and an entree, or a soup, one app and two entrees for a set price, which is slightly less than ordering separately. See what you're in the mood for and price it out. If you save significantly, then I'd say go for it. (I didn't want the soup that night, as it was somewhat warm out). FINISHED IT ALL OFF WITH... chocolate bread pudding Again, the name doesn't really do it justice. The 'bread' is actually french toast and croissants. The binding custard is light and unassuming. The chocolate chunks are scattered throughout, and the shavings on top melt into a delightful coating of rich gooey-ness. The bourbon caramel sauce that accompanies is both playfully cooling and wonderfully paired. There is a hint of salt somewhere, too, if memory serves me right. I can only recall one bread pudding that could possibly top this one, which is saying something. It might be number one, it's tough to say without a side by side test. Overall, the meal was extremely enjoyable and over too soon. The drinks were expertly made and very well made at that. My old fashioned (they actually have Blanton's at the bar, too!) was made with a splash of soda water, which while a tad unorthodox perhaps, was incredibly delightful on the palette. I loved how it tasted with the bubbles carrying the bourbon about. The decor was inviting, comforting, and intimate, but without being pretentious or disquieting. I really enjoyed the artistic and poetic theme, with shelves of books and an active fire place in the center of the room. The bar was adorned with fun lanterns and creative lighting all around. I could easily see myself spending some time there just soaking it all in. The staff was equally impressive. I could see them getting carried away with the near-haughty nature or appearance of the place, but they do not. There is no condescension, no snobbery, no talking-down. They are professional, courteous, and obliging, but down to earth, friendly, cordial, and unassuming. The bartender took the time to talk to me after I complemented my waiter on the drinks. The waiter and I shook hands towards the end of the meal as we had been having a friendly enough chat beforehand that we figured it was appropriate to introduce ourselves. Simply put, it was an ideal experience in customer service, as well. Bottom line: if I'm ever in the area again, I'm stopping by. If I'm not in the area again, I'm factoring in the cost of gas and contemplating the drive up. This place was a rare gem in the middle of an otherwise truck-stop area, literally in the lobby of the Clarion hotel. One could very easily drive right by and miss this place, but I hope you don't. It really is worth the visit. And multiple return visits.
(5)
Jason R.
Great place ....Love it..The decor,food,service was amazing.Will be back for sure! My wife loved it too. Keep up the good work.
(5)
Michael S.
If you haven't had a chance to hit the garlic poet don't. Nice decor great menu ideas. Dirty utensils, no napkins, poor service and over cooked food. U think they need better employees. For the price of the food very disappointed! Will not be returning!
(1)
Ivan W.
Really great find next to the hotel. Amazing food and good beer selection. But really, its the food.
(5)
Juli K.
I had a lovely evening at The Garlic Poet but I think it's more about the company I was with than the actual restaurant. I didn't think about it much until I was home rather than while my friends and I were sandwiched into the farthest corner table in the restaurant while lots of older white haired folks were given better tables more centrally located in the restaurant. I had high hopes for this place. I really did. Central PA is not exactly bustling with creative eateries. It's getting better but it's not quite there yet. So when two friends recommended this place, I knew I had to get there. Like others have said, it's right off the highway, in the lobby of a Clarion hotel. The area surrounding the hotel has a couple of other failed and closed restaurant carcasses around it, as well as some chains. The Garlic Poet really stands alone. To enter the restaurant you have to go into the hotel's lobby and when you cross the threshold from the bright and very beige lobby into the restaurant it's like crossing into another dimension filled with warm brick, soft lighting, comfortable textures and numerous pieces of sculpture, mostly in the form of marble busts. (I'd actually remarked to my friend that the array of busts above the bar and the way they were lit reminded me sooooo much of the talking busts in The Haunted Mansion in Disney World. She assured me that these neither spoke nor sang and I was somewhat disappointed.) We walked past many open tables to be seated in the far back corner, next to the handicapped emergency exit. The four top was a little cramped for four actual adults but we settled into conversation and the evening commenced. Our server came over to recite the memorized schpiel about the name of the restaurant and their approach to cuisine and the day's specials. I thought the speech, the waitress and the approach all a touch on the pretentious side but I was hopeful about the food. I ordered a combo that involved a soup, an appetizer and a small entree. I had the soup du jour- a crab and corn chowder whose appearance was saved by microherbs garnish. My soup bordered on in-edibility because it was heavily salted. The crab was in fine shreds and dispersed throughout the broth. I don't think there was a whole kernel of corn, but perhaps the soup was pureed. My second course was the burrata. I really enjoyed most of the components of the dish. The cheese was excellent-- smooth, creamy, the right amount of salt- and it paired well with the duck prosciutto, herbs, smoked tomatoes and balsamic glaze. There was a small amount of sliced baby carrots in some sort of tart goo that I didn't really like but, shrug, whatever. I left most of them on the plate. I did get one ring of my husband's calamari and it was excellent. It made me think I'd chosen wrong. Sad face. My entree was the filet mignon. It was cooked to a perfect medium rare and came with roasted potatoes and an offputting and phallic whole roasted eggplant. It was weird. Really. A long, thin, purplish thing sitting on top of my little steak. I didn't really like it and I didn't remember "whole eggplant" being listed as a component of my dish. I also added on the side dish of mushrooms and they were AMAZING. I would go back for just a plate full of those mushrooms. Yum. For dessert we were offered a choice of several creative creme brulees, funnel cake bread pudding and a raspberry lime cheesecake. One of my companions ordered a gingered peach creme brulee and it arrived in a beautiful bowl and looked lovely. I had the funnel cake bread pudding and was served a fairly large portion and it was delicious. My husband ordered the cheesecake and it was really really small. It was a rectangle about the size of a business card and about 1/2" thick. It was flavorful and delicious but really really small. Did I mention it was small, because it was small. I want to address the service separately. I don't know if the very slow pace of our meal was because we were seated in the far corner of if this is the standard operating procedure for the restaurant but the service, while friendly and knowledgeable, was extraordinarily slow. Overall, the food was very good, if slightly pretentious and hipster-esque. The portions were fairly small. The service slow but respectable. I feel like the prices are fairly high for the portions and general location of the restaurant. Still we had a lovely night and will likely try again.
(3)
Sean P.
(for the Harrisburg/West-Shore area) Don't walk RUN to this restaurant! The Chef, GM (Drew) and staff, et al are spot on! Finally Harrisburg gets it, (some of us) live to eat, not eat to live! Bravo sirs bravo....
(4)
Rickie F.
Love the unique combinations and flavors. Great atmosphere also. Friendly knowledgeable staff.
(5)
Jordan H.
The positives: the decor is great, the bison burger was great, service was good The negatives: the fries were burnt and hard as a rock, the grilled Romania salad was far from a salad as it was lettuce grilled till edges were black and then tons of salt thrown on top ( very disappointing and horrible tasting, did not finish that ), a lot of loud drunk idiots at the bar. Overall I would not recommend this place to anyone.
(2)
Ron H.
Had dinner here Sunday, September 14th. Our first time at this restaurant and we will definitely be back. Excellent service. Anne was our server and she explained the concept of the restaurant as well as the individual dishes. They promote and serve a large selection of craft wines. We ordered the special which includes a soup, appetizer and entree for$25 which is quite a deal. The food was excellent and prepared in fine dining style. Even though the portions small they were very flavorful and unique and we were both satiated after our meals. Atmosphere is great and food and service are excellent.
(5)
Erika M.
My husband and I were in town for our anniversary and found this place through Yelp. When we first drove up we were weary, it was in a Clarion Hotel and didn't look like much, but Yelp had never let us down. When we walked in we were blown away, it was like stepping into an old English library. It was so cool. It was empty but we were early. We loved it!! The food was so good. Everything we ate was great. We are so glad we didn't let the outside throw us.
(4)
Eric D.
Fantastic! Had the fondue, venison lollipops, and brisket grilled cheese. Pumpkin Pie ice cream for dessert. Quite delicious. Drove here from Lancaster, and would do it again!
(5)
Jonathan H.
I was pleasantly surprised by the Garlic Poet. I did not know what to think about a restaurant in the lobby of the Clarion Hotel in a truckstop area. However, I really enjoyed the bar at this restaurant. We did not eat, but the bar has a great vibe and the selection of local and regional craft beers is excellent. It seems to be a really good place in an otherwise unexciting area of southern Pennsylvania. I recommended as a stop if you need a quick pick me up or as a stop for a decent meal.
(4)
Meghan S.
If it was possible to give a 4.5, I'd do that instead. So, this would be one of those situations where you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover. The outside of this place does not represent the restaurant well. It's also connected to the Clarion Hotel. This is not the type of restaurant you'd expect to find connected to a hotel. When I walked in, it was like the pictures I'd seen online. It reminded me of Busboys & Poets, which is in Northern VA. The happy hour prices on wine was great. $2 off my yummy glass of wine. I love the menus. Leather front, unique printed pages, and screwed into a board. They are very unique. The idea of the restaurant is geared towards farm to table, sourcing locally, and cooking from scratch. I really appreciate that in a restaurant. My table ordered the Burrata as an appetizer. It missed the mark in my opinion. It is inventive, but just didn't quite mesh well together. I think it would benefit from substituting goat cheese with the mozzarella. It's better to share with only 2 people as it is just enough to taste everything on the place. It was nicely displayed though. For my entree I ordered the filet. It was cooked perfectly. If you are hungry, so not order the small; spend a little more and get the biggie. The small filet is probably around 5oz. I got asparagus and french fries to go with it. My table still had room for individual desserts, so I ordered the gooseberry & tea infused creme brulee. It was very good. I would have loved it if it has fresh berries on top. I think that would have been a lot better. I am gluten free and there are SEVERAL options. There is a separate menu to accomodate gluten free customers. I told as many people as possible about this restaurant before leaving the area. Hope it gets the business it deserves!
(4)
Katie L.
We had a delicious dinner here last night with friends. It's in a hotel, which is not the greatest but that's not what counts anyway. The good news about it being in the Clarion Hotel was that parking was ample. Our server was very friendly and knowledgable. We were seated promptly (we did call ahead) and got our drinks quickly too. The food was delicious! Each couple got a three course meal: soup, appetizer, small meal. Everything we had was very good! Fresh and tasty, seasonal but unique. We ordered the dessert as well. Make sure you order dessert. ORDER THE URBAN CHURN ICE CREAM!!!! It was so good. We highly recommend and will definitely be going back!
(5)
Lovick H.
This place is well worth the wait you will encounter. Great beer, incredible food, and the staff is absolutely awesome. Do yourself a favor and try the burger of the day; it rotates between elk, duck, emu, venison, and of choose, the cow. Also, get their house made bacon on everything you order. And the cheese board..amazing. I left very fat and very happy. I'll be returning for sure.
(4)
Victoria K.
I, an adventurous vegetarian woman. He, a meat and potatoes man. It is hard to agree on one restaurant but we both can agree on this...The Garlic Poet is amazing. We wanted to go out on date night to a place that had a gourmet menu. We both also love Black'n'Bleu in Mechanicsburg but needed a change. I found The Garlic Poet on YELP and couldn't find a bad review... now I'm about to add to the list.... We started with these fritters that were awesome. They came with an aioli dip that was to die for. I got a drink called the haiku that came with an edible flower! The flower tasted like a flower...but it was an experience. I had haddock (yes I'm that type of vegetarian) and he had pork tenderloin. While he wasn't impressed with the greens (I ate them, fantastic!) ...we were amazed at the pork tenderloin too, looked to me like a filet minion, so tender and juicy. He basically cut it with his fork. For dessert we had a creme brulee that was sweet and had a great crust on top. My only complaint was that it was too small. Over all this is fancy dining for the basic pricing. We spend just as much for burgers and fries and drinks at ABC or Quaker State...but the service, atmosphere, and food make this A+++++. It is amazing when you drive up you see a busted up Clarion Hotel on outside with a shitty sign, but you walk in and its like a whole new world. You have to see to believe. A diamond in the rough. I recommend to ANYONE!
(5)
Lisa P.
My husband and I enjoyed our evening at the Garlic Poet. Food was good, especially the soups and appetizers. I was a bit confused with how the menu works and the names and description of the food was not the usual. When you think of farm to table many of these dishes do not come to mind but it all works and is delicious. Small portions are perfect and satisfying. You need to try this place at least once. They have a wonderful drink menu. We skipped desert because we had other plans but I can imagine they wouldn't disappoint.
(4)
Kevin E.
Wow, what a surprise! Last time here over two years ago. Food is fantastic, great beer selection, and service is top shelf. And close by! Could be the beginning of regular visits. Highly recommended.
(4)
Richard C.
Excellent restaurant with great food and reasonable prices. Considering this is a farm to fork restaurant using local food from farmers the prices were very reasonable. My wife got the filet mingon and I got the fish and chips. For dessert we shared the Urban Churn ice cream that had Troeg's beer in it. Everything was fantastic, we will be back again for sure.
(5)
Wendy S.
Eclectic fun menu. Portions good size and liked that they had "lunch" size. Everything that we ordered was definitely not for the calorie conscious patron. Had kids menu which I appreciated. I had crab grilled cheese and happy with my choice because it was different and tasty. Great atmosphere to hang out at bar, go on date or have dinner with friends.
(5)
John L.
Excelent restaurant and a must try . We tried most of the menu :) . I have accidentally found it on Yelp while coming back from North Carolina with my newly acquired food truck . As a fellow restauranteur from Hudson Valley New York the only regret I have is that this place is not closer to me .
(5)
Connie S.
The ambiance and decoration is great. Pretty high-scale (so is the price). But I'm not impressed with the food at all. The presentation is good, but the flavor is just not together. I had the soup trio. It was just OK. Not much flavor other than smokey and it's not served hot. The beef and shrimp tamale is bad. The tamale tastes like cat food. The celery chutney is nothing but sour. The port tenderloin itself is pretty tasty actually, but I don't like anything else on the plate. The cabbage kimchi is way too salty. The toasted farro is too hard and crunchy. It doesn't balance with the entire dish. All in all, it's not worth the price.
(2)
Alison B.
First off: absolutely Gluten-free friendly. But more on that later. Seeking a delicious dinner that wasn't a chain or a usual haunt, we were intrigued by the Garlic Poet's online menu and good Yelp reviews. When we pulled up, we were a little concerned because of the restaurant's location inside a hotel, but we went with the power of the reviews. The interior decor is eclectic but cozy. The restaurant is large and for a late Sunday dinner, it was not crowded but not empty either. Our waiter was very knowledgable about both the food and spirits menus, and was also very on top of precautions regarding a gluten free diet. He brought over a gluten free menu which was expansive and when he brought over a bread tray (with flavor-infused butter), he brought half gluten free toast and included a separate butter bowl to avoid cross-contamination. He also took the initiative to include the gluten free bread on our local artisanal cheese plate. This restaurant smokes and cures its own meats and makes its own pickles. The chef has assembled creative flavor combinations that work well together. Great care has gone into crafting this menu and it shows. I highly recommend the Garlic Poet and I'm looking forward to another meal there!
(5)
Michelle C.
Easily one of my favorite places in the Harrisburg area, totally worth the drive across the river. All the apps are super solid and they make one of the best pub burgers I've ever had in any city. But, the true gem of the Garlic Poet is the bar. Not only is their tap list always unique and interesting, but their cocktail selection is on par with drinks I've had in Philadelphia and New York City. AJ is easily the best bartender in Harrisburg and he created their entire drink menu. Have him make you an Eden Garden--it's flawless.
I had been looking forward to trying this restaurant and was glad I did. This place is a diamond in the rough....truly a gem hidden on the first floor of a restaurant nestled along an area that looks like little more than a truck stop. I choose the fancy side because I wanted to try the extensive menu and I really liked the ambiance. I sat at the bar and was immediately greater by a bartender. I was blown away by the number of craft beers on tap, and even more impressed by the bar tenders knowledge of the beers. When I told him the flavored I liked, he came back with two samples that were spot on, I loved both of them. I started with the chicken lettuce wraps. Fresh lettuce with perfectly grilled seasoned chicken with quinoa and carrots on the side. It was the perfect appetizers, wetting my appetite for the main course. I went with the bar tenders recommendation of the wild boar burger. I was skeptical at first, but the combination of flavor profiles was phenomenal. The burger was a heap of greatness that melted in your mouth. It seemed like the filet minion of burgers. The fries were excellent, so crispy and flavorful, and perfectly salted. Overall I truly loved this place. The concept of the farm to table, with organic fresh ingredients that are local sourced and beyond all that...the food is just amazing. The staff is exceptionally friendly, helpful, and best of all, they truly know and love the food the serve. I can't wait to go back next time I am in the Harrisburg area.
(5)
Mary I.
This was a tricky review to write because my feelings were strong both for and against this restaurant. The name should be "the veal poet" because a sizable portion of the menu items and all of the specials on the day we went were either cruel or environmentally dubious meats. This is a personal, political issue, but I was expecting a garlic-heavy menu. The meal I had was definitely vampire-friendly. The salad was disappointing. It was a plate of different vegetables in separate piles. The taste was acceptable, yet it was anything but satiating. But, the Emerson sandwich was one of the better vegetarian sandwiches I've ever had. The freshly made butter was divine and the cocktails (I had the Mr. Darcy and the Green Light) were interesting, utilizing some of my favorite under-appreciated liqueurs. The decor and literary theme were charming, and the staff was very helpful. I only gave it three stars because I won't go here again, unless I'm with friends who eat red meat.
