This Pennsylvania Restaurant Lets You Dine Inside With Waterfall And Lake Views Nearby
Some restaurants make you forget you were ever in a hurry, and Glass at Ledges Hotel in Pennsylvania has that kind of pull.
In Hawley, it pairs a gorgeous indoor waterfall with lakeside views, so the scenery is not just a backdrop, it is part of the experience.
Step inside and the sound of falling water instantly changes the mood, calmer, softer, like someone turned the volume down on the whole day.
Add those lake views outside and you get a double dose of nature that feels almost unfair in the best way. Dining here feels like a little escape without the complicated planning.
Light bounces off the water, the room feels warm and inviting, and every table seems to come with a view worth pausing for.
It is the kind of spot where even a simple meal feels special because your eyes have something beautiful to do between bites.
Hawley already has that laid-back charm, and this restaurant leans right into it, turning dinner into a slow, scenic moment you want to stretch out.
If a place can give me a waterfall soundtrack and a lake view at the same time, I am suddenly very good at staying off my phone and just enjoying where I am.
The Waterfall Takes Center Stage
Water crashes down natural rock formations right inside the dining space, creating a soundtrack that no playlist could ever match. The falls powered the historic Hawley Silk Mill back when industry ruled these hills, and now they provide the most spectacular backdrop for your evening meal.
Guests can watch the water tumble over ledges while sipping craft cocktails at the bar. The restaurant even lights up the falls at night, transforming the view into something almost magical.
Staff members hand out postcards showing how powerful these falls once were when they generated electricity for the entire mill complex. The historical connection adds depth to an already mesmerizing dining experience.
You’ll find yourself pausing mid-conversation just to appreciate the constant movement and sound. Some diners admit they’ve returned multiple times just to sit in different spots and catch new angles of the cascading water.
Tapas-Style Sharing Makes Every Meal Social
Glass built its entire menu around the idea that food tastes better when you share it with people you care about. Small plates dominate the offerings, encouraging groups to order multiple dishes and pass them around family-style.
The portion sizes can confuse first-timers who expect traditional entrees with sides. Management actually updated their approach after receiving feedback, now clearly explaining the tapas concept during reservations.
Popular choices include mac and cheese bites that regulars describe as absolutely addictive, plus Singapore fried rice that packs serious flavor. The lamb chops with tapenade and tzatziki sauce consistently earn rave reviews from customers who appreciate perfectly cooked meat.
Some plates labeled as “small” actually feed four people comfortably, while certain “large” options arrive with just three items. This quirky sizing keeps things interesting and encourages adventurous ordering.
The sharing format works brilliantly for couples celebrating special occasions or friend groups looking to sample everything.
The Outdoor Patio Delivers Unmatched Scenery
Climbing the stone steps to reach the upper patio feels like ascending to your own private viewing platform. High-top tables line the exterior wall, offering sweeping views of the ledges and rushing water below.
One anniversary couple described sitting against the hotel’s stone wall and experiencing a panoramic vista that made their celebration truly unforgettable. The outdoor space lets you hear the falls while enjoying your meal, creating an immersive natural experience.
Daytime visitors catch the full glory of the cascading water with sunlight hitting every droplet. Evening diners enjoy dramatic lighting that illuminates the falls from below, though some argue the nighttime version actually looks more enchanting.
Fair warning: reaching this outdoor paradise requires navigating a significant number of stairs. Anyone with mobility concerns should plan accordingly or request indoor seating with waterfall views.
The patio becomes especially popular during Pennsylvania’s gorgeous fall season when foliage adds another layer of color to the already stunning backdrop.
The Location Hides Behind Historic Silk Mill
Finding Glass requires a bit of adventure, as the restaurant sits behind the iconic Hawley Silk Mill complex. Visitors navigate a narrow, winding road with a posted speed limit of just 5 mph, adding an element of discovery to the journey.
Good signage helps guide guests through what multiple reviewers describe as a tricky approach. The drive itself sets expectations that you’re heading somewhere special rather than just another roadside eatery.
This hidden location actually enhances the experience, making Glass feel like a secret worth sharing. The restaurant occupies space where a glass factory once operated, continuing the area’s industrial heritage.
Located at 119 Falls Ave in Hawley, PA 18428, the establishment benefits from its proximity to Lake Wallenpaupack. Guests often combine their dinner reservation with exploring the charming downtown area.
The seclusion means you won’t stumble upon Glass by accident. You need to seek it out deliberately, which filters for diners who truly appreciate unique experiences.
