If you think great shrimp only lives on the coast, Cooper’s Seafood House in Scranton will change your mind in one bite. This boat shaped landmark serves big flavor with small town warmth, wrapped in kitschy nautical charm and a bustling lighthouse bar vibe.
The menu leans fresh, generous, and proudly local, with service that feels like you are a regular from the start. Come hungry, stay curious, and let the shrimp be your guide.
Why Cooper’s shrimp stands out
You taste it first in the snap. Cooper’s shrimp arrives plump, briny sweet, and perfectly seasoned, the kind of bite that tells you the kitchen respects timing and temperature.
Sauces highlight rather than hide, whether garlicky butter or citrusy brightness, and portions are generous for the price. You can make a meal from a shrimp plate or share an appetizer and still leave satisfied.
The boat shaped dining room sets the mood without stealing the show from the seafood. You are surrounded by maritime nostalgia, but the focus returns to the plate when the steam rises.
Servers confidently guide you toward favorites with an easy, neighborly tone. Ask questions and you will get honest answers, not upsell pressure.
What you will notice quickly is consistency across visits. Midweek or Friday rush, the shrimp holds its texture and seasoning, which says a lot about prep standards and line communication.
It also means your friends trust your recommendation afterward. That reliability is a quiet superpower.
Cooper’s proves great shrimp is about care, not a coastline. Proper thawing, quick fire cooking, and balanced saucing add up in every bite.
If you chase value and flavor, this is your Scranton stop. Start with shrimp, then keep exploring.
Classic shrimp cocktail at the lighthouse bar
Simplicity shines at the lighthouse bar with Cooper’s shrimp cocktail. Chilled shrimp arrive firm and juicy, resting over ice with a proper snap that proves careful poaching.
The cocktail sauce balances horseradish heat and tomato sweetness, not the kind that scorches your palate but enough to wake it. A lemon wedge finishes the clean, maritime profile.
Order this while you explore the beer list or the famous Bloody Mary. It is a smart opener that does not fill you up before heavier dishes.
You can snack, sip, and people watch under the nautical lights while the dining room hums. It is classic in the best way.
The kitchen nails the details that matter. Shrimp are deveined and neatly arranged, shells removed, with a cool sheen that signals perfect chill.
Nothing soggy, nothing rubbery, just crisp texture and briny sweetness. That kind of restraint takes discipline.
If you like extra heat, ask for more horseradish and they will happily oblige. The dish travels well to the patio in warm weather too.
For seafood purists or first timers, this is your baseline. From here, decide whether you lean buttery, spicy, or crunchy next.
Crispy fried shrimp and chips
Sometimes you just want crunch, and Cooper’s delivers. The fried shrimp here wear a light, golden coat that crackles but does not smother the seafood.
Inside, the shrimp stay juicy with a gentle snap. A side of seasoned fries and slaw rounds out the plate, letting you alternate textures and temperatures like a pro.
Dip into tartar or ask for a lemony aioli for a brighter twist. The batter is seasoned, not bland, so you can skip the salt shaker.
It is the kind of basket that disappears faster than you expect, especially if you are sharing. Consider one per person if you value peace at the table.
Order timing matters on busy nights. Fried items arrive hot and crisp, straight from the fryer with minimal grease.
You will notice the paper beneath stays mostly dry, a great sign of clean oil and proper drain time. That keeps flavors clear.
Pair with a cold pilsner or a citrusy soda if you are driving. Out on the tiki deck, this combo feels like a boardwalk memory without leaving Scranton.
It is comfort food done thoughtfully. Save room, though, because the menu tempts you onward.
Sauces and sides that make shrimp pop
The difference between good and great shrimp is often on the side. Cooper’s keeps a tight roster of sauces that add lift instead of weight: lemon butter, garlicky aioli, classic cocktail, and a zippy remoulade if you ask.
Each has a clear role, so you can mix and match without muddying flavors. Start with bright, then layer richness.
Sides matter too. The slaw is fresh and lightly dressed, offering crunch between bites.
Fries stay crisp, and the steamed vegetables hold color and snap. When you need extra citrus, servers deliver wedges fast, keeping the pace upbeat and your plate lively.
If you are sharing, order strategically. One creamy, one crunchy, one tangy, and you can customize each bite.
It becomes playful, and you will learn what you prefer for future visits. That is how regulars are born here.
Ask for pairing tips and you will get honest guidance. Staff will tell you where garlic might overpower a delicate prep or where a squeeze of lemon transforms it.
You feel taken care of rather than sold to. Your shrimp will not be an afterthought, it will sing.