My foodie-family and I made our first trip to The Garlic Poet on 3/15. There were some definite highlights of our evening that I think a lot of you will find valuable! First, we accidentally entered their new restaurant Grain + Verse since this was our first trip to the area. It was a little confusing at first; but after scanning the menu, we quickly realized that we were not in the right place. You have to enter through the Clarion Hotel to get to The Garlic Poet. Food: We ordered the following: Crab Cakes (dinner), Veal Chop (farm-special), Veal Burger (Burger special) Crab Cakes: The best way to describe these is by telling you that they were extremely fresh! They had excellent crab-flavor, and they did not skimp on the crab -- in the least bit. They were seasoned appropriately and had a real-delicate flavor to them. They might have been a little bland, but paired with the assortment of dipping sauces really elevated them to the next level. Lastly, the size of them were substantial (I only finished 1). This was paired with a potato fritter, of sorts -- stuffed with potato and haddock. These were amazing. Extremely unique, seasoned perfectly, and (most of all) delicious! These stood on their own as not 'just a side'. (4 / 5) Veal Chop: Cooked perfectly. Seasoned perfectly. My mother ordered this, but I wish I had. It was topped with a reduction of sorts (dark glaze) that added just enough complexity to the dish to really 'wow' me. The accompaniment was supposed to be risotto; but I am not so certain it was. The texture was completely atypical of risotto that I have had in the past, and the entire flavor of it was not very good. It was unique, it just was a 'miss'. (4 / 5) Veal Burger: I did not try this, as I was getting full from everything else very fast; but my sister said that it was one of the best burgers she had ever had. There were no condiments on it. No fancy sauces, no aiolis, nothing. Despite that, the veal patty, the gruyere, the caramelized onions and the arugala all stood-on-their-own and required no additional sauces or seasonings. That is the sign of a perfect burger. 5 / 5 Bread w/ Middle Eastern BBQ Butter: The butter of the night was Middle Eastern BBQ. It strongly resembled 1000 Island, but with an added level of complexity. Delicious. Brownie Cheesecake: A total miss for us. It was creamy, but had a funky flavor to it. Maybe they used goat cheese? Either way, it did not impress. 2/5 Overall Food: 4 / 5 Service: This is tough. The host was excellent. He really exhibited genuine care about where we were seated, our reservation, and was pleasant to carry-on a conversation with. 5 / 5. Our server was bland, inattentive, and didn't seem like he wanted to be there. Also, he asked if we had been there before, and we answered 'no'. It would have been nice if he explained the menu a little bit. I thought I was getting the Cram Cake Half-portion, but instead received the full portion for $27. I could only eat half of my meal, so it was a bummer for me. Service: 3 / 5 (5/5 from host, 2/5 from server) Atmosphere: This is wear The Garlic Poet shines. Incredibly unique! If I could bottle this atmosphere-up and sprinkle it everywhere I went, my life would be significantly better. It was intimate, yet homey, yet sophisticated (but not overly pompous), and was super-chill. I could sit there all night sipping on the Seasonal Sangria that I had, and conversing with good friends and family. Atmosphere: 6 / 5 (one bonus point for exceptional uniqueness, and for emitting a feeling I've never felt anywhere else) Price: For what I got, I feel as if I got what I paid for -- which was excellent quality, fresh, good food. I would not pay anymore for this though. Price: 3 / 5 Final Thoughts: I do not have the bank-roll to come here on a regular basis, but I can totally see myself making an effort to get to The Garlic Poet once per month -- if not for the atmosphere, for the constantly changing menu that offers a unique variety of fresh and seasonally-inspired offerings. I wish our server had been better, as that really makes, breaks, or elevates a dining experience to the next level. Despite that though, this place is a definite keeper, and a must-visit for anyone in the area.
(4)
Elizabeth O.
This place is a great date night venue. The food is great, the menu varied, the bar exceptional. I had a goat cheese and pear salad that was very delicate. Needless to say, for a hotel lobby restaurant this place rocks. Just remember that since they are so busy to make reservations.
(5)
Marcella C.
The food was excellent. Got truffle fries and filet it was delicious! The service was great, Everyone was nice! If you are looking for a 5 star restaurant this is it.
(5)
Lucardious S.
Nice atmosphere but this is a restaurant that tries too hard. On top of that they force feed you the "local farm to table" mantra from the moment you walk it. We get it, you can stop beating us over the head with it. (No stars taken off for this. It's just my opinion) The meal: Soup of the day - Had the soup of the day described as "Manhattan style vegetable chowder with polenta croutons" which was apparently a euphemism for Vegetable Soup with Polenta cubes floating in it. It wasn't bad, as far as vegetable soup goes , but I was definitely expecting something more exotic. Persian fries - these were really good as far as fries go. No complaints here Crab cakes - multiple people recommended these as the go to dish. My review? Meh. Not a crab cake in the traditional sense. They were scoops of crab cake mix (think scoop of ice cream), browned in the oven served with charred greens. Lots of crab, nice consistency, not sold on the flavor profile. Also, the scoop method has a flaw, the further into the pile you go, the cooler it gets. To the point the crab cakes were actually a little cold toward the bottom/middle. Far from being a vegetable hater, I found the charred greens to be unpalatable. No seasoning, no spice, no sauce or oil. Just greens, charred. Might as well have been hay. overall a good place for a drink and I'm sure there are redeeming items on the menu other than the fries. My suggestion is to go to their causal pizza and beer establishment next door - Grain and Verse, its a home run. The Boli is amazing.
(3)
Rhett H.
Thought this restaurant was just okay. Not one I'm dying to go back to. If you are staying in one of the surrounding hotels, it's a better option than the nearby diner. The wait staff were very good and we didn't wait long for the food. I like the concept of the restaurant, but thought the food was good, but not great. One disappointment was that there was not even one plate that incorporated garlic, and when asked if garlic could be included in one of the meals, we were told they didn't have any.
(3)
Lisa O.
Surprisingly amazing. Not only is this farm to table but also a sustainable venture. Celery corn soup, off the charts. Everything looked and smelled amazing. Friendly staff and great ambiance.
(4)
David A.
You would not expect this quality and menu choices at a place attached to a Clarion Hotel. Nice British Pub feel and friendly service. My burger (natural beef) was good, not great. My salad was fantastic and very filling.
(4)
Sue P.
Had dinner with a large group on Friday night. Several delicious appetizers - the trio of fries and fritters (especially the citrus tartar sauce) being the big winners. French fries with cheese gravy and oh so tender bites of steak was addictive. Calamari was tough, under cooked and lacked flavor. All main courses received rave reviews, including crab cakes (little if any filler), grilled cheese, filet, chicken sandwich with bacon, and white fish. The only dud was the pork chop which was only mediocre. Lemon and maple syrup ice cream was creamy and flavorful (just a hint of maple),bread pudding was moist but needs a drizzle of sauce, perhaps bourbon glaze as a flavor boost. Will definitely be back.
(4)
Kat S.
After requesting suggestions for a special wedding anniversary dinner location, many of our friends suggested the Garlic Poet. The Garlic Poet blew us away. This is really a foodie-type restaurant. They focus on fresh, locally sourced and house made dishes. Some of the dishes may require further explanation, because this is more than just your burger and steak type place. Some of the ingredients are exotic, but the serving staff is knowledgeable and will help. Do not be afraid to ask. The staff were made aware of our dietary restrictions and did an amazing job to make sure everything was just right. My husband had an Arctic Char dish. The fish was done perfectly, tender, not dry, with a crispy skin that was outstanding. I had a pork tenderloin...the memory makes my mouth water just thinking about it. We shared some tomato bisque that was so flavorful, creamy but not too thick. They paired house made rolls with the current compound butter flavor which had leeks and I think dill...I asked for some butter to go at the end, it was that good. I can not have alcoholic beverages, but wanted a celebratory drink. The bartender custom made a fruity ginger ale drink that was wonderful. The entire experience, from start to finish, was perfect. We could not have asked for a better celebratory location. The bill for two people, including two entrees, appetizers,1 salad, 1 soup, his iced tea and my soda (they just charged me for the ginger ale, not the mixers to make it a fruity drink). The final bill was $90 including tip.
(5)
Jason S.
We live nearby and have not been here since Garlic Poet opened (had been a series of other restaurants in the past.) We were heading back from out of town and on a whim Yelped the place. So glad we did! We got here at opening 4pm after a teaser of reading reviews during our drive. First, the place is attached to a Clarion hotel-- not a stellar brand, but presents nicely as the restaurant entrance is in the hotel lobby. The restaurant space used to be an Elephant and Castle and still retains some of the old English look with some updates. Ann, our server, was on point in every way. Unassuming attention, prompt and friendly, and knew the menu and all of the nuances such as how amazing the in-house cured bacon is. Here comes the good part. My wife started with a Poet's Tea: Lavender infuse Tito's vodka, lemon sours, and earl grey tea. Stunning and instantly made Facebook. The homemade bread with apricot and vanilla infused, the greens salad with homemade bleu cheese, beautiful artisan cheese plate started our meal. We looked ridiculous oohing and ahhing over the wonderful taste, but everything was so good! Afterwards we had an elk burger, a build a burger, and chicken fingers. All were excellent. The elk burger had a thick slice of brisket on top and my wife got the bacon on her's. Ah, the bacon! The kids chicken fingers came with fingerling potatoes and the chicken fingers were dark meat; interesting and delicious. The triple cooked fries with flakes sea salt were also tasty. We flew out of there to catch a movie and we're looking forward to going back in the near future to see what their dessert looks like. Wow, such a find in Harrisburg. While we are starting to get move farm to table restaurants in the area, most that I've been to are pretentious and in some cases way overpriced. Garlic Poet isn't a cheap date, but exceptional, and will be on our list to return very soon!
(5)
Beth F.
Amazing!!! Great find as we travel through here a lot! Local sourced and all homemade! Grass fed burger with local homemade ice cream.. Mmmm
(5)
The R.
Pros: The food, service, ambiance, the butter, cocktails, and beer selection. Great menu with so many unique options, and when the waiter tells you about the daily features your mouth starts to water. The chef does some unique things with the menu and it's truly incredible when you are finally able to eat them. The service was great, our waiter was extremely knowledgeable with the menu and was able to explain each dish as if he just ate it yesterday. The daily changing butters are always a treat, the one I had yesterday was a summer squash, lavender, and citrus butter. The specialty cocktails are hit too. I have only tried two of them so far but from how unique and good they were I can only imagine the rest of them to be just as good. Cons: Honestly I can't think of any. The experience was great. I have been here a handful of times so far and I am finally writing a review because of how great my experience was last night (all of my experiences have been similar to the one I'm about to share). First when we got there we were immediately greeted with a smile from the hostess and she brought us to our table right away (we made reservations and our table was ready when we got there). Josh was our waiter and he went over all the features of the day and made some recommendations all of which I followed and I'm glad I did. I ended up getting the burger of the day, a veal burger. I normally get my burgers cooked med-well but Josh recommended med-rare and I'm glad he did. The burger was cooked perfectly and the side of the triple cooked fries were amazing. The veal was juicy and topped off with a house made hummus and goat cheese. The complexities of flavor made me enjoy every single bite of the burger. My fiance ordered the bacon and chicken sandwich and she only let me have one bite because of how good it was. I have never had bacon that good before, it was nice and thick and smokey and cooked perfectly. We have yet to get dessert here but I can only imagine if it is as good and unique as the rest of the menu it will be amazing as well, I really need to start saving room. Garlic Poet, keep doing what your doing! We can't wait to come in again.
(5)
CHRISTOPHER Y.
Great spot, enjoyed the atmosphere and the food was excellent. Don't get the creme brulee, it isn't sweet and taste like french onion dip.
(5)
Helen W.
Another great meal at the lovely spot. Love the farm to table concept. Last night's meal didn't rate 5 stars due to lukewarm soup but everything else divine. Flavors are always awesome. Scallops were perfect along with the lettuce cups, yes too many good things to pick from so I had to do the mix and match.
(4)
Kara S.
Garlic Poet never disappoints! TROEGS fondue with gluten free bread to the always AMAZING venison burgers with bacon you owe it to yourself to check this place out, or not that means more for me
(5)
Diane T.
Took my bf for his birthday and, wow, did we love our meal and the whole experience. You really don't expect to find a locally-sourced restaurant of this caliper in a Clarion Hotel in New Cumberland, but there it is! The feeling I got from the second I walked in was that the people who worked there were proud to call The GP their restaurant. The host, server and bartender were all awesome. I loved the British pub feel and the poetry/literature theme. The craft beer list was carefully chosen and had some good local brews, as well. I had the "Manhattan Streets" bourbon cocktail and it was delicious. Our starter was the Troeg's-pulled hand-made mozzerella. My only complaint was that there weren't more. My bf & I each got three small rounds. I then received my mushroom/carrot bisque. Amazing. And I got the grilled cheese of gruyere and boursin and put the crab cake on the side. Everything was delicious, altho I will say the crab cake needs more of a kick as it was much too bland. My bf got the build your own burger. Luckily for me he is a very patient man who allows me to steal stuff off his plate. I snatched a piece of the burger and that beef was spectacular, cooked to a lovely medium-rare. The triple fried fries were really crunchy. There are so many items on the menu I want to try, so we'll definitely go back.
(5)
Edward B.
Unexpected hit! It seemed like a bit of a "hole in the wall" , but when we walked in we were presently surprised! The decor is old world classic with busts of the great philosophers, and the food was about as good as it gets! We are definitely planning a return trip!
(4)
Samiam H.
OK my second visit, and this place gets better. The dining room is drab, no real natural light and there is not enough artifical light. The place was busy for mid week. Service was good at the bar and in the dining room. Choice of beers good, but no cask beer which is a disappointment as it is what you would expect to match the quality of the food. Interesting creative menu, a bit confusing to read as it is in a book format. I was going to order the seafood bisque but it was off the menu. I settled on the pork tenderloin. I had the large plate, and friends had the small plate, there was very little difference for $7 except the size of the plate. sesame-ginger roasted seasonal mushrooms / miso-lime chimichuri / warm nappa cabbage kimchi / chef's daily starch The food was perfectly cooked although for me the food was warn and I like my food hot. There was not enough food for me for a $26 dish but now I realized the waiter forgot the "chefs' daily starch' so loss of star. My friend had the elk burger that came with triple fried fries. I think double fried would have been better, first to cook blanch, second to crisp at time of service. The ice cream dessert was excellent. My friends had cheesecake which was amazingly small portion (the waiter did warn us), but they thught the taste was very good. Expresso chocolate beans came with the coffee, a nice bread with a home made fruity butter came with main course, mint chocolates came with the bill. Garlic Poet is now up there with The Left Bank in York and almost up there with Restaurant Sidney in East Berlin. Yea I am a fan and will recommend to others and come again. However I will probably not order the large plate and will remind the waiter that it comes with the 'chef's starch of the day".
(4)
Robbie P.
I had such high expectations for the GP. My family and several friends swear by this place. The ambiance is quaint and very keeping with the theme. It certainly adds to the experience. The wine selection was scant. For a restaurant that has gourmet level cuisine the wine selection needs to be more broad and deep. We started with the calamari, which was underdone and lacked flavor. The two accompanying sauces helped, but couldn't save it. I opted for the pork chop with farm veggies. The potatoes were really cooked well and were flavorful. The chop itself lacked soul. It was tough and ill spiced. The roasted carrots had the consistency of a Goodyear tire. Perhaps it's me; perhaps the kitchen had a bad day. I don't know. I will give the GP one more shot and keep my fingers crossed.
(3)
Julie S.
Wonderful, creative dishes, resourced locally. Service was excellent. Great wine list. Love that they use PA products. One of my favorites in central PA...and we frequently dine out.
(5)
Barbara G.
The Garlic Poet could be an excellent restaurant, but right now I give it 3 stars simply for effort. The menu is an odd mix of unrelated dished. Many items have 2 sizes that can be ordered, but even with that the portions for many things are tiny and I mean really tiny. I order vegetarian lettuce wraps. The lettuce was tiny red leaf lettuce which one could not wrap anything wider then a toothpick. The tomato bisque soup was excellent. I ordered a herb salad and it was good except there were several rogue pieces of fried lard that had an add taste. My husband and I ordered cheese cake to share. The cheesecake was 2 inches by 2 inches and 1/2 inch high! Really!!!! One bite per person. Now let me say that this eatery is expensive for what you get. I'm not a fan of huge portions but this was really small. Some items were over salted...what's with that. The service was pleasant but the restaurant was über noisy. Decor nice but a bit tired. Basically it's okay. Just okay.
(3)
Reggie H.
Disappointing / questionable service Went with a friend Friday night specifically for the Tomato bisque. Was told the chef took it off the menu along with other best selling items to keep it current. My comment back was this doesn't even make good business sense, that Eric Ripert leaves items on La Bernidan, Thomas Keller @ French laundry etc. Was condescendingly told by the waiter 'the chef is a genius and people need to accept it'. Wow Service was not whet I've experienced there before. Sat on the upper lever. Waiter did not explain dinner & acted like he was doing us a favor. Will try someplace else. Knowing we can't rely on the menu makes going to the Poet questionable. No rush to go back this year or any time soon.
(2)
Ellen G.
I'm confused. I drive by this restaurant (in the Clarion Hotel) twice a day as I commute on 83, and would never have 1.) known this restaurant existed, and 2.) considered getting off the highway at the Limekiln Road exit. Why is The Garlic Poet not advertised and better known? (Hence the confusion.) This place is a gem! But I fear it's sparkle will tarnish if the Clarion marketing department doesn't step up their game. Driving by this exit, fast food places and, well, nothing really appealing is all that is evident. This is a shame because The Clarion, where the Garlic Poet is housed, is maintained very nicely. The entryway is clean with attractive landscaping. The lobby is clean, bright, and inviting. My friends and I were greeted immediately upon entering the bar area, and were asked if we wanted to sit in the dining room or outside on the patio, where a separate grill menu is offered. Since we wanted to take advantage of the last of the summer weather, we chose to sit outside. Our server, Jennifer, greeted us and brought us water right away, and took orders for drinks. The chef who was manning the grill this evening, Dan, came over to greet us - a nice touch. We placed our orders and had just the right amount of time to chat before our food was brought to us. I had ordered a cheeseburger, and miracle of miracles, it was served exactly as I ordered it - rare! I can't remember the last time I was served a hamburger just the way I like it. It was juicy and tasty, and - as Jennifer promised- formed by hand, not one of those godawful pre-formed, cardboard-y burgers. There was a table laden with all kinds of toppings, sauces, and grilled veggies. The ambiance was very pleasant, with surprisingly pretty chandeliers on the inside of the tent, and lots of pretty landscaping outside. I fully intend to come back here; next time I will eat in the dining room. The dining menu looks amazing and I can't wait to try it out! After I do, I will post another review.
(4)
Dan S.
We had a very good evening at the Garlic Poet. The menu was eclectic and interesting. Our meals did not disappoint. Our waiter was efficient, friendly and knowledgeable. Checked the table without being intrusive. I would recommend this restaurant because of the excellent meal and the professional staff. I also enjoy and support their effort to utilize local ingredients and farms. We will return to the Garlic Poet.
(4)
Crisie R.
The atmosphere is really nice. I Would definitely throw a " girls night" there. Dining was delightful
(4)
Joseph S.
Foodie's delight. Best deal is custom menu - soup, appetizer and small portion entree for $25. Wine list is short but decent and house cocktails are well priced. I will definitely be back on next trip !
(5)
Mary Z.
Fantastic service and amazing food. Even the kids' menu was top notch. Highly recommend and will definitely return.
(5)
Wesley M.
Took my wife here after hearing all the hype. Unfortunately, we were sandwiched into a corner bracketed by two larger parties. The noise was so loud we were unable to understand anything our server was saying. The menu was interesting, and we both decided on a simple meal. I ordered the meatloaf and she ordered a chicken sandwich. After about ten minutes out server stopped by and apologized that the bread was late, but would be out momentarily. A few minutes later the bread came out, followed a moment later by the entrees. My first impression upon tasting was disappointment followed closely by boredom. Given the high praise by everyone, I was expecting a delicious, moist perfectly seasoned slice of meatloaf. What I got was a bland, unseasoned piece of meatloaf that was slightly above what I would get at a Denny's. Where things got worse was the chicken sandwich that my wife tried, unsuccessfully, to pick up and eat. The bread fell apart immediately and she had to resort to knife and fork. She took one, perhaps two bites and pushed it away, complaining it had no flavor. So we decided we would pay up and head out, but alas, no server to be found. It took us 15 minutes to flag him down to get the check. Luckily, he asked us how things were, and we told him boring, which, of course, shocked him. After a discussion with his manager, they decides to not charge us for the dinner, which was the highlight of the meal. My wife has vowed never to eat there again, I think it may, possibly, have been a bad night and will possibly try it again in the future. I will, however, insist on a quieter area.
