Skip to Main Content

VisitErie Blog

Bayfront Grille breakfast Jan 2023 MM resize horizontal

The Tastiest Foodie Day in Downtown Erie, PA

Thursday Jan 12th, 2023

Some of the region’s favorite foodie hangouts are found throughout Erie’s downtown. An assortment of breweries, cafes, restaurants, and taverns are dishing up everything from classic pub grub to inspired cuisine. To help you navigate through all the delicious choices, we’re serving up our suggestions one course at a time to give you the tastiest foodie day experience. We’ve even added in some food for thought stops along the way. Bon Appetit!

bayfront grille chorizo bowl Jan 2023 MM cropped resize

Breakfast

The Bayfront Grille at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast paired with amazing waterfront views at this atypical hotel restaurant. The chef-inspired cuisine features a menu of traditional breakfast items (they use real eggs!) and seasonal selections. Our hands-down favorite is the chorizo breakfast bowl. This heaping helping of Cajun breakfast potatoes, two over easy eggs, house-made sauce, scallions and a blend of red bell pepper, onion, and chorizo is everything you crave for breakfast, all in one flavor-packed bowl.

Glass Growers Gallery Erie Mugs Jan 2023 MM resize

Take a Break

Tucked around the corner of 5th and State Streets, Glass Growers Gallery is filled with unique items including kitchenware. From novelty kitchen towels and oven mitts to pottery pieces for serving and baking, Glass Growers has a tempting selection of fun foodie gifts.

Unlock your taste buds with the flavor sensations found inside Buona Cucina Oils and More. With more than 55 varieties of single-source olive oils, infused olive oils, vinegars, cooking salts, and herbs, they have all the ingredients (and recipes) you need to create the perfect dish.

Flagship city food hall sign large Jan 2023 MM cropped resize

Lunch

The Flagship City Food Hall is downtown Erie’s newest culinary kid on the block, boasting nine local vendors offering everything from bagels and baba ghanoush to shrimp boils and sundaes. There are so many delicious choices, we don’t think you should settle on just one dish. Get creative and make your own Flagship City Food Hall lunch sampler! Here’s our picks:

  • Apple pie smoothie - Taste & See Fruit and Veggie Bar
  • Orange cranberry bagel - Jo’s Brooklyn Bagel Too
  • Baba ghanoush and falafel wrap - Shawarma Station
  • Garlic parm shrimp boil – Taste of Love
  • Tostones (twice-fried plantains) – Dina’s Authentic Dominican Kitchen
  • Pierogi Day pizza – Perry’s Pizza
  • Royal Japchae – Noodlelove
  • Cheesesteak – North Row Philly
  • Butterscotch and red raspberry sundae – The Straw Hat
Hagen History Kitchen Jan 2023 MM resize

Intermission

Visit the Hagen History Center for their extensive collection of Griswold Ironware products, set inside the Watson-Curtze Mansion. Founded in Erie in 1868, Griswold had a world-wide reputation for high quality, cast iron cookware that is lighter and smoother than large-scale manufacturers, making them popular collector’s items.

 

julius restaurant  Instagram resize v2

Dinner

Get transported south of the border at Julius, where authentic Mexican cuisine comes with a twist. Your journey begins with sopes, crispy masa cakes served with beans and salsa. Continue on with the house special, Chuleta de Puerco, a tender braised pork chop flavored with orange juice and spices. End your meal on a sweet note with a creamy, dreamy flan custard dessert served with a layer of caramel.

VisitErie Brewery 150 September 28 2022 resize

End on a High Note

Toast to your fabulous foodie day with a pint at Erie Ale Works. One of the original craft breweries of the Lake Erie Ale Trail, Erie Ale Works combines simple ingredients and a passion for the craft to produce a unique assortment of beers with funky flavors and names such as Key Board Warrior and Feisty Seagull. Their most popular beer, Tattooed Lady, is a light, crisp, and refreshing blond ale with 4.6% ABV.

Partner Spotlight

Scott Enterprises spotlight

Enjoy great food, music, and drinks!

Join us on Erie’s beautiful bayfront for a new experience from the creators of Oliver’s Rooftop restaurant. Oliver’s Beer Garden is an outdoor facility with great views of the Erie Bayfront and the nearby Bicentennial Tower. Enjoy craft brews, signature cocktails, and refreshing drinks served alongside delicious food from our very own food truck.

Learn More

u pick 6 spotlight

U Pick 6 Craft Beer Pubs & Restaurants

Erie’s own local craft beer pubs are a must-visit! With 4 great locations, just pick one that’s convenient for you! A casual, family friendly dining experience with something for everyone! To view our menu, check out what’s on tap, or get to directions to our pubs, learn more now!”

Learn More

UPMC Hamot spotlight

UPMC Hamot – Local Access to Specialized Care

UPMC Hamot is a 445-bed hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania. It is a regional hub for specialized health care, including advanced surgical services, private intensive care suites, and the area’s only accredited trauma center.

Learn More

ASCEND spotlight ad photo 400 x 300

COME SEE WHAT ASCEND ERIE IS ALL ABOUT!

ASCEND is a community hub in downtown Erie that features climbing, fitness, yoga, youth programming, and so much more. We opened up last year and would love to meet you! Visit on your own, with friends and family, or book a team-building event with your coworkers.

