Sometimes the most delicious food comes from the most nondescript restaurants — not that they are unappealing from the outside, but just that they might not necessarily scream “GOURMET FARE INSIDE.” Pennsylvania, especially, can appreciate these unassuming eateries, many of which remain unsung except among locals. Here are 8 of the best hole in the wall restaurants in Pennsylvania — and if you want more, check out our earlier list.
- Yocco’s, the Hot Dog King, Lehigh Valley
Tom Simpson/ Flickr
William F. Yurasko Flickr If you’ve spent much time in the Allentown area, then chances are you’ve at least heard of Yocco’s. They’ve been a staple in the region for generations, with six locations throughout the Lehigh Valley. Don’t leave without trying their hotdogs with the famous Yocco’s sauce or their pierogies. Visit them at 1930 Catasauqua Rd, Allentown, PA 18109. To learn more, visit Yocco’s website.
- The Squeeze In, Sunbury
The Squeeze In/ Facebook
The Squeeze In/ Facebook The Squeeze In is one of the state’s tiniest restaurants— especially when you compare its small size to its great popularity. Only a few people can “squeeze in” at a time at the classic orange counter, which is a tradition within the local area. You’ll find The Squeeze In at 448 Market St, Sunbury, PA 17801. To learn more, visit The Squeeze In’s Facebook page.
- Kelly’s Bar and Lounge, Pittsburgh
Kelly’s Bar and Lounge/ Facebook
Kelly’s Bar and Lounge/ Facebook Kelly’s does not have a very showy exterior, and its interior is dark, though inviting. They have a ton of great cocktails, although even if drinking isn’t your scene you should make a stop here for the unbelievable mac and cheese. It comes in three sizes— small, large, and family sized! They have other food, too, but I’m telling you… Get the mac and cheese. Check them out at 6012 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. To learn more, visit the official website for Kelly’s Bar and Lounge.
- Downingtown Diner, Downingtown
Downington Diner/ Facebook The Downingtown Diner is famous for more than just their delicious food— the diner is also known as a filming site for the movie, “The Blob.” After The Blob overtook a movie theater, some people escaped to the nearby diner. Today, the diner is popular not only for its delicious dining, but also its cinematic history. Visit them at 81 W Lancaster Ave, Downingtown, PA 19335. To learn more, visit the official website for Downingtown Diner.
- Forksville Inn & Tavern, Forksville
Forksville Inn & Tavern/ Facebook The Forksville Inn is a local favorite as a great spot to get lunch or dinner, or just to hang out. They have regular happy hour specials, and also cater. Their address is 5048 PA-87, Forksville, PA 18616. To learn more, visit the official website for Forksville Inn & Tavern.
- Tim’s American Cafe, Altoona
Tim’s American Cafe/ Facebook Tim’s may look like any old house, but really it is a fantastic restaurant. Here you can have classic home cooked American food, such as steaks, seafood, and tavern-style meals. Check them out at 1600 Crawford Ave, Altoona, PA 16602. To learn more, visit the official Facebook page for Tim’s American Cafe.
- Port Clinton Hotel, Port Clinton
Port Clinton Hotel/ Facebook
Port Clinton Hotel/ Facebook Oh yum. Check out that cheese steak— a true Pennsylvania classic. You’ll find plenty of other familiar favorites on the menu at the Port Clinton Hotel, as well. Eat to your heart’s content at 231 Center Street, Port Clinton, PA 19549. To learn more, visit the official Facebook page for Port Clinton Hotel.
- Neptune Diner, Lancaster
Neptune Diner/ Facebook
Neptune Diner/ Facebook Diners are a Pennsylvania favorite, and Neptune’s in Lancaster embodies all that we love about them. You can get such mouthwatering classics as the the Red Eye Burger (pictured above) which comes with beef brisket and a fried egg on top. You’ll find this amazing diner at 924 N Prince St, Lancaster, PA 17603. For the latest information, visit Neptune Diner’s website.
Have you been to any of the best hole in the wall restaurants in Pennsylvania? What else would you add to this list? Share your ideas in the comment section below or tag a friend you’d like to bring with you to one of these restaurants!
Tom Simpson/ Flickr
William F. Yurasko Flickr
If you’ve spent much time in the Allentown area, then chances are you’ve at least heard of Yocco’s. They’ve been a staple in the region for generations, with six locations throughout the Lehigh Valley. Don’t leave without trying their hotdogs with the famous Yocco’s sauce or their pierogies. Visit them at 1930 Catasauqua Rd, Allentown, PA 18109. To learn more, visit Yocco’s website.
The Squeeze In/ Facebook
The Squeeze In is one of the state’s tiniest restaurants— especially when you compare its small size to its great popularity. Only a few people can “squeeze in” at a time at the classic orange counter, which is a tradition within the local area. You’ll find The Squeeze In at 448 Market St, Sunbury, PA 17801. To learn more, visit The Squeeze In’s Facebook page.
Kelly’s Bar and Lounge/ Facebook
Kelly’s does not have a very showy exterior, and its interior is dark, though inviting. They have a ton of great cocktails, although even if drinking isn’t your scene you should make a stop here for the unbelievable mac and cheese. It comes in three sizes— small, large, and family sized! They have other food, too, but I’m telling you… Get the mac and cheese. Check them out at 6012 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. To learn more, visit the official website for Kelly’s Bar and Lounge.
Downington Diner/ Facebook
The Downingtown Diner is famous for more than just their delicious food— the diner is also known as a filming site for the movie, “The Blob.” After The Blob overtook a movie theater, some people escaped to the nearby diner. Today, the diner is popular not only for its delicious dining, but also its cinematic history. Visit them at 81 W Lancaster Ave, Downingtown, PA 19335. To learn more, visit the official website for Downingtown Diner.