A few months ago my wife and I stopped by based on the recommendation of a neighbor. I have to say it was nothing special. The house burger was flavorless, the twice fried potatoes were less than exciting and that was just my dish which by the way was hands down better than what my wife had. The service and atmosphere are nice but if you go for the food stop at the bar and order a pizza from Pizza Hut you will like it better.
(1)
Jeff F.
Comfort food this is not! The menu is filled with inventive offerings paired with unique specials. Our party of four tried the calamari appetizer and three different entrees. Everything received a hearty thumbs up. New patrons will receive an explanation of the restaurant name and chef's passion for locally-sourced fresh ingredients. Our waitress Miranda and her new trainee were attentive but we did have to flag her down after the meal when it was time to leave for a scheduled evening event. We are looking to return so we can try a few different items.
(4)
Alainna W.
Fantastic culinary prowess coupled with superb microbrew selection, inguenuitive mixed liquors, great wine selections. The staff was knowledgeable and courteous. Add in a warm rustic meets sophisticated atmosphere and you have a lasting establishment. Very pleased. We shall see you all again!
(5)
Britney K.
I recently dined with a group of 11 for dinner service and the food and drinks were amazing. Everyone in the party enjoyed the eclectic menu and agreed that they would visit again. Service was good as well. Unfortunately our groups soup orders were never delivered to the table and we were compensated with free desserts. Other than that mishap the evening was wonderful. I will most defiantly be visiting again.
(5)
Jonathan S.
No time to elaborate but a gem indeed! 4.5 stars. James the head bartender is part alchemist, part mixologist part great conversationalist. The food was surprisingly creative and delicious. Well worth the visit!
(4)
Dominic M.
The literature themed decor gives a unique first impression and the ambiance was charming and inviting. Good selection of local and semi-local drafts. The wait staff was a little underwhelming but enthusiastic. Any lacking service seemed to be due to inexperience rather than attitude. Each waitress had to explain to the table the origins of the name, which came off a little confusing and awkward for both parties. The Cod fritters were very savory with a gooey cheese sauce. The five fritters included left the whole table wanting more. Each member of our table got a different version of their burger, the burger de jure was a venison burger with an apple cinnamon chutney, brie, and fennel slaw. The burger was good but the flavors of the slaw and chutney were not as pronounced as expected. The "triple fried" fries were also tasty but nothing extraordinary. Despite being slightly let down by the burger, my impression was that the restaurant is passionate about unique foods, and ingredients, and I will be back soon. Definitely worth a try!
(4)
D H.
GF friendly. Although when you actually inquire about different gluten free menu choices, very little was actually GF. I can't say enough good things about the service. The wait staff was great. But the only decent part about the meal that people actually enjoyed was the desert. The steak that I had was OK. The potatoes that came with it were burnt and not really seasoned at all. Overall no one said that they enjoyed their meal. Everyone agreed that it was just so so. They have an OK wine list, but basically mark up a bottle more than three times what you would pay for it anywhere else. The beer that some of our group drank said it was good and they had a really nice selection. We had a good time, and stayed for a while without being pushed out. The way the place is decorated is really cool. I really wanted to like this place because several people have said it was really good. But the next day after I thinking about it, dropping $150.00 for dinner for two and not really enjoying it is not worth it. I won't be going back. I can go to a lot of other places and get a good steak for a lot less $$.
(2)
Jeanine C.
My first impression of this restaurant wasn't what I had imagined. I expected a more laid-back atmosphere. Instead it seemed more dressy. Immediately walking in, I notice the interior. The design was absolutely beautiful. Very dark and more of a romantic setting. We were seated in "The Library" which was a separate area that literally looked like a library. Something that you would kinda see in an older mansion, with a fireplace and wall hangings of creepy, dead people. The bar was right outside the library. Eventually it got a bit louder as more people came in - kind of disturbing. We had the friendliest waiter, definitely a plus. For an appetizer we they give you bread with a different - but good - kind of butter. We also ordered the Calamari, which included seasoned carrots and bean sprouts, and two sides of sauces that were fantastic. For a meal, I ordered the Noodle Bowl with Chicken - delicious and recommended. Also, I had a taste of the Du Jour - delicious as well! Gelato was the appetizer, nothing special about that - it's Gelato. The negatives: it's only open 4-10pm. Uh, really? I gave this restaurant one star down because of how little choices there were on the menu. So that made it difficult to decide. Other than that: food was great, prices were even better, service was excellent!
(4)
Jessica B.
Server was great, Food was not. Appetizer was lame mound of cheese. Burgers were way undercooked. Noodle bowl was inedible. Dishes generally seem to be trying to hard and failing. Drinks were creative and fun, but so-so.
(1)
Max P.
This was my first time here and it was a Father's Day Dinner. It's very nondescript from the outside because it's technically a hotel restaurant. Don't let that fool you. It's very nice on the inside. Fancy looking without being upscale/have to dress up. The service from the host to the waitress was top notch. The menu is full of tasty appetizers and meals. I couldn't decide so I ordered several plus the GP Noodle soup. Everything was delicious and the noodle soup was akin to Vietnamese Pho. I wish this place was closer to where I lived because I would go all the time. All. The. Time.
(5)
Nick P.
Absolutely fantastic experience. It seemed a little strange that this restaurant was located in a hotel but it definitely proves that you should not judge a book by its cover. The atmosphere and decor are fantastic, the whole place has a great library literary theme. Our waiter was very friendly and knowledgable. He made great recommendations that were spot on and gave insight into the restaurant. The food was simply to die for. I had the soup trio with the soup trio as an appetizer, cup of beef stew, cup of, tomato bisque, and cup of soup du jour. All were excellent though the tomato bisque was my favorite. I had the special elk burger that had a wonderful gamey/earthy flavor that was very unique. My wife had the buratta, which was unbelievable delicious. Smoked tomatoes, duck prosciutto, and carrots that were unique and delicious. If you're in the area and looking for a delicious and affordable place to eat, do not hesitate about going to the Garlic Poet!!!
(5)
John G.
Okay they say first impressions are the most important and since this was the first time we've been to the Garlic Poet I am pleased to say it was a very good one. This place used to be the Elephant and Castle but with the change of Hotel and Restaurant management I am pleased to say the Garlic Poet is a great improvement. That being said I shall get on with it. Our waitress Alicia was very friendly and hospitable and since it was our first time here I kinda grilled her on the menu. My wife ordered the Tomato a Bisque for a starter and then the Smaller Portion of the Poet Meatloaf w/ Mac And Cheese. The bisque she said was creamy and she loved that they put cheese in it. The Meatloaf was tasty and the Mac and cheese was light and Creamy. I on the other hand went the safe way I had an a Elk Burger which was on special. It was prepared as I asked well done. (My mistake I've had Elk before and know I should order it Med. Because it gets Dry. Can't blame them I ordered it.) so it was prepared perfectly and served with onion straws on top with a melted cheese. If I would have written this earlier I would remember the cheese. The meal left no room for desert but we were tempted to try the bread pudding . The atmosphere of the place is what you might expect if you were visiting a poets home. Sort of that Old Colonial style library setting except it has a nice size bar in the middle. This is one place I will be returning to time and again because the menu is different and appealing. I am looking forward to trying the apple Corned Pork Brisket and the Braised Short Ribs. The GP Noodle Bowl might be a lunch item! garlicpoet.com/blog/harr…
(4)
Mlu B.
Fun ambiance. Wonderful beers and wines. Good music. Great service. Really special food, prepared by a chef who pays attention to the smallest details.
(4)
Jay R.
Excellent decor. Service could not have been better. Our waiter was well informed and was there at the right time always. Appetizers were tasty, the smoked lamb ribs were different and good. The calamari was crisp and the sauces terrific. The ability to order half entrees is unique and allowed us better opportunities to sample items from a wonderful menu. This was a great experience marred only by some of the worst French Fries we have ever had; soggy, limp, greasy, and not very tasty. However they did not detract from an overall positive experience.
(4)
Erica J.
I like this place. A lot. Then again, I don't go to crap, boozeless weddings. That said, the biggest thing to keep in mind about arriving at The Garlic Poet is that when God closes one door behind you and the entryway smells like chlorine, let God open the next door in front of you. Voila, you're at The Garlic Poet and it is delicious. I haven't had a bad meal there yet and the dishes are wildly creative - from the different flavored butter to a incredible dessert sampler with rich pumpkin cheesecake and black cherry creme brulee. In the three years I lived near New York City, I paid a lot more for a lot less. 120 bucks (with tip) for a dinner for four that included a bottle of wine and dessert? Fantastic. Just about the only thing that I'd recommend is to stop programming the servers with an enormous amount of culinary philosophy and overly elaborate descriptions of the specials. Not only is it a lot to remember but it makes them really robotic.
(5)
Jared W.
Yummy and unique dishes. It's clear that the head chef has major influence on the menu, which, to a foody, is great!!!
(4)
Dawn C.
Great service. Good food! The ambiance and decor are super cute - not expected at a Clarion Hotel! Will come back.
Wonderful, creative food, exceptional service and a meticulous attention to detail make Garlic Poet a very special place to dine. Definitely will return.
(5)
Brandon D.
I found it to be an OK place to eat. The service was wonderful and certainly kept with the classy atmosphere. The food was only OK and the portions were far too small for the price, especially dessert. This is the way it is done at fine dining places, except the food wasn't good enough to deserve that pricing format. To sum things up, it's a hotel restaurant. Trying to be five star with its portions and prices, but the food just doesn't deliver.
(3)
Kt M.
My brother and I were driving home for the holidays and stopped at this restaurant. I would highly recommend it. There was live music playing and the artist was very talented. The ambiance is really fun & laid back. Janeane, our waitress and bartender was WONDERFUL! She was very friendly (even though we were there late) and patiently explained all the menu items to us. She also let us try different beers and was very knowledgeable about them. We ended up enjoying delicious drinks, food, and ambiance! We will be back on future drives!
(5)
Drew C.
Where do I even start? The words "terrible and bizarre" passed through my mind as I contemplated their godforsaken name; little did I know that those words would turn out to perfectly describe the experience we were about to have there. I am not really a snobby eater. I love all foods, from fried street meats that have probably been sitting in a rat-infested cart for three weeks to gourmet organic vegan gluten free gently sauteed raw mountaintop vegetables sprinkled with gold. I will eat it all. That being said, my biggest issue with The Garlic Poet is that they're trying extremely hard to be something that they're simply not. The food is not fancy or even very good; everything can be summed up as 'subpar and overpriced bar food.' Had the prices been cheaper or the atmosphere been less overtly pretentious, their rating might be a star or two higher. We get seated and the waitress comes over to give us this long diatribe about why The Garlic Poet is named The Garlic Poet, which was not a very interesting story or a good justification for choosing such an awful name. To be fair, the demographic at this place can be accurately described as "boring old people who love QVC and quaint dining experiences," so I am sure the speech goes over well with most others. After hearing about how unique and special and interesting the menu items were, we decided to try a number of things: Crab Poppers These were the best part of the meal, but they weren't especially flavorful one way or another. The spicy sauce they came with made everything taste good. Fried bread + good sauce = ??? Fried Pickles These were just okay. The batter was pretty standard; for around ten dollars, more was expected. You could get these at any street fair for half the price. Short Rib Slathered in a weird, thick sauce, this was not very good. The mashed potatoes didn't really have a flavor at all. The carrots tasted like potatoes. How do you even get that to happen? It was weird, and not in a good way. Meatloaf Salt. Lots and lots of salt. The meat was dry and the onion 'straws' had only one flavor: grease. The truffle mac and cheese was also completely flavorless. At least the crunchy top was...crunchy. The drinks also fell short. The pumpkin beer had a rim that was crusted with way too much spice, and the Peach Fuzz cocktail just tasted like my high school days of filling an Orangina halfway up with cheap vodka. In short, don't bother. Especially not for the price.
(1)
John K.
This is a really cool place and could easily be 5 stars. First the good. The restaurant has a very nice vibe and the decor is great. The beer menu is excellent and the mixed drinks were delicious. The food is very well prepared. The not so good. The service seems a little unenthusiastic from the hostesses, wait staff to bussers. Just no extra effort or attentiveness. The menu and website talks a lot about being vegan friendly. My son is a vegan and researched to find this restaurant based on that. While it's true there are some vegan selections they just don't work theme far enough. Have vegan selections in each category from appetizer to dessert. How hard is it to offer a vegan dessert? As I said the food was generally very well prepared and delicious with the exception of the noodle bowl. This was billed as an entree but was more like a glorified soup. The flavor was just off and there was not nearly enough to it. Left me wanting an entree. We would go back yes for sure I hope they work on improving and expanding their menu a bit.
(3)
Ann L.
Our waiter, Ed, was fantastic. Everything he did, suggested and offered was perfect. The food ... I was a bit underwhelmed. I was expecting fa-nominal and received very good. The house made buratta was good but far from the best I have had - curds were a bit dry and none of it was creamy in texture. The butternut squash soup was out of this world - loved it! The chicken mole soup - meh - it was fine but not spicy at all, broth had a burnt taste and the mole flavor was nonexistent - the chef clearly didn't taste test this evening. The fried calamari was really good. The best part was the pickled jalapenos but there were only three little pieces in the serving - I would have loved to have more and it's an inexpensive way to fill out the plate. The crab cakes were good, nice generous portion and full of crab. Our teens burgers were both cooked perfectly and had great flavor. The fries... not so great but it might just be us. We like our fries crispy on the outside and these were the texture of a baked potato. The ice cream that we all shared (pumpkin and apple pie) was awesome! The location has A LOT to be desired. The building looks like an old abandoned grocery store. It was dark outside, no lighting, landscaping, paint peeling from exterior... just junky looking and uninviting. I can't imagine who stays in the hotel. The inside where the restaurant is located was really cute and cozy. I realize that the GP does not own this building/hotel. But, it is quite a downer when you pull up the first time : ( I would come back for sure. The wait staff alone makes the dinner memorable. The food was very good and very fresh. This area is so limited on good restaurants - I really hope they continue to thrive. I also really appreciate that they support local farms.
(4)
Terri S.
We had a party of ten and arrived an hour earlier than our reservation, as our theater production ended earlier than anticipated. Luckily, it was late afternoon, so they could accommodate us. They were gracious, and met our special request to be in a corner or more private area. Our service was good, but there were a few gaps--long waits for drinks, no offer to wrap my half-eaten burger, etc., but overall, a very good experience. The calamari, crab cake and special fish (swordfish) were terrific. The chef's burger (elk) was ok--advertised as lean, both of our diners found a bit dry and so-so. The pork loin was delicious. We felt they did a good job with our large group and we will return!
(4)
Paul H.
Yup,its in a clarion inn. Yup, its delicious. I've eaten baby octopus here, I've eaten so many different kinds if burger I can't even remember them all. Duck, boar, veal, Kobe beef...the list goes on,and its different every night, not to mention very reasonably priced. The cocktails are awesome, lots of good beers on tap. Yeah it might be a little noisy at times, and lately it's been hard to get a table on Friday and Saturday nights, but that's too be expected at a smaller place like this that serves great interesting food.
(5)
Jim H.
Wow. I totally, 100%, absolutely enjoyed this place. That's about all I really need to say, but, for good measure, I will say a bit more... Working for the guv'mint, I occasionally find myself traveling for whatever reason, and while some may see that as a chore, I take it as a great opportunity to try new restaurants outside of the Philly area. So, pursuant to that, I always prefer to find a local or small-scale eatery rather than settle for one of the boring chains, fast food, or some random pizza joint. (That should go without saying). Tonight, I went here on the recommendation of an old friend from the area, and I can't wait to thank him for it tomorrow. First off, the beer selection is very impressive; it's not absurdly huge, but regionally-local, well-selected, and capable of pleasing even the most discerning of beer snobs (of which I am certainly not one). The service was also superb. We had a very friendly waitress named Amber, who did a great job of describing the menu and everything else. Now for best part, the food. It's anything but typical. This menu took me just a little bit out of my comfort zone, and I'm glad it did. Sure, you can eat as standardly as you want (maybe a burger & fries, etc), but there's plenty of things offered that get really creative. I won't mention anything specific, as the menu apparently changes seasonally, but it's definitely worth a venture into uncharted territory. (After all, isn't that what being in the middle of Pennsylvania is all about)?
(4)
Matthew H.
The food was great. The draft menu is awesome! That said the steak and some sandwiches are *very* small. My appetizer was bigger than my meal.
(4)
Micah J.
I have been there 5 times since they have opened and, WOW!!! First off the bartender Jessica knows her stuff. She makes a mean slow gin fizz. Good beer selection as well. Troegs, Dogfish, Victory all on tap! The food is excellent. They have an amazing happy hour. Ive had the sliders, wings, pot stickers, and crab balls. All excellent. The wing sauce could use a bit more of its own identity. It tastes rather much like most hot wing sauces do that you would find at local bars. The grilled cheese here is just out of this world. Yes, the Twisted Grilled Cheese is a must try. The entree I cannot get past is the Braised Short Rib. They give you a knife but you dont even need one. Get it. Paired with fresh steamed veggies and horseradish mashed potatoes its the perfect meal. And it all sit upon a Guiness reduction. Perfection on a plate. Once in awhile they have fresh raw oysters as well. I chowed down on some fresh Blue Points while there as an appitiezer. I live close to this place and its hard to drive by it and go somewhere else. This is definiately the new hot spot in town!
(5)
Sue K.
The ambiance, service and food was amazing! The Troegs fondue appetizer was delicious but not served with enough bread to finish the fondue however the waiter did offer more bread, we decided to take the rest home. The crab cake served with cod fritters and escarole was perfect. The sauces accompanied the entree, added a special flavoring to the meal. The other guests had short ribs, fish & chips and grilled cheese sandwich with tomato bisque. Everyone raved about their selection as well. My new favorite restaurant.
My husband and I wanted to try a new (to us) place for our anniversary dinner, and I think we may have found a new favorite. We happened to come at the same time as happy hour, so adding a few delicious cocktails to our meal did not break the bank. Happy hour specials were abundant and I think if we had stuck with just that menu we would still have been satisfied. The libations were unique and yummy, and the food was very good as well. We were both thankful that the portions were small, since it allowed us to enjoy a shared appetizer, our entrees, and dessert without feeling overstuffed. I think I'll definitely be back, not only to try more of the different menu items but also for the happy hour specials as well.
(5)
Tim C.
First off... AMAZING pot stickers. We received excellent service with a waiter providing feedback and some ordering tips in a polite and non-condensing way.
(5)
Stephen A.
Simply outstanding. Great bar. Great food. Great service. Great atmosphere. A diamond in the rough.
(5)
Brian P.
I come to town once a year for work, last year this place was called the copper cup and it was awesome and reasonable , now it's pretentious and horrible , and WAYYYY overpriced.........also I find it amazing how many gave this place 5 stars and it's their only review
(1)
Andrea M.
great food and concept! I love the incorporation of local organic produce into the menu! I wish we had more local organic restaurants in central pa.
(5)
Scott M.
