How many times in your life have you entered a restaurant, only to leave once the host tells you the wait time? A dining experience has got to blow your socks off if you’re going to stand around waiting for an hour, or if you’re going to call weeks in advance for a reservation. Here are a few popular restaurants in Pennsylvania that can be difficult to get into, yet are absolutely delicious and worth your efforts.

1. Talula's Table, Kennett Square
Talula's Table/ Facebook
Talula's Table/ Facebook
Talula's Table is not only the most exclusive restaurant in Pennsylvania, but it has a reputation for being one of the toughest reservations in the country. The gourmet farm-to-table restaurant takes reservations one year in advance for its single table, which feeds one party per day. The restaurant even has its own Wikipedia page. To learn more, visit the website for Talula's Table in Kennett Square.
2. The Squeeze-In, Sunbury
The Squeeze In/ Facebook
The Squeeze In/ Facebook
The Squeeze-In isn't exclusive in terms of your needing to make a reservation, but rather in terms of actual square footage. Good luck fitting yourself and a few friends inside this historic hot dog joint; the squeeze is well-worth it to the many dedicated customers who have eaten their hot dogs at the orange counter since childhood. Check out The Squeeze-In's website to learn more.
3. Lautrec at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Farmington
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
Laturec is one of the fanciest, most expensive restaurants in the Pittsburgh area. A meal for two can easily creep towards $1,000 for an eight course meal complete with wine pairings recommended by an in-house sommelier and a complimentary bon bon cart that completes the experience. Reservations are, of course, recommended. To learn more, visit the website for Lautrec restaurant in Pennsylvania.
4. Laurel, Philadelphia
Laurel Restaurant BYOB/ Facebook
Laurel is often lauded as one of the most popular restaurants in Pennsylvania and one of the best 100 in the nation. Its interior is small, and reservations are difficult to snag— so difficult, in fact, that one Yelp reviewer encouraged her readers by writing, "As Audrey Hepburn told me once: "Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!'" Visit the website for Laurel Restaurant to learn more.
5. Franco's Lounge, Restaurant, & Music Club, Williamsport
Franco's Lounge, Restaurant & Music Club/ Facebook

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Franco's Lounge, Restaurant & Music Club/ Facebook
Franco's is a wildly popular Italian restaurant in Williamsport that often has live music and entertainment. Due to its small size, if you want to get a table during peak times, making a reservation is a good idea. For the latest information, visit the website for Franco's Lounge in Pennsylvania.
6. Bolete, Bethlehem
Bolete Restaurant/ Facebook
Many critics hail Bolete as the best restaurant in the Lehigh Valley. Located in a renovated farm house, its cozy interior is quite intimate, and reservations are required. Be sure to book in advance to enjoy this sumptuous cuisine. Check out the website for Bolete Restaurant to learn more.
7. Shady Maple Smorgasbord, East Earl
Shady Maple Smorgasbord/ Facebook
See that? That is a lot of people waiting to eat at the famous Shady Maple Smorgasbord. You will wait in line to pay, and then to be seated, but after that, be prepared to be overwhelmed by great food— especially if buffets are your thing. The huge gift shop and farmer's market make the experience well worth a wait. Visit the website for Shady Maple Smorgasbord to learn more.
8. Café La Maude, Philadelphia
Café La Maude
Café La Maude/ Facebook
Café La Maude attracts a huge brunch crowd in the City of Brotherly Love. Reviewers go wild over their extensive selection of menu items and the friendly waitstaff who are accommodating even during the busiest of times. To learn more, visit the website for Café La Maude in Philadelphia.
9. DeLuca's Diner, Pittsburgh
DeLuca's Diner/ Facebook
DeLuca's Diner/ Facebook
Another delectable brunch spot, DeLuca's is located on Pittsburgh's famous Strip. It was once featured on the show Diner's Drive-ins, and Dives. Open since 1958, you can spot a long line outside of DeLuca's each Saturday and Sunday morning. To learn more visit the official Facebook page for Deluca's Diner.
10. Tired Hands Brewing Company, Ardmore
Tired Hands Brewing Company/ Facebook
Tired Hands Brewing Company is the spot to be in the Main Line if you like beer. Even if you're not a brewery connoisseur, their food is also to die for. You can expect to wait about an hour to be seated, depending on when you arrive; they do not take reservations. For the latest information, visit the website for Tired Hands Brewing Company in Ardmore.

Have you been to any of these popular restaurants in Pennsylvania? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And if we happened to leave your favorite eatery off the list, nominate it for a chance to be featured.

Craving some down-home comfort food? Check out these delicious mom and pop restaurants in Pennsylvania.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

popular restaurants in Pennsylvania

Elisa Regulski | November 02, 2020

What are the most famous restaurants in Pennsylvania?

Looking for an amazing place to eat? Check out our list of the most famous restaurants in Pennsylvania. From cozy diners to upscale eateries, our state has it all.

What kind of food is Pennsylvania known for?

When most people think about food in Pennsylvania, their mind goes to Philly cheeseteaks. But this is just the beginning of our rich culinary history! Want to learn more about the famous dishes in Pennsylvania? Here are 12 Iconic Foods In Pennsylvania Every Pennsylvanian Has Tried Once.

What are the best upscale restaurants in Pennsylvania?

Char's Tracy Mansion is one of the best upscale restaurants in Pennsylvania. If you want to treat yourself to a scrumptious and elegant meal, this is the perfect place to go. If you loved this place, be sure to check out Altius in Pittsburgh. Everyone adores their wonderful meals and impeccable service.

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Featured Addresses
102 W State St, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA
448 Market St, Sunbury, PA 17801, USA
Nemacolin, 1001 Lafayette Dr, Farmington, PA 15437, USA
W Laurel St, Philadelphia, PA 19123, USA
12 W 4th St, Williamsport, PA 17701, USA
1740 Seidersville Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
Shady Maple Smorgasbord, 129 Toddy Dr, East Earl, PA 17519, USA
816 N 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123, USA
2015 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA
16 Ardmore Ave, Ardmore, PA 19003, USA