12 Places In Scranton Where Family Meals Might Feel Special
Sharing a meal with family creates memories that last a lifetime. Scranton offers plenty of spots where these moments can feel truly special, from cozy Italian eateries to seafood havens with quirky décor.
I’ve gathered some local favorites where the combination of good food and warm atmosphere makes family dining an event rather than just another meal.
1. The Bog: Comfort Food with a View
Nestled in the heart of Scranton, The Bog serves up hearty comfort food that brings families together. Their large wooden tables and rustic décor create an instant feeling of hominess that puts everyone at ease.
Kids love watching the chefs work their magic in the open kitchen, while parents appreciate the reasonable prices and generous portions.
The weekend brunch is particularly special, with pancake platters big enough for sharing and a make-your-own waffle station that delights children. Local tip: Request a window seat for views of the city that add a touch of magic to your family gathering. Their signature Bog Burger has been a family favorite for over a decade.
2. Cooper’s Seafood House: Nautical Adventures for All Ages
Walking into Cooper’s feels like boarding a whimsical pirate ship. The nautical-themed restaurant boasts an impressive collection of memorabilia that keeps kids wide-eyed throughout the meal.
Families flock here for the fresh seafood and the experience of dining in different themed rooms. The lighthouse room offers a particularly magical setting for celebrating birthdays or achievements.
Their children’s menu goes beyond typical kid fare with mini seafood platters designed to introduce young palates to new flavors. Did you know? Cooper’s was featured in an episode of The Office, making it a pop culture landmark that adds another layer of fun to your family dinner.
3. Carmella’s Italian Restaurant: Old-World Charm Meets Family Tradition
Generations of Scranton families have celebrated milestones at Carmella’s, where the red-checkered tablecloths and family photos on the walls instantly signal you’re somewhere special. The staff treats children like honored guests, bringing dough for them to play with while waiting for their meals.
Sunday dinners here feel particularly meaningful, with extended family-style servings that encourage sharing and conversation. Their homemade pasta dishes come with stories about the old country that the owners happily share.
If you’re celebrating something special, mention it when booking they might surprise you with their secret family tiramisu recipe that isn’t on the regular menu. This gesture makes even ordinary family dinners feel like celebrations.
4. The Bog Southside: Where Family Games Meet Great Food
Unlike its namesake downtown, The Bog Southside adds a playful twist to family dining with its collection of board games and activities available at every table. Parents appreciate how the games naturally pull kids away from screens and into family conversations.
Their menu features locally-sourced ingredients transformed into crowd-pleasing dishes that satisfy picky eaters and foodies alike. The build-your-own pizza option lets each family member customize their portion, avoiding the usual mealtime negotiations.
When the weather’s nice, their outdoor patio becomes a community gathering spot where kids can move around between bites. Monthly family trivia nights turn dinner into an event that many Scranton families mark on their calendars.
5. Pie in the Sky: Pizza Paradise with a View
Perched on one of Scranton’s highest points, Pie in the Sky offers panoramic views that make even a simple pizza dinner feel like a special occasion. The floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the city lights twinkling below, creating an instant sense of wonder for children and adults alike.
Their hand-tossed pizzas arrive on elevated stands, creating a centerpiece for family conversations. Though pizza is their specialty, their diverse menu ensures everyone finds something to love, including generous salads and pasta options.
Families particularly enjoy the monthly “Make Your Own Pizza” nights where kids don miniature chef hats and aprons to create their culinary masterpieces. These interactive experiences transform an ordinary family dinner into a memory-making workshop.
6. The Beer Garden: Family-Friendly Despite the Name
Don’t let the name fool you The Beer Garden has created one of Scranton’s most welcoming spaces for families. Their spacious outdoor area features garden games like giant Jenga and cornhole that keep kids entertained between courses.
While parents might appreciate the extensive craft beer selection, children love the homemade root beer and creative mocktails served in fun glassware. Their menu strikes a perfect balance between sophisticated options and elevated versions of kid-friendly classics like gourmet mac and cheese with mix-in toppings.
Summer evenings here are magical, with string lights overhead and live acoustic music creating a festival atmosphere. Their Sunday afternoon “Family Funday” specials include discounted meals for children and free dessert, making it easier to treat the whole family.
