8 Fascinatingly Wacky Restaurants In Pennsylvania You’ll Want To Visit Over And Over Again
Pennsylvania is home to some truly bizarre dining experiences that’ll make your taste buds dance and your Instagram followers jealous.
I’ve spent years exploring the Keystone State’s quirkiest eateries, collecting stories and calories along the way.
From churches converted to breweries to floating restaurants, these spots offer more than just a meal—they’re full-blown adventures that’ll have you planning your next visit before you’ve even paid the check.
1. Sip Holy Water (Kind Of) At The Church Brew Works
Last month, I nearly dropped my fork when I realized I was drinking craft drink in what used to be a confessional booth! The Church Brew Works in Pittsburgh transformed a magnificent 1902 Roman Catholic church into a brewery that will make you say “Hallelujah” after one sip.
Enormous copper brewing kettles stand proudly on the former altar, while original pews serve as dining seating. The stained glass windows still filter colorful light across the space as you devour their heavenly pierogies.
My personal recommendation? Order their Pipe Organ Pale Ale and the buffalo meatloaf. The combination is so divine you might actually hear angels singing—or maybe that’s just the excellent acoustics carrying other diners’ happy murmurs throughout the vaulted ceiling.
2. Dine Among The Treetops At Treetops Restaurant
Who knew I’d find myself eating gourmet food in a house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s apprentice? Nestled in Polymath Park near Fallingwater, Treetops Restaurant offers a dining experience that made me feel like a sophisticated woodland creature.
The restaurant sits elevated among towering trees, with floor-to-ceiling windows that bring nature right to your table. My woodland feast included locally-sourced ingredients that tasted even better with the panoramic forest views surrounding me.
The architectural marvel blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings, creating an atmosphere that’s both rustic and refined. I couldn’t help but snap dozens of photos between bites of their famous mushroom risotto—the ultimate forest-to-table experience that had me planning my return visit before dessert even arrived.
3. All Aboard Casey Jones’ Restaurant For A Railroad Feast
“Watch your step!” called the host as I climbed aboard an authentic 1940s train car for dinner. Casey Jones’ Restaurant in Ronks transformed several vintage railroad cars into one of the most unique dining spots I’ve ever experienced.
Each car maintains its original character—from the elegant dining car with white tablecloths to the more casual caboose section. The gentle rocking sensation you feel isn’t from too many cocktails; the cars are actually set on springs to simulate the movement of a train journey!
My Amish country chicken dinner came with a side of nostalgia as I gazed out the window at the surrounding countryside. The waitstaff dressed in period-appropriate conductor uniforms complete the illusion that you’re enjoying a luxury rail journey through Pennsylvania Dutch Country rather than just dinner.
4. Sail Away On Your Dinner Date At Moshulu
“I think I’m getting seasick from all this drink!” I joked to my date as we dined aboard the world’s oldest and largest square-rigged sailing vessel still afloat. The Moshulu in Philadelphia isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a historic four-masted sailing ship permanently docked at Penn’s Landing.
Built in 1904, this magnificent vessel sailed around Cape Horn more times than any other ship of its kind before retiring to its current life as a floating fine-dining establishment. The polished wooden decks and brass fixtures transport you to another era while you feast on seafood that couldn’t be fresher unless you caught it yourself.
The outdoor deck offers breathtaking views of the Delaware River and Philadelphia skyline. My sunset dinner there last summer remains one of my most memorable meals—though remembering which fork to use while trying not to spill my champagne provided some hilarious moments.
5. Feast Like Robin Hood At Loxley’s Restaurant
“Steal from the rich, give to the… hungry?” I muttered as I walked through the massive wooden castle entrance of Loxley’s Restaurant in Lancaster. Named after Robin Hood’s ancestral home, this Sherwood Forest-themed restaurant made me feel like I’d stumbled into medieval England—but with much better food!
The outdoor dining area features actual treehouses connected by wooden walkways where you can enjoy your meal among the branches. Fire pits dot the grounds, perfect for roasting s’mores after your feast of modern American cuisine.
My favorite spot is the castle bar with its stone walls and suits of armor standing guard while you sip themed cocktails like the Friar Tuck Fizz. The whimsical atmosphere had me half-expecting men in tights to swing down from the rafters—thankfully, the only thing swinging was my mood from hungry to delighted.
6. Sip Drink With A View At GLASS
“Is this Pennsylvania or Napa Valley?” I wondered aloud, pressing my nose against the floor-to-ceiling windows at GLASS in Hawley. Perched on a cliff overlooking Lake Wallenpaupack, this sleek restaurant in the Ledges Hotel offers panoramic waterfall views that nearly upstaged my perfectly seared scallops.
Housed in a historic 1890s glass factory, the restaurant honors its industrial past with exposed bluestone walls and minimalist décor. The waterfall cascading down the gorge outside creates nature’s own ambient soundtrack as you work your way through their impressive drink list.
During my visit last fall, I timed dinner perfectly to watch the sunset paint the waterfall golden while sipping a local Riesling. The seasonal menu celebrates Pennsylvania’s bounty—I’m still dreaming about their duck confit with local cherries that paired perfectly with both the drink and the breathtaking scenery.
7. Dine In The Depths At Catacombs At Bube’s Brewery
“Watch your head!” warned our guide as she led us down narrow stone stairs by candlelight. Dining 43 feet underground isn’t your typical Saturday night, but that’s exactly what happens at the Catacombs at Bube’s Brewery in Mount Joy.
Set in the aging cellar of a 19th-century brewery, this subterranean restaurant serves feasts on long communal tables surrounded by massive stone arches and historic brewing equipment. The flickering candles create dancing shadows across the stone walls, making me feel like I’d time-traveled to a medieval banquet.
My five-course feast included period-inspired dishes served by staff in Victorian attire. Between courses, I couldn’t resist exploring the nooks and crannies of this historic space. Fair warning: after a few glasses from their extensive drink selection, navigating those steep stairs back to the modern world becomes its own adventure!
8. Vintage Vibes And Veggie Bites At The Zenith
“Is that a vintage toaster display next to our table?” My friend nodded, equally bewildered by the eclectic surroundings at The Zenith in Pittsburgh. Part antique store, part vegetarian café, this South Side gem redefines the concept of dinner and shopping.
Mismatched vintage furniture serves as your dining setting, with every chair and table actually for sale. The walls showcase an ever-changing gallery of local art, while shelves overflow with kitschy collectibles from decades past. Their legendary Sunday brunch buffet had me piling my plate with vegetarian delights while eyeing a 1950s lamp I absolutely didn’t need (but bought anyway).
After stuffing myself with their famous vegan chocolate cake, I spent an hour browsing through vinyl records, vintage clothing, and retro kitchen gadgets. Be warned: you might arrive hungry and leave with a full stomach AND a car full of quirky treasures!