Center of the universe • Erie, PA
Discover why we love Erie
From sunrise coffee on the bayfront to late-night bites downtown, explore Erie, PA businesses that give the city its character—curated for visitors and locals who are excited to get the full Erie, PA experience
Handpicked Erie coffee shops, breweries, boutiques, galleries, and more.
Excited to share more Erie recommendations? Submit your tips below, and your favorite local gem could be featured on our site.
WHY SHOP LOCAL IN ERIE
Meet the Erie makers, roasters, brewers, and curators behind the city’s energy.
This guide highlights small businesses across Downtown Erie, the Bayfront, Frontier, and surrounding neighborhoods—places locals actually recommend when friends come to town.
Use it to plan a weekend, design a self-guided walking tour, or simply find a new favorite coffee, beer, book, or gift while you’re in Erie.
- Walkable clusters of cafes, breweries, and shops downtown
- Lake Erie views just steps from local businesses
- Owner-operated spots where your purchase makes a difference
Visitor Tip: Most of these spots are within 10–15 minutes of each other by car. Pair a Bayfront morning with an afternoon downtown and sunset at Presque Isle.
Neighborhoods
Downtown, Bayfront, Frontier, West 8th, and more—each with its own local flavor.
Categories
Coffee, food & drink, boutiques, arts & culture, family-friendly stops, and more.
FEATURED SMALL BUSINESSES
Start your Erie itinerary with these local favorites.
Each business below is independently owned, rooted in Erie, and loved by locals. Enjoy some of our favorite places by using the code COUE0226
Downtown • Coffee & Breakfast
Bakery on 5th
House coffee, fresh pastries, and large, inviting indoor seating space that looks out onto State Street—perfect for starting a day of exploring downtown Erie.
Don’t miss: Savory and sweet options, made in house fresh daily.
Located on State Street & 5th, an easy walk from many Bayfront hotels, museums, and shopping
Bayfront • brews & Kitchen
Shoreline Grill
A full bar, beers on tap, casual fair, and a patio that glows at sunset—ideal after a day at Presque Isle State Park or exploring the Bayfront.
My favorite: A brunch-y meal featuring their Shoreline Salad and Blackened Wall-eye sandwich. Light and easy after a day in the sun!
Located within the Bayfront Marriott Courtyard
Frontier Park• Bookstore & Gifts
Pressed Books + Coffee
A cozy, independent bookstore featuring curated reads, a beautiful cafe, and Erie-made stationery, and gifts.
Perfect for: Picking up a rainy-day read or a locally-inspired souvenir to take home. They also have Perks program for returning customers, and frequently partner with and promote other local organizations.
Short walk from Frontier Park
EATS & DRINKS
Where we love go to eat and unwind.
From brunch spots near Frontier Park to late-night bites downtown, these Erie restaurants and cafés are welcoming to visitors while staying true to their neighborhood roots.
Downtown • Farm-to-Table
Born and Braised
Seasonal menus built around local farms, Lake Erie produce, and scratch-made dishes in a classically-decorated dining area
Great for: Date night, special occasions, or a slower-paced, casual dinner after hiking Presque Isle trails.
Reservations recommended on weekends.
East side • Casual Pizza & Pints
Erie Brewing Co. Knowledge Park
Neighborhood space with what some people consider the best pizzas in Erie. Enjoy rotating craft beers, and consider joining their Mug Club, which meets for free beer on Tuesdays.
Family Friendly: Families often stop in for pizza and wings. Good luck getting a table for Thursday night Trivia!
Plenty of parking on-site.
Glass Growers Gallery
Bring a piece of Erie home with you.
Support Erie artists, makers, and shopkeepers—from curated boutiques downtown to small studios around Erie.
Locally made jewelry, ceramics, and prints
Great Lakes–themed apparel and home goods
Rotating gallery exhibits.
Downtown • Gallery & Studios
1020 Collective
A gallery, studio, and recording space highlighting Erie painters, photographers, and musicians with both private and public events and openings.
Check the calendar for movie screenings, open mic nights, and other events that are open to the public.
NEIGHBORHOODS & MAP
How to plan a perfect local day in Erie.
Most visitors combine these areas into one full day or weekend. Use this as a simple route:
Morning: Coffee downtown, stroll Perry Square, and enjoy breakfast on the water.
Afternoon: Head to Presque Isle State Park for beaches or trails.
Evening: Dinner at West Erie Plaza or Frontier, then drinks on the Bayfront.
Driving between each cluster usually takes 10 minutes or less, and rideshares are widely available on weekends.
PLAN YOUR ERIE VISIT
Experience Erie like you live here.
Bookmark this page before you arrive, or share it with your group so everyone can pick a must-visit Erie spot—from coffee and brunch to galleries, breweries, and local shops.
New businesses open in Erie all the time. Check each spot’s hours and event listings before you go.
Have an idea or a recommendation?
Share a Suggestion
Excited to share more Erie recommendations? Submit other local events, businesses, outdoor adventures, and family activities to help us showcase what makes Erie a great city!