Bagel - Bagel Heaven and Bakery, Rt 611 Depue Plaza, Tannersville, PA - Fresh and tasty. Go early to get the pick of the litter.

Burger - Alaska Pete's Rt 209 3 Miles North of the Marshalls Creek PA Exit 309 of Rt I-80 - Fresh meat and the beef is perfectly done to your order, juicy and full flavored. Our staff reviewer writes " I have lived here for 30 years and have traveled extensively, but have never found a more fabulous hamburger feast than in our own backyard at Alaska Pete's in Marshalls Creek. Besides the burgers, Alaska Pete's is also the Poconos "Best Family Restaurant" with a great variety of selections, reasonably priced, for the non burger lover. King Crab Legs, Ribs, Pasta - something for everyone in the family. At Alaska Pete's, All of the Top Choice Sirloin is freshly ground, never frozen, and supplied by a "boutique" packing house and delivered directly from Philadelphia.  They specially season their burgers with a Char-Crust seasoning that has a wonderful flavor with a distant hint of garlic.  The burgers are then put on a fresh, lightly butter basted, hamburger roll and seared on the grill along the burgers.  This combination gives the best presentation, taste and appreciation by their dedicated customers.  They prepare and sell so many burgers that customer is also guaranteed everything to be fresh including the shredded lettuce, pickle, and tomato slice that comes with the burger.  Escorted by great french fries, this is one burger that can't be beat.

Restaurant Gourmet or Special Occasion - The Meadowbrook Inn, Cherry Lane Road Tannersville, PA. Peruse the menu at the Meadowbrook Inn & Restaurant on Cherry Lane Road in the Poconos and it quickly becomes apparent that a talented chef is busy at work. Chef Matthew Gocek, with over 25 years experience, is the culinary mastermind behind the fare at Meadowbrook. "I come from a large family, so I found out early on it is easier to do the cooking than it is to do the cleaning up," says Gocek. Cleveland-born and Pocono-raised Gocek is a self-taught chef, who learned much of his craft from being an avid reader. Known to some as the bible of French cooking, Larousse Gastronomique helped solidify his love of all things food.

Some of Chef Matt's (CIA Trained) tempting dishes include rib eye accented with honey roasted shallots and Bucks County mushrooms; fire roasted vegetable paella with an array of autumn vegetables, fresh lentils and saffron rice; and rosemary chicken ravioli finished with a gorgonzola and fresh basil cream sauce. Setting Gocek apart from many other chefs in the area is his creative use of seasonal produce. "The weather, the change of the seasons...it inspires me to create new recipes. Now people are losing a few minutes each day, they are eating earlier and eating more comfort foods," say Gocek. His favorite holiday to cook for? Thanksgiving.

Restaurant - Family - Alaska Pete's Rt 209 North of the Marshalls Creek Exit (#309) of Rt I-80 In the mood for some wonderful food? At Alaska Pete's they pride themselves on the great staff and service that is second-to-none! From the large salad bar, to the delicious steaks, they do work hard for you. In the mood for a quick burger? They have them along with many other "quick bites". Did we for-get to mention the fresh fish with emphasis on King Crab Legs? Alaska Pete's prides itself with all fish cooked up fresh, seasoned and served to fulfill your apetites. The Steaks are among the area's best also. All at resonable prices.

Brunch, Sundays - The Blakeslee Inn and Restaurant. Rt. 940 Blakeslee , PA . Dining here is not just about the food. The exceptional Maitre d' and wait staff pride themselves on superb service and attention to detail. Brunch is Sunday 11am - 2pm . A mainstay of Sunday brunches in the Poconos, always a great selection and perfectly prepared. We've been going for the seafood salad for years. Look around, they try to hide it. The Stroudsmoor team of chefs and bakers prepare a variety of gastronomic delights, which include classic American favorites, cucina Italiano and innovative signature dishes.

Pizza - Tony's in East Stroudsburg on Crystal Street . Above all the Pizzerias in the Poconos, this one was the tasters' choice at our PoconosBest.com Tasting party where over 100 people tasted an voted on the Best Pizza. Made the same way for two generations. It's the sauce, stupid. The "gravy" on the special dishes ain't too bad either. The place gets real busy on Wednesdays ....You've been warned.

Cheesecake - The Pocono Cheesecake Factory, Rt 611, Swiftwater, Creamy with sooo many choices. Take one ..no take 3 home they won't last long anyway.

Chocolate Fix - Callie's. Rt 191 Mountainhome. . You can find any chocolate you want. Buy lots. The Callie Family extends an invitation to Callie's Candy Kitchen and Callie's Pretzel Factory in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. You can see candy and pretzels made, ask questions, sample free treats, and have fun at both locations. We're looking forward to renewing old friendships and making new ones!  Candies like: Pocono Crunch - Delicious Combinations of Butterscotch & Rice Krispies with Cashews The Biggest Seller.

