When you’re looking for a foodie road trip, western Pennsylvania might not be the first place you think of. However, tucked in and around Butler, PA are some real gastronomic gems.  Grab a pencil and check off a few of these for your next trip – you’ll tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your stomach. There’s something here for everyone.

This article is actually in two parts. This one is for those who just want to sit down and be served. Another is for those who like to discover new ingredients or methods to do-it-themselves. Within just a short drive from Butler, PA, there are plenty of each. Let’s dive in.

Fine dining just got redefined at Restaurant Echo in Cranberry Township. Award winning chefs Chris O’Brien & Brian Hammond uses the best of locally available meats and produce to prepare out of this world dining delights. Outside, they have their own herb garden and beehives. Inside, the architecture clearly invites their guests to relax and enjoy a leisurely meal in comfortable, warm surroundings. Menus change depending on the season, but if they have their Sticky toffee pineapple upside down cake for dessert (served warm with macadamia nuts, fresh berries and coconut lime sorbet) you won’t want to miss it.  Restaurant Echo; 1740 Route 228; Cranberry Township, PA 16066

Burgh'ers Restaurant in Hamony, PA

Fabulous burgers can be found right around the corner. Burgh’ers Restaurant specializes in fresh beef from literally just miles away and organic edibles whenever available.  Get adventurous and order a Polish Hill (with pierogi), a Morningside (with bacon and egg) or a Seafood Burger.  Don’t miss the tasty rosemary fries or their homemade mac and cheese.  Burgh’ers Restaurant; 100 Perry Highway; Harmony, PA 16037

See more photos at the end of this article, as well as links to other Butler articles.

Fun food and surroundings are the order du jour at The Chop Shop in downtown Butler. In a 50’s diner motif, you can’t miss with Chef Bill’s menu.  Concoctions you won’t find anywhere else are always being unveiled at The Chop Shop.  Ever had Strawberry jalapeno ice cream, a Don’t mess with Texas wrap,  or Crab and beer sandwiches…didn’t think so.  Best of all, you’ve got to try their funnel cake sundae for breakfast.  The Chop Shop; 108 North Main Street; Butler, PA 16001

Red Rock Falls Restaurant in converted old schoolhouse.

Relaxed dining, just outside Slippery Rock, is what you’ll find at Red Rock Falls Restaurant.  This is a wonderfully restored old red school house, and what better menu board than a full-sized blackboard. You can dine indoors or out and they even let you bring you B.Y.O.B.  Now that’s cool. You’ve got to try the French onion soup.  Red Rock Falls Restaurant; 664 Route 173, Slippery Rock, PA 16057

Brew House cum laude is located near the college in Slippery Rock, PA.  North Country Brewing Company serves up a wide variety of its own brews as well as all your commercially available favorites. Twelve ales are on tap at all times with a thirteenth that is cask conditioned and hand pulled through an English beer engine. Their Station 33 Firehouse Red has a fabulous smooth finish and helps support the Slippery Rock Fire Department. Their appetizers aren’t too be missed either – you’ll want to try their Buffalo Dip and their Avocado Dip. North Country Brewing Co.; 141 South Main Street; Slippery Rock, PA 16057

Read the other article about Butler eats.

More stories about Butler County, Pennsylvania:

Two historical gems along the Butler Freeport Community Trail

Halloween events in Butler County

A day away in PA – a tour of the barns of Butler County

Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival

Butler County Balloon Fest

 PHOTO GALLERY – Click on any photo to see larger version, then use left and right arrows to see more.