2019 Update: The Red Rabbit is still hoppin! First Day of the 2020 Season: Friday, January 31st, 2020
Original 2010 Writeup:
It's a perfect night / weekend for a retro road trip, and the Red Rabbit Drive-In is a drivin' destination for sure!
Located in Duncannon, PA and opened on Mother's Day of 1964 the restaurant is still family owned and operated by the daughter and son-in-law of the original owners. Only open Friday, Saturday and Sundays, Retro Roadhusband and I used it's drive-in allure as an excuse for a roadtrip north of Harrisburg on a sunny Saturday.
We weren't the only ones who made the unexpectedly sharp right hand turn off the busy road into the parking lot that day, and because we had just spent a while in the car we declined the car hop service and opted to eat at one of the picnic tables under the overhangs.
We sat under the Bunnyburger side ( in the left of the above photo) and a friendly waitress came right over to hand us menus. Since I saw the Bunnyburger advertised, I ordered that, and Retro Roadhusband got the pork BBQ sandwich. Total bonus waitress points for her hearing us discuss sharing our sandwiches and offering to have them cut in half!
Many of the favorites on the menu have been there since opening day, and next time I'm going to have to order the "Perry County Half Chicken" just because of its band name - ladies and gentlemen, the Disjointed Half-Fryers!
I am a definite fan of the Bunnyburger which is a "Ground Beef Patty, Hickory Smoked Bacon, Melted Cheese, Shredded Lettuce, Tomato Slices, Pickles, Onions and Our Own Sauce, served on a special seeded roll" - yummers! I'm told by WendyVee over at Roadside Wonders, that what makes their fries so tasty is "Bunny Dust" - go figure!
Retro Roadhusband has become very patient as he's learned how much I like to photograph our food before we eat it, but this is what he's really thinking:
We were too full for the ice cream and treats that are also on the menu, but we did put a few quarters in the vintage pinball machines on the other side of the building.
And as you can see, Retro Roadtrip types come from all walks of life, as noted by this swanky Rolls Royce pulled up under the awnings.
I don't know if they have any Grey Poupon on the menu, but poppyseed rolls can be had for an additional 35 cents.
What I will say, is even if they're only open 3 days a week, I can see why the Red Rabbit can become a habit!
“Bunny Dust” is, indeed, the secret to way-awesome fries! If you ask them very nicely, they’ll even let you take some home with you 🙂
BTW, I start getting RetroRoadHusband’s expression when I’m a mile or so away from arriving at Red Rabbit 🙂 It makes for some dangerous motorcycling!
I have been addicted to Red Rabbit for many years. My kids r too. We cant wait til they open every year. My kids r now 27 and 16. I work in an office and I am not the only one who can’t wait for the Bunny. In fact, we r talkin about gettin an office order tomrrw. I can’t wait. If they were open tonight, I’d be on my way. To the staff of Red Rabbit; if u get a large order tmrrw,it will be us. Keep up the good work and great food.
wendyvee
May 22, 2010 at 11:45 am“Bunny Dust” is, indeed, the secret to way-awesome fries! If you ask them very nicely, they’ll even let you take some home with you 🙂
BTW, I start getting RetroRoadHusband’s expression when I’m a mile or so away from arriving at Red Rabbit 🙂 It makes for some dangerous motorcycling!
monica paul
February 10, 2011 at 8:29 pmI have been addicted to Red Rabbit for many years. My kids r too. We cant wait til they open every year. My kids r now 27 and 16. I work in an office and I am not the only one who can’t wait for the Bunny. In fact, we r talkin about gettin an office order tomrrw. I can’t wait. If they were open tonight, I’d be on my way. To the staff of Red Rabbit; if u get a large order tmrrw,it will be us. Keep up the good work and great food.
Mod Betty / RetroRoadmap.com
February 11, 2011 at 8:36 amMonica – What a great idea to make a big takeout order for your office- that’s a good way to make sure the place stays in business!