I was in Harrisburg for several days and spent 2 nights here. Bartenders were attentive and friendly. Wings ordered took some time to arrive. Tasty, so with the wait. Beer selection on draft - maybe 6-8. Had a dark moon recommended by bartender; Blue Moon with Guinness laid in gently on top. Don't sit by the door on cool nights. Duct work shoots cool air over your back. Friendly crowd.
(2)
FU Y.
Dropped in here one time when staying overnight on the so-called 2nd Street Corridor... Speakeasy feel, the 'old-fashioned' character works here because bars that look kinda crappy on the outside, but are cool on the inside usually rock aight. The place was full, but not paranoia-inducing; both bar and tables worked for making you feel part of the 'action'; the clientele was Steelers-focused...cool, they can take it a game; girls were drunk and friendly & my little bartender took care of me and provided some eye candy. I'd go back - I dug it...friendly, unique, low key.
(4)
Mia K.
Zembie's is your typical Central PA sports bar... Think Kokomos but with better service and better mixed drinks. NBA, NFL, and MLB on the screens by the bar and karaoke on weekends with a DJ playing a mix of music from rap to country. It's a typical Central PA crowd with your mix of rednecks, Abercrombie boys, and the occasional black dude who came with his Army buddies or sumet. The mixed drinks are delicious and reasonably priced. A malibu bay breeze runs like 4$ I believe. And of course it's always fun to watch drunk people embarrass themselves terribly... And the American Idol wannabes who think that because they can carry a tune everyone wants to hear them sing 10 songs by Bette Midler :| The food is also pretty good. I've tried a few things and I have never been disappointed in the quality, quantity, or.... I can't think of a q-word for price.
(3)
J J.
Great cocktails! We always enjoy the drinks,but hVent ha much food here just here good things by out cousins who go often, enjoyed ourselves a lot a very fun environment. Great service and music very fun time here!
(5)
Adam S.
I have a soft spot for Zembies. This has been my old faithful since my 20s and the found memories that come with that. This place is a true fixture in this city. The bar it's self has been here for a long time and probably will be here long after most things current are gone. Marble bar tops and brass give this bar old time charm that most places on 2nd street don't have. Zembies is an honest place where you can watch the game, take advantage of a cheap beer special and get a decent meal that won't break the bank.
(4)
Kim S.
Recently I was in the city of Harrisburg ,PA on an official business trip. I work for the federal government, and travel extensively throughout the country. On this particular trip my husband joined me; Zembie's restaurant was recommended to us for dinner.. the experience turned out to be a very uncomfortable situation! Not only was the wait staff rude and short to the black family sitting next to us; the fact that my husband and I are interracial seemed to infuriate them even more. Zembie's restaurant is the modern day epitome of the "Jim Crow" south...the only thing missing was the white sheets!
(1)
Darryn T.
Smoking allowed. In my mind, enough said. If you need something more, the music is cheesy 80's (Love in an Elevator by Aerosmith), the staff regarded a stranger (me) as an intruder, etc. Cheesy pretty much describes the entire place.
(2)
Jessie B.
this place sucks do not, i repeat, do not waste your time going to zembies horrible food and customer service
(1)
Liane C.
Went in with several friends on a Sat night. It was karaoke night which was nice because there was entertainment. Nothing to impressive to speak of as far as service. The waiter that came to our table didn't seem to happy to be waiting on us but we were a large group. Didn't like that they allowing smoking in the bar. Needless to say we didn't stay long and will not be returning. Would not recommend to anyone unless you like leaving the bar smelling like smoke .
(1)
Nicholas M.
Withhout a doubt, one of the better bars in Harrisburg. Good food and cheap beer. The food is actually surprising delicious, wings are dirty cheap and some of the best in town (second best in downtown next to Momo's). It is definitely a fun atmosphere with good service. Karaoke on Friday and Saturday night is always fun. Only complaint is that it is that smoking is still allowed at night.
(4)
Thomas J.
We travel a few times a year on some one tank trips and are always looking for a local place with good food and are usually let down by internet reviews. NOT HERE! This place was everything the local say it is and more. GREAT Sandwiches that my 12 year old even loved. and the WINGS were outstanding, probably the BEST we ever had. If you want something above the normal with a nice twist on classic American food, PUT THIS PLACED ON YOUR LIST! The Cool, old interior of the place is awesome too!
(5)
Lina K.
