Lunch with Betty: KoKoMo's East

Cheap Lunch With Betty
One Woman's Relentless Search for Great Lunches

KoKoMo’s East
4301 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg
909-0530

Well, hello there, MODE readers — and Happy New Year! I bet you’re ready for a great new lunch spot, and for 2001, it’s KoKoMo’s East, located at the corner of Linglestown and Colonial Roads in Harrisburg. Recently opened, the restaurant/bar is the newest addition to what may become a successful KoKoMo’s chain.

I recently enjoyed their $4.99 lunch buffet, and I’m sure you will when you go, as well. KoKoMo’s East is brand new, with traditional restaurant seating, a beautiful wrap-around bar, and even pub-style bar tables with tall-leg stools. They’ve also got over 40 TVs throughout the place!

The lunch buffet is great and for $4.99, it’s a steal if you have a big appetite. KoKoMo’s serves lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. On the day of my visit, the spread included tossed salad with a choice of several dressings, fresh orange slices, chunky chicken salad, vinaigrette pasta salad, meat manicotti, clam-tomato noodle soup, fresh-baked breadsticks, and of course, KoKoMo’s award-winning jumbo chicken wings in mild and honey BBQ flavors.

My hungry guest and I made a pass at every item on the buffet … at least once. Having been to many a buffet in my day, I can truly say there wasn’t one item of questionable origin or vintage here. All were hot where necessary, crisp where anticipated, and incredibly fresh. I particularly loved the honey BBQ wings, devouring at least three-dozen before my PolyGrip started to give way.

Our server was attentive, and there was plenty of prime seating. It’s so nice to see a restaurant take such pride in their lunch business. It’s clear the owners aren’t suffering from "new restaurant" jitters here.

Betty’s only frown was that our server didn’t tell us that there was an additional charge for KoKoMo’s bleu cheese and celery. Now mind you, their bleu cheese is truly exceptional, and the celery is icy-snap fresh, and worth every penny. But seeing an additional $5.48 charge on the bill for what is typically included free was a little bit of a surprise for this old penny-pincher. Your beverages will also incur an additional charge, but this is expected at just about every buffet.

Betty’s final advice: If you want a great buffet, go to KoKoMo’s East. You won’t be disappointed. Just remember, as any smart, thrifty diner would, if you’re not sure about something just ask: "Is there a charge for that?" I sure will next time.