Dining in Erie, PA

Dining in Erie

Erie has quietly grown into a foodie haven, where chef-run hotspots, lakeside dives, and cozy neighborhood spots all share the same laid-back table. One moment you’re savoring a local favorite downtown; the next, you’re grabbing a bite near the beach with sand still on your flip-flops. Wherever you land, the flavors stay local and the atmosphere relaxed. No fuss, just good, authentic food.

Waterfront Dining

Lake meets plate along Erie’s waterfront, where fresh flavors are served with a side of waterfront horizon. Year-round, picture-window panoramas frame Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie at Oliver's Rooftop (located at the Hampton Inn & Suites Erie Bayfront), the new Two45 Waterfront Grill (inside the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel), and Erie's only fresh oyster bar, the Bay House Oyster Bar & Restaurant.

When the weather warms, the scene drifts outside to Pier 6 Rooftop Bar and Restaurant, and other seasonal waterfront favorites such as the Sloppy Duck Saloon, The Cove, Rum Runners, Woody's Backwater BARge and Grill, and Oliver's Beer Garden. A sunset over the water ties it all together - no extra garnish needed.

Family Dining

Some of Erie’s best memories are made with napkins in laps and smiles between bites. From retro roadside stops and playful eats, it’s not just about what’s on the plate; it’s the laughter, the spills, and the stories shared along the way. Slide into a booth at Sara’s Diner, a beloved seasonal stop at the entrance to Presque Isle State Park, where Erie-made Smith hot dogs and orange vanilla twists channel pure summer nostalgia. Add a round of duckpin bowling to your meal at Quaker Steak & Lube, turning dinner into part of the fun. Inside Flagship City Food Hall local vendors offer kid-friendly options all under one roof. The unhinged and laid back vibe at Lucky Louies Beer and Wieners' lends itself well to families in the summer months: think shaded picnic tables and yard games for the kids, a wall of craft brews for the parents, and outrageous topping combinations on hot dogs for all.

Dog-Friendly Dining

In Erie, even the pups get a place at the table. Warmer days mean wagging tails on patios, where water bowls are served up as quickly as drink orders. Grab a barbecue bite at the award-winning Federal Hill Smokehouse's or catch a sunset and live music with your four-legged sidekick at Oliver's Beer Garden. When the chill sets in, the welcome doesn’t for well-behaved dogs inside at Black Monk Brewery or Poverty Knob Farmhouse Ales where friendly vibes and cold pours make everyone feel right at home.

Chef-Inspired Dining

In Erie’s chef-driven spots, passion and craft come together in every delicious plate, each led by a chef/owner who puts their own stamp on fresh flavors. Bar Ronin is the playground for chef-owner Dan Kerns, where American-Japanese fusion comes to life in shareable plates and standout cocktails. Upscale but unpretentious, Cloud 9 Wine Bar & Restaurant reflects chef-owner Bertrand Artigues’ French roots with thoughtfully chosen wines paired with skillfully prepared dishes. Over at Samurai Kitchen and Sushi, East meets Erie, where chef-owner Jufi Andreas riffs on high-quality Japanese and Southeast Asian dishes, turning the freshest cuts into artful rolls and vibrant entrées.