Published Oct 28, 2024

Inside the Working-Class Diner That’s Been Keeping Allentown, Pennsylvania Fed for Almost 40 Years

The Golden Gate Diner is a popular diner in Allentown that keeps prices low and spirits high for the locals.

Published Oct 28, 2024

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Published Oct 26, 2024

The Panoramic-View Restaurant on Lake Erie in Pennsylvania Is a Must-Visit

Pull up a chair at this waterfront restaurant in Erie, Pennsylvania, that promises gorgeous views of the water and a delicious menu.

Published Oct 26, 2024

Written by

Beth Price-Williams

Pennsylvania boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country, from sweeping mountain landscapes to gentle hills along the backroads. My favorite views often include the water, whether a tiny pond in a nature reserve or a magnificent lake like Lake Erie, and if I can pair that scenery with a delicious meal, all the better. With awe-inspiring views, an impressive menu, and a chill vibe, this waterfront restaurant in Erie, Pennsylvania, promises an all-around memorable dining experience.

Try to reserve a table at Shoreline Bar and Grille, overlooking Presque Isle Bay, so you can catch the sunset. While the views from the waterfront restaurant are spectacular any time of the day, there’s something wondrous about watching the sky's blue slowly turn to shades of purple, pink, and orange as the sun falls asleep.

alt — Ali Majdfar/Moment via Getty Images

Floor-to-ceiling windows in the dining room offer sensational panoramic views of the boardwalk and the bay. If you visit between May and September and the weather cooperates, request a table outdoors. Colorful umbrellas offer protection from the sun, making it easy to drink in the magnificent views of the boardwalk and the water. Seating with fire pits, for an additional fee, is also available and must be reserved.

While those views are sure to take your breath away, the food earns just as much praise from diners, who describe it in such glowing terms as “amazing,” “incredible,” and “delicious.” Find out for yourself by kicking off your meal with a tasty starter. Share with the table such favorites as grilled wings, warm pretzel bites, BBQ shrimp, or chips and guacamole.

alt — Freshly cooked New York Strip garnished with fresh Rosemary.

The waterfront restaurant’s menu has something for every taste and mood. If you’re craving a classic handheld, try the Erie Burger, smoked turkey club, or grilled cheese. You can never go wrong with fish tacos, either. Pair your sandwich with a scrumptious side or two. Shoreline Bar and Grille serves fries, white cheddar grits, grilled broccolini, and side salad. Bring a hearty appetite, especially if you plan to order one of the entrees, such as classic fish and chips, shrimp and grits, and cheesy chicken enchiladas.

Find days, hours, and a menu on the official website of Shoreline Bar and Grille, or visit the website of this waterfront restaurant in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Do you have a favorite waterfront restaurant in Pennsylvania or an eatery that boasts stunning panoramic views? Nominate it for a future article. If you think the views from Shoreline Bar and Grille are awe-inspiring, wait until you see the scenery at Erie Bluffs State Park, a cozy state park in Erie, Pennsylvania, that’s perfect for exploring before or after your meal. If you’re looking for the best hiking trails in Pennsylvania, check out All Trails+.

Food|Restaurants

Published Oct 25, 2024

Sink Your Teeth Into Some of the Best Ribs at This Unassuming Barbecue Restaurant in Pennsylvania

Stop by this unassuming barbecue restaurant in Lemont Furnace for some of the best ribs in Pennsylvania.

Published Oct 25, 2024

Written by

Beth Price-Williams

Venturing onto the backroads offers us the chance to marvel at the scenic landscapes and to see places we might not otherwise, especially from the highway. If we’re lucky, we might even stumble on a hidden gem that leaves us in awe and maybe even happily stuffed. This unassuming barbecue restaurant in Pennsylvania, which serves what has been called some of the best ribs around, has rightfully earned the title of a hidden gem.

Unless you’re local to Uniontown and Lemont Furnace, you probably haven’t heard of Big Mike’s Smokin’ BBQ. Even if you are in town, you might drive past the unassuming red building, with a simple sign above the door, that seamlessly blends into the neighborhood. Word-of-mouth plays a big role in drawing those from out of town to this beloved neighborhood BBQ joint. Diners have described the Southern-style barbecue dishes at Big Mike’s Smokin’ BBQ as “outstanding,” “amazing,” and as having “the best ribs in the area.”

alt — Rack of baby back pork ribs on bbq grill.

Next time you’re craving barbecue, stop by to taste it for yourself. Some have called this barbecue joint a hole-in-the-wall, a cozy spot with simple décor that dishes up delicious food. If it’s a lovely day, you might want to sit outside at one of the picnic tables. Wherever you sit, make sure you bring a hearty appetite.

A glance at the menu is sure to get your mouth watering. While the ribs are a must-try, the menu’s also brimming with other barbecue classics, including smoked chicken, pulled pork, brisket, and pork nachos. If you’re in a sandwich kind of mood, try one of the handhelds. Pulled chicken, pulled beef, and smoked hot sausage in sauce are just a few of your choices.

Pair your entrée or sandwich with one, or a few, of the scrumptious Southern-style sides, including mac and cheese (traditional and loaded), potato salad, coleslaw, and BBQ beans. French fries and onion rings are also tasty choices.

alt — Fried onion rings on a paper tray, shot with very shallow focus with ketchup soft in the background. Professionally color corrected, exported 16 bit depth, retouched and saved for maximum image quality.

pjohnson1/E+ via Getty Images

Big Mike’s Smokin’ BBQ also offers party packages. If you’re having a party or want to have plenty of leftovers for the whole family, order smoked turkey, brisket, pulled pork, potato salad, and coleslaw by the pound. Advance notice is required.

Find days, hours, and a menu on the official website of Big Mike’s Smokin’ BBQ. Or, stop by the Facebook page of this BBQ restaurant in Lemont Furnace, Pennsylvania.

Do you know of any amazing barbecue restaurants in Pennsylvania? Nominate your favorite by filling out this form. After you’ve had a hearty BBQ meal, why not explore a bit? Hop in the car, and head to Ohiopyle State Park, one of the best state parks in Western Pennsylvania. It’s just half an hour from Big Mike’s Smokin’ BBQ and boasts some of the best hiking trails in Pennsylvania.

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