From January 17-26, Erie Restaurant Week showcases and supports Erie’s diverse cuisine scene. With more than 60 local eateries participating, there’s something for everyone to try from savory to sweet, traditional to quirky. Here are five stand-out Erie Restaurant Week dishes worth biting into.    

Explore all of Erie Restaurant Week menus, and remember, each meal could win you $100!

1. Purple Ruth Curry at Like My Thai: At Like My Thai, the show-stopping Purple Ruth Curry is a vibrant dish, and not because of its bold colors. This rich and colorful creation from Chef and owner Mike Augustine features a creamy coconut milk and beet gravy, blended with house-made green and red curry pastes for a perfectly balanced flavor. Packed with tomatoes, yams, bok choy, and carrots, it’s finished with fresh cilantro, green onions, crunchy bean sprouts, and a beet-pickled egg. Customize the dish with your choice of protein and spice level.
   
   
2. The Erie Dogg - Erie Ale Works and E. Dogg’s Hot Dogs: While Erie Ale Works may not have a kitchen, they do invite local food truck vendors to set up shop. During the colder months, E. Dogg Hot Dogs pops up Wednesday through Saturday, offering up gourmet hot dogs including the Erie Dogg, a must-try during Erie Restaurant Week. Starting with a ¼-pound Erie-made Smith’s hot dog, E. Dogg Chef Eric Longley adds American cheese, thick-cut bacon, Erie Greek sauce, and pierogi to build this masterpiece, piled inside a fresh roll from Erie’s Majestic Baking Company. Erie Ale Works co-owner Jeff McCullor recommends pairing one of their hoppy beers to balance the Erie Dog’s richness such as a cold pint of Cold Leftovers IPA or the hazy, aptly named Bongcloud Attack IPA.  
   
   
3. Pollo a la Vodka at Mi Scuzi Ristorante: An effortless blend of indulgence and sophistication, the Pollo a la Vodka at Mi Scuzi Ristorante highlights the culinary artistry of Chef and owner Michael Farsace. Tender breaded chicken breasts are paired with delicate asiago-stuffed gnocchi in a luscious vodka sauce with a touch of cream for perfect balance. Fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous finish to this rich and satisfying dish. This plate promises an authentic celebration of Italian cuisine.
   
   
4. Short Rib Thai Chili Pizza at Five Iron Golf: Five Iron Golf is known for its state-of-the-art simulators and putting greens, but it’s also a hidden gem for great food. The Short Rib Thai Chili Pizza is a culinary ace, proving that this Downtown sports venue is just as impressive in the kitchen. Melt-in-your-mouth braised short rib is paired with the zesty heat of Thai chili, served on a perfectly crisp house-made 12” artisan crust, a satisfying balance between savory and spicy.
   
   
5. The Pig and Parsnip Pie at Lavery Brewing: Executive Chef Tyler Fails and Sous Chef Matty Jaskiewicz teamed up to craft a hearty, winter-inspired pizza that feels as comforting as it does creative. Built on Lavery’s house dough, the pie features a smoky parsnip pesto base, crispy lardons, and shaved Brussels sprouts, finished with a balsamic drizzle. "We wanted to showcase a true winter-themed dish,” Chef Fails says. “Pork, parsnip and Brussels sprouts all fit that profile. I enjoy alliteration and calling pizza 'pie,' so naming this dish was part of the fun.” The result is a savory, smoky, and slightly sweet pie with earthy and tangy notes. Pair it with Lavery’s Belfast Black Smoked Porter for a smoky, robust complement.