Winery - Big Creek, located in Kresgeville, Pennsylvania on the southern face of the Pocono escarpment in the valley of Big Creek. The soils are a chimera of decomposing glacial drift and local slate and shale. Like the natural history of the area, their wines are unique and full of character. They strongly believe that wine is food, and is at it's best on the dinner table. Putting down the fork to pick up the glass allows pause for reflection, conversation and rejuvenation of the palate.

Visit the vineyard and winery in Kresgeville or the shop in historic Jim Thorpe. Wine is one of those few pleasures of life that is endowed with a distinct sense of place and presence. Enjoying a fine wine at a beautiful table with family, without a sense of where it is from or who made it is an incomplete experience.

Spaghetti Sauce - Kasa's, Prospect Street East Stroudsburg, PA , Whether you're an ESU college student or a local, you're probally already aware of Kasa's spaghetti sauce.

Cooking Classes - Torte Knox, 304 Main Ave, Hawley, PA The staff of CIA (The Institute. Not the Agency) could take some lessons here. Plan in advance as the courses fill up early. We tip our toques to them for saving us from having to drive to NYC to learn how to cook like a pro.

French Fries - (not fast food) - The Fifth Street Diner, Fifth Street, Stroudsburg. Classic diner fries.

Quesadillas - Now here's a suprise - The Depot Crystal Street, East Stroudsburg, PA - recently new to the menu but R E A L L Y well done ! One bite and you're fantasizing that you're on the little back street in Acapulco next to Carlos and Charley's eating while standing on the sidewalk with salas dribbling down your chin. (Marita's how could you let this happen?)

Restaurant, Seafood - Smuggler's Cove, Rt 611 Tannersville, PA - Have lunch at Smuggler's and eat Quiche. A great salad bar comes with most meals, the seafood is brought in fresh, and there's always a bevy of cute young boys and girls to serve you quickly and efficiently. The last time we ate here the meal took less than 5 minutes to appear! The judges remind you that weekends during the tourist seasons tend to delute the quality of food and service anywhere. Go here on the "off nights" for the best of food and service.

Salad Bar - JR's Grill & Salad Bar at the Budget Inn & Suites Exit 308 of I-80 in East Stroudsburg . A throughly enjoyable lunch with more than salads - sliced meats and cheeses, a soup special and more. Conveniently just of I - 80 at the East Stroudsburg exit (# 308)and near the hospital and university. A small lounge, and attentive staff round out the equation that equals this award.

Supermarket - Handsdown - Shoprite, Stroudsburg, PA . There's just no other choice.

Crab cakes - The Stone bar, Rt 209, Snydersville , PA Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, Baja Lime Cream and "Pico" Tomato Salad. Now, these are not “ Maryland ” they are larger, with more seasonings, spices and filling. Consistently prepared and presented with a Cream sauce that is tangy and perfectly complimentary.

Sushi - East café, Main Street Stroudsburg. Say "Hello" to Vince and check out the Fumé Alaskan King Crab Legs - 1-pound king crab leg steamed in a seafood broth with garden fresh vegetables.

Supermarket - Desserts - Mr. Z's, in Tannersville, Fresh, too many to choose from and lovingly created. Most created right on site in the Supermarket's bakery. Always a huge selection. Small or large portions available for many confections.

Hoagie - Tonino's on Milford Road just outside East Stroudsburg. Packed with meats, cheases, lettuce and tomatos properly proportioned. The roll is the right size, texture and taste to complement the sandwich. Share, one is to many for one.

Comfort Food - The Sticks and Stones Bar And Grill - Rt 209 north of Marshalls Creek. Choose from the Flat Iron Steak smoothered with mushrooms and onions or the Grille Pork Chop and Apple Sauce. Either will make you loosen your belt or adjust your tank top (as gender requires), sit back and rub your tummie. Clean, comfortable atmosphere, where you can work off the excess by playing a few rounds of darts in the lounge afterwords.

Bread - The Daily Bread Bakeshop, Rt 390 Cresco , PA 595-9717 The Poconos Freshest and Best Bread. Large selection, but come early.

Outdoor Patio Dining at a Nice Restaurant –

Wolf Hollow Restaurant at The Delaware Water Gap Country Club, Mountain Road (turn at the Deerhead) Delaware Water Gap, PA The Wolf Hollow restaurant has very good food, a Patio overlooking Cherry Valley and beautiful Poconos sunsets, and friendly service.

Thai food

Saen - in the Shawnee Shopping Center , Buttermilk Falls Road and River Road , Shawnee , PA G reat tasting, high quality food in a fun and friendly atmosphere, for people who crave a quality dining experience. At Saen Thai Cuisine, you can come and relax with family and friends or you can come in an grab something to-go. A small dining room (about 20 tables) means you'll have to go early or late or wait. But, it will be worth it. Personal service from the owner most nights.