Local Restaurants Are Flippin’ Burgers & Layering on the Toppings
They’re the star of summer cookouts, a staple on game day and the unsung hero of those spontaneous late-night snack runs. We’re talking burgers, and here in NEPA, you don’t have to look too far to find some incredible sandwiches.
The beauty of the humble hamburger is that it’s so versatile. You can keep it classic with ketchup and American cheese on a sesame seed bun. Or you can shake it up with creative toppings, from avocados and Sriracha (maybe hipsters are onto something) to heaping portions of mac and cheese. And we can’t forget the crazy, over-the-top sandwiches that you just have to see to believe.
We’ve gathered up a list of some of NEPA’s well-known burger spots, from laidback corner bars to trendy restaurants with a foodie flair. Classic burger joints, retro diners, gourmet brewpubs and more all bring their own unique style to the table, but one thing’s for sure: our local restaurants definitely know their way around a grill. You better come hungry, because we’ve got a whole list of burgers to try.
Dunmore, PA
This bar serves over 15 signature burgers, plus a killer lineup of craft beers and cocktails. Try the East Meets (Mid) West, a Velveeta-stuffed patty topped with sharp provolone, caramelized onions, mushrooms and fried onions. Or go for the Rum Runner 2.0, which is stacked with cooper cheese, crispy bacon, onion rings and rum and Coke BBQ sauce.
Kingston, PA
This burger joint makes over a dozen creative sandwiches with all the fixin’s. The AB! is a twist on a classic cheeseburger with bacon, cooper cheese, chipotle mayo, lettuce, tomato and onion. Add in some fresh-cut fries and a chocolate milkshake, and you’ve got it made.
Bloomsburg, PA
This brewery and restaurant serves a full menu complete with tons of awesome burgers. The Crab Dip Burger is a fan favorite topped with decadent, homemade crab and shrimp dip and jack cheddar cheese. Or try the huge Main Street Burger layered with bacon, BBQ sauce, cheese and beer battered onion rings.
Scranton, PA
Proven fact: burgers are even better with beer. Luckily, this craft beer bar has over 500 bottles and dozens of drafts to make the perfect pairing. Take our word for it and order one of their gourmet pub burgers with a scoop of Backyard’s mac n’ cheese on top.
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Anthracite Café is famous for their seasoned, savory black angus burgers and wild flavor combos. That said, you’ve got to try the Middleswarth Cheeseburger, a monster of a sandwich stuffed with crumbled BBQ chips and cheese and topped with bacon, cowboy sauce, cheddar cheese, lettuce and tomato.
Milford, PA
Follow the glow of the neon sign to this authentic, stainless steel diner. This little piece of Americana been around since 1956, and they sure know how to do a burger right. Take a seat at the counter and enjoy everything from classic cheeseburgers to specialty sandwiches smothered in toppings.
Scranton, PA
This restaurant and bar has a cool-meets-upscale vibe, right down to their gourmet smashed burgers. Parade Day or not, the Guinness Burger is a must-try with braised onions and beer cheese on toasted brioche. Foodies will love The Truffler Burger with smoked gouda, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles and house-made truffle aiolo.
Exeter, PA
The pitmasters are the experts on barbecue, but they make a mean hamburger too. Burgers topped with pulled pork and brisket can’t be beat, but the real standout is the Not So Patty Melt. It’s a burger with bacon, fried onions and signature sauce between… wait for it… two grilled cheese sandwiches. Comfort food at its finest.
Tannersville, PA
Barley Creek is a craft brewery, distillery and brewpub, all under one roof. Their top-notch burgers go way beyond regular pub fare. Try the brunch-worthy Hangover Cure, an all-beef burger topped with fried egg, hickory smoked bacon and American cheese.
Clarks Summit & Wyoming, PA
Go freestyle and build your own burger. Booyah has plenty of toppings: avocado, mac and cheese, bacon, you name it. Order it with sides like the loaded fries or their famous wing bites.
Nanticoke, PA
This bar is famous for their wings (which come in over 80 flavors), but their burgers definitely hold their own too. You’ll need a napkin for the “R” Pub Burger, which is marinated in their classic pub wing sauce, then finished with cheese, even more wing sauce, lettuce and blue cheese dressing.
St. Clair, PA
This historic hotel turned Irish pub is said to be an old hangout spot for the Molly Macguires. Grab a pint of Guinness and a Keg Pub Burger with creamy Keg sauce, fried egg, sauteéd onions and American cheese.
Moosic, PA
Slow-roasted barbecue meets a half-pound burger at this bar and restaurant at The Shoppes at Montage. For the best of both worlds, try the Mountain Burger, which is piled high with brisket, pulled pork, bacon, shaved ham, BBQ sauce, cheddar, cheese sauce and onion straws.
Plains, PA
Fifteen made-to-order specialty burgers round out the menu at this neighborhood bar and restaurant. The Ghost Pepper Burger is a spicy triple threat with jalapeños, ghost pepper sauce and pepper jack cheese. And the Bacon Infused Burger is a little slice of crispy, savory heaven.
Tunkhannock, PA
Homemade food is the name of the game at this restaurant, and their incredible burgers are no exception. Try the Swamp Burger with onion rings, barbecue sauce and beer cheese on a pretzel roll. The Orchard Burger is a sweet and savory combo with grilled apples, bacon, cheddar cheese and maple mayo.
