On this page you will find information on Pocono Area Restaurants and Dinning Events
- Bon Appétit
“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”
— Virginia Woolf (A Room of One’s Own)
September- This Month’s Pick for an Interesting Epicurean outting
Best Bets
September 2 – The Settlers Inn at Bingham Park in Hawley will host a Wine Chat with the Wine Chick with resident Sommelier and wine professional Leslie Chappell-Britt. Every Friday at 5:00pm Leslie leads participants through the intriguing and not-so-mysterious world of wine with tastings, workshops and discussions. This will be an informal, unassuming and entertaining hour to kick off your weekend! There is a $12 tasting fee. Space is limited; please RSVP. The Settlers Inn is located at 4 Main Avenue in Hawley, near Lake Wallenpaupack. Call the Inn with Wine Chat questions at (570) 226-2993 or toll-free 1-800-833-8527. www.thesettlersinn.com
September 3 & 4 – The aroma of garlic-y goodness will fill the Shawnee Valley over Labor Day weekend when the 17th Annual Pocono Garlic Festival returns to host site Shawnee Mountain Ski Area in Shawnee-on-Delaware! Indulge all of your garlic fantasies at this legendary event, featuring flavorful foods liberally laced with Pocono-grown garlic plus a fantastic variety of entertainment. Presented by the Pocono Garlic Growers Association, this premier food festival and Pocono Mountain tradition offers a sampling of local farms, food vendors, wineries, eateries, crafters and entertainers. The Pocono Garlic Festival attracts as many as 25,000 people annually, and organizers say that this year’s event may be the largest in its history. Over 50 vendors will provide a wide range of foods, from simple to sophisticated and geared towards the “foodie” with discerning taste buds, while local artists and crafters exhibit a variety of hand crafted garlic-themed creations, from homemade wood items to garlic-themed pottery and paintings. Non-stop live music showcased on three stages, plus educational demonstrations, novelty shows and plenty of children’s activities make this a great family event! Hours for the 17th Annual Pocono Garlic Festival are 10:00am to 6:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. Admission will be charged. Shawnee Mountain and the Pocono Garlic Festival are easy to find on Hollow Road in Shawnee-on-Delaware, just off Interstate 80 exit 309. Call (570) 421-7231 or log on to www.shawneemt.com for more information. Check out www.poconogarlic.com too!
September 3 thru 5 – The 36th annual La Festa Italiana returns to Courthouse Square in Downtown Scranton for Labor Day Weekend! This three-day festival is an end-of-summer tradition that annually attracts thousands of visitors. Celebrate Italian-style with food, music and culture! More than sixty vendors will offer a wide variety of authentic Italian food and many displays, while continuous live entertainment will be featured. Hours for La Festa Italiana are 11:00am to 10:00pm on Saturday & Sunday and 11:00am to 9:00pm on Monday and admission is FREE. The annual Mass in Italian will be celebrated at 10:00am on Sunday, Sept. 4 in St. Peter’s Cathedral, located one block from the festival site. And don’t miss the big Fireworks Display that will be launched at 10:00pm on Sunday night! For festival schedules, directions and other information, log on to www.lafestaitaliana.org or call (570) 348-4921 or (570) 344-6798.
September 30 – The Settlers Inn at Bingham Park in Hawley will host a Wine Chat with the Wine Chick with resident Sommelier and wine professional Leslie Chappell-Britt. Every Friday at 5:00pm Leslie leads participants through the intriguing and not-so-mysterious world of wine with tastings, workshops and discussions. This will be an informal, unassuming and entertaining hour to kick off your weekend! There is a $12 tasting fee. Space is limited; please RSVP. The Settlers Inn is located at 4 Main Avenue in Hawley, near Lake Wallenpaupack. Call the Inn with Wine Chat questions at (570) 226-2993 or toll-free 1-800-833-8527. www.thesettlersinn.com
By Date
Daily – Free Brewery Tours and Free Beer Tasting, 12:30pm at Barley Creek Brewing Company, Sullivan Trail and Camelback Road in Tannersville. Reservations are not required and brewery tours are followed by free beer tasting. Group tours are also available by appointment. To find out more about this authentic brewpub & restaurant, call 629-9399 or log on to www.barleycreek.com.
