14 Pennsylvania Scenic Small Towns With Restaurants Right On The River
Pennsylvania has a way of slowing you down when you find yourself near the water. The small towns along its rivers are some of the most relaxing places to spend an afternoon, especially when good food is part of the plan.
Picture sitting outside with a plate of something warm, watching boats drift by and locals wave from the shore. It’s the kind of simple comfort that makes you want to linger a little longer before heading home.
These riverside towns make eating out feel like part of the day’s adventure.
1. Lumberville, Black Bass Hotel
Stone walls and river views make this spot feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The building dates to the 1740s, and the restaurant keeps that historic charm alive with its cozy dining rooms and waterfront tables.
Menu options range from classic American dishes to fresh seafood, all served with views of the Delaware. The outdoor patio gets packed during warm months, so arriving early helps.
Lumberville itself is tiny but packed with character. Walking along the towpath after your meal gives you a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
2. New Hope, Martine’s RiverHouse
Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the Delaware right into your dining experience. The modern interior feels upscale without being stuffy, and the menu focuses on fresh ingredients prepared with care.
Seafood dishes shine here, though the steaks and pasta options don’t disappoint either. Service tends to be attentive without hovering, which makes for a relaxed meal.
New Hope’s artsy vibe extends beyond the restaurant. Galleries, shops, and theaters line the streets, making it easy to spend a full day exploring before settling in for dinner by the water.
3. Yardley, Yardley Inn
This colonial-era building has been welcoming guests since 1835. The restaurant maintains that historic feel while serving updated American fare that appeals to modern tastes.
Seasonal menus keep things fresh, and the outdoor seating area lets you enjoy mild evenings near the canal. Weekend brunch draws crowds, so weekday visits often feel more relaxed.
Yardley’s small downtown sits within walking distance. Antique shops and riverside paths make for pleasant pre-dinner strolls, and the town’s quiet streets offer a nice break from busier tourist spots.
4. Bristol, King George II Inn
Dating back to 1681, this might be the oldest continuously operating inn in Pennsylvania. The restaurant portion serves hearty portions in rooms that feel frozen in colonial times.
Traditional American cooking dominates the menu, with pot roast and crab cakes as standout options. The riverside location means you can watch boats pass while you eat.
Bristol’s waterfront has seen better days in some spots, but the town’s history runs deep. The inn itself tells stories through its architecture, and staff members often share tidbits about the building’s past.
5. Riegelsville, Riegelsville Inn
Built in 1838, this inn sits right where you can watch the river roll past. The dining room feels intimate, and the deck outside offers the best seats when weather cooperates.
Fresh fish specials change based on what’s available, and the kitchen handles both simple preparations and more complex dishes well. Portions lean generous without being overwhelming.
Riegelsville remains small and quiet, which adds to its appeal. The bridge crossing to New Jersey makes for a nice post-meal walk, and the town’s unhurried pace feels refreshing.
6. Shawnee On Delaware, The River Room At Shawnee Inn
Panoramic windows frame the Delaware from every angle in this elegant dining space. The resort setting means the restaurant caters to both guests and locals, maintaining quality across a varied menu.
Sunday brunch brings families together, while weeknight dinners feel more intimate. The kitchen balances classic preparations with seasonal specials, and the riverside setting never gets old.
Shawnee itself spreads along the river with plenty of outdoor activities nearby. Golf courses, hiking trails, and water sports keep visitors busy before they settle in for a meal with a view.
7. Washington Crossing, Washington Crossing Inn
History buffs appreciate this location’s connection to the Revolutionary War. The restaurant serves upscale American cuisine in a building that dates to 1777, blending historic atmosphere with refined cooking.
Menu items lean toward special-occasion dining rather than casual meals. The chef uses local ingredients when possible, and presentation shows attention to detail.
Washington Crossing Historic Park sits right nearby, making it easy to combine a history lesson with dinner. The park’s trails and monuments offer context that makes your meal feel like part of a bigger experience.
8. Foxburg, Allegheny Grille
This Victorian-era building got a modern update without losing its character. The restaurant sits directly on the Allegheny, and the outdoor patio makes the most of that location during warmer months.
Steaks and seafood anchor the menu, with portions sized for hearty appetites. The kitchen handles basics well, and the riverside setting adds value to every meal.
Foxburg calls itself Pennsylvania’s smallest incorporated borough, and that tiny size creates a peaceful atmosphere. The nearby bike trail attracts cyclists who often stop here to refuel before continuing their ride.
9. Kittanning, Allegheny Mariner
Boaters can dock right at the restaurant, which tells you how seriously this place takes its riverside location. The casual atmosphere welcomes families, and the menu covers American favorites without pretension.
Burgers, sandwiches, and fried fish dominate the offerings, all served in generous portions. Outdoor tables fill quickly on nice days, but the indoor dining room also overlooks the water.
Kittanning’s small downtown sits a short walk away. The town serves as Armstrong County’s seat, and its riverfront has seen recent improvements that make spending time by the water more enjoyable.
10. Wrightsville, John Wright Restaurant
Cast iron manufacturing once dominated this building, but now it houses a restaurant with some of the best Susquehanna views around. The industrial past shows in the exposed brick and metal details.
Fresh seafood gets top billing, though landlubbers find plenty of options too. The deck extends over the water, creating the feeling of dining on a boat.
Wrightsville sits across from Columbia, and the bridge connecting them offers great views. Walking it before or after your meal burns off calories and lets you appreciate the river from a different angle.
11. Wormleysburg, Duke’s Riverside Bar & Grille
Casual describes both the atmosphere and the dress code at this Susquehanna River spot. The outdoor deck pulls in crowds during summer, and the views of Harrisburg across the water add interest to your meal.
Bar food done right fills the menu, from wings to burgers to fish tacos. Nothing fancy, but everything arrives hot and tasty.
Wormleysburg serves as a quiet neighbor to the state capital. The riverfront path here connects to a larger trail system, making it popular with walkers and cyclists who appreciate having a casual dining option nearby.
12. Shamokin Dam, Skeeter’s Pit BBQ
Smoke and river views combine at this laid-back barbecue joint. The location near the Susquehanna means you can grab your meal and head to nearby picnic areas, or eat on the covered patio.
Ribs, pulled pork, and brisket get slow-cooked until tender, and the sides hold their own. Portions lean large, so come hungry or plan to take leftovers home.
Shamokin Dam sits in central Pennsylvania where the river widens. The area attracts anglers and boaters, and the town maintains a working-class vibe that feels authentic and unpretentious.
13. Parryville, The RiverWalk At Seven Sirens
A brewery anchors this spot, but the restaurant stands on its own merits. Large windows frame the Lehigh River, and the menu goes beyond typical pub fare with creative takes on American classics.
Wood-fired pizzas share menu space with burgers and entree salads, giving groups with different tastes plenty to choose from. The outdoor area gets lively during peak hours.
Parryville sits in the Lehigh Gorge area, where outdoor recreation rules. Whitewater rafting, hiking, and biking bring people to the region, and this restaurant gives them a place to unwind afterward.
14. Yardley, Charcoal BYOB
Upscale steakhouse dining comes without the markup on drinks at this bring-your-own establishment. The focus stays firmly on the food, particularly the dry-aged steaks that headline the menu.
Sides deserve attention too, from truffle fries to creamed spinach. The kitchen handles both simple preparations and more elaborate dishes with equal skill.
Yardley appears twice on this list because the town really does offer multiple riverside dining options. The canal towpath and Delaware River create a scenic backdrop for exploring before you settle in for a serious meal.