The Pennsylvania Fish House On The River Where Seriously Good Seafood Comes In Huge Portions
Crab pretzels smothered in a creamy cheese sauce. Steamed mussels in Thai coconut curry.
A massive seafood platter. All of it is served inside an old stone tavern sitting right beside a river.
The building comes with stone walls, a stone fireplace, and wood-beamed ceilings. Some folks even call it haunted.
I like how a place can feel this old and still put gator on a burger. This riverside spot sits in central Pennsylvania, along the banks of the Susquehanna.
The deck looks straight out over the water. Dogs are welcome out there too, which feels like a very good sign. I believe the best restaurants give you a story along with dinner.
This one serves seafood, schnitzel, and live music under colonial beams. So which do you grab first, the river view or the fork?
An Old Stone Tavern Parked Right On The Susquehanna
Few restaurants can claim a riverbank as their front yard.
Penn’s Tavern | Historical Waterfront Restaurant sits directly on the Susquehanna River, in a spot called Fishers Ferry.
The building itself is a sturdy stone tavern with serious old-world character. It looks like it has seen a few centuries pass by, and it has seen plenty of river traffic too.
That setting is the whole reason this place stands out. You get a historic building and a waterfront view in one stop.
Most towns have to pick one or the other.
The tavern serves a mix of contemporary American food and hearty German dishes. Seafood plays a big role on the menu, which feels fitting for a spot named after nearby fishing waters.
The restaurant also hosts live music, private celebrations, and plenty of deck dining. It works for a lazy lunch or a full evening out.
Think of it as a riverside landmark with a kitchen attached. Central Pennsylvania has many charming taverns.
Very few let you watch the Susquehanna roll past while you decide between crab and schnitzel. That alone makes the drive worth plotting on a map.
The Birthday Of This Building Is Up For Debate
Local lore says this tavern dates all the way back to 1703. That would make it older than the United States by a long stretch.
Historical researchers have questioned that date, though. Records indicate that the land remained under Native American ownership until the mid-1700s, casting serious doubt on the traditional story.
Exactly when the stone building appeared is another question. The Society of Architectural Historians dates Penn’s Tavern to approximately 1791.
Its architectural history suggests that Revolutionary War veteran Samuel Auchmuty may have built it as an inn near a river ferry.
Another researcher, Jack L. Fisher, reached a different conclusion after examining property records and tax lists.
He suggested that the current stone structure was more likely built between 1822 and 1830.
So which date is right? The building’s precise construction year remains uncertain, and the 1703 story has not been established as historical fact.
That doesn’t make the tavern any less fascinating. The stone walls and rustic dining rooms still connect visitors with generations of travelers along the Susquehanna.
The 1703 date remains part of the restaurant’s identity, and its historic dining room is even called the 1700s Room.
History buffs can enjoy the atmosphere without having to settle the architectural debate over dinner.
Whatever its exact birth year, Penn’s Tavern | Historical Waterfront Restaurant has a remarkable past and plenty of character to show for it.
Colonial Charm Lives Inside The 1700s Room
Exposed stone walls set the mood the second you sit down.
The 1700s Room adds a stone fireplace, wood-beamed ceilings, and dark wood features to finish the look.
Look up and you’ll spot vintage chandeliers. Glance around and you’ll find antique barrels and old copper cooking tools tucked into the decor.
The whole space feels colonial, rustic, and surprisingly homey. It’s the kind of room that makes you want to order soup even in July.
Cooler months suit this room especially well. A fireplace and thick stone walls just make sense when the river turns gray outside.
The tavern also has a separate pub area for a more casual meal. That gives you options depending on your mood and your group.
Planning a party? Private rooms are available for celebrations like birthdays, showers, and family gatherings.
Imagine blowing out candles in a room that looks borrowed from a history book.
The decor never feels like a theme park. It feels lived in and cozy.
That balance is hard to pull off, and Penn’s Tavern manages it nicely.
Grab A Deck Seat And Let The River Do The Talking
Out back, an expansive deck stretches toward the water.
The Susquehanna River fills the view, wide and calm, framed by the trees along its banks.
River views are easily the most talked-about feature here. Sunset on that deck could compete with any fancy dessert.
Warm-weather afternoons are prime deck time. Evenings bring a softer glow as the light fades over the river.
Bringing your pup? Good news.
The outdoor seating is dog-friendly, and the staff sometimes sets out dog bowls and milk bones. Your four-legged buddy may enjoy the trip more than you.
Deck seats can go fast on nice days, so planning ahead helps. Reservations are recommended, especially on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.
One more fun bonus: a rail line runs nearby. If a train rumbles past, consider it free entertainment with your appetizer.
Between the water, the breeze, and the old stone building behind you, the deck feels like a little escape. It’s hard to rush a meal out here.
Honestly, why would you want to?
Seafood That Arrives Ready To Impress
Lobster ravioli is just the warm-up. The seafood lineup at Penn’s Tavern | Historical Waterfront Restaurant runs deep, and it leans hearty.
Sandwich fans can pick from a crab cake sandwich, a shrimp po’boy wrap, or fish tacos. There’s also a lobster roll, which pops up often when people talk about this place.
