Can't Miss Dishes 2024

Jessica Hunter

Our Can't Miss Dishes for 2024 include 10 meals from local small businesses and restaurants spanning multiple cuisines and cultures. Bon appetit!

You know your favorites. That dish you always order when you regularly visit your well-loved local spot. That dish where, even though something else on the menu may catch your eye, you just can't seem to not order it, because it is just too good to get anything else. That is the essence of the Erie Reader's yearly menu of Can't Miss Dishes. These dishes may not be the flashiest items on the menu, they may not be artisanal or tweezered or particularly Instagrammable, but they are good. And something we truly wouldn't want you to miss.

Most of the choices for the dishes we included were sourced internally — our writers, staff, and editors chiming in about those local flavors they love. Other suggestions came from social media — friends of the Reader who clued us in on a few dishes of which we weren't previously aware. Our list this year is eclectic: we've got classic American fare, alongside Asian, Mediterranean, Indian, Spanish, and Mexican dishes; we've got vegetarian and vegan dishes alongside fish, chicken, and baked goods, and as always, a little something sweet to finish off the meal. Everyone is sure to find something delicious that they didn't know about before, something that may soon become that must-order-every-time menu item.

Ok! Let's eat!

(Listed alphabetically by location)

Photo: Jessica Hunter

What: Chicken Caesar Salad

Where: Bricks American Steakhouse, 417 State St.

Vibe: Perfectly executed staple

On the menu as: Classic Caesar (add on: Grilled Chicken)

Price: $22

This is the absolute definition of why we do Can't Miss Dishes each year. Who would think that a chicken caesar salad would be something so craveable that it would send our media editor Jessica Hunter back to Bricks for lunch again and again? Bricks might be known (and rightfully so) for their intensely flavorful aged steaks, sky-high burgers, and massive tomahawk pork chops — but if you're feeling like something lighter and just as noteworthy, stop in for lunch and give the Caesar a try. With crisp Romaine, homemade crunchy croutons, and chicken that has that steakhouse-grill taste — pair your Caesar with a cup of one of their house soups (a new, different offering daily) and you've got yourself a meal.

Photo: Jessica Hunter

What: Conchas

Where: Casa Cafe, 3505 W. 26th St.

Vibe: Ligera, suave, y dulce

On the menu as: Pan Dulce

Price: $2 each or $20/dozen

While these classic Mexican pastries are often referred to as Conchas (translating to English as shells — given their shape, this moniker is obvious), in Mexico they're known simply as Pan Dulce or Sweet Bread. And what can seem so simple, when done correctly like at Casa Cafe, the soft, delicately sweetened, crispy, multicolored, streusel-topped beauties become the perfect light breakfast treat or a sweet ending to a spicy meal. Tip: try the stuffed Concha on their dessert menu — filled with strawberries, cream, and hazelnut spread — to take this classic to the next level.

Photo: Erin Phillips

What: Salmon Crepe

Where: Give A Crepe La CrepErie, 2431 Peach St.

Vibe: New York deli meets Erie crepe love

On the menu as: Saumon Sale Crepe

Price: $15

Recommended by: Sarah Moody via Facebook

The vibe inside Give A Crepe is super fun. Chef Stephani Klassen (of 2023's 40 Under 40 class) spins the crepes in an open kitchen (so customers can enjoy the art of it), her coworkers are in sync, and they all seem to truly enjoy making your food — which ultimately makes the food better. The Saumon Sale crepe, as recommended via social media, tasted like a well-thought-out dish executed with love and care. A French twist on the Jewish-American classic bagel with lox, Give a Crepe takes its salty, smoky, dilly, creamy, oniony goodness and wraps it in a pillowy blanket of love, crepe-style. With salt-cured salmon made in-house and the savory, herby crepe base, this dish is a powerhouse of flavor and a satisfying lunch.

While Give A Crepe doesn't have in-house seating available, they encourage you to take your food to eat next door at Tipsy Bean Cafe (winner of 2023's Best Coffee Shop). I paired my Saumon Sale crepe with a Lucky Charm Iced Chai (chai with pistachio), and it was chef's kiss fantastic.

Photo: Erin Phillips

What: Almond Bear Claw

Where: Herb and Honey Bakery, 310 E. 24th St.

Vibe: Otherworldly, flaky perfection

On the menu as: Bear Claw, Almond

Price: $3.75

Ok, so we're featuring the Almond Bear Claw as our Can't Miss Dish, but that's just because we were forced to pick only one thing at Herb and Honey. And the Almond Bear Claw is perfection in pastry form. But, the real Can't Miss Dish at Herb and Honey Bakery is LITERALLY ANYTHING ON THE MENU. Seriously, you can't go wrong. Where we feel proprietor Jessica Schultz (Erie's 40 Under 40 Class of 2023) truly excels is in puff pastry. It feels impossible how light, crispy, delicate, and buttery her croissants, bear claws, puffs, and cruffins are. But that's not discounting Herb and Honey's more doughy creations like pretzels, sourdough bread, and seasonal items like Maritozzi at Valentine's Day or Polish Sweet Bread at Easter which will have you wishing those holidays were happening year-round.

Photo: Erin Phillips

What: Panang Curry with Chicken

Where: Like My Thai, 827 State St.

