HarrisburgNightlife

Wow.

Harrisburg’s newest ultra lounge, Level 2, has opened above Cafe Fresco along 2nd Street. HarrisburgNightlife was able to get a preview during their private opening on Thursday. The “industrialist” Nick Laus spared no expense remodeling the space above his very successful restaurant. The place is gorgeous. This was not a “let’s throw some paint on the walls and we have a new nightclub” remodel job.

Level 2 is like taking a trip to Manhattan, Vegas, or San Fran. It was done right. From the espresso hardwood floors, to the cubist tables and ottomans, to the three waterfalls, the dj booth, and the glass enclosed smoking section, this is by far the nicest bar in Harrisburg. Average local folk might find it to be a little pretentious, but If you’ve been to some nicer clubs outside this beautiful city of ours, Level 2 will be a welcome treat.

The well talked about bottle service prices didn’t seem that outrageous compared to larger cities’. Prices start out around $130 for liquor and $80 for champagne. For those looking for Grey Goose or Patron, expect to spend over 2 bills. Import beers were no more than $5 and they plan to have an extensive tapas menu to compliment the signature drinks. Of course they will be utilizing the fine kitchen of Cafe Fresco for all their edibles. Call ahead for table reservations.

Level 2 plans to have “the best service and atmosphere [downtown]” said owner Laus. If there were any optimism to these plans, I would say they were ahead of the times by about 5 years for Harrisburg (which is usually the case for anything new, cool, or hip to hit this town). This is by far one of the most luxurious night spots to come along in the last several years.

For more details, I urge you to check out Sara Bozich’s column from a few weeks ago on Pennlive.com. She has the scoop on all the juicy details for Level 2. Don’t forget to click on the photos above for a look inside.

Share it

Dining, Harrisburg, Just Opened, Nightlife | 2 Comments »

Its been 20 years since the Pride of the Susquehanna first set sail along the banks of Harrisburg. Since then over a half a million people have sailed on this classic paddle wheeled boat.

This summer, the Pride will be docking near the Harrisburg side of the Walnut Street Bridge for free weekly jazz entertainment. Every Thursday evening starting June 12, the bar will be open and the music will play from 6-9pm. It will be a great opportunity for people to relax outside for happy hour along the river as it transforms into a temporary nightspot near Restaurant Row.

The Harrisburg Riverboat’s 20th anniversary season begins on Sunday, May 11 with a special Mother’s Day dinner cruise followed by dinner cruises throughout the season. Special dinner cruises can be booked online. The riverboat is also available for private charter and public cruises throughout the summer months.

I’ve been on several cruises over the last few years and have enjoyed every one of them. It’s a really unique trip and I would recommend one of their dinner cruises as part of a group outing or special occasion. I would also make your plans early because they fill up quickly. Note: The Mother’s Day cruise is already sold out and the first public dinner cruise available as of this publication is May 30.

Share it

Dining, Harrisburg, Music, Nightlife | No Comments »

The final nail in the coffin which will bear the name of the Tom “Konnichiwa” Sawyer Cantina Diner will soon be driven.

It served it’s purpose as a family friendly retro diner, an astroturf “OMG party bar”, a short lived Asian martni bar, and finally a Mexican themed cantina. Better get your Cuervo body shots in because it will soon be razed in the name of progress.

After several weeks of delay, Harrisburg City Council tonight approved plans for an 18-story retail and office tower at North Second and Locust streets.

Rick Galiardo, one of four partners in the project, said the developers would now begin to line up tenants for the 13 floors of office space and the first-floor retail area. He said there was no precise timetable for when construction would begin.

{ PennLive | Continue Reading }

Share it

Dining, Harrisburg, Just Closing, Nightlife | 2 Comments »

Less than a month after Pennsylvania’s newest slots parlor — Hollywood Casino at Penn National outside Harrisburg — opened its doors, four machines have skyrocketed to stardom and become some of the casino’s biggest moneymakers.The machines feature a game many thought wouldn’t see the inside of a Pennsylvania casino anytime soon: blackjack. Or, to be more precise, virtual blackjack.

While the traditional card game is banned at Pennsylvania casinos, where table games are forbidden, state gaming regulators have approved its electronic counterpart.

But some lawmakers say the virtual card games should never have been allowed and are asking the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to remove them.

”This was not the intent of the law,” state Sen. Pat Browne, R-Lehigh, said of the law legalizing slots. In addition to asking the board to remove the machines, Browne is circulating legislation calling for their prohibition.

{ The Morning Call | Continue Reading }

I still haven’t returned to the Hollywood Casino after the grand opening, but as I observed, it sounds like the “table games” are some of the most popular games. I don’t know one person who was actually excited to play regular slot machines for hours upon end.

Share it

Nightlife, Suburbs | No Comments »

Tickets are now on sale for the annual Harrisburg Brewers Festival for Saturday, June 21.

A few facts about brewfest:

• There will be samples from up to 35 breweries and up to 2,600 beer lovers from across the Mid-Atlantic region will attend this event. The ticket price covers unlimited beer samples from participating breweries, a collector’s sampling mug, and entertainment from several bands. There will also be reasonably priced food concessions available.
• We recommend you buy tickets in advance as last year’s event was a complete sellout. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Tickets Prices are Tax deductable and all proceeds benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Central Pennsylvania. VIP Tickets are $95.
• The double session event is scheduled to run from 12:00 to 3:30pm and 5:00 to 8:30pm on Locust and Third Streets with the main entrance at the corner of Second and Locust Streets in downtown Harrisburg.
• Entertainment includes Brush Mountain Band,Eli Charleston’s Ragtime Band, and Off the Wagon during the afternoon session. Quagmire Swim Team and King Street perform during the evening session.

Share it

Events, Harrisburg, Nightlife | No Comments »