Restaurants in Erie, PA You’ll Love 

Restaurants in Erie, PA You’ll Love 

Beth Glosner  | 

Welcome to one of my favourite foodie stops: Erie, Pennsylvania. If you’re looking to explore the best restaurants in Erie, PA, you’ve hit the right blog. I’ve travelled the United States of America, tasted everything from the New England states’ clam chowder to Oregon’s marionberries, and I’ll tell you—Erie has serious flavor. Whether you’re after lakeside seafood or a fun college-bar atmosphere, I’ve got six terrific spots for you. Erie is not known for many vegetarian spots, but you’re in luck if you are a seafood lover. Let’s Dig In!

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. See full disclosure here

Why these restaurants in Erie, PA, matter to you

If you’ve ever wondered where in Erie you can get amazing food with local flavor, here’s the quick answer. These picks deliver:

  • Scenic waterfront dining: Think lake breeze, sunset views, and waterfront patios.
  • Local-inspired menus: From Lake Erie walleye to regional craft beer, the menus reflect place.
  • Easygoing but memorable atmosphere: Whether you’re on a date, grabbing dinner with friends, or hunting a post-game burger, there’s something here.
  • Something for the college town vibe: Yes, even the bar scene is part of this blog.

So while I’ve just mentioned what’s good, let me break down each location and show you exactly what you can experience (and what to ask for).

1. Big view, big flavor: Two45 Waterfront Grille (Bayfront)

Let’s start strong. At Two45 Waterfront Grille, you’ll dine inside the sleek lobby of the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, overlooking the water. It’s upscale yet relaxed. The menu? Traditional American with a coastal twist: think macadamia-nut crusted grouper, wild rice, and walleye. 

What I loved: Sitting by the floor-to-ceiling windows as the sun dipped behind the bay. Hearing the soft clink of glasses, the glow from the patio lights. You’ll feel that you’re treating yourself.


Pro tip for you: Make a reservation and ask for a “bay view” table — it’s worth the extra step. And if you go for brunch? Check times early (weekends often).

2. Elevated steak & seafood: Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

For a hearty meal in a casual-elegant setting, head to Firebirds Wood Fired Grill at the Millcreek Mall complex. They specialize in wood-fired steaks, fresh seafood, and scratch kitchen fare.

What I loved: The warm glow of the fire pit, the sound of meat sizzling, the comfort of a big steak with friends who ask no questions when you order cake for dessert.


Pro tip: Try to go early in the week or for lunch—less crowded and you’ll get service that feels relaxed rather than rushed. And if you want lighter fare, ask about salads or seafood options—it’s not just “meat and potatoes”.

3. Chill waterfront dining: Shoreline Bar & Grille

If you’re after relaxed bayfront charm, check out Shoreline Bar & Grille in the Courtyard Erie Bayfront hotel. Their tagline says it all: fresh regional cuisine and gorgeous waterside views. 

What I loved: The breeze off the bay, the seafood plate that hits local notes (hello Lake Erie walleye), and the vibe of sitting outside at golden hour.


Pro tip: Grab patio seating if the weather’s nice. And if you have a group, you’ll find it’s casual enough to bring friends, smart enough for a date.

4. Nautical fun for seafood lovers: Smuggler’s Wharf

For a more playful vibe, try Smuggler’s Wharf (3 State Street, Erie). Nautical theme, lots of variety on the menu (seafood and they have veg burgers), outdoor seating overlooking the bay. 

What I loved: Sitting outside by the water, shrimp dipped in coconut, lemonade in your glass, breeze in your hair. A little less formal, a lot more fun.
Pro tip: If you want the deck view, ask specifically for “waterfront deck” seating. And don’t skip dessert—locals rave.

5. Historic brew-pub atmosphere: The Brewerie at Union Station

When you want food and a local craft-beer experience, head to The Brewerie at Union Station. Housed in the historic Union Station building, this place blends serious history with comfort.

