One Pennsylvania steakhouse gets its pie recipes from the original owner’s grandmother, and it has been serving dinner since 1957. Another one rings you in through a speakeasy door bell.
I love that kind of quirk.
The surprises keep stacking up. One spot grills over charcoal inside an old chocolate factory.
Another serves its filet in a real cabin in the woods.
None of these places sit on a busy highway exit. You’ll find them on mountain roads, lake shores, and quiet main streets.
Some sit along old routes like the National Pike and Route 6.
I can’t think of a better excuse for a long drive. A great steak tastes even better when the road there has a few curves.
So which one gets your next tank of gas?
1. The Steak House
Some family recipes outlast trends, and this Main Street favorite has been proving it since 1957. That’s a long run for any restaurant in a town this size.
Fred and Annie Howey started it all. Their son and his wife took over in 1979, and their granddaughter now runs it with her husband.
You’ll find flame-broiled steaks cooked to order, plus hand-cut options that keep beef fans happy. The Black Angus slow-roasted prime rib is a big draw.
Surf and turf is another popular pick.
Steaks come with two sides from a wide selection. There’s also a lineup of sauces if you like to dress things up.
Not a steak person? Seafood, lobster tails, and pasta round out the menu, and pork shows up too.
Nobody at your table has to feel left out.
Save room at the end, seriously. The English walnut and toasted coconut pies come from the original owner’s grandmother’s recipes.
Wellsboro itself sits near the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon in Tioga County. That makes this an easy dinner after a day of hiking or gazing at Pine Creek Gorge.
Dinner runs Monday through Saturday evenings, and the place stays closed on Sundays. Friday and Saturday nights get the busiest, so plan around that if you can.
Outdoor seating on Main Street is a nice bonus in good weather. Kids get their own menu too, which makes family trips simpler.
Address: 29 Main St, Wellsboro, PA 16901
2. Laurelwood Inn & Steakhouse
A tomahawk steak that shows up only twice a year? That’s the kind of rumor worth a road trip.
At this Coudersport inn, it’s a real thing.
Laurelwood sits off Route 6 in Potter County. The area is known for dark night skies and wide stretches of forest.
It’s a hotel and a steakhouse rolled into one stop. That’s handy when the drive home feels too long after a big dinner.
Steaks here have a reputation for coming out cooked just right. Portions are hearty, and the flavor gets plenty of attention from the kitchen.
The property also has a hot tub, a lounge, and a coffee bar. So you can start your morning with coffee and end your night with a soak.
Coudersport is a small borough with roughly 2,300 residents. The town feels close-knit, and the steakhouse fits right into that friendly, unhurried pace.
Plan ahead if the tomahawk is on your wish list. Since it only appears twice a year, it’s smart to check with the restaurant before you go.
Route 6 is one of the prettiest drives in the state. Pairing it with a steak dinner and a bed for the night sounds like a solid weekend plan.
Bring a jacket if you’re going outside after dark. Potter County stargazing is famous, and you might want to look up after dessert.
Address: 1115 E 2nd St, Coudersport, PA 16915
3. The Eastwood Inn
Ring the bell, and dinner begins like a scene from an old movie. The Eastwood Inn leans into its speakeasy style, and the door bell is part of the fun.
You’ll find it along Old Lincoln Highway, just east of Ligonier. The building is historic, and the setting feels secluded and countryside quiet.
Steak is the star here, and the ribeye is a menu highlight. Diners describe the steaks as melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Onion rings earn plenty of love too. Order a basket for the table, because sharing is caring and also strategy.
The mood skews romantic and upscale without feeling stiff. A fireplace adds charm, and live music shows up on the calendar.
Hours are limited, so check before you drive. Dinner runs Tuesday through Saturday evenings, with earlier closing times midweek.
Reservations are recommended for dinner. Given the small window of hours, a quick call can save you a hungry disappointment.
There’s also outdoor seating and a full vegetarian menu. That’s a nice surprise for any non-steak eaters riding along.
Ligonier is a charming Laurel Highlands borough with about 1,500 residents. Pair dinner with a stroll around its town square earlier in the day.
Desserts and coffee get high marks too. If you’ve got room, finishing slow is the right move here.
Address: 661 Old Lincoln Hwy E, Ligonier, PA 15658
4. The Stone House Restaurant and Country Inn
Travelers have been stopping at this stone building since 1822. That’s over two centuries of hungry people rolling in off the National Pike.
Today, it’s a restaurant and country inn in Farmington. The rooms are filled with antiques, and overnight guests get free breakfast.
Thursday is steak night, which makes midweek feel like a reward. During Penguins games, appetizers go half price too.
