Tucked along the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack in Hawley, PA, Gresham’s Chop House is the kind of restaurant that locals rave about and visitors never forget. With stunning lake views, a creative menu packed with steaks, seafood, and Italian-inspired dishes, and a lively atmosphere complete with live music, this place checks every box for a memorable Poconos dinner.
Whether you’re celebrating something special or just looking for a great meal after a day on the water, Gresham’s delivers in a big way. Here are ten reasons why this lakeside gem deserves a spot on your must-eat list.
The Stunning Lakefront Setting on Lake Wallenpaupack
Some restaurants have good food. Some have a great view.
Gresham’s Chop House somehow pulls off both without breaking a sweat. Perched right along the edge of Lake Wallenpaupack, the largest lake in the Poconos, the setting alone is worth the drive out to Hawley.
Most of the seating inside the dining room is angled so guests can catch a glimpse of the water, and the outdoor spaces take things even further. Sitting outside on a clear evening while the sun dips behind the treeline across the lake is genuinely one of the more peaceful dining experiences you can have in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Reviewers consistently mention the view as a highlight, with one guest calling it “one of the last good restaurants on the lake.” The covered outdoor seating protects against too much sun or unexpected rain, so the experience stays comfortable no matter the weather. If you time your visit right and arrive around sunset on a Friday or Saturday, the combination of glowing water, cool lake breezes, and a cold drink in hand feels almost too good to be true.
This setting turns an ordinary dinner into something worth talking about long after the plates are cleared.
The Signature Steaks That Rival Big-City Chophouses
One guest put it plainly after visiting on a packed Saturday night: “My steak was better than some I’ve had at other steakhouses that were more than double the price.” That kind of praise is hard to earn, and at Gresham’s, it seems to be the norm rather than the exception.
The menu features Black Angus strip steaks, dry-aged cuts, bacon-wrapped filets, and more — each prepared with serious attention to quality. The dry-aged steak, a hefty 20-ounce cut, drew particular praise for its bold flavor and perfect seasoning.
Sides like creamy mashed potatoes and roasted baby carrots round out the plate in a way that feels intentional, not like an afterthought.
What makes the steaks here stand out is the value. You’re getting chophouse-quality beef at prices that won’t make you wince when the bill arrives.
The kitchen clearly knows how to handle a good piece of meat — getting the sear right, letting the natural flavor shine, and plating everything with care. For steak lovers visiting the Poconos, skipping Gresham’s would be a genuine miss.
The beef speaks for itself, and it speaks loudly.
The Creative and Diverse Menu Beyond Just Steaks
Gresham’s calls itself a chop house, but the menu tells a much bigger story. Italian-inspired pasta dishes, fresh seafood, duck, and creative appetizers share the menu with the steaks, making this a spot that works for groups with wildly different tastes.
The stuffed zucchini flowers are a fan favorite that keeps showing up in reviews — one diner admitted they were “way better than expected” for a first-time try. Seared scallops over polenta, garden pasta with angel hair and fresh vegetables, and a rich French onion soup described as “cheesy and full of flavor” round out a menu that genuinely surprises people.
The kitchen isn’t just going through the motions with these non-steak dishes; they’re putting real craft into every plate.
The menu also shifts with specials, including a Friday prime rib that regulars specifically plan their visits around. Having this kind of variety means you could visit several times and never feel like you’re ordering the same meal twice.
For families or groups where one person wants a steak and another wants pasta or seafood, Gresham’s solves that problem effortlessly. It’s a menu built for real people with different cravings, not just a one-note steakhouse experience.
The Outdoor Pavilion — A Hidden Gem for Casual Drinks
Not every visit to Gresham’s has to be a full sit-down dinner. The outdoor Pavilion is a whole separate experience — a relaxed, breezy spot overlooking the lake that’s perfect for appetizers, cocktails, and good conversation without the formality of the main dining room.
Open Thursday through Sunday, the Pavilion hosts live entertainment on Saturday evenings from 6 to 9 PM. One long-time fan described it as “one of the best new hot spots on the lake,” praising the cool lake breezes and laid-back vibe that make it feel like a mini vacation even if you only stop in for an hour.
Parking on the front lawn and walking up to the Pavilion has become a ritual for many summer regulars.
The bar food and drink menu at the Pavilion keeps things approachable and fun. It’s the kind of spot where you can show up in shorts after a day on the boat and feel completely at home.
If the main dining room has a wait — which it often does on weekends — grabbing a seat at the Pavilion is a smart move that turns the wait into its own enjoyable experience rather than just standing around by the door.
The Gluten-Free Friendliness That Sets It Apart
Eating out with Celiac Disease or gluten intolerance can feel like navigating a minefield. Gresham’s Chop House takes that stress away with a menu that clearly marks every gluten-free item, making the experience safe and genuinely enjoyable for guests with dietary restrictions.
One guest with Celiac Disease specifically called out server Jennifer for her knowledge and professionalism, noting that she answered every question about cross-contamination confidently and helped navigate the menu without any hesitation. The restaurant even appears on the Find Me Gluten Free app as a recommended and safe dining option — that kind of recognition doesn’t happen by accident.
It reflects a kitchen that takes food safety seriously.
Having gluten-free options clearly labeled removes the awkward back-and-forth that often happens when guests with restrictions try to figure out what they can safely eat. It also shows that Gresham’s is thinking about all of its guests, not just those without dietary needs.
