Downtown Erie, PA Itinerary: Where to Eat and Explore in Erie
Tuesday Sep 9th, 2025
Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes
Downtown Erie is having a moment. In a city where historic grit meets creative energy, the passion for all things Erie is evident downtown. Local businesses line State Street, and are tucked around every corner – think indie coffee shops in charming spaces, local breweries with energetic outdoor patios, vintage stores in refurbished old buildings. Parking is easy, traffic is limited, and the lake is right there. Spend a day (or two) in downtown Erie and see what all the fuss is about.
Where to Stay: Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel
Day One
Breakfast and Coffee at Bakery on 5th
Have you ever wondered if a pastry was too beautiful to eat? It happens at Bakery on 5th. The bakery and coffee house offers traditional American baked goods, alongside Turkish treats that are authentic to the shop’s owner, who left her career in aerospace engineering to open the bakery. Behind the glass you’ll find a variety of Pogaca, gorgeous Pavlova and macarons, and the best baklava in town. If you try nothing else, get a croissant. They’re perfectly flaky but soft, and you can get it with Nutella if you’re feeling indulgent.
Shopping in Downtown Erie
Erie takes a lot of pride in its local businesses, and nowhere is that more evident than in downtown Erie. Start at Glass Growers Gallery, a small but vibrant brick shop that’s full of soul, local art, and a curated collection of items you can’t find anywhere else. In addition to delicate glass pieces and framed art, you’ll find stationery, ornaments, and gifts that are quintessential Erie. Back on State Street, you’re in the Flagship City District, the core of Erie’s revitalized downtown. Each shop is a little different – hit up The Dollhouse for the most incredible selection of vintage apparel, Erie Apparel for (you guessed it) Erie-centric apparel that’s both nostalgic and modern, and Copper Carriage for antique furniture and quirky décor that is hand selected by owner, Stephanie, and her husband Joe.
Dinner at U Pick 6 Pubs
The U Pick 6 Tap House is a staple of downtown Erie, serving up pub fare and wood fired food alongside the 18 craft beers on tap, including those brewed at its sister location, John Russell Brewing. On a nice day, enjoy your meal on the quiet ivy-covered back courtyard, or on the energetic patio along State Street. Don’t leave without trying the Pizza Muffins.
After Hours Indoor Mini Golf
The newest attraction in downtown Erie is Hazards Mini Golf Social Pub, a fun spot for friendly competition and cocktails. The holes are Erie-themed, including one that’s all about the Erie Otters, and one made to resemble Waldameer’s famous “Wacky Shack” ride, and their signature drink, The Water Hazard, will keep you refreshed.
Travel Tip: Free events and festivals are common in downtown Erie. Check out the Erie Downtown Partnership’s event calendar to get a glimpse of everything happening downtown before your stay.
Day Two
Breakfast at the Hotel
The top Sheraton restaurant in the world is here in Erie at the Two45 Waterfront Grille, and if the food quality isn’t enough of a draw, the view is. The restaurant is located on the shore of Presque Isle Bay, with on-the-water views from inside or on the patio. Indulge in the Thick-Cut Bacon Benedict or keep it clean with a Spinach and Mushroom Egg White Omelet.
Climb the Bicentennial Tower
The most recognizable icon in Erie is arguably the Bicentennial Tower, a landmark on Erie’s Bayfront. The top observation deck is 138 feet above Presque Isle Bay, giving visitors stunning views of the Bay, Lake Erie, and the City of Erie in all directions. On a clear day, it’s possible to see all the way to Long Point, Ontario, Canada. Be sure to snap a picture on the lower observation deck, where a 12,000 square-foot public mural is painted on the deck.
Sip Coffee at Purrista
Erie’s only cat café is Purrista Cat Cafe, an aptly-named coffee bar with an adjoining room of adoptable cats. Everything is on theme and in the best way. If you want to hang out in the Cat Lounge, make a reservation on their website, but it’s not necessary to visit the café. Alongside the extensive, and often-changing coffee menu, is their signature drink – the London Fog. It’s a tea latte made with Earl Grey, steamed milk, and a touch of lavender and vanilla syrup.
Walk Millionaire’s Row
Meander north toward West Sixth Street and you’ll find yourself among some of the most stunning architectural homes in Erie County. These houses, collectively referred to as Millionaire’s Row, are a reflection of both past and present, with most of the homes built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but restored recently to make the beautiful old homes shine. Start on the corner of Peach and State Streets, across from Perry Square, walk west on West 6th Street, and enjoy the view.
Dinner at Like My Thai
Like My Thai is a little different than a traditional Thai restaurant, where the food is all made from scratch and cuisines from Thailand, Vietnam, and Korea are interspersed with Chinese and Indonesian. The atmosphere is friendly and laid-back – so much so that you may see the owner firing up the wok, eager to have a conversation with you when you sit at the bar. On a chilly day, there’s truly nothing better than sipping the Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup.
Travel Tip: Climbing to the top of the Bicentennial Tower is free on the first Tuesday of the month May through September!
Day Three
Pick Up Donuts for the Road
Mighty Fine Donuts are an Erie classic – from the iconic logo of the winking chef that graces its boxes to the trays of Glazed Twists behind the glass. The recipes haven’t changed in more than 50 years for good reason. You don’t mess with a good thing. In addition to their main location on Parade Street, Mighty Fine Donuts are available for purchase at the Country Fair Flagship Store in downtown Erie.