What I loved: The grandeur of the rotunda, the taps behind the bar serving local ales, the menu that’s thoughtful but accessible (burgers, salads, entrees).


Pro tip: If you’re into craft beer, ask for the sampler flight of local brews. Bonus: get there early if you want a spot by the windows in the rotunda—it fills quickly.

6. College-town bar and dining spot: The Plymouth Tavern

Last but not least: The Plymouth Tavern, a downtown Erie institution that leans college-bar but serves real food, too. Since 1973, people have gathered here for burgers, drinks, and good times.

​​Honestly, it hasn’t changed much since my own college days—just the faces around the tables. I still remember grabbing dinner here during that beloved wing night, stretching a student budget while soaking in the hum of jukebox tunes and clinking glasses. 

What I loved: The brick-building charm, the buzz of students mixed with locals, the comfort of a bar with solid food—not just wings and sliders—though there are plenty of those.


Pro tip: If you visit later in the evening, expect energy. Great for post-event drinks. For quieter dining, aim for earlier in the evening.

7. Making the most of your Erie dining tour

  • Book ahead: For Two45 and Brewerie, especially, reservations are super helpful.
  • Dress for the moment: Waterfront dining calls for smart casual; college bar better fits jeans and relaxed shirts.
  • Check for happy hour or specials: Many of these places offer weekday deals or early-evening menus.
  • Ask about local ingredients: Lake Erie walleye, local craft beer, fresh regional sides—these details set these spots apart.
  • Time your visit: For waterfront views, go around sunset; for quieter times, aim for midweek or just after lunch.

Why Erie is a foodie surprise

So there you have it—six standout restaurants in Erie, PA that cover every mood: elegant waterfront views, wood-fired steakhouse comfort, breezy patio vibes, nautical fun, historic brew-pub charm, and that irresistible college-town energy. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, staying a couple nights, or simply passing through, you’ll leave satisfied—and probably already planning your next bite.

Erie isn’t just a lakefront destination; it’s a foodie surprise waiting to happen. Let the flavors lead your adventure.

Before you go, make sure to check out the guide, 10 Pennsylvania Getaways: Discoveries Across the Keystone State, for even more travel inspiration beyond Erie.

Call to Action: Pick two of these restaurants for your next Great Lake visit and turn it into your own mini food tour. Snap photos, note the standout dishes, and share the delicious details with your friends.

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!


 -Beth

Things to Do in Erie, PA: Your Ultimate Lake Erie Adventure Guide

Things to Do in Erie, PA: Your Ultimate Lake Erie Adventure Guide

Beth Glosner  | 

Welcome! If you’re wondering what to do in Erie, Pennsylvania — especially around the beautiful shores of the Great Lake — you’re in exactly the right place. I’ve traveled all over, and I’ll tell you: this lakeside city has hidden gems, big sights, and warm-hearted experiences that are perfect whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay. Let’s Dig In!

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. See full disclosure here

Why Visit Erie? What You’ll Get from This Guide

You’ll leave with a clear plan of some of the best things to do in the Gem City — from water-worn history and nature trails to charming theatres and local flavor. I’ll walk you through:

  • Historic maritime moments and ship-stories
  • Beach and outdoor fun on Lake Erie
  • Culture, theatre, and zoo adventures
  • Insider perks for planning (so you don’t wander aimlessly)

Keep reading for the inside scoop on each spot, plus photo ideas and caption suggestions so you or your blog readers can capture the moment.

1. Dive Into History at the Erie Maritime Museum & U.S. Brig Niagara

The War of 1812 history is alive on Lake Erie.

On the downtown waterfront of Erie, the Erie Maritime Museum stands with its polished displays and the impressive historic ship, the U.S. Brig Niagara, moored right beside it. This is no static museum — you’ll literally be steps from the wood and sails of a ship tied to the pivotal 1813 Battle of Lake Erie.


