A Local’s Guide to Dining and Drinking in Schuylkill County, PA

©Journal Communications/Bill Derbes

Schuylkill County, PA’s, dining scene offers something for every palate. Centuries ago, the state’s mining boom drew European laborers and businessmen to the region. Even as the coal industry declined, many of those families stayed, putting down roots and opening shops and restaurants that continued their native traditions and cuisines. That fascinating blend of cultures still shines today. Join us as we explore the unique wineries, breweries and restaurants in Schuylkill County, PA.

The Crimson House

Foodie-Recommended Restaurants in Schuylkill County

To get a local’s perspective on some popular favorites, we turned to Pottsville native Alfredo Mercuri. His background as a videographer and podcast host for Coal Region Campfire gives him a unique insight into the people and places of this region of Pennsylvania. 

Italian

Options for authentic Italian cuisine aren’t hard to find, but several Schuylkill County restaurants remain top recommendations. 

• In Orwigsburg, Valenti’s Italian Restaurant serves a “fantastic fresh roast turkey sub” alongside stromboli and seafood dinners, while Carmelo’s Roman Delight dishes out casual fare and, according to Mercuri, is worth a visit for the “live music and grandma slice.” Carmelo’s is a hub for business meetings and has a beautiful, newly renovated patio area. 
• Francesco’s Ristorante & Gourmet Pizzeria in Shenandoah, known for the “legendary” tomato sauce they sell by the jar, has been a beloved favorite since the ’80s and makes a great Bolognese, Mercuri says. 

Pizza

When a meal calls for dough and cheese, pizza lovers may have a hard time deciding where to grab a slice. 

• Pottsville is the standard for Sicilian-style cooking and wood-fired specialties. Pottsville OIP, or Original Italian Pizza, has unusual standouts, like taco pizza, but “they’re also known for their chicken wings, both grilled and fried,” Mercuri says. 
• Vito’s Coal Fired Pizza & Restaurant in St. Clair is a sure thing, Mercuri says, and diners can take their pick of margherita, the foldable classic Brooklyn or thick New Yorker. Vito’s is a staple for after-hours parties and a consistent host of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce/SEDCO’s annual holiday party. 

Old World fare

For even more context on the county’s heritage and historical significance, visit one of the well-known Coal Region classics. 

• Kowalonek’s Kielbasy (plural for kielbasa) Shop in Shenandoah dates to 1911, but customers today will find Polish specialties like haluski, kishki and babka as well as meatballs, smoked sausage and a homemade sauerkraut that Mercuri praises. 
• Mrs. T’s Pierogies, also based in Shenandoah, started in a family kitchen over 70 years ago and has grown into a global brand found in frozen food aisles everywhere. 

Benigna’s Creek Vineyard & Winery

Wine and Unwind at Region’s Bars, Taverns and Wineries

From mimosa menus to after-dinner drinks, there are plenty of Pottsville restaurants and other establishments where you can indulge in an adult beverage at any hour.

• In Pottsville, The Chopping Block is fairly new and has televisions, a full bar and activities like ax throwing.
• Eagle Tavern, also in Pottsville, pours classic cocktails, like old-fashioneds and Manhattans in a signature building downtown with classic woodwork. 
• Down the road, The Crimson House has expanded into three buildings, with different bars for everything from tequila to whiskey. 
• When the weather’s nice, head over to Tommy’s M&S Lunch and Beer Garden in St. Clair for comfort food, karaoke and cold beers on the outdoor patio. 
• To enjoy drinks in a tranquil setting, leave the hustle and bustle of town for rolling hills and get a lesson on local wine production. King Solomon’s Vineyard in Pottsville sits on 90 acres, and guests can sample nearly a dozen different varietals. 
• Stone Mountain Wine Cellars in Pine Grove sells seasonal goods and produce alongside its award-winning reds and whites. 
• For all things fruit wine, Benigna’s Creek Vineyard & Winery in Klingerstown is a “really peaceful place” to take in complimentary tastings and stroll its gorgeous wildflower patch, Mercuri says. 
• For more scenic views, The Lakeside Ballroom & Winery in Barnesville makes for a nice outing, especially in the fall, and it doubles as an event space for parties. 
• For a departure from the traditional, King Cole Winery in Schuylkill Haven makes wine, slushies and mead, plus it experiments with unexpected flavors like lime mint mojito, elderberry, cherry habanero and dandelion. 

Bonus: Tastes and Tours

If you’re seeking a more immersive food and drink experience, consider a tour at one of these Schuylkill County originals.

Yuengling Brewery

Peek inside any beer cooler in any supermarket across the country, and you’ll no doubt find cases from this Pottsville-based company. 

Opened in 1829 by German businessman David Gottlieb Yuengling, it’s the oldest brewery in the U.S. and remains under family ownership five generations later. 

Yuengling puts out about a dozen year-round beers – from lagers to pilsners to porters – as well as a handful of seasonal releases. Visitors to the facility can stop by the museum or hit up the gift shop for Yuengling merch. 

The brewery also hosts regular “pouring parties” for Yuengling fans to unite over their shared appreciation for Pennsylvania beer. 

David Mercuri, podcast host for Coal Region Campfire, offers this tip: “Don’t forget to take a tour. You get two free drinks at the end.” 

Guers Dairy 

Situated on a sprawling farm in Lewiston Valley in Tamaqua, this family-owned business (pronounced gears) started in the early 1900s. 

In those days, owner Daniel Guers delivered milk door to door with a ladle and bucket. Today, the thriving business still operates as a dairy, but it has since expanded its production to include teas and other cold drinks. The Guers name can be seen on the shelves of schools, stores and hospitals around the county. 

Guers Dairy uses a mix of Jersey, Holstein and Brown Swiss cows for its products, which also include eggnog, buttermilk and flavored milks. 

Other beverages, which are made with mountain spring water and cane sugar, come in a range of options like green tea, lemonade, fruit punch and orange juice, but Mercuri recommends the “chocolate milk, ice cold.”