The Public Opinion Soapbox

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2569 Location: Chambersburg

So who do you think is polled for these things? I go to York or Harrisburg, I see all these great, local restaurants with their "voted best-of" sticker. Here, McDonalds. The following is a testament to how horrible Franklin County is, because I take my food pretty seriously; we all have to eat after all, why not enjoy it? If you like McDonalds, fine, but you're only fooling yourself when you vote for their hormone-injected, frozen beef patties fried in a vat of cholesterol as the "best burger."

Best Burgers: McDonalds

It seriously can't get any worse than this. Look, I know you can't get a good, locally made burger in this town. I've tried. But despite the opening of Red Robin and Fuddrucker's, McDonalds still wins best burger.

Best Seafood: Red Lobster

I few notes here; first, is there really anywhere else to even get seafood? What a stacked question. Second, of all the places I've been, I found more Franklin Countians proclaim to "not eat seafood" than anywhere else I've been. Seriously? You don't eat it at all? Nope; and no, all-you-can-eat fried shrimp doesn't count.

Favorite Fast Food: McDonalds

Seriously, I'm going to McBarf. Have these people ever really tasted the food at McD's? Really?

Best Family Restaurant: Stoner's

I have a lot to say about this so get ready. First of all, what is a "family restaurant?" I know what it is in Franklin County; it is the descriptive term for a collection of nearly every, locally owned eatery all server nearly identical food items. Please, I can make hot ham and cheese at home. The family restaurants suck. Plain and simple. It's like 1957 at these places, but without that "old time charm" you know? It's mostly just dirty and creepy in these places.

One of my theories on why it's so bad has to do with Johnnie's. All of these places get their food from Johnnie's and always have; and despite Johnnie's increasing its selection, these establishments keep buying the same slop over and over, and serving it to the same boring people.

So here's my real question: where are the diners? I mean, seriously, is there one "diner?" Like a place with a huge menu that serves food 24 hours. Oh, no, Denny's does not count and it's a shame I'm stuck with that or the smell of stale mop water at Waffle House if I want a 2 AM food fix. Everywhere has diners. All over the place; why aren't they here?

So anyway; let me just get it out of the way. My honest opinion is simple; Stoner's food sucks. And no one cares.

Best Pizza: Pizza Hut

I'm starting to see a trend; whoever advertises the most nationally, wins! Do you know how many people I saw eating Pizza Hut pizza from their stand at the Apple Festival downtown last weekend? Despite their being dozens of awesome, festival food vendors. People, you're not 12 years old anymore... try some real pizza. Just don't ask me where to get a good slice in this town, because although we have about 100 pizza places, they're all pretty much mediocre. Any pizza suggestions from you folks?

Best Bar: The Cottage

Hey, it's better than Dilly's... but holds about a quarter of the people.

Best Buffet: Ryan's

I'd like to dedicate any entire thread to how much I hate Ryan's, but let me just sum it for you; Mmmm, trough. How does it feel to eat on a hog farm?

.45chel · Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 3042 Location: Chambersburg

I'd be curious to know how the favorites are selected. Would anyone care to elaborate?

I understand there is not alot of variety and it's important to highlight the positives around town, but it is pretty silly for McDonald's to beat out Fuddruckers for best hamburger, especially when at Fuddruckers you can make your own burger Laughing

I'm a poor foodie (no truffles for moi) and would love to have a wider selection and great conversations about local eateries.
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Nevermind.

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2569 Location: Chambersburg

You really don't have to spend a lot to eat well; but I've found that quality over quantity when it comes to food goes a long way toward making me happier.

Bratwurst · Joined: 23 Oct 2007 Posts: 29

Keep in mind the voters for that poll are ones who chose to submit the ballots, so it's not really a fair representation of Franklin County. I lost faith in that poll when the best waitress winner was from Hoss' of all places!

BadKarma42 · Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2007 7:04 pm Post subject:

Hey, don't worry about it. With all the "growth" and factory/warehouse jobs in the County there will be all sorts of high class eateries here in no time!

If I grew up here, I think I'd be pretty embarassed of those poll results!

LeftField · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 10

hanginout · Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 77

Coppy wrote:
“...because although we have about 100 pizza places, they're all pretty much mediocre. Any pizza suggestions from you folks?”

Agreed, there is not much to choose from here. Have enjoyed a few good pies at Benny’s. Located on LWE, east of Wal*Mart.

Excellent crust, not overloaded with an overbearing sauce and many topping are fresh and not the chains freeze dried sort. The best I’ve had in C’burg, but still no comparison to my midwest favorites.

Me!!!!!!!! · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 305

Brothers pizza is ok for a pie

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2569 Location: Chambersburg

I've had Caretti's and it is pretty good; I know they have the place in that abandoned Norland shopping center, and I had a sub there and it was pretty good. Isn't that strip mall a shame?

I'd like to try Benny's, I don't think I've given them a shot yet. I do enjoy the Rosalie's pizza made in the brick oven; has anyone noticed though that it doesn't hold up as well the next day?

I find Brother's crust to be a bit bland; I think their strong suit is their sandwiches and even their Mexican is pretty good.

And LeftField; there's nothing wrong with a good fried ham hoagie (being from another part of the northeast, I still sometimes just call them "heros," but that usually gets me funny looks around here) and technically, there's nothing really wrong with Stoner's. I know there aren't many other options, but I'm hoping that we can maybe build up some interest in getting some more unique, locally owned eateries around here.

Did everyone read about the Bistro they're putting in downtown? It got an economic development liquor license... amazing! I never would have though C-Burg would give that way, and quite Frankly, I'm surprised the church leaders aren't flipping out about it like they did on Hennessey.

Bobo · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 173 Location: Chambersburg

Coppy, I missed the story about the bistro. Where's it going to be and what will it be like?

anonymous_coward · Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 548

you can get some good seafood at the orchards.

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2569 Location: Chambersburg

QueenofHearts · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 373 Location: On the Computer

Best Burger:

FUDDRUCKER'S!!!!!!
(yeah, yeah it's a chain, but dang it's good!)
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Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me, I want people to know 'why' I look this way.

I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved.

.45chel · Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 3042 Location: Chambersburg

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2569 Location: Chambersburg

I could eat avocado if I was on fire.