Mar 26, 2021
10 local businesses worth a try
By Jenna Cibulsky
With warm weather approaching, there is no better time to explore the local businesses of York than now, and lucky for you I have comprised a list of 10 local businesses to check out!
If you need a morning or afternoon pick-me-up to start off your day exploring York, look no further than Molly’s Courtyard Café (46 W. Philadelphia St., York). Bring your camera and follow the alleyway to an Instagram worthy outdoor patio equipped with string lights, outdoor furniture, and an aesthetically pleasing design. Besides coffee beverages and pastries, Molly’s Courtyard Café’s menu is full of all-natural smoothies with fun names, and you cannot go wrong with the Me, Myself and Chai or Kale-ing Me Softly smoothie. Proudly serving delicious gluten free and vegan options, this local coffee shop is not one to miss out on!
Sunrise Soap Company ((29 N. Beaver St., York, and 201 Memory Lane, York) is a must for all of your homemade body care needs. With two locations in York, Sunrise Soap Company creates unique and fun bath bombs, lotions, body scrubs, hair care, and more with natural ingredients. Offering classes in their “visitor-friendly kitchen,” you can spend the day learning how to create some of your own cosmetic products and take them home with you. Even if you only stop by to browse, be sure to pick up a free soap sample to try out — you won’t regret it!
If you are looking for an action-packed night, look no further than Timeline Arcade (54 W. Market St., York). This is the largest arcade in southcentral Pennsylvania and is still rapidly expanding. Brandon Spencer, manager and owner, mentions that “Timeline Arcade is one of the best places to hang and have fun with other students and connect with those in the community.” The arcade features over 280 games, both antique and modern, and is BYOB with specials on the weekends. The arcade is pay-by-the-hour ($10 for one hour), and be on the lookout for its upcoming all-night play until 2 a.m. for only $15!
As one of the top-rated restaurants in York, Tutoni’s (108 N. George St., York) is a must for all fans of Italian food. A farm-to-table restaurant with a neighborhood vibe, this scratch Italian kitchen puts a twist on classic Italian dishes, and they taste absolutely incredible. Though this restaurant is on the pricier side and likely not an everyday type of stop, it is the most delicious place to celebrate a special event or accomplishment. If you are a wine fan, Tutoni’s extensive wine list will not disappoint. With a pay-for-wha- you-pour system, you can sample all of the wines you have ever desired without having to pay by the bottle. After dinner, be sure to make your way to The King George Speakeasy underneath Tutoni’s for live entertainment, an old-world Vegas atmosphere and extraordinary cocktails.
Skate the night away at Roll ‘R’ Way roller skating rink (940 Vander Ave., York). Only a five-minute drive from campus, Roll R’ Way makes for a great night of fun. Glow skate is not one to miss out on, as admission is only $2.75 with a valid York College student ID on Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 8 to 10:45 p.m. Skate rental is an additional $3, and the building is packed with arcade games and a snack bar. Davin McCallen, a senior on campus, describes Roll R’ Way as “one of my favorite places to go with friends” as it is “super affordable and a lot of fun even if you are just a beginner at roller skating like me.”
If you’re looking for a guaranteed delicious meal, The Fig and Barrel Pub (25 W. Market St., York) is a restaurant I would recommend that everybody goes to at least once. With a menu full of “elevated comfort food,” there is really something for everyone, and it is all so tasty.
For those of you who are 21+, the restaurant features delicious craft cocktails, and if you enjoy gin you cannot go wrong with the Cat’s Pajamas.
Its specialty mac n’ cheeses and grilled cheeses are not something to look over as they are packed with flavor and all so good. The Fig and Barrel Pub also offers brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the weekend, and yes, the mimosas are bottomless!
The Cantina York (105 S. Duke St., York) is my favorite place to go in the heart of Royal Square. With live music, great food, and delicious drinks, you have to add this stop to your next trip downtown! Bright and colorful with a fun party atmosphere, this Mexican bar and restaurant features unique cocktails all at a reasonable price. You can’t go wrong with the mahi mahi tacos or gigante burrito bowl, and I have never had a drink from here that I did not like. Though they are currently closed due to COVID-19, the owner of The Cantina York stated that they will be reopening within the next few weeks for springtime — the perfect opportunity to check out their outdoor patio area.
If you are an ice cream fan, you have to check out Perrydell Farm and Dairy (90 Indian Rock Dam Road), less than a 10-minute drive south from campus. Besides a wide selection of delicious ice cream, this family-owned farm sells homemade baked goods, fresh produce, and more! The farm offers tours of their facility, and the best part? You can pet and take pictures with the adorable calves on the farm. York College senior, Cailin Freeman, describes Perrydell Farm and Dairy as a place that “make me so happy. I love seeing the baby cows and getting to take pictures with them. I would recommend that everyone goes here.”
With a focus on local fare, sustainable practices, and ethical sourcing, Prince Street Café (2 W. Market St., York) is a feel-good stop for coffee, smoothies, all-day breakfast or a healthy lunch. Prince Street Café has a wide selection of vegan options as well, all packed with flavor. If you love the cold brew, matcha, or chai tea as much as I did, you will be glad to know that you can buy it by the half gallon to take home with you. Be sure to snap some pictures while you are in there, because this café and its minimalist, aesthetic décor is an Instagrammer’s dream and just a great place to spend time.
Last but certainly not least, if you are looking for a day of fun for all ages, you have to stop by Jim Mack’s Ice Cream (5745 Lincoln Highway, York). Besides serving delicious ice cream made in-store, Jim Mack’s has an extensive snack-bar menu with delicious and affordable lunch options. Afterward, be sure to check out their 24-hole miniature golf course, arcade, playground, and Bankshot Basketball course. As mentioned by York College freshman, Kayla Gibson, “Jim Mack’s is my favorite ice cream stop because it makes me feel like I’m a kid again. It’s just a super fun place to go with your friends.”
Jenna Cibulsky is a senior Integrated Marketing Communications major scheduled to graduate in May.