Pro tip: Book a guided tour if you can — you’ll learn stories that bring the ship and its era to life (and your photos will thank you).

2. Explore Nature’s Playground at Presque Isle State Park

Peace and possibility in one frame.


If you picture “beach day + nature walk + water-action” all rolled into one spot, this is it. The Presque Isle State Park is a sandy peninsula reaching out into the Pennsylvania’s Port City — beaches, bird-watching, windsurfing, ice fishing in winter, even.

Pro tip: Early morning walks here are magical — fewer people, soft light, the lake so quiet you can hear it breathe. Bring layers, because lake breezes will sneak up on you.

3. Experience Local Wildlife at the Erie Zoo

 When wildlife meets your lens.

If you’re traveling with kids (or simply with your inner kid), the Erie Zoo offers a sweet mix of animals, gardens, and fun. More than 400 animals, plus botanical gardens, make for a relaxed day in Glenwood Park.


Pro tip: Visit mid-morning for more active animals and fewer crowds. Grab a cool drink and meander slowly — time spent here feels restorative.

4. Catch a Show at the Warner Theatre Downtown

Marquee glow at the Warner Theatre — your evening’s gateway in downtown Erie.

When the sun sets and you’re ready for indoor charm, the historic Warner Theatre in downtown Great Lakes City steps into the spotlight. Whether it’s a concert, comedy, or theatre piece, this beautifully restored venue adds cultural richness to your trip.


Pro tip: Check the show schedule ahead of time and pair the theatre night with dinner downtown — walkable and memorable.

5. Get Hands-On at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center

Inside the Tom Ridge Environmental Center — sink into the story of Lake Erie’s living systems.

Situated at the gateway to Presque Isle, the Tom Ridge Environmental Center is a cool spot to deepen your understanding of Gem City’s natural story, tidal patterns, ecology, and bird migrations.

Pro tip: If the weather’s iffy, pop in here for an enriching indoor experience that still connects you to the outdoors. Bonus: lots of photo-ops without the crowds.

6. Wander the Forested Trails at Asbury Woods Nature Center

Sunlight through the trees on an autumn walk at Asbury Woods — find your forest calm in Erie.

For a quieter, nature-immersed alternative to the lakeside hustle, head to the Asbury Woods Nature Center. Tucked among forest trails and seasonal foliage, it’s one of the Bayfront City’s charming “slow down” spots.


Pro tip: Bring good walking shoes and maybe a picnic. This is the kind of place where time slows, and you’ll appreciate the pause.

7. Bonus Hidden Gem: Bicentennial Tower Panoramic Views

Skyline meets lake at dusk from Bicentennial Tower — Erie from above

Want an iconic viewpoint? The Bicentennial Tower rises above the bay front and gives you sweeping vistas of the Great Lake, Presque Isle, and downtown area. Built in 1996, it’s a visual treat.

 Pro tip: Capture it at golden hour (right before sunset) for magical light. Bring a camera or your phone — the view is “pin this as your memory” worthy.

Quick Travel Tips & Planning Notes

  • Stay near the waterfront or bayfront: you’ll be close to many of the main attractions, and you’ll enjoy lakeside ambiance.
  • Weather matters: Lake Erie can be breezy. Bring layers, and if you’re outdoors early or late, a light jacket will help. In the wintertime, bundle up because the lake affect brings LOTS of snow.
  • Timing: Summer is busiest; for fewer crowds, target spring or fall. Mid-morning is often the sweet spot. Winter is not the best time unless you love snow and can drive in it.
  • Photo-ready: Bring a water-resistant layer for beach trails, a picnic blanket for lakeside relaxing, and a power bank for your phone (you’ll likely take lots of snaps!).
  • Food & drink: The Gem City has local eateries and bite-friendly spots, especially downtown and by the bay front — don’t skip a sunset dinner by the water. Read my blog for the best places here
  • Stay curious: If you spot local festivals, outdoor concerts, or a wine/beer trail along the lake, go for it. Some of the best moments are spontaneous.

