Fairground Grill & Crab House — Restaurant in Carlisle

When I saw that a place called Fairground Grill & Crab House had opened just three miles from my house, I let out an audible gasp—the kind usually reserved for lottery wins or finally finding the other shoe. The words “Crab House” lit up in my soul like a neon sign. Was this real? Could it be? Would someone finally bring buttery, briny, crustacean joy to my corner of Pennsylvania?

Yes. Yes, they would. And I would be there faster than you can say “pass the Old Bay.”

But before I go on, let me share something deeply personal with you: I really love seafood. It is my one true culinary love. I’d choose a plate of raw oysters over chocolate cake any day. But alas, fate is cruel… for I am married to a vegetarian and raising five small children who, through no fault of their own, mostly think seafood is “weird beach food that hurts the feelings of animal friends.” My lifestyle has not allowed for the seafood feasting of my dreams... until now. Because now, friends, Fairground Grill & Crab House is here. And we went.

From the moment we walked in, I knew this place understood the assignment. They seated us at a large table, even though technically, we could have squeezed into a regular one. But any parent knows, if you seat four kids at a regular table, it immediately becomes a game of elbow warfare and fork fencing. The extra room? Chef’s kiss. Instant brownie points.

And then came the kids' menu. YES, they have one. YES, it’s good. YES, I took a photo (see attached). It didn’t feel like a sad afterthought—they actually had options. Like, real ones.

Here’s what the kids ordered: Roland (10): Cheese wedges + onion rings. He LOVED them. I will say the cheese wedges were not mozzarella sticks in disguise. These were more like deep-fried grilled cheese triangles with mozzarella filling. Totally unexpected. Totally delicious. Roland was obsessed.

Ridley (6): Linguini with “marinara.” Now, warning: this is not your average red sauce. It’s a creamy, parmesan-rich, house-made sauce with hints of marinara. If you’re expecting a jar of red—this ain't it. But it was incredible. Ridley gave it eight out of five stars and asked to return tomorrow.

River (Toddler Chaos Incarnate): Refused the pasta because it “wasn’t red enough.” She instead dined on: 2 cups of chocolate milk The mozzarella scraped from the cheese wedges Several ice cubes harvested from my water using a spoon The center of two crackers because, and I quote, she “doesn’t like the crust” Ah yes, toddler cuisine: the true test of restaurant versatility.

Meanwhile… Mom Went Full Sea Witch I did what any seafood-starved woman with a free hand and a forgiving wallet would do—I ordered all the things. The waitress said, “If you’re looking to try something, here’s what I’d recommend,” and I said, “Yes. All of that. Bring it to me.”

I got: Raw oysters on the half shell Fried oysters Crab and artichoke dip Crab soup

Verdict? Raw oysters: Fresh, cold, and briny. I was instantly transported to a beach I can’t afford to visit.

Fried oysters: HUGE, tender, lightly breaded golden perfection. These were so good I may or may not have teared up mid-chew.

Crab soup: Packed with flavor, a perfect little kick of spice (Old Bay?), and a rich background note I think was sherry? Whatever it was, it was amazing. I am writing this with the taste still haunting me in the best possible way.

Crab & artichoke dip: Really good! The crab chunks were generous and hearty, which is not always the case at places like this. It wasn’t the standout of the evening for me, but with so much else on the menu, I’d just try something new next time.

And because this was a full family affair, we finished with a slice of Oreo pie that was more like a slab, and the kids descended on it like joyful little raccoons.

My kids trashed our corner like it was a toddler frat party. They chatted up the waitress, offered everyone unsolicited Pokémon facts, and left behind a pile of napkin scraps, cracker crumbs, and mysteriously wet utensils. And yet—we were welcomed...

Was able to walk in during typical evening weekend dinner hours without a reservation finding the restaurant only about 15-20% occupied. Our group was seated immediately and received quick attention from the very attentive waitstaff.

As noted elsewhere there was a notable cloud of smoke in the air from the grill and you will take the smell of the diner home with you on your clothes. The interior has been updated on a budget and no longer resembles the old diner but just resembles a new diner. Do not expect a particularly attractive environment and certainly not one commensurate with the name or the menu prices-it is very basic and perhaps a little simple.

The menu is now far less diner and would appear more in line with the restaurant name. It gives the impression of a restaurant several levels up. Our group tried the crab cakes and several versions of stuffed fish. The crab cakes were enjoyed and the rest was okay/fair. The meal was concluded with a selection of dessert straight out of the typical diner display. These were definitely not made in house. Not only was there no icecream for the fruit pie but it was served still partially frozen and not even warmed. That sort of epitomized the entire experience.

Overall, The taste and presentation were definitely not in line with the increased prices — the food wasn’t terribly bad but definitely not unusual or delicious and unfortunately not in line with the cost which came to $45/person with nonalcoholic beverage, meal, dessert and tip. There are a lot of other choices in this price range with a quieter more pleasant upscale environment that you don’t have to air your clothes when you get home. The staff were very kind and always there for your needs. The complimentary sourdough was appreciated. However, the diner quality silverware, the exposed 2x4 construction with faux-wood wallpaper, the loud smoky environment and the bland expensive food might work at 1/2 to 2/3 this price, but it is hard to recommend after our experience at the current price structure. We were hoping for a genuine rejuvenation of the restaurant with an upscale option for dining in Carlisle but the food was meh and at this price it’s sadly a hard no. Unfortunately we won’t be returning.

From the looks of the menu you may have success finding something you might at least enjoy but temper your expectations for the environment and don’t order the dessert—nothing on it is meant to be served frozen.

As we drive home we turned to each and said nearly in unison “that was disappointing. I don’t really want to go back there again.”

Such high hopes. On a bright note the new sign is far nicer...

9/11/25: Just heard about this restaurant recently and we wanted to check it out. (It’s near the Carlisle Fairgrounds at the corner of Carlisle Springs Rd and Clay Street.) We arrived just before 7pm, were greeted warmly and seated right away. There were two other tables seated at that time. Our server, Terrasha, was friendly, knowledgeable and professional. I asked about Gluten Free and she said the chef was willing to leave the breading out of the crab stuffing if I wanted something with that in it. They also have gluten free buns and pasta if you request it! Glad to find another restaurant that’s willing to work with people’s dietary restrictions. I ordered the Crab-stuffed Cod along with their two vegetables of the day, cauliflower and mushrooms. My husband ordered a NY Strip (choice of 8oz or 12oz) with a baked potato and cauliflower. (He’d already attacked his food before I could get a photo! But it looked perfect!) We absolutely loved our dinners. They were seasoned well and cooked perfectly! Delicious. They have quite the dessert case, so my husband ordered a plain cheesecake. (Again, couldn’t get a picture.) I’m rather surprised it wasn’t busier there!! Need some good marketing to get the word out! They have a bar, tv’s, serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We’ll...