15 AMAZING & Unique Restaurants in Pennsylvania (for Foodies)

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Pennsylvania isn’t just pretzels and cheesesteaks. It’s wild, weird, and downright unforgettable when it comes to where (and how) you eat. From a train car turned fine dining restaurant to underground speakeasies, Amish farm feasts, and dinner cruises with skyline views, you’ll find some of the most one-of-a-kind dining experiences in the country right here in the Keystone State.

If you’re road-tripping through small towns or spending a weekend in Philly or Pittsburgh, these 15 spots go way beyond the usual dinner reservation. Let’s dive into the most amazingly unique restaurants in Pennsylvania that are 100% worth the drive.

• 👉 Pro Tip: Ready to taste your way through Philadelphia’s most iconic bites and hidden gems? Join this top-rated food tour through Center City and Reading Terminal Market — a local favorite spot that’s been dishing out flavor for over 130 years. Here, you’ll sample 5+ Philly classics, including cheesesteaks, Amish pretzels, and local donuts. You’ll also learn all about the local Philadelphia foodie scene from your guide!

15 Uniquely Amazing Restaurants in Pennsylvania

From quirky diners to elegant spots with history, we’re covering the coolest places to eat. Get ready to explore what makes dining in Pennsylvania so special.

1. Red Caboose Motel & Restaurant

• 📍 Location: Ronks (Lancaster County)
• 💲 Price Range: $12 – $30 per person (Homestyle American)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Classic diner fare / Family-friendly homestyle cooking
• 🔥 Standout Features: Dine inside restored vintage train cars with countryside views
• 🎯 Perfect For: Families, train lovers, nostalgic diners, and quirky roadside adventures

Step into a slice of Americana at the Red Caboose Motel & Restaurant, where every dining booth sits inside an actual vintage train car. Parked on real tracks with views of the Amish countryside, it’s part restaurant, part novelty, and all charm.

The menu is loaded with comfort food: meatloaf, burgers, chicken pot pie, and milkshakes that hit the spot after a day of exploring Lancaster. Kids love the setting, and the prices stay reasonable for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

While you’re there, stroll the grounds to see farm animals, grab ice cream, or even spend the night in your own caboose. This place isn’t fancy…but it’s fun, affordable, and absolutely one of a kind.

2. Shady Maple Smorgasbord

• 📍 Location: East Earl Township
• 💲 Price Range: $14-$27
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Pennsylvania Dutch buffet / farm-style comfort food
• 🔥 Standout Features: Country’s largest buffet (200 feet long), 100,000+ sq ft dining space, live grill stations, no tipping, massive gift shop
• 🎯 Perfect For: Families, buffet lovers, Amish-country explorers, and comfort-food fans

Shady Maple Smorgasbord is Pennsylvania’s most legendary buffet and a true Lancaster County experience. The massive setup features six buffet stations with 200+ options daily—think carved meats, rotisserie chicken, buttered noodles, pierogies, baked corn, and shoofly pie.

Breakfast starts at just $13.99 and includes made-to-order omelets and pancakes. Dinner, around $27, brings smoked brisket, seafood specials, and dessert bars. The no-tipping policy makes it even more budget-friendly.

Arrive early to avoid lines, especially on weekends, or visit midweek for a quieter experience. After your meal, browse the sprawling gift shop filled with jams, quilts, and handmade goods. Shady Maple is closed Sundays, so plan accordingly.

3. The Zenith

• 📍 Location: South Side
• 💲 Price Range: $10 – $25 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Vegetarian / Vegan / Eclectic Café Fare
• 🔥 Standout Features: All-vegetarian menu, antique shop inside the dining room, Sunday brunch buffet, owl-themed bathroom, BYOB policy
• 🎯 Perfect For: Brunch lovers, vintage hunters, vegan foodies, and anyone craving a weird dining experience

The Zenith is one of Pittsburgh’s most offbeat dining spots…part restaurant, part antique store, and part local institution. Tucked into the South Side, it serves up an all-vegetarian and vegan-friendly menu in a dining room filled with vintage furniture, paintings, and bizarre collectibles (yes, you can buy them).

Highlights include their affordable rotating lunch plates, creative salads, and legendary Sunday vegan brunch buffet – often under $20 and served with strong local coffee. The space is BYOB, adding to its budget charm. Don’t skip a visit to the restroom – it’s decorated head-to-toe with owl kitsch, and somehow that just fits. The Zenith is quirky, authentic, and totally unforgettable.

