Discovering East Mountain’s Culinary Charm
If you’re hungry for a delicious adventure, Scranton’s East Mountain neighborhood is ready to serve. While it may be quieter than downtown, East Mountain is a vibrant culinary hotspot for locals who know where to look. From iconic institutions to up-and-coming spots, this scenic residential area offers a flavorful mix of classic American diners, Italian kitchens, neighborhood pizza, and coffee shops that feel like a second home. Follow me as I walk you through my favorite East Mountain food destinations — sharing the dishes, details, and cozy corners that make this area a must for food lovers.
Classic Comforts: Diners and Breakfast Spots
Let’s start east of the big Lake Scranton reservoir, where busy travel corridors like Moosic Street (Route 307) and Lake Scranton Road meet. Here you’ll find the staple of every East Mountain morning — the East Mountain Inn Restaurant & Tavern (600 Wildflower Dr). This locally adored spot serves up hearty omelets, fluffy pancakes, and bottomless coffee mugs in a warm, no-frills setting. Families and regulars crowd the tables, especially on weekends for their legendary brunch (don’t skip their house-made corned beef hash).
Not far away, tucked near Nay Aug Avenue, Libby’s Luncheonette is a cozy spot for scrapple, home fries, and perfectly crisp bacon at wallet-friendly prices. Locals love the nostalgia—Libby’s feels like a blast from the past with checkered tiles and counter seating, serving generous breakfast platters and daily lunch specials. Bring cash, and bring your appetite.
Pizza Night: The Neighborhood Slice
Ask anyone on the East Mountain about their favorite pizza, and you’ll get passionate answers. At the corner of Moosic Street and Meadow Avenue, Roma Pizza is a standout. Known for their sweet tomato sauce and just-right crust, Roma offers NY-style pies, classic Sicilian, and Italian specialties. My insider tip: grab an order of their garlic knots and the white pizza smothered in ricotta and roasted garlic.
For families, Pizza By Pappas (at the intersection of Moosic and Warner St) is another time-tested favorite, beloved for crispy thin-crust trays, pepperoni cups, and cheesy fried ravioli. The old-school neon signage outside screams Scranton tradition.
Italian Kitchens: From Red Sauce to Rustic
East Mountain’s links to Scranton’s Italian heritage are strong, and its restaurants don’t disappoint. Anthony’s Restaurant & Catering (1911 E Mountain Rd) serves up heaping plates of pasta, plump meatballs, and their crave-worthy lasagna in an inviting dining room. Date night regulars love their homemade minestrone and the melt-in-your-mouth braciole. Anthony’s is moderately priced, with most entrees in the $15–$23 range.
A local secret? On Fridays, Anthony’s hand-rolls gnocchi for a special you’ll want to catch early — these pillowy bites melt in your mouth and pair perfectly with tangy marinara or garlicky escarole and beans.
Sweet Treats & Bakeries
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Sanremo Bakery (205 E Mountain Rd), where Italian cookies, flaky cannoli, and puffy zeppole fill the pastry cases. Sanremo’s coffee and espresso are as good as their sweets. Early risers can grab a hearty breakfast sandwich, but my favorite is their almond horns—perfect with a morning cappuccino.
Cafés, Sandwich Spots, and Quick Bites
For a caffeine fix or a tasty lunch, the East Mountain is home to Grounded Beans Café just past the Moosic Street entrance to Nay Aug Park. This hidden gem is the kind of place you’ll linger in all morning, enjoying artisan coffee, scratch-made scones, and an eclectic selection of teas. Try their avocado toast topped with locally sourced eggs or their decadent lemon blueberry muffins.
Need a fast lunch? East Mountain Market & Deli (1801 E Mountain Rd) is a short walk from many residential streets and offices. This no-nonsense, friendly deli is where locals pop in for overstuffed Italian hoagies, homemade soups (their chicken noodle is outstanding on a cold day), and crisp salads tossed to order. It’s affordable, fresh, and unpretentious—a perfect stop before a walk along the Lake Scranton trail.
Food Trucks and Seasonal Eats
East Mountain’s food truck scene is small, but mighty. Each summer, the Moosic Street Food Truck Roundup (usually held at the East Mountain Shopping Center parking lot) features rotating trucks like The Grilled Cheese Cafe and Tacos Don Juan. The Taco Don Juan truck draws a loyal crowd for carne asada and tender barbacoa tacos. If you see their blue trailer, don’t pass it up!
Enjoying Lake Scranton on a hot day? Look for old-fashioned ice cream trucks parked by the trailhead or at Nay Aug Park, slinging soft-serve, frozen lemonades, and classic chipwich sandwiches. It’s a real taste of neighborhood summer nostalgia.
Local Traditions and Neighborhood Favorites
East Mountain is all about tradition. Every spring and fall, church kitchens and local halls (especially near St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church on Minooka Ave) host pierogi sales and Friday night dinners with homemade haluski, stuffed cabbage, and baked goods—reminders of the flavorshelf of Scranton’s diverse roots.
In the winter, East Mountain families swear by the warm comfort of homemade soups and stews at their favorite local diners, while summertime means backyard cookouts, tailgate parties at Lake Scranton, and treating the kids to ice cream cones at dusk.
Final Bites: Why You’ll Love East Mountain’s Food Scene
East Mountain’s food scene doesn’t shout — it welcomes. The neighborhood delivers classic flavors, hidden gems, and friendly, familiar faces behind every counter. Whether you’re in search of a hearty breakfast, perfect pizza, Italian soul food, savory deli sandwiches, or sweet bakery treats, you’ll find it all in this tucked-away corner of Scranton.
So next time you’re craving something delicious, venture up the hill, explore a new street, and let your taste buds lead the way. East Mountain’s best restaurants and cafés are waiting to become your favorites, too.