We’ve eaten a lot of food across Pennsylvania in 2025. Everything from back roads country spots, small town favorites, hole-in-the-wall gems, and spots that quietly blow some bigger name restaurants out of the water, After countless meals these are the 10 dishes that truly stood above the rest. You know we aren’t gate keepers, so lets get into this This isn’t hype. This is earned.
Let’s count it down.
10. Lobster Flight: The Fairgrounds Hotel (Allentown, PA)
Pinch us, is this a dream? You know we love flights and this one full of lobster. If seafood The Lobster Flight at The Fairgrounds Hotel in Allentown, PA is an absolute can/t miss. It delivers three perfectly cooked lobster tails sourced from different countries, letting you taste subtle differences in texture and flavor side by side. It’s bold, luxurious, and unapologetically extra. An absolute seafood flex that proves this historic hotel knows how to go big. The menu is packed with so many other incredible things that you probably won’t want to leave. Bonus: This place has an overcall cat theme, and it is next level. The paintings are downright hilarious, making this the perfect spot for a night out.
9. Honey Butter Club Chicken Sandwich: Big Ray’s Burgers & Dogs (Camp Hill, PA)
Big Ray’s might be known for burgers and dogs, but this sandwich steals the show for us. A perfectly fried chicken breast, juicy inside and crispy outside, gets drenched in rich, sweet honey butter that soaks into every bite. It’s messy in the best way and hits that perfect sweet savory balance that keeps you thinking about it long after it’s gone.
8. Sticky Bun: Country Store Cafe (Newburg, PA)
Do not underestimate this place. Country Store Cafe is the definition of a hidden gem. Not only is this spot a breakfast and brunch POWERHOUSE, but their sticky bun is also legendary. Warm, soft, gooey, loaded with nuts… this isn’t just a good sticky bun, it’s the best we’ve ever had. Shout out to their donuts too. This place is trouble, but the best kind! Pro-tip, go early on a weekday, because weekends are almost impossible to get in, without a large wait.
7. Six-Meat Italian Hoagie: Momma Pat’s (Duncannon, PA)
Full disclosure. We slept hard on this place, and WHAT A MISTAKE! Momma Pat’s didn’t come here to play. This hoagie is stacked: six different meats, cheese, lettuce, tomato, hot peppers, oil and vin, oregano, on a fresh perfect hoagie roll. Name a better hoagie nearby… you can’t. One of us is from Jersey and we stand by that statement.
6. Bar Pie: Fratelli’s Towne Tavern (New Cumberland, PA)
We’ve searched far and wide, and this is it. Fratelli’s bar pie is thin, crispy, and loaded with flavor, the kind of pizza that you need if you love NYC style pizza. This is a tavern first and foremost with a cozy, lively, vibe and not a traditional family restaurant. The pizza alone makes it worth the stop. Best slice around, no debate. Pro tip= pair it with their Crab Fries and you have a meal you’ll never forget.
5. Drunken Chicken Sandwich: Valley Bistro (Enola, PA)
This sandwich is beyond dangerous and we LOVE it. Valley Bistro’s Drunken Chicken is juicy, flavorful, and layered with bold beer cheese and jalapenos that elevate it beyond “just another chicken sandwich.” Honestly, this might be the best chicken sandwich we’ve ever eaten. Pro tip- Valley Bistro is a breakfast and brunch only spot. It gets BUSY on the weekends, with no reservations. We believe the best time to go is during the week, but if you go during the weekend, plan ahead and get there early.
4. Crab Fried Rice: Thai Street (Red Lion, PA)
Thai Street absolutely nails it with this dish. Fresh lump crab meat, perfectly seasoned rice, and just the right level of heat create a balanced, crave worthy dish. This is one of our favorite Thai spots. They use authentic family recipes passed down for generations and are one of the few restaurants in PA to hold the prestigious Thai Select certification, meaning every dish meets the gold standard for authenticity. If that wasn’t enough— the customer service was above and beyond
3. Chorizo Burrito: Little Mexico Tacos (Carlisle, PA)
This burrito means business. Stuffed with rich, spiced chorizo, melted cheese, and bold Mexican flavors, it’s satisfying, and unforgettable. Little Mexico Tacos delivers authenticity and generosity in every wrap. Hands down, the best burrito we’ve had.
2. 20-Inch Cheesesteak: Johnny’s Pizza (Bryn Mawr, PA)
Size matters here, and well, so does quality. Johnny’s massive 20-inch cheesesteak is loaded with tender ribeye, onions and Cooper Sharp cheese, on a seeded roll. Absolute PERFECTION. It easily goes toe-to-toe with Philly’s heavy hitters and comes out swinging.
1. BBQ Sampler: Road Hawg BBQ (Dillsburg, PA)
This is the best BBQ spot there is in PA and we aren’t backing down. After trying countless BBQ spots, this one stands alone. Road Hawg BBQ’s sampler is the gold standard: tender meats, deep smoke flavor, rich sauces, and flawless execution across the board. Every bite hits. Actually, everything on the menu is incredibly delicious and this place deserves a spot on your list.
This list is proof of what we’ve always believed: some of the best food in Pennsylvania isn’t hiding in big cities or flashy dining rooms. It’s tucked into small towns, roadside stops, and places run by people who truly care about what they’re serving. These dishes weren’t chosen because they’re trendy or viral; they earned their spots bite by bite, visit by visit.
From over-the-top lobster flights to no-frills hoagies, from life-changing chicken sandwiches to BBQ that sets the bar for the entire state, this bucket list represents the meals we’re still talking about long after the plates were cleared. If you’re planning food-driven road trips in 2026, let this be your roadmap. Support the local spots, order the signature dish, and don’t be afraid to chase a craving down a back road.
And as always, if you try any of these, tell them The Hungie Couple sent you.