Unearth The Voyage
Pennsylvania’s food scene hides some incredible treasures that locals guard jealously. From converted churches to underground dining experiences, these spots offer more than just a meal—they create memories. Whether you’re a Pennsylvania native or just passing through, these nine restaurants deserve a spot on your must-visit list.
Step Back in Time at Lawrence Park Dinor
Gleaming stainless steel and neon lights welcome you to this northwestern PA institution that’s been serving comfort food since 1948. The locals spell it “dinor”—a quirky regional tradition that hints at the authentic experience waiting inside.
Slide into a vinyl booth and prepare for breakfast that hasn’t changed much in seven decades. The pancakes arrive larger than your plate, eggs perfectly over-easy, and the coffee keeps flowing without you having to ask.
What makes this place special isn’t fancy ingredients or innovative cooking—it’s the preservation of something increasingly rare: an honest American diner where the food is reliable, the prices are fair, and everyone feels at home.
Warm Your Soul at Fireplace Restaurant
Nestled in the rolling hills of northeastern Pennsylvania, this aptly-named haven feels more like dining in a friend’s country home than a restaurant. A massive stone hearth crackles with dancing flames, casting a golden glow across wooden beams and rustic decor.
Since 1967, families have gathered here for celebrations big and small. The menu balances hearty classics with seasonal specials—think perfectly seared steaks and fresh seafood that somehow tastes better when enjoyed fireside.
Thursday nights bring Italian specialties worth planning your week around. The lasagna arrives bubbling hot with layers of homemade sauce, and the shrimp scampi features plump seafood swimming in buttery garlic goodness.
Discover Riverside Charm at Lumberville General Store
History whispers through the 1775 stone walls of this dual-purpose gem nestled along the Delaware Canal. Morning sunlight streams through windows that have watched nearly 250 years of travelers come and go, now illuminating pastry cases and coffee urns.
Cyclists and hikers pause their journeys here, refueling with hearty sandwiches on fresh-baked bread. The menu is unpretentious but perfect—simple foods executed with care and served with genuine smiles.
After lunch, wander onto the back patio where the gentle sounds of the Delaware River provide nature’s soundtrack. Don’t leave without trying their house-made ice cream, best enjoyed while sitting on the porch watching the world slow down around you.
Dine on the Rails at Red Caboose Motel & Restaurant
Childhood dreams come true at this whimsical spot where actual vintage train cars have been transformed into one of Pennsylvania’s most unique dining experiences. Surrounded by Amish farmland, the red cabooses stand in cheerful contrast against green fields.
Inside the dining car, windows frame picturesque countryside views while you feast on Pennsylvania Dutch-inspired comfort food. The chicken pot pie arrives with a golden crust hiding tender chunks of meat and vegetables swimming in velvety gravy.
Children (and the young at heart) delight in the novelty while parents appreciate the reasonable prices and hearty portions. After dinner, explore the grounds where more cabooses serve as guest rooms for those who can’t bear to leave this slice of Americana.
Experience Farm-to-Table Excellence at Bolete
Housed in a 200-year-old stagecoach inn, Bolete (pronounced bo-LEET) takes its name from a type of wild mushroom—a fitting choice for a restaurant so connected to the earth’s bounty. James Beard-nominated chefs transform local ingredients into masterpieces that change with the seasons.
The dining room exudes understated elegance with original wooden floors, whitewashed walls, and tables set with crisp linens. No detail goes unnoticed, from housemade butter to perfectly timed service.
Unlike many fine dining establishments, pretension is absent here. Instead, genuine warmth accompanies each carefully composed plate. The mushroom soup—a velvety celebration of Pennsylvania’s forests—has achieved legendary status among regulars who drive hours just to experience it again.
Feel Good Dining at White Dog Café
Playful canine portraits adorn every wall of this charming Philadelphia institution, where social responsibility tastes as good as the food. Founded in 1983, White Dog pioneered the farm-to-table movement long before it became fashionable, building relationships with local farmers that continue today.
Each dining room has its own personality—one might feature Victorian elegance while another offers cozy cottage vibes. The common thread is thoughtful cooking that celebrates Pennsylvania’s agricultural bounty.
Their legendary brunch draws weekend crowds for dishes like kennett square mushroom soup and brioche french toast. Everything from coffee to cocktails reflects their commitment to ethical sourcing, proving that dining with conscience doesn’t require sacrificing flavor or fun.
Savor Middle Eastern Magic at Zahav
Hidden away in Society Hill, Zahav (Hebrew for “gold”) shines as the crown jewel in acclaimed chef Michael Solomonov’s restaurant empire. The moment you enter, the aromas of wood-fired pita, roasting meats, and exotic spices transport you thousands of miles from Pennsylvania.
Order the tasting menu for the full experience—a parade of small plates that tell the story of Israeli cuisine through both traditional and innovative preparations. The silky hummus arrives warm with freshly baked laffa bread for scooping up every precious bite.
The lamb shoulder, slow-roasted overnight with pomegranate and chickpeas, has achieved cult status among food lovers. Despite multiple James Beard Awards and national acclaim, securing a reservation remains challenging—plan months ahead or try for seats at the bar.
Descend into Mystery at The Catacombs at Bube’s Brewery
Victorian-era lanterns guide your descent 43 feet underground into limestone caverns where beer once fermented in the 1800s. Now these atmospheric chambers host one of Pennsylvania’s most theatrical dining experiences.
Stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and flickering candlelight create an ambiance that feels part medieval banquet, part secret society gathering. The prix-fixe menu changes regularly but consistently features elevated cuisine that contrasts delightfully with the rustic surroundings.
Between courses, servers share tales of the brewery’s colorful history and alleged hauntings. Above ground, the complex includes a casual biergarten and tavern, but the underground experience remains the main attraction. Reservations are essential—this hidden gem isn’t so hidden anymore.
Worship Craft Beer at Church Brew Works
Stained glass windows filter sunlight onto gleaming copper brewing tanks where the altar once stood in this 1902 Roman Catholic church. Repurposed pews serve as seating, while original confessionals now house the host station—a heavenly transformation that saved this architectural treasure from demolition.
The brewpub’s beers have earned divine status among craft enthusiasts. Try the Pipe Organ Pale Ale or Celestial Gold while sampling their Pittsburgh-inspired menu featuring pierogies and “Heavenly Hops” beer-battered fish.
Look up to appreciate the soaring 40-foot ceilings adorned with original celestial murals, restored to their former glory. Whether you’re religious or not, there’s something spiritually satisfying about enjoying good food and drink in a space designed to lift the human spirit.
