These 9 restaurants in Pa. really committed to their themes

From nostalgic menus to immersive atmospheres, these Pennsylvania restaurants fully embrace their themes.

We love a theme. And there’s something irresistible about a restaurant that goes all in on a great one—where the decor, food, and vibe all align to transport you somewhere else, even if just for a meal. These nine Pennsylvania spots, scattered across the state, each offer a unique experience. Whether they aim to take you back in time, serve up a taste of the high seas, or tap into your dark side, they’ve mastered the art of themed dining.

Noir Dark Spirits–Scranton

Scranton’s Noir Dark Spirits is a goth-themed restaurant offering craft cocktails and dishes that complement its moody vibe. The “dark but pleasant” restaurant, as it describes itself, is located inside the historic Ritz Theater. Some of the most on-theme dishes include the Black and White Mushroom Ravioli—delectable mushroom-filled pasta in coffin shapes—and the Phlebotomist Dough Injections—skull-shaped bits of bread filled with cheese that are served with syringes of marinara sauce, allowing you to inject the skulls with tasty sauce yourself. There’s no dress code, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt to wear all black.

Dobbin House Tavern–Gettysburg

The building that houses the Dobbin House Tavern—the oldest in Gettysburg—was originally built in 1776. Today, the tavern honors that history with a nod to colonial America. Guests enjoy candlelit dining in a period setting, with colonial decor further emphasizing the theme. You can plan for either fine or casual dining, though reservations are recommended for the more upscale experience.

Bube’s Brewery–Mount Joy

Bube’s Brewery is home to a restaurant known as the “catacombs,” a stone-lined space located stories below the brewery that regularly hosts themed dinners, whether you’re looking for a murder mystery experience, a medieval-inspired royal banquet, or a Halloween feast hosted by Dracula. Outside the catacombs’ themed events, which require tickets, you can simply enjoy an upscale meal in the unique and atmospheric space. Though you won’t need a ticket for regular dining, we recommend grabbing a reservation.

Casey Jones’ Restaurant–Ronks

Named for the legendary train engineer, Lancaster County’s Casey Jones’ Restaurant is a must-visit for train enthusiasts or anyone craving a unique dining experience. The restaurant is located within two restored vintage railcars that traveled the Pennsylvania Railroad more than 100 years ago. Guests can enjoy classic American fare like pancakes, meatloaf, and burgers while seated in the historic, Victorian-inspired dining cars, or while dining outdoors and enjoying the view of steam trains departing from the nearby Strasburg Rail Road station. Casey Jones’ Restaurant is part of the Red Caboose Motel at Paradise Station, where visitors have been staying the night in authentic cabooses since 1970.

Moshulu–Philadelphia

Moshulu is a Philadelphia restaurant committed to a nautical theme—after all, the restaurant is on a historic ship permanently docked on the Delaware River. The tall, four-masted ship at Penn’s Landing offers incomparable views of both the river and the city skyline, as well as both indoor and on-deck dining. The upscale restaurant serves modern American cuisine with a focus on seafood dishes, including jumbo lump crab, ceviche, and more.

Shakespeare’s Restaurant & Pub–Ellwood City

Shakespeare’s Restaurant & Pub is a restaurant with a medieval theme, located in an oaken-walled castle at Olde Stonewall Golf Club in western Pennsylvania. The castle also serves as the golf course’s clubhouse and banquet facilities, with the restaurant located on the first floor. Though the castle and restaurant were only built in 1999, the building is dotted with unique, old-European-inspired details—including replicas of medieval suits of armor, swords, and shields that were made in Spain, as well as tapestries and rugs that the original owner himself collected from Europe. While the castle and its interior may transport you back hundreds of years to the Middle Ages, Shakespeare’s menu is made up of American favorites.

The Speakeasy–Pittsburgh

The Speakeasy, located in the Omni William Penn Hotel in Pittsburgh, is a 1920s-inspired bar in a space that actually served as a real speakeasy a century ago, back when Prohibition outlawed the production and sale of alcohol. In fact, workers only found the hidden room—boarded up beneath the hotel lobby and tucked behind a storage area—decades after Prohibition ended. Today, you can enjoy the fully revitalized, though still dark and cozy, space with classic cocktails from the era (like a Bee’s Knees), as well as snacks like charcuterie and flatbreads.

DJ’s Taste of the 50’s–Smoketown

Lancaster County joint DJ’s Taste of the 50’s is a throwback restaurant serving up a retro atmosphere with vintage memorabilia as well as classic diner fare. Plus, breakfast is served all day—as it should be! With its vinyl seats, checkered tile floor, and neon signs, the diner is the perfect place to grab a milkshake and burger while jamming to your favorite 1950s jukebox tunes.

The 80s Bar–Lansford

Travel back in time to the 1980s at Carbon County’s The 80s Bar, home to 80s-themed drinks and a full-service restaurant serving up classic American eats and local favorites, like cheesesteaks, burgers, fries, and mac and cheese. The 80s Bar is also, unsurprisingly, a great place for karaoke, especially if you want to belt out your best rendition of 1984’s “Take On Me” by A-ha.