Prime rib is a menu highlight. Fans also point to the New York strip and crab cakes as strong choices.
Here’s a sleeper hit: the steak salad. It comes with homemade blue cheese dressing, and it has a loyal following.
Bread pudding and chicken Marsala round out the favorites. Salmon is there for anyone who wants something lighter.
A fireplace and a casual pub keep things relaxed. The vibe leans historic and quiet, which suits a long dinner.
Hours run Thursday through Sunday, with midday openings on weekends. Mondays through Wednesdays are closed, so plan your detour carefully.
Farmington is a tiny Laurel Highlands village. It’s an easy stop if you’re exploring the region’s mountains, forests, and historic sites along Route 40.
Families are welcome, with high chairs and a kids’ menu. Reservations are accepted, and Saturday afternoon into evening tends to be the busiest stretch.
Address: 3023 National Pike, Farmington, PA 15437
5. The Log Cabin Restaurant
White tablecloths inside a log cabin in the woods? Yes, and it works beautifully.
The Log Cabin pairs lodge-style rustic with real fine dining.
The restaurant sits down wooded back roads near Leola in Lancaster County. Getting there feels like a small adventure through farm country.
Filet mignon is a highlight, praised for its flavor. The New York strip also earns big compliments.
Beyond beef, the menu reaches further. Lobster tail, duck breast, and pork osso buco all make appearances.
Want a starter to share? The artisan cheese and charcuterie board is a smart opener.
Desserts are no afterthought either. Crème brûlée and sticky toffee pudding are both on the list.
A fireplace and live music add to the romantic feel. This is a good pick for anniversaries or any night that needs to feel special.
Reservations are recommended, and sometimes required. Saturday evenings are the busiest, so book early for weekends.
Hours run Monday through Saturday, starting at 4 p.m. Sundays are closed.
Vegetarian guests have a full menu of their own. That’s a thoughtful touch for a place so famous for steak.
Parking is usually plentiful, which is good news after a winding drive. Just leave a little extra time for those back roads.
Address: 11 Lehoy Forest Dr, Leola, PA 17540
6. Kōle Chophouse
Steaks grilled over charcoal, inside a former chocolate factory. Lititz really knows how to keep things interesting.
Kōle Chophouse lives in the historic Wilbur Chocolate Factory downtown. The name comes from the Pennsylvania Dutch word for coal.
That name fits the cooking style. Steaks hit a wood-fired charcoal Josper grill and get seasoned with just salt and pepper.
The beef list is serious. You’ll find American and Australian Wagyu, authentic Japanese Wagyu, and certified Kobe beef.
Only a handful of Pennsylvania restaurants are certified to serve real Kobe. So yes, this is a bucket-list stop for beef fans.
Not ready for a full Wagyu splurge? A 5-ounce Wagyu steak appetizer offers a smaller taste.
The grass-fed ribeye gets plenty of praise too. Sides are a strong part of the meal, not filler.
An open kitchen sends great smells into the room. Servers are known for helpful recommendations if the menu feels overwhelming.
The restaurant switched from its old name, Blackworth, to Kōle in 2025. Same building, fresh identity.
Lititz itself is a charming borough surrounded by farmland. Spend the afternoon wandering its shops, then head to dinner.
Reservations are recommended. The bar and lounge stay open later than the dining room, which helps on busy nights.
Address: 52 N Broad St, Lititz, PA 17543
7. Louie’s Prime Steak House
A King Cut prime rib in the Pocono mountains sounds like a fair reward for a scenic drive. Louie’s Prime makes that reward easy to claim.
The dining room is lined with wood, and art adds personality to the walls. A fireplace makes chilly mountain nights feel easier.
The menu leans into prime beef. A 16-ounce prime New York strip and filet mignon are both highlights.
Seafood fans have options too. Lobster tail is a standout, and it pairs nicely with a steak.
Start with French onion soup au gratin or a Caesar salad. Both are menu favorites.
Dessert is where things get playful. Chocolate peanut butter pie and carrot cake both earn applause.
Monthly specials keep the menu fresh. That gives repeat visitors a reason to come back.
Lake Harmony is a small Pocono community. It’s near ski slopes and lakes, so dinner fits well after a day outdoors.
Some diners drive close to an hour just to eat here. That tells you a lot about the place.
Hours run Wednesday through Sunday. Mondays and Tuesdays are closed, so plan around that.
Saturday evenings get busiest. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
Address: 244 Lake Harmony Rd, Lake Harmony, PA 18624
8. The Frogtown Chophouse
The building dates back to the early 1800s, but the steaks here feel anything but old-fashioned. Frogtown blends history with modern chophouse style.
