If you want to take in the natural beauty of northeast Pennsylvania as you enjoy a relaxing drink and dinner, Scranton has much to offer. Whether you’re looking to admire the classic architecture and historic landmarks of downtown or the scenic forests and mountains surrounding the city, beautiful surroundings are easy to find. Here are some of our top picks for restaurants with a view in the Scranton area.
The Bar and Company
Image via Flickr by CarlosPacheco Licensed CC BY 2.0
Just 5 miles from Scranton in the picturesque borough of Olyphant, The Bar and Company offers patrons a rustic atmosphere and features an extensive outdoor patio if you want to feel the fresh breeze while enjoying one of their signature smoked cocktails. Enjoy the locally sourced decor, fixtures, and foods as you watch the game on The Bar’s giant screen. The Bar also offers a private room for conferences, parties, special dinners, and anniversaries.
The menu features plenty of options to share with the table including the loaded tots covered in homemade cheese sauce, sour cream, and bacon or an order of the crab and avocado cocktail made with lump crab, avocado, and diced pepper, all tossed in a lemon-basil vinaigrette. Don’t forget to save room for dessert as you can roast your own s’mores or indulge in their deep-fried cheesecake.
Olde Brook Inn
Located in nearby Springbrook Township, Olde Brook Inn has a comfortable, old-timey feel with a large outdoor patio perfect for overlooking the surrounding area. There are two outdoor seating areas with enclosed sides and heating to keep you warm while you dine. Start your meal off with the OBI Stuffed Mushrooms made with caramelized onions, hardwood-smoked bacon, and bleu cheese or try the Beer Crab Dip made with jumbo lump crab meat, jalapenos, lager, and smoked gouda.
Olde Brook Inn has an authentic Italian wood-fired pizza oven, so it is definitely worth trying one of their pizzas made with fresh dough. Go simple with a margherita pie or try one of their specialties like the New Haven Clam pizza topped with freshly shucked clams, roasted garlic cream, mozzarella, and bacon. The cocktail menu offers many different types of martinis and mules which are perfect for sipping while enjoying the relaxing atmosphere.
Bar Pazzo
If you’re craving Italian food, you’ll enjoy downtown Scranton’s Bar Pazzo, a locally owned Italian restaurant with a relaxed, rustic feel. Take in the sights of Scranton’s robust downtown through the restaurant’s large glass windows or have a seat at one of the patio tables while enjoying a large, delicious Neapolitan-inspired pizza.
Bar Pazzo cooks all pizzas in two wood-fired ovens and offers fun and inventive pies like the Bikini Bottom which is a cheeseburger pizza topped with cheddar, onions, pickles, and Big Mac sauce. If you’re not in the mood for pizza, check out their pasta menu with dishes like Cacio e Pepe and Pasta Brunatta, a classic bolognese which is baked and served in a personal pan with a crispy “almost” burnt top.
AV Restaurant & Lounge
Within walking distance from Lackawanna College’s campus, AV Restaurant & Lounge offers dishes inspired by Italian cuisine. If you’re in the mood for some delicious handmade pastas, try the tagliatelle with Bolognese sauce and parmesan. The restaurant also offers fresh seafood, including sea scallops, salmon, and grilled swordfish. If you’re feeling up for a sweet treat after, check out their rich dessert menu. The quaint dining space also includes a cozy bar with a small selection of specialty cocktails. The small outdoor area situated in front of the restaurant is great for people-watching and simply enjoying the downtown scenery.
Slocum Hollow Bar & Restaurant
Located inside the lodge at Montage Mountain Resort, Slocum Hollow serves homemade meals and a variety of drinks in a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy the large windows looking out over the ski resort as you indulge in a burger, sandwich, or one of their signature dishes. The maple-bacon burger hits the spot, featuring maple bacon, crispy jack cheese, and a thick patty on a potato roll. If you’re looking for something to warm you up after a day on the slopes, check out the ski lodge combo which features a grilled cheese on Texas toast served alongside a piping-hot bowl of creamy tomato bisque.
The large, well-lit bar features two large television screens for watching the game and an extensive drink menu with something for everyone to enjoy. Besides a rotating draft list featuring 22 beers, Slocum offers warm cocktails like spiked cider with rum and cinnamon and their salted-caramel hot chocolate which is made with salted-caramel vodka, hot chocolate, whipped cream, caramel sauce, and topped with crushed pretzels. The flickering fireplace adds to the cozy atmosphere and is the perfect place to warm up after a busy day at the resort.
River Grille
River Grille sits on the directly off Route 309 in Wilkes-Barre, and overlooks the river and valley below. The large riverside deck is a great place to soak in the scenic views of Northern Pennsylvania during the warm months. The interior is both trendy and causal, with an open bar and plenty of seating space during the cooler months. The menu offers a mix of seafood and standard American fare. From chicken parmesan to lobster rolls, the River Grille’s extensive menu offers plenty of dinner options to appeal to everyone in your dining party.
Be sure to check out their calendar of events for a list of upcoming live entertainment. In addition to live entertainment, they have a weekend brunch starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Try the Wake and Bake which features their famous mac and cheese, bacon, sausage, fried egg, and seasoned potato straws. River Grille is also a great place to host a gathering. They offer buffet services for larger groups, cocktail parties for a more casual experience, and family dinners for smaller groups, in addition to traditional catering services for off-site events.
Scranton has so much to offer, regardless of the food you’re craving. As the downtown and surrounding area have grown, there’s been many opportunities for new and old restaurants alike to set themselves apart and offer patrons an exciting dining experience. If you and your family have been to a restaurant in the area that you’ve enjoyed eating at and we haven’t featured in this article, you can share your experience with us at Northeastern Eye Institute and we’ll add it to our list. We look forward to hearing from you!