We got some advise to check out The Garlic Poet and boy were we happy we took them up on it! The menu has some great choices, and we wanted to try as many as we could, so we got the chef's special menu. Two soups, one starter, and two entrees for &40! The lettuce wraps were a 10/10! Different than the Asian variety we have seen in the past, which made them extra special. The chicken lentil soup was a 9.5/10. We both wished we had more bread to dip in... And get every last drop. The scallops and the fish n chips both came with great sauces Or marinades, to give them a 9/10. The only complaint we had was no-dairy free desserts! We will be back to try more!
(5)
Steve b.
First, plan on spending 2-3 hours if you are with a group to truly enjoy all the Poet has to offer. Start with their fantastic mixed drinks. I had the Inebriate. Knob Creek Manhattan with a pleasant twist. Menu is very interesting and takes some time to pick from all of the interesting items. I ordered the price fixed combo. Celery Bisque to start. (Great). Appetizer was the charcuterie plate. Very good but would opt for something else as its a lot of meat....great to share though. Dinner was the BBQ Texas Brisket. Excellent meat with Jalapeño cornbread that was to die for. In retrospect, I think i didn't get the best items in our group, but was very happy. That should show you how good it was! In our group, someone got the Veal Chop, Crab Cakes, Chicken Caesar, and a variety of sides. All fantastic. Can't wait to go back and try more things. Oh, my combo dinner was $25. Specialty drink was $8.50. Not bad!!
(5)
Lia S.
I'm deeply saddened by the way my friends and family were treated at this establishment by the restaurant manager Tera. The amount of unprofessional-ism was appalling. We had our wedding and reception on a farm, and about 20 of our guests gathered here after because it was close, and some of our guests had rooms here. Let me just start by saying that there was beer and wine served at our wedding, the whole point of going to the Garlic Poet was to have a few cocktails before we all said goodbye because I now live 3000 miles away from my friends and family. The owner of the hotel knew we had all of our out of town guests staying there, and that we would be coming after the wedding. Shouldn't be a problem right? The problems started when a dear friend of mine who helped me all day long simply asked if they had music, and or could turn it up. (Because there was none, and we were at a bar/restaurant.) It's not like we were expecting a club atmosphere by any means, just some background noise. Well, the manager stormed around behind the bar and told the bartenders to cut him off. He happens to be the first of three people who ended up getting cut off that evening, which all happened to be the only homosexual men there. The second situation was when another simply walked up to the bar to order drinks for some of us (he had had one drink prior), and again Tera had him cut off. Now, I understand if people are getting sloppy or visually intoxicated, but this was not the case. And both of these men were staying at this hotel in a hotel room that was given to us by the owner because we were bringing them so much business! So when gentleman number two asked why he was getting cut off, she immediately acted like a huffy child, ran across the lobby, and called the cops. Are you serious?! At this point everyone was baffled. No one wanted to give this establishment anymore of their business, but unfortunately I didn't have my phone and was expecting more guests. Eventually another one of our friends, the third gay gentleman, was cut off. At this point we all left. I just can't believe that someone like Tera even has a job in customer service. Maybe she's never been subjected to homosexuals, but she needs to get a grip and check her personal issues at the door. She ruined the last bit of time I had with my friends and family before we had to leave for our honeymoon, and I don't know when I will get to see all of them again. As I said, most of our guests were from out of state, and all over the USA.
(1)
Steve V.
After a few trips to the Garlic Poet, it has become one of my favorites in the Harrisburg area. The chef is very, very good. Try the grilled cheese. Seriously!
(4)
Christy S.
Absolutely delicious food! The menu is unique with one-of-a-kind items that are so tasty and artistically arranged on your plate. Took my husband here for his birthday & he said The Garlic Poet is on his Favorites list now :)
(5)
Anne T.
Very good...Service was great, the chef was fantastic!! The location is just a bit to be desired. I would love to see them branch out from the hotel scene:)) Overall great experience
(4)
Juliet G.
Fabulous food in an unexpected locale- a hotel. Most of our party had the sockeye salmon which was placed over a bed of diced melon and other flavorful items. Had the chocolate bread pudding with caramel sauce for dessert. The only suggestion to management - serve multigrain bread. The plain Italian bread in the basket didn't set the right mood for the great items to come. Will be back to explore other chef creations. Kudos chef and waiter too. Loved your knowledge of the dishes!
(5)
Katie M.
We went tonight for the first time after a friend said it was "better than it should be, being a hotel restaurant." His description did not even begin to do this place justice. It was all around great. The decor and ambiance were perfect, classy yet comfortable. The service was great, very friendly and genuine. And the food was some of the best in the area. The surf and turf appetizer, braised short rib and the filet were all cooked perfectly, well seasoned and amazingly complimented by their sides/sauces/garnishes. We will definitely be going back to try some more!!
(5)
Stacey G.
Such amazing food and great ambiance! Fresh food made by a great chef. The service is wonderful and very laid back. I can't get enough of the grown up grilled cheese! Definitely a great place for a date night. So glad I found this little gem!
(5)
Amanda S.
The Garlic Poet is a hidden gem that has such an incredible variety of creative menu options.There are a handful of decent restaurants in that area and the Garlic Poet is one of my top three. I love that the food is made fresh a there is something for everyone and every taste. We ordered a variety of appetizers to share which was an excellent idea because everything sounded so good. I was very happy with it all especially the triple cooked fries. The service was prompt and our server was very informative about the food items and very friendly. Their bar menu also rocks! They have so many great drinks it was hard to choose one. I look forward to going back again when I'm in town to try more. I highly recommend anyone to check it out, it was a great experience.
(5)
Erin E.
Brought the family back to sample the deliciousness. I had pumpkin gnocchi with pork cheeks, and I didn't even know if I would like pork cheeks! Absolutely incredible. The chef is a genius and puts so much thought and heart into everything he creates. They care about local businesses and breweries and always have amazing selections on tap.
(5)
Jackie M.
Very cool atmosphere with an interesting vegan selection. We had the hummus followed by the apple pork brisket. Great selection of local/US beers. The only downside was the smell of stale smoke. Would definitely try this again.
(4)
Mollie M.
Garlic Poet is a great restaurant. My fiance and me have ate here 3 times. Everytime we have had a great meal. One time the chef Kurt actually came out and said hello to us at our table and asked us how our meal was... Everyone seems very caring and have never ever had a service problem. EVER. Great service all the way around. I guess after reading the reviews some people find negatives even in great places. The food easily one of the best for harrisburg. I have ordered the sliders, fried pickles, the new noodle bowl, all of the french fries. They are all awesome. The beer selection rocks too. Can't go wrong EVER with going here.
(4)
Peter B.
Very good! Cool vibe to the place. Had drink at the bar before dinner, everyone was very nice. Or server Benjamin, great job on everything from knowledge of product to service. Menu is limited but very good so what they serve has TASTE and FLAVOR, two things hard to find here in Central PA. Portions are not huge, but quality is!
(4)
Patrick B.
Pleasantly surprised. Everything was topnotch from the short ribs (A+!) to the mac&cheese to the mahimahi. Chili was excellent. Nice beer and wine selection, and a decent selection of bourbons (including Booker's). Service was affable and efficient. (Thanks, Cali-transplant Solomon!) Menu is a bit limited, and I personally found it a little hard to read. I can see how one easily might find nothing interesting on any given night, but there was a varied offering of specials. I liked the combinations, allowing a diner to combine a starter, soup and entree for one price. The restaurant's ambience is different and interesting, like eating in a library. (We were seated in the Browning niche.) I'd like to see them do more with the literature angle, maybe incorporating some verse into the menu, or having reading material actually on the tables instead of just on the walls. The background music, while I enjoyed the period jazz, didn't seem to go with the motif. A decent job was done on disguising the fact that this is a hotel restaurant; but the music just screamed hotel restaurant. We will definitely be back.
(4)
Caitlin C.
This place was acceptable but far from outstanding. I had the scallops, and the scallops were good but the shrimp corn stuff served with it was lukewarm, and the "grilled greens" we're awful. The wine I had was fine, but a very small glass for the $8 tab. To be fair, the fondue we started with was good, and my husband enjoyed his entree, but overall, totally mediocre and overpriced for what we had.
(3)
East C.
A for effort. My wife, 2 babies and I were on our way back from Jersey to our home in Northern Va. Harrisburg is the mid-point so we pulled of the Pa turnpike looking on Yelp for anything that wasn't fast food. This place was the only place for miles that wasn't named after the owner. That said, we were still a bit skeptical due to the location. We're not the pretentious type, but we have eaten in more than half of the top 10 eateries on earth. While Garlic Poet is not one of them, I do give them an A for effort. Our server Miranda was very helpful and attentive, management checked on us, but wasn't annoying, the menu was eclectic and the food was good. For a place in a hotel off the Pa turnpike, you can't get much better. We'll make it our go-to halfway stop when visiting family in Jersey from now on.
(4)
V S.
Bar area is always entertaining. Quinoa and crisp vegetables lettuce wrap is awesome.
(4)
M. L.
Went here for my birthday dinner, the ambiance is great, love the literary quotes all over the walls. The food was mostly awesome, except for the crab cake, which was a little dry. The soups and the starters were awesome though! Only complaint is the service was extremely slow, and we were in on a Sunday night with maybe 3 other tables in the restaurant.
(4)
Laura N.
Traveling for a living, I crave GOOD food and GOOD service. As I drove into town I saw the billboard for The Garlic Poet and thought it would be my kind of place. Researching the menu, again I thought it would be my kind of place. And then I changed my answer. I typically order food to go and tonight was no different. I ordered a glass of wine while perusing the menu. I settled upon an order of calamari, mixed green salad and side of truffle mac-n-cheeese. The bartender was anything but attentive - I had to flag her down multiple times to order a beverage, let alone dinner. It felt like I was invisible. Never did she check on how I was (and the wine pour was very skimpy) or ask if I had any questions about the menu. I had to hail her for my dinner order as well. Following tradition, I also had to ask her for my check and alert her to the fact that my To-Go order was ready. Not to disappoint me, she did not look at the food in the bag, see if there was silverware or check to make sure all was ok. That was all service related...now let's discuss the food. While the flavor and seasoning was good, it was COLD! The mac-n-cheese was nothing more than a box recipe. Overcooked noodles (mushy!!) and no hint of 'truffle'. The salad was also less than impressive - bread croutons were soggy, stale (if that's both possible at once) and not tasty in the least. Hopes were high for a memorable road meal but met with utter disappointment. I gave it 2 stars because most flavors were good. Overly priced and not worth it.
(2)
S M.
Good food, good beer selection, good service.
(3)
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Address :148 Sheraton Dr
New Cumberland, PA, 17070
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Kate Y.
Really creative and exciting. Tried as much as we could among out group of 4. Cocktails rocked. Troegs fondue and Persian fires were excellent appetizers. My elk burger special with arugula, Gorgonzola, and apple butter was exceptional. Our server was awesome! Service was well paced, he answered all our questions and had solid recommendations. We had a three hour dinner and not once felt rushed or left alone too long.
(5)Tyler G.
Much to my surprise, I found The Garlic Poet in the lobby of the Clarion Hotel I had booked a room in for the night. This hotel stay quickly became one of uncertainty to excitement as I looked over the beer list and ancient looking (in a good way) leather-bound menu. I wanted something simple so I ordered the fish and chips. The fish was so tender it fell apart under the slightest of prodding, but was still flavorful and moist. The "triple cooked" fries won't be for everyone, but I found them to pair nicely with the soft white fish. A Troegs Perpetual IPA washed it all down. Can't wait to come back here!
(5)Judy H.
I was not a fan of the tamale but the meat was very good. The beef had a smoky flavor and the shrimp was delicious. I started with the chicken tortilla soup which was wonderful. I had the fondue with pear chutney, which did not disappoint. I will definitely return on my next visit to Harrisburg.
(5)Brandon V.
My wife and I got their combo, something along the lines of 2 soups a snackable and two "smalls". She got a bisque, it was great but my soup... man was it good. Haddock and chili! We opted to get the cheese board which is an upcharge. Four different cheeses with sprouts and pickled veggies. We didn't like two of the four cheeses but the other two were great. The board comes with a mustard, apricot and honey/hops blended dips. I got a small brisket which was smoked to perfection. It also came with corn bread (best I've ever had!) With a from scratch bbq sauce. (also spot on) my wife got crab cake with the breaded potato bites, both were really tasty. With our meals, her wine and my beer it was an extremely good meal for just under $70. Unfortunately no room for desert... Until next time I guess. Highly recommend this place. Great service, and the food is well worth whatever the price is. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Jay F.
After seeing garlic poets billboards for a good 6 months I finally decided to give it a try. Probably a great place for a date night, but we brought our children and the service was poor. The waiter was highly impatient with us and serval times commented "I can come back when you are actually ready to order." Yes it does take us a little longer to pick out entrees for three children plus ourselves. We thought if we put an early appetizer in we could figure out the children's order and ours while we knew something was coming. The waiter informed us everything had to be ordered together. And the odd rules continued from there. However the food was delightful. I would go back again, leave the kids at home and request another waiter. Kudos to the chef
(4)Veronica N.
The vibe here is very chill and enjoyable. The service was excellent. The only real negative is that in yelp it says it's good for kids. While they do have a kids menu, they couldn't find and cups, so the 3 children at the table had to be given their drinks by the parents every time they wanted a sip. The food was very tasty. We got the calamari, which was good, but not a stand-out. My brother got the special burger...an elk burger. He ordered it medium rare and was pleased with it. I tried some and found that it was seasoned well and not gamey at all. I got the brisket platter with chipotle corn bread and an eggplant-pearl onion vegetable side. The brisket was cooked nicely and the corn bread was delicious. The other guests enjoyed their meals as well-fish & chips. The bread is served with a different compound butter most nights. On our visit, they had a root beer float butter which was different, but very good. The menu isn't expansive, but it has plenty of different options. Their beer and cocktail list is fantastic! I will definitely try this place again sometime.
(4)Rodney C.
I usually avoid hotel restaurants like the plague, but this time I had a great meal. The restaurant serves farm-to-table locally sourced organic food. I had the special which was scallops served with fingerling potatoes and carrots. It was all delicious. My wife had the grass-fed beef hamburger on a gluten-free bun along with grilled greens and a salad. No complaints from her, either. They have a gluten-free menu if you ask for it and even brought us some gluten-free bread before the entrees were served. The services was excellent and I really liked the decor of the restaurant.
(5)Chris K.
Amazing food selection! Wonderful staff. A bit noisy and the menu is way to complicated to navigate. But overall experience was terrific. We will eat there again.
(5)Tiffany I.
Spectacular. We have been to the Garlic Poet twice and I cannot recommend it highly enough. The menu does a fantastic job of appealing to the adventurous and the more staid diner. The servers are enthusiastic and well informed. You should follow them on social media as well, their executive chef posts a lot of information on daily specials, menu planning and the garden where he grows produce for the restaurant. A minor quibble: I left a voicemail midway through the week asking for a reservation. When I didn't hear back, I called again, leaving another voicemail. I assumed that was adequate. When we arrived, they had no record of any reservation. They accommodated us very quickly, but I was disappointed with the lack of follow through initially.
(5)Christian G.
The service was really good there. I got the meal that came with two soups, a starter, and two small plates with my gf. The soup was to die for and the complimentary bread and butter was delicious. The starter was just okay though and the main dish was good. Overall a great experience and I would be willing to try it again.
(4)Chip L.
This restaurant is in a Clarion Inn? Great food and completely unexpected. The bone - in filet is fantastic
(5)Tori H.
Dear other restaurant that I used to go to all the time that serves grass fed burgers and locally sourced foods, I'm going to break up with you. It's just that I found someone else that just really gets me. I know I might be rushing into it but I think I need to move on. The Garlic Poet has everything you did and more. Gluten free bread, vegan dishes, amazing interior and thoughtful design everywhere you look. The waitstaff is thoughtful and attentive. I wasn't even half way through my meal and I couldn't wait to invite my friends out to dinner for the amazing build a burger that was made for me with apple chutney, home made pickles and fresh greens with a thick cut slab of bacon. Oh my! And to top it off in a gluten free roll none the less! No more: "burger no bun" for me! An honest to goodness piled high burger I can hardly fit in my mouth with fresh cut fries and a side of hard cider.... Oh, yeah. It was that good. I'm sorry, but hopefully you'll find someone who sees the good in you like I did. And maybe they won't discover the Garlic Poet like I did. I wish you all the best. I will always remember the good times we shared.
(5)Tim A.
We had a great evening. They ran out of several of the specials, but the food we had was excellent. Charcuterie and cheese plates were varied and tasty. 3 of our party had the scallops which were tender and well seasoned. One person had the filet and he raved about it. The ice creams were original and an excellent ending to our meal. The restaurant staff was very accommodating to our needs and the service was excellent. We will definitely go back. Tim A.
(4)Ray B.
Food only hits a 3, but the hard too define rich old white guy Library decor is pretty comfortable. Love the rotation in beers. Don't trust the cocktail s.
(4)Alima H.
As a vegetarian, I found the food here to be average at best. I thought it was too pricey for what I was getting. Maybe it's better if you eat meat. Glad I came once to see what all the hype is about, but I don't think I'll be back.
(2)Jennifer N.
So, I cannot comment on the food, but I can comment on the bar. When I think hotel bar I think old decor, fluorescent lights, and odd couples. Garlic Poet is none of the above. If you moved the bar into NYC, I'd believe it belongs there. Great beer list with many unique choices, and many rotating taps. Service is good, and the atmosphere gives the feeling of being in an old library, in an old mansion. Just wish the restroom was in the bar/restaurant and I'd have really forgot it's in a hotel. PS- Yelp close time is not accurate. They close when it gets slow.. And this is pretty late on weekends!
(4)Dawn R.
Enjoyed everything about the Garlic Poet, from the handcrafted cocktails (with poet collector cards) to the delicious foods, much of which is locally sourced. I particularly like the idea of two sizes for entrees. Great ambiance, good location, definitely will go back!
(5)Melissa M.
The ambiance here is unique. Our server was awesome. I had the tomato bisque and a salad. Both were good. Recommended.
(4)Brian G.
I've been here three time in the last two weeks, it's so good! Don't let the fact it's in a Clarion hotel scare you away. This place is a hidden gem. The ambiance feels like you're sitting in Edgar Allen Poe's library; very hipster, fresh and eclectic. The food is fantastic! They source most of their food locally, as well as grow most of the vegetables and herbs both on site and at the chef's personal garden. The short ribs are like butter, and can be cut with a fork. The curry peach flat iron steak is amazing. The hummus is downright legit, and the cheese board- awesome. However, probably the best thing on the menu has to be the tomato bisque. It's the end all of tomato bisques. Seriously. And don't snub your nose at the specials. The specials are very interesting, and are certainly indicative of the chef's passion and love for food. Wild boar, short rib, decadent tomato ragu and ricotta cheese burger??? Yes please!!! The beer list is extensive and broad, with a wide array of various types of beer from all sorts of micro breweries. The drafts are ever changing with the most well known beer (at least locally) is Troegs. If you're a beer head, this place won't disappoint. The service is incredible. If you go, ask to be sat in Ann's section. We had her twice out of the three times we've been here and she is fantastic! She's knowledgable about every beer and menu item, can make great recommendations and is just as passionate about food as the chef! She is very friendly and efficient; and can take care of you without being intrusive, but is also willing to chat if you had questions or comments or just want to talk about food. The other server we had was also great: friendly, efficient, non- intrusive and knowledgable. We will definitely become regulars here!
