Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and you might be scrambling to secure a reservation at a nice restaurant. Whether seeking a table for two or planning a Galentine’s Day celebration, you can expect an unforgettable experience at What If… of Hershey.
What If… of Hershey has been a beloved establishment for 20 years, owned and operated by Joanna Lembesis and Michael McQuaid. Their official website expresses their philosophy that food should be fun, ever-evolving, and delicious, a thought that rings true.
Executive Chef Andriana Yaremchuk has worked diligently to ensure that What If’s dinner menu is the best in town. While many restaurants specialize in a single type of cuisine, What If… stands out for its variety. It is known for its crab cakes, unique salads, prime-cut steaks, homemade desserts, and the best happy hour.
The Atmosphere
What If’s warm ambiance features a gentle underground speakeasy vibe, with low ceilings creating a cool environment. The walls are beautifully crafted and have antique designs, amber-lit fixtures, and elegant mirrors, while the carpeted floor accommodates spacious booths and tables adorned in golden-brown accents. This exceptional beauty and quality service make What If a hit dining destination.
Their private dining room is also perfect for various events, including birthdays, baby showers, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, corporate events, and even funeral services.
On warm summer nights, you can enjoy your meal and drinks in the newly updated courtyard patio, perfect for a pleasant evening outdoors.
Land and Sea Menu
What If’s land and sea items are fan favorites, featuring traditional dishes such as Bakers Double Boneless Wings, Pesto Chicken, Lamb Chops, and Filet Mignon, alongside a unique Bacon Jam Burger that draws plenty of attention. Under the sea, the restaurant is highly praised for its crab cakes, fish tacos, and various daily fish specials. People’s favorites include seared sea scallops, lobster ravioli, jumbo shrimp, and Scottish farm-raised salmon.
They also offer a Grill Kit ranging from $120 – $250 with sliders, kabobs, beef burgers, BBQ pulled pork, pasta salad, coleslaw, corn on the cob, and more.
Pasta Selections
While the land and sea menu items are noteworthy, their pasta dishes are a personal favorite. These plates, filled with vegetables, cheese, and flavorful sauces, are perfectly portioned. What If offers a range of pasta options, from classics like eggplant parmigiana or Boscaiola cheese ravioli to specialties like lamb bolognese and braised short rib risotto. Many pasta dishes, such as lasagna, come with a tomato-based sauce. Using just three basic ingredients—flour, water, and eggs—along with options to add land and sea products, What If consistently satisfies my pasta cravings.
Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly Options
What I appreciate about What If is its inclusive menu. It can be challenging for vegetarians and vegans to find restaurants that appeal to vegetarians and their non-vegetarian friends, but What If has it covered. Their remarkable Vegetable Napoleon is made from panko-breaded eggplant, spinach, roasted peppers, mozzarella, balsamic reduction, and marinara sauce.
Fruity salads feature dried cherries, candied pecans, and more. What If’s ethnic Greek salad includes romaine, olives, tomatoes, cucumber, feta, pepperoncini, red cabbage, onion, and Greek dressing.
Salads can be customized with add-ons from the land and sea, including chicken, shrimp, tuna, salmon, steak, scallops, crabmeat, or lamb chops.
Conclusion
Dining at a restaurant with a limited selection of appetizers or salads is far from ideal, so What If… of Hershey is the perfect choice for your dining experience.
