Since opening, Black N Bleu has become a sort of novelty to the Mechanicsburg community, a place for everyone, where black tie and blue collar can come together.
Wedged between the SPAR Firearms gun shop and Good Hope Animal Hospital, the restaurant on Carlisle Pike is continually striving for the perfection of comfort—in both food and ambience.
It’s a formula that seems to be working, as the place serves crowds of customers all week and then is packed on weekends, when “anywhere from a one- to two-hour wait is expected,” according to owner Donny Brown, a 30-year veteran of the restaurant business and, until last year, the long-time owner of the Fire House Restaurant in Harrisburg.
Black N Bleu first opened on Black Friday three years ago and has been gaining popularity since.
“I’m always looking for great locations that could make terrific atmospheres and comfort levels for the locals,” said Brown.
Indeed, he has created a delightfully relaxed restaurant, with vibrant colors, original artwork on the walls and low-key lighting (the blue globes over the bar both add a fun, arty vibe and enforce the “blue” color theme). Meanwhile, the unique open kitchen allows diners to watch their meals prepared before their eyes.
The menu, focused on casual American fare, actually contributed to the naming of Black N Bleu. By coincidence, there were four dishes with bleu cheese on them, and, therefore, the title of “Bleu” was created.
Today, Black N Bleu’s offerings range from pasta dishes, unique salads, steak and burgers to different types of seafood. The restaurant’s creative, yet classically inspired, choices include pasta dishes like “Lobster Mac-n-Cheese,” a steak and calamari salad and garlic chicken pizza.
“I like to come here after work, just kick back, and enjoy the atmosphere,” said Kevin Kellerman of Mechanicsburg. “The prices are fair, and the food is delicious.”
Prices range widely from about $8 for some of the sandwiches to $32 for the “Black N Bleu Stack,” an edible skyscraper consisting of three layers: blue cheese mashed potatoes and asparagus as a base, filet mignon in the middle and a crab cake on top. Portion sizes are generous, and the service is genuine.
“What we do right is provide consistently good food at fair prices,” said Brown, who always likes to keep busy, helping his employees with the dinner rush and socializing with the customers whenever he can.
The familiar feeling of home seems to work.
“Everyone is welcome, casual, coming after work, whatever,” Brown said. “The comfort factor is a must.”
Black N Bleu is located at 6108 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Monday. Call 717-458-8105 or visit www.blacknbleupa.com.
