Harrisburg residents were excited about the return of a holiday tradition as restaurants prepared for the ‘biggest night of the year.’
HARRISBURG, Pa. – Signs of the season are everywhere at Arooga’s Grill House and Sports Bar on Second Street in Harrisburg. Employees put the finishing touches on the decorations and loaded up the grill, anticipating a New Year’s Eve party for the ages.
“We have a number of great drink and food specials and we can’t wait for people to come out and enjoy the fun we’re offering,” said Jasin Reimer, kitchen manager at Arooga’s.
Excitement for the New Year is ramping up in Harrisburg as the annual strawberry spot returns to downtown for the first time since welcoming 2020. With the normal festivities about to begin, Arooga’s is serving food inside and out, serving up dishes of delicious hot even on New Year’s Day.
“Harrisburg is back,” Reimer said. “The weather will be good. A little light rain, but otherwise this will probably be the best fun we’ve had in a long time.”
It was a similar scene a few doors down at Cafe Fresco Center City.
“It’s, if not the biggest night of the year, one of the biggest nights of the year,” said Brian Fertenbaugh, owner of Cafe Fresco Center City and Level 2 nightclub.
FOX43 found waiters taking orders and bartenders serving cocktails just before the evening rush as the 2023 festivities kicked off at Cafe Fresco and one floor above at Level 2 nightclub. Owner Brian Fertenbaugh has been waiting for just such a night.
“With all the restrictions still in place somewhat last year, we really haven’t seen what we hope to see tonight in about three years,” Fertenbaugh said.
With the traditional festivities back in town, the restaurant is almost fully booked. Fertenbaugh said this is the best problem he can hope for as 2023 approaches.
“We have a ton of bookings tonight,” Fertenbaugh said. “We don’t have a lot of walking space, but there will be some foot traffic because of the strawberry fall. We’re hoping that will bring a crowd down and that the weather won’t be a factor here.”
Some downtown businesses are offering extended hours tonight as the party continues into the morning.