Learn More

five iron golf spotlight 400 x 300

Five Iron Golf is Now Open in Downtown Erie

Five Iron Golf is blurring the lines between indoor golf and entertainment. State-of-the-art simulators and world-class instruction meet premium events and amenities plus delectable food and cocktail menus.

Learn More

eced partner listing 400 x 300

Visit Edinboro, PA!

Edinboro Community and Economic Development is a regional Edinboro area non-profit committed to fostering positive community-wide growth. Through economic and civic initiatives, the ECED seeks to empower the Edinboro community to effectuate targeted change to meet current needs and build regional resilience. Edinboro is a unique area where rural and urban values intersect, and the best "small town America" qualities shine.

Learn More

Erie zoo spotlight v2

Celebrating 100 Years of Wild Wonders at the Erie Zoo

In honor of its Centennial year, the Erie Zoo invites guests to be part of a century-long legacy of discovery, conservation, and connection. Throughout this year’s celebration, visitors can enjoy special events, interactive keeper talks, and up-close animal encounters that inspire curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Whether it’s a family outing or a day of adventure with friends, the Erie Zoo continues to be a cherished destination for fun, education, and unforgettable memories.

Learn More

The Shop at 19th + Chestnut Partner Spotlight

The Shop at 19th & Chestnut

A Creative Building in Erie's Little Italy. If you are looking for an authentic place eat and hang out in, you've found the right place! Presley and Pear Arts and Crafts recently opened and is a unique and inspiring place to take the kids during the day & for adults to attend Creative Workshops in the evenings!

Learn More

The Cove spotlight v3

The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant & Tavern

Welcome to The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant and Tavern. We invite you to enjoy a unique dining experience on Erie’s Bayfront with our nautically inspired decor, a carefully crafted menu, and an unbelievable view of Presque Isle Bay. With both indoor and outdoor seating right next to the bay, we want to be your destination of choice when you “just want to get away from it all” but without having to go far.

Learn More

Spotlight Ad Visit Erie 6

Poverty Knob Farmhouse Ales

Poverty Knob offers hand-crafted beer, cocktails, mocktails and delicious sharable food year-round. The brewery is family and dog friendly with both indoor and outdoor spaces. We offer games, music and entertainment for all ages.

Learn More

Erie Events spotlight 1 v2

Something for everyone in Erie, PA!

Erie Events plays a pivotal role in hosting a diverse array of events, including concerts, Broadway productions, family shows, and sporting events. Visit the five venues: Erie Insurance Arena, Waner Theatre, Bayfront Convention Center, UPMC Park and the Rebich Investments Amphitheater at Liberty Park.

Learn More

Two45 Web 400 x 300 px

Two45 Waterfront Grille

Located at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, Two45 pays homage to the precisde moment in history that Oliver Hazard Perry bravely led the US Navy on the path to victory during the Battle of Lake Erie. As a tribute to our fair city, the restaurant offers upscale, traditional American cuisines with a focus on seafood adn coastal fare. Chef's specialities include macadmania-crusted grouper filet, premium beef cuts, and bone in tomahawk pork chop. Private dining room available.

Learn More

Tia Book Cellar Spotlight 400 x 300

Tia Book Cellar

Tia Book Cellar is an independent bookstore offering new and bargain books, unique gifts, puzzles, and games for all interests and ages. Located across from Gibson Park in North East, their brand embodies the local business model and the local grape heritage. Tia's believes that "there is always … local, an alternative, and a story." They look forward to helping you discover your next read or gift here.

Learn More

MIAC spotlight 1

Reserve Your Seat Now for the 2025-2026 Shows

Get ready for another season of world-class performances as the Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture returns with an electrifying 2025–2026 lineup spanning genres, generations, and global influences.

Learn More

MCM Guest Rewards 400x300

Exclusive Tourism Rewards

If you live more than 50 miles from Millcreek Mall, stop by the Customer Service Center to register. You’ll receive a Guest Rewards Tourism Program Luggage Tag. Scanning the QR Code on it will reveal special offers from participating mall merchants. If you spend $200 or more that day, take your receipts back to the Customer Service Center and you’ll get a FREE $20 Mall Gift Card. You get rewarded just for shopping!

Learn More

Dobbins Landing Spring 2022 EB 2

Dobbins Landing

Located on the southeast shore of Lake Erie, the Port of Erie has been promoting industrial, commercial, and recreational opportunities on the waters of Lake Erie since 1959.

Learn More

Mazza spotlight 1

Mazza Vineyards and the South Shore Wine Company

The Mazza family welcomes you to explore 3 unique locations in Lake Erie Wine Country. Sip and savor award-winning wines at Mazza Vineyards and the historic South Shore Wine Company, both located in North East, PA, and be sure to visit their combination winery, distillery and brewery, Mazza Chautauqua Cellars/Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing, in nearby Westfield, NY.

Learn More

Soak in the fun!

Experience 84 degrees all year at one of the top water parks in the country.

One stop convenience.

Fill your tank, pick up fresh food from local brands, and a six-pack to go in 40 regional locations.

Award-Winning Compassionate Care

Voted Erie’s Choice Best Hospital for eight years in a row

Ante-up, Erie.

Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.

Just for fun!

Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!

Award-Winning Compassionate Care

Voted Erie’s Choice Best Hospital for eight years in a row

One stop convenience.

Fill your tank, pick up fresh food from local brands, and a six-pack to go in 40 regional locations.

Just for fun!

Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!

Ante-up, Erie.

Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.

Soak in the fun!

Experience 84 degrees all year at one of the top water parks in the country.