Harper’s Tavern — Restaurant in East Hanover Township

Right off the bat, a huge thank you to whoever made the decision to put the signs on the highway. After a day at Knoebel's (also highly recommended), we wanted something that was NOT fast food and NOT a chain restaurant. I spotted the sign for Harper's Tavern and another place (Funk's was it?). The exit brought me to a decision of a left or a right. I just went with a snap decision and turned left and we were all happy for that.

We had a party of 6, which includes two picky eaters, and we were seated promptly. Our server was a male server which I find to be a good sign usually as they tend to be more professional and rarely mention how long they have until they can leave. That is a pet peeve of mine.

The prices seemed fair and we all ordered. The rolls we received were hot and phenomenal. I had to stop myself so I didn't get too full. Some of us had soup and we were all happy. Our meals were hot, fresh tasting and filling. Even the picky eaters were happy.

During the dinner, we all commented on the building itself, the quality of the staff, quality of the food and just how happy we were and expressed our desire to make sure we pay them a return visit. We are from Baltimore but a good place to eat is worth an occasional long drive.

I noticed what I assumed were a lot of regulars in there because of how familiar they were with the staff. There is a reason they come back.

If I had to mention one drawback, it would be the very small restrooms. Keep that in mind if you are a person that needs extra room to move around. The building probably predates indoor plumbing so I can understand and forgive the restroom accommodations for...

Didn't exactly get the warmest reception today. Granted I walked in wearing a (nice) flannel and cargo pants but the assumption that I couldn't afford the limited dinner menu for the holiday was apparent. Staff almost insisted that I look at a menu before being seated. The exchange was something like:

"Just one?"

"Yeah"

"Just so you know we have a limited menu today"

"That's fine"

"It's a dinner menu so you know"

"Yeah that's ok"

"How about I show you the menu before I seat you"

"No that's ok"

"Are you sure?"

"Alright sure I'll take a look"

Service was good by the wait staff. Table was bussed with all the attention I would expect for a $30-$60 a plate dinner. I got the caeser salad, swordfish, and green beans almondone. Salad was fresh, green beans were done just right. Fish was good but I should have thought to order it medium.

Did not see anyone else get convinced to look at a menu before being seated. Place was empty when I walked in and had like 3 or 4 people when I left. None of them were dressed much better than I was (polos, button down plaid, sweaters).

And then I was waiting to use the restroom after my meal one of the staff came out of the kitchen, saw me waiting and asked quite forcefully "can I help you... sir?"i

I dropped a 30% tip and left. I used the restroom at the sheetz down the road.

My takeaway? Next time I'm darkening the doorway of this establishment I'll make sure I'm dressed like I'm dining downtown in a major city. Despite appearing on the outside as an unassuming bar/restaurant, it's apparently a fine dining...

This was my first time here tonight, and as soon as I walked in the door, I instantly LOVED the place. The inside is reminiscent of an old tavern, yet modern at the same time. The hostess was very nice, we got a table as soon as we walked in. Our waitress was AMAZING! Very personable, very authentic person, she made the experience just as much worth stopping in here as the food did! Oh! The food is AMAZING! I had the prime rib french dip, with fresh cut french fries and unsweet tea, and it was SOOOOOOOO good. The bread(bun) was toasted perfectly, the meat inside the bun was done perfectly, the au jus was spot on, the fries were perfect... EVERYTHING about our experience tonight was PERFECT. Our waitress was GREAT I didn't even realize my drink was in need of a refill and as she was strolling by she just picked it up and had it refilled and back on the table before I even missed it. She does her job VERY WELL. ALL of the staff that we saw or talked to tonight were all just great! And when you have good people who are good at what they do it makes all the difference, it's clear that they all work well together, you can clearly see everything just flows nicely, like a well oiled machine. To the Saturday night staff(all of you AMAZING people working between 8pm and 9pmclosing) Thank you for the FANTASTIC dinner,and the great atmosphere. Keep doing EXACTLY what you're doing! Because y'all are KILLIN IT!! THANK YOU AGAIN! I totally recommend stopping here if youre ever lucky enough to be traveling through. It'll be...