12 Unusual Bucket-List Restaurants In Pennsylvania For Meals You’ll Never Forget
Cheesesteaks and soft pretzels may be the classics, but Pennsylvania hides dining experiences you’ll never forget.
One night you might be cutting into a perfectly cooked steak inside a candlelit cave, and the next you could be savoring a Sunday brunch where stained-glass windows flood the room with light.
For those who love a bit of nostalgia, railcar restaurants offer a ticket back in time, complete with vintage décor and comfort food favorites.
Each spot proves that Pennsylvania cuisine comes with more than just flavor – it comes with a story.
1. Feast 43 Feet Underground at Bube’s Brewery
Stone vaults beneath a 19th-century brewery create an otherworldly dining atmosphere at The Catacombs. Flickering candlelight illuminates your journey down the stairs to this subterranean restaurant.
My first visit left me speechless as I descended into what felt like a secret medieval banquet hall. The Filet Oscar deserves its legendary status, perfectly complemented by their house-brewed beers.
2. Sip Holy Water (Beer) at The Church Brew Works
Stained glass windows filter sunlight onto brewing tanks positioned where the altar once stood. This 1902 Catholic church transformation preserves stunning architectural elements while serving heavenly house-brewed beers.
Wooden pews converted to dining booths maintain the sacred atmosphere. Their pierogies – plump potato pockets of perfection – pair divinely with the Pipe Organ Pale Ale.
3. Dinner and Aria at The Victor Café
Waiters transform into opera performers every twenty minutes at this South Philly institution. Mid-meal, your server might suddenly burst into a spine-tingling aria, turning an ordinary dinner into theater.
The century-old Italian restaurant walls display autographed photos of legendary opera stars who’ve dined here.
Classic veal parmigiana arrives steaming hot between performances, making this dining experience music to your ears and taste buds.
4. Nautical Noshing Aboard the Moshulu
Maritime history meets fine dining aboard a historic four-masted tall ship. Permanently docked on Philadelphia’s waterfront, the Moshulu’s polished wood and brass details transport you to a bygone era of seafaring luxury.
I celebrated my anniversary here, watching the sunset paint the Delaware River golden while savoring their butter-poached lobster. The gentle rocking sensation adds an authentic nautical touch to your meal.
5. Feast Like Royalty at Shady Maple Smorgasbord
Pennsylvania Dutch country’s most impressive buffet spans the length of a football field. Locals joke you’ll need a map to navigate the 200-foot buffet featuring authentic Amish specialties.
Crowds gather before opening, a testament to its legendary status. Fresh-made sticky buns, hand-carved roast beef, and chicken pot pie (the soupy Pennsylvania Dutch version) showcase generations of tradition.
6. Dine in Railroad Splendor at Grand Concourse
Gilded Age opulence surrounds diners in this transformed 1901 railroad station. Marble columns soar toward stained glass ceilings while the original mahogany ticket counter now serves as the bar.
Sunday brunch here has become a Pittsburgh tradition. The seafood station glistens with jumbo shrimp and other chilled seafood beneath the watchful gaze of the station’s original clock.
My grandfather, a former railroad worker, teared up seeing the beautifully preserved architecture during our family celebration here.
7. Sweet Surroundings at The Circular
Chocolate magnate Milton Hershey designed this unique round dining room ensuring every guest enjoys garden views. The innovative circular architecture eliminates corners, creating an intimate yet open atmosphere in Hershey’s flagship hotel.
Subtle chocolate influences appear throughout the seasonal menu. A cocoa-dusted filet mignon has appeared as a playful nod to their sweet heritage while maintaining sophisticated culinary standards.
8. All Aboard at Casey Jones’ Restaurant
Authentic Pennsylvania Railroad dining cars host hungry travelers at this Strasburg attraction. Vintage train enthusiasts travel miles to eat breakfast while watching active steam locomotives chug past the windows.
Kids squeal with delight when ordering from conductor-themed menus. The pancakes arrive shaped like train wheels, complete with chocolate syrup tracks.
During my childhood visits, I’d press my nose against the window between bites, counting railcars on the neighboring Strasburg Rail Road.
9. Monster Meals at Denny’s Beer Barrel Pub
Burger challenges ranging from reasonable to ridiculous await brave eaters at this Clearfield institution. Their claim to fame: the 6-pound “Ye Olde 96er” burger that few have conquered.
Normal-sized options satisfy less competitive diners. Wall-mounted photos showcase red-faced challengers attempting food feats that have attracted Travel Channel cameras multiple times.
10. Waterfall Views at Glass wine.bar.kitchen
Pocono Mountain waterfalls provide nature’s soundtrack at this sophisticated small-plates restaurant. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the repurposed bluestone factory showcase Paupack High Falls cascading just feet from your table.
Seasonal ingredients transform into artful shareable plates. The sommelier-curated wine flights perfectly complement the ever-changing menu while highlighting Pennsylvania vineyards.
I once witnessed a summer thunderstorm here, lightning illuminating the falls while we sipped regional wines – pure Pocono magic.
11. Dine Among the Branches at TreeTops Restaurant
Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic architecture philosophy inspires this treehouse-style restaurant nestled in the Laurel Highlands forest. Floor-to-ceiling windows create the illusion of floating among ancient trees.
The chef-driven tasting experience changes with the seasons. You select one course while the chef curates the rest, creating a personalized journey through regional flavors.
12. Secret Speakeasy Vibes at Horse Inn
Hidden in a former hayloft, this Prohibition-era speakeasy required a secret knock and password in the 1920s. Today, the discrete entrance still adds mystery to your dining adventure in Lancaster.
Original horse stalls divide intimate dining areas where whispered conversations happen over craft cocktails.
Their signature tenderloin tips on toast recipe remains unchanged since the speakeasy days.