Editor’s Note: In 2021, Michael and Nicole Borrell began reviewing Lebanon Valley’s restaurants and eating attractions as the Lebanon Valley Food Critics. Since then, the couple has aimed to offer unbiased reviews of the eating and drinking establishments the Lebanon Valley has to offer. LebTown is pleased to be partnering with LVFC to share these reviews with our readers. Bon appétit!
Welcome to what might be our most anticipated War to date, Lebanon Valley Diner Wars. Four entrants from across the Valley will compete to be declared the winner of Best Diner in The Valley.
We have had fun traveling around to some of the local diners that have been the favorites of locals for many years and even a new place to the Valley.
We know you are all waiting for the results. I’ve lost count of the emails, messages and shoulder taps wanting to know “who won?” So, let’s get to it…
The diner experience is about more than just the food. It’s the ambience, the waitstaff, quickness of the food to arrive, the economical prices and classic comfort food, as well as some homemade fare, and last but not least the local feel.
Our competition
Heisey’s Diner had a vast menu with classic fare, some homemade and unique options and a value based meal.
Heisey’s Diner
Address
1740 PA-72N
Lebanon, PA 17046
Phone: (717) 272-0891
Website
heiseysdinerpa.com
Hours
Mon: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tue: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wed: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Thu: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Fri: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sat: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sun: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Esther’s epitomizes the classic diner experience with plenty of large truck parking, several local poultry dish options, and large pie slices.
Esther’s Restaurant
Address
2957 US-22
Fredericksburg, PA 17026
Phone: (717) 865-4312
Website
fb.com/esthersrestaurant/
Hours
Mon: Closed
Tue: Closed
Wed: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Thu: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Fri: 7 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Sat: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sun: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
The Hearth is the only diner in the Valley that is still open 24 hours. It has a wide menu with nice dinner specials and the food comes out quick.
The Hearth Family Restaurant
Address
2550 W. Cumberland St.
Lebanon, PA 17042
Phone: (717) 270-1266
Website
facebook.com/hearthfamilyrestaurant/
Hours
Mon: Open 24 hours
Tue: Open 24 hours
Wed: Open 24 hours
Thu: Open 24 hours
Fri: Open 24 hours
Sat: Open 24 hours
Sun: Open 24 hours
E&E is our newest venue in the “war” and was clean and bright on the inside. The menu was not as large as other diners, but the classic fare dishes are made with fresh ingredients, including that hot roast beef sandwich.
E&E Family Diner
Address
3068 Lebanon Road
Manheim, PA 17545
Phone: (717) 964-5006
Website
eandediner.com
Hours
Mon: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tue: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wed: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Thu: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Fri: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sat: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sun: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A winner is named
And our winner is…
Congratulations to Heisey’s Diner! Heisey’s Diner encapsulates the diner experience well with the retro front counter area, the large dining room that always seems to be lively, and a large menu.
We encourage all of our followers to have their own Diner “Wars” and see if you agree with our results. Each of our entrants had their own charm and quality food that would satisfy any appetite.
If you have a restaurant you would like us to visit or review, whether a place you like or are nervous to try, please message us on Facebook or email lvfoodcritics@outlook.com and let us know. We thank everyone for the recommendations and the kind words we have received.
