Here in Pennsylvania, we love some foods so much that we don't even bat an eye at how unusual they may seem to others. Watch the video below to see the reactions of West Coast residents when they sample birch beer, scrapple, Yuengling beer, ham pot pie, and whoopee pies. They liked most of the unique Pennsylvania treats, but their confused initial reactions are priceless.
We all have that one restaurant we go to when we crave comfort and a guaranteed delicious meal. It’s the backup after a busy day when we don’t feel like cooking, the perfect spot to catch up with friends, and the first place we recommend when celebrating the simple things in life, like the start of a new school year. Over the years, this nostalgic restaurant near Pittsburgh has become our go-to, a spot well worth trying next time you've got a craving for good food and yesteryear.
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My daughter and I had just given our order to the server as we sat in a two-person booth when I looked up at the wall next to me and the nostalgia hit. A framed Pirates scorebook, with Jay Bell on the cover, hung right above me. I have the same one from 1992 at home, bought at one of the many games I went to that year. Part of why we keep coming back to Max & Erma's in Monroeville is the familiarity and memories.
Beth Price-Williams
Max & Erma’s is one of those family-friendly restaurants in Pittsburgh with a laidback vibe and a menu that has something for everyone, whether you’re a diehard carnivore or a vegetarian. Our first visit was more than a decade ago, after a day of exploring the Christmas decorations in downtown Pittsburgh. Back then, Max & Erma’s had more locations, including one in the city, but we’re still fortunate to have one in my hometown, making it easy to stop by for a meal or pick food up to take home.
If you visit when it’s warm, you might want to sit on the outdoor patio. There’s ample indoor seating, although it’s not uncommon to have a short wait, especially on the weekends and around dinnertime. My favorite spot is near the fireplace on a cold winter day, but all the seats are comfy.
Beth Price-Williams
The menu hasn’t changed much over the years, or maybe we just haven’t noticed because we have our favorites and don’t usually stray too far from them. If you’re really hungry and don’t mind leftovers, try one of the starters. From loaded tots and onion rings to nachos and soft pretzel sticks, you have plenty from which to choose. Portions are generous, so you might want to share. The soft pretzel sticks are divine, and the nachos topped with cheese and other favorites are enough for an entrée.
The nostalgic restaurant near Pittsburgh makes the best tortilla soup around; it’s cheesy and sprinkled with shredded cheese and tortilla strips. If you like it hot, the soup is perfect, although sometimes it's hotter than others. The Tasty Twosome is a good option if you’re not too hungry and visit before 5 p.m. Pair a bowl of tortilla or French onion soup with a salad or a baked potato. The soup and baked potato combo is surprisingly filling but not so much that I’m too stuffed to have freshly baked chocolate chip cookies for dessert.
Beth Price-Williams
Browse the menu that's brimming with a full range of classics from entrée salads and burgers to steaks and more than half a dozen burgers. I’m not typically a fan of beans or veggie burgers, except Beyond and Impossible, but Max & Erma’s makes a tasty black bean burger that’s well worth trying, whether you eat meat or not. While the fries, particularly when topped with cheese, are delicious, I haven’t found a restaurant that makes baked potatoes as perfectly, so that’s my side of choice. My teen always orders the hand-breaded chicken tenders with fries and coleslaw, and she leaves with leftovers every time. The portions are huge and fill the entire plate.
Even if you don’t have time or an appetite for dessert, order some to go. The chocolate chip cookies and funnel fries are heavenly, and the menu also features New York cheesecake, chocolate cake a la mode, and banana cream pie.
If you go: Download the app, and join the Good Neighbor Rewards. Scan your receipt every time you visit to earn points. Once you earn 150 points, you receive $10 off. Members also get a new reward every Monday – a free cup of tortilla soup, for example – and a birthday treat, too.
If you have favorite nostalgic restaurants in Pennsylvania, fill out a nomination form, and tell us about them. Ready to get out and explore more of Western Pennsylvania? Set off on one of the best hiking trails in Pennsylvania. Find a comprehensive list, including hiker reviews and photos, on AllTrails+.
When looking at menus these days, it seems like the prices keep going up and up. It's hard to find a place that serves hearty portions at a reasonable price, especially if you're looking for a workday lunch that won't break the bank. That's why it's always so great to find a classic spot that feels like it hasn't changed in decades, and that's exactly what I found at the Golden Gate Diner, an old-school diner in Allentown, Pennsylvania, that has been open since 1986. This working-class diner has an extensive menu, but it might be most beloved for its reasonably-priced lunch menu, where almost everything is under $10. I first discovered this diner on an unconventional road trip in the summer of 2024, and I can guarantee it's going to be a destination for me when I'm in town.
The Golden Gate Diner has been around for almost 40 years now, and while it nearly closed a few years back, it's still open bright and early every morning with hours that go into the evening.
The lunch menu is the highlight here, offering salads, sandwiches, and smaller portions of entrees, all for under $10, along with some heartier options for those who want to make lunch their main meal of the day.
For dinner, hearty favorites abound, including steak, liver and onions, pasta dishes, and regular specials. You can even find corned beef and cabbage on the menu when St. Patrick's Day rolls around!
But whatever you order, you'll want to save room for dessert. The old-school dessert fridge, featuring cakes and pies, is one of the highlights here and the perfect finish to dinner - or lunch, or breakfast!
Have you visited this iconic diner in Allentown, Pennsylvania? If not, tell a friend and go for a lunchtime visit. You can see the full menu on the Golden Gate Diner website, and the Golden Gate Diner Facebook page is where you'll want to go to see the latest specials. If you're spending the night in Allentown and want a place to sleep nearby, we recommend a room at the Renaissance Allentown Hotel, which is located right in the heart of the city's dining and entertainment scene.
