guides

Pennsylvania Restaurant Chains ~ The Best Places for PA Foodies!

January 11, 2024

Cheesesteaks and scrapple and shoo-fly pie, oh my! These are just a few must-try foods that are unique to Pennsylvania.

Whether you're visiting the Keystone State for the first time or you're a local foodie who likes to sample a bit of everything, we've rounded up some of Pennsylvania's favorite restaurant chains that you'll surely want to experience for yourself.



11 restaurant chains that are ONLY in Pennsylvania

Explore a world of flavor without even leaving the state. From breakfast to dessert, Mexican to Italian to Japanese, these delicious restaurant chains (with 5 or more locations) can ONLY be found in Pennsylvania. The rest of the world will have to wait... for now.

Burgatory Bar
Come hungry to one of Burgatory Bar's nine Pennsylvania locations to get your fill of ridiculously thick and spun-to-order shakes, decadent all-natural Angus Beef burgers, and creatively crafted libations for the 21+ crowd. Burgatory offers a gluten-free menu as well!

Crazy Mocha Coffee Company
With 10 locations in and near Pittsburgh, Crazy Mocha Coffee Company offers delicious coffee and desserts as well as freshly roasted blends to brew at home.

The Fresh Works
Since 1996, The Fresh Works has been whipping up a variety of delectable sandwiches with the freshest ingredients around. Dine on hoagies, steaks, wraps, burgers, tots, and more at one of five local restaurants the next time you visit Philadelphia.

Isaac's Restaurant
Starting in 1983, Isaac's Restaurant has been serving grilled sandwiches with fun bird-themed and flower-themed names. Find these delicious eats at more than a dozen restaurants throughout eastern Pennsylvania.

Pamela's Diner
With five Pittsburgh area locations, Pamela's Diner has been serving up delicious eats since 1980. Select from sweet or savory breakfast and lunch favorites including omelets, hash, crepe-style hotcakes specialty toasts, sandwiches, and salads.

Pasquale's Pizzeria
Pasquale's Pizzeria offers the finest pizzas, hoagies, salads, and wings at six locations in the Pittsburgh area. Get your fast, fresh fix in-store or delivered to your door.

Presto Fast Italian
With six Pennsylvania locations, Presto Fast Italian serves up healthy, vibrant pasta... fast! Choose your pasta, veggies, protein, and sauce to customize a fresh meal to your liking.

The Milk Shake Factory
Give in to your sweet tooth at one of the Milk Shake Factory's 10 Pennsylvania locations. Delight in gourmet milkshakes, sundaes, and floats, or take your pick from the selection of signature chocolates, including a Pittsburgh Penguins chocolate hockey puck!

Neato Burrito
Neato Burrito cooks up California Mission-style burritos at five locations in the Harrisburg area. Fill up on fresh ingredients with menu items that include vegetarian and gluten-free options as well.

Roburrito's Famous Burritos
Fresh delicious burritos are the heart and soul of Roburrito's Famous Burritos. Chow down at one of five Pennsylvania locations or order from their catering menu.

Spread Bagelry
Enjoy an array of fresh, creative bagel masterpieces at one of eight Spread Bagelry locations in Pennsylvania. With more than a dozen spread options, there's a perfect flavor for every bagel enthusiast.



Restaurant chains that are PRIMARILY in Pennsylvania

The next Insomnia Cookies or Bruster's Ice Cream? These Pennsylvania-born restaurants have taken on the national stage with more locations outside the state... We're keeping an eye on these!

Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar
What started as a small sandwich cart during the Great Depression has transformed into the ultimate sandwich haven with more than 30 locations nationwide. Be sure to try the famous Pitts-burgher sandwich! Foodies can also find Primanti Bros. in Florida, Maryland, West Virginia, Michigan, and Ohio.

Primo Hoagies
Founded in 1992 in South Philadelphia, Primo Hoagies offers old-fashioned-style Italian specialty sandwiches. Hoagie lovers can also find these mouth-watering sandwiches in more than 100 locations primarily in Pennsylvania and in six additional states including Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey, and Colorado.


Know of other family-friendly restaurant chains in Pennsylvania that we should add to this list? Contact your Macaroni KID publisher to tell us about your favorites!