Carley's Ristorante image

Carley's Ristorante

Restaurant

Warm, comfortable dining room offering Italian classics, plus live music every night & a full bar. People often mention great, fantastic, night, restaurant, piano, delicious, service, time, Michael, good,


Address

204 Locust St, Harrisburg, PA 17101

Website

www.carleysristorante.com

Contact

(717) 909-9191

Price rating

$$$ $

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (141 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 5 to 9 PM
  • Thursday: 5 to 9 PM
  • Friday: 5 to 10 PM
  • Saturday: 5 to 10 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 5 to 9 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: great (13) fantastic (9) night (8) restaurant (8) piano (8) delicious (7) service (7) time (7) Michael (6) good (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Grube 1 year ago on Google
    'Took my lady here for date night, as it was a place I had always wanted to go...and was not disappointed. Michael, the manager, was very attentive and took care of everything, from drinks (mixed as well), explanation of the history of the restaurant and just keeping things tidy and moving along. The 'Piano Man' was great at both singing and playing tunes from eras long past and quite a few not so distant past. The food was outstanding and the environment and weather was just wonderful. Try the duck... We will definitely be back again!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kelly V. 2 years ago on Google
    Michael was a great server. Cute place with chill vibes. The live music was nice and the food was good, definitely try the brisket cheese steak sandwich!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Trish T. 1 year ago on Google
    A few years ago we found Carley's. We were unable to come the last two years. Today we drove from Pittsburgh just to enjoy our favorite restaurant, once again. I am thrilled we did. Marenda was an absolutely fantastic server! William made me an espresso martini that left wanting another. And Travis the chef, prepared me a delightful shrimp meal. The shrimp and corn chowder should not be missed. My husband loved his chicken parmesan! We wish we lived closer! Thank you all for such a wonderful experience!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 TUR B. 6 months ago on Google
    We had fantastic times at the bar! Michael served us top of the line cocktails and drinks!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Abigail M. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent restaurant! We made reservations there for my 14-year-old son's birthday. Upon entrance, we were warmly greeted and at once treated like we were family. The brisket and mac-and-cheese were delicious, and the desserts were outstanding! Kudos to their excellent musician, Andrea, who played/sang some of our requests. Great laid-back and hometown feel. The birthday boy rated it as the "best restaurant ever." We'll be back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Brian L. 8 months ago on Google
    A fantastic spot for dinner while traveling solo. I was staying up the street and stumbled on this spot. Sat at the bar and had pappardelle pasta with Mahi and a Mediterranean toast. Delicious! Michael, the bartender, was also fantastic. I highly recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shannon E. 1 year ago on Google
    I still wonder if we actually went to Carley's last night or if it was a dream. This hidden gem was perfection begining to end. Between the great service, cozy decor, and incredible pianst we felt very welcomed and comfortable while also being entertained. And then the food, oh my word what sweet sweet bliss of every single bite that entered my mouth. We ordered a meatball appetizer that came with a side of pesto and marinara sauce that were out of this world. And as for the main course... I felt an explosion as various enchanting flavors enveloped my taste buds. I am not being fictitious when I say that I have never tasted a better meal than I had last night with the steak, garlic potatoes and asparagus that was cooked to perfection. I normally am a very picky eater in which I've never liked the taste of asparagus before and the steak I've received in the past is never cooked right, it's either been bloody or overcooked dry. But this steak was cooked the whole way through yet melted in my mouth! I literally cannot properly explain just how incredible the food really was. Words do not do it justice. Compliments to the chef who was delightfully humble. And back to that pianst, he also sings! He's a wonderful performer and a very kind gentleman. Your entire life will change by the experience of walking through the doors of Carley's Ristorante. We live about an hour away but it's worth the drive. We cannot wait to go back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Evan Van O. 1 year ago on Google
    Loved the atmosphere and the food! Very cozy and small place, but food was excellent. We loved the candlelight lighting and it made things feel homey. Plenty of space between tables and you didn't feel like you were sitting on top of people.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Robert H. 1 year ago on Google
    4 Stars is...I liked it... and I'd agree with that. We went to see Roy Lefevre on piano and hadn't been here before. The reviews were great and we looked forward to a wow. Roy was great, as always, but that's where the wow ended. Bar drinks were good... but strong and not well mixed. They needed a stir for sure. A friend ordered the signature margarita, which she described as a shot of tequila. The waitress tried to help us, but shared they didn't have a sours mix... then why offer a margarita? The food was also good, but not necessarily hot or fully seasoned. By that, you shouldn't need to salt or pepper a $30 dish. We chose the calamari appetizer, which the waitress steered is away from. The apps really were better than the meals. We had a great night, but thanks to the company and entertainment. Average food at above average prices won't bring us downtown again anytime soon.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vanshika A. 3 years ago on Google
    Simply wow! Fantastic food, fantastic service, and fantastic ambience! Michelle was our server and we had such a great time. We thoroughly enjoyed chatting with her about menu options and beyond. Due to the current covid situation, Carleys is sharing a menu with Stocks on 2nd (as of 8/25). It is, however, a wonderful menu! So many lovely options for any person’s tastes! The cheese board was a highlight, and the peanut butter pie was heavenly and decadent! Can’t wait to come back and enjoy another evening of good food and splendid service!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pam Griswold B. 2 years ago on Google
    This was our first time back since before the Pandemic and we were not disappointed! My husband took me there for my birthday! Once there he realized he forgot his wallet! Sharon, our server, offered to actually pay for our meal and let us pay her back! Luckily I had my wallet! Sharon proceeded to make our entire evening a fun time! Not only was her service fantastic, the food was delicious! Hubby had the brisket and Mac and cheese which was amazing! I had the artichoke and spinach stuffed peppers along with Brussel sprouts. Also delicious! The piano player that night was Roy Lefevre. We thoroughly enjoyed listening to him and he even played and sang happy birthday to me as Sharon brought out my delicious peanut butter pie. And I can't forget the chocolate martinis! Some of the best I've had! Definitely recommend this place and if you're lucky enough to go on a Friday night, be sure to say hi to Sharon! She is fantastic!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 chiara m. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing restaurant. The service was perfect, the food was quick and delicious. I had the best cherries or my life. The peanut butter pie was the best dessert I’ve ever eaten. 10/10 recommend.

