Adults only restaurants in Erie PA (great bar).
Voodoo Brewing Co., An Erie Pub
101 BOSTON STORE PLACE ERIE PA | (814) 520-6990 | VoodooBrewery
As expected, the large, open space with both indoor and outdoor seating is industrial and airy. The long tables made of packing crates fit in perfectly with the atmosphere.
This pub offers a wide selection of beers and an excellent menu. It is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat after a long day of sightseeing or to watch a big game at weekends.
Sliders and fries were delicious!
The best restaurants in Erie for all ages
Like My Thai
(814) 455-1026
The best Asian restaurant in Erie is Like My Thai. Its story is just as good as the food.
The story …. Michael Augustine and Liz Augustine, owners and chefs of a pizza restaurant, were also the cooks. They used Tuesdays, which were usually slow days, to host “Pad-Thai Tuesdays” with friends and guests.
The couple’s restaurant opened on State Street in January 2015, after a successful kickstarter campaign.
The cuisine is a true reflection of its Asian origins. All the food is made from scratch, and most of it is vegan and allergy-friendly. From the moment you enter, their passion for Asian food is apparent. The place just smells great!
This is a great recipe for families, as each dish can be tailored to taste preferences (spiciness etc.).
Michael the chef is also a fantastic storyteller. So, if you have the opportunity to talk with him, do it! He’s hilarious.
El Amigo Mexican Grill
(814) 454-4600
This is another interesting story from a restaurant in downtown Erie. Both owners immigrated to Erie from the same town in Mexico. However, they did not meet for many years after their move. El Amigo in Erie, PA, was opened by both owners who shared a love for authentic Mexican food.
The restaurant smelled incredible on my last visit to Erie.
It was a great experience. Everything here was as good as the smells outside. From the chips and salsa to the authentic guacamole that is made at the table, the quesadilla.
Stevo’s Pizza
1019 STATE STREET ERIE PA | (814) 454-2418 | StevosPizza
In 2000, the owners, Armenians, bought the sub shop in this location. They still offer New York-style sub sandwiches but their specialty is pizza. Local college students have reported that the restaurant has long lines at times. This is understandable. It’s worth the wait for a great pizza!
Stevo’s, which is a local institution, is famous for its pepperoni balls.
In the early days of Erie, someone invented the fish ball – a pastry dough filled with cured salmon and baked. In this area, where there is a lot of fish available, the fish balls were a convenient lunchbox option. Stevo’s is famous for its pepperoni filling, since fish isn’t as popular these days.
Sara’s Restaurant
(814) 833-1957
Sara’s is open seasonally and has been a favorite for visitors to Presque Isle since decades. But it’s not only for tourists. Locals love this place too. It’s great for picky eaters because it serves chicken tenders and burgers. Orange swirl soft serve is a popular treat, especially after a day of boating.
You can experience local flavor by ordering a Smith’s Hot Dog (the local favorite) or a fried Perch Sandwich (this is Lake Erie after all).
Oliver’s Beer Garden
130 E FRONT STREET ERIE PA | (814) 920-9666 | OliversBeerGarden
Oliver’s Beer Garden, located at the Hampton Inn & Suites Bayfront from spring to fall, is a wonderful place to enjoy a quick meal. You can choose between sandwiches, burgers or nachos with a draft beer.
This is the perfect place to relax after a long day of sight-seeing, especially if you are staying in one of the nearby hotels.
One night I ate here and had a delicious sandwich, while relaxing next to a fire pit. When you find yourself smiling about nothing, then it’s definitely a good atmosphere. You know?
It’s a great place to relax at the end the day. The food arrives quickly and the staff communicates via text.
Find more great restaurants in Erie, PA
My husband was enthused by the food on both of my trips to Erie. He told me he needs to come with me so he can help my research. He sometimes says this about a particular dish, but he wanted him to try it all on my Erie visit! Erie is not a large city, but its restaurants have a big-city flavor!
I recommend Erie Food Tours if you are short on time and would like to sample some of Erie’s best cuisine. Food tours allow you to visit several restaurants within a short period of time. Erie Food Tours also weaves in local history to their walking tour of downtown. Special thanks to Erie Food Tours who hosted my delicious tour.
As I discover new restaurants in Erie, I will add them to this list. Please let me know if you have a favorite Erie eatery so that I can visit it the next time I’m in town!
The “Hello Erie”, app is the best destination app that I’ve ever used. Open the app and click the “eat/drink button” to explore your options. The app allows you to filter results and find what you are looking for. You can also click on a restaurant to get directions, read the description or to see the menu.