For families or friend groups where someone has a gluten sensitivity, this level of thoughtfulness makes the whole table feel more comfortable. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference, and it’s one more reason Gresham’s earns such loyal repeat visitors from across the Poconos region.
The Bread Service That Starts Every Meal Right
Before the appetizers arrive, before the steaks hit the table, Gresham’s makes a first impression with something deceptively simple: bread. But this isn’t the forgettable, room-temperature bread that most restaurants toss on the table out of habit.
Guests receive fresh bread alongside butter and a rosemary parmesan olive oil that has become something of a cult favorite among regulars. One reviewer admitted their table had to ask for a second round because they couldn’t stop eating it.
Another described it as “great bread, and a lot of it” — a detail that sounds small but matters enormously when you’re settling in for what you hope will be a fantastic meal.
That bread service sets the tone for everything that follows. It signals that the kitchen cares about the whole experience, not just the entrees.
When a restaurant puts this much thought into something as basic as the bread course, it builds real excitement for what’s coming next. It also gives guests something to enjoy while they’re catching up, looking out at the lake, and deciding between the scallops and the filet.
Starting a meal this well is a quiet promise that the rest of the dinner will live up to it — and at Gresham’s, it almost always does.
The Desserts That Make You Regret Getting Too Full
There’s a particular kind of regret that hits when you’ve eaten too much dinner and the dessert menu arrives looking absolutely incredible. At Gresham’s, that regret is practically a rite of passage — and the reviews make it clear that skipping dessert here would be a serious mistake.
The tall strawberry cake has earned its own fan club. One diner called it “one of the best desserts I’ve had” after stumbling upon it unexpectedly at the end of a meal with his mom.
Another couple specifically mentioned sharing an entree just so they’d have room for the strawberry shortcake with ice cream, describing it as “so darn good.” The peanut butter chocolate pie has also drawn rave reviews from guests who barely had room left but powered through anyway.
Dessert at Gresham’s feels like a genuine finale rather than an obligation. The portions are generous, the flavors are bold, and the presentation matches the quality of the rest of the meal.
A smart strategy that some regulars swear by is splitting an entree with a dining partner specifically to save stomach space for the sweet finish. When a restaurant’s desserts are good enough to plan around, that says everything you need to know about the kitchen’s commitment to quality.
The Live Music That Elevates the Whole Atmosphere
A great meal is even better with the right soundtrack. Gresham’s Chop House understands this and regularly features live music, especially on weekend evenings, creating an energy in the room that makes the whole experience feel more festive and alive.
The music plays near the bar area, which keeps things lively without drowning out table conversations. One reviewer specifically appreciated this balance, noting that the music added to the ambiance while still allowing guests to enjoy their meals and catch up without having to shout across the table.
That’s a tricky balance to strike, and Gresham’s manages it well. The Pavilion also hosts live entertainment on Saturday nights from 6 to 9 PM, giving guests two separate live music experiences depending on where they choose to sit.
Live music changes the emotional temperature of a restaurant in a way that a playlist simply can’t replicate. There’s something about a real performer in the room that makes people linger longer, order another round, and feel like they’re part of something special rather than just grabbing a quick dinner.
For visitors to the Poconos looking for a night out that goes beyond just eating, Gresham’s delivers an experience that’s genuinely entertaining from start to finish.
The Exceptional Service That Keeps Guests Coming Back
Good food at a bad service experience still leaves you feeling let down. At Gresham’s, the staff has built a reputation for being the kind of attentive, warm, and knowledgeable team that makes guests feel genuinely welcome rather than just processed through a busy dining room.
Servers like Shannon and Jennifer have been called out by name in multiple reviews — a telling sign that the service here goes beyond just taking orders and delivering plates. Jennifer earned high praise for her expertise with gluten-free and Celiac-safe menu options, while Shannon was described as “AWESOME” by a guest who still remembered her years later.
Even on packed Saturday nights when the restaurant is at full capacity, reviewers noted that servers were “hustlin'” and staying on top of every table without missing a beat.
The bus staff also gets credit for clearing plates and glasses promptly, keeping tables tidy and comfortable throughout the meal. Small touches like that reflect a team that’s trained to care about the whole experience, not just the headline moments.
When a restaurant consistently earns this kind of personal praise for its staff across dozens of independent reviews, it’s not luck — it’s a culture of hospitality that management has clearly worked hard to build and maintain.
Practical Tips for Visiting Gresham’s Without the Headaches
Gresham’s Chop House does not take reservations — and on weekends, that means waits of 45 minutes to an hour are common. Knowing this ahead of time turns what could be a frustrating surprise into something you can actually plan around and even enjoy.
One savvy regular shared a tip worth stealing: put your name in as soon as you arrive, then take a walk down to the lake. The shoreline is beautiful, and a 30-minute lakeside stroll eats up a big chunk of the wait in the best possible way.
By the time you come back, you’re often close to the top of the list. Arriving early — right when the doors open at 4 PM — is another reliable strategy for beating the crowd, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.
The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday starting at 4 PM, with Friday and Saturday service running until 9:30 PM. Monday is the one day they’re closed.
The bar area and outdoor Pavilion are also great fallback options if the dining room wait feels too long. Parking is free and plentiful on the front lawn.
The phone number is 570-226-1500 if you want to call ahead for any questions, and the website at greshamschophouse.com has the latest menu and hours.