September 9 – The Settlers Inn at Bingham Park in Hawley will host a Wine Chat with the Wine Chick with resident Sommelier and wine professional Leslie Chappell-Britt. Every Friday at 5:00pm Leslie leads participants through the intriguing and not-so-mysterious world of wine with tastings, workshops and discussions. This will be an informal, unassuming and entertaining hour to kick off your weekend! There is a $12 tasting fee. Space is limited; please RSVP. The Settlers Inn is located at 4 Main Avenue in Hawley, near Lake Wallenpaupack. Call the Inn with Wine Chat questions at (570) 226-2993 or toll-free 1-800-833-8527. www.thesettlersinn.com
September 16 – The Settlers Inn at Bingham Park in Hawley will host a Wine Chat with the Wine Chick with resident Sommelier and wine professional Leslie Chappell-Britt. Every Friday at 5:00pm Leslie leads participants through the intriguing and not-so-mysterious world of wine with tastings, workshops and discussions. This will be an informal, unassuming and entertaining hour to kick off your weekend! There is a $12 tasting fee. Space is limited; please RSVP. The Settlers Inn is located at 4 Main Avenue in Hawley, near Lake Wallenpaupack. Call the Inn with Wine Chat questions at (570) 226-2993 or toll-free 1-800-833-8527. www.thesettlersinn.com
September 17 – Today is Apple Butter-Making Day at scenic Bushkill Falls in Bushkill! Watch and help in the making of delicious homemade apple butter in a 50-gallon copper pot that needs to be continuously stirred; visitors are welcome to try their hand at stirring the pot! The batch will be ready for pouring and sale sometime in mid-afternoon. Be sure to buy some to take home! There will also be Bluegrass music by The Lost Ramblers from noon until 4:00pm, and Wildlife Demonstrations with live birds and animals at 1:00pm and 2:00pm. Rain date for Apple Butter-Making Day is Sunday, September 18. Bushkill Falls is centered on eight roaring waterfalls and features miles of nature trails and picnic areas, plus paddle boats, miniature golf, fishing, exhibits, specialty shops and more. The famous Pocono Mountain attraction is located off of Route 209 in Bushkill and it opens to the public every day at 9:00am through November 27. Call Bushkill Falls at (570) 588-6682 or see their website www.visitbushkillfalls.com.
September 17 – The Hawley Fire Company will host their Annual Chicken Barbecue from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the Hawley Fire House, 17 Columbus Avenue in Hawley (behind the Post Office). Take-out only. Proceeds benefit the Hawley Fire Department. Call (570) 226-9820 or (570) 226-9318 for more information or to reserve dinners
September 24 & 25 – The 15th annual Shawnee Mountain PRCA Rodeo and Chili Cook-Off returns to Shawnee Mountain Ski Area in Shawnee-on-Delaware! It’s a rip-roarin’ real live rodeo in the Poconos! Experience the thrill of professional cowboys competing in fully sanctioned PRCA events including Saddle Bronc Riding, Bareback Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Calf Roping, Team Roping and Bull Dogging! Professional cowgirls will also be competing in Barrel Racing. Live country music, line dancing and craft and food vendors add to the weekend festivities. The gates open at 11:30am on Saturday & Sunday and the Rodeo action starts at 2:00pm. Slopeside seating will be available to all spectators, so bring your blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the events! Come early on Saturday and again on Sunday for the 5th annual Chili Cook-Off and sample some of the Poconos’ finest chili recipes! Shawnee Mountain Ski Area and the PRCA Rodeo & Chili Cook-Off are easy to find on Hollow Road in Shawnee-on-Delaware, just off I-80 exit 309. Call (570) 421-7231 for more information or log on to www.shawneemt.com.
Some of Our Favorite places to
Dine Anytime
HAWLEY
The Settlers Inn at Bingham Park, 4 Main Avenue, Ph: 226-2993 or 1-800-833-8527: An artfully restored craftsman-style hotel. Savor the unique cuisine, made with only the freshest locally grown produce, seasonal game and fish, plus artisan breads and desserts baked at the Inn. Dine on the terrace overlooking the garden or in the comfortably elegant dining room. Select from a diverse menu featuring traditional favorites as well as nouveau cuisine. Serving lunch from 12:00pm to 2:30pm and dinner from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. Four-diamond AAA rating. Visit www.thesettlersinn.com.