(5)Art T.
Eat here. If you're nearby, eat here. I'm almost two hours away and I'm thinking of making this place a regular dining spot. And a regular bar, too. The reason I was nearby was due to work that took me up to the Harrisburg area. This spot was maybe only 15 minutes from my hotel, but well worth the drive. I don't even remember how I found it (Yelp, probably), but I'm so glad I did! STARTED WITH... burrata This is a dish of homemade ricotta encased in homemade mozzarella with smoked grape tomatoes, diced pancetta, candied Brussels sprouts, and a balsamic reduction. Oh... oh wow... this was heavenly. If I had to complain, it would be to include more veggies, because they were super flavorful, but not super plentiful. The cheese is astronomically good, though, and everything works together marvelously to make an outstanding dish. FOLLOWED UP WITH... a seasonal offering, roasted cauliflower This was surprisingly fun, though it was predictably delicious. The roasting process lightly caramelized the cauliflower, though a little more heat might have been even better. Still, this was a fun dish, with three colors of the veg in small bite-sized pieces. The roasted garlic aioli might have been a bit much, but the roasted pine nuts were a playful and lip-smacking treat. WITH THE MAIN COURSE BEING... housemade meatloaf This was no ordinary meatloaf, though. House blended beef, veal, and pork, a bourbon-molasses glaze, and a side of quite possibly the best mac 'n cheese (truffled) I'd ever had. I'm hard-pressed to describe the dish much more beyond that, because I feel that doing so would cheapen the experience. I will say, though, that I was thrilled to find that the entrees come in big and little portions. I think this is outstanding, not only on a size-control level, but also in allowing us to try multiple dishes (maybe more than one appetizer as in this case). At the Garlic Poet, you're going to want to try as many dishes as possible. By the way, this would be a good time also to mention that they have fixed price "combos" (for lack of a better term) for their menu. You can get a soup, two apps, and an entree, or a soup, one app and two entrees for a set price, which is slightly less than ordering separately. See what you're in the mood for and price it out. If you save significantly, then I'd say go for it. (I didn't want the soup that night, as it was somewhat warm out). FINISHED IT ALL OFF WITH... chocolate bread pudding Again, the name doesn't really do it justice. The 'bread' is actually french toast and croissants. The binding custard is light and unassuming. The chocolate chunks are scattered throughout, and the shavings on top melt into a delightful coating of rich gooey-ness. The bourbon caramel sauce that accompanies is both playfully cooling and wonderfully paired. There is a hint of salt somewhere, too, if memory serves me right. I can only recall one bread pudding that could possibly top this one, which is saying something. It might be number one, it's tough to say without a side by side test. Overall, the meal was extremely enjoyable and over too soon. The drinks were expertly made and very well made at that. My old fashioned (they actually have Blanton's at the bar, too!) was made with a splash of soda water, which while a tad unorthodox perhaps, was incredibly delightful on the palette. I loved how it tasted with the bubbles carrying the bourbon about. The decor was inviting, comforting, and intimate, but without being pretentious or disquieting. I really enjoyed the artistic and poetic theme, with shelves of books and an active fire place in the center of the room. The bar was adorned with fun lanterns and creative lighting all around. I could easily see myself spending some time there just soaking it all in. The staff was equally impressive. I could see them getting carried away with the near-haughty nature or appearance of the place, but they do not. There is no condescension, no snobbery, no talking-down. They are professional, courteous, and obliging, but down to earth, friendly, cordial, and unassuming. The bartender took the time to talk to me after I complemented my waiter on the drinks. The waiter and I shook hands towards the end of the meal as we had been having a friendly enough chat beforehand that we figured it was appropriate to introduce ourselves. Simply put, it was an ideal experience in customer service, as well. Bottom line: if I'm ever in the area again, I'm stopping by. If I'm not in the area again, I'm factoring in the cost of gas and contemplating the drive up. This place was a rare gem in the middle of an otherwise truck-stop area, literally in the lobby of the Clarion hotel. One could very easily drive right by and miss this place, but I hope you don't. It really is worth the visit. And multiple return visits.
(5)Jason R.
Great place ....Love it..The decor,food,service was amazing.Will be back for sure! My wife loved it too. Keep up the good work.
(5)Michael S.
If you haven't had a chance to hit the garlic poet don't. Nice decor great menu ideas. Dirty utensils, no napkins, poor service and over cooked food. U think they need better employees. For the price of the food very disappointed! Will not be returning!
(1)Ivan W.
Really great find next to the hotel. Amazing food and good beer selection. But really, its the food.
(5)Juli K.
I had a lovely evening at The Garlic Poet but I think it's more about the company I was with than the actual restaurant. I didn't think about it much until I was home rather than while my friends and I were sandwiched into the farthest corner table in the restaurant while lots of older white haired folks were given better tables more centrally located in the restaurant. I had high hopes for this place. I really did. Central PA is not exactly bustling with creative eateries. It's getting better but it's not quite there yet. So when two friends recommended this place, I knew I had to get there. Like others have said, it's right off the highway, in the lobby of a Clarion hotel. The area surrounding the hotel has a couple of other failed and closed restaurant carcasses around it, as well as some chains. The Garlic Poet really stands alone. To enter the restaurant you have to go into the hotel's lobby and when you cross the threshold from the bright and very beige lobby into the restaurant it's like crossing into another dimension filled with warm brick, soft lighting, comfortable textures and numerous pieces of sculpture, mostly in the form of marble busts. (I'd actually remarked to my friend that the array of busts above the bar and the way they were lit reminded me sooooo much of the talking busts in The Haunted Mansion in Disney World. She assured me that these neither spoke nor sang and I was somewhat disappointed.) We walked past many open tables to be seated in the far back corner, next to the handicapped emergency exit. The four top was a little cramped for four actual adults but we settled into conversation and the evening commenced. Our server came over to recite the memorized schpiel about the name of the restaurant and their approach to cuisine and the day's specials. I thought the speech, the waitress and the approach all a touch on the pretentious side but I was hopeful about the food. I ordered a combo that involved a soup, an appetizer and a small entree. I had the soup du jour- a crab and corn chowder whose appearance was saved by microherbs garnish. My soup bordered on in-edibility because it was heavily salted. The crab was in fine shreds and dispersed throughout the broth. I don't think there was a whole kernel of corn, but perhaps the soup was pureed. My second course was the burrata. I really enjoyed most of the components of the dish. The cheese was excellent-- smooth, creamy, the right amount of salt- and it paired well with the duck prosciutto, herbs, smoked tomatoes and balsamic glaze. There was a small amount of sliced baby carrots in some sort of tart goo that I didn't really like but, shrug, whatever. I left most of them on the plate. I did get one ring of my husband's calamari and it was excellent. It made me think I'd chosen wrong. Sad face. My entree was the filet mignon. It was cooked to a perfect medium rare and came with roasted potatoes and an offputting and phallic whole roasted eggplant. It was weird. Really. A long, thin, purplish thing sitting on top of my little steak. I didn't really like it and I didn't remember "whole eggplant" being listed as a component of my dish. I also added on the side dish of mushrooms and they were AMAZING. I would go back for just a plate full of those mushrooms. Yum. For dessert we were offered a choice of several creative creme brulees, funnel cake bread pudding and a raspberry lime cheesecake. One of my companions ordered a gingered peach creme brulee and it arrived in a beautiful bowl and looked lovely. I had the funnel cake bread pudding and was served a fairly large portion and it was delicious. My husband ordered the cheesecake and it was really really small. It was a rectangle about the size of a business card and about 1/2" thick. It was flavorful and delicious but really really small. Did I mention it was small, because it was small. I want to address the service separately. I don't know if the very slow pace of our meal was because we were seated in the far corner of if this is the standard operating procedure for the restaurant but the service, while friendly and knowledgeable, was extraordinarily slow. Overall, the food was very good, if slightly pretentious and hipster-esque. The portions were fairly small. The service slow but respectable. I feel like the prices are fairly high for the portions and general location of the restaurant. Still we had a lovely night and will likely try again.
(3)Sean P.
(for the Harrisburg/West-Shore area) Don't walk RUN to this restaurant! The Chef, GM (Drew) and staff, et al are spot on! Finally Harrisburg gets it, (some of us) live to eat, not eat to live! Bravo sirs bravo....
(4)Rickie F.
Love the unique combinations and flavors. Great atmosphere also. Friendly knowledgeable staff.
(5)Jordan H.
The positives: the decor is great, the bison burger was great, service was good The negatives: the fries were burnt and hard as a rock, the grilled Romania salad was far from a salad as it was lettuce grilled till edges were black and then tons of salt thrown on top ( very disappointing and horrible tasting, did not finish that ), a lot of loud drunk idiots at the bar. Overall I would not recommend this place to anyone.
(2)Ron H.
Had dinner here Sunday, September 14th. Our first time at this restaurant and we will definitely be back. Excellent service. Anne was our server and she explained the concept of the restaurant as well as the individual dishes. They promote and serve a large selection of craft wines. We ordered the special which includes a soup, appetizer and entree for$25 which is quite a deal. The food was excellent and prepared in fine dining style. Even though the portions small they were very flavorful and unique and we were both satiated after our meals. Atmosphere is great and food and service are excellent.
(5)Erika M.
My husband and I were in town for our anniversary and found this place through Yelp. When we first drove up we were weary, it was in a Clarion Hotel and didn't look like much, but Yelp had never let us down. When we walked in we were blown away, it was like stepping into an old English library. It was so cool. It was empty but we were early. We loved it!! The food was so good. Everything we ate was great. We are so glad we didn't let the outside throw us.
(4)Eric D.
Fantastic! Had the fondue, venison lollipops, and brisket grilled cheese. Pumpkin Pie ice cream for dessert. Quite delicious. Drove here from Lancaster, and would do it again!
(5)Jonathan H.
I was pleasantly surprised by the Garlic Poet. I did not know what to think about a restaurant in the lobby of the Clarion Hotel in a truckstop area. However, I really enjoyed the bar at this restaurant. We did not eat, but the bar has a great vibe and the selection of local and regional craft beers is excellent. It seems to be a really good place in an otherwise unexciting area of southern Pennsylvania. I recommended as a stop if you need a quick pick me up or as a stop for a decent meal.
(4)Meghan S.
If it was possible to give a 4.5, I'd do that instead. So, this would be one of those situations where you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover. The outside of this place does not represent the restaurant well. It's also connected to the Clarion Hotel. This is not the type of restaurant you'd expect to find connected to a hotel. When I walked in, it was like the pictures I'd seen online. It reminded me of Busboys & Poets, which is in Northern VA. The happy hour prices on wine was great. $2 off my yummy glass of wine. I love the menus. Leather front, unique printed pages, and screwed into a board. They are very unique. The idea of the restaurant is geared towards farm to table, sourcing locally, and cooking from scratch. I really appreciate that in a restaurant. My table ordered the Burrata as an appetizer. It missed the mark in my opinion. It is inventive, but just didn't quite mesh well together. I think it would benefit from substituting goat cheese with the mozzarella. It's better to share with only 2 people as it is just enough to taste everything on the place. It was nicely displayed though. For my entree I ordered the filet. It was cooked perfectly. If you are hungry, so not order the small; spend a little more and get the biggie. The small filet is probably around 5oz. I got asparagus and french fries to go with it. My table still had room for individual desserts, so I ordered the gooseberry & tea infused creme brulee. It was very good. I would have loved it if it has fresh berries on top. I think that would have been a lot better. I am gluten free and there are SEVERAL options. There is a separate menu to accomodate gluten free customers. I told as many people as possible about this restaurant before leaving the area. Hope it gets the business it deserves!
(4)Katie L.
We had a delicious dinner here last night with friends. It's in a hotel, which is not the greatest but that's not what counts anyway. The good news about it being in the Clarion Hotel was that parking was ample. Our server was very friendly and knowledgable. We were seated promptly (we did call ahead) and got our drinks quickly too. The food was delicious! Each couple got a three course meal: soup, appetizer, small meal. Everything we had was very good! Fresh and tasty, seasonal but unique. We ordered the dessert as well. Make sure you order dessert. ORDER THE URBAN CHURN ICE CREAM!!!! It was so good. We highly recommend and will definitely be going back!
(5)Lovick H.
This place is well worth the wait you will encounter. Great beer, incredible food, and the staff is absolutely awesome. Do yourself a favor and try the burger of the day; it rotates between elk, duck, emu, venison, and of choose, the cow. Also, get their house made bacon on everything you order. And the cheese board..amazing. I left very fat and very happy. I'll be returning for sure.
(4)Victoria K.
I, an adventurous vegetarian woman. He, a meat and potatoes man. It is hard to agree on one restaurant but we both can agree on this...The Garlic Poet is amazing. We wanted to go out on date night to a place that had a gourmet menu. We both also love Black'n'Bleu in Mechanicsburg but needed a change. I found The Garlic Poet on YELP and couldn't find a bad review... now I'm about to add to the list.... We started with these fritters that were awesome. They came with an aioli dip that was to die for. I got a drink called the haiku that came with an edible flower! The flower tasted like a flower...but it was an experience. I had haddock (yes I'm that type of vegetarian) and he had pork tenderloin. While he wasn't impressed with the greens (I ate them, fantastic!) ...we were amazed at the pork tenderloin too, looked to me like a filet minion, so tender and juicy. He basically cut it with his fork. For dessert we had a creme brulee that was sweet and had a great crust on top. My only complaint was that it was too small. Over all this is fancy dining for the basic pricing. We spend just as much for burgers and fries and drinks at ABC or Quaker State...but the service, atmosphere, and food make this A+++++. It is amazing when you drive up you see a busted up Clarion Hotel on outside with a shitty sign, but you walk in and its like a whole new world. You have to see to believe. A diamond in the rough. I recommend to ANYONE!
(5)Lisa P.
My husband and I enjoyed our evening at the Garlic Poet. Food was good, especially the soups and appetizers. I was a bit confused with how the menu works and the names and description of the food was not the usual. When you think of farm to table many of these dishes do not come to mind but it all works and is delicious. Small portions are perfect and satisfying. You need to try this place at least once. They have a wonderful drink menu. We skipped desert because we had other plans but I can imagine they wouldn't disappoint.
(4)Kevin E.
Wow, what a surprise! Last time here over two years ago. Food is fantastic, great beer selection, and service is top shelf. And close by! Could be the beginning of regular visits. Highly recommended.
(4)Richard C.
Excellent restaurant with great food and reasonable prices. Considering this is a farm to fork restaurant using local food from farmers the prices were very reasonable. My wife got the filet mingon and I got the fish and chips. For dessert we shared the Urban Churn ice cream that had Troeg's beer in it. Everything was fantastic, we will be back again for sure.
(5)Wendy S.
Eclectic fun menu. Portions good size and liked that they had "lunch" size. Everything that we ordered was definitely not for the calorie conscious patron. Had kids menu which I appreciated. I had crab grilled cheese and happy with my choice because it was different and tasty. Great atmosphere to hang out at bar, go on date or have dinner with friends.
(5)John L.
Excelent restaurant and a must try . We tried most of the menu :) . I have accidentally found it on Yelp while coming back from North Carolina with my newly acquired food truck . As a fellow restauranteur from Hudson Valley New York the only regret I have is that this place is not closer to me .
(5)Connie S.
The ambiance and decoration is great. Pretty high-scale (so is the price). But I'm not impressed with the food at all. The presentation is good, but the flavor is just not together. I had the soup trio. It was just OK. Not much flavor other than smokey and it's not served hot. The beef and shrimp tamale is bad. The tamale tastes like cat food. The celery chutney is nothing but sour. The port tenderloin itself is pretty tasty actually, but I don't like anything else on the plate. The cabbage kimchi is way too salty. The toasted farro is too hard and crunchy. It doesn't balance with the entire dish. All in all, it's not worth the price.
(2)Alison B.
First off: absolutely Gluten-free friendly. But more on that later. Seeking a delicious dinner that wasn't a chain or a usual haunt, we were intrigued by the Garlic Poet's online menu and good Yelp reviews. When we pulled up, we were a little concerned because of the restaurant's location inside a hotel, but we went with the power of the reviews. The interior decor is eclectic but cozy. The restaurant is large and for a late Sunday dinner, it was not crowded but not empty either. Our waiter was very knowledgable about both the food and spirits menus, and was also very on top of precautions regarding a gluten free diet. He brought over a gluten free menu which was expansive and when he brought over a bread tray (with flavor-infused butter), he brought half gluten free toast and included a separate butter bowl to avoid cross-contamination. He also took the initiative to include the gluten free bread on our local artisanal cheese plate. This restaurant smokes and cures its own meats and makes its own pickles. The chef has assembled creative flavor combinations that work well together. Great care has gone into crafting this menu and it shows. I highly recommend the Garlic Poet and I'm looking forward to another meal there!
(5)Michelle C.
Easily one of my favorite places in the Harrisburg area, totally worth the drive across the river. All the apps are super solid and they make one of the best pub burgers I've ever had in any city. But, the true gem of the Garlic Poet is the bar. Not only is their tap list always unique and interesting, but their cocktail selection is on par with drinks I've had in Philadelphia and New York City. AJ is easily the best bartender in Harrisburg and he created their entire drink menu. Have him make you an Eden Garden--it's flawless.
(5)Ralph V.
The Garlic Poet has an ambitious menu with a ton of variety, and they pull it off with aplomb. We can't wait to go back and explore more of the menu! We ordered 7 unique and flavorful dishes. - Charcuterie Board. Very creative sharing plate, all made from scratch in-house, included a housemade terrine, lamb/truffle oil rillettes, and accompaniments like house-made IPA-infused mustard (delicious). - Calamari. Breaded with cornmeal and served with a couple different sauces. - Pear & Mozzarella Salad. Tasted like fresh from the garden. The mozzarella is hand-pulled. - Quinoa Salad. A really well composed salad! It was served slightly below room temperature with a variety of ingredients like roasted beets, apricot purée, cucumber slices, and chili toasted pumpkin seeds. - Crab Grilled Cheese. Basically a gourmet crab cake sandwich with a couple different gourmet cheeses and a tasty brioche Texas toast. - Build a Burger. The house smoked bacon might be the best bacon I ever had. The fries too! - Chef's Seafood du Jour. It was a halibut with roasted kale, cauliflower and some root veggies. Also got a Buffalo Trace bourbon cocktail, The Monster, which was perfectly balanced. Neither sweet nor dry.
(5)Neel K.
I had been looking forward to trying this restaurant and was glad I did. This place is a diamond in the rough....truly a gem hidden on the first floor of a restaurant nestled along an area that looks like little more than a truck stop. I choose the fancy side because I wanted to try the extensive menu and I really liked the ambiance. I sat at the bar and was immediately greater by a bartender. I was blown away by the number of craft beers on tap, and even more impressed by the bar tenders knowledge of the beers. When I told him the flavored I liked, he came back with two samples that were spot on, I loved both of them. I started with the chicken lettuce wraps. Fresh lettuce with perfectly grilled seasoned chicken with quinoa and carrots on the side. It was the perfect appetizers, wetting my appetite for the main course. I went with the bar tenders recommendation of the wild boar burger. I was skeptical at first, but the combination of flavor profiles was phenomenal. The burger was a heap of greatness that melted in your mouth. It seemed like the filet minion of burgers. The fries were excellent, so crispy and flavorful, and perfectly salted. Overall I truly loved this place. The concept of the farm to table, with organic fresh ingredients that are local sourced and beyond all that...the food is just amazing. The staff is exceptionally friendly, helpful, and best of all, they truly know and love the food the serve. I can't wait to go back next time I am in the Harrisburg area.
