PENNSYLVANIA - Pennsylvania is a state rich with fantastic dining, but some restaurants offer more than just a great meal—they provide a truly unforgettable experience. From dining in a historic church and a treetop pod to feasting in a subterranean beer cellar, the Keystone State is home to some incredibly unique culinary destinations that are well worth the drive. If you're looking for a meal that's as memorable as it is delicious, here is a guide to five unique Pennsylvania restaurants perfect for your next day trip.
1. The Church Brew Works (Pittsburgh, PA)
- The Experience: Dine and drink inside a beautifully restored Roman Catholic Church. At The Church Brew Works, you can enjoy award-winning, handcrafted beers while sitting amongst the original pews, under stunning stained-glass windows, and right next to the massive steel brewing tanks that now stand where the altar once was.
- The Vibe: A breathtaking and reverent yet casual brewpub atmosphere. The sense of history and the grandeur of the architecture make it one of the most unique dining settings in the country.
- The Food & Drink: The menu features eclectic American pub fare, and the award-winning, on-site brewery produces a variety of beer styles, from traditional German lagers to modern IPAs.
- Location: 3525 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
2. Treetops Restaurant (Acme, PA)
- The Experience: Nestled in the beautiful Laurel Highlands near Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic Fallingwater, Treetops Restaurant offers a dining experience that feels like it's part of the natural landscape. Guests can dine in private, "treehouse-style" pods that are nestled among the trees.
- The Vibe: An elegant, rustic, and incredibly serene atmosphere. It's an architectural marvel that provides an intimate and immersive connection with nature.
- The Food & Drink: The menu features upscale, seasonal American cuisine that complements the stunning, natural setting.
- Location: 171 Main St, Acme, PA 15610 (at Polymath Park)
3. Moshulu (Philadelphia, PA)
- The Experience: Enjoy an upscale meal aboard the world's oldest and largest square-rigged sailing vessel still afloat. The Moshulu, permanently docked at Penn's Landing, offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience on the Delaware River.
- The Vibe: A unique blend of maritime history and modern elegance. The multi-level decks provide stunning, romantic views of the city skyline and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
- The Food & Drink: The menu features high-end seafood and steaks, and their weekend brunch is a local favorite. It's a premier destination for a special occasion dinner with a spectacular view.
- Location: 401 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
4. The Catacombs at Bube's Brewery (Mount Joy, PA)
- The Experience: Descend into the historic, 19th-century beer aging cellars of Bube's Brewery for a truly unique subterranean meal. The Catacombs restaurant is located in the original stone-lined vaults, 43 feet below ground.
- The Vibe: A rustic, historic, and incredibly atmospheric setting. Dining by candlelight in this original 1860s beer cellar is a memorable and almost theatrical experience. They also offer murder mystery dinners and ghost tours.
- The Food & Drink: The menu offers a diverse selection of fine dining entrees, and of course, you can enjoy the beers brewed on-site.
- Location: 102 N Market St, Mount Joy, PA 17552
5. Casey Jones' Restaurant at the Red Caboose Motel (Ronks, PA)
- The Experience: For a truly nostalgic and family-friendly meal, head to Casey Jones' Restaurant in the heart of Lancaster County. Here, you can dine inside an authentic, historic railroad dining car that has been fully restored.
- The Vibe: A fun and unique experience, especially for families and train enthusiasts. The restaurant is part of the famous Red Caboose Motel, where guests can actually sleep in converted caboose cars.
- The Food & Drink: Classic, down-to-earth American and Pennsylvania Dutch comfort food served in a one-of-a-kind setting.
- Location: 312 Paradise Ln, Ronks, PA 17572
From a grand church in Pittsburgh and a floating landmark in Philadelphia to a treetop escape in the Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania's unique restaurants offer a delicious adventure for any traveler. These one-of-a-kind destinations prove that a great meal can be about more than just the food on the plate—it can be an unforgettable experience that you'll be talking about for years to come.