Great service! Our waitress was very attentive and efficient despite how busy the bar was on this particular Saturday night. Crowd was very eclectic and there the karaoke singers were very enthusiastic. Zembie's looks like a typical small bar turned sports pub with many flat screens strung over the bar and walls. They serve pitchers and this insanely delicious Irish Nachos dish .... instead of nachos, they use waffle fries and the toppings were a-plenty! They also had wing specials and these may possibly be the BEST wings I have ever had. Ordered the wings with a combination Barbecue/Spicy sauce as suggested by Wendy, the bartender. They were great! Meaty, crispy, perfectly sauced. Also ... FROSTED mugs (when requested early in the evening when it wasn't too busy) .... yay! I have friends who love Zembie's and now I can understand why.
(4)
Jeremy L.
Went here for an Eagles game once and stopped back in for a drink another night. The wings and nachos I had during the game were pretty standard, I don't remember being overly impressed, but I also wasn't disappointed. It was a pretty quiet night and the bar properly catered to Eagles fans by turning off the music and turning on the game audio once it started. An interesting crew of people came in around the 4th quarter with a plastic bag full of things they apparently needed for karaoke night, we didn't stay to listen but I'm sure it was a delight. The waiter I had for the game was the same bartender I had for my quick stop another night. He's a cool guy, attentive and good at what he does. The one negative experience I had was paying $7.50 or $8 (Can't quite remember) for a Rogue's Yellow Snow IPA. This is maybe a $6 beer in this area, anymore than that is pretty outrageous. Not a bad place, but I haven't had the urge to go back.
(3)
Julia D.
I like Zembies. It's actually a pretty cool little bar with some serious art deco nostalgia kicking in the decor. Kind of reminiscent of a speakeasie... Food is alright. Big portions. Bar food. Not stellar and pretty much like everything else on Second Street. I dislike that they allow smoking on the weekends and evenings. And I suppose I'm not too clear on how they manage that one, so I don't love to go here but it's ok and if I'm drunk enough I'll stumble in on a weekend.
(3)
Keith N.
I've been going to Zembies off and on for years. Good food... love the Irish Nachos (waffle fries, cheese and bacon) and I think they have some of the best wings in the area. We ask for the hot sauce mixed with garlic sauce - which is a perfect combo IMO. Kitchen service can be slow, even at lunch when its mostly empty... drinks come faster. Zembies is a good, reliable place with great pub grub... perfect for hanging out with a group of friends.
(4)
Steve W.
I'll admit it, I'm biased. I have been going here for years. I love their menu. The "Cliff Floyd" (Turkey & Spinnach Pita) is my go to sandwhich however I have never had a bad meal here. They also boast Paulie, the bartender extrodinaire who is always quick with the drinks and quicker with his wit. This is a baseball bar, so if its in season you will be able see just about MLB game you want. The place is small so on a Friday or Saturday evening don't go if you're claustrophobic. But on a non-weekend night if you want to enjoy a game with friends over a few beers, this is THE place on 2nd Street in Harrisburg.
(5)
Dave S.
Been coming here for about a decade now. The service can be hit or miss during the slow times, but is always solid during peak hours & weekend evenings. The Mexican dishes are savory and wildly satisfying, if not entirely authentic. The atmosphere is a very welcome change from the typical over-hyped sports bar fare; think of this as a solid neighborhood bar with great food and plenty of TVs.
(4)
Full C.
Words with friends is nothing. You need to try Madlibs with Mexi every Tuesday. I don't know about their food. I don't know about their drink specials. I know about Mexi. Madlibs with Mexi rocks.
(5)
Joshua N.
Small and the drink prices kinda blow. The wings aren't bad. There aren't a lot of TV's. Hell I don't know where you would put them. It's somewhere to go. I just wasn't impressed with either of the two times I've been there.
(2)
Robert S.
Zembie's was hoppin' when I arrived late on a Friday night. My memory is a little fuzzy since I had got an early start on the evening at the airport bar. It's a dark and friendly kind of joint, with a crowd of laid back people having a great time. Karaoke was in full swing while I was here, and the "talent" seemed ok. The beer selection wasn't that great though. The best beer that they had was a Sierra Nevada, which wasn;t bad. And I guess I shouldn't be such a beer snob in a hard-drinkin blue collar town like Harrisburg. 'Twas cheap, though.
(4)
Clint L.
Large servings helpful wait staff lead by the famous and cordial Bartender Paul. Parking available on the street and next door in a huge parking garage. Downtown Harrisburg never had a better down home type feel to it once you walk into Zembies. I started Frequenting the establishment in 2005 and have been back numerous times.
(4)
Kevin L.
Home of Paul, one of the best bartenders in Central PA. Great food and almost always great service have brought me back again and again for the better part of 12 years.