(5)Mary I.
This was a tricky review to write because my feelings were strong both for and against this restaurant. The name should be "the veal poet" because a sizable portion of the menu items and all of the specials on the day we went were either cruel or environmentally dubious meats. This is a personal, political issue, but I was expecting a garlic-heavy menu. The meal I had was definitely vampire-friendly. The salad was disappointing. It was a plate of different vegetables in separate piles. The taste was acceptable, yet it was anything but satiating. But, the Emerson sandwich was one of the better vegetarian sandwiches I've ever had. The freshly made butter was divine and the cocktails (I had the Mr. Darcy and the Green Light) were interesting, utilizing some of my favorite under-appreciated liqueurs. The decor and literary theme were charming, and the staff was very helpful. I only gave it three stars because I won't go here again, unless I'm with friends who eat red meat.
(3)Na'il S.
If I could I would give 10 stars , absolutely phenomenal food and amazing service, out bartender J""" is an absolutely superb bartender and Miranda complimented him with her mysterious but very social personality. The food WOW !!! Soup dejour , calamari, filet mignon and crab cakes. Top it off with 5 spice cra'me brûlée and black pepper cheesecake. Holy moly. Top 3 dinners of my 33 year old life! Great job ! Coming back with my wife. Cheers dudes
(5)Heidi M.
A gem. I wish we lived closer, I'd visit every week! This place has it all- great staff, awesome decor, and delicious food. We happened across this place, thanks to other Yelpers, and were immediately struck by the detailed cafe taken by the staff to welcome us and ensure we had the best dining experience possible. Our hostess and server were wonderful, helpful, informative and checked in with us throughout the meal, but not in the annoying sense. The decor is fabulous! Like Disney's Haunted Mansion-meets-Grandpa's study. Seriously, it's cool stuff. Can you come do that to my house? And the menus. Come on... Art. Pure art. Now for the food: My daughter ordered the cheeseburger slider and fries from the kid's menu. The sliders came with two quarter-slices of Texas toast for buns. She finished almost everything, including those amazing home-made fries, seasoned to perfection. I had the Chicken Molé and Farro soup. I know there was a third ingredient here, but my memory was not kind this afternoon. What I love is that the chef seeks out flavors that are "exotic" but comforting. I happen to love molé (deep, rich, nutty and sometimes chocolatey flavor) and the Farro, tomato and poblano flavors made for an earthy soup. I even ate the tomatoes. I DON'T eat tomatoes, people. But this time I didn't mind. Next, my son and I shared the Fondue. I searched for something to hind the leftover cheese in. Fantastic. I also shared a salad with my son--the one with Mozzarella & Pear. I know I'm not getting the menu names right but it was a wonderful, light salad with great texture. I ordered two cocktails...but I probably should have stopped at one because I can't handle it. I had the Mr. Darcy and the Green something. Again with the names, but seriously order a fancy cocktail because they are fantastic and so well-conceived (and executed). I hope I helped convince you to come here and I hope the Garlic Poet will expand the love to Los Angeles because we'd love to have you!
(5)Dan C.
What a diamond in the rough. Very nice cozy atmosphere. Knows granule bartender. Creative yummy food. Definitely recommend.
(5)Debbie V.
Best burger I have ever had!!! Wild boar burger!! Medium rare... Pre-dinner... Fondue Brie with purée pears/apples!! AJ the bartender/ waiter is amazing. I asked for his recommendation... Never missed a beat... I love different style foods and we have found the spot.. Garlic Poet!!!!
(5)Anthony S.
My foodie-family and I made our first trip to The Garlic Poet on 3/15. There were some definite highlights of our evening that I think a lot of you will find valuable! First, we accidentally entered their new restaurant Grain + Verse since this was our first trip to the area. It was a little confusing at first; but after scanning the menu, we quickly realized that we were not in the right place. You have to enter through the Clarion Hotel to get to The Garlic Poet. Food: We ordered the following: Crab Cakes (dinner), Veal Chop (farm-special), Veal Burger (Burger special) Crab Cakes: The best way to describe these is by telling you that they were extremely fresh! They had excellent crab-flavor, and they did not skimp on the crab -- in the least bit. They were seasoned appropriately and had a real-delicate flavor to them. They might have been a little bland, but paired with the assortment of dipping sauces really elevated them to the next level. Lastly, the size of them were substantial (I only finished 1). This was paired with a potato fritter, of sorts -- stuffed with potato and haddock. These were amazing. Extremely unique, seasoned perfectly, and (most of all) delicious! These stood on their own as not 'just a side'. (4 / 5) Veal Chop: Cooked perfectly. Seasoned perfectly. My mother ordered this, but I wish I had. It was topped with a reduction of sorts (dark glaze) that added just enough complexity to the dish to really 'wow' me. The accompaniment was supposed to be risotto; but I am not so certain it was. The texture was completely atypical of risotto that I have had in the past, and the entire flavor of it was not very good. It was unique, it just was a 'miss'. (4 / 5) Veal Burger: I did not try this, as I was getting full from everything else very fast; but my sister said that it was one of the best burgers she had ever had. There were no condiments on it. No fancy sauces, no aiolis, nothing. Despite that, the veal patty, the gruyere, the caramelized onions and the arugala all stood-on-their-own and required no additional sauces or seasonings. That is the sign of a perfect burger. 5 / 5 Bread w/ Middle Eastern BBQ Butter: The butter of the night was Middle Eastern BBQ. It strongly resembled 1000 Island, but with an added level of complexity. Delicious. Brownie Cheesecake: A total miss for us. It was creamy, but had a funky flavor to it. Maybe they used goat cheese? Either way, it did not impress. 2/5 Overall Food: 4 / 5 Service: This is tough. The host was excellent. He really exhibited genuine care about where we were seated, our reservation, and was pleasant to carry-on a conversation with. 5 / 5. Our server was bland, inattentive, and didn't seem like he wanted to be there. Also, he asked if we had been there before, and we answered 'no'. It would have been nice if he explained the menu a little bit. I thought I was getting the Cram Cake Half-portion, but instead received the full portion for $27. I could only eat half of my meal, so it was a bummer for me. Service: 3 / 5 (5/5 from host, 2/5 from server) Atmosphere: This is wear The Garlic Poet shines. Incredibly unique! If I could bottle this atmosphere-up and sprinkle it everywhere I went, my life would be significantly better. It was intimate, yet homey, yet sophisticated (but not overly pompous), and was super-chill. I could sit there all night sipping on the Seasonal Sangria that I had, and conversing with good friends and family. Atmosphere: 6 / 5 (one bonus point for exceptional uniqueness, and for emitting a feeling I've never felt anywhere else) Price: For what I got, I feel as if I got what I paid for -- which was excellent quality, fresh, good food. I would not pay anymore for this though. Price: 3 / 5 Final Thoughts: I do not have the bank-roll to come here on a regular basis, but I can totally see myself making an effort to get to The Garlic Poet once per month -- if not for the atmosphere, for the constantly changing menu that offers a unique variety of fresh and seasonally-inspired offerings. I wish our server had been better, as that really makes, breaks, or elevates a dining experience to the next level. Despite that though, this place is a definite keeper, and a must-visit for anyone in the area.
(4)Elizabeth O.
This place is a great date night venue. The food is great, the menu varied, the bar exceptional. I had a goat cheese and pear salad that was very delicate. Needless to say, for a hotel lobby restaurant this place rocks. Just remember that since they are so busy to make reservations.
(5)Marcella C.
The food was excellent. Got truffle fries and filet it was delicious! The service was great, Everyone was nice! If you are looking for a 5 star restaurant this is it.
(5)Lucardious S.
Nice atmosphere but this is a restaurant that tries too hard. On top of that they force feed you the "local farm to table" mantra from the moment you walk it. We get it, you can stop beating us over the head with it. (No stars taken off for this. It's just my opinion) The meal: Soup of the day - Had the soup of the day described as "Manhattan style vegetable chowder with polenta croutons" which was apparently a euphemism for Vegetable Soup with Polenta cubes floating in it. It wasn't bad, as far as vegetable soup goes , but I was definitely expecting something more exotic. Persian fries - these were really good as far as fries go. No complaints here Crab cakes - multiple people recommended these as the go to dish. My review? Meh. Not a crab cake in the traditional sense. They were scoops of crab cake mix (think scoop of ice cream), browned in the oven served with charred greens. Lots of crab, nice consistency, not sold on the flavor profile. Also, the scoop method has a flaw, the further into the pile you go, the cooler it gets. To the point the crab cakes were actually a little cold toward the bottom/middle. Far from being a vegetable hater, I found the charred greens to be unpalatable. No seasoning, no spice, no sauce or oil. Just greens, charred. Might as well have been hay. overall a good place for a drink and I'm sure there are redeeming items on the menu other than the fries. My suggestion is to go to their causal pizza and beer establishment next door - Grain and Verse, its a home run. The Boli is amazing.
(3)Rhett H.
Thought this restaurant was just okay. Not one I'm dying to go back to. If you are staying in one of the surrounding hotels, it's a better option than the nearby diner. The wait staff were very good and we didn't wait long for the food. I like the concept of the restaurant, but thought the food was good, but not great. One disappointment was that there was not even one plate that incorporated garlic, and when asked if garlic could be included in one of the meals, we were told they didn't have any.
(3)Lisa O.
Surprisingly amazing. Not only is this farm to table but also a sustainable venture. Celery corn soup, off the charts. Everything looked and smelled amazing. Friendly staff and great ambiance.
(4)David A.
You would not expect this quality and menu choices at a place attached to a Clarion Hotel. Nice British Pub feel and friendly service. My burger (natural beef) was good, not great. My salad was fantastic and very filling.
(4)Sue P.
Had dinner with a large group on Friday night. Several delicious appetizers - the trio of fries and fritters (especially the citrus tartar sauce) being the big winners. French fries with cheese gravy and oh so tender bites of steak was addictive. Calamari was tough, under cooked and lacked flavor. All main courses received rave reviews, including crab cakes (little if any filler), grilled cheese, filet, chicken sandwich with bacon, and white fish. The only dud was the pork chop which was only mediocre. Lemon and maple syrup ice cream was creamy and flavorful (just a hint of maple),bread pudding was moist but needs a drizzle of sauce, perhaps bourbon glaze as a flavor boost. Will definitely be back.
(4)Kat S.
After requesting suggestions for a special wedding anniversary dinner location, many of our friends suggested the Garlic Poet. The Garlic Poet blew us away. This is really a foodie-type restaurant. They focus on fresh, locally sourced and house made dishes. Some of the dishes may require further explanation, because this is more than just your burger and steak type place. Some of the ingredients are exotic, but the serving staff is knowledgeable and will help. Do not be afraid to ask. The staff were made aware of our dietary restrictions and did an amazing job to make sure everything was just right. My husband had an Arctic Char dish. The fish was done perfectly, tender, not dry, with a crispy skin that was outstanding. I had a pork tenderloin...the memory makes my mouth water just thinking about it. We shared some tomato bisque that was so flavorful, creamy but not too thick. They paired house made rolls with the current compound butter flavor which had leeks and I think dill...I asked for some butter to go at the end, it was that good. I can not have alcoholic beverages, but wanted a celebratory drink. The bartender custom made a fruity ginger ale drink that was wonderful. The entire experience, from start to finish, was perfect. We could not have asked for a better celebratory location. The bill for two people, including two entrees, appetizers,1 salad, 1 soup, his iced tea and my soda (they just charged me for the ginger ale, not the mixers to make it a fruity drink). The final bill was $90 including tip.
(5)Jason S.
We live nearby and have not been here since Garlic Poet opened (had been a series of other restaurants in the past.) We were heading back from out of town and on a whim Yelped the place. So glad we did! We got here at opening 4pm after a teaser of reading reviews during our drive. First, the place is attached to a Clarion hotel-- not a stellar brand, but presents nicely as the restaurant entrance is in the hotel lobby. The restaurant space used to be an Elephant and Castle and still retains some of the old English look with some updates. Ann, our server, was on point in every way. Unassuming attention, prompt and friendly, and knew the menu and all of the nuances such as how amazing the in-house cured bacon is. Here comes the good part. My wife started with a Poet's Tea: Lavender infuse Tito's vodka, lemon sours, and earl grey tea. Stunning and instantly made Facebook. The homemade bread with apricot and vanilla infused, the greens salad with homemade bleu cheese, beautiful artisan cheese plate started our meal. We looked ridiculous oohing and ahhing over the wonderful taste, but everything was so good! Afterwards we had an elk burger, a build a burger, and chicken fingers. All were excellent. The elk burger had a thick slice of brisket on top and my wife got the bacon on her's. Ah, the bacon! The kids chicken fingers came with fingerling potatoes and the chicken fingers were dark meat; interesting and delicious. The triple cooked fries with flakes sea salt were also tasty. We flew out of there to catch a movie and we're looking forward to going back in the near future to see what their dessert looks like. Wow, such a find in Harrisburg. While we are starting to get move farm to table restaurants in the area, most that I've been to are pretentious and in some cases way overpriced. Garlic Poet isn't a cheap date, but exceptional, and will be on our list to return very soon!
(5)Beth F.
Amazing!!! Great find as we travel through here a lot! Local sourced and all homemade! Grass fed burger with local homemade ice cream.. Mmmm
(5)The R.
Pros: The food, service, ambiance, the butter, cocktails, and beer selection. Great menu with so many unique options, and when the waiter tells you about the daily features your mouth starts to water. The chef does some unique things with the menu and it's truly incredible when you are finally able to eat them. The service was great, our waiter was extremely knowledgeable with the menu and was able to explain each dish as if he just ate it yesterday. The daily changing butters are always a treat, the one I had yesterday was a summer squash, lavender, and citrus butter. The specialty cocktails are hit too. I have only tried two of them so far but from how unique and good they were I can only imagine the rest of them to be just as good. Cons: Honestly I can't think of any. The experience was great. I have been here a handful of times so far and I am finally writing a review because of how great my experience was last night (all of my experiences have been similar to the one I'm about to share). First when we got there we were immediately greeted with a smile from the hostess and she brought us to our table right away (we made reservations and our table was ready when we got there). Josh was our waiter and he went over all the features of the day and made some recommendations all of which I followed and I'm glad I did. I ended up getting the burger of the day, a veal burger. I normally get my burgers cooked med-well but Josh recommended med-rare and I'm glad he did. The burger was cooked perfectly and the side of the triple cooked fries were amazing. The veal was juicy and topped off with a house made hummus and goat cheese. The complexities of flavor made me enjoy every single bite of the burger. My fiance ordered the bacon and chicken sandwich and she only let me have one bite because of how good it was. I have never had bacon that good before, it was nice and thick and smokey and cooked perfectly. We have yet to get dessert here but I can only imagine if it is as good and unique as the rest of the menu it will be amazing as well, I really need to start saving room. Garlic Poet, keep doing what your doing! We can't wait to come in again.
(5)CHRISTOPHER Y.
Great spot, enjoyed the atmosphere and the food was excellent. Don't get the creme brulee, it isn't sweet and taste like french onion dip.
(5)Helen W.
Another great meal at the lovely spot. Love the farm to table concept. Last night's meal didn't rate 5 stars due to lukewarm soup but everything else divine. Flavors are always awesome. Scallops were perfect along with the lettuce cups, yes too many good things to pick from so I had to do the mix and match.
(4)Kara S.
Garlic Poet never disappoints! TROEGS fondue with gluten free bread to the always AMAZING venison burgers with bacon you owe it to yourself to check this place out, or not that means more for me
(5)Diane T.
Took my bf for his birthday and, wow, did we love our meal and the whole experience. You really don't expect to find a locally-sourced restaurant of this caliper in a Clarion Hotel in New Cumberland, but there it is! The feeling I got from the second I walked in was that the people who worked there were proud to call The GP their restaurant. The host, server and bartender were all awesome. I loved the British pub feel and the poetry/literature theme. The craft beer list was carefully chosen and had some good local brews, as well. I had the "Manhattan Streets" bourbon cocktail and it was delicious. Our starter was the Troeg's-pulled hand-made mozzerella. My only complaint was that there weren't more. My bf & I each got three small rounds. I then received my mushroom/carrot bisque. Amazing. And I got the grilled cheese of gruyere and boursin and put the crab cake on the side. Everything was delicious, altho I will say the crab cake needs more of a kick as it was much too bland. My bf got the build your own burger. Luckily for me he is a very patient man who allows me to steal stuff off his plate. I snatched a piece of the burger and that beef was spectacular, cooked to a lovely medium-rare. The triple fried fries were really crunchy. There are so many items on the menu I want to try, so we'll definitely go back.
(5)Edward B.
Unexpected hit! It seemed like a bit of a "hole in the wall" , but when we walked in we were presently surprised! The decor is old world classic with busts of the great philosophers, and the food was about as good as it gets! We are definitely planning a return trip!
(4)Samiam H.
OK my second visit, and this place gets better. The dining room is drab, no real natural light and there is not enough artifical light. The place was busy for mid week. Service was good at the bar and in the dining room. Choice of beers good, but no cask beer which is a disappointment as it is what you would expect to match the quality of the food. Interesting creative menu, a bit confusing to read as it is in a book format. I was going to order the seafood bisque but it was off the menu. I settled on the pork tenderloin. I had the large plate, and friends had the small plate, there was very little difference for $7 except the size of the plate. sesame-ginger roasted seasonal mushrooms / miso-lime chimichuri / warm nappa cabbage kimchi / chef's daily starch The food was perfectly cooked although for me the food was warn and I like my food hot. There was not enough food for me for a $26 dish but now I realized the waiter forgot the "chefs' daily starch' so loss of star. My friend had the elk burger that came with triple fried fries. I think double fried would have been better, first to cook blanch, second to crisp at time of service. The ice cream dessert was excellent. My friends had cheesecake which was amazingly small portion (the waiter did warn us), but they thught the taste was very good. Expresso chocolate beans came with the coffee, a nice bread with a home made fruity butter came with main course, mint chocolates came with the bill. Garlic Poet is now up there with The Left Bank in York and almost up there with Restaurant Sidney in East Berlin. Yea I am a fan and will recommend to others and come again. However I will probably not order the large plate and will remind the waiter that it comes with the 'chef's starch of the day".
(4)Robbie P.
I had such high expectations for the GP. My family and several friends swear by this place. The ambiance is quaint and very keeping with the theme. It certainly adds to the experience. The wine selection was scant. For a restaurant that has gourmet level cuisine the wine selection needs to be more broad and deep. We started with the calamari, which was underdone and lacked flavor. The two accompanying sauces helped, but couldn't save it. I opted for the pork chop with farm veggies. The potatoes were really cooked well and were flavorful. The chop itself lacked soul. It was tough and ill spiced. The roasted carrots had the consistency of a Goodyear tire. Perhaps it's me; perhaps the kitchen had a bad day. I don't know. I will give the GP one more shot and keep my fingers crossed.
