Pennsylvania is home to a diverse and vibrant food scene, where dining experiences go beyond just a meal. From restaurants set in historic train cars to treehouse retreats, unique eateries across the state offer something extraordinary for every foodie.
1. GLASS – WINE.BAR.KITCHEN
Hawley
Enjoy a meal at Glass – wine.bar.kitchen. Overlooking Paupack High Falls and set within Ledges Hotel, this destination offers a truly unforgettable dining experience in the heart of the Poconos. Savor seasonal small and shared plates, like chicken and kimchi potstickers and bison-chipotle sliders, crafted with care, sip on expertly mixed craft cocktails, and explore a thoughtfully curated wine list — all with panoramic views of the cascading waterfall.
2. TREETOPS RESTAURANT
Acme
Elevate your dining — literally — at Treetops Restaurant in Polymath Park near Fallingwater. Enjoy fine dining in private, treehouse-style dining pods nestled among the trees in the beauty of the Laurel Highlands. Treetops offers private lunches and dinners featuring a variety of courses in addition to a weekend brunch served family style with handcrafted mimosas. For a romantic evening, make a reservation for twilight dining, which includes a glass of bubbly when you arrive.
3. MOSHULU
Philadelphia
Dine aboard Moshulu, the world’s oldest and largest square-rigged vessel still afloat in Penn’s Landing. The menu showcases a delectable selection of dishes crafted with the finest local ingredients, guided by the culinary expertise of Executive Chef Anthony Bonett. Signature offerings include the miso-glazed Chilean sea bass and the truffle mushroom risotto, both favorites among guests. The restaurant features a bottomless bubbles & brunch menu on weekends as well as a weekend midday offering.
4. THE CHURCH BREW WORKS
Pittsburgh
Step into a one-of-a-kind Pittsburgh brewery, The Church Brew Works, where award-winning cuisine and brews are served in a beautifully restored Roman Catholic Church founded in 1878. Enjoy their on-site made craft beer, iconic Pittsburgh eats like pierogis and bratwursts, and indulgent desserts — all served in a vibrant setting featuring stunning stained-glass windows.
5. CASEY JONES’ RESTAURANT
Ronks
All aboard for a meal in a historic train car at Casey Jones’ Restaurant at the Red Caboose Motel in Lancaster. Enjoy homestyle meals in a unique setting, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a charming atmosphere that blends railroad history with warm and inviting dining room. Menu highlights include hearty favorites like Pennsylvania Dutch-style chicken pot pie, along with made-from-scratch buttermilk pancakes and Lancaster County scrapple for the breakfast lovers.
6. THE HORSE INN
Lancaster
Step into history at The Horse Inn, Lancaster’s oldest restaurant. What began as a feed and tack shop was transformed into a hidden speakeasy during the Prohibition Era of the 1920s. Today, the Inn delights guests with a seasonally inspired menu that changes daily, two full bars, and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Don’t forget to look up—chandeliers made from the original horse stall wood are a nod to the building’s storied past!
7. LOXLEY’S RESTAURANT
Lancaster
Dine among the trees at Loxley’s Restaurant. Located inside an extraordinary treehouse at the Heritage Hotel, this restaurant offers a dining experience like no other. Its open-air layout and nature-inspired design create a peaceful setting. Savor an extensive menu of delicious fare for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch, cozy up at one of three welcoming bars, and take in the unforgettable sight of a tree growing through the heart of the restaurant.
8. THE CATACOMBS
Mount Joy
Step back in time at The Catacombs Restaurant, located deep beneath the historic Bube’s Brewery in an original 1860s beer aging cellar. Enjoy dining several stories underground, where stone walls and candlelight create a truly unmatched atmosphere. Savor a diverse menu of traditional and gourmet dishes, such as filet oscar and pork alois, handcrafted cocktails, and house-brewed beers and perhaps see one of the ghosts said to haunt the establishment.
9. THE ZENITH
Pittsburgh
Shop, sip, and enjoy fresh food fare at The Zenith, Pittsburgh’s oldest vegetarian restaurant. Enjoy flavorful vegetarian dishes, like seitan pot roast and sweet chile tofu tacos, surrounded by art and charm. This food stop is uniquely housed within an antique store filled with repurposed treasures, vintage clothing, and handmade jewelry. The Zenith is open for lunch and dinner, with a Sunday brunch the whole family will enjoy.
10. BIG MAC MUSEUM RESTAURANT
North Huntingdon
Make a tasty pit stop at the Big Mac Museum Restaurant — the birthplace of the iconic Big Mac. Home to the world’s largest Big Mac statue, this quirky roadside attraction is a must-see for burger lovers and road-trippers alike. Enjoy your Mickey D’s classics while soaking in a slice of American pop culture history at this one-of-a-kind destination only 30 minutes from Pittsburgh.
11. MARION HOSE BAR
Jim Thorpe
Experience the charm of a beautifully restored 1885 firehouse at Marion Hose Bar. Sip on locally sourced craft beers, fine wines, or explore an impressive selection of whiskeys and handcrafted cocktails while basking in the industrial vibes and vintage firefighting decor. The menu features elevated American comfort food, including the award-winning Firehouse Chili Cheese Burger
12. ALTIUS
Pittsburgh
Soak in stunning views of Steel City when you dine at Altius, an upscale restaurant perched atop Pittsburgh’s Mount Washington just steps away from the top of the Duquesne Incline. The chef-driven menu highlights the region’s finest seasonal ingredients, with a focus on sustainable sourcing and elevated culinary creativity with dishes like heron point crab toast and vegan wild mushroom papillote all served in a stylish, contemporary setting.
For more dining experiences in Pennsylvania, check out the VISIT PA website. Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Threads, YouTube, and TikTok for more PA inspiration. Don't forget to never miss an update or sign up for our monthly PA travel e-newsletter.