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Very Loud Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : Yes Outdoor Seating : Yes Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes
Jon L.
I was in Harrisburg for several days and spent 2 nights here. Bartenders were attentive and friendly. Wings ordered took some time to arrive. Tasty, so with the wait. Beer selection on draft - maybe 6-8. Had a dark moon recommended by bartender; Blue Moon with Guinness laid in gently on top. Don't sit by the door on cool nights. Duct work shoots cool air over your back. Friendly crowd.
(2)FU Y.
Dropped in here one time when staying overnight on the so-called 2nd Street Corridor... Speakeasy feel, the 'old-fashioned' character works here because bars that look kinda crappy on the outside, but are cool on the inside usually rock aight. The place was full, but not paranoia-inducing; both bar and tables worked for making you feel part of the 'action'; the clientele was Steelers-focused...cool, they can take it a game; girls were drunk and friendly & my little bartender took care of me and provided some eye candy. I'd go back - I dug it...friendly, unique, low key.
(4)Mia K.
Zembie's is your typical Central PA sports bar... Think Kokomos but with better service and better mixed drinks. NBA, NFL, and MLB on the screens by the bar and karaoke on weekends with a DJ playing a mix of music from rap to country. It's a typical Central PA crowd with your mix of rednecks, Abercrombie boys, and the occasional black dude who came with his Army buddies or sumet. The mixed drinks are delicious and reasonably priced. A malibu bay breeze runs like 4$ I believe. And of course it's always fun to watch drunk people embarrass themselves terribly... And the American Idol wannabes who think that because they can carry a tune everyone wants to hear them sing 10 songs by Bette Midler :| The food is also pretty good. I've tried a few things and I have never been disappointed in the quality, quantity, or.... I can't think of a q-word for price.
(3)J J.
Great cocktails! We always enjoy the drinks,but hVent ha much food here just here good things by out cousins who go often, enjoyed ourselves a lot a very fun environment. Great service and music very fun time here!
(5)Adam S.
I have a soft spot for Zembies. This has been my old faithful since my 20s and the found memories that come with that. This place is a true fixture in this city. The bar it's self has been here for a long time and probably will be here long after most things current are gone. Marble bar tops and brass give this bar old time charm that most places on 2nd street don't have. Zembies is an honest place where you can watch the game, take advantage of a cheap beer special and get a decent meal that won't break the bank.
(4)Kim S.
Recently I was in the city of Harrisburg ,PA on an official business trip. I work for the federal government, and travel extensively throughout the country. On this particular trip my husband joined me; Zembie's restaurant was recommended to us for dinner.. the experience turned out to be a very uncomfortable situation! Not only was the wait staff rude and short to the black family sitting next to us; the fact that my husband and I are interracial seemed to infuriate them even more. Zembie's restaurant is the modern day epitome of the "Jim Crow" south...the only thing missing was the white sheets!
(1)Darryn T.
Smoking allowed. In my mind, enough said. If you need something more, the music is cheesy 80's (Love in an Elevator by Aerosmith), the staff regarded a stranger (me) as an intruder, etc. Cheesy pretty much describes the entire place.
(2)Jessie B.
this place sucks do not, i repeat, do not waste your time going to zembies horrible food and customer service
(1)Liane C.
Went in with several friends on a Sat night. It was karaoke night which was nice because there was entertainment. Nothing to impressive to speak of as far as service. The waiter that came to our table didn't seem to happy to be waiting on us but we were a large group. Didn't like that they allowing smoking in the bar. Needless to say we didn't stay long and will not be returning. Would not recommend to anyone unless you like leaving the bar smelling like smoke .
(1)Nicholas M.
Withhout a doubt, one of the better bars in Harrisburg. Good food and cheap beer. The food is actually surprising delicious, wings are dirty cheap and some of the best in town (second best in downtown next to Momo's). It is definitely a fun atmosphere with good service. Karaoke on Friday and Saturday night is always fun. Only complaint is that it is that smoking is still allowed at night.
(4)Thomas J.
We travel a few times a year on some one tank trips and are always looking for a local place with good food and are usually let down by internet reviews. NOT HERE! This place was everything the local say it is and more. GREAT Sandwiches that my 12 year old even loved. and the WINGS were outstanding, probably the BEST we ever had. If you want something above the normal with a nice twist on classic American food, PUT THIS PLACED ON YOUR LIST! The Cool, old interior of the place is awesome too!
(5)Lina K.
