For many, East Stroudsburg is ‘that exit off I-80’, or ‘that gateway to the Poconos’. It’s where you refuel en route to hiking trails or glimpse quaint Victorian homes. But these dining spots demand a purposeful stop. The likes of local artists, outdoor adventurers, and weekend escapees have savored meals here—now it’s your turn to join their ranks.
Bliss Cheesecakes Cafe and Grill
$ | (570) 730-4558 | WEBSITE
We like to visit Bliss Cheesecakes Cafe and Grill for the kind of comfort food that tastes home-cooked. It’s cozy and you can always find parking, and the menu is consistent and delicious. There are the usual burgers and soups if you’re hungry, and don’t miss the French Onion soup, which is a rich broth with caramelized onions, melted cheese, and crusty bread.
Pizza Palace Pizza & Grill
$ | (570) 431-6050 | WEBSITE
Just down the road from Thousand Trails Timothy Lake. We favor this unassuming pizza spot for a quick family dinner or casual lunch, and you can build your own satisfying pizza pies. Our regular pick is the classic cheese pizza with that perfectly crisp golden-brown crust and understated marinara sauce. Add a couple of classics on the side, like the creamy chicken fettuccine alfredo or the fantastic white pie, and grab a booth in the cozy dining area up front.
Pizzaro’s
$ | (570) 223-1888 | WEBSITE
After settling into East Stroudsburg, Pizzaro’s has become a staple in the local dining scene, and this family-friendly spot is simply satisfying. Its casual setup is efficient and welcoming all at once, with warm lighting and generous portions featuring comfort foods you’ll want to savor. When we visited, the Chicken Vodka Parmesan Hero with perfectly cooked chicken and a creamy, buttery sauce stood out.
Tonino’s Pizza
$ | (570) 424-7373 | WEBSITE
If authenticity is what you’re after in your pizza, Tonino’s Pizza has got you covered. This local favorite has what we like to refer to as ‘the Sicilian switch’. Flip the Sicilian switch and your traditional slice, praised for its perfect dough-to-sauce ratio, will transform into a thick, airy masterpiece with just the right cheese and tomato sauce on top. We very much like it, and it’s a really satisfying and reasonably priced place to know about in the Poconos.
Jimmy’s Ice Cream
$ | (570) 664-8685 | WEBSITE
East Stroudsburg has some pretty nice ice cream spots where you don’t have to break the bank to treat yourself. Jimmy’s Ice Cream does excellent frozen treats at a decent price, and it also comes with some exciting options. Expect your ice cream to be paired with anything from popcorn to vegan milkshakes to cakes—things that sound like they wouldn’t work, but actually do brilliantly.
Rare & Rye Steakhouse
$$$ | (570) 664-7136 | WEBSITE
Rare & Rye Steakhouse is a cozy, welcoming steakhouse that feels both special and completely approachable. It’s the kind of place where you could comfortably bring a date, your whole family, or a group of friends without any pretense. The food is consistently excellent: don’t miss the shrimp and polenta small plate, explore the other starters, and definitely make sure you try one of their perfectly prepared steaks.
The service is friendly and attentive, and the happy hour cocktails are a pleasant surprise. It’s an easy, satisfying spot that makes everyone feel accommodated.
Salsa King Restaurant
$ | (272) 271-3033 | WEBSITE
Salsa King is from the same tradition as the best Latin kitchens, and just like its vibrant, welcoming, and salsa-fuelled cousins, this Spanish eatery is a restaurant to celebrate in. It’s a lively take on the Caribbean, with colorful decor and music setting the walls, diner-style booths filling the space, and enough home-cooked flavor to make a regular customer swoon. The food is the main attraction, and that really matters because you’re here for the taste.
La Rosa Pizza
$ | (570) 588-1400 | WEBSITE
Sinking your teeth into the crispy, cheesy slice of pepperoni and mushroom pizza at La Rosa Pizza, a local joint, is the most satisfying we’ve ever felt eating pizza. The whole place feels like a neighborhood institution come to life. Come during lunch for excellent pies with savory pepperoni, earthy mushrooms, and that great crust and sauce.
In the evenings, booths fill up with families enjoying classic combos and simple but reliable dishes: cheesy slices and hearty portions that keep regulars coming back.
Pocono Bagels and Deli
$ | (570) 424-0440 | WEBSITE
Somewhere between stepping into the Poconos deli, catching that first whiff of fresh-baked bagels, and taking a bite of a meatball sandwich piled high with perfectly seasoned beef and pomodoro sauce, you’ll realise this is some of the finest deli food in East Stroudsburg. The take-out only, conveniently located spot knows its crowd (those who crave food so hearty and satisfying it’s almost indulgent) and duly delivers.
Every bite and sip is like being welcomed into comfort by a warm bagel with wings.
Farmhouse Eatery Crystal Street
$$ | (570) 420-7522 | WEBSITE
Farmhouse Eatery is a charming breakfast-and-brunch spot that’s perfect for introducing friends to the joys of farm-to-table classics, beautifully prepared eggs Benedict, and a flight of mimosas. The seats at the bar are nice, but the homely interior at the back is where the real festivity is. Farmhouse Eatery’s a little pricey, but for the experience, and a few rounds of Mac and cheese jerk chicken and delicious drinks, it’s worth the cost and it’s especially good for a small group hang.
Muller’s Diner
$ | (570) 223-7966 | WEBSITE
This Poconos diner is a casual eatery where you’ll find an excellently crispy, spicy wing platter that’ll leave your fingers messy and your appetite satisfied. The space is welcoming and charming with a spacious layout and classic diner décor, and there are kitchen lights that stay on late, even on Fridays. It’s the type of restaurant that you can head to for a quick in-and-out meal, or happily spend a quiet evening enjoying the homemade soup and attentive service.
Lewis’s Drive-In
$ | (570) 213-8375 | WEBSITE
Lewis’s Drive-In is a delicious and nostalgic take on a drive-in. The outdoor seating area is East Stroudsburg’s usual mix of laughing families and those trying to ignore the laughing families, while the playground gives off an energy that mixes summer camp and the fun bit of a county fair. The friendly staff will very much encourage you to try the cheesesteak and order the butter pecan ice cream for dessert—don’t resist. Lewis’s Drive-In isn’t just family-friendly, it’s also extremely enjoyable.
Guiseppe’s Pizza & Pasta
$ | (570) 588-7002 | WEBSITE
Guiseppe’s Pizza & Pasta is that rarest of neighborhood joints—one that makes you forget about the ‘chain pizza’ concept entirely. It’s welcoming, satisfying, and hums with a confidence that can only be attained when you know how to make a cheesesteak this generous and a crust this crisp. It’s a meal best enjoyed without overthinking and the daily special offers consistency, but know that the enormous cheese pizza is all hits, no duds.
There’s quick service for take-out, but we prefer dining in thanks to our long-standing love of family booths and Guiseppe’s tangy, flavorful sauce. It’s one of East Stroudsburg’s best spots for pizza.
Pub 447
$$ | (570) 730-4699 | WEBSITE
Pub 447 is the welcoming and reliably enjoyable neighborhood spot in East Stroudsburg. The experience takes after its friendly reputation with consistently good food and spectacular drinks—like their well-crafted cocktails and satisfying pub fare—but the overall atmosphere is never pretentious. And it’s another solid choice for anyone looking to enjoy a relaxed meal out, but without the fuss or high prices.