7. Martorano’s: Where Family Stories Come to Life
Family heritage is celebrated at Martorano’s, where black and white photos of Italian ancestors watch over diners from every wall. The owner often visits tables to share stories about the generations-old recipes that make their menu special.
Children receive small journals upon arrival to document their meal or draw pictures, encouraging them to create their own family food memories. Their famous meatballs come with a card explaining the secret ingredient (a pinch of nutmeg) and the story of how Grandma Martorano brought the recipe from Naples in 1921.
Though the white tablecloths signal a special occasion, the warm welcome extended to families with children makes it clear that passing down food traditions matters here. Their “Sunday Gravy” dinner special has become a weekly tradition for many local families.
8. La Trattoria: The Hidden Gem for Family Celebrations
Tucked away on a side street, La Trattoria might be easy to miss but has become Scranton’s worst-kept secret for family celebrations. The intimate dining room features semi-private alcoves that make each family feel like they’re in their own special space.
Their “Family Feast” option removes all decision stress by bringing a parade of shareable dishes to the table, creating a communal dining experience that encourages conversation. Kids are given special attention with tableside pasta demonstrations where the chef shows them how to twirl spaghetti properly.
Many families mark birthdays and graduations here because of the staff’s talent for making everyone feel important. They’ll even print custom menus for your celebration that children can keep as souvenirs a thoughtful touch that elevates an ordinary family dinner.
9. Red Lobster: Unexpected Special Occasions at a Chain Restaurant
Sometimes the most meaningful family meals happen in unexpected places. Scranton’s Red Lobster has earned a reputation for going above and beyond to make family gatherings memorable, despite being part of a national chain.
The staff here has mastered the art of celebration, with birthday songs that actually sound good and anniversary surprises that feel personal rather than corporate. Their famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits create a shared experience that families look forward to, with servers often bringing extra baskets for particularly enthusiastic young diners.
Many local families have created traditions around their endless shrimp promotions, turning what could be an ordinary dinner into a friendly family competition. The aquarium wall fascinates children and creates a natural conversation starter across generations.
10. Vinnola’s Pizzeria: Where Every Child Becomes a Pizza Chef
Vinnola’s has transformed family pizza night into an interactive experience that creates lasting memories. Their signature offering allows children to visit the pizza-making station where patient staff help them create their own personal pies, complete with chef hats they can take home.
Parents appreciate the thoughtfully designed family booths with enough space for high chairs and booster seats without feeling cramped. The walls feature local children’s artwork, creating a gallery-like atmosphere that makes young diners feel important and valued. Though pizza is the star, their homemade gelato station with unlimited toppings makes dessert equally special.
Multi-generational families often gather here for weeknight dinners, with grandparents enjoying watching their grandchildren experience the same pizza-making traditions they shared with their own kids.
11. Luke’s Family Restaurant: Where Everybody Knows Your Name
Within weeks of your first visit, the staff at Luke’s will greet your family by name and remember your usual orders. This neighborhood institution has served multiple generations of Scranton families, creating a sense of belonging that’s increasingly rare in today’s dining landscape.
Their all-day breakfast options make this a perfect spot for weekend family brunches that can stretch lazily into the afternoon. Kids love the pancakes that come shaped like animals, while parents appreciate that the coffee refills appear without asking.
The walls are lined with photos of local sports teams and school groups they’ve sponsored over the decades. Many families make this their first stop when children return from college, knowing the comfort food and familiar faces create the perfect homecoming atmosphere.
12. Olive Garden: Creating Italian Family Traditions in Scranton
The Scranton Olive Garden location has earned a special place in local family dining through their exceptional service that transforms a chain restaurant experience into something surprisingly personal. Their staff includes several long-time employees who’ve watched local children grow from highchairs to graduation celebrations.
Families appreciate the predictability of the menu combined with seasonal specials that keep things interesting. The never-ending pasta bowls create a relaxed atmosphere where conversation can flow without watching the clock.
Many Scranton families have created traditions around their Tour of Italy nights, with family members each ordering different specialties and sharing tastes around the table. Though it’s part of a national chain, the local touches and recognition of regular families make this location feel connected to the community.
