Half the fun of going out to eat is in the restaurant’s atmosphere. If it weren’t for the promise of fun ambiance, we’d just stay in and order pizza every night. Sometimes, you might be in the mood to dine in extraordinarily bizarre surroundings– here are some ideas for when that urge strikes. These eight memorable restaurants in Pennsylvania offer a unique dining experience and are certainly worthy of a spot on your dining bucket list.

1. Pod, Philadelphia
Jeff Belonger/ My Philly Alive
Pod serves delicious sushi and Asian fusion cuisine, but it's all about the atmosphere. When you enter, you'll think you're onboard a dance club space ship; the white interior is illuminated by multi-colored flourescent lights. If you sit inside one of the "pods," for which the restaurant received its name, you can change the color of the lights by pushing buttons on the wall. You'll have quite a few delicious dishes from which to choose, too. Dig into a sushi platter, specialty rolls, or a rice and noodles dish. Pod serves both lunch and dinner. Check out the lunch, dinner, and dessert menus on the official website of Pod.
2. Del Frisco's, Philadelphia
Del Frisco's Website
For a truly extravagant dining experience, try out Del Frisco's, which can be found in what used to be First Pennsylvania Bank. The historic landmark has been converted into a classy steak house with a three-story wine tower (good luck making up your mind) and lavish interior design. Book ahead if you want to dine in the Vault Room, which is where the bank's vault used to be. You will truly feel like a treasured customer. Del Frisco's boasts a scrumptious menu with such meals as New York Strip Steak, filet mignon, and old-fashioned burgers. Browse the full menu on the official website of Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse.
3. The Catacombs Restaurant, Lancaster
Bube's Brewery Website
This restaurant is several stories below the surface of the street. As you can tell, this experience is about as unique as it comes. The enchanting restaurants promises a relaxing, charming atmosphere and a delicious menu to match. You'll definitely want to make a reservation before you head over to the popular restaurant. Learn more from the official website of The Catacombs Restaurant.
4. Victor Cafe, Philadelphia
Victor Cafe Website
If you're a music lover, Victor Cafe is the place for you. A cozy Italian restaurant in South Philly, Victor distinguishes itself by its dedication to opera. The waitstaff breaks into song four to five times per hour, entertaining guests with arias and various tunes. You might have a hard time preventing yourself from joining in. Pair pitch-perfect opera music with authentic Italian food, and you're in for quite the culinary experience. Victor Cafe serves a generous selection of entrees - from sweet potato tortellini to classic ravioli. If you're in the mood for a meaty meal, order the New York strip steak, the chicken piccata, or the pork chops. Peruse the full menu on the official website of Victor Cafe.

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5. Church Brew Works, Pittsburgh
"The Church Brew Works". Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
For another restaurant that allows you to dine in a bizarrely unusual environment, check out the Church Brew Works, which is exactly what it sounds like: a brewery inside an old, deconsecrated Catholic Church. Some of their beers live up to the building's religious legacy, including Pipe Organ Pale Ale and Pious Monk Donkel. The Church Brew Works website beckons, "And on the eighth day... man created beer..." You'll also find a range of dishes that are particularly popular in Pittsburgh - the traditional Pittsburgh salad and pierogies, for example. Check out the full menu on the official website of Church Brew Works.
6. Joe's Bar, Ligonier
Lauren Dantella / Point Park News Service
Pennsylvania has more licensed hunters than any other state in the U.S., a statistic that you will not doubt after you've visited Joe's Bar. Otherwise a run-of-the-mill roadside bar, it has hundreds upon hundreds of taxidermy animals that adorn the bar area as well as multiple rooms upstairs. No doubt, your burger might suddenly seem to have some extra... character.
7. Red Caboose Restaurant, Ronks
Red Caboose Motel Website
Red Caboose Restaurant is part of the Red Caboose Motel, which is located inside a string of forty refurbished train cars. The restaurant is found inside an 80-ton coach car, where fresh, homemade Amish cuisine is served to the sound of railroad music that pipes through the speakers. Children especially will find this to be a fun and memorable dining experience. Check out the full menu and make reservations on the official website of Red Caboose Motel & Restaurant.
8. Cooper's Seafood House, Scranton
Cooper's Seafood House / Facebook
We don't know anyone who at some point hasn't wanted to be a pirate. Especially after dealing with a typical Pennsylvania winter, we can't think of anywhere we'd rather be than stomping around on the deck of a pirate ship in the Carribean. Cooper's offers just that feeling, but in the middle of Scranton. Made to look and feel like a life-size pirate ship, the restaurant offers a giant beer selection, scrumptious fare, and a nautical ambiance, not to mention it has been made famous by way of mention on "The Office" more than once. Peruse the full menu and more on the official website of Cooper's Seafood House.

 

Going to some of these places would be fun, even if they weren’t restaurants. What are some of the most memorable restaurants in Pennsylvania you’ve visited? Let us know in the comments! If you like good, authentic Italian food, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Sette Luna in Easton.

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More to Explore

memorable restaurants in Pennsylvania

Beth Price-Williams | August 21, 2020

What are the best restaurants in Pennsylvania?

No matter what type of food you like, you’ll find it in Pennsylvania. For a classic Amish meal, head over to Katie’s Corner in Ronks. The charming eatery is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Pennsylvania, serving everything from a traditional Amish wedding meal to chicken pot pie, an American classic. If you like a ton of choices, you’ll definitely love Shady Maple Smorgasbord. The massive smorgasbord measures 200 feet and is brimming with such delicious foods as grilled chicken, burgers, hot dogs, and pizza. Shady Maple Smorgasbord serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Where can I find the best burgers in Pennsylvania?

On the hunt for where to dine in Pennsylvania that also boasts some of the best burgers around? For a massive burger that will fill you up, head over to White Haven Family Diner. The ginormous burger spills off of the bun and takes up most of the plate. Denny’s Beer Barrel Pub in Clearfield is also famous for its delicious burgers. The popular burger joint opened way back in 1977 and also hosts several burger eating challenges. If you’re up for a huge challenge, try the 25-pound burger challenge. Denny’s also serves a two-pound burger.

Are there any waterfront restaurants in Pennsylvania?

Dining out is all about good food and a gorgeous location. Fortunately, we have access to a collection of amazing waterfront restaurants in Pennsylvania. Silver Shores Restaurant, in Conneaut Lake, overlooks the shimmering Conneaut Lake. It also serves a scrumptious selection of meals – from fried clams to New York strip steak. The Boathouse, in the charming town of Hawley, offers spellbinding views of the water and features such delicious dishes as country fried shrimp and grilled salmon. Sunset Grill in Edinboro, The Cove Restaurant in Erie, and Boulder View Tavern in Lake Harmony are other popular waterfront restaurants in Pennsylvania.

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