Vibe: Spicy Creamy Crunchy Herby

On the menu as: Panang Curry

Price: $15

If you're looking for a big, warming, bowl of Southeast Asian comfort — a little sweet, a little spicy (or, really, as spicy as you'd like), tender, flavorful chicken, the freshest veg, a healthy row of crushed peanuts, alongside a peppery row of Thai basil — this bowl o' curry is as beautiful as it is mouthwatering. In this writer's opinion, the best way to enjoy this curry is at the bar on a busy Friday night (alongside an appetizer of chicken on a stick — it is absurdly juicy). The smoky heat, the occasional bursts of fire from a wok-laden cooktop, the savory smells — all while bearing witness to the well-balanced, efficient dance between cook/server/busser who all seem to truly enjoy each other and the hustle, all set to a chill hippie-jazz soundtrack. It is a sight to behold and, in the truest sense of the word, a vibe.

Photo: Jessica Hunter

What: Saffron Butter Candle

Where: Lucero, 940 W. Erie Plaza Dr.

Vibe: Glowingly gorgeous

On the menu as: Sourdough Bread with Saffron Butter Candle

Price: $9

This appetizer sets the mood for the incredible meal you're about to enjoy at Lucero, Erie's latest fine-dining enterprise from Dan Kern (2013's 40 Under 40 Class), the brains behind nearby Bar Rōnin. Specializing in Spanish cuisine, the whole vibe of the meal is about sharing (either small plates/tapas or larger, shareable meals) and the saffron butter candle, as it slowly melts into a dippable pool of fragrant butter for the sourdough bread to sop up, is the perfect centerpiece to a tapas meal. The best-selling item on their menu, the saffron butter is just one stop for the sourdough bread — as it becomes a vehicle for a number of the other tapas offered like cured meats, aged cheeses, whipped feta, etc. Let your imagination run wild and get into the mood that is Lucero.

Photo: Erin Phillips

What: Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Where: Mama Mia's Pizzeria, 1529 W. 38th St.

Vibe: The best of both worlds

On the menu as: Buffalo Chicken Specialty Pizza

Price: $15.95

What do you want for dinner: pizza or wings? Why choose one when you can have the best of both worlds with Mama Mia's Buffalo Chicken Pizza. Ok, can you get fancier pizza somewhere else? Sure. What Mama Mia's gives you is straight-up old-school pie — fresh dough, flavorful sauce, quality toppings, set on a perfectly crisp crust that holds its shape when you pick it up while still being bubbly and chewy inside. It's a workhorse; it's a go-to; it's perfect.

And the Buffalo Chicken variety is particularly craveable because it scratches that hot wing itch: the sauce of the pizza is ranch dressing — giving it just the right amount of spicy and creamy. The tender shredded chicken on top has little burny, crispy bits from the pizza oven. Highly recommended with a side of ranch for dipping and a tall glass of some refreshingly balanced beer from Erie Ale Works (with killer beers constantly on rotation, for pizza you'll want to go with something golden like Cold Leftovers, Nexus of the Universe, or Blast Off — if you're lucky enough to catch it).

Photo: Brian Graham

What: Falafel King

Where: Shawarma King, 1042 W. 26th St.

Vibe: Crispy-but-not-greasy

On the menu as: Vegetarian

Price: $12.99

Recommended by: Dan Schank, Contributing Writer

It's hard to find a fancy way to describe what's good about Shawarma King's falafel. That's because what makes it great isn't some new spin on Mediterranean cuisine — it's just fresh ingredients, creamy hummus, nutty tahini, and pickles I never get to enjoy because my two young daughters always gobble them up first. The perfect takeout option for a tired parent who wants quality food while avoiding dishes.

Photo: Jessica Hunter

What: Veggie Platter

Where: Tandoori Hut, 2605 Washington Ave.

Vibe: Voraciously Vegetal

Price: $15.99

On the menu as: Vegetarian Thali of Tandoori Hut

Tandoori Hut is the real deal and they've got staying power. Originally a staple on North Park Row in Downtown Erie, they found their permanent home in the restaurant space on 26th and Washington that has been a part of the fabric of the Erie restaurant scene for generations (most recently Summerhouse Cafe and before that, Fergie's). Tandoori Hut has built customer loyalty over the years because of their authenticity and bold flavors. Our veggie-editor Brian chose this as his Can't Miss Dish because of the variety of flavor and texture, the presentation (this item is only available in-house, not to-go), and the satisfying nature of this fully vegetarian dish. Featuring multiple vegetarian dishes on one segmented platter, including Navrattan korma, palak paneer, dal, basmati rice, naan bread, raita, and rice pudding, there's plenty for sharing. Get a homemade Masala chai or a refreshing mango lassi to really set this meal off.

Photo: Jessica Hunter

What: Chicken Wonton Ramen with Crispy Shallots

Where: Wooden Ladle Ramen and Rice Bowls, 4753 W. Lake Rd.

Vibe: Slurpably Savory

On the menu as: Ramen: Chicken Wonton

Price: $16

Recommended by: Dave Tamulonis via Instagram

The Wooden Ladle, nestled in a stone cottage in a quiet nook off of 12th Street (the former Stonehouse Inn), isn't just offering delicious, homemade Japanese food; they're offering a real dining experience. With friendly and informative waitstaff, ready to explain any of the dishes — the meal you have at Wooden Ladle will be a winner, soup to nuts. With a plethora of savory appetizers available, we recommend the Gyoza — or chicken dumplings — they are handmade, tender, delicate, and flavorful. But the real star of the show is the ramen. The Chicken Wonton Ramen, as recommended via social media, is a perfect balance of fresh noodles, vegetables, crispy garnish, and seasoned ground chicken encased in perfectly pinched, tender pouches. It is the best of both worlds, combining a wonton soup with a satisfying ramen bowl. The soft egg, crisp nori, and quintessential wooden ladle set it all off. Be sure to enjoy your meal with a signature Rose Tea Lemonade for a floral, herbaceous twist on a classic American lemonade and end with a homemade dessert (we enjoyed the subtly matcha-scented crème brûlée). Who's stuffed?