Roadmap to The Gem City

There you have it, your roadmap to things to do in Erie, PA that go beyond the ordinary tourist stops. Whether you’re standing on a windswept beach at Presque Isle, listening to the creak of the U.S. Brig Niagara’s ropes at the Erie Maritime Museum, or gazing out across the Great Lake from Bicentennial Tower. Pennsylvania’s Port City invites fresh eyes and an open heart.

 If you’re planning a visit, drop a comment below about when you’ll go and what you’re most excited to see.  I’d love to hear.

If you are up for a bit of a drive, Niagara Falls is about a 2 hour drive away. Read the blog Niagara Falls: Your Next Big (Wet) Adventure Awaits for things to do in the area.


Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!

-Beth

Travel for Introverts: How to See the World Without Burning Out

Travel for Introverts: How to See the World Without Burning Out

Beth Glosner  | 

I’ve had some of my best conversations in the most unexpected places—like a random chat in a coffee shop or striking up a conversation with a couple at a restaurant who were off to see the play “Jinty,” which was a part of Pittsburgh culture. I would visit Pittsburgh as a child and never heard of it. I talk to strangers because I’m curious (and yes, adventurous since I travel solo). But most people would never guess that deep down, I’m a hardcore introvert.

Me? Outgoing? Ha! 

The truth is, behind the curated travel photos and polished blog posts, there’s a woman who recharges by being alone, who finds energy in quiet moments between adventures. I’ve learned that being an introvert doesn’t mean you can’t love travel, it just means you do it differently.

Let’s Dig In!

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. See full disclosure here

Finding Your Inner Traveler: Embracing the Introvert Adventure

When I left Pennsylvania for the first time, I didn’t set out to “find myself.” I just wanted to see more than what stretched beyond my small hometown. Books like Where the Wild Things Are, The Little Princess, and The Giving Tree filled me with curiosity long before I had a car or a passport. Those stories taught me that adventure isn’t just about where you go, it’s about how you see the world.

Years later, I packed my bags, left the East Coast, and headed to the West. Moving cross-country in December was brutal. The logistics, the loneliness, the literal freezing temperatures, they all tested me. But I did it. And the most challenging part wasn’t the move; it was talking to people.

Still, solo travel taught me one of life’s most freeing lessons: you can be an introvert and still be brave.

Every journey starts with a small step—and a big gulp of courage.

1. People Might Think You’re Weird—And That’s Okay

Let’s face it: introverts make up nearly half the population, yet we’re told that being “quiet” isn’t ideal. From school group projects (ugh) to workplace meetings, society celebrates the loudest voice in the room.

But traveling as an introvert flips that script. You start to realize that solitude is a superpower. You see things others miss, the subtle shift of light on an old stone wall, the rhythm of daily life in an unknown café, the quiet joy of watching a sunrise alone.

So, when people say, “You’re traveling alone? Isn’t that lonely?” smile and say, “Actually, it’s peaceful.”

Being alone isn’t lonely, it’s a luxury.

2. You Plan Your Trips Around Your Mood (And That’s Smart Travel)

One of the best parts about solo travel for introverts is flexibility. You don’t have to negotiate breakfast times or sightseeing schedules. You can simply be.

Sometimes that means exploring from dawn to dusk, and sometimes it means spending a whole day reading at the place you are staying. I’ve learned that balancing social time with solitude keeps me from burning out.

When I need connection, I’ll book a small-group class or join a day tour. When I need quiet, I’ll find a cozy café, put on my noise-canceling headphones, and people-watch for hours.

Pro Tip: Book private rooms in hostels or B&Bs—you’ll meet people when you want to, and retreat when you don’t.

The best itinerary? The one that matches your mood.

