1. Skeeter’s BBQ, Shamokin Dam
When you think of scenic vistas, Skeeter’s is usually top of mind because it’s perched on the side of a mountain overlooking the glorious Susquehanna River. When eating outside at Skeeter’s, diners can often see boats on the River, including the crew teams from Susquehanna and Bucknell Universities.
In every season, diners can take in panoramic views of the River Valley. Thanks to co-owner Denise Skotedis’ green thumb, visitors are also treated to gorgeous cascading flower pots in several locations on the patio.
Skeeter’s makes their menu items fresh and in-house daily, including hand-pulled pork, chicken, ribs and brisket made in their own smokers, plus all the sides: soups, coleslaw, corn muffins, and their signature sweet-and-smoky baked beans.
Is it time for lunch yet?!
2. Elizabeth’s An American Bistro, Lewisburg
Elizabeth’s has always prided itself on offering upscale, seasonal dining with fresh and local ingredients. Treat yourself to a glass of crisp wine or a refreshing cocktail, and a bistro-style meal on the patio behind their restaurant.
We’re sad to report that the entire region mourned the passing of owner Liz Long Furia in May 2025. Thanks to Liz’s husband John and her dedicated restaurant team, her legacy will live on. They remain committed to providing the same delicious cuisine, eclectic menu, outstanding service and inviting “bistro” ambiance, with the same impeccable standards and attention to detail that was Liz’s trademark.
Come enjoy this downtown gem – it’s truly a soothing oasis in a bustling downtown.
3. BJ’s M Street Tavern & Oyster Bar, Selinsgrove
BJ’s, with two locations, offers a relaxed, but upscale menu with regional flair. They are known for their steaks, seafood and beer, as well as for their oyster dishes and “famous” Bongo Bongo Dip.
Outdoor dining at either location (Danville and Selinsgrove) offers a lovely view of the downtown.
Parking is within walking distance and very affordable.
4. The Fence, Lewisburg
The Fence offers a picturesque view of the Susquehanna River from its dining room and outdoor picnic tables. This is nostalgia at its best – they even offer carhop service if rain is in the forecast.
Their menu is simple and accessible to all ages. Fresh cut fries, hand-breaded fish sandwiches and shrimp, hamburgers, and chocolate milkshakes are the stars of the show!
Friendly reminder: this is a cash-only business.
5. La Primavera, Lewisburg
If you’re looking for authentic Italian specialties (including desserts – their tiramisu and cheesecakes alone are worth the trip!), check out La Primavera’s spacious outdoor patio, which is covered and large enough to host large groups and events.
We’re grateful the Susquehanna River Valley can enjoy a taste of Italy in this family-owned gem.
Vito and Salvatore Mazzamuto came together and used traditional recipes that their father had handed down to them.
Buon appetito!
6. Terrace on The Green Pub & Restaurant at the Susquehanna Valley Country Club, Selinsgrove
While the Susquehanna Valley Country Club is a private club for golf enthusiasts, their restaurant, which features a lovely outdoor patio, is open to the public – no memberships needed.
Their expansive menu has everything from salads and appetizers to seafood, burgers and steaks, and chicken and pasta.
If you’re looking for live music while you dine outdoors, visit the restaurant on Wednesday nights when they feature a different local band each week.
Call ahead for reservations!
7. Nickle Plate Bar & Grill, Elysburg
Nestled in the scenic Knoebels Three Ponds Golf Course, the Nickle Plate Bar & Grill offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
All summer, they create fun, seasonal cocktails and mocktails – perfect for sipping on an outdoor patio that is dog-approved.
They also feature live music under the tent throughout the summer, with no cover. If you’re stuck waiting for a table, not to worry – they have corn hole boards next to their tent, so bring your A game.
8. Penn’s Tavern, Sunbury
For a historical feel, check out this Penn’s Tavern, a colonial stone home that dates back to the late 1700s.
A waterfront restaurant, you can literally walk to the Susquehanna River from the outside patio and deck. It’s also the perfect place to watch the sunset after a long day.
They host Tuesday Tunes throughout the summer from 5:30-8 p.m.
Their full-service bar offers a rotating selection of fifteen beers on tap, including Pennsylvania craft beers, imported German drafts, and the beloved domestics. They also have signature cocktails, like the River Room Sangria.
9. Spyglass on The Ridge, Sunbury
Tucked away in the rolling hills outside of Sunbury, visitors can experience a winery and restaurant at the same time. The restaurant's interior has a rustic-chic design and outdoor seating is covered, providing shade and comfort on even the hottest days.
The views of the vineyards here are second to none!
The restaurant offers a large menu with a wide variety of options (including pizzas and flatbreads!) plus unique drinks, including hard sodas, wine slushies and a variety of locally-produced wines.
10. Heritage Restaurant & Pub, Shamokin
Located in downtown Shamokin, Heritage Restaurant is a comfortable, yet refined space for friends and family to gather for a meal or after-work drink. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and a monument to what makes the region so special.
Serving refined comfort food, using regionally sourced ingredients, they offer indoor and outdoor seating (and even outdoor heaters in the cooler months).
Unique, regionally-focused menu items this summer include the Polish Club Sandwich (featuring kielbasa) and a smoked brisket bar-b-que sandwich.
Owners Edward and Wendy Manning also own Oliver’s Cigar Lounge just down the street from Heritage Restaurant, so consider making the short walk for an after-dinner refreshment.
11. Pine Barn Inn, Danville
Located just downhill from Geisinger, Pine Barn Inn’s expansive covered patio is ideal, even when the weather isn’t.
Their menu offers soups, sandwiches, entrees and desserts, plus a full-service bar. Weekly, they offer Taco Tuesdays and Picnic Buffets throughout the summer. They also host live music on the patio.
Pine Barn was recently featured on America’s Best Restaurants. Check out the video on their Facebook page.
12. Banty Rooster of Ards Farm, Lewisburg
Now owned by third-generat
ion Justin and Leah Midkiff, Banty Rooster offers an expansive covered patio that is ideal for hosting small, medium, and large family events, as well as corporate gatherings. The space can be divided up into sections using moveable “walls” and is lit beautifully at night. In addition to the patio, Banty Rooster has a “west lawn” near the playground.
The courtyard patio is open to the public when not in use for a private rental.
Banty Rooster, named for Justin’s childhood nickname, prides itself in offering custom catering, with menu options that are endless – Justin said when it comes to food anything is possible!
They also offer a farm-to-table restaurant where they do their very best to source fresh, seasonal ingredients from the local farm community, an old-fashioned soda bar and candy sales, and agritourism activities and events. Check them out on Facebook.
