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The Off-the-Beaten-Path Restaurant in Pennsylvania That Is Worth the Day Trip

Posted on October 31, 2024   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Only In Pennsylvania

Only In Pennsylvania

The outside of John Wright Restaurant.

The John Wright Restaurant opened in 1988 as a sandwich shop. (John Wright Restaurant Facebook / Amanda Naylor Photography)

As I explore more and more of Pennsylvania, I'm blown away by how much there is to discover. There's Philadelphia in the east, Pittsburgh in the west, and hundreds of smaller cities and charming small towns in the middle that all have intriguing little surprises waiting. A perfect example is Wrightsville, a small town of a little over 2,200 people and a lot of historic charm. It's home to John Wright Restaurant, a historic waterfront restaurant in Pennsylvania that combines fantastic dining with one of the best views in central Pennsylvania and a commitment to farm-to-table cooking, making it one of the most unique restaurants in the Keystone State. We think it's worth visiting from anywhere in the state, and we're pretty sure you'll agree.

The John Wright Restaurant is a local institution, housed in a restored warehouse with a wonderful historic vibe. The restaurant is committed to a local farm-to-table menu, spotlighting produce from some of the best farmers in the area.

The inside of a pizza oven.

One of the more popular dishes is their pizza. (John Wright Restaurant / Facebook)

One of the highlights is the seasonal pizza patio, featuring an old-school pizza oven, where the restaurant bakes some of the state's best and most unique pizzas.

In the main dining room, you'll find some amazing internationally-inspired dishes. The restaurant focuses on seafood, not surprising for a waterfront restaurant. But the large menu has something for just about every taste.

If the produce here tastes fresh – and we mean really fresh – that might be because some of the components in your meal, including the herbs, come directly from the patio garden outside the restaurant.

The patio at a restaurant.

A meal with a view of the Susquehanna River. (John Wright Restaurant / Facebook)

If you visit when it's warm, request a seat on the outside dining patio; it promises one of the most amazing views in the area. And if you're in town on Sunday, check out the restaurant's famous prime rib brunch buffet.

You can see the current seasonal menu on the John Wright Restaurant website, and the John Wright Restaurant Facebook page is a great place to see all the latest specials as they're announced. While in the area, visit PA's newest state park, Susquehanna Riverlands State Park, only a 12-minute drive away. And if you're staying the night, it's only a short drive over to nearby Marietta, where you'll find the incredible B. F. Hiestand Bed & Breakfast, which is a fascinating journey into historic hospitality.

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