First time in Harrisburg and at the Brownstone Lounge. Very quaint bar with a patio in front. Very comfortable and welcoming. The owner and patrons were very friendly and gave me a quick history of the place and surrounding area. Definitely will be back and you should check it out! read more

Love this bar. I came alone and made so many friends by the end of the night lol. Everyone is super nice and super friendly! Will be visiting soon! Good price for drinks too in my opinion. Good chill vibes. read more

Fabulous local gay pub...and this coming from a straight guy. Finally dropped in here on an early Friday evening and immediately felt at home. Super cool bartenders, laid back clientele...great people. Brownstone makes nods toward being a tiki bar but has an awesome neighborhood, corner bar feel. Four stars only because they don't have food on premises BUT do have delivery arrangements with Sturges Speakeasy a couple doors away. Really, really like this place--completely unpretentious and welcoming to all. read more

Visited the Brownstone Lounge twice this week while traveling to Harrisburg PA. Bartenders, especially Alyssa, were all courteous and attentive. Patrons (e.g., Kris Kringle) were friendly; lots of regulars. Dogs were lovingly welcomed. My wine was hardly a top vintage, but it was satisfying and economically priced. Protocol, apparently, is a bathroom photo. Street parking is free after 7pm. I look forward to returning. read more

Visited Harrisburg for the first time. The staff was friendly and cocktails were good. Most everyone was welcoming, but you know there is always that one a@@ hole. read more

Out of all the places we hit up in Harrisburg on our stop, this was by far the best. I say this because of a few factors which I will get to in this review. We only came up for one night to see what it was like. We had asked prior to coming this way if it was worth the trip. We were told that it was and this place definitely made it worth the trip. I keep reading the reviews from other out of towners and I cannot confirmed their "if you are not a local, you won't get service" thoughts on this place. Being my first time stepping in here and we were greeted right away and had a drink in hand well before we got situated in our seats. Yeah, the locals get priority, but that's because they are local and the bread and butter for the business. People visiting from out of town are probably only there to have a quick look around and then head out the door. Anyway, I understand the frustration of some people, but patience is a virtue. The bartender was spectacular as well. Checked on us multiple times to see if we needed anything and also told us about the other bars in the area. He also told us about the Pride event that Harrisburg has, might be worth looking into. The other thing I appreciated, and most don't, is that smoking is allowed in here. I know people have their right to their opinion, but I have said this in other reviews, it is the business' decision whether to allow smoking or not. I don't mind going outside to have a smoke, but it is nice to be able to sit indoors and enjoy one without having to deal with the weather outside (which was freezing on our visit). Definitely a great place to unwind. The atmosphere in here was a pretty decent one. I didn't get any kind of negative vibe from the locals. Were they friendly? Not entirely, but we are outsiders, so I understand the extra guard put up. read more

Laid back chilled bar with regular customers and a good DJ every now and then spinning awesome beats

Been going to and have lived in Harrisburg for years and have always enjoyed going to the Brownstone the bartenders have always been very respectful and on the ball and most of them are hilarious. The atmosphere is always great. The owners are great people Karen and Dave and do whatever they think their customers want they are like family to the gay community. i live out of town now but when I do make it back to the Burg I manage to get up to the Brownstone miss it. My favorite bar in the Burg read more

Great crowd, music, and the drinks are not pricey like other places in midtown. Very friendly and attentive bartenders

I haven't been going here long, but just had the worst time of my life. Very "clicky." Groups of people standing there, but no one is welcoming. As a single gay man, just very disappointing. I'll be taking my business elsewhere. read more