Great service! Our waitress was very attentive and efficient despite how busy the bar was on this particular Saturday night. Crowd was very eclectic and there the karaoke singers were very enthusiastic. Zembie's looks like a typical small bar turned sports pub with many flat screens strung over the bar and walls. They serve pitchers and this insanely delicious Irish Nachos dish .... instead of nachos, they use waffle fries and the toppings were a-plenty! They also had wing specials and these may possibly be the BEST wings I have ever had. Ordered the wings with a combination Barbecue/Spicy sauce as suggested by Wendy, the bartender. They were great! Meaty, crispy, perfectly sauced. Also ... FROSTED mugs (when requested early in the evening when it wasn't too busy) .... yay! I have friends who love Zembie's and now I can understand why.
(4)Jeremy L.
Went here for an Eagles game once and stopped back in for a drink another night. The wings and nachos I had during the game were pretty standard, I don't remember being overly impressed, but I also wasn't disappointed. It was a pretty quiet night and the bar properly catered to Eagles fans by turning off the music and turning on the game audio once it started. An interesting crew of people came in around the 4th quarter with a plastic bag full of things they apparently needed for karaoke night, we didn't stay to listen but I'm sure it was a delight. The waiter I had for the game was the same bartender I had for my quick stop another night. He's a cool guy, attentive and good at what he does. The one negative experience I had was paying $7.50 or $8 (Can't quite remember) for a Rogue's Yellow Snow IPA. This is maybe a $6 beer in this area, anymore than that is pretty outrageous. Not a bad place, but I haven't had the urge to go back.
(3)Julia D.
I like Zembies. It's actually a pretty cool little bar with some serious art deco nostalgia kicking in the decor. Kind of reminiscent of a speakeasie... Food is alright. Big portions. Bar food. Not stellar and pretty much like everything else on Second Street. I dislike that they allow smoking on the weekends and evenings. And I suppose I'm not too clear on how they manage that one, so I don't love to go here but it's ok and if I'm drunk enough I'll stumble in on a weekend.
(3)Keith N.
I've been going to Zembies off and on for years. Good food... love the Irish Nachos (waffle fries, cheese and bacon) and I think they have some of the best wings in the area. We ask for the hot sauce mixed with garlic sauce - which is a perfect combo IMO. Kitchen service can be slow, even at lunch when its mostly empty... drinks come faster. Zembies is a good, reliable place with great pub grub... perfect for hanging out with a group of friends.
(4)Steve W.
I'll admit it, I'm biased. I have been going here for years. I love their menu. The "Cliff Floyd" (Turkey & Spinnach Pita) is my go to sandwhich however I have never had a bad meal here. They also boast Paulie, the bartender extrodinaire who is always quick with the drinks and quicker with his wit. This is a baseball bar, so if its in season you will be able see just about MLB game you want. The place is small so on a Friday or Saturday evening don't go if you're claustrophobic. But on a non-weekend night if you want to enjoy a game with friends over a few beers, this is THE place on 2nd Street in Harrisburg.
(5)Dave S.
Been coming here for about a decade now. The service can be hit or miss during the slow times, but is always solid during peak hours & weekend evenings. The Mexican dishes are savory and wildly satisfying, if not entirely authentic. The atmosphere is a very welcome change from the typical over-hyped sports bar fare; think of this as a solid neighborhood bar with great food and plenty of TVs.
(4)Full C.
Words with friends is nothing. You need to try Madlibs with Mexi every Tuesday. I don't know about their food. I don't know about their drink specials. I know about Mexi. Madlibs with Mexi rocks.
(5)Joshua N.
Small and the drink prices kinda blow. The wings aren't bad. There aren't a lot of TV's. Hell I don't know where you would put them. It's somewhere to go. I just wasn't impressed with either of the two times I've been there.
(2)Robert S.
Zembie's was hoppin' when I arrived late on a Friday night. My memory is a little fuzzy since I had got an early start on the evening at the airport bar. It's a dark and friendly kind of joint, with a crowd of laid back people having a great time. Karaoke was in full swing while I was here, and the "talent" seemed ok. The beer selection wasn't that great though. The best beer that they had was a Sierra Nevada, which wasn;t bad. And I guess I shouldn't be such a beer snob in a hard-drinkin blue collar town like Harrisburg. 'Twas cheap, though.
(4)Clint L.
Large servings helpful wait staff lead by the famous and cordial Bartender Paul. Parking available on the street and next door in a huge parking garage. Downtown Harrisburg never had a better down home type feel to it once you walk into Zembies. I started Frequenting the establishment in 2005 and have been back numerous times.
(4)Kevin L.
Home of Paul, one of the best bartenders in Central PA. Great food and almost always great service have brought me back again and again for the better part of 12 years.
(4)