Forksville Inn & Tavern/ Facebook
The Forksville Inn is a local favorite as a great spot to get lunch or dinner, or just to hang out. They have regular happy hour specials, and also cater. Their address is 5048 PA-87, Forksville, PA 18616. To learn more, visit the official website for Forksville Inn & Tavern.
Tim’s American Cafe/ Facebook
Tim’s may look like any old house, but really it is a fantastic restaurant. Here you can have classic home cooked American food, such as steaks, seafood, and tavern-style meals. Check them out at 1600 Crawford Ave, Altoona, PA 16602. To learn more, visit the official Facebook page for Tim’s American Cafe.
Port Clinton Hotel/ Facebook
Oh yum. Check out that cheese steak— a true Pennsylvania classic. You’ll find plenty of other familiar favorites on the menu at the Port Clinton Hotel, as well. Eat to your heart’s content at 231 Center Street, Port Clinton, PA 19549. To learn more, visit the official Facebook page for Port Clinton Hotel.
Neptune Diner/ Facebook
Diners are a Pennsylvania favorite, and Neptune’s in Lancaster embodies all that we love about them. You can get such mouthwatering classics as the the Red Eye Burger (pictured above) which comes with beef brisket and a fried egg on top. You’ll find this amazing diner at 924 N Prince St, Lancaster, PA 17603. For the latest information, visit Neptune Diner’s website.
If you’re looking for another amazing place to eat, check out our previous article: 10 Scrumptious Restaurants In Pennsylvania You Never Even Knew Existed.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 1930 Catasauqua Rd, Allentown, PA 18109, USAAddress: 448 Market St, Sunbury, PA 17801, USAAddress: 6012 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, USAAddress: 81 W Lancaster Ave, Downingtown, PA 19335, USAAddress: 5048 PA-87, Forksville, PA 18616, USAAddress: 1600 Crawford Ave, Altoona, PA 16602, USAAddress: Hotel, 231 Center Street, Port Clinton, PA 19549, USAAddress: 924 N Prince St, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hole in the wall restaurants in Pennsylvania September 12, 2020 Elisa Regulski What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Pennsylvania? It’s always fun to discover something new, and that couldn’t be more true than with Pennsylvania’s restaurants. In fact, this state is known for its wide variety of underrated eateries. If you’re tired of the same old routine, check out our list of the best little known restaurants in Pennsylvania. From nostalgic diners to humble seafood shacks, this article hits all of the highlights. And don’t be deterred by the outside – we promise these restaurants serve some of the best meals around. What are the best small town restaurants in Pennsylvania? Pennsylvania’s small towns are lovely and full of charm, so it should go without saying that there are tons of wonderful restaurants located there! Some, in fact, are so good they’re worthy of a day trip. Gas up the tank and hit the road! We know the best small town restaurants in Pennsylvania, and each one is certain to dazzle your taste buds. What are the best restaurants in Pennsylvania? When a restaurant gets rave reviews, it’s usually for good reason. And when a cafe has been around for decades, well, that’s when you know you’re in for an amazing meal. If you haven’t already eaten at the best restaurants in Pennsylvania, add them to your bucket list! After one bite, you’ll understand why so many people can’t get enough of these mouthwatering meals.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hole in the wall restaurants in Pennsylvania
September 12, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Pennsylvania? It’s always fun to discover something new, and that couldn’t be more true than with Pennsylvania’s restaurants. In fact, this state is known for its wide variety of underrated eateries. If you’re tired of the same old routine, check out our list of the best little known restaurants in Pennsylvania. From nostalgic diners to humble seafood shacks, this article hits all of the highlights. And don’t be deterred by the outside – we promise these restaurants serve some of the best meals around. What are the best small town restaurants in Pennsylvania? Pennsylvania’s small towns are lovely and full of charm, so it should go without saying that there are tons of wonderful restaurants located there! Some, in fact, are so good they’re worthy of a day trip. Gas up the tank and hit the road! We know the best small town restaurants in Pennsylvania, and each one is certain to dazzle your taste buds. What are the best restaurants in Pennsylvania? When a restaurant gets rave reviews, it’s usually for good reason. And when a cafe has been around for decades, well, that’s when you know you’re in for an amazing meal. If you haven’t already eaten at the best restaurants in Pennsylvania, add them to your bucket list! After one bite, you’ll understand why so many people can’t get enough of these mouthwatering meals.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
It’s always fun to discover something new, and that couldn’t be more true than with Pennsylvania’s restaurants. In fact, this state is known for its wide variety of underrated eateries. If you’re tired of the same old routine, check out our list of the best little known restaurants in Pennsylvania. From nostalgic diners to humble seafood shacks, this article hits all of the highlights. And don’t be deterred by the outside – we promise these restaurants serve some of the best meals around.
What are the best small town restaurants in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania’s small towns are lovely and full of charm, so it should go without saying that there are tons of wonderful restaurants located there! Some, in fact, are so good they’re worthy of a day trip. Gas up the tank and hit the road! We know the best small town restaurants in Pennsylvania, and each one is certain to dazzle your taste buds.
What are the best restaurants in Pennsylvania?
When a restaurant gets rave reviews, it’s usually for good reason. And when a cafe has been around for decades, well, that’s when you know you’re in for an amazing meal. If you haven’t already eaten at the best restaurants in Pennsylvania, add them to your bucket list! After one bite, you’ll understand why so many people can’t get enough of these mouthwatering meals.