4. Zahav

• 📍 Location: Society Hill
• 💲 Price range: $80 – $150 per person (Tayim “Taste of Zahav” menu)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Israeli / Middle Eastern
• 🔥 Standout Features: James Beard Award winner (Outstanding Restaurant/Chef), renowned for its hummus and laffa bread, innovative Israeli cuisine, lively atmosphere, tough reservation.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Foodie splurges, Middle Eastern cuisine lovers, sharing small plates, experiencing one of Philly’s best, and hummus fanatics.

Prepare for a culinary journey to Israel at Zahav, Michael Solomonov’s James Beard Award-winning restaurant. This Society Hill hotspot is legendary for its modern Israeli cuisine, especially its incredible, creamy hummus tehina served with warm, pillowy laffa bread baked in their taboon oven.

The “Tayim” tasting menu is the best way to experience a wide array of their amazing salatim (small salads and dips). Don’t miss the famously tender pomegranate lamb shoulder (requires advance notice/larger groups) if available. Reservations are essential and highly sought after.

5. The Catacombs at Bube’s Brewery

• 📍 Location: Mount Joy (Lancaster County)
• 💲 Price range: $50 – $90+ per person (Fine Dining/Prix Fixe)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Upscale American / Continental (Fine Dining in Catacombs)
• 🔥 Standout Features: Stone-lined catacombs (43 ft underground!), brewery tours on site.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Romantic occasions, history buffs, fine dining, and adventurous eaters (not afraid of the dark!).

Descend into a dining experience like no other at The Catacombs at Bube’s Brewery! Located 43 feet underground in the historic stone-lined lagering cellars of a 19th-century brewery, this spot offers upscale dining in an incredibly atmospheric setting.

Indulge in a fine dining menu. Expect dishes like perfectly cooked filet mignon with a rich demi-glace. Elegant seafood preparations, such as pan-seared scallops, or classic rack of lamb, are also popular, enjoyed by candlelight in the cool, historic catacombs.

• 👉 Insider Tip: If you’re curious about Amish life (and let’s be real, the food alone is worth the trip), this Guided Day Trip to Amish Country from Philadelphia is a no-brainer. Over 8 hours, you’ll cruise through Lancaster’s scenic backroads, explore working farms and local shops, and sit down for a hearty Amish-style lunch—think homemade fried chicken, buttered noodles, whoopie pies, and shoofly pie. It’s a full-on cultural deep dive with a serious comfort food payoff.

6. Cooper’s Seafood House

• 📍 Location: Scranton
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Seafood / American
• 🔥 Standout Features: Nautical decor (train car, lighthouse!), extensive menu, themed rooms.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Seafood lovers, fans of “The Office”, and diverse options.

Ahoy, Scranton! Get ready for a seafood adventure at Cooper’s Seafood House, a sprawling, multi-room destination packed with eclectic nautical and historic decor, including a lighthouse and a train car. It’s a treasure trove of kitsch and cuisine!

Dive into an extensive menu. Steamed clams or lobster bisque are great starters. Hearty fish and chips, grilled salmon, or their popular crab cakes are excellent choices. Fans of “The Office” will recognize it as a Dunder Mifflin hangout!

7. Road Kill Cafe

• 📍 Location: Artemas
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Country / Homestyle Comfort Food
• 🔥 Standout Features: Local country eatery (40+ years!), homestyle food, family-friendly/affordable.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Classic country cooking, budget-friendly family meals, and comfort food.

“You’ll be dyin’ to eat here!” The Road Kill Cafe in Artemas isn’t about actual roadkill, but about serving amazing, down-home American country cooking that’s been a local favorite for over 40 years. This little eatery is all heart and incredible flavor!

Dive into hearty comfort classics. A crispy country fried steak with gravy is a must-try. A satisfying BLT sandwich, or their popular cheeseburger with all the fixings, are also fantastic. Don’t skip the loaded fries. The service is kind and friendly.

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8. The Church Brew Works

• 📍 Location: Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Brewpub / Eclectic
• 🔥 Standout Features: Brewery and restaurant in a converted historic church, brewing tanks on the altar, beautiful stained glass, and award-winning craft beers.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Craft beer, history buffs, Pittsburgh visitors, and fans of brewpub cuisine.

Hallelujah for heavenly brews at The Church Brew Works! This Pittsburgh spot offers a divine dining and drinking experience – it’s a brewery and restaurant beautifully housed in a magnificently restored historic church. The brewing tanks are literally on the altar!

Sip on their award-winning craft beers, like the “Pious Monk Dunkel” or “Celestial Gold Lager.” Pair your pint with eclectic American brewpub fare, perhaps a gourmet sausage platter with pierogies, wood-fired pizzas, or their popular buffalo chicken dip.

