Plan Your Year of Dining: 12 Must-Try Pennsylvania Restaurants

A brand-new year usually means making resolutions. Whether or not we keep those resolutions, however, is an entirely different story. How about pulling out the ol' bucket list to make an easy-to-keep resolution for the new year? We've hand-picked a dozen of the best restaurants in Pennsylvania, one for each month of the year.

1. January: The Kimberton Inn – Kimberton

Experience a delicious piece of history at The Kimberton Inn, which dates back to 1796. The historic restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu brimming with delicious dishes, including shrimp cocktails, filet mignon, and Maryland crab cakes. The menu, which also features vegetarian options, changes each evening. If you do plan to visit in January, be sure to call ahead and reserve a seat by the fireplace. The Kimberton Inn is open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Closed Mondays.

2. February: The Log Cabin Restaurant – Leola

Look for the sign, right next to a quaint covered bridge, that announces your arrival at the enchanting Log Cabin Restaurant, which offers some of the best dining in Pennsylvania. Score a seat near the fire during the colder months, or request a table outdoors on those lovely days. The restaurant serves an assortment of appetizers, small plates, and entrees geared toward both carnivores and vegetarians. This charming Pennsylvania restaurant is open Monday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Closed on Sunday.

3. March: Ron’s Crooked Hill Tavern – Sanatoga

If you're willing to travel a bit off the beaten path, plan a meal at Ron's Crooked Hill Tavern. Kick back, relax, and dig into such favorites as pierogis, BBQ pork ribs, and meatloaf. The kiddos even have their own menu at this hidden gem in Pennsylvania that offers indoor dining and a covered patio. Take a peek at the deliciousness that awaits at this bucket-list restaurant in Pennsylvania. Open Monday to Tuesday from 3 p.m. to midnight, Wednesday to Saturday from noon to 2 a.m., and Sunday from noon to midnight.

4. April: Annie Lee’s Southern Kitchen – Ambridge

Indulge in a taste of the South at Annie Lee's Southern Kitchen, a cozy restaurant that's known for its famous catfish. Order a sandwich or just the filet, and pair it with such authentic Southern sides as mac and cheese or collard greens. We certainly think Annie Lee's Southern Kitchen is one of the best restaurants in Pennsylvania. Hours are Wednesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from noon to 7 p.m.

5. May: Black Forest Deli & Catering – Bethlehem

Pennsylvanians are all about pierogis, and you'll find some of the best homemade pierogis in Pennsylvania at Black Forest Deli & Catering. The homemade pierogis have even been named the best in the Lehigh Valley. Take a peek at the rest of the menu, which features Eastern European dishes such as haluski and homemade Ukrainian Borsch. See why you should add this delicious Pennsylvania eatery to your restaurant bucket list. Open Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday.

6. June: Mac Mart – Philadelphia

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food, mac and cheese, at Mac Mart in Philadelphia. The popular mac and cheese joint dishes up the classic dish and a variety of takes on it. Try such favorites as the mac and cheese with tater tots and the BBQ mac and cheese. Chances are, your first visit will not be your last. Open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.

7. July: Frosty Jacks – Pittsfield

Go on a picnic at Frosty Jacks, an outdoor diner that is perfect on a sunny summer day. (Picnic tables are covered, so you don't have to worry if it looks like rain.) The menu is just what you'd expect from a beloved diner—burgers, hot dogs, and pizza. Pair your main dish with a hearty helping of onion rings or cheese fries. Don't forget to save room for an ice cream treat, too. Dining in Pennsylvania doesn't get much more fun than at this Pittsfield restaurant. Open Monday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday to Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. (closed between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.), and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

8. August: Talula’s Garden – Philadelphia

An enchanting culinary adventure awaits at Talula's Garden, which offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Colorful flowers and plants decorate the outdoor dining area, which is ideal on a summer day. Indoor dining is cozy for the rest of the year. The farm-to-table restaurant features an assortment of favorites—from fried chicken to roasted salmon. And the presentation is absolutely stunning. Open for dinner Monday to Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Brunch hours are Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

9. September: Asiago’s Tuscan Italian Restaurant – Johnstown

Marvel at simply spellbinding views of downtown Johnstown from your seat at Asiago's Tuscan Italian Restaurant. For an even more memorable experience, take the Johnstown Inclined Plane to get to the restaurant. Dine indoors or outdoors on such favorites as spaghetti, baked lasagna, and jumbo cheese ravioli. Pro tip: Order the donuts for dessert and you will not be disappointed! Come and discover why this is one of the best bucket list restaurants in Pennsylvania. Open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

10. October: Fezz’s Diner – Coudersport

Treat yourself to an old-school dining experience at Fezz's Diner in the small town of Coudersport. Do yourself a favor and try the diner's vast assortment of breakfast offerings. The portions are generous and the food is sensational. If you're not in the mood for a breakfast dish, you'll find an assortment of diner classics on the menu—from burgers, patty melts, and home fries to malted milkshakes. Will you add this adorable Pennsylvania diner to your restaurant bucket list? We think you should. Open Thursday to Monday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

11. November: Big Jim’s Restaurant – Pittsburgh

You'll feel right at home at Big Jim's Restaurant, best known for its massive food portions and its absolutely humongous fish sandwich. The laid-back eatery focuses predominantly on comfort foods. Dig into a piping hot pizza, calzone, or a classic Reuben sandwich, for example. Take a peek at the deliciousness that awaits at this unassuming restaurant in Pennsylvania. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

12. December: Three Oak Steakhouse – Easton

A warm ambiance defines Three Oak Steakhouse, an enchanting restaurant with a tree trunk right in the restaurant. (You have to see the handmade fixtures and decor to really appreciate the vibe.) Tucked away in the hidden gem of Easton, this steakhouse earns rave reviews for its steak, which is served on a 500-degree Fahrenheit plate. Make sure you add this unique steakhouse in Pennsylvania to your restaurant bucket list this year. Open from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday. Closed Mondays. Reservations are recommended.

From little-known eateries to award-winning restaurants in Pennsylvania, this list really does have something for everyone. Send this article to your favorite foodie and then get ready to road trip to some amazing restaurants this year.

Up for even more adventures? Take a look at our list of 26 experiences we can't wait to cross off our Pennsylvania bucket list this year. Before you leave, plan your getaway with the help of Only In Your State's itinerary planner to make the adventure one to remember.