Unearth The Voyage
Pennsylvania might not have ocean beaches, but its seafood scene will surprise you. Tucked away in cities and small towns across the state, you’ll find restaurants serving everything from freshly shucked oysters to buttery lobster tails and spicy Cajun boils. These hidden gems prove you don’t need to live on the coast to enjoy amazing seafood, you just need to know where to look.
1. Henry’s Salt of the Sea — Allentown
Walking into this tiny Allentown spot feels like stepping into a French bistro by the sea. Everything on the menu is cooked to order, so patience pays off when your lobster tail or soft-shell crab arrives perfectly prepared.
Reservations aren’t just recommended, they’re required, which tells you something about how locals treasure this place. The old-school charm and intimate atmosphere make every meal feel special.
Clams, mussels, and other shellfish get the same careful treatment. If you’re looking for seafood that tastes like someone’s grandmother spent all day perfecting the recipe, this is your spot.
2. Youell’s Oyster House — Allentown
Since the 1890s, this Lehigh Valley legend has been shucking oysters for generations of hungry diners. The unfussy setting lets the seafood do the talking, and boy, does it have stories to tell.
“Sea-to-table” might be a trendy phrase now, but Youell’s has been living it for over a century. The menu stays true to classic preparations that have stood the test of time.
You won’t find fancy decor or Instagram-worthy walls here, just honest, delicious seafood served the way it should be. Sometimes the best restaurants are the ones that never needed to change.
3. Anastasi Seafood — Philadelphia (Italian Market)
Right in the heart of Philadelphia’s famous Italian Market, Anastasi blurs the line between fish market and restaurant beautifully. Grab a plate piled high with crabs or shrimp, then wander the vibrant South 9th Street scene.
The neighborhood energy seeps into every bite. Locals have been coming here for years because the seafood is as fresh as you’ll find anywhere, and the prices stay reasonable.
Part of the fun is watching the market hustle while you eat. You’re not just getting a meal—you’re experiencing a slice of Philadelphia history that’s still very much alive.
4. Pearl’s Oyster Bar — Philadelphia (Reading Terminal Market)
Tucked inside Reading Terminal Market, Pearl’s has been a beloved fixture for market-goers craving quick, quality seafood. The counter-service setup means you can grab a stool and watch the action unfold.
Oyster stew warms you up on chilly days, while fried platters satisfy that craving for crispy, golden perfection. Daily shucks bring in whatever’s freshest, so the menu always feels exciting.
Eating here feels like being part of the market’s daily rhythm. Shoppers, tourists, and regulars all squeeze in together, united by their love of good seafood served without pretension.
5. Bay City Seafood Restaurant — Hanover
Hanover locals know Bay City as their go-to spot when seafood cravings hit hard. The menu reads like a greatest-hits album: cream of crab soup, crab legs, stuffed flounder, and generous seafood platters.
What makes it special is the take-out market attached to the restaurant. You can enjoy a meal inside or grab fresh seafood to cook at home—flexibility that busy families appreciate.
The atmosphere feels comfortable and unpretentious, exactly what you want from a neighborhood favorite. Big portions and fair prices keep people coming back week after week, year after year.
6. Juicy Crab Seafood & Steak — Lancaster
Roll up your sleeves and prepare to get messy—that’s half the fun at Juicy Crab. Cajun-style seafood boils let you pick your shellfish, choose your spice level, and select from different sauces.
Everything arrives in a steaming, flavorful pile that you tackle with your hands. Forget fancy silverware; this is about diving in and enjoying seafood the way it was meant to be eaten.
The interactive experience makes it perfect for groups who want to share food and laughter. Warning: you’ll leave full, satisfied, and probably smelling like delicious Cajun spices.
7. Smuggler’s Wharf — Erie
Perched by the bay in Erie, Smuggler’s Wharf brings the waterfront vibe to your meal. The nautical decor isn’t overdone—just enough to remind you that fresh water can produce amazing seafood too.
Chowder here is thick and comforting, perfect for Erie’s breezy evenings. Coconut shrimp offers a sweet-savory contrast, while seafood combos let you sample several favorites at once.
Locals treat it as a reliable mainstay, the kind of place you bring visiting relatives or celebrate small victories. The consistent quality and relaxed atmosphere explain why it’s stuck around so long.
8. Bay House Oyster Bar & Restaurant — Erie
Erie’s only dedicated fresh oyster bar sits right on Pier 6, where bay views complement every meal. The raw bar stars here, offering pristine oysters that taste like the water they came from.
An unexpected twist? The Argentine grill adds smoky, charred flavors to seafood classics. This fusion of fresh raw preparations and bold grilled dishes keeps the menu interesting.
Whether you’re an oyster purist or prefer your seafood cooked, Bay House covers all bases. The waterfront location makes it feel like a mini-vacation without leaving Pennsylvania.
9. Monterey Bay Fish Grotto — Pittsburgh (Mt. Washington)
Spectacular Pittsburgh skyline views steal the show at first, but the sustainably minded seafood quickly becomes the real star. Mt. Washington’s elevation gives diners a breathtaking backdrop for their crab cakes and scallops.
The rotating fresh catch menu means there’s always something new to try. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword here—it’s baked into how they source and prepare everything.
Date nights and special occasions find a natural home in this setting. The combination of conscientious cooking and jaw-dropping views creates an experience you’ll want to repeat.
10. Original Oyster House — Pittsburgh (Market Square)
At over 150 years old, this downtown Pittsburgh institution holds the title of the city’s oldest bar and restaurant. Walking through the door is like stepping into a time capsule where seafood has always been simple and affordable.
No frills, no fuss—just honest plates of seafood served in a historic nook near Market Square. The longevity speaks volumes about doing the basics exceptionally well.
Tourists stumble upon it and feel like they’ve discovered a secret. Locals already know it’s been Pittsburgh’s seafood anchor through generations of change.
11. Devon Seafood + Steak — Hershey
Located right on Chocolate Ave in Hershey, Devon strikes that sweet spot between polished and approachable. You can dress up or keep it casual—either way, you’ll feel comfortable.
Pristine seafood arrives beautifully plated, showing off the kitchen’s attention to detail. The cocktail program matches the food’s quality, making it easy to settle in for a full evening.
It’s become a steady destination for locals who want reliable excellence without stuffiness. When you’re in America’s sweetest town and craving something savory from the sea, Devon delivers.
12. Marblehead Chowder House — Easton
Since 1996, Marblehead has been bringing New England seafood traditions to Easton. The deep chowder menu alone could keep you busy for months, with variations that honor classic recipes.
Daily blackboard specials add an element of surprise and seasonality. The chef’s creativity shines through these rotating offerings, which often sell out before closing time.
Regulars have their favorite booths and usual orders, but newcomers quickly understand the appeal. Sometimes you just need a proper seafood house that knows its chowder inside and out.