• Read Next: 15 CHEAP Places to Fly from Pittsburgh This Year

9. Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House

• 📍 Location: Center City, Philadelphia (Historic Bank Building)
• 💲 Price range: $70 – $150+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: High-End American Steakhouse
• 🔥 Standout Features: Historic bank building (ornate ceilings/columns!), prime steaks/seafood, extensive wine list.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Steak connoisseurs, fine dining, architecture lovers, and special occasions.

Dine like a captain of industry at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House in Philadelphia! Housed in a stunningly ornate historic bank building, this spot offers a grand and opulent setting for a classic high-end steakhouse experience.

Indulge in prime cuts of perfectly aged steak. A massive tomahawk ribeye for sharing is a showstopper. A delicate filet mignon or a flavorful bone-in strip steak are also excellent. Enjoy impeccable service and an extensive wine list.

• Read Next: Pittsburgh’s Nightlife: 12 Cool Things to Do After Dark

👉 Personal Recommendation: Dinner with a view? How about dinner on the water! Hop aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise, where you’ll cruise the Delaware River with city views, a legit buffet, cocktails, and a DJ spinning all night. It’s dinner, drinks, and dancing…on a boat. Grab your spot here before it sells out.

10. The Library

• 📍 Location: Melrose Park (Outside Philadelphia)
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $80 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Upscale American / Continental
• 🔥 Standout Features: Historic library building, classic decor, piano music.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Romantic dinners, literary types, elegant dining, and special occasions.

Check out this delicious chapter in dining at The Library! Located in a beautiful historic library building, this Melrose Park restaurant offers an elegant and intimate setting for upscale American and Continental cuisine. It’s a novel dining experience!

Enjoy classic dishes prepared with finesse. A perfectly cooked rack of lamb with a rosemary jus is a popular choice. Fresh seafood entrees, like pan-seared scallops or crab cakes, or a classic Caesar salad prepared tableside, are also fantastic.

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11. Moshulu

• 📍 Location: Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia (On a Tall Ship)
• 💲 Price range: $50 – $100+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Contemporary American / Seafood Focus
• 🔥 Standout Features: Historic four-masted tall ship, Delaware River/city skyline views, multiple decks/dining areas.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Waterfront dining, maritime history buffs, romantic date nights with views, special occasions, and seafood lovers.

All aboard for an unforgettable dining experience on the Moshulu! This magnificent four-masted tall ship, permanently docked at Penn’s Landing, offers contemporary American cuisine with stunning views of the Delaware River and the Philadelphia skyline.

Enjoy fresh seafood and expertly prepared dishes. Elegant crab cakes with minimal filler are a highlight. Pan-seared scallops with risotto, or fresh raw bar selections like oysters and shrimp cocktail, taste even better with the gentle sway of the ship.

12. DJ’s Taste of the 50’s

• 📍 Location: Lancaster
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Classic 1950s American Diner
• 🔥 Standout Features: 50s diner decor/memorabilia, jukebox tunes, classic burgers/fries/milkshakes, soda fountain.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Classic diner food fans, families, milkshake connoisseurs, and retro Americana.

Get your poodle skirts ready for DJ’s Taste of the 50’s in Lancaster! This spot is a full-blown trip back to the sock-hop era, decked out with authentic 1950s decor, a working jukebox, and all the classic diner grub. It’s the bee’s knees!

Chow down on juicy cheeseburgers and crispy french fries. Thick, hand-spun milkshakes from the soda fountain (chocolate or vanilla are classics) are a must. A simple grilled cheese sandwich or a BLT also hit the spot.

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13. White Dog Cafe

• 📍 Location: Multiple locations (e.g., University City Philly, Wayne, Haverford)
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Contemporary American / Farm-to-Table
• 🔥 Standout Features: Dog-themed decor, sustainable ingredients.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Dog lovers (decor, not pets inside usually!), farm-to-table enthusiasts, and environmentally conscious diners.

Unleash your appetite at the charming White Dog Cafe! With multiple locations, each uniquely adorned with whimsical dog-themed art and decor, this spot is beloved for its commitment to local, sustainable, and organic ingredients. It’s best in show!

Enjoy beautifully crafted contemporary American dishes. Expect creative preparations of local Pennsylvania trout. Artisanal cheese boards featuring local cheeses, or hearty pasture-raised beef burgers, are also popular. The delightful atmosphere makes it special.

14. The Victor Café

• 📍 Location: South Philadelphia
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Classic Italian-American
• 🔥 Standout Features: Opera-singing staff, historic building (est. 1918), old-world Italian charm, featured in “Rocky Balboa” & “Creed.”
• 🎯 Perfect For: Opera lovers, classic Italian-American food, movie buffs (Rocky!), romantic dinners with a show, and Philly history.

