The Great Debate: Pennsylvania’s Best BBQ / Pizza / Seafood Spots Ranked
In the heart of Pittsburgh’s Strip District, a neighborhood pulsing with energy and history just a few minutes northeast of downtown, you’ll find the celebrated Pittsburgh BBQ Company. This spot has earned a reputation for blending traditional Southern barbecue techniques with a Northwestern Pennsylvania twist. Their slow-smoked brisket and pulled pork, often enhanced by locally sourced hardwoods, offer a smoky depth that sets them apart. The Strip District’s industrial charm, with exposed brick walls and the bustle of market stalls nearby, creates an inviting atmosphere that complements the hearty, flavorful barbecue. Visiting in the late afternoon lets you catch the kitchen in full swing while the neighborhood buzzes with locals grabbing groceries and tourists soaking up the city’s revitalized food scene.
Traveling southeast from Philadelphia about an hour’s drive, the borough of Collingswood, just over the New Jersey border, hosts a beloved pizza spot called Nomad Pizza. Known for its wood-fired pies, this eatery captures the essence of Italian-American pizza culture with a modern twist. Their signature is a thin, blistered crust with creative toppings like roasted garlic and buratta cheese, embodying a balance between rustic and refined. Collingswood itself offers quaint streets and charming shops, making it a delightful destination. The best time to visit is early evening when the warm glow from the oven spills into the cozy dining room, setting the perfect mood for sharing a pizza fresh off the fire.
Further west in Erie, a city on the shore of Lake Erie about 90 miles northwest of Pittsburgh, the Erie Sea Grill stands out as a beacon for seafood lovers craving fresh catches from the Great Lakes. Their menu often features locally sourced walleye and perch, cooked with minimal seasoning to highlight the fish’s natural flavor. The location near Presque Isle State Park provides a serene backdrop; many diners stroll the park’s beaches and trails before or after their meal. The park’s 13 miles of trails and sandy shorelines invite visitors to explore its lagoons and marshes, making a seafood dinner here a full lakeside experience. Summer evenings, when the sun sets over the water, are particularly magical for combining a meal with the park’s natural beauty.
Heading south from Philadelphia, the town of Lancaster, about an hour and a half away, offers a deep dive into Pennsylvania Dutch culture, which extends to its food traditions. At the Shady Maple Smorgasbord, visitors can experience a massive selection of smoked meats that include their famous pit-smoked ribs and unique scrapple dishes. The vast dining hall buzzing with families and bus tours gives a sense of communal celebration around food. Nearby, Lancaster County’s rolling farmland and historic covered bridges provide an idyllic setting for exploring after your meal. Fall, when the foliage transitions to fiery reds and golds, is a wonderful time to visit both the restaurant and the surrounding countryside, infusing the day with a true sense of harvest season.
In downtown Philadelphia, the bustling Italian Market district has long been a beacon for pizza purists and food adventurers alike. Here, places like Pizzeria Vetri combine authentic Neapolitan cooking techniques with local Pennsylvania ingredients. Wood-fired ovens crank out pies with pillowy crusts and fresh mozzarella, often enjoyed alongside a stroll through the vibrant market stalls selling everything from fresh basil to imported charcuterie. The area’s lively atmosphere, enhanced by colorful murals and street vendors, invites visitors to immerse themselves in Philadelphia’s rich culinary mosaic. Visiting on a weekend morning lets you watch bakers and vendors set up, adding to the sensory immersion.
Up in the Pocono Mountains, about two hours north of Philadelphia, Barley Creek Brewing Company provides a unique twist on the barbecue experience nestled among the region’s forested hills. Their smoked meats, including brisket and ribs, marry well with craft beers brewed on-site. The rustic lodge setting, with its stone fireplace and wooden beams, offers a cozy refuge after a day hiking trails like the Bushkill Falls Gorge Trail, which features a series of cascading waterfalls—a six-mile loop with moderate climbs rewarding hikers with stunning woodland views. Autumn is particularly special here, as the changing leaves create a vibrant backdrop for both outdoor adventures and hearty meals.
Along the Delaware River in the city of Philadelphia, the iconic Old City neighborhood is home to the venerable seafood institution, The Oyster House. Renowned for its fresh oysters and clam chowder, this restaurant draws from the bounty of the Atlantic while maintaining a connection to Pennsylvania’s riverine roots. After indulging in seafood, visitors can wander Old City’s cobblestone streets, visit the nearby Independence National Historical Park, or explore museums dedicated to the nation’s founding. The blend of history and flavor makes this neighborhood a rich cultural experience. Springtime brings a crisp vibrancy to the air, perfect for combining fresh seafood with outdoor walks along the river.