We had a wonderful experience here for lunch on Halloween. The staff was kind and made helpful suggestions. Our food was delicious. The goatballs, bankers burger, and PB pie were all perfect! The tomato bisque was adorably decorated with a pesto BOO! We saw the sign on the highway and are thankful we took the detour. This is a place not to miss. The decor inside is the perfect balance of intriguing and homey. Only recommendation is more comfortable chairs but the half booths are great. We hope to return next time we pass through that way.
Overview
When I first walked into The Skunk And Goat Tavern, I immediately noticed the warm, rustic vibe that made it feel more like a local gathering spot than a typical restaurant. Nestled at 17 W Main St, North East, PA 16428, United States, this tavern has a charm that instantly draws you in, from the exposed brick walls to the cozy wooden booths that invite long conversations over hearty meals.
The menu at The Skunk And Goat Tavern is a delightful mix of classic American dishes with a modern twist. I remember trying their signature hand-cut burgers topped with house-made sauces, and the combination of flavors was unexpectedly vibrant. Each bite demonstrated careful attention to quality ingredients, with the beef cooked perfectly to order and fresh, crisp vegetables enhancing the taste. Their appetizers, like the loaded fries and crispy calamari, also reflected a commitment to inventive comfort food that goes beyond ordinary diner fare.
One thing that stood out to me was the drink selection. From craft beers sourced locally to creative cocktails, it was clear the tavern takes its beverages as seriously as its food. In fact, according to a recent study by the Brewers Association, pairing locally sourced drinks with meals significantly enhances the overall dining experience, a principle The Skunk And Goat Tavern seems to follow naturally. Their bartenders were not just serving drinks-they were offering recommendations with a genuine enthusiasm that made me trust their expertise.
The atmosphere at the tavern is another highlight. On a Friday night, the place was buzzing without feeling overcrowded. The staff handled the crowd with ease, maintaining friendly interactions and quick service. From my experience, restaurants that can balance a lively environment with attentive service are rare, and this spot achieves it effortlessly. I noticed several regulars chatting with the staff by name, which adds an authentic local touch often missing in chain restaurants.
I also appreciated the attention to detail in their setup. Every table had neatly arranged condiments and menus that were easy to navigate. The menu descriptions were clear and enticing, reflecting a thoughtful approach to dining that goes beyond simply serving food. For example, their seasonal specials often include dishes crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, which not only supports local farmers but also ensures every dish feels unique and timely.
Reviews online often mention The Skunk And Goat Tavern as a must-visit in North East, PA, and after my visit, it’s easy to see why. In addition to the food and drinks, the tavern’s location on W Main St makes it accessible while still retaining a neighborhood feel. It’s the kind of place where you can stop by for a casual lunch, linger over dinner with friends, or even grab a quick drink after work. The consistency across different visits demonstrates a strong commitment to quality, a factor that builds trust and encourages repeat customers.
For anyone who values a combination of welcoming ambiance, creative menu options, and attentive service, The Skunk And Goat Tavern delivers on all fronts. Whether you’re drawn by the unique dishes, the friendly staff, or the inviting atmosphere, the experience here is memorable. Walking out, I couldn’t help but think about returning soon to try their seasonal specials and perhaps another one of those craft cocktails that had been recommended with such confidence.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great coffee ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great wine list ✓ Live music ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Private dining room ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Historic ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Brunch reservations recommended ✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 1854 reviews
Stopped by for dinner while passing through on a road trip...felt like we found a hidden gem. The food was delicious and the place was cool. It was in an old bank building with a big vault in the back. Food was elevated...not typical bar food. I loved my salmon. Would definitely recommend.
10/2/25: We came to the Skunk as it was recommended by our Hotel Front Desk clerk. We were both over-hungry so we had high expectations. They were met! I was lucky enough to get a parking spot right in front of the restaurant! Good start, right?! Walked in to a neat atmosphere- very tavern like. Love the decor! They’re kid-friendly as well saw several tables with children at them. Music was playing, sometimes a little loud as we had to keep repeating ourselves. I ordered a medium NY strip (perfectly cooked!) and my hubby ordered the Bolognese. He had the cheesecake for dessert. Scrumptious, all! They need more options for people on restrictive diets. They have GF buns,, but I didn’t want a burger tonight. The stir fry uses soy (I cannot have) and there was sugar in a lot of other food choices. Maybe offer sweet potato fries as an alternative to potatoes?
Skunk and goat is on the main square in Northeast PA. The food took some time to arrive. Service was slow not because of the waitress but too few of them. A small menu. Shake was good as well as drinks. French Onion Soup was tasty. Nashville hot chicken was ok. Not that spicy. Macaroni and cheese side was not very good. Seemed like from a box. Fish was tasty.
Do not let the unique name scare you. This was a wonderful experience . We visited for a late lunch on a Tuesday. We were immediately seated and had the most fantastic waitress, Sienna. We ordered the fish and chips and the Reuben sandwich. Fish was cooked perfectly. The outside was crispy and the inside was still moist and flavorful. The tartar sauce they included appears to be homemade, and tasted wonderful. The reuben sandwich had just the right proportions of meat and sauerkraut and sauce. We were very impressed with all the food. Given that we were late for the lunch rush we were able to pull right into the parking lot beside the building and park. I would really like to try their brunch on my next visit.
We stopped in for lunch, and it is really quaint. The interior is beautiful. The staff was great. Our server was very attentive. The macaroni and barbecue was really delicious. The pretzel bites were great. The Philly cheesesteak lacked flavor. Really pretty bland. The fries are great! Overall, it was ok, but I was disappointed with the price for the sandwich for the high price point.
What a perfect place to have a great meal! We ate outside and the location was great! We enjoyed their raspberry margaritas and our chicken sandwiches were delicious! We also shared the shrimp and it was yummy! Saw many things on the menu that looked equally delicious! Our server was so nice and she was very attentive.
What a great find. Unique decor. Friendly and welcoming. Large menu selection. Recommendations from our waitress was spot-on. The goat balls exceeded our expectations and the crabcakes were equally impressive.