Bravo! Get ready for an aria with your arrabbiata at The Victor Café! This historic South Philly Italian-American restaurant features talented opera-singing waiters who serenade diners with powerful arias between courses. It’s dinner, with a standing ovation!

Indulge in classic Italian-American comfort food. Hearty veal parmigiana is a popular choice. Rich lasagna Bolognese, or perfectly cooked pasta dishes like spaghetti with meatballs (“The Eye of the Tiger” dish), are also fantastic.

15. The Big Mac Museum Restaurant

• 📍 Location: North Huntingdon (Near Irwin)
• 💲 Price range: $8 – $15 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: McDonald’s Fast Food
• 🔥 Standout Features: Museum dedicated to the Big Mac, McDonald’s historical exhibits, world’s largest Big Mac statue.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Big Mac superfans, McDonald’s history buffs, families, and a classic burger with a side of history.

Two all-beef patties, special sauce… and a museum! The Big Mac Museum Restaurant is a fully functioning McDonald’s that also houses a museum celebrating the iconic Big Mac. It’s fast food history! Grab your favorite McDonald’s meal.

A classic Big Mac and fries are essential here. A Quarter Pounder with Cheese or Chicken McNuggets are also standard fare. Then explore the exhibits detailing the history of this legendary sandwich. Don’t forget a photo with the world’s largest Big Mac statue!

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Unique Places to Eat in Pennsylvania

Got questions about eating out in PA? Our Pennsylvania restaurant guide has the answers you’re looking for.

What food is unique to Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania is famous for its unique dishes, like the Philly cheesesteak. This iconic sandwich combines thinly sliced steak with melted cheese on a long hoagie roll. Another unique item is scrapple, a breakfast meat made from pork scraps and cornmeal. Both dishes reflect Pennsylvania’s rich culinary tradition and are must-tries for visitors.

What restaurants are only in Pennsylvania?

Some restaurants you’ll only find in Pennsylvania include The Victor Cafe in Philadelphia, known for its live opera performances. This spot offers a dining experience that’s deeply rooted in the local culture, making them unique to the state, perfect for those flying from Philadelphia.

What is the number one food in Pennsylvania?

The number one food in Pennsylvania is arguably the Philly cheesesteak. This beloved sandwich has gained fame far beyond the state’s borders, symbolizing Pennsylvania’s culinary scene. It’s a simple yet delicious combination of grilled steak, onions, and cheese, all tucked into a soft hoagie roll.

What is the state drink of Pennsylvania?

The state drink of Pennsylvania is milk. This designation highlights the state’s rich dairy farming tradition and its importance to the local economy. Pennsylvania’s dairy farms produce a significant amount of milk, supporting the state’s agricultural sector and providing residents with fresh, local dairy products.

What PA town is known for pizza?

Old Forge, Pennsylvania, is known as the “Pizza Capital of the World.” This small town has its own unique style of pizza, often referred to as “Old Forge pizza.” It’s characterized by its rectangular shape, thick crust, and unique blend of cheeses. The town boasts numerous pizzerias, each offering its take on this local favorite.

Where can I find scenic places in Pennsylvania to eat?

For scenic places in Pennsylvania to eat, consider dining along the Susquehanna River or in the Pocono Mountains. These locations offer breathtaking views that enhance your dining experience. Restaurants with outdoor seating in these areas allow you to enjoy delicious meals while taking in the natural beauty of Pennsylvania.

How can I find the best restaurants in Pennsylvania?

To find the best restaurants in Pennsylvania, check out online reviews, local food blogs, and the Pennsylvania restaurant guide. These resources offer insights into the dining scene, from hidden gems to award-winning establishments. Whether you’re looking for traditional Pennsylvania dishes or international cuisine, these guides can help you discover top dining spots across the state.

Where are some cheap eats in Pennsylvania?

For cheap eats in Pennsylvania, explore local diners, food trucks, and markets in cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Lancaster, known as top places to live and visit in Pennsylvania. These places often offer delicious, budget-friendly meals, from classic American comfort food to international dishes. Street food in Pennsylvania is also a great way to enjoy tasty and affordable meals on the go.

What are some options for fine dining in Pennsylvania?

Fine dining in Pennsylvania can be found in its major cities and quaint towns, offering a range of gourmet experiences. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, for example, boast restaurants with award-winning chefs serving innovative dishes in sophisticated settings. For a unique experience, consider dining at establishments housed in historic buildings or offering panoramic views of Pennsylvania’s landscapes. These restaurants often feature locally sourced ingredients, showcasing the best of Pennsylvania’s culinary offerings in elegant atmospheres.