Then comes the fish reuben, a fun twist on a deli classic. Fish replaces the usual corned beef, and it’s become one of the kitchen’s quirkier favorites.
Craving something saucy? The steamed mussels come in a Thai coconut curry sauce.
That’s not something you’d expect from a historic stone tavern, which makes it even more fun.
Big appetites should take a look at the seafood pasta. Shrimp, scallops, and crab come together in a house-made marinara sauce, served over pasta with Parmesan cheese.
The dinner menu also includes broiled crab cakes and fish and chips. There’s plenty to choose from whether you prefer something rich and creamy or a simpler seafood classic.
The kitchen runs specials too, so ask your server what’s available that day. Fresh seafood offerings can change with the season.
A tip for groups: order a few different seafood dishes and share. With this many choices, splitting plates is the smartest way to cover more ground.
Starters Worth Fighting Over At The Table
Seafood nachos. Say it out loud and try not to get hungry.
They’re one of the most popular starters here, and they set the tone for the whole meal.
Next up are the crab pretzels. Soft pretzels get topped with crab and a creamy cheese sauce, which feels like a snack invented on a very good day.
Spinach dip covers the classic comfort side. Hog wings add a meaty option for anyone who wants something different from regular chicken wings.
Brussels sprouts also have a loyal following. Yes, really.
Even sprout skeptics might want to sneak a forkful.
Appetizers here work great for sharing on the deck. Order two or three and let everyone grab what they want while you wait for entrees.
One fair warning: these starters are filling. Pace yourself if you plan to tackle a seafood platter afterward.
Honestly, a round of appetizers and a river view could count as a full meal. Nobody would blame you for stopping there.
Well, maybe your stomach would ask for dessert.
Burgers With Big Personalities And Gator Included
Meet Mr. Pig, a burger that clearly refused to choose just one topping.
It comes loaded with grilled ham, bacon, cheddar cheese, and mac and cheese, all stacked together.
That’s a lot of happiness on one bun. Bring napkins.
Maybe bring extra napkins. Feeling adventurous?
The Surf & Turf Burger takes the menu in a seafood direction.
It combines a Black Angus burger with shrimp, scallops, and crab meat sautéed in garlic and olive oil, finished with melted cheddar cheese.
That’s a fun conversation starter, especially for anyone who has never thought to put seafood on a burger before.
For something with a little heat, the Cheddar Jalapeño BBQ Burger brings together cheese, bacon, jalapeños, and house-made barbecue sauce.
The menu covers plenty of pub staples too. Sandwiches, steaks, and pasta dishes give non-seafood eaters lots to choose from.
Prime rib also gets plenty of attention around here. It’s a solid pick for anyone who wants a classic sit-down dinner plate.
Families with mixed tastes will appreciate the range. One person can order fish tacos while another tackles a burger stacked with toppings, and everyone leaves happy.
The quirky names add to the fun. Menus that make you laugh a little tend to make dinner more relaxed.
So if seafood isn’t calling your name, don’t worry. Penn’s Tavern has backup plans, and some of them involve a very impressive pile of bacon and mac and cheese.
Schnitzel Night Brings A Taste Of Germany To The River
German food and a Pennsylvania river? It’s a better pairing than you might guess.
Penn’s Tavern serves hearty German dishes as seasonal specialties.
Look for them on Wednesday evenings starting at 4 PM and all day on Thursdays. Those are the days to show up hungry for something different.
The lineup includes Jagerschnitzel, Wiener Schnitzel, and Chicken Wilhelm. Sides like spaetzle and red cabbage round out the plates in classic style.
Fall can bring even more German comfort food. An Oktoberfest menu has featured dishes like sauerbraten and apple strudel.
The German menu fits the old stone setting perfectly. Eating schnitzel beside a fireplace feels almost too cozy to be real.
Plenty of Pennsylvania communities have deep German roots. This menu feels like a nod to that heritage, served with real warmth.
A smart plan is to check which specials are running before you go. Seasonal menus change, and you won’t want to miss your favorite.
Seafood may headline the show here. Still, German night quietly steals plenty of hearts each week.
Plan Your Visit Around Tuesday Tunes And Ghost Stories
Tuesday nights get musical here. Tuesday Tunes brings live entertainment to the tavern, and it has become a fun way to kick off the week.
Add in the building’s spooky side, and things get interesting. Some guests call this a haunted pub.
Whether you believe it or not, it makes a stone room after dark feel extra mysterious.
You’ll find the tavern at 113 River Road, Route 147, Sunbury, PA 17801. It sits in Fishers Ferry, just south of Sunbury.
Hours run Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM. Sunday is lunch only, from 11 AM to 3 PM, and Monday is closed.
Reservations are smart, especially on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Popular nights can fill up quickly, and the deck goes fast.
Kayaking information also shows up in the private events section of the tavern’s site. That’s a fun hint for anyone dreaming of a river day plus dinner.
Pennsylvania has no shortage of road trip stops.
Penn’s Tavern | Historical Waterfront Restaurant blends music, history, and seafood beside the Susquehanna, and that combo deserves a spot on your list.