What to order beyond shrimp
Come for the shrimp, stay for the supporting cast. Cooper’s menu is a tour of seafood comfort, from crab bisque and clam chowder to mussels, fish and chips, and cedar planked salmon.
Seafood crepes show off a rich, old school charm, while tacos keep things casual. You can build a meal that fits your mood and budget without losing quality.
If you like starters, the crab pretzel is a crowd pleaser worth sharing. Brussels sprouts with sesame glaze bring sweet crunch you will remember.
On the lighter side, salads come crisp with sensible dressing. The portions always feel generous and fair for the price point.
Ask servers for seasonal specials. The team is forthright about what shines that week, and it pays to listen.
You will often find something grilled simply with citrus and herbs, which lets freshness lead. It is a smart move when you want balance.
For dessert, peek at whatever is rotating. Even if you are full, splitting one keeps the night festive.
You will walk out satisfied and curious about what you missed. That curiosity is why people keep coming back.
Atmosphere: boat shaped fun with heart
The first time you pull up, you smile. The building wears its boat shaped personality proudly, with a lighthouse bar, tiki deck, and walls layered in pop culture and maritime history.
Inside, it feels like a neighborhood museum where seafood just happens to be excellent. You are encouraged to wander, look, and talk about what you see.
That energy carries into service. Staff keep things moving without rushing you, cracking jokes and offering tips like old friends.
It is casual, cozy, and timeless, the kind of place that marks celebrations and quick lunches alike. You settle in fast, even on a first visit.
Noise levels rise during peak hours, but conversation still works. If you prefer a quieter corner, say so and they try to accommodate.
Patio days bring a breezy, summer vibe that makes fried plates and cold drinks taste even better. You will feel on vacation for an hour.
Between bites, look around. Photos and keepsakes span decades, and you might spot familiar faces from local history.
It adds a sense of place that chain restaurants cannot touch. Cooper’s is a memory maker as much as a meal.
Service, hours, and how to plan
Good meals run on good timing. Cooper’s posts steady hours most days, opening at noon and rolling into the evening, which makes planning easy for day trips or late lunches.
Fridays and Saturdays fill up fast, so consider arriving early or calling ahead. Parking is straightforward once you find the entrance, and hosts keep the line moving.
Servers are a highlight. You get helpful pacing, refills before you ask, and menu tips grounded in what actually sells.
Ask about spice levels, share plates, or kid friendly options and you will get warm, direct answers. It feels like Scranton hospitality at its best.
If you want the tiki deck, watch the weather and aim for off peak hours. For larger groups, a quick call ensures seating without the shuffle.
You will not feel micromanaged, but the team communicates well. That reduces wait stress and keeps the meal relaxed.
Do not skip the website for specials and seasonal updates. It helps you decide between classic picks and new arrivals.
With a simple plan, you can linger and enjoy the atmosphere. That calm shows up in every bite.
Tips for first timers craving shrimp
Start with shrimp cocktail to set the baseline. Follow with scampi or fried shrimp depending on your mood, then add one bold side to mix up textures.
If you want balance, pair a light salad or steamed vegetables. You will taste more of the seafood this way and avoid heavy overlap.
Ask for lemon early so you can sharpen each bite as you go. If you like heat, request extra horseradish or a spicy aioli.
Share one indulgent starter like the crab pretzel, then keep mains simple. Pacing makes the whole table happier, especially during busy hours.
Consider splitting dessert or grabbing something small. You will probably be full, but a final sweet bite seals the memory.
The staff reads the room well and keeps things smooth, so let them guide portion sizes. They know what works.
Plan a quick walk through the gift shop before you leave. It adds a playful epilogue and gives out of town friends something to remember.
Snap a photo by the boat exterior on the way out. That picture will convince your next guests to join.
Neighborhood essentials and contact info
You will find Cooper’s at 701 N Washington Ave, an easy hop from downtown Scranton. Plug in the coordinates and arrive hungry, because portions lean big and satisfying.
The phone line is responsive for quick questions, and the website posts specials, events, and seasonal notes that help you plan. Street views show the boat shaped exterior, so you cannot miss it.
Scranton’s charm adds to the meal. Make it a lunch stop on a museum loop or a capstone after a hike in nearby parks.
If you are doing The Office sights, the gift shop doubles the fun. You can stay as casual or celebratory as you want.
Budget wise, expect midrange pricing that delivers strong value. Service and portion size stretch your dollar further than you think.
For groups, call ahead with a headcount and timing. Staff will do their best to seat you smoothly.
In short, your map pin becomes a reliable habit. Once you taste the shrimp, you will mark this as your Scranton seafood anchor.
Keep the number handy, watch hours, and arrive a bit early on weekends. Your future self will thank you.