11 Can't Miss Dishes Around Town

Adamov

Food has always been an important part of Erie life. We have such a fantastic array of local, independently-owned restaurants to choose from, and for many, checking them off one-by-one has been a badge of honor. Over the course of the last 12 months, patronizing these restaurants has become even more important, not just for our appetites and our sanity, but for keeping these places afloat with our orders. As indoor dining slowly opens up, many Erieites are still living the to-go lifestyle, and for good reason. Takeout remains the #1 option for those trying to be safe, and all of these dishes are available in that fashion. Have you ever wondered what you should try out at a new place? Feast your eyes on this helpful list of some of our favorite takeaways from some of the best Erie-area restaurants, each with menus filled with plenty of other items that will assuredly tickle the tongue as well. But don't take our word for it, let your taste buds be the judge. The following is our second annual selection of a few of our personal favorites. We started with ten and added one for good measure. Bon Appetit!

(Listed in alphabetical order by location)

What: Casablanca Platter

Where: Casablanca Grill

Vibe: Exploratory and exemplary

On the Menu as: Entrées/House Specialties

Price: $15.99

This "experience of many flavors'' features Casablanca's signature Hummus, Baba Ghanouj, Tabooli, Fattoush, Dolma, Falafel, and Fatyer B'Jibin. Discover delicious and exciting flavors from Mediterranean and Middle East cuisine from one of Erie's best-loved locales.

What: Brick Chicken

Where: The Cork 1794

Vibe: Fulfilling and flavorful

On the Menu as: Dinner Menu/Entrées

Price: $24

Red Letter Hospitality's gem of a dish at its West Erie Plaza flagship restaurant consists of a half chicken, cilantro, tahini, yogurt sauce, and sumac with garlic potatoes and asparagus. One of the mainstays of The Cork's ever-evolving menu, the Brick Chicken is one of their chefs' favorites and a favorite of its discerning patrons as well. 

What: Sausage Gravy over Biscuits

Where: Freeport Restaurant

Vibe: Decadent and delicious

On the Menu as: Breakfast Menu/Sides and Additions

Price: $6.45, $5.25 for half order

You may not think that such a standard staple as sausage gravy over biscuits would be worth mentioning, but you clearly haven't had them from North East's Freeport. Featuring their homemade Country Sausage, their blend of ingredients transcends your standard breakfast fare. It's oddly invigorating for such a rich dish, and only available on weekends.

What: Gem City Omelette

Where: Gem City Dinor

Vibe: Unique and universal

On the Menu as: Omelettes

Price: $8.99

The Gem City Dinor is aptly home to some of the crown jewels of Erie's breakfast royalty. Among the many signature offerings on the regular menu, the Gem City Omelette is rightfully their trademark dish. It comes filled with burnt ham, Wisconsin Brie, and blackberry jam, and is also available in burger form. The smash browns alone are worth the visit.

What: Acai Bowl

Where: The Juice Jar

Vibe: Fresh and fun

On the Menu as: Smoothie Bowls

Price: $8.50

If you think the Juice Jar just did drinkables, then think again. With a menu boasting wraps, burgers, and homemade soups, you'll want to try just about everything here. Bridging the gap between juices and meals is their line of smoothie bowls. The Acai Bowl struck a particular chord with us, with its energizing mix of blueberries, banana, almond milk, house granola, chia seeds, banana, slices of kiwi, and of course, acai.

What: La Cochinita Tacos

Where: Lavery Brewing Co.

Vibe: Learned and lush

On the Menu as: Eats

Price: $10

With Yucatan pulled pork, salsa verde, and pickled red onion, Lavery's La Cochinita (translation: Piglet) tacos have been gradually perfected over the years. Chef Ashley Sayre de Rivas created this dish during her days at the King's Rook Club, with a carefully tweaked recipe that has to be sampled. The luscious menu at this local brewpub is truly one to behold. 

What: Pad Thai

Where: Like My Thai

Vibe: Visionary and vibrant

On the Menu as: Large Bowls/Noodles

Price: $10

Chef Mike Augustine's signature dish is his own take on the Thai classic. At its core, it's medium rice noodles, egg, lots of shredded vegetables, bean sprouts, and chopped peanuts in a lightly tangy sweet sauce — just one reason Like My Thai has rightfully earned their stripes as one of Erie's favorite restaurants for years. Their thick style of tofu is also notable for omnivores and herbivores alike.

What: Herbie Cajun Wings

Where: Park Tavern

Vibe: Spiced and spectacular

On the Menu as: Wings Our Way

Price: $9.50 for 10

You can get them "sloppy, crispy, extra crispy or freakin' burnt." The wings at Harborcreek's Park Tavern have kept guests coming back again and again. Whether you want them with ranch, blue cheese, carrots, or celery, their Herbie Cajun blend is one of the most distinct and captivating tastes around, for an intoxicating concoction of flavor.

What: Mona Lisa

Where: Picasso's

Vibe: Artsy and Alluring

On the Menu as: Signature Sandwiches

Price: $7.29 for half, $9.49 for whole

Leave it to a place named Picasso's to get creative. Each selection is named after a famous artist or work of art. Where else can you get a Twinkie-based sandwich (the Lee Roslyn)? Not for miles around. A palette for the more traditional palate is likely the Mona Lisa, with turkey, artichoke hearts, baby spinach, tomato, Havarti, and pesto mayo that's sure to put a smile on your face. 

What: Loaded Potato Pierogi

Where: Stuffed Pierogi Co.

Vibe: Hearty and homemade

On the Menu as: Pierogis

Price: $11.25 for a dozen

Made from scratch and baked to order, the Stuffed Pierogi Co. offers some of the best gourmet dumplings this side of Pittsburgh. Founder Tim Mooney brought his special recipe northward to start the Stuffed Pierogi Co., which is available at locations like the Pittsburgh Inn as well as online. Try the loaded potato variety with its cheddar, bacon, sour cream, and green onion. 

What: The Maggio/Happy Wife

Where: Virgil's Plate

Vibe: Indecisive and Idiosyncratic

On the Menu as: House Specialties

Price: $1.60 a slice (variable options)

Anyone who knows about Virgil's pizza knows that they do things a little differently, with highly customizable pies being their specialty. Two of their flagship options are the Maggio and the Happy Wife. The former has a garlic olive oil base with spinach, tomato, red onion, and ricotta cheese while the latter has a ricotta cheese base with spinach, red onion, sweet Italian sausage, and house red sauce drizzle. Get them both on the same pizza with room for your own creations. 

Photos by Jessica Hunter and Nick Warren