I've been coming to Harrisburg, PA for many years now to visit one of my best friends, and Brownstone is always the first spot to hit. I just love the atmosphere here since it is the closest to NYC's. However, last Friday 4/7/23, we went in as usual and it was packed with people and a really vibrant atmosphere. We sat at the bar and I asked for a vodka with cranberry and my friend for a beer. We stayed for about an hour. As soon as I tasted my drink it was nothing but cranberry so, as a former bartender in NYC who knows the struggles of working behind the bar, I politely asked if I could please get a little bit more of vodka in my drink. Little did I know I was going offend or hurt the female bartender's giant ego. She said the reason I didn't taste the vodka was because of the cranberry (never heard of this before) and that she'd bet there were 2 1/2 shots in there. At the same time, she kicked out two other costumers (for no obvious reason, personally) and started to shout things at each other . I continued to talk to my friend and tried to do eye contact and smile at her because I felt bad I made her upset and because I think I am a nice person and my intention was never to get her rattled up. She never looked at me in the face throughout the entire time I stayed. We finished our drinks and my friend thanked her and she replied nicely to him. I also got up and nicely thanked her, but she didn't even look at me and just replied with a "yup" to me. I am so sorry for disrespecting you by asking for what I think my drink was worth paying for. This place is a very a nice place, please don't ruin it. All of this happened within an hour! So unfortunate. read more

The long negative review is obviously from a bitter person. The brownstone is the best gay hangout in Harrisburg. Has been nonsmoking for three years. Friendly and welcoming to all. Great events! Typical bar food but does the job in a pinch. Check out the hilarious menu on the bar. Brownstone is the crazy gay hangout. read more

Visiting town for the weekend and stalled to this place. Immediately walking in you're smothered in smoke. Was going for the food. But if you're not a local, no one will show you attention. Walked at the bar for 5 minutes trying to get someone to wait on me, but no one did. And there were only ten people in the whole place. read more

update... I've stopped going there because they don't treat their patrons equally. Some people who enter are greeted with hugs and kisses, and others get a wave (if they're lucky) and an unenthusiastic "Hi, Jeff". For as much money as I (used to) spend at this bar, I expect to be treated like an important and valued patron. When they stopped treating me as such, I stopped going - and I must revoke my 5-star recommendation. If you want to spend too much on booze and be treated indifferently, go ahead and visit the Brownstone. If, however, you want to be treated on par with the rest of the patrons in the establishment, choose another bar. (let it be noted that I always tipped MINIMUM 20%, and hence feel that I deserved to be treated as a VIP) read more

I hate to do this because it seems like a fun place and the bartender was so sweet. But they need to put a giant billboard outside declaring that this is a smoking bar... which is so awesome if you're a smoker. But if, like me, you aren't, then this place is really disgusting. I had half a beer and had to get out. I didn't last six minutes in there. I wanted to burn my clothes when I got home, and I showered for 20 minutes... I still have smoke in my hair. Are cigarettes more important than your business? Evidently. I'll come back and spend a fortune with all of my friends if you go non-smoking. Until then, I won't go anywhere near this spot. read more

I am very grateful this bar thrives in a place like Harrisburg PA. We need this place and I hope it never goes away. The owner, Karen, has done so very much for the gay community. She is genuinely kind and caring. They have made renovations over the last few years and the vibe is comfortable, upbeat and modern in the main bar. Yes, smoking is permitted . . . and thank goodness. They have a small deck outside, so it is easy to step out with your drink and get some fresh air when wanted. Drink prices and offerings are good. Yes, some of the bartenders have tude from time to time, but not most, and you get that in other bars too, straight or gay. It is truly a safe haven to go and be yourself. Sing, do shots, play darts, laugh . . . just have fun! read more

If your looking for a relaxed bar, where the bartenders aren't stingy with the booz and there is no pretentious bs this is it. The owner is a lovely women who makes you feel at home when she's around. Bear nights can get crowded but they are fun and they put out a complimentary spread of snacks which is nice as well. Whenever we're in town we hit the Brownstone and I'm a non smoker but they do have smoke eaters and I didn't find it bad, kinda takes me back to what bars used to be like. read more

