Camp Curtin Bar-B-Que Station

First off, overall, I would probably not return to this restaurant. While I was there I overheard they’ve had issues before and continue to. I can see a lot of things they can work on.
It was a cool location, especially since it is an old fire station renovated to add a kitchen. The ambiance and décor is great.
The actual service was poor. It was 2 workers for the entire shop, but they did mention it was slow. Even with the slow traffic, I was slow to be helped. The guy was friendly though.
They ran out of ribs… I came to try BBQ and ended up settling for some fried chicken and sausage. I also added regular fries and Mac and cheese. Fried chicken was dry and very bland. The sausage was the only redeeming component. It was moist and the sauce was delicious. With that said, maybe I’ve been spoiled by Texas BBQ, but no brisket?! Ribs were out, I will give them the benefit of the doubt and imagine they were so delicious that it all sold out by noon, when I got there. The Mac and cheese was very basic. The fries not even worth talking about.
Overall, like I said was a bit of a disappointment. I hope they are able to turn things around soon, but it’s got to start with the food being perfection every time it comes out to a customer. Keep the location though!

Reports of his demise were greatly exaggerated. Chef Cooper is open again at Camp Curtin, though not the full-​service operation of the old days. Nevertheless, if there is better Q in Harrisburg, I’ve never found it. Ribs, pork, brisket, etc. still available, with mac, slaw, fries, baked potato, etc. on the side. Counter service with tables or take-​out. Call ahead, or just come in and chew the fat with Coop. I love this place!

Just found this place here on Unilocal.Interior of old fire house sheds some quaint quiet atmosphere. Quick and friendly service was definite plus.
Now on to what you all want to know about…, The Food.
My wife and I find ourselves traveling far and wide to find good barbeque. To find a place this close to where we live with this great of ‘que makes us ecstatic. The pork and beef ‘que combo sammies were great. But by far the grilled wings were the highlight of our lunch. We left with full tummies but left wanting more.
We will definitely be back.

THE BEST BBQ IN THE BURG!!! Yall need to come down here and enjoy the delicious BBQ! That BBQ hot sauce is perfect!

I love when I have a chance to write a positive review of a BBQ place. Doesn’t happen often. Found this place via Unilocal,and it really delivered.
I am a rib snob. Got the half rack dinner (they use baby backs here) with a side of beans and slaw for $ 15.50 with tax. Loved it. BBQ ribs shouldn’t actually fall off the bone. They should be firm and tender, with a flaky texture. Check, check, check. I got mine with spicy sauce on the side, as I’m more of a dry rub person. I ended up dipping in the spicy sauce for every bite. Really good sauce, and the spice rub here is minimal. I’d guess just salt and pepper.
Service was laid back and very friendly. Not sure it’s the best place to go if you’re in a rush, but we didn’t ask for rush service, so who’s to say they can’t go fast if they need to. We really enjoyed the service and atmosphere. Décor is really nice, it’s in an old fire house, complete with the pole to slide down and the spiral stairs in back. Beautiful space. Parking could not have been easier.
My dining companions both got chicken, and both loved what they had. It was unanimous. We left with big smiles on our faces. Hooray Camp Curtin!

BY FAR, the BEST BBQ I have had in Central, PA and in the top 3 places for BBQ I have ever had (which says a lot as I was stationed in South, West, and Midwest while in Military). I ate here for the first time today (3÷6÷15) and had half chicken with coleslaw and fries. The fries were the one low spot, but not their fault. They were cooked perfectly, but I forgot to season them with some salt and pepper before I left (took it to go.) so no reason to hold it against them. The coleslaw was great! The chicken was out of this world. I had the hot sauce which was a hot bbq that was spicy, but not like a buffalo sauce and didn’t overpower the smoke flavor in the chicken.
The interior is awesome as it is a former firehouse and still has the original spiral staircase and firepole along with a stamped roof and some awesome crown molding. It is even more amazing when you consider that the owner did the renovations himself!
I would recommend this place in a heartbeat to anyone and did do to at least 10 people just while eating it.

Some of the best BBQ in Harrisburg. It’s southern BBQ that is for sure and their baked beans are amazing! It’s family run and they are really great!

I ate here a couple of days ago It’s open!
The inside décor is a bit run-​down, but it’s generally very clean. Several people ate inside and appeared to be regulars. It’s modified table service: you order at the counter, then then staff brings your food when it’s ready.
I had the pulled pork sandwich. I hate pulled pork, but this was very good! It was uniquely seasoned. I have no idea what they put on it, but it was yummy. The bread didn’t do the pork justice, though. I found myself coveting the fried chicken wings at the table next to me. I refused to order wings at a BBQ place, but they sure looked delicious.
That BBQ sauce is incredible! I ate the mild, and my dining partner tried both the mild and the hot and said both were great.
I also had fries. The fries were super (or something) with pork and cheese whiz. Not my style at all. I would have preferred shredded melted cheddar with a different meat. I was told I could order them that way next time. The potatoes appeared to be fresh-​cut rather than frozen, which is great.
The owner and employees are all very nice. They take care with each person’s order. Service is friendly and relatively fast, since the food is made to order.
They have Faygo pop (yes, I said pop – Faygo and I are from Michigan). It was great to see my favorite drink from my hometown. Faygo goes great with bar-​b-​q.
I’m cranky that they didn’t have rib tips. It takes a REAL rib joint to offer rib tips. Still in search of the illusive rib tips in Harrisburg.
I will try it again another time. Well worth the trip!

Closed! Building is for sale.

Yum-​o! Came in from NJ for a football game. Found this place on Unilocal and everything was awesome! Will be back again. The only thing that was disappointing was that the chef did not make the corn bread today… but I guess that’s what happens when the food is made fresh — if they have time to make it, it’s available if not well, maybe next time.

This is probably the best BBQ chicken establishment in the City of Harrisburg. The place is VERY VERY clean, the prices are very cheap, and you leave full.
The décor is interesting, and the restaurant is located inside an old firehouse, to which most of the fixtures (tin ceiling, escape pole) still remain. It’s usually not very busy, and I frequently see city service crews (paramedics, firefighters, police officers) and the mailmen sitting down here for lunch and dinner.
My only three complaints:
1) It’s in a VERY rough neighborhood. I would only eat lunch here, not dinner. I don’t even know if this establishment is open much past 8PM.
2) Their Mac & Cheese with Beef Chunks is amazing. But, on the day I went, the chef decided not to cook it (!!).
3) They should have extra bottles of BBQ Sauce on the tables. Getting extra BBQ sauce for your sandwich and fries is damn near impossible.
I’ve eaten here many times, and I’ll continue to go back.