Many landmarks, especially in larger cities around the globe, are known for dishes that are specialized in one region. For example, London has fish and chips, Tokyo specializes in sushi, and New York City has its cheesecake. Even in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia is known for the Philly cheesesteak, Pittsburgh has Heinz ketchup and Primanti Brothers, but Erie is also home to food that is distinct and cannot be found anywhere else. Here is a compiled list of food (and the restaurants where you buy them) that can only be found right here in Erie, PA.

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Smith’s hot dogs are an Erie-favorite staple to any barbeque. Unlike other well-known hot dogs, like Oscar Mayer or Ball Park Franks, Smith’s have a distinct spice that make them one-of-a-kind. Though this smoky-tasting, Erie-native hot dog is loved by many Pennsylvanians, the crunchy casing on the outside seems foreign and may turn away non-Erie hot dog eaters. However, there is no food more distinct to Erie than a Smith’s hot dog. Though Smith’s hot dogs can be found in most grocery stores and some convenience stores, Sara’s Restaurant, near Presque Isle, is a great place to try one! Sara’s is located about eleven miles off campus at 25 Peninsula Drive, Erie, PA 16505, and holds the 2017 Erie’s Choice award for Lunch, Outdoor dining, and Ice Cream categories. While there, another Erie favorite is Sara’s Orange Vanilla Twist ice cream cone. To many Erie residents, Sara’s is a must-visit stop during the summer.

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Stefanelli's Candies, which is about an eight-minute drive from campus at 4007 Buffalo Road, Erie, PA 16511, is home to many Erie native’s favorite chocolate, but they are also known for a treat only found in northern Pennsylvania and New York: sponge candy. Sponge candy is honeycomb toffee dipped in chocolate, and it tastes a bit like brown sugar that melts in your mouth. Though Stefanelli’s has many other chocolate and candy options, sponge candy is a must-try treat for any chocolate lover.

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Pepperoni balls, which are both adorned and were originated in Erie, are delicious, cheese-and-pepperoni-filled dough balls that are either fried or baked. Some of the highest recommended pepperoni balls are made at Stanganelli's Italian Foods (located about five miles from Behrend on 602 East 25th Street, Erie, PA 16503). Pepperoni balls are sometimes dipped in pizza sauce or eaten without it, but either way, they are something everyone should try at least once before leaving Erie.

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An ox roast sandwich, another food only found in Erie and surrounding areas, is not what it sounds like. Ox roast is made of thinly-sliced roast beef that has been marinated in au jus until the texture of the meat makes it fall apart. A top destination to try an ox roast sandwich is at Valone's Brooklyn Grocery, which is fifteen minutes away at 201 South Lake Street, North East, PA 16428. Many people who have moved away from Erie say they crave ox roast sandwiches, and they always make sure to grab one while they are in town.

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Greek sauce is an odd addition to a hot dog, hamburger, or fries to anyone who is not from Erie, but it is worth trying! Made from ground beef, tomato sauce, and a number of spices, Greek sauce almost tastes like spicy sloppy joe meat that is another Erie-originated favorite. One of the best places to try Greek sauce is at New York Lunch, which is about a twelve-minute drive from Behrend at 1005 Parade Street, Erie, PA 16503. New York Lunch has dishes including Greek dogs, Greek burgers, Greek fries, Greek nachos, and even Greek sauce to go! To get the full experience of Erie-favorite food, Greek sauce is a must-try dish!

 

Lake-Erie perch is not only found in Erie, but most restaurants around here use perch fresh from the lake. Joe Root’s Grill, located about ten miles away at 2826 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505, has many dishes including perch, but a budget-friendly option is their Perch & Fries. Fried and crisp, the Perch & Fries at Joe Roots Grill is a great option for fish lovers who want fresh fish right out of Lake Erie.

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Though these next few restaurants are not known for serving Erie-only food, here are some honorable mentions for favorite food joints only found in Erie. Picasso’s is a must-try establishment for sandwiches, and was even named Erie’s Choice Sandwich Shop. Picasso’s is located about eleven miles from Behrend on 2060 Interchange Road, Erie, PA 16565 in the Millcreek Mall Plaza. Mighty Fine Donuts, which is twelve minutes away from campus on 2612 Parade Street, Erie, PA 16504, was named Erie’s Choice Donuts in 2017 and is a beloved donut shop only found in Erie. With flavors such as cherry-frosted, classic glazed, chocolate-filled, and many more, Mighty Fine Donuts are, well, mighty fine! Some of the best chicken wings in Erie are found at Odis 12 Sports Bar & Grill, located twenty minutes away at 3702 West 12th Street, Erie, PA 16505. Odis 12 is another Erie’s Choice winner, receiving the award in the Wings category for nine years in a row in addition to Bar/Pub category in 2017. Though it originated about thirty minutes away from Erie in Edinboro, Pennsylvania, John’s Wildwood Pizza has a new location that is only a one-mile drive (or walk) from campus at 6008 Knowledge Pkwy, Erie, PA 16510. John’s Wildwood Pizza received an Erie’s Choice for their pizza, and at only $1.50 for a slice, their pizza is something every Behrend student should try!

 

Whether you are new to the area, or grew up as an Erie native, these places are worth every penny to many who have dined at them.