Harrisburg is one of Pennsylvania's diner hot spots. The
metropolitan area has the largest concentration of
well-preserved diners in the state. Located practiacally
in the geographic center, the capital city is not much more
than half a day's drive from any point in the Keystone
state.
The DeCoven Diner is not exactly in Harrisburg; it's a
scenic 10 or so mile drive up the Western shore of the
mighty Susquehanna. That distance is a nice buffer zone
between you and the infamous Three Mile Island nuclear
plant.
This lovely double-unit O'Mahony was originally located on
Route 22 in Harrisburg, until in 1972 it found its new home
2 miles south of Duncannon, PA on a busy 3-lane highway.
At first glance, it looks quite a bit like the East Shore
Diner back in the city, however, on closer examination,
it's a bit more immaculate.
Wayne and Glenn Williams have operated the DeCoven for the
past year. For the most part, their menu doesn't stray too
far from the diner norm. I ordered the one thing I hadn't
seen before: Smoked Pork Chops. You could get either one
chop or two and I would recommend going with the smaller
portion unless you are in the mood for serious gluttony.
The one satisfied me up just fine, and at under $6.00, left
quite a bit of cash in my wallet. You get your choice of
two side dishes with an entree. I went for the coleslaw
which was a bit creamier than I'm used to, but overall,
quite superior. The one disappointment was the instant
mashed potatoes. I admit I have a pet peave against
reconstituted spuds, they occupy a high position in Ron's
Dining Hall of Shame, somewhere between Spam and Aeresol
Cheese. Considering the fact the Pennslyvania is a
significant producer of pototaoes, you wouldn't think fresh
mashed pototaoes would be too much to ask for... Again,
you can choose the two side dishes, and I did not ask if
the potatoes were instant when I ordered, so I guess it was
my own fault. No complaints about the pork chop, though,
juicy, tender, and, well, interesting.
As far as the service goes, you couldn't find a friendlier
and more attentive waitstaff. A+ all the way.
The DeCoven Diner opens at 4:00AM during hunting season.
Being neither a sportsman or an early morning person, I am
not enthralled, but this is certainlly a plus for many.
Car buffs will need to make their way there on Saturday
evenings in the Summer for cruise night, preferrably on
vintage wheels, where the can join their crusing cohorts
for a retro fiesta ala diner.
If you are passing by the Harrisburg area on the
Pennsylvania turnpike, the DeCoven is a bit our of your
way, but it's an excursion that's certainly worth the extra
driving. Order fried not mashed potatoes, and you'll be
very happy you made the detour.
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