PARADISE VALLEY
Crescent Lodge & Country Inn, junction Routes 191 & 940, Ph: 595-7486 or 1-800-392-9400: Magnificent is the word for the Surf ‘n’ Turf, stuffed trout, juicy sirloin with onion rings, or chef’s special pasta. This fine dining and lodging establishment offers delightful appetizers and extraordinary salads and desserts. The Starting Post Cocktail Lounge serves the finest in spirits, and an excellent Pub Menu. Live piano music on weekends is a perfect accompaniment to your delicious meal! The restaurant at the Crescent Lodge is open 7 days a week for candlelight dining of distinction. Early Bird specials on Sundays, starting at 4:00pm. Reservations are appreciated. Private cottages feature whirlpools, fireplaces, and decks. Enjoy walking and fitness trails, and check out the nearby spa and casino! Visit www.crescentlodge.com.
POCONO PINES
VanGilder’s Jubilee Restaurant & Pub in the Pines, Route 940, Ph: 646-2377: The Jubilee, aka the Breakfast King of the Poconos, offers unique and delicious breakfasts from 7:00am until 3:00pm every day. For lunch, the Jubilee serves up yummy burgers, wraps, paninis, sandwiches, soups, and salads. The dinner menu includes appetizers, pasta, steak, and seafood. Enjoy your favorite cocktail and munchies in the adjoining Pub in the Pines, a popular local nightspot. With 15 beers on tap, big screen TVs, pool tables, darts, and a deck, the Pub is the place to watch your favorite game or check out some great live entertainment. Specials include Pasta Mondays, Steamer Tuesdays, Peel & Eat Wednesdays, and Wing Nights on Thursdays and Sundays! Dinner is served from 4:00pm daily. Roll over to “the Jube” online at www.breakfastking.com.
POCONO LAKE
Robert Christian’s Restaurant & Bar, Route 940 Pocono Lake, Ph: 570-646-0433: Robert Christian’s offers a family friendly and cozy environment for patrons to enjoy the American Continental menu. Great Soups and Salads with fresh bread are the started for any entrée. Enjoy this Pocono staple and the mature entertainment in the bar area on weekends. Robert Christian is also the long time supporter of the Pocono Polar Bear Plug held every winter. Open 7 days a week for Dinner – Thursday thru Sunday for Lunch. Also offering a private room for functions and can accommodate large groups for dinner anytime!
POCONO SUMMIT
Tokyo Tea House, ½ mile west of I-380 on Route 940, Ph: 839-8880: Savor authentic dining traditions of Japan in a meticulous decor of paper art and teakwood. Dine on the freshest sushi, sashimi, fish, steaks, seafood and delightful vegetarian specials in an atmosphere of Oriental elegance. Partake of the tea, sake, wine or beer most suited to your palate and meal, either at the sushi bar or in the dining room. Tokyo Tea House is open every day except Tuesday for lunch from 12:00pm to 3:00pm, and dinner from 5:00pm to 10:00pm. A private room is available for parties, showers and meetings.
SHAWNEE-ON-DELAWARE
The Bistro, located on River Road, by the Golf Shop of the historic Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, Ph: 1-800-SHAWNEE x1480: Dine with a backdrop of beautiful views of the historic Shawnee Inn and championship golf course. Open for lunch and dinner. The menu offers a variety of sandwiches, wraps, paninis, and salads. For beverages, they feature fresh squeezed lemonade, beer, wine, and an array of vacation-fun drinks. For more information, visit www.shawneeinn.com.
The Gem and Keystone, located on River Road, near the historic Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort. Ph: (570) 424-0990: Home of ShawneeCraft artisanal beers, handcrafted and brewed on the premises. The varied menu features local produce, all natural meats, Pennsylvania farmstead cheeses, and sustainable seafood. Weekly specials, live entertainment, merchandise, and gift certificates are available. Open for lunch and dinner daily, including a quality kids’ menu. Visit www.GemAndKeystone.com!
