Do not let the fact that it is attached to a casino scare you off from this gem. 

Liberty Bar and Grill, part of Parx Casino in Shippensburg, provides delicious meals and fun cocktails for occasions. 

One does not even need to step one foot onto the gaming floor to reach it. When I suggested the restaurant to my grandparents, they were skeptical, too. However, even my gambling-aversive grandfather was pleasantly surprised by the lack of obnoxious, slot-machine noises.

The menu has a diverse enough selection to please any diner. I ordered the Schnitzel, and felt a twinge of guilt at the $17 price since I was not the one footing the bill. 

However, when it arrived, I was shocked at how massive it was compared to my grandmother’s version. It covered most of the plate, overlapping slightly with the mashed potatoes. It also had a sunny side up egg on top of it, which I’ve never seen before. It was not hard to cut the tender meat, and the crunch of the breading was quite satisfying. I noted that the meat is not seasoned very much, making it less flavorful than I anticipated. At the same time, the rich and savory onion sauce that came with the dish compensated for this. 

As for the sunny side up egg on top of the cutlet, I added a pinch of salt and dipped some of my grandfather’s fries in the yolk. If dippy eggs make you queasy, then you might want to request that they hold it. The mashed potatoes are rich and buttery with a golden yellow hue. They certainly used more butter than milk or cream for their recipe. My grandfather mentioned that his Pastrami Reuben was a bit dry, and my brother said that his sandwich was dry, too. However, they stated that the sandwiches were delicious, otherwise.

Overhead, there are long, rectangular screens showing scores for sports games, like a stock market update for sports bettors. There is a window that allows diners to look out at the slot machines. 

This could be a turn-off for some, seeing the gamblers in action. However, it does substantially contribute to the atmosphere of the restaurant. Casinos are their own aesthetic. Fortunately, my family and I were seated away from view of the gambling floor.

For dessert, I ordered the Thin Mint Martini Cocktail. This creamy, minty green drink is like a boozy, melted shamrock shake. If it wasn’t $12, I would have ordered another one. The drizzles of chocolate syrup inside the glass add both a flavorful and aesthetic touch to the drink. My grandparents ordered a slice of cheesecake to share between them. Our waitress brought two thin slices, each equaling one half of a typical slice. 

Whoever decided to serve the cake in this way was remarkably thoughtful, as this made it easier for them to eat their portion without maneuvering around each other’s forks. I was offered a bite and found that the cream cheese was surprisingly light, almost as if it were puffed up with little air bubbles. In the dim lighting, the raspberry drizzle looked like chocolate syrup.

Eating at Liberty Bar and Grill is an excellent experience, with quality food and great hospitality. Although it is on the pricier side, it is worth a visit with friends and family. The restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Share