Live Entertainment Elevates Special Evenings
Glass regularly features live musicians who add another sensory layer to the already rich atmosphere. Blues bands have performed on the patio, creating perfect soundtrack moments as water crashes in the background.
One couple mentioned they’ve visited three times and always seem to pick nights without entertainment, having already booked shows elsewhere. They expressed genuine regret about missing the live performances that other diners rave about.
The venue’s acoustics work beautifully with the natural sound of the falls rather than competing against it. Musicians typically set up in positions that allow them to be heard without overwhelming conversation.
Anniversary celebrations and special occasions get extra attention, with staff occasionally offering complimentary champagne to couples marking milestones. These thoughtful touches transform good meals into memorable experiences.
Checking the entertainment schedule before booking ensures you can plan your visit around performances. The combination of great food, stunning views, and live music creates an unbeatable trifecta for date nights.
Service Quality Shows Genuine Hospitality
Servers like Eric, Dan, and Xavier earn specific mentions in reviews for making guests feel genuinely welcomed. Eric even offered to take photos for customers with the waterfall backdrop, going beyond basic table service.
The team clearly understands that atmosphere alone doesn’t create great experiences. Quick, friendly service allows diners to enjoy the scenery at their own pace without feeling rushed or neglected.
Management responds personally to online reviews, both positive and critical, showing they care about continuous improvement. When confusion arose about the tapas-style menu, they adjusted their communication during booking calls.
Some reviewers noted stretched staff during busy evenings, though most still received attentive care throughout their meals. The table assistants and bar hostesses contribute to the welcoming vibe alongside primary servers.
One standout moment involved staff recognizing a birthday celebration and adjusting service to match the occasion’s importance. These personalized touches separate Glass from restaurants that simply take orders and deliver plates.
Menu Highlights Blend Global Flavors
Chicken and kimchi potstickers bring Korean-inspired flavors to the Poconos, earning consistent praise for their spicy kick and satisfying crunch. The Singapore fried rice transports diners to Southeast Asia without leaving Pennsylvania.
Lamb chops arrive with Mediterranean accompaniments like tapenade and tzatziki, cooked to tender perfection that justifies their premium price point. Berkshire pork chops and grilled chicken paillard round out the protein options.
Vegetarian guests find plenty of choices, including grilled naan served with flavorful fig jam that multiple reviewers specifically called out. The mac and cheese bites achieve cult status among regulars who order them every single visit.
Desserts like rainbow cookies and deep-fried horchata bites provide sweet endings that match the creativity of savory dishes. One diner declared the horchata bites among the best desserts ordered anywhere.
The kitchen clearly draws inspiration from multiple cuisines while maintaining quality execution across the board. This global approach keeps the menu interesting for repeat visitors.
Operating Hours Favor Weekend Warriors
Glass operates Wednesday through Sunday, staying closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. This schedule concentrates staff energy on peak dining days when tourists and locals alike seek special meal experiences.
Friday and Saturday service runs from 4:30 PM to 9 PM, giving couples ample time for leisurely anniversary dinners. Sunday hours end slightly earlier at 8 PM, while Wednesday and Thursday wrap up at the same time.
The dinner-only format means you won’t find brunch or lunch service here. This focused approach allows the kitchen to perfect evening offerings rather than spreading resources across multiple dayparts.
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend evenings when the patio fills quickly. Walk-ins might snag bar seating, but prime waterfall-view tables require advance planning.
The schedule works perfectly for weekend getaways to the Poconos region. Visitors can explore Lake Wallenpaupack during the day and cap off their evening with dinner at Glass.
Calling ahead at (570) 226-1337 ensures you secure your preferred seating area and dining time.
Pricing Reflects Premium Experience Package
Glass falls into the double dollar sign category, signaling prices above casual dining but below ultra-luxury establishments. Entrees like the $50 New York Strip initially surprise guests until they remember they’re paying for the complete sensory experience.
Some diners feel portion sizes don’t quite match the price tags, especially when small plates arrive with less food than expected. The restaurant does add a service charge to bills, which occasionally catches customers off guard.
A credit card surcharge policy frustrates budget-conscious visitors who prefer not to carry cash. These additional fees can add up quickly when you’re already spending premium prices.
Most reviewers conclude the markup becomes worthwhile when factoring in the waterfall views, historic setting, and overall atmosphere. You’re investing in memories and ambiance alongside the actual food.
Special occasions justify the splurge more easily than casual weeknight dinners. Couples celebrating anniversaries or milestones consistently report feeling the experience delivered appropriate value for their celebrations.