River Room, located on River Road, at the historic Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort. Ph: 1-800-SHAWNEE x1432: The River Room is a great fine dining choice in the Pocono Mountains, with a scenic view that surrounds the resort. Breakfast features made-to-order eggs and omelets (on weekends and holidays), homemade granola, smoothie of the day, fresh fruits and berries. The lunch and dinner menu features game entrees that can be found in the local area, with a variety of fish and pasta options. Check out Tuesday Veranda Bites, featuring a special appetizer and drink served on the gorgeous veranda of the Inn, just $11.95++ every Tuesday from 5:00pm to 7:00pm! The River Room is guaranteed to be a nutritious, delicious dining experience. For more information visit www.shawneeinn.com.
SKYTOP
Skytop Lodge, Route 390, Ph: 1-800-345-7759 or 595-7401, ext. 465: Historic Skytop Lodge boasts two extraordinary dining venues! Lakeview Restaurant features American Modern cuisine served amidst panoramic views of the mountains, the golf course, and Skytop Lake. Wine connoisseurs will appreciate the international wine list. The Windsor Dining Room, located in the Lodge, features American fare with a view of the gardens and a “wine of the evening.” Both offer children’s menus and light entrees. An array of homemade desserts, estate coffees, and cordials completes this superb experience. Skytop is a Wine Spectator Magazine award-winner. Both restaurants require men to wear a coat; a tie is optional. Appropriate attire for ladies is suggested, and reservations are requested. www.skytop.com.
SOUTH STERLING
The French Manor, off Route 191, 8 miles south of I-84 Exit 20, Ph: 676-3244 or 1-877-720-6095: Gourmet French cuisine, a superb wine list, and a spectacular mountain view from a castle-like manor modeled after an estate in the south of France. The French Manor has been featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer as “dinner fit for a king.” Serving dinner most evenings. Jackets are required, and reservations are suggested. Casual dining is also available in the new Hanna’s Café at the French Manor, serving dinner and cocktails nightly! Four-diamond AAA rating. Visit online at www.thefrenchmanor.com.
TANNERSVILLE
Barley Creek Brewing Company, Sullivan Trail & Camelback Rd., Ph: 629-9399: “The Creek” is the Pocono Mountains’ Original Brewpub and Restaurant. Everything at the Creek is handcrafted, from the post and beam timber-frame building, the award-winning food, to the handcrafted ales and lagers. Originally an 1880’s farmhouse, Barley Creek boasts a big, rustic atmosphere, a deck for brews with a view, a pavilion, and wiffle ball stadium available for catering, private parties, and pick-up games. Barley Creek brews world-class ales and lagers onsite in its own English brewhouse. Enjoy free brewery tours and free beer tasting every day at 12:30pm, and by appointment for groups. Come hungry because they serve up great food from soups and salads, to genuine pub fare, steaks, and fresh seafood. Daily specials like Monday sliders, Tuesday wings, Wednesday Mexican, Thursday steaks, and Friday steamers! There’s a children’s menu, a treasure box, and a game room. Happy Hour runs from 3:30pm to 5:30pm Monday through Friday. Find Barley Creek in the fork between Sullivan Trail and Camelback Roads, 1 mile past the Crossings Factory Outlets and 2 miles shy of Camelback Mountain Resort (exit 299 off I-80). Open every day. Surf the Creek at www.barleycreek.com.
Smuggler’s Cove, Route 611, Ph: 629-2277: “Fresh fish for a few clams!” Enjoy casual dining at its best at Smuggler’s Cove, a Tannersville landmark. The menu features items such as Coconut Shrimp, Mussels Milano, Oysters/Clams on the Half Shell, Spaghetti Bolognese, Seafood Pomodora, Live Lobsters, London Broil, USDA Prime Steaks, slow-roasted Prime Rib, North Atlantic Seafood fresh daily from market, Crab & Lobster Cakes, and Chicken Francaise, Marsala or Piccata. Enjoy the Fresh Garden Salad Bar and let the little ones order from the separate Children’s Menu. Special luncheon and lounge menus are available. Open every day at 11:30am for lunch & dinner in a casual and comfortable atmosphere just minutes from the Crossings Outlets and Camelback Ski Area. Reservations are accepted and large parties are welcomed. Visit online at www.smugglerscove.net
