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The Tastiest Foodie Day in Downtown Erie, PA

Thursday Jan 12th, 2023

Some of the region’s favorite foodie hangouts are found throughout Erie’s downtown. An assortment of breweries, cafes, restaurants, and taverns are dishing up everything from classic pub grub to inspired cuisine. To help you navigate through all the delicious choices, we’re serving up our suggestions one course at a time to give you the tastiest foodie day experience. We’ve even added in some food for thought stops along the way. Bon Appetit!

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Breakfast

The Bayfront Grille at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast paired with amazing waterfront views at this atypical hotel restaurant. The chef-inspired cuisine features a menu of traditional breakfast items (they use real eggs!) and seasonal selections. Our hands-down favorite is the chorizo breakfast bowl. This heaping helping of Cajun breakfast potatoes, two over easy eggs, house-made sauce, scallions and a blend of red bell pepper, onion, and chorizo is everything you crave for breakfast, all in one flavor-packed bowl.

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Take a Break

Tucked around the corner of 5th and State Streets, Glass Growers Gallery is filled with unique items including kitchenware. From novelty kitchen towels and oven mitts to pottery pieces for serving and baking, Glass Growers has a tempting selection of fun foodie gifts.

Unlock your taste buds with the flavor sensations found inside Buona Cucina Oils and More. With more than 55 varieties of single-source olive oils, infused olive oils, vinegars, cooking salts, and herbs, they have all the ingredients (and recipes) you need to create the perfect dish.

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Lunch

The Flagship City Food Hall is downtown Erie’s newest culinary kid on the block, boasting nine local vendors offering everything from bagels and baba ghanoush to shrimp boils and sundaes. There are so many delicious choices, we don’t think you should settle on just one dish. Get creative and make your own Flagship City Food Hall lunch sampler! Here’s our picks:

  • Apple pie smoothie - Taste & See Fruit and Veggie Bar
  • Orange cranberry bagel - Jo’s Brooklyn Bagel Too
  • Baba ghanoush and falafel wrap - Shawarma Station
  • Garlic parm shrimp boil – Taste of Love
  • Tostones (twice-fried plantains) – Dina’s Authentic Dominican Kitchen
  • Pierogi Day pizza – Perry’s Pizza
  • Royal Japchae – Noodlelove
  • Cheesesteak – North Row Philly
  • Butterscotch and red raspberry sundae – The Straw Hat
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Intermission

Visit the Hagen History Center for their extensive collection of Griswold Ironware products, set inside the Watson-Curtze Mansion. Founded in Erie in 1868, Griswold had a world-wide reputation for high quality, cast iron cookware that is lighter and smoother than large-scale manufacturers, making them popular collector’s items.

 

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Dinner

Get transported south of the border at Julius, where authentic Mexican cuisine comes with a twist. Your journey begins with sopes, crispy masa cakes served with beans and salsa. Continue on with the house special, Chuleta de Puerco, a tender braised pork chop flavored with orange juice and spices. End your meal on a sweet note with a creamy, dreamy flan custard dessert served with a layer of caramel.

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End on a High Note

Toast to your fabulous foodie day with a pint at Erie Ale Works. One of the original craft breweries of the Lake Erie Ale Trail, Erie Ale Works combines simple ingredients and a passion for the craft to produce a unique assortment of beers with funky flavors and names such as Key Board Warrior and Feisty Seagull. Their most popular beer, Tattooed Lady, is a light, crisp, and refreshing blond ale with 4.6% ABV.

Partner Spotlight

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The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant & Tavern

The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant & Tavern is sure to give you an unforgettable and care-free dining experience. Enjoy a nautical atmosphere with a beautiful view of Presque Isle Bay.

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Dobbins Landing

Located on the southeast shore of Lake Erie, the Port of Erie has been promoting industrial, commercial, and recreational opportunities on the waters of Lake Erie since 1959.

