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Mays Family Restaurant

4.7 258 reviews 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM 1900 Spring Rd, Carlisle, PA 17013, United States

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Located at 1900 Spring Rd in Carlisle, PA, Mays Family Restaurant stands out as a beloved family dining spot loved by locals and visitors alike. With a diverse menu featuring everything from classic breakfasts to hearty lunches, Mays offers something for everyone. Customers rave about their experiences, particularly highlighting dishes like the California omelette, praised by Nancy Bruscino for its fresh avocado and crispy fried potatoes, and the crab cakes noted by D.B. Frank as a must-try.

For those seeking a satisfying lunch, Jacob mentions perfectly cooked burgers in a cozy atmosphere, while Daniel Todd shares his delight with the crab cake sandwich, accentuated by a sweet and tangy tartar sauce. The restaurant's ambiance is complemented by attentive staff, with patrons like Heli Woodall recommending their server Pam for exceptional service.

Mays Family Restaurant captures the essence of comfort food, from homey liver and onions to seafood platters, making it a hidden gem for those who appreciate quality dining experiences paired with friendly faces. With consistently positive reviews and a warm atmosphere, visiting Mays guarantees not just a meal, but a memorable dining experience.

Photos

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Amenities & More

Service options

  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in

Highlights

  • Great coffee
  • Great dessert
  • Serves local specialty

Popular for

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining

Dining options

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Catering
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service

Amenities

  • Restroom

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Quiet

Crowd

  • Family-friendly
  • Groups
  • Tourists
Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with Mays Family Restaurant before visiting.

Reviews for Mays Family Restaurant

4.7
258 reviews
5
100%
4
19%
3
4%
2
3%
1
4%

Review highlights

Based on 258 reviews

Mays Family Restaurant in Carlisle, PA, is widely praised for its welcoming atmosphere, friendly service, and consistently satisfying food offerings. Customers frequently highlight the quality and freshness of classic breakfast items and comfort dishes, such as omelettes, crab cakes, and smothered chicken. The restaurant’s clean and cozy environment, coupled with attentive staff, contributes to a positive dining experience. While parking can be limited during busy times, guests appreciate the efficient seating and prompt service. Overall, Mays Family Restaurant is recognized as a reliable and popular local spot, especially for those seeking hearty, home-style meals in a family-friendly setting.

Nancy Bruscino
Jul 15, 2025

Best breakfast I have had in a long time. I had the California omelette. Filled with fresh avocado. The fried potatoes were crispy and excellent. The creamed chipped beef was exactly how I remembered it. Will definitely return.

D.B. Frank
Jul 02, 2025

Crab cakes. 'Nough said? No? Okay, they're delicious, so try them. Fries are good. Smothered chicken good as well, but why beef gravy on potatoes with chicken? Will be back.

Jacob
Jun 03, 2025

Great little place to stop for lunch. We were new to the area and had to look at Google Maps to narrow down places. I saw this place had very good reviews. When we arrived the parking area is small and was already packed, but luckily someone left and we were able to get a spot. It's seat yourself and the waitress was very nice and promptly saw to us. We all ordered burgers, which were perfectly made. Make sure to stop by if in the area.

Heli Woodall
May 27, 2025

Five stars!! Beautiful restaurant, clean, friendly, and excellent food! Ask for Pam she is a wonderful waitress! We love this restaurant & service!

Daniel Todd
May 19, 2025

Local and Delicious... and Surprisingly Popular While visiting my sister in Carlisle, PA after a work trip to southeastern PA, we decided to grab lunch before I jetted out of town. My visit was short—less than 24 hours—which reminded me of something Benjamin Franklin (arguably PA’s most famous historical figure) once said: “Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days.” Wise words to live by. What didn’t stink, however, was the food and service at May’s Restaurant. I actually passed this stand-alone spot on my way to my sister’s and was intrigued. A quick search revealed that there are at least six restaurants named May’s within a few hundred miles. Who knew? Apparently, “May’s” is the John Smith of restaurant names. My sister, new to the area, hadn’t eaten there but noted that the parking lot was always full—a promising sign. The Menu – Something for Everyone: May’s offers a little bit of everything: burgers, fish sandwiches, salads, and good old-fashioned comfort food like liver and onions and smoked sausage. They also serve steaks, Italian classics, and seafood platters, so whether you’re in the mood for a diner-style meal or something fancier, they’ve got you covered. The Crab Cake Sandwich – A Mid-Atlantic Must: For lunch, both my sister and I zeroed in on the crab cake sandwich. Being this close to Maryland, it felt like the right move. I upgraded mine to deluxe for an extra 5, which added fries and coleslaw—because if you’re going to eat a crab cake, you might as well go all in. The sandwich did not disappoint. A generous, broiled crab cake sat on a crusty-yet-tender bun, complemented by a sweet and tangy tartar sauce. The fries were hot and crispy, but the biggest surprise? The coleslaw. Perfectly sweet, crunchy, and chopped to just the right consistency—so good, in fact, that I found myself wishing I had a hot dog just to pile it on top. Service with a Smile (and One Culinary Blind Spot): Our server was quick, attentive, and friendly, but when I mentioned how good the coleslaw was, she admitted she had never tried it. What?! That’s like working at a pizza place and never tasting the sauce. Someone get this woman a sample! Price Check: Worth Every Penny: Now, at 14.95, the crab cake sandwich is one of the pricier sandwiches on the menu—but let’s be real: find me a crab cake meal under 20 in the Mid-Atlantic that’s actually worth eating. You probably can’t. Good crab ain’t cheap. Final Verdict: A Hidden Gem: May’s is the kind of place locals love but outsiders might overlook. Sadly, I probably won’t be back anytime soon, but my sister already has plans for a return visit. If you’re in the area and craving home-style cooking with friendly service, do yourself a favor and stop at May’s—even if you have to dodge five other restaurants with the same name on the way.

Dan O'Rourke
Apr 29, 2025

Wow, this is a great little family owned restaurant with fantastic cooking! The food was awesome. I got the Captain's Platter didn't quite finish. The crabcakes were delicious, fish was great, scallops were cooked to perfection. What a wonderful addition to the Cumberland Valley!

William Shook
Apr 06, 2025

Wonderful small business diner for breakfast and second breakfast!

Lea McCaw
Mar 19, 2025

Worth the 10 min detour off I-81 (less time if you're on I-76.) Local casual restaurant with a good selection of dishes and sandwiches. Pleasant service. Definitely used by the locals based on conversations!

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Quick info

Address
1900 Spring Rd, Carlisle, PA 17013, United States
Price range
$10–20
Category
Family restaurants

Opening hours

  • Monday (Today) 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Tuesday 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Wednesday 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Thursday 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Friday 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Saturday 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Sunday 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Location

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