  • 4/5 John K. 2 years ago on Google
    Really nice piano bar with a intimate ambiance. The food is both casual and upscale Italian and is reasonably priced. Very good cocktails too.

  • 5/5 Stephen S. 1 year ago on Google
    Our server Kelly was awesome. First time, stayed and answered all questions. Short ribs were tender, mushroom risotto and Brussels. Cocktails properly made, and can change to suit. Try the carrot cake, even if you have to take it home for later.

  • 5/5 Sarah Ellen L. 2 years ago on Google
    Service was excellent. Entertainment excellent. We were late for our reservation and we let them know. They were very kind and accommodating. Food was great. I had to the perfectly prepared duck. Good wine. Good energy. One of my favorite spots in Harrisburg.

  • 5/5 Jamy S. 1 year ago on Google
    Visiting a friend in Harrisburg and we visited this amazing piano bar! The atmosphere was warm and friendly, and the owner Michael was so welcoming. Live music was amazing, and the food was delicious. I'm jealous of everyone who lives close enough to enjoy this gem.

  • 5/5 Michelle C. 4 years ago on Google
    Cute place! Loved the live piano music, the food was great, and it was a lovely atmosphere! Service was good too 👍

  • 5/5 Anna M. 1 year ago on Google
    Michael made us amazing tiramisu martinis, and the piano performer was awesome! Great drinks, great music, and all around great energy!

  • 2/5 Kristy B. 2 years ago on Google
    Very disappointing this time! We have been before to Carley's and enjoy the atmosphere and the piano music and loved that it was an Italian restaurant. We are not from the area so we don't know if they changed ownership, but it is not the same as it used to be. We made reservations and arrived to a half empty restaurant. My husband said we had reservations and we were told to sit at the bar that they were backed up. Working many years in the restaurant industry, I could see they only had 3 people working and gave them the benefit of the doubt. We sat at the bar and waited a while for anyone to take our drink order. After sitting for 30 minutes and realizing other people were being sat, we questioned our reservation. He must not have heard my husband and they sat us then immediately. We were celebrating a late Valentine's day and we were sat right in the aisle way where everyone was walking through. The people working were basically running through every time they passed the tables. I get that it was busy, but even the way we were treated, the way the waiter talked to us was hasty and made us feel like we were a nuisance. The menu has changed and now seems like a hodgepodge of different styles of food, no longer Italian (google still has their old menu up) and no bread was served and by this time we were an hour past our reservation and starving! They did comp the first round of drinks for the confusion, which was appreciated, but considering this was our first night out in over a year and none of our expectations being met, it was not enough and ruined our night. Unfortunately we will not return.

  • 5/5 Brittany B. 5 months ago on Google
    Quality food , quick service. Doesn’t get much better than that. Got the fall seasonal seared scallops and dessert. Pianist was a pleasure.

  • 5/5 ian b. 7 months ago on Google
    Came here to celebrate my birthday. We were really happy with the experience. The food was delicious, surprisingly so.. sometimes these restaurants have a nice menu but not the chops to execute. Not Carly's, they did a fantastic job. The atmosphere is really great... They remembered it was my birthday and lit a candle and sang to me... which was nice. Great job. Highly recommend.

  • 5/5 Kylie M. 2 years ago on Google
    This is one of the best restaurants I’ve ever been too! From the atmosphere, to the service, to the food, everything was amazing. It was relaxed but still romantic and beautiful. The piano man was so talented and entertaining but the sound was set up perfect so even sitting right next to him I could talk to my husband without having to shout. Everyone that worked there just had great personalities and made it such a warm, happy place to be! I can’t wait to go back!


Call (717) 909-9191 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Happy hour food
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Happy hour drinks
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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