It sits on Red Rock Road in Cresco, surrounded by wooded Pocono hills. You can dine fireside with views of the trees.
A stone fireplace anchors the room. Live music sometimes joins the evening too.
Big cuts lead the menu. The 20-ounce bone-in ribeye, 8-ounce filet mignon, and 14-ounce New York strip are all options.
Fans praise the ribeye for its strong sear and even cooking. Prime rib is popular as well.
Enhancements let you customize your plate. Think blue cheese cream sauce, truffle butter, or a crab cake on top.
Not in a steak mood? Try the half crispy duck or the seafood trio.
Caramelized red onion mashed potatoes get a lot of love. Frogtown fries and onion rings are fun sides too.
The Frogtown brand started in 2012. Since then, this spot has become a Pocono dinner favorite.
Hours run Tuesday through Saturday, with Sunday and Monday closed. Reservations are recommended for dinner.
Outdoor dining is available in nicer weather. Families are welcome, with a kids’ menu and high chairs.
Address: 472 Red Rock Rd, Cresco, PA 18326
9. Gresham’s Chop House
Steak with a lake view is hard to argue with. Gresham’s sits along Route 6 overlooking Lake Wallenpaupack.
The menu mixes steak, seafood, and Italian dishes. It’s a combo that keeps mixed groups happy.
The Black Angus NY strip and filet mignon are highlights. Prime rib also makes the list of favorites.
Don’t skip the French onion soup. It’s one of the most praised items on the menu.
Pasta lovers should look for the sachetti. It’s stuffed with cheese and served with beef medallions, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Madeira sauce.
Calamari and seafood cakes make good starters. A steak salad is there if you want something lighter.
Save room for cheesecake. It gets plenty of shout-outs from happy diners.
Live music often fills the room. Outdoor seating helps you enjoy those lake views even more.
Hawley is a small Wayne County borough. It’s a popular base for lake trips, boating, and fall foliage drives.
Service is known for being quick. That’s handy after a long day on the water.
Hours run Tuesday through Sunday, starting at 4 p.m. Monday is closed.
Saturday evenings are busiest. Reservations are recommended, especially in summer.
Families are welcome, with a kids’ menu and changing tables. Parking is usually easy to find.
Address: 2495 US-6, Hawley, PA 18428
10. The Landing Steakhouse
Order the tomahawk, and you might need a bigger table. At The Landing, this showstopper cut is a must-order favorite.
Matamoras sits along the upper Delaware River in Pike County. This elegant steakhouse is right off Route 6.
Premium steaks and lobster headline the menu. It’s a setup built for celebrations or a well-earned treat.
Keep an eye out for the Dodge Inn Steak. It’s one of the menu highlights.
A raw bar sampler offers another way to start. It’s a nice opener before the main event.
The vibe leans cozy, despite the upscale menu. That makes it easy to relax and take your time.
Outdoor seating is available in good weather. Dogs are allowed outside, so your four-legged buddy can tag along.
Hours run Wednesday through Sunday, starting at 4 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays are closed.
Reservations are accepted. Booking ahead is a smart move for Friday and Saturday nights.
Free on-site parking keeps things simple. You won’t have to circle the block.
Matamoras is close to where Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey meet. It’s a handy stop on any river-country road trip.
The Delaware River area is great for scenic drives. Ending one with a tomahawk sounds just about right.
Address: 120 US-6 #209, Matamoras, PA 18336
11. Stonewall’s Tavern
Finding a historic tavern in a borough of about 600 people feels like stumbling onto a secret. Stonewall’s Tavern is that kind of find.
It sits in Clark, a tiny Mercer County town near Shenango River Lake. The tavern is part of the Tara inn property.
The setting is rustic and relaxed. A fireplace adds charm on cooler nights.
Steaks are the main draw here. The filet mignon gets described as melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Fresh seafood joins the lineup too. It’s a good choice if someone at your table wants a break from beef.
Desserts earn high marks as well. Finishing with something sweet feels like the right call.
The property itself is beautiful, so arrive early. Walking around before dinner is part of the experience.
Reservations are recommended, and sometimes required. With limited hours, it’s smart to book ahead.
Note that this spot is dine-in only. There’s no takeout or delivery, so plan to sit and savor.
Hours vary by day, with earlier openings Monday through Thursday. Weekend dinners start at 5 p.m.
The atmosphere leans quiet and romantic. That makes it a solid pick for date night in western Pennsylvania.
Shenango River Lake nearby is great for boating and fishing. Pair a day on the water with dinner here.
Address: 2844 Lake Rd, Clark, PA 16113
