What should I order at Fairgrounds Diner?
Fairgrounds Diner
Shrimp (including Shrimp Linguine and Senior Shrimp)
Shrimp is frequently highlighted for being cooked perfectly and flavorful, with multiple mentions including Shrimp Linguine and Senior Shrimp dishes. It is described as a clear standout and a reason to visit the restaurant.
Ahi Tuna
The Ahi Tuna appetizer received praise for being fresh, flavorful, and cooked perfectly, making it one of the standout items in the reviews.
Crab and Crab-related Dishes (Crab Benedict, Crab-stuffed Cod, Crab Cakes, Crab Soup, Crab & Artichoke Dip, Snow Crab Legs, Red Snapper with Lump Crab)
Crab dishes are repeatedly recommended for their freshness, generous crab chunks, and excellent preparation. Items like Crab Benedict, Crab-stuffed Cod, Crab Cakes, Crab Soup, Crab & Artichoke Dip, Snow Crab Legs, and Red Snapper with Lump Crab are praised for quality and flavor.
Oysters (Raw and Fried)
Raw oysters on the half shell and fried oysters are highly recommended for their freshness and tender, lightly breaded perfection. The fried oysters were described as so good they caused emotional reactions.
Prime Rib
The prime rib special is noted as delicious and is mentioned early in the reviews as a highlight.
Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan is praised for being a large portion, made from scratch, well-priced, and perfectly prepared.
Steaks (NY Strip)
Steaks, particularly the NY Strip, are commended for perfect seasoning and cooking, making them a solid choice.
Scallops
Scallops are mentioned as impressive and a great seafood option, appreciated by diners looking for quality local seafood.
Mussels with Red Spicy Sauce
Mussels with a flavorful red spicy sauce are noted as amazing with a sauce that was good enough to drink and not too spicy.
Calamari
Calamari is recommended as one of the best local seafood meals, showing it is a popular and well-prepared appetizer.
Hush Puppies
Hush puppies are specifically called out with a strong recommendation to eat them, indicating they are a standout side or appetizer.
Greek Salad with Grape Leaf Wrapped Meat Roll
The Greek salad is noted for including a delicious grape leaf wrapped meat-filled roll, making it a unique and tasty salad option.
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM to 9 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7 AM to 9 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM to 9 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM to 9 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM to 10 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM to 10 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM to 9 PM |
About Fairgrounds Diner
Fairgrounds Diner is a restaurant in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, near the Carlisle Fairgrounds at the corner of Carlisle Springs Rd and Clay Street. The menu spans breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with comfort food, seafood, steaks, and classic diner-style plates. Reviewers consistently praise the made-from-scratch food, the crab soup and crab cakes, generous portions, and friendly service. It is described as casual, cozy, and quiet, with a bar onsite and both dine-in and takeout options.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Live music
- Serves local specialty
- Sports
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Halal food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Organic dishes
- Private dining room
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Quiet
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked questions
What is Fairgrounds Diner known for?
It is especially known for crab soup, crab cakes, and other seafood dishes like crab benedict, crab-stuffed cod, and crab chowder. Reviewers also call out the made-from-scratch cooking and generous seafood portions, which make it a standout near the Carlisle Fairgrounds.
What dishes are most recommended at Fairgrounds Diner?
The most recommended items include crab soup, crab cakes, country fried steak, prime rib, crab benedict, and home fries. Reviewers also highlight the shrimp linguine, shrimp scampi, stuffed cod, and crab cake sandwich with hush puppies for their flavor and portion size.
Is Fairgrounds Diner good value, and what is the price range?
The price range is $10 to $20, and reviewers repeatedly describe the food as wallet-pleasing and reasonably priced. People mention breakfast specials around $5.99, sandwich specials around $10.99, and full meals like a cocktail, appetizer, two mains, and dessert for $75, saying the quality and portions made it worth the cost.
What should I know about timing or wait times at Fairgrounds Diner?
Several reviews mention being seated right away or finding it nearly empty on a Sunday evening, so wait times can be short, especially outside peak hours. It is near the Carlisle Fairgrounds, and reviewers say it is easy in and easy out, with plenty of parking.
Is parking available at Fairgrounds Diner?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does Fairgrounds Diner have vegetarian options?
Yes, Fairgrounds Diner offers vegan options.
Is the food at Fairgrounds Diner halal?
Yes, Fairgrounds Diner serves halal food.
Is Fairgrounds Diner kid-friendly?
Yes, Fairgrounds Diner is good for kids.
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