Brownstone Lounge - Bear Night ! - Gay Bars Near Me - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Let's do positives first: Staff is very friendly and the prices of beer and liquor are very reasonable. You can smoke indoors which is a plus (especially in winter time). Summer time, they have a nice little patio to sit on. Negatives: If it is crowded, it gets extremely smoky and yours eyes will definitely water. Also, they don't have little snack foods for sale if you need them (ie chips, pretzels, etc.) All in all, it is a nice little dive bar in a nice part of Harrisburg. read more

If you aren't a local, don't bother wasting your time or money in this bar. First, the place allows smoking indoors so you come out of there reeking. Second, the locals not only don't engage with you they out and out ignore you when you do talk to them. The only thing this bar is good for is taking your money. read more

Great bar. Reminds me of Cheers. Owner quickly knows the regulars. Drinks are strong and reasonably priced unlike the rest of Harrisburg. Watch special events, always fun read more

This is my favorite lounge/bar in Harrisburg ^_^ the vibe is always laid back, the bartenders are pretty amazing. We've been frequenting this location for 5-6 years now and we couldn't imagine a better time with small business minded locals who give you the best service while maintaining a very professional atmosphere! We even had an after reception for our wedding here! They are top notch! I highly recommend it! read more

Been coming here on occasion for years. Excellent atmosphere. I don't smoke anymore and the smoke can be intense, but I'll give 5 stars for the atmosphere. read more

Rip-off... rude and way too expensive. The bartender Moosh kept charging me for other people's drinks and basically told me to deal with it. I most definitely will not be returning. read more

Used to come here often until one of the bartenders started ripping off patrons. They are overcharging and double charging for drinks. It happened multiple times more recently and when it was brought to the attention of the owner Karen, she banned everybody who was over charged. I got my credit card company involved and after 3 months brownstone ignored them so i got my money back. If you have had issues, i highly suggest you do the same. This bar used to be great, but the service, cost and overall attitude has declined greatly in recent months. Karen does not seem to care about her own business. read more

Great place to go have fun and enjoy yourself. Just like anyplace else, you just need to go and make yourself know.

A lot of money spent on the "decor", new beer taps, bigger tv's, etc. Same old smoke handlers & crappy AC units. When it's busy , after an hour your eyes burn so much you can barely see & you're sweating your a$$ off. Food is mostly frozen & microwaved. If you go before it's busy, it's not as bad. There are a lot of other choices and the owners are well aware of these issues. read more

I might have to agree with Jeff but then again I don't expect to be treated "special" I really don't want attention. I respect the fact that it is a bar and they are out to make money and if some of the bartenders have friends that frequent the bar so be it. I go there for a change of pace, new faces, meet new people. I enjoy myself for the most part every time I venture there. read more

I used to go to the Brownstone quite frequently with my girlfriends after work for a drink. We all work for the state (of PA) and it's a close place to meet up after we're all done. It is a gay bar, which we all like because we don't have to deal with cheesy pick up lines after a long day. However, after a being a patron for the last two years and/or a regular, I've noticed several things that just don't sit right with me. For one, the bartender Patrick is incredibly, INCREDIBLY rude, terse and ignorant. From my experience, he seems to treat his friends or acquaintances very differently than the rest of the patrons. I understand that people can be irritating at times, but to be sitting at the bar and overhear him saying horrible things about someone one stool over while his gang of friends laughs and gives uncomfortable stares is just unacceptable. I have witnessed this one more than one occasion. The level of professionalism he lacks is ever so apparent, especially when he's giving free drinks to his friends and neglecting those of us that would just like to relax and unwind after a long day. Having said that, on the nights when my girlfriends and I meet up and Billy is there, it is a COMPLETELY different atmosphere. Billy is kind, outgoing, sweet and very engaging. He doesn't seem to play favorites with anyone. For myself and my girlfriends, we've decided to frequent The SpeakEasy which is just next door. It's a mixed crowd and is a much more comfortable place to go. The last thing I look for when I've had a long day and I just want to gab and relax, is the tense atmosphere that Patrick seems hell bent on creating when his bar is full of his friends. My advice to you, the reader: go ANYWHERE else. read more