(3)Julie S.
Wonderful, creative dishes, resourced locally. Service was excellent. Great wine list. Love that they use PA products. One of my favorites in central PA...and we frequently dine out.
(5)Barbara G.
The Garlic Poet could be an excellent restaurant, but right now I give it 3 stars simply for effort. The menu is an odd mix of unrelated dished. Many items have 2 sizes that can be ordered, but even with that the portions for many things are tiny and I mean really tiny. I order vegetarian lettuce wraps. The lettuce was tiny red leaf lettuce which one could not wrap anything wider then a toothpick. The tomato bisque soup was excellent. I ordered a herb salad and it was good except there were several rogue pieces of fried lard that had an add taste. My husband and I ordered cheese cake to share. The cheesecake was 2 inches by 2 inches and 1/2 inch high! Really!!!! One bite per person. Now let me say that this eatery is expensive for what you get. I'm not a fan of huge portions but this was really small. Some items were over salted...what's with that. The service was pleasant but the restaurant was über noisy. Decor nice but a bit tired. Basically it's okay. Just okay.
(3)Reggie H.
Disappointing / questionable service Went with a friend Friday night specifically for the Tomato bisque. Was told the chef took it off the menu along with other best selling items to keep it current. My comment back was this doesn't even make good business sense, that Eric Ripert leaves items on La Bernidan, Thomas Keller @ French laundry etc. Was condescendingly told by the waiter 'the chef is a genius and people need to accept it'. Wow Service was not whet I've experienced there before. Sat on the upper lever. Waiter did not explain dinner & acted like he was doing us a favor. Will try someplace else. Knowing we can't rely on the menu makes going to the Poet questionable. No rush to go back this year or any time soon.
(2)Ellen G.
I'm confused. I drive by this restaurant (in the Clarion Hotel) twice a day as I commute on 83, and would never have 1.) known this restaurant existed, and 2.) considered getting off the highway at the Limekiln Road exit. Why is The Garlic Poet not advertised and better known? (Hence the confusion.) This place is a gem! But I fear it's sparkle will tarnish if the Clarion marketing department doesn't step up their game. Driving by this exit, fast food places and, well, nothing really appealing is all that is evident. This is a shame because The Clarion, where the Garlic Poet is housed, is maintained very nicely. The entryway is clean with attractive landscaping. The lobby is clean, bright, and inviting. My friends and I were greeted immediately upon entering the bar area, and were asked if we wanted to sit in the dining room or outside on the patio, where a separate grill menu is offered. Since we wanted to take advantage of the last of the summer weather, we chose to sit outside. Our server, Jennifer, greeted us and brought us water right away, and took orders for drinks. The chef who was manning the grill this evening, Dan, came over to greet us - a nice touch. We placed our orders and had just the right amount of time to chat before our food was brought to us. I had ordered a cheeseburger, and miracle of miracles, it was served exactly as I ordered it - rare! I can't remember the last time I was served a hamburger just the way I like it. It was juicy and tasty, and - as Jennifer promised- formed by hand, not one of those godawful pre-formed, cardboard-y burgers. There was a table laden with all kinds of toppings, sauces, and grilled veggies. The ambiance was very pleasant, with surprisingly pretty chandeliers on the inside of the tent, and lots of pretty landscaping outside. I fully intend to come back here; next time I will eat in the dining room. The dining menu looks amazing and I can't wait to try it out! After I do, I will post another review.
(4)Dan S.
We had a very good evening at the Garlic Poet. The menu was eclectic and interesting. Our meals did not disappoint. Our waiter was efficient, friendly and knowledgeable. Checked the table without being intrusive. I would recommend this restaurant because of the excellent meal and the professional staff. I also enjoy and support their effort to utilize local ingredients and farms. We will return to the Garlic Poet.
(4)Crisie R.
The atmosphere is really nice. I Would definitely throw a " girls night" there. Dining was delightful
(4)Joseph S.
Foodie's delight. Best deal is custom menu - soup, appetizer and small portion entree for $25. Wine list is short but decent and house cocktails are well priced. I will definitely be back on next trip !
(5)Mary Z.
Fantastic service and amazing food. Even the kids' menu was top notch. Highly recommend and will definitely return.
(5)Wesley M.
Took my wife here after hearing all the hype. Unfortunately, we were sandwiched into a corner bracketed by two larger parties. The noise was so loud we were unable to understand anything our server was saying. The menu was interesting, and we both decided on a simple meal. I ordered the meatloaf and she ordered a chicken sandwich. After about ten minutes out server stopped by and apologized that the bread was late, but would be out momentarily. A few minutes later the bread came out, followed a moment later by the entrees. My first impression upon tasting was disappointment followed closely by boredom. Given the high praise by everyone, I was expecting a delicious, moist perfectly seasoned slice of meatloaf. What I got was a bland, unseasoned piece of meatloaf that was slightly above what I would get at a Denny's. Where things got worse was the chicken sandwich that my wife tried, unsuccessfully, to pick up and eat. The bread fell apart immediately and she had to resort to knife and fork. She took one, perhaps two bites and pushed it away, complaining it had no flavor. So we decided we would pay up and head out, but alas, no server to be found. It took us 15 minutes to flag him down to get the check. Luckily, he asked us how things were, and we told him boring, which, of course, shocked him. After a discussion with his manager, they decides to not charge us for the dinner, which was the highlight of the meal. My wife has vowed never to eat there again, I think it may, possibly, have been a bad night and will possibly try it again in the future. I will, however, insist on a quieter area.
(2)Logan S.
Where to take my wife for dinner on her birthday. She suggested this restaurant of which I never heard. She said that one of her business clients is Chef Chad and wanted to try the Garlic Poet on her birthday. So tonight we went. It's connected to the Clarion Hotel: looks like it took the place of a previous eatery. I used their mobile website to make reservations, very convenient, and received an email confirmation in less than 24 hours. The decor is dim, Mediterranean motifs, with portraits of poets on the walls. I'm not sure the idea of "garlic" as a universal seasoning and "poetry" as a universal literary form is well communicated near a bar with football on a flat screen TV, but what is exceptional is the food. For medical reasons my wife and I cannot drink alcohol so we had to pass on the extensive beer, wine and spirits menus. The appetizer, salad, entree and dessert menu is brief, but creative and well focused. Better to do a few things well. And well they did them. With a homemade bread served on a wooden slicing board, a small cup of gingerbread infused butter, a tomato bisque mildly seasoned and not salty or acidic, and a charcuterie of wurst, venison, and two pates served as our appetizers. The highlight was a seafood plate for my wife consisting of tail of blowfish, divers scallops, crispy kale and quinoa. My wife said it was light tasting and "airy", the blowfish having a buttery flavor. I had braised short ribs cooked for six hours, mashed parsnips, cabbage and apples in a Demi glacé. Extremely flavorful, light and tender. The owner graciously treated us for dessert to be best creme brûlée I have tasted and a chocolate raspberry frozen yogurt for my wife. She said the flavors meshed beautifully, without one overpowering the other. I'm definitely not a gourmet diner, and know only what I see on the Food Network. The food at Garlic Poet is definitely beyond my normal fare, but it was all fresh and flavorful. My wife and I shall return to try some of their other culinary delights. Thanks to the chefs, our server Josh, the receptionist and owners for making my wife's birthday so special.
(5)Robert F.
A few months ago my wife and I stopped by based on the recommendation of a neighbor. I have to say it was nothing special. The house burger was flavorless, the twice fried potatoes were less than exciting and that was just my dish which by the way was hands down better than what my wife had. The service and atmosphere are nice but if you go for the food stop at the bar and order a pizza from Pizza Hut you will like it better.
(1)Jeff F.
Comfort food this is not! The menu is filled with inventive offerings paired with unique specials. Our party of four tried the calamari appetizer and three different entrees. Everything received a hearty thumbs up. New patrons will receive an explanation of the restaurant name and chef's passion for locally-sourced fresh ingredients. Our waitress Miranda and her new trainee were attentive but we did have to flag her down after the meal when it was time to leave for a scheduled evening event. We are looking to return so we can try a few different items.
(4)Alainna W.
Fantastic culinary prowess coupled with superb microbrew selection, inguenuitive mixed liquors, great wine selections. The staff was knowledgeable and courteous. Add in a warm rustic meets sophisticated atmosphere and you have a lasting establishment. Very pleased. We shall see you all again!
(5)Britney K.
I recently dined with a group of 11 for dinner service and the food and drinks were amazing. Everyone in the party enjoyed the eclectic menu and agreed that they would visit again. Service was good as well. Unfortunately our groups soup orders were never delivered to the table and we were compensated with free desserts. Other than that mishap the evening was wonderful. I will most defiantly be visiting again.
(5)Jonathan S.
No time to elaborate but a gem indeed! 4.5 stars. James the head bartender is part alchemist, part mixologist part great conversationalist. The food was surprisingly creative and delicious. Well worth the visit!
(4)Dominic M.
The literature themed decor gives a unique first impression and the ambiance was charming and inviting. Good selection of local and semi-local drafts. The wait staff was a little underwhelming but enthusiastic. Any lacking service seemed to be due to inexperience rather than attitude. Each waitress had to explain to the table the origins of the name, which came off a little confusing and awkward for both parties. The Cod fritters were very savory with a gooey cheese sauce. The five fritters included left the whole table wanting more. Each member of our table got a different version of their burger, the burger de jure was a venison burger with an apple cinnamon chutney, brie, and fennel slaw. The burger was good but the flavors of the slaw and chutney were not as pronounced as expected. The "triple fried" fries were also tasty but nothing extraordinary. Despite being slightly let down by the burger, my impression was that the restaurant is passionate about unique foods, and ingredients, and I will be back soon. Definitely worth a try!
(4)D H.
GF friendly. Although when you actually inquire about different gluten free menu choices, very little was actually GF. I can't say enough good things about the service. The wait staff was great. But the only decent part about the meal that people actually enjoyed was the desert. The steak that I had was OK. The potatoes that came with it were burnt and not really seasoned at all. Overall no one said that they enjoyed their meal. Everyone agreed that it was just so so. They have an OK wine list, but basically mark up a bottle more than three times what you would pay for it anywhere else. The beer that some of our group drank said it was good and they had a really nice selection. We had a good time, and stayed for a while without being pushed out. The way the place is decorated is really cool. I really wanted to like this place because several people have said it was really good. But the next day after I thinking about it, dropping $150.00 for dinner for two and not really enjoying it is not worth it. I won't be going back. I can go to a lot of other places and get a good steak for a lot less $$.
(2)Jeanine C.
My first impression of this restaurant wasn't what I had imagined. I expected a more laid-back atmosphere. Instead it seemed more dressy. Immediately walking in, I notice the interior. The design was absolutely beautiful. Very dark and more of a romantic setting. We were seated in "The Library" which was a separate area that literally looked like a library. Something that you would kinda see in an older mansion, with a fireplace and wall hangings of creepy, dead people. The bar was right outside the library. Eventually it got a bit louder as more people came in - kind of disturbing. We had the friendliest waiter, definitely a plus. For an appetizer we they give you bread with a different - but good - kind of butter. We also ordered the Calamari, which included seasoned carrots and bean sprouts, and two sides of sauces that were fantastic. For a meal, I ordered the Noodle Bowl with Chicken - delicious and recommended. Also, I had a taste of the Du Jour - delicious as well! Gelato was the appetizer, nothing special about that - it's Gelato. The negatives: it's only open 4-10pm. Uh, really? I gave this restaurant one star down because of how little choices there were on the menu. So that made it difficult to decide. Other than that: food was great, prices were even better, service was excellent!
(4)Jessica B.
Server was great, Food was not. Appetizer was lame mound of cheese. Burgers were way undercooked. Noodle bowl was inedible. Dishes generally seem to be trying to hard and failing. Drinks were creative and fun, but so-so.
(1)Max P.
This was my first time here and it was a Father's Day Dinner. It's very nondescript from the outside because it's technically a hotel restaurant. Don't let that fool you. It's very nice on the inside. Fancy looking without being upscale/have to dress up. The service from the host to the waitress was top notch. The menu is full of tasty appetizers and meals. I couldn't decide so I ordered several plus the GP Noodle soup. Everything was delicious and the noodle soup was akin to Vietnamese Pho. I wish this place was closer to where I lived because I would go all the time. All. The. Time.
(5)Nick P.
Absolutely fantastic experience. It seemed a little strange that this restaurant was located in a hotel but it definitely proves that you should not judge a book by its cover. The atmosphere and decor are fantastic, the whole place has a great library literary theme. Our waiter was very friendly and knowledgable. He made great recommendations that were spot on and gave insight into the restaurant. The food was simply to die for. I had the soup trio with the soup trio as an appetizer, cup of beef stew, cup of, tomato bisque, and cup of soup du jour. All were excellent though the tomato bisque was my favorite. I had the special elk burger that had a wonderful gamey/earthy flavor that was very unique. My wife had the buratta, which was unbelievable delicious. Smoked tomatoes, duck prosciutto, and carrots that were unique and delicious. If you're in the area and looking for a delicious and affordable place to eat, do not hesitate about going to the Garlic Poet!!!
(5)John G.
Okay they say first impressions are the most important and since this was the first time we've been to the Garlic Poet I am pleased to say it was a very good one. This place used to be the Elephant and Castle but with the change of Hotel and Restaurant management I am pleased to say the Garlic Poet is a great improvement. That being said I shall get on with it. Our waitress Alicia was very friendly and hospitable and since it was our first time here I kinda grilled her on the menu. My wife ordered the Tomato a Bisque for a starter and then the Smaller Portion of the Poet Meatloaf w/ Mac And Cheese. The bisque she said was creamy and she loved that they put cheese in it. The Meatloaf was tasty and the Mac and cheese was light and Creamy. I on the other hand went the safe way I had an a Elk Burger which was on special. It was prepared as I asked well done. (My mistake I've had Elk before and know I should order it Med. Because it gets Dry. Can't blame them I ordered it.) so it was prepared perfectly and served with onion straws on top with a melted cheese. If I would have written this earlier I would remember the cheese. The meal left no room for desert but we were tempted to try the bread pudding . The atmosphere of the place is what you might expect if you were visiting a poets home. Sort of that Old Colonial style library setting except it has a nice size bar in the middle. This is one place I will be returning to time and again because the menu is different and appealing. I am looking forward to trying the apple Corned Pork Brisket and the Braised Short Ribs. The GP Noodle Bowl might be a lunch item! garlicpoet.com/blog/harr…
(4)Mlu B.
Fun ambiance. Wonderful beers and wines. Good music. Great service. Really special food, prepared by a chef who pays attention to the smallest details.
(4)Jay R.
Excellent decor. Service could not have been better. Our waiter was well informed and was there at the right time always. Appetizers were tasty, the smoked lamb ribs were different and good. The calamari was crisp and the sauces terrific. The ability to order half entrees is unique and allowed us better opportunities to sample items from a wonderful menu. This was a great experience marred only by some of the worst French Fries we have ever had; soggy, limp, greasy, and not very tasty. However they did not detract from an overall positive experience.
(4)Erica J.
I like this place. A lot. Then again, I don't go to crap, boozeless weddings. That said, the biggest thing to keep in mind about arriving at The Garlic Poet is that when God closes one door behind you and the entryway smells like chlorine, let God open the next door in front of you. Voila, you're at The Garlic Poet and it is delicious. I haven't had a bad meal there yet and the dishes are wildly creative - from the different flavored butter to a incredible dessert sampler with rich pumpkin cheesecake and black cherry creme brulee. In the three years I lived near New York City, I paid a lot more for a lot less. 120 bucks (with tip) for a dinner for four that included a bottle of wine and dessert? Fantastic. Just about the only thing that I'd recommend is to stop programming the servers with an enormous amount of culinary philosophy and overly elaborate descriptions of the specials. Not only is it a lot to remember but it makes them really robotic.
(5)Jared W.
Yummy and unique dishes. It's clear that the head chef has major influence on the menu, which, to a foody, is great!!!
(4)Dawn C.
Great service. Good food! The ambiance and decor are super cute - not expected at a Clarion Hotel! Will come back.
(5)John B.
Only been here once so far, but if my second visit is like the first, this will be my new favorite Central PA restaurant. Helpful staff, delicious, innovative food, and charming atmosphere. Try the apple/bone marrow creme brûlée.
(5)Lawrence V.
Wonderful, creative food, exceptional service and a meticulous attention to detail make Garlic Poet a very special place to dine. Definitely will return.
(5)Brandon D.
I found it to be an OK place to eat. The service was wonderful and certainly kept with the classy atmosphere. The food was only OK and the portions were far too small for the price, especially dessert. This is the way it is done at fine dining places, except the food wasn't good enough to deserve that pricing format. To sum things up, it's a hotel restaurant. Trying to be five star with its portions and prices, but the food just doesn't deliver.
(3)Kt M.
My brother and I were driving home for the holidays and stopped at this restaurant. I would highly recommend it. There was live music playing and the artist was very talented. The ambiance is really fun & laid back. Janeane, our waitress and bartender was WONDERFUL! She was very friendly (even though we were there late) and patiently explained all the menu items to us. She also let us try different beers and was very knowledgeable about them. We ended up enjoying delicious drinks, food, and ambiance! We will be back on future drives!
(5)Drew C.
Where do I even start? The words "terrible and bizarre" passed through my mind as I contemplated their godforsaken name; little did I know that those words would turn out to perfectly describe the experience we were about to have there. I am not really a snobby eater. I love all foods, from fried street meats that have probably been sitting in a rat-infested cart for three weeks to gourmet organic vegan gluten free gently sauteed raw mountaintop vegetables sprinkled with gold. I will eat it all. That being said, my biggest issue with The Garlic Poet is that they're trying extremely hard to be something that they're simply not. The food is not fancy or even very good; everything can be summed up as 'subpar and overpriced bar food.' Had the prices been cheaper or the atmosphere been less overtly pretentious, their rating might be a star or two higher. We get seated and the waitress comes over to give us this long diatribe about why The Garlic Poet is named The Garlic Poet, which was not a very interesting story or a good justification for choosing such an awful name. To be fair, the demographic at this place can be accurately described as "boring old people who love QVC and quaint dining experiences," so I am sure the speech goes over well with most others. After hearing about how unique and special and interesting the menu items were, we decided to try a number of things: Crab Poppers These were the best part of the meal, but they weren't especially flavorful one way or another. The spicy sauce they came with made everything taste good. Fried bread + good sauce = ??? Fried Pickles These were just okay. The batter was pretty standard; for around ten dollars, more was expected. You could get these at any street fair for half the price. Short Rib Slathered in a weird, thick sauce, this was not very good. The mashed potatoes didn't really have a flavor at all. The carrots tasted like potatoes. How do you even get that to happen? It was weird, and not in a good way. Meatloaf Salt. Lots and lots of salt. The meat was dry and the onion 'straws' had only one flavor: grease. The truffle mac and cheese was also completely flavorless. At least the crunchy top was...crunchy. The drinks also fell short. The pumpkin beer had a rim that was crusted with way too much spice, and the Peach Fuzz cocktail just tasted like my high school days of filling an Orangina halfway up with cheap vodka. In short, don't bother. Especially not for the price.
