Retro Roadmap Writeup
2019 Update: Crabb's keeps going strong!
Original 2010 Post:
Crabb's Tropical Treat or "The Treat" has been a vintage roadside delight en route to or from downtown Hanover PA since 1953. In a stretch of road that is more farm land than fancy, The Tropical Treat is an oasis of retro cool and tasty eats. And check out that vintage neon sign! You don't see stuff like this often in PA so I say, "no crabbin allowed" when you head here!
Not a cloud in the sky - what a great day for a retro road trip!
The first time we saw The Treat we had to totally stop and gawk, and take photos even though they were closed. With the great vintage sign on top and the fact that they still had car hop service under the low slung canopy, it was definitely like discovering a place from the past.
Even though The Tropical Treat is only open from mid-March to mid-October, it packs a lot of coolness into that time frame. I was able to visit on a sunny Saturday and was pleased to see practically every stall in the car hop area was full, with some cool cars too!
I pulled the not-quite-as-sassy Retro Roadmobile into one of the parking spots in back, near the picnic tables and under some trees for shade. As I got out of my car to order at the window I noticed that a large field next to The Treat was lined with great vintage gas station signs:
Since The Treat has cruise nights, I bet there are vintage cars that must fill these parking spaces and overflow into the fenced in area.
While walking towards the window I was able to catch a photo of the ordering system still in use for the car hop service.
And loved the authentic Sprite stickers, claiming that Sprite is "Naturally Tart"
I chose what to eat ( Cheeseburger Delight, please) from the menu board:
Ordered at the Sandwich Window:
And took note of their hours while I waited for my number to be called.
I took my food to go, but I could have easily asked to have it here, just letting the window person know what area of picnic tables I would be sitting at, and the Car Hop would walk out and bring my food to me.Next time I'll do that for sure.This time I did decide to eat at one of the picnic tables out back under some nice shade trees, and much to my surprise, next to some fenced in chickens. I would've felt bad if I got some Broasted chicken, but had no problem digging into my burger.
Excuse me, I mean my "Delicious" Cheeseburger Delight:
It was indeed a tasty burger with lettuce mayo tomato and ketchup, and I pulled off enough of the exterior bun to share some with my feathered pals.
Alas I didn't have room for a cone shaped like that one on the cool sign, but if you go, let me know how it is!
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This looks like true “Americana”. I wish I lived in the area, I’d definitely go visit. 🙂
Vicki
March 5, 2011 at 9:49 amThis is true Americana, the Tropical Treat is a memory from my childhood – not sure when it opened but it must have been in the late 50s early 60s.
So glad to see that it is still open and well kept, the orginal owners, the Crabbs, would be pleased I am sure.
Mary
March 16, 2011 at 7:49 pmI am from the area. My father helped build the Tropical Treat in the 50’s. My three sisters and I all worked here as carhops and cooks during high school. We were followed by the next generation. My nieces and nephew worked here too. It was a fun summer job and a it’s nice to have been a part of this slice of Americana. Great stories to tell. I highly recommend stopping by if you find yourself in the area–just down the road from Gettysburg, PA.
SP from Fairfield PA
March 19, 2011 at 1:56 amThe food it great @ Tropical Treats along with the atmosphere. A must have is the Italian Steak sub, it’s the best I’ve had anywhere!
Larry & Cindy
July 1, 2011 at 6:27 pmLarry / Cindy Ruby From Carlisle , Pa
Tropical Treats brings back old memories. We live about 5 miles from Cumberland Drive In . It was built in 1952 the same year I was born. They were the good old days . Kids today will not know what real fun is.
The treat is about 26 miles away but we like the drive, & the food . My wife loves the Raspberry Ice Cream , We were just their today 07-01-2011 at 12:00
The people are Great , the atmosphere is Great , And the Prices are Good to
We will be back in a couple of weeks ,
Sheri
July 6, 2011 at 1:01 pmAll my grandchildren wait for the first day the Treat opens, it’s the start of t he summer. The last week their open, they have specials, two for one. It is definitely one of the more special restaurants in the area and Sonic can’t come close to the reputation the Treat has acquired thru the years. Looooove it!
Vernice
August 31, 2011 at 5:22 pmJust came from Tropical Treat. It is a long time tradition we have passed on to our children and we still love going there. My favorite is the “Fatboy” sandwich. All the food is good, but that is my favorite. Love the friendliness and courtesy of the people. Very laid back and relaxed atmosphere. We look forward to enjoying their ‘treat’ often throughout the summer. We’ll be back.
Dolph Ramey
May 29, 2016 at 2:11 pmYou are nuckin’ futz
Randy Hare
May 5, 2012 at 5:51 pmI have been going to the treat since 1970, the food is the same now as it was then…..awesome. Great place to scope out the awesome muscle cars from the years past. Lot of great times there!
Nancy! Thanks for such a swell recommendation for Crabb’s – we’re hoping to get out there this season but the days are just flying by!
And yes, they’ve got picnic tables etc so you don’t have to sit in your car unless you want to 🙂
Nancy L. Bisset
October 15, 2018 at 9:06 pmThe most wonderful place to eat your lunch or supper after they open in March. **** Sorry you did not get the picture of the picnic tables and other cool seating outside the Treat. We look up for the Open Sign that is put up in March. Meaning Spring is on its way and time to sit , Drive into the drive-in order from your car slots or park along lot and walk back a few feet to the outside area my kiddies and I ate many wonderful times at our friends wonderful establishment. There are many tables along the beautiful country side and a lovely section of picnic tables where you can watch the goats, ducks, guinae pigs, the cutest little-horse plus what ever else is wondering in the fields and barn that sits back on the one big lot that surrounds it. **** The ‘Fat Boy’, ‘Broasted Chix’, ‘Italian Steak Sub’ and their fries are some delicious choices. of my fave’s and they spoil me with my special request for a “Peanut Butter-Topping, Banana Split.” NOTHING ELSE. ONLY their fantab peanut butter sundae topping and their rich vanilla soft Ice cream. Oh Yeah!!! **** Owners friends of mine growing up….I am (70 now) so I spent most of my years enjoying this most wonderful stop you must make if in our area. WE LOVE IT and thank The Crabb Family, dear friends for all those wonderful memories that we carry with us of those that have passed on and I know visit with us when we take one more trip to “Crabb’s Tropical Treat” Many More years as the kids carry on their family tradition. WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nancy Roser Bisset :-)))))
Doug Just Doug
September 3, 2010 at 7:43 amI’ve ridden thru Hanover at least a dozen times and have never noticed this awesome joint; I’ll make it a point to stop next time. I just discovered you site, too, courtesy of WendyVee at Roadside Wonders — bookmarked now!
Mod Betty / RetroRoadmap.com
September 3, 2010 at 9:43 amHello Doug-
Glad that WendyVee hepped you to the Retro Roadmap, and hope you enjoy your visit to The Treat! Always appreciate the bookmarking. Happy travels!