3. Quiet Destinations Are an Introvert’s Dream

I’ve learned that certain places just fit introverts. Think small towns, beach stays, or road trips, places where silence feels sacred and crowds are few.

Quiet destinations allow you to think, breathe, and reconnect. You’ll find that creativity flows more easily when surrounded by natural stillness rather than city chaos.

That said, I do enjoy a bit of urban mayhem now and then—like the sensory overload of New Orleans or the electric pulse of Nashville. I love it for about three days. Then I’m done.

Solitude isn’t isolation, it’s serenity.

4. Dining Alone Is an Art (Not a Tragedy)

Here’s the thing: eating solo doesn’t mean you’re lonely. It means you’re confident enough to enjoy your own company.

I bring a book or jot notes in my journal while savoring a local meal. It’s become one of my favorite rituals, observing, reflecting, and tasting the world one bite at a time.

Pro Tip: Choose restaurants with bar seating or outdoor patios—perfect spots for solo diners who love people-watching without the small talk.

A table for one, please.

5. Noise-Canceling Headphones: The Introvert’s Survival Tool

Planes, buses, and trains’ noise follows you everywhere when you travel. Noise-canceling headphones are my best friend. They’re not just for music; they’re a polite “Do Not Disturb” sign.

Pro Tip: Download ambient playlists or local podcasts before your trip; they’re great for tuning out chaos while still soaking up the culture.

Silence on demand: every introvert’s travel essential.

6. Slow Travel Is the Secret to Sanity

When I first started traveling, I tried to see everything. Every landmark, every museum, every “must-do.” I burned out fast.

Now, I embrace slow travel. I stay longer, explore deeper, and let the days unfold naturally. Slow travel gives you time to find your rhythm, get to know locals, and fall into a routine that feels less like a trip and more like life.

It’s also when I do my best writing. Solitude sparks creativity; rushing kills it.


Slow down—you’ll see more when you stop hurrying.

7. Embracing the Awkward Moments

As an introvert, even simple things like asking for directions or sitting alone in a restaurant for the first time can feel monumental. I’ve literally written out scripts before calling customer service abroad.

But here’s the secret: every awkward encounter makes you stronger. You learn to laugh at yourself, to stumble through challenges, and to find joy in imperfection.

Lost? Probably. But I’m learning.

8. The Beauty of Being Invisible

Introverts have a gift: we blend in. While extroverts attract attention, introverts observe.

That’s what makes solo travel magical: we see the small, unnoticed details that others rush past. The quiet exchange between shopkeepers. The way sunlight filters through old windows. The unspoken rhythm of a city waking up. It’s great to get lost in a crowd where no one knows you.

Pro Tip: Spend one day just observing, no camera, no phone. Let your senses lead. You’ll experience travel in a completely new way.

You don’t have to be seen to see truly.

9. When Plans Change, Celebrate It

When someone cancels plans while I’m traveling, I secretly smile. It means I get my alone time back.

Don’t fight it, embrace it. Use those moments to recharge, write, or wander without direction. Some of my best adventures have happened when plans fell through.

Sometimes the best company is your own.

10. Self-Acceptance: The Ultimate Souvenir

If there’s one lesson solo travel for introverts has taught me, it’s this: stop apologizing for who you are. You don’t need to explain why you’d rather read than socialize, or why you need a quiet morning and coffee before sightseeing.

You travel for you, not for validation, not for Instagram likes, but to explore the world around you.

So the next time you feel guilty for choosing solitude over socializing, remember: your peace is priceless.

Travel teaches you how to love your own company.

Final Thoughts

Solo travel for introverts isn’t about escaping people; it’s about discovering yourself in the spaces between. It’s about finding comfort in silence, beauty in solitude, and courage in curiosity.

So pack your bags, grab your journal, and explore at your own pace, in your own way.

If you loved this post, check out my guide, 10 Ways to Be an Eco-Conscious Traveler, for simple ways to explore the world while caring for it too.

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!

– Beth