Looking for a restaurant nearby to meet up with a club? Maybe you need a bite to eat with your teammates after a hard game, or you might just want a fun night out with friends. Look no further: TJ Rockwell’s is a great spot to get a bite to eat near campus.
The first time I visited TJ Rockwell’s, my three friends, Mackenzie Pollachek, Judas Foster, Emily Morrissey and I were first-years and looking for an affordable restaurant with great food. We sat for hours laughing and enjoying our meals. I even remember our go-to order: The Rhino Tour. This appetizer was enough to feed all four of us for only $24.99—perfect for college students on a budget! When I was thinking of a restaurant to review, we thought it would be fun to go back to our old spot to catch up after summer break.
Unfortunately, when we sat down to look at the menu, The Rhino Tour was discontinued. Our waitress even told us it didn’t leave unnoticed, as many other customers were disappointed it was removed. However, we still found a way to split appetizers without spending an arm and a leg.
“I found it ridiculous that most of the appetizers were more expensive than the burgers on the same page,” junior multicultural human services major Foster said. “However, there is a lot of food [that comes with] the appetizers.”
What started in 1997 as a small restaurant has now grown into one of the most popular grill and tavern restaurants in central Pennsylvania. TJ Rockwell’s is a family friendly restaurant with plenty of rooms to fit any party. The staff is fast and friendly, happy to offer great service to customers. TJ Rockwell’s also has events like Seafood Feasts, Martini Tuesday and Craft Beer Night, so be sure to look out for those on their website! Besides just the food, my favorite part of going to TJ Rockwell’s is seeing the giant rhino above the fireplace, who I believe deserves a name!
The three dishes we ordered were the Rhino Fries, the Cheddar-bacon Perogies and the Chicken Fingers. The Rhino Fries were piled up on the plate, with enough for each of us. The fries were great because if you like your fries crispy or soft, this plate had both! The fries on the top were crispy and the ones on the bottom were soft so everyone could get what they liked, all covered in cheese. The Cheddar-bacon Perogies and Chicken Fingers were also great for sharing and a big hit at our table.
“For the most part, [they have] big portions,” junior mathematics major Pollachek said. “So, good for sharing!”
Every time I have gone to TJ Rockwell’s, it has been a great experience, and I plan to go back again to find a new go-to dish!
