The Abbey Bar at ABC — Restaurant in Harrisburg

*EDIT 7/16/25 - I just heard ABC is closing the brewpub but Abbey Bar will remain open so disregard my comment about going early and getting dinner before a show. There are other great places for food in the area. *

We came here on a Saturday night in July to see live music. We had seen the event on social media but didn’t buy tickets in advance, we just paid at the door. We arrived just as the opening band was completing their set.

I have been here in the past before they closed for a period of time. I remember seeing the band Sponge here probably 15 years ago. Appalachian Brewing had been in this area for a long time and it is ice to see them reopen the 2nd floor for live music.

We were directed to take the stairs up instead of the elevator which was fine. I imagine if you need the elevator they would allow it. The staff taking/selling tickets and checking IDs are just inside the door at the top of the stairs so that’s why you enter this way - unless maybe they had both doors staffed before we got there. Anyway, the stair doorway is right next to the stage so it is a little hard to hear what the staff are saying but just give them your ID and show your ticket or buy one and then you pass the stage and go pick a seat or a standing area, and grab a drink at the bar if you’d like.

The sound up here is good. The loudness will vary depending on where you sit/stand obviously. If you want to have a conversation go to the back of the room so you don’t have to yell. They have tables back by the bar area and some chairs along the edge of the standing/dancing area. I’m sure this section gets more packed depending on the band. There were just a few people standing there during this show.

The bar has ABC beers and cocktails along with non alcoholic drinks. I’m not sure if they serve food up here - it was around 9p when we arrived so we weren’t planning on eating anything. You can always come early to the show and have dinner downstairs in the brewery if they don’t have anything up here.

Ticket prices were good. The staff were all friendly - even the woman checking ID who I probably said “what?” to about 5 times before I understood what she was asking for. I’m not sure if the door team is ABC staff or with the group who books the bands. Regardless, everybody including the bartender and the man downstairs who directed us to the stairs were nice.

There is parking beside and behind the building as well as in the street. We had no issue finding a spot this night. Just be mindful that the front door likely will be locked when you leave so you’ll come out a side door and it’s just on the other side of the building. It’s just a few steps from the main door so don’t think you are gonna have to walk the whole way around or anything.

We had a good time and probably...

A large group of us passing through Harrisburg on vacation recently stopped here for a late dinner. The beer was very good and the kids enjoyed their craft made sodas. I was a bit picky and had to sample several beers before I found one that was perfect. Our waitress was very patient and I ultimately decided on one that she recommended the Water Gap Wheat.It was fantastic! Our group ordered burgers, quesadillas and sandwiches. The food was delicious and fresh. We were very happy with our meal and service. What happened after the meal, made me really appreciate this restaurant and it's staff. My husband accidentally left our camera behind in the restaurant. We sadly didn't realize this until the next morning and we were hours away from Harrisburg. I called the restaurant and thankfully they did have our camera. We thought we'd have to cancel our plans for the day and turn around and drive back to the restaurant but their quick thinking manager told me they could ship the camera back home to me. The next morning all of the details were worked out with their GM and the next day I had our camera back safe and sound along with all of our vacation photos. In today's day and time that situation could have easily ended sadly with us never seeing our camera or our photos again. I am grateful that this establishment has honest employees that were able to...

This is one of my favorite places around. Always has a great show on weekends. Large variety of artists, big and small. I would recommend a "season pass" for those who visit the place often for music. Beer is some of the best around. The staff is very friendly and polite. The pool tables are pro tables, meaning they are level and high quality. Plenty of parking. Outdoor smoking deck for convenience. I would recommend this place to a friend. Quite frankly no other...