The name alone is reason to go, if not for the Caribbean comfort foods.
Rice & Beans Diner joins the growing Allison Hill restaurant scene Feb. 6 at 319 S. 17th St. at the former The Club Diner. The specialty is Caribbean food with Spanish and American influences; its menu punctuated with oxtail, pork feet, stewed chicken, mashed fried plantains, paella, hamburgers and breakfast.
Owners, husband and wife Jose Pichardo and Starlyn Rivera, borrowed the concept from their Brooklyn, New York, Rice & Beans restaurant. About two years ago they moved their three children to the Harrisburg area where Pichardo’s cousin lives.
“When I came in, I saw there is nothing with my concept. That’s why I try and come with a little bit of everything,” Pichardo said.
After looking at locations around Harrisburg they settled on the Allison Hill neighborhood where they say they hope to serve people from all walks of life, from neighborhood residents to state workers.
The diner was built by the Jerry O’Mahony Dining Car Company and dates back to about 1939, according to dinerhunter.com.
Pichardo, who is originally from the Dominican Republic, has worked in the restaurant industry for about 30 years and built his culinary credentials at hotels and the Century cruise line. His influences are seen in the artful platters and garnishes at Rice & Beans.
The 50-seat restaurant’s menu covers breakfast with tres golpes – or “three hits” – with fried cheese, salami and two eggs for $7.75; pancakes, French toast, omelets and egg sandwiches. Pick from a series of $8 lunch specials - grilled ribs, oxtail, fish fillet, pork chops and meatballs served with rice and beans, salad and cup of hearty pinto bean soup.
There are seafood, chicken and meat dishes such as carne de cerdo frita (fried pork), pechuga al ajillo (chicken breast) and filete de pescadoro (fried fish) as well as tacos, quesadillas and tortas. They also serve club sandwiches, BLTs and Philly cheesesteaks.
Prices start at $3.25 for a Spanish omelet up to about $13.50 for most entrees. Finish with dessert including tres leches cake and flan.
The restaurant is open 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. They also offer catering. The phone numbers are 717-695-7979 and 717-695-9579.