Every Pennsylvania restaurant has that one characteristic that sets it apart from all others - whether it's a unique setting like a former library, or it serves sandwiches topped with fries. There's another Pennsylvania restaurant, a locally-founded and run chain, that's known for a few things, too. If you haven't been to this Pennsylvania institution, you probably want to add it to the top of your must-visit list.
With nearly 60 locations throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia - the majority are in Western PA - Eat 'N Park has been a favorite neighborhood restaurant since 1949.
Dishing up classic breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes, the family-friendly restaurant boasts a local following and is perhaps best known for two things. See which comes to mind first when you hear the phrase "whatcha smiling about?"
Maybe it brings up happy holiday memories of an adorable little star struggling to climb atop a Christmas tree, a classic ad that signals the start of the Christmas season. (Keep scrolling; the ad's here, too.)
Or perhaps that first thought goes to the always-welcomed smiley cookie, a cookie so popular it's even the restaurant's...
Mascot. We've all met the life-sized smiley cookie at least once.
Eat 'N Park has a smiley cookie for every occasion - like the Pirate's home opener - and holidays, including Valentine's Day, Easter, and Halloween.
You can even buy a kit with cookies and icing to design your own smiley cookies.
Every kiddo gets a free smiley cookie with their meal, a pretty good way to convince them to eat all of their food.
If you order ahead and go to the pick-up window, you can also score a free smiley cookie as the driver.
Adults can buy a smiley cookie for 99 cents or, if one isn't enough, purchase a dozen. However, Eat 'N Park has also hosted free smiley cookie days, including on Mother's Day, in the past.
While the smiley cookie's a draw, it's the food that keeps Pennsylvanians coming back for more. The breakfast menu features all of the classics - omelets, pancakes, and French toast.
From burgers (meat or veggie) to chicken tenders, the lunch/dinner menu offers something for every taste. Check out the salad bar, too, that's brimming with veggies, soups, and other goodies.
View locations and a menu on the Eat 'N Park website. Or, stop by its Facebook page.
Take a stroll down Memory Lane, thanks to YouTuber julzsie.
Do you have a favorite Pennsylvania restaurant that serves a free cookie or other treat with meals? Let us know in the comments! If you've lived in Pennsylvania for any amount of time, you've likely had some of these iconic Pennsylvania foods. Which are your favorites?
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