The area's five best restaurants (Scranton, Kingston: hoa, appointed, business)

[irishLASSIE333]

I am a graduate student (with a graduate student's budget) and have only lived here since the late summer, so most of my "dining out" has consisted of hoagies and other portable, inexpensive fare. . .that being said, I am a major advocate of Cara Mia's on E. Drinker Street in Dunmore. Their hoagies and salads are delicious, as are their soups. I have yet to try their pizzas, because I am always in a rush when I go there, but I am sure they are excellent.

For fine dining, my favorite is Carmen's.

For Thai, I like Thai Rak Thai (and they are so friendly there).

While I am not overly impressed with the menu at Brixx, I have to admit that their B Be Bee Burger is tasty. I think Paul has mentioned it before. It's peppercorn-crusted, blackened and comes with Bleu Cheese and bacon, and it has such a nice, salty bite to it with just enough heat.

Hopefully in future months I can sample some of the restaurants you all have mentioned. I am a foodie and count going out to eat among my hobbies.

[ScranBarre]

Originally Posted by irishLASSIE333

While I am not overly impressed with the menu at Brixx, I have to admit that their B Be Bee Burger is tasty. I think Paul has mentioned it before. It's peppercorn-crusted, blackened and comes with Bleu Cheese and bacon, and it has such a nice, salty bite to it with just enough heat.

YES!!! That is one of the primary reasons that I keep going back there. If they ever remove it from their menu, I just might have to remove Brixx from my list.

[FightinPhils]

Rossi's, Archbald (Italian)
Villa Maria, West Scranton (Italian)
La Tolteca, Wilkes-Barre (Mexican)
Revello's, Old Forge (pizza)
The Banshee, Downtown Scranton (Irish pub)
Windsor Inn, Jermyn (hot wings)

Just some of my favorites. As you can see, I'm not much into fancy dining.

[FuturePAMover]

Originally Posted by SWB

1.) Damenti's, Mountain Top (Fine Dining)
2.) Theo's Metro, Kingston (Greek)
3.) Thai Thai, Downtown Wilkes-Barre (Thai)
4.) Mambo Italiano, Dupont (Italian)
5.) Brixx, Downtown Scranton (Pub Food)

SWB- how are the prices at these restaurants? These are all my favorite kinds of foods and I'd love to try them!!

[CHS89]

I've never been to Sibio's. Would that have a shot at this list?

[FightinPhils]

I've never been to Sibio's either, but many people have told me its overrated and overpriced.

Just up the street on Blakely St in Dunmore, Ragnacci's has very good food, and decent prices too.

[dexcye]

Originally Posted by MrKrabs

I've never been to Sibio's either, but many people have told me its overrated and overpriced.

I'd have to agree with this. It's been a couple years since I've been to Sibio's, but to me, it's the same standard Italian-American fare you can get elsewhere for a better price.

[dexcye]

Originally Posted by irishLASSIE333

I am a graduate student (with a graduate student's budget) and have only lived here since the late summer, so most of my "dining out" has consisted of hoagies and other portable, inexpensive fare. . .that being said, I am a major advocate of Cara Mia's on E. Drinker Street in Dunmore. Their hoagies and salads are delicious, as are their soups. I have yet to try their pizzas, because I am always in a rush when I go there, but I am sure they are excellent.

For fine dining, my favorite is Carmen's.

For Thai, I like Thai Rak Thai (and they are so friendly there).

While I am not overly impressed with the menu at Brixx, I have to admit that their B Be Bee Burger is tasty. I think Paul has mentioned it before. It's peppercorn-crusted, blackened and comes with Bleu Cheese and bacon, and it has such a nice, salty bite to it with just enough heat.

Hopefully in future months I can sample some of the restaurants you all have mentioned. I am a foodie and count going out to eat among my hobbies.

Cara Mia really does do things right. Good call.

[irishLASSIE333]

Originally Posted by dexcye

Cara Mia really does do things right. Good call.

Thanks! I think the freshness and quality of their ingredients really set C.M.'s apart, and their prices are so reasonable! I had lunch from there today, a genoa salami sandwich on their Crispy Italian Roll with fresh mozzarella, and it was under $5! For a foot-long sub literally STUFFED with quality ingredients (plus chips and a pickle) to be four some-odd dollars is a great deal in my book, especially considering that a "comparable" sandwich from Subway would be several dollars more and made with 2 measly triangles of cheese and sub-par meat.

[MermanMike]

Nominating Torte Knox in Hawley, and Goodfello's in W. Pittston. These are two restaurants that could easily compete with the finest in the world. Goodfello's is Italian. Torte Knox is tougher to peg down, very creative food and a very creative chef that often prepares meals flamboyantly in her "food theatre" so everyone can watch.