Varsity Smoke Shack

With Anthony having to go up to Harrisburg for work over the last two months we haven't been able to go out to lunch together during the week. We got to reverse that trend on Wednesday, because he had an unexpected weekday at home thanks to a car accident. Luckily he was ok so we got to have lunch from one of our absolute favorite lunch spots in York: The Varsity Smoke Shack.

The Varsity is located about 100 yards from our front door which makes for a quick walk to pick up our grub, but it has another added bonus: when the wind is blowing the right way we can smell the glorious odors wafting down the alley from their smoker. No matter if it's beef, turkey, pork or ham they dish up some fantastic meat from their smoker.

On our most resent visit we opted to split the Philly style Italian Roast Pork with Sharp Provolone and Broccoli Rabe. Anthony has had this style sandwich at locations in New Jersey and Philadelphia, including the world famous DiNic's, and he says the Varsity version really holds it's own against the Philly versions. Even thought the sandwich is so good we don't always get the same thing  because the menu features so many great items.

Another menu item that pays homage to a regional classic is the Chicago style Italian Beef sandwich that comes dripping in delicious beef au jus and topped with spicy and tangy giardiniera. Like a great bar band, the Varsity isn't just about covers. Their originals are great too, like their from the pit sandwiches. Their homemade sides like Mac & Cheese and Potato Salad are a perfect complement and help ensure that even if you share, like Anthony and I did, you'll walk away full and satisfied.

In two weeks when Anthony is back to working in downtown York I'm sure he and I will go back to eating lunch together around town again, and when we do, the Varsity will be high on our list of places to go. It should be high on your list too. They get a full 4 paw review from this stuffed panda, and after I eat there I am always waaaaaay more stuffed.