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U Pick 6 Craft Beer Pubs & Restaurants

Erie’s own local craft beer pubs are a must-visit! With 4 great locations, just pick one that’s convenient for you! A casual, family friendly dining experience with something for everyone! To view our menu, check out what’s on tap, or get to directions to our pubs, learn more now!”

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Winter at Port Farms

Whether you’re searching for the perfect Christmas tree or a place to experience a magical horse-drawn sleigh ride, plan a trip to Port Farms! Join us at Santa’s Workshop every weekend for visits with Santa, live music, crafts, cookie decorating, and holiday food & drinks! We also offer cut-your-own trees, pre-cut trees, freshly made wreaths, holiday décor, and other great gifts throughout the week. Activities are a la carte. Plan an enchanting Christmas experience at Port Farms today! Plus, check out our new brewery, Poverty Knob Farmhouse Ales!

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UPMC Hamot - See What Makes Us Different

UPMC Hamot is a 458-bed hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania, offering a full complement of inpatient and outpatient services. The hospital serves as a regional referral hub and is the only accredited trauma center in the region.

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814 Photo

Showcasing the incredible year round beauty of the City of Erie and its surrounding areas, commonly referred to as its area code "the 814". Explore some of Erie County's most breathtaking landscape photography.

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AHN Saint Vincent- Award-Winning Medical Care

AHN Saint Vincent has been here from the beginning, providing award-winning inpatient and outpatient medical care. Need express care? We’ve conveniently placed AHN facilities on the west and east side of Erie, just walk-in! AHN Saint Vincent is not only recognized locally (Erie’s Choice- Best Hospital) but nation-wide, so you can expect high-quality care, greater safety, and better results.

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ASCEND Erie - Climbing | Fitness | Yoga

NOW OPEN! ASCEND fosters a community-centered climbing, fitness, and yoga experience by serving individuals and groups of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Located in Downtown Erie, ASCEND welcomes Erie visitors to stop in and give climbing a try!

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Fall Events at Peek'n Peak

Join us at Peek'n Peak Resort for a Fall adventure you won't want to miss! From the 35th Annual Fall Fest on October 14-15 and 21-22 to the epic German Beer Fest known as the Wurst Party Ever on November 4 and the hilarious Medieval Feast Dinner Theater on November 10-12 & 17-19, there's something for everyone! Check out our full event schedule and secure your tickets now at pknpk.com/events.

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Millcreek Mall

The Millcreek Mall features more than 160 stores, restaurants, and fun for the whole family on Upper Peach Street, Erie’s most popular shopping district! Shopping in Erie means no sales tax on clothing or shoes. Choose from a variety of hotels located on the Mall property and just minutes away at the intersection of Peach Street and Interstate 90.

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Outdoor Dining at the Bayfront Grille

The Bayfront Grille Restaurant at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel is a relaxed hotel eatery offering American fare all day in a scenic setting with a patio & bay views. Experience a fresh take on casual dining, from breakfast to dinner, with creative menu selections and regional cuisine in our waterfront restaurant. Please check Open Table for reservations or contact the restaurant directly at 814-454-2005.

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Erie Events

Erie Events manages a four facility entertainment complex that includes the Warner Theatre, Erie Insurance Arena, Bayfront Convention Center and UPMC Park. These four venues host a variety of events that include world-class entertainment, family friendly shows and sporting events.

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Country Fair

We proudly opened our doors in Erie in 1965. A lot has changed between now and then, but our mission remains the same – offer fresh food, from our favorite local brands, at a convenient location. In one stop, you can fill up your gas tank and grab breakfast, lunch, groceries and a bottle of wine or a 6-pack to go. We look forward to serving you and your family during your trip to Erie!

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Mazza Vineyards and the South Shore Wine Company

The Mazza family welcomes you to explore 3 unique locations in Lake Erie Wine Country. Sip and savor award-winning wines at Mazza Vineyards and the historic South Shore Wine Company, both located in North East, PA, and be sure to visit their combination winery, distillery and brewery, Mazza Chautauqua Cellars/Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing, in nearby Westfield, NY.

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