By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey
For more than four decades, the unassuming little
Red Rabbit Drive-In has been a beloved Harrisburg area landmark and destination for some of the best burgers and “Bar-B-Q” around. Although it was first opened in 1964, the family-owned, one- of-a-kind restaurant in Duncannon (about 20 minutes northwest of Harrisburg) has a 50’s vibe complete with made-to-order menu, car hops, hand-spun shakes, creamy floats, big banana splits and hot fudge sundaes.
Chow down in your ’57 Chevy, on a picnic bench or have your feast boxed and ready to go (call ahead and it will be ready for quick pick-up when you get there). There’s no inside seating so the Rabbit is closed in winter. Otherwise, loyal customers might be tempted to trek through the snow and freeze their cottontails off.
Be sure to try the famous hickory-smoked bacon, melted cheese-and “special sauce”-topped “
Bunny Burger” ($4.60 or add 35 cents if you want a poppy seed roll) and a side of fries ($2.20). Or go for any of the other bunny-style Bar-B-Q ham or pork sandwiches ($4.10) or a full Perry County Fried Chicken Dinner, complete with fries, cole slaw and buttered roll for $8.10.
Just keep in mind you’ll have to curb your cravings until the weekend — the Red Rabbit is open only on Fridays through Sundays. But if on any of those days you need a nibble, you can get drive on in anytime between 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.