The Best Restaurants in the Pocono Mountains

Glass is an upscale ($$$) wine bar at The Ledges in Hawley, perched above Paupack High Falls with a sophisticated, slightly trendy waterfront feel. Expect rotating contemporary small plates for sharing, an ambitious wine and cocktail program, and one of the more striking dining views on the lake. It suits date nights, celebrations, or groups lingering over drinks without a full tasting-menu commitment—request outdoor seating when weather allows. Reservations and early arrival are smart if the view matters.

An American seafood kitchen on Lake Wallenpaupack in Hawley, serving water-inspired dishes, inventive classics, an extensive wine list, and weekly live music. The deck is one of the better sunset spots on the lake, good for a lively group dinner or relaxed drinks. Prices run mid-to-upper range ($$$) with a casual, lively vibe rather than formal. It's a busy, high-volume waterfront spot where the setting is the main draw, so reserve ahead on live-music nights or clear-weather weekends.

This Lake Harmony tavern serves burgers, steaks, wings, and hand-cut fries in a casual dining room with a patio and full bar overlooking Big Boulder Lake. Live music plays Thursday through Saturday, and it gets louder as the night goes on. Moderately priced, it's best for an easy walk-in with groups or families coming off the lake or slopes rather than a formal occasion. It's popular but crowded on weekends—come early for a quieter patio table, later for music and crowds. Casual dress, no reservations expected.

A Lake Harmony institution since 1987, known for live music, karaoke, and a nightclub vibe alongside pub fare like burgers and wings. Casual by day on the deck, it turns lively on weekends with DJs, bands, and a crowded dance floor. Moderate ($$) prices and a waterfront setting, best enjoyed outdoors in warm weather. People come more for atmosphere than food. Great for group celebrations and bachelor/bachelorette parties; couples wanting a quiet, romantic dinner should look elsewhere.

Housed in a historic stone chalet built to evoke the French countryside, this South Sterling restaurant serves classical and nouvelle French cuisine in an elegant room with a 40-foot vaulted ceiling, two large fireplaces, and terrace seating for mountain views. As one of the region's most formal, top-price ($$$$) dining spots, it's ideal for anniversaries, milestone celebrations, romantic weekends, or big group nights out, with a wine list and tasting menus to match. Reservations are strongly recommended due to limited seating.

Moya offers innovative, elegant cuisine in one of Jim Thorpe's most talked-about dining rooms, taking a more ambitious, contemporary approach than most historic district spots. The upscale, sophisticated setting calls for fine dining attire rather than casual wear, with $$$ prices matching the level of cooking. It suits date nights, anniversaries, celebrations, and business dinners, and also accommodates larger groups with advance notice. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and during the busy fall foliage season when downtown Jim Thorpe fills up quickly.

Stone Row Pub & Eatery is a gastropub in an exposed-brick Race Street dining room, serving local, organic, farm-to-table pub fare — including a local-beef burger and seasonal small plates — with a rustic, buzzy, casual vibe. Mid-range ($$) pricing makes it an easy default for Jim Thorpe evenings, from a family dinner after the trails to a small celebration. Located in the walkable historic district, it pairs easily with a downtown stroll — though it's worth arriving early or calling ahead on busy weekends, especially with a larger group.

A casual, rustic family-style American restaurant in Greentown, minutes from the park, known for its elk meatloaf and Beef-alo burger — a favorite refuel spot for hikers and campers. The hearty, filling menu is distinctive for the area, and the family-style setup suits larger groups. Come straight off the trail in hiking boots; nobody minds. Mid-range ($$) pricing makes it practical for a family dinner or night out. Expect an unfussy, filling stop rather than fine dining.

Signature: Elk Meatloaf

The Water's Edge at Grange Valley, in Mount Pocono, offers lakeside, fireside, or patio seating and a scratch kitchen serving American cooking from fresh, well-sourced ingredients. The room feels casual yet upscale, making it a good fit for family dinners, low-key celebrations, or larger groups. Expect $$$ pricing—above a weeknight meal but short of destination fine dining. Ask about water-view or patio tables in good weather, or request fireplace seating in colder months.

A local favorite for authentic Thai food, offering a change of pace from the area's steakhouses and pub fare. The menu covers staples like pad thai, curries, and stir-fries with adjustable spice levels, prepared with care despite the casual, strip-mall setting. Tables suit families and groups splitting dishes, and takeout works well too. Pricing is moderate ($$), making it an easy midweek dinner option. Worth knowing about early in a trip, since groups often return — once to dine in, once for takeout.