(1)John K.
This is a really cool place and could easily be 5 stars. First the good. The restaurant has a very nice vibe and the decor is great. The beer menu is excellent and the mixed drinks were delicious. The food is very well prepared. The not so good. The service seems a little unenthusiastic from the hostesses, wait staff to bussers. Just no extra effort or attentiveness. The menu and website talks a lot about being vegan friendly. My son is a vegan and researched to find this restaurant based on that. While it's true there are some vegan selections they just don't work theme far enough. Have vegan selections in each category from appetizer to dessert. How hard is it to offer a vegan dessert? As I said the food was generally very well prepared and delicious with the exception of the noodle bowl. This was billed as an entree but was more like a glorified soup. The flavor was just off and there was not nearly enough to it. Left me wanting an entree. We would go back yes for sure I hope they work on improving and expanding their menu a bit.
(3)Ann L.
Our waiter, Ed, was fantastic. Everything he did, suggested and offered was perfect. The food ... I was a bit underwhelmed. I was expecting fa-nominal and received very good. The house made buratta was good but far from the best I have had - curds were a bit dry and none of it was creamy in texture. The butternut squash soup was out of this world - loved it! The chicken mole soup - meh - it was fine but not spicy at all, broth had a burnt taste and the mole flavor was nonexistent - the chef clearly didn't taste test this evening. The fried calamari was really good. The best part was the pickled jalapenos but there were only three little pieces in the serving - I would have loved to have more and it's an inexpensive way to fill out the plate. The crab cakes were good, nice generous portion and full of crab. Our teens burgers were both cooked perfectly and had great flavor. The fries... not so great but it might just be us. We like our fries crispy on the outside and these were the texture of a baked potato. The ice cream that we all shared (pumpkin and apple pie) was awesome! The location has A LOT to be desired. The building looks like an old abandoned grocery store. It was dark outside, no lighting, landscaping, paint peeling from exterior... just junky looking and uninviting. I can't imagine who stays in the hotel. The inside where the restaurant is located was really cute and cozy. I realize that the GP does not own this building/hotel. But, it is quite a downer when you pull up the first time : ( I would come back for sure. The wait staff alone makes the dinner memorable. The food was very good and very fresh. This area is so limited on good restaurants - I really hope they continue to thrive. I also really appreciate that they support local farms.
(4)Terri S.
We had a party of ten and arrived an hour earlier than our reservation, as our theater production ended earlier than anticipated. Luckily, it was late afternoon, so they could accommodate us. They were gracious, and met our special request to be in a corner or more private area. Our service was good, but there were a few gaps--long waits for drinks, no offer to wrap my half-eaten burger, etc., but overall, a very good experience. The calamari, crab cake and special fish (swordfish) were terrific. The chef's burger (elk) was ok--advertised as lean, both of our diners found a bit dry and so-so. The pork loin was delicious. We felt they did a good job with our large group and we will return!
(4)Paul H.
Yup,its in a clarion inn. Yup, its delicious. I've eaten baby octopus here, I've eaten so many different kinds if burger I can't even remember them all. Duck, boar, veal, Kobe beef...the list goes on,and its different every night, not to mention very reasonably priced. The cocktails are awesome, lots of good beers on tap. Yeah it might be a little noisy at times, and lately it's been hard to get a table on Friday and Saturday nights, but that's too be expected at a smaller place like this that serves great interesting food.
(5)Jim H.
Wow. I totally, 100%, absolutely enjoyed this place. That's about all I really need to say, but, for good measure, I will say a bit more... Working for the guv'mint, I occasionally find myself traveling for whatever reason, and while some may see that as a chore, I take it as a great opportunity to try new restaurants outside of the Philly area. So, pursuant to that, I always prefer to find a local or small-scale eatery rather than settle for one of the boring chains, fast food, or some random pizza joint. (That should go without saying). Tonight, I went here on the recommendation of an old friend from the area, and I can't wait to thank him for it tomorrow. First off, the beer selection is very impressive; it's not absurdly huge, but regionally-local, well-selected, and capable of pleasing even the most discerning of beer snobs (of which I am certainly not one). The service was also superb. We had a very friendly waitress named Amber, who did a great job of describing the menu and everything else. Now for best part, the food. It's anything but typical. This menu took me just a little bit out of my comfort zone, and I'm glad it did. Sure, you can eat as standardly as you want (maybe a burger & fries, etc), but there's plenty of things offered that get really creative. I won't mention anything specific, as the menu apparently changes seasonally, but it's definitely worth a venture into uncharted territory. (After all, isn't that what being in the middle of Pennsylvania is all about)?
(4)Matthew H.
The food was great. The draft menu is awesome! That said the steak and some sandwiches are *very* small. My appetizer was bigger than my meal.
(4)Micah J.
I have been there 5 times since they have opened and, WOW!!! First off the bartender Jessica knows her stuff. She makes a mean slow gin fizz. Good beer selection as well. Troegs, Dogfish, Victory all on tap! The food is excellent. They have an amazing happy hour. Ive had the sliders, wings, pot stickers, and crab balls. All excellent. The wing sauce could use a bit more of its own identity. It tastes rather much like most hot wing sauces do that you would find at local bars. The grilled cheese here is just out of this world. Yes, the Twisted Grilled Cheese is a must try. The entree I cannot get past is the Braised Short Rib. They give you a knife but you dont even need one. Get it. Paired with fresh steamed veggies and horseradish mashed potatoes its the perfect meal. And it all sit upon a Guiness reduction. Perfection on a plate. Once in awhile they have fresh raw oysters as well. I chowed down on some fresh Blue Points while there as an appitiezer. I live close to this place and its hard to drive by it and go somewhere else. This is definiately the new hot spot in town!
(5)Sue K.
The ambiance, service and food was amazing! The Troegs fondue appetizer was delicious but not served with enough bread to finish the fondue however the waiter did offer more bread, we decided to take the rest home. The crab cake served with cod fritters and escarole was perfect. The sauces accompanied the entree, added a special flavoring to the meal. The other guests had short ribs, fish & chips and grilled cheese sandwich with tomato bisque. Everyone raved about their selection as well. My new favorite restaurant.
(5)Eric U.
Where to begin! Not sure where all the previous reviewers ate! Let's start with the very nice waitress. She started out asking us if we've dined with them before and when we replied it's our first time (party of 4). She told us we were in for a special treat. Then she lost us when she tried to explain the name of the restaurant. It was a very bizarre speech to say the least. The waitress went over the specials and kept repeating the fish special of Mahituna. We asked repeatedly what she meant by Mahituna and she looked at us like we were the strange one. Ok so my daughter ordered chicken lettuce wraps that were so dried out it was inedible. My wife ordered gnocchi bolognase (red meat sauce). Ok the gnocchi were ok at best but no red meat sauce ! My brother in law ordered a grilled salad that pretty much had 3 pieces of romaine lettuce. Not bad but a bit overpriced at $9. Ok now for the best. I ordered the mahi special. The fish was tasteless, the risotto was not bad but the root vegetable purée was so heavily spiced I couldn't eat it. Needless to say 3 out of 4 of us barely ate our meals. You would have thought the waitress would have brought the manager over but no such luck. She simply cleared the table and never said a word. On the way home I actually had to pull car over, open door and vomit. So our first time. Not such a great experience. Maybe a bad night but don't think we will be back.!!! This restaurant seems to have identity crisis. Add in Harrisburg magazine made it look like an upscale restaurant However it's very pub like in appearance and menu but trying to be domething it's not. A good restaurant!!!!
(1)Heather K.
My husband and I wanted to try a new (to us) place for our anniversary dinner, and I think we may have found a new favorite. We happened to come at the same time as happy hour, so adding a few delicious cocktails to our meal did not break the bank. Happy hour specials were abundant and I think if we had stuck with just that menu we would still have been satisfied. The libations were unique and yummy, and the food was very good as well. We were both thankful that the portions were small, since it allowed us to enjoy a shared appetizer, our entrees, and dessert without feeling overstuffed. I think I'll definitely be back, not only to try more of the different menu items but also for the happy hour specials as well.
(5)Tim C.
First off... AMAZING pot stickers. We received excellent service with a waiter providing feedback and some ordering tips in a polite and non-condensing way.
(5)Stephen A.
Simply outstanding. Great bar. Great food. Great service. Great atmosphere. A diamond in the rough.
(5)Brian P.
I come to town once a year for work, last year this place was called the copper cup and it was awesome and reasonable , now it's pretentious and horrible , and WAYYYY overpriced.........also I find it amazing how many gave this place 5 stars and it's their only review
(1)Andrea M.
great food and concept! I love the incorporation of local organic produce into the menu! I wish we had more local organic restaurants in central pa.
(5)Scott M.
We got some advise to check out The Garlic Poet and boy were we happy we took them up on it! The menu has some great choices, and we wanted to try as many as we could, so we got the chef's special menu. Two soups, one starter, and two entrees for &40! The lettuce wraps were a 10/10! Different than the Asian variety we have seen in the past, which made them extra special. The chicken lentil soup was a 9.5/10. We both wished we had more bread to dip in... And get every last drop. The scallops and the fish n chips both came with great sauces Or marinades, to give them a 9/10. The only complaint we had was no-dairy free desserts! We will be back to try more!
(5)Steve b.
First, plan on spending 2-3 hours if you are with a group to truly enjoy all the Poet has to offer. Start with their fantastic mixed drinks. I had the Inebriate. Knob Creek Manhattan with a pleasant twist. Menu is very interesting and takes some time to pick from all of the interesting items. I ordered the price fixed combo. Celery Bisque to start. (Great). Appetizer was the charcuterie plate. Very good but would opt for something else as its a lot of meat....great to share though. Dinner was the BBQ Texas Brisket. Excellent meat with Jalapeño cornbread that was to die for. In retrospect, I think i didn't get the best items in our group, but was very happy. That should show you how good it was! In our group, someone got the Veal Chop, Crab Cakes, Chicken Caesar, and a variety of sides. All fantastic. Can't wait to go back and try more things. Oh, my combo dinner was $25. Specialty drink was $8.50. Not bad!!
(5)Lia S.
I'm deeply saddened by the way my friends and family were treated at this establishment by the restaurant manager Tera. The amount of unprofessional-ism was appalling. We had our wedding and reception on a farm, and about 20 of our guests gathered here after because it was close, and some of our guests had rooms here. Let me just start by saying that there was beer and wine served at our wedding, the whole point of going to the Garlic Poet was to have a few cocktails before we all said goodbye because I now live 3000 miles away from my friends and family. The owner of the hotel knew we had all of our out of town guests staying there, and that we would be coming after the wedding. Shouldn't be a problem right? The problems started when a dear friend of mine who helped me all day long simply asked if they had music, and or could turn it up. (Because there was none, and we were at a bar/restaurant.) It's not like we were expecting a club atmosphere by any means, just some background noise. Well, the manager stormed around behind the bar and told the bartenders to cut him off. He happens to be the first of three people who ended up getting cut off that evening, which all happened to be the only homosexual men there. The second situation was when another simply walked up to the bar to order drinks for some of us (he had had one drink prior), and again Tera had him cut off. Now, I understand if people are getting sloppy or visually intoxicated, but this was not the case. And both of these men were staying at this hotel in a hotel room that was given to us by the owner because we were bringing them so much business! So when gentleman number two asked why he was getting cut off, she immediately acted like a huffy child, ran across the lobby, and called the cops. Are you serious?! At this point everyone was baffled. No one wanted to give this establishment anymore of their business, but unfortunately I didn't have my phone and was expecting more guests. Eventually another one of our friends, the third gay gentleman, was cut off. At this point we all left. I just can't believe that someone like Tera even has a job in customer service. Maybe she's never been subjected to homosexuals, but she needs to get a grip and check her personal issues at the door. She ruined the last bit of time I had with my friends and family before we had to leave for our honeymoon, and I don't know when I will get to see all of them again. As I said, most of our guests were from out of state, and all over the USA.
(1)Steve V.
After a few trips to the Garlic Poet, it has become one of my favorites in the Harrisburg area. The chef is very, very good. Try the grilled cheese. Seriously!
(4)Christy S.
Absolutely delicious food! The menu is unique with one-of-a-kind items that are so tasty and artistically arranged on your plate. Took my husband here for his birthday & he said The Garlic Poet is on his Favorites list now :)
(5)Anne T.
Very good...Service was great, the chef was fantastic!! The location is just a bit to be desired. I would love to see them branch out from the hotel scene:)) Overall great experience
(4)Juliet G.
Fabulous food in an unexpected locale- a hotel. Most of our party had the sockeye salmon which was placed over a bed of diced melon and other flavorful items. Had the chocolate bread pudding with caramel sauce for dessert. The only suggestion to management - serve multigrain bread. The plain Italian bread in the basket didn't set the right mood for the great items to come. Will be back to explore other chef creations. Kudos chef and waiter too. Loved your knowledge of the dishes!
(5)Katie M.
We went tonight for the first time after a friend said it was "better than it should be, being a hotel restaurant." His description did not even begin to do this place justice. It was all around great. The decor and ambiance were perfect, classy yet comfortable. The service was great, very friendly and genuine. And the food was some of the best in the area. The surf and turf appetizer, braised short rib and the filet were all cooked perfectly, well seasoned and amazingly complimented by their sides/sauces/garnishes. We will definitely be going back to try some more!!
(5)Stacey G.
Such amazing food and great ambiance! Fresh food made by a great chef. The service is wonderful and very laid back. I can't get enough of the grown up grilled cheese! Definitely a great place for a date night. So glad I found this little gem!
(5)Amanda S.
The Garlic Poet is a hidden gem that has such an incredible variety of creative menu options.There are a handful of decent restaurants in that area and the Garlic Poet is one of my top three. I love that the food is made fresh a there is something for everyone and every taste. We ordered a variety of appetizers to share which was an excellent idea because everything sounded so good. I was very happy with it all especially the triple cooked fries. The service was prompt and our server was very informative about the food items and very friendly. Their bar menu also rocks! They have so many great drinks it was hard to choose one. I look forward to going back again when I'm in town to try more. I highly recommend anyone to check it out, it was a great experience.
(5)Erin E.
Brought the family back to sample the deliciousness. I had pumpkin gnocchi with pork cheeks, and I didn't even know if I would like pork cheeks! Absolutely incredible. The chef is a genius and puts so much thought and heart into everything he creates. They care about local businesses and breweries and always have amazing selections on tap.
(5)Jackie M.
Very cool atmosphere with an interesting vegan selection. We had the hummus followed by the apple pork brisket. Great selection of local/US beers. The only downside was the smell of stale smoke. Would definitely try this again.
(4)Mollie M.
Garlic Poet is a great restaurant. My fiance and me have ate here 3 times. Everytime we have had a great meal. One time the chef Kurt actually came out and said hello to us at our table and asked us how our meal was... Everyone seems very caring and have never ever had a service problem. EVER. Great service all the way around. I guess after reading the reviews some people find negatives even in great places. The food easily one of the best for harrisburg. I have ordered the sliders, fried pickles, the new noodle bowl, all of the french fries. They are all awesome. The beer selection rocks too. Can't go wrong EVER with going here.
(4)Peter B.
Very good! Cool vibe to the place. Had drink at the bar before dinner, everyone was very nice. Or server Benjamin, great job on everything from knowledge of product to service. Menu is limited but very good so what they serve has TASTE and FLAVOR, two things hard to find here in Central PA. Portions are not huge, but quality is!
(4)Patrick B.
Pleasantly surprised. Everything was topnotch from the short ribs (A+!) to the mac&cheese to the mahimahi. Chili was excellent. Nice beer and wine selection, and a decent selection of bourbons (including Booker's). Service was affable and efficient. (Thanks, Cali-transplant Solomon!) Menu is a bit limited, and I personally found it a little hard to read. I can see how one easily might find nothing interesting on any given night, but there was a varied offering of specials. I liked the combinations, allowing a diner to combine a starter, soup and entree for one price. The restaurant's ambience is different and interesting, like eating in a library. (We were seated in the Browning niche.) I'd like to see them do more with the literature angle, maybe incorporating some verse into the menu, or having reading material actually on the tables instead of just on the walls. The background music, while I enjoyed the period jazz, didn't seem to go with the motif. A decent job was done on disguising the fact that this is a hotel restaurant; but the music just screamed hotel restaurant. We will definitely be back.
(4)Caitlin C.
This place was acceptable but far from outstanding. I had the scallops, and the scallops were good but the shrimp corn stuff served with it was lukewarm, and the "grilled greens" we're awful. The wine I had was fine, but a very small glass for the $8 tab. To be fair, the fondue we started with was good, and my husband enjoyed his entree, but overall, totally mediocre and overpriced for what we had.
(3)East C.
A for effort. My wife, 2 babies and I were on our way back from Jersey to our home in Northern Va. Harrisburg is the mid-point so we pulled of the Pa turnpike looking on Yelp for anything that wasn't fast food. This place was the only place for miles that wasn't named after the owner. That said, we were still a bit skeptical due to the location. We're not the pretentious type, but we have eaten in more than half of the top 10 eateries on earth. While Garlic Poet is not one of them, I do give them an A for effort. Our server Miranda was very helpful and attentive, management checked on us, but wasn't annoying, the menu was eclectic and the food was good. For a place in a hotel off the Pa turnpike, you can't get much better. We'll make it our go-to halfway stop when visiting family in Jersey from now on.
(4)V S.
Bar area is always entertaining. Quinoa and crisp vegetables lettuce wrap is awesome.
(4)M. L.
Went here for my birthday dinner, the ambiance is great, love the literary quotes all over the walls. The food was mostly awesome, except for the crab cake, which was a little dry. The soups and the starters were awesome though! Only complaint is the service was extremely slow, and we were in on a Sunday night with maybe 3 other tables in the restaurant.
(4)Laura N.
Traveling for a living, I crave GOOD food and GOOD service. As I drove into town I saw the billboard for The Garlic Poet and thought it would be my kind of place. Researching the menu, again I thought it would be my kind of place. And then I changed my answer. I typically order food to go and tonight was no different. I ordered a glass of wine while perusing the menu. I settled upon an order of calamari, mixed green salad and side of truffle mac-n-cheeese. The bartender was anything but attentive - I had to flag her down multiple times to order a beverage, let alone dinner. It felt like I was invisible. Never did she check on how I was (and the wine pour was very skimpy) or ask if I had any questions about the menu. I had to hail her for my dinner order as well. Following tradition, I also had to ask her for my check and alert her to the fact that my To-Go order was ready. Not to disappoint me, she did not look at the food in the bag, see if there was silverware or check to make sure all was ok. That was all service related...now let's discuss the food. While the flavor and seasoning was good, it was COLD! The mac-n-cheese was nothing more than a box recipe. Overcooked noodles (mushy!!) and no hint of 'truffle'. The salad was also less than impressive - bread croutons were soggy, stale (if that's both possible at once) and not tasty in the least. Hopes were high for a memorable road meal but met with utter disappointment. I gave it 2 stars because most flavors were good. Overly priced and not worth it.
(2)S M.
Good food, good beer selection, good service.
(3)