Feeling hungry? Jennie Geisler suggests trying these 9 spots during Erie Restaurant Week

Jennie Geisler, Erie Times-News
Updated ·4 min read

It's typically the slowest month of the year for restaurants. But not in Erie. Because we have Erie Restaurant Week starting Friday and running until Jan. 28.

The event this year incudes 45 participating restaurants, which are offering up specials just for the week. Every time guests dine at a participating restaurant, they can enter to win one of five $100 Visa gift cards from VisitErie, the sponsor of the celebration.

For more information, find Erie Restaurant Week details at VisitErie.com/restaurant-week.

Where to eat?

I'm playing along by sharing the restaurants of those 45 that I would suggest to anyone visiting town. I get that question a lot: "Where should I go to eat?" It makes my head spin, but I try to suggest a variety, hoping something fits the questioner's budget and preferences.

These are not necessarily in order, or in any way scientifically chosen. They're just the places (from the participating list) that I would send people who ask me the question. Maybe it'll spark readers to make their own lists to share with their out-of-town visitors. Or just make the list for the sake of conversation, which is a main point of the whole week.

You may disagree and you can send a note via email to jgeisler@timesnews.com, and we can have a friendly discussion about it. Because everyone loves lists and disagreeing about lists and talking about lists and this is also not scientifically verified by anything but my own experience.

In any case, here are my faves:

The historic Cashier's House, 413 State St., is now Bricks American Steakhouse.
The historic Cashier's House, 413 State St., is now Bricks American Steakhouse.

Bricks American Steakhouse

  • If you want to go all out and money is no object, go for a dry-aged steak at Bricks American Steakhouse, 413 State St. I don't think I'll ever have a better steak.

The Que Abides Pit Stop

  • If you want good barbecue, go for the pulled pork and stay for the souped-up macaroni and cheese at The Que Abides Pit Stop, 6990 West Lake Road, Fairview.

Lavery Brewing Co.

  • If you are into craft beer and great vittles, it's a tough call, but I'd send you to Lavery Brewing Co., 128 W. 12th St.

Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro

Dina's Authentic Dominican Kitchen

Honorable mentions

Now I can't completely leave out my own personal faves, which are not all on the Restaurant Week list. I'd send anyone to these places if they didn't like the original list for some weird reason.

Federal Hill Smokehouse

  • Federal Hill Smokehouse, 2609 Peach St., is not to be missed if you like barbecue done perfectly. The only reason I didn't put them in the top five is because its more of a takeout place. There is some seating, but their food is its raison d'etre. Get there early because they often run out.

Calamari's Squid Row

  • I take everyone to Calamari's Squid Row, 1317 State St., for lunch. Its only flaw, if you could call it that, is that it's more of a bar atmosphere, and while that doesn't bother me, it depends on the folks you're sending. Their patio seating is some of the best in town.

Nick Scott, Jr., left, demonstrates how a wall of windows can be opened to the western and northern views of Erie's bayfront in a dining area at Oliver's Rooftop in 2020.
Nick Scott, Jr., left, demonstrates how a wall of windows can be opened to the western and northern views of Erie's bayfront in a dining area at Oliver's Rooftop in 2020.

Oliver's Rooftop

  • I love Oliver's Rooftop, 130 E. Front St., atop the Hilton, where the view competes with the excellent food. And I double love Oliver's Beer Garden in midsummer when they have a good band rocking and the brews are flowing. But, again, not for everyone.

Gem City Dinor

  • If it's breakfast you're looking for, there are many options, but be sure to try Gem City Dinor, 3545 W. 12th St., the next time you need some omelet and pancakes.

If you don't want to take my word for it, and I left plenty out that I enjoy, take your pick of the list at visiterie.com/restaurant-week, and help the restaurants 'round these parts bust through the winter doldrums.

Contact Jennie Geisler at jgeisler@timesnews.com or 814-870-1885.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie Restaurant Week: 45 places to try with specials, giveaways