Location: Columbia
Top Restaurants in Columbia
Top 10 American food in Columbia, Pennsylvania, United States
Discover Restaurants offering the best American food in Columbia, Pennsylvania, United States. Columbia, formerly Wright's Ferry, is a borough (town) in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, 28 miles (45 km) southeast of Harrisburg on the east (left) bank of the Susquehanna River, across from Wrightsville and York County and just south of U.S. Route 30. The settlement was founded in 1726 by Colonial English Quakers from Chester County led by entrepreneur and evangelist John Wright. Establishment of the eponymous Wright's Ferry, the first commercial Susquehanna crossing in the region, inflamed territorial conflict with neighboring Maryland but brought growth and prosperity to the small town, which was just a few votes shy of becoming the new United States' capital. Though besieged for a short while by Civil War destruction, Columbia remained a lively center of transport and industry throughout the 19th century, once serving as a terminus of the Pennsylvania Canal. Later, however, the Great Depression and 20th-century changes in economy and technology sent the borough into decline. It is notable today as the site of one of the world's few museums devoted entirely to horology.
Things to do in Columbia
10. Silver Spring Family Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 662 reviews
Famous for serving breakfast all day, including homemade buttermilk pancakes and outstanding traditional local fare, there is something for everyone. Always busy for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Agadis family looks forward to providing their customers
Reviewed By TFopinion
First timer here for breakfast and liked what I saw: small, cozy restaurant, friendly & accommodating wait staff, clean and an extensive breakfast menu, average prices. Food came out very quickly, serving sizes were average, not huge and the food didnât come out as hot as it could. The homemade corned beef hash was fabulous, the eggs and bacon were good but average. The addition of tomato slices to my platter instead of toast and home fries, as per my request, was honored and very good. My wifeâs eggs and potatoes mix was excellent. She said it had a better than average taste. Overall a nice breakfast. Think weâll return and try dinner.
9. Burning Bridge Tavern
Overall Ratings
4 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By patrickmcsherry
We stopped in for lunch after hearing about the place from relatives (who are semi-regulars though they live 40 minutes away).We were seated immediately and drink orders taken. The wait staff was attentive and very friendly.Everyone ordered something different and all were pleased. I ordered the nachos, and would order them again. Everything appeared clean.We will defintely be back.
8. Black Olive Family Diner
Overall Ratings
4 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By gailm161
We stopped because we were in the area. Promote and friendly service, clean, many choices and lots of food. Ever8was hot and tasty, what you'd expect from a diner. Pictured are tuna melt, by steak with mashed potatoes and eggplant.
7. Union Station Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By cheryl h
First I would like to give a shout-out to our great server, Hannah. She was friendly, funny, and very attentive. At first I was afraid the metal chairs would not be comfortable but they actually were very comfortable. The exposed brick walls gave it a very comfortable feeling that made us want to hang out a little while longer and enjoy another beer.I ordered the cheeseburger and I have never seen so much cheese. My husband ordered the chicken nachos. I gave him half of my meal and he gave me some of his nachos. Both were excellent and my fries were perfect...crisp on the outside and soft in the middle. We wanted to go back again but didn't make it back to Columbia before we left PA.
6. McCleary's Public House
Overall Ratings
4 based on 339 reviews
Reviewed By samoht4samoht
We enjoyed our meals at McCleary's. Our server was prompt and friendly. All our food items were uniformly good, but not great. We arrived at 5:30pm so we'd be seated immediately. By the time we left, all dining rooms and the bar were packed.
5. Columbia Kettle Works
Overall Ratings
4 based on 60 reviews
We brew and serve our own quality craft beers. A small menu of snacks and sandwiches, utilizing local suppliers, is available to accompany. Low-tops, high-tops, and a twelve seat bar. Live music on Saturdays.
Reviewed By cornmanrichards
Finding this on a web search and having family who has been there, we gave this a go on a Saturday night. Right in downtown Columbia, they have Saturday night live music right behind the bar. They have a great in-house beer selection and while the food menu is small, everything we tried is delicious. Be sure to eat their garlic pickles.This place truly captures what a small craft brew bar/restaurant is about. Weâre talking about going again real soon.
4. Railroad House Inn
Overall Ratings
4 based on 181 reviews
Nestled on the banks of the mighty Susquehanna River, located inside an 1820's Railroad Hotel, the Railroad House Inn is an upscale dining experience serving unique food in a historic one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Featuring all craft beer draft menu, a signat
Reviewed By Laura F
This restaurant was recommended by our innkeepers and in fact, is her favorite place to eat. It is a bit pricey, but it has a very nice atmosphere and the food is wonderful. The hosts were very attentive and were able to make suggestions about the menu.
3. Hinkle's Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 156 reviews
Reviewed By Louis59
We visited Hinkleâs while passing through the area on vacation, and reading about the innovative restaurant on-line. The former pharmacy is architecturally interesting, but the food and service earn a definite âskip itâ rating.We entered to a half-full restaurant, and as directed, we sat ourselves. We satâ¦and waitedâ¦and waitedâ¦and waitedâ¦as we watched an army of needlessly-harried waitstaff ran back and forth. We finally asked a server at the ice cream counter if there was a waitress working our section and she said yes, and took our drink orders. She then brought our drinks and again, we waitedâ¦waitedâ¦waited for someone to take our lunch order, and ultimately had to ask again. The waitress we asked then told us she was tired of having to bus her own tables, and came back several minutes later to take our order.We ordered sandwiches, onion rings, and French fries. I asked for deli or spicy mustard on my ham and cheese sandwich, and received a sandwich with grocery store pressed ham, cheap cheese, and slathered with regular mustard â not what I ordered! The French fries were cold and soggy, and the onion rings were also soggy, cold, and had an odd taste.Of course, when our meal was long finished, we had to stop the waitress to ask for our check. Service training is very much needed here.Epic failure! There is no reason to dine at this former pharmacy, other than to catch a glimpse of the interesting architecture. Skip it.
2. John Wright Store & Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 480 reviews
Enjoy casual dining in a restored silk mill along the Susquehanna River. Our four seasons Dining Room, a timbered structure that extends from our building and is enclosed on three sides with glass, has a breathtaking view of the River at one of its widest
Reviewed By Rita R
Definitely the place to stop if you are near Columbia, Wrightsville or York. Went for lunch and our food was very good (catfish tacos and roasted fennel, strawberry salad with salmon). Delightful to sit outside with a view of the river. Everyone was friendly and the service was prompt. Great place to stop!
What to do and see in Columbia, United States: The Best Places and Tips
1. Bully's Restaurant & Pub
Overall Ratings
4 based on 160 reviews
Completely restored railroad hotel built in 1903. Operating as a full-service Inn & Restaurant, Bully's has been described by many as one of the best-kept secrets in Lancaster & York. The Inn has 11 well appointed rooms all with private baths, iron beds,
Reviewed By stefanl656
Think of an old fashioned boarding house with an attached Bar and Grill. That is Bully's. Good food ,good service and very reasonable prices. Don't overlook the historical bio on back of menu.Thank you for the kind words. Cheers
Columbia Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Columbia
