Tucked along the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack in Hawley, Pennsylvania, Gresham’s Chop House is the kind of restaurant that stays with you long after the last bite. With stunning water views, sizzling steaks, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, it has earned a loyal following and a 4.4-star rating from over a thousand happy guests.
Whether you are planning a romantic dinner, a family outing, or just craving an exceptional meal in a beautiful setting, this lakefront gem truly delivers. Get ready to discover everything that makes Gresham’s Chop House a must-visit dining destination in the Pocono Mountains.
Stunning Views of Lake Wallenpaupack
Few things beat watching the sun dip below the horizon while savoring a great meal, and at Gresham’s Chop House, that dream becomes reality. Perched right along the edge of Lake Wallenpaupack, the restaurant offers sweeping water views that set the mood the moment you walk through the door.
Most of the seating, whether indoors or out, gives guests a gorgeous glimpse of the lake. Reviewers consistently rave about the scenic backdrop, calling it one of the best spots on the water.
The outdoor covered seating area is especially popular during warmer months, offering shade and a gentle lake breeze.
Even on a quiet weeknight, the view alone makes the trip worthwhile. Watching ripples dance across the lake while enjoying a perfectly cooked steak is the kind of simple pleasure that turns a regular dinner into a lasting memory.
Exceptional Steaks Worth Every Bite
One guest put it best: the steak here was better than ones served at places charging double the price. That kind of praise says everything about the quality Gresham’s Chop House consistently delivers on the plate.
From the bacon-wrapped filet to the dry-aged 20-ounce ribeye, the steak menu reads like a carnivore’s wish list. Each cut is seasoned with care and grilled to bring out rich, bold flavors that keep diners coming back again and again.
The kitchen clearly takes pride in sourcing quality beef and preparing it with real skill.
Pairing options like creamy mashed potatoes and roasted baby carrots round out the plate beautifully. Whether you prefer a leaner cut or something with a little more marbling, the menu has something to satisfy every steak lover at the table.
A Menu That Goes Far Beyond Steak
Gresham’s Chop House carries the steakhouse name proudly, but the menu stretches well beyond beef. Seafood, Italian pasta dishes, pork chops, duck, and fresh salads all share space on a menu that genuinely has something for everyone at the table.
Standout dishes mentioned by regulars include seared scallops over creamy polenta, stuffed zucchini flowers, and the fan-favorite porto pork chop with beautiful grill marks and bold seasoning. The garden pasta, made with angel hair noodles, fresh vegetables, garlic, and olive oil, has won hearts among guests who prefer lighter fare.
Variety like this means no one gets left out when choosing a place to eat. Whether your group includes adventurous eaters or picky ones, the broad selection at Gresham’s makes it easy for everyone to find something exciting and satisfying on the menu.
Warm and Welcoming Atmosphere
Walking into Gresham’s Chop House feels like being welcomed into someone’s well-decorated home near the water. The beach-inspired decor hits the right balance between casual and refined, avoiding anything that feels overdone or tacky.
Warm lighting, well-spaced tables, and a layout that encourages conversation all contribute to an ambiance that guests describe as cozy, crisp, and inviting. Music plays near the bar area without drowning out the conversations happening around the dining room, striking just the right volume.
One reviewer noted that the atmosphere felt welcoming from the very first moment, and that the overall vibe made the meal feel special without being stuffy. Whether you show up in jeans or dress a little nicer, Gresham’s has a relaxed elegance that makes every guest feel comfortable and genuinely at home throughout the evening.
Outstanding and Attentive Service
Great food deserves great service, and Gresham’s Chop House delivers on both fronts with enthusiasm. Servers like Shannon, Jennifer, and others have been called out by name in glowing reviews, a sign that the staff here genuinely cares about each guest’s experience.
Reviewers consistently highlight how knowledgeable and attentive the waitstaff is, from answering detailed questions about ingredients to checking in at just the right moments without hovering. One guest praised a server for being super personable, playful, and incredibly helpful in recommending standout dishes from the menu.
Even on the busiest Saturday nights, the team keeps things moving with impressive hustle and grace. Bus staff clear empty plates promptly, keeping tables tidy throughout the meal.
When the service matches the scenery and the food this well, it creates the kind of dining experience guests talk about for months afterward.
Gluten-Free Options Clearly Marked
Eating out with dietary restrictions can feel stressful, but Gresham’s Chop House takes the guesswork out of the equation for gluten-sensitive diners. Every gluten-free item on the menu is clearly marked, making it easy to order with confidence.
One guest with Celiac Disease shared a heartfelt review about how their server Jennifer was fully knowledgeable about cross-contamination risks and celiac-safe preparation methods. The restaurant is even listed on the Find Me Gluten Free app as a trusted and safe dining option for those with serious dietary needs.
Knowing that a kitchen takes your health seriously makes a huge difference, especially when dining out with family or friends who have different needs. Gresham’s earns real trust from the gluten-free community by going beyond just labeling items and actually training staff to handle these situations with genuine care and professionalism.
Live Music and Outdoor Pavilion Fun
Saturday nights at Gresham’s Chop House carry an extra spark, thanks to live music performances at the outdoor pavilion from 6 PM to 9 PM. The pavilion overlooks Lake Wallenpaupack and catches a steady breeze off the water, making it one of the most refreshing spots to unwind in the entire area.
Guests describe the pavilion as a perfect place to grab appetizers and a cocktail in a totally relaxed, open-air setting. The covered structure protects visitors from too much sun or unexpected rain, so the fun rarely gets rained out.
It is open Thursdays through Sundays, giving visitors multiple chances to enjoy the experience.
Whether you are stopping by just for drinks and a light bite or settling in for a full evening of music and food, the pavilion adds a festive, lively energy that takes the Gresham’s experience to a whole new level.
Signature Bread and Rosemary Parmesan Olive Oil
Before the main event even arrives, Gresham’s Chop House sets the tone with a simple but memorable touch: warm, generous portions of bread served alongside rosemary and parmesan-infused olive oil. It sounds simple, but guests cannot stop talking about it.
Multiple reviewers mentioned asking for second helpings of the olive oil dip because it was just that good. The combination of fragrant rosemary, rich olive oil, and salty shredded cheese creates a starter that feels both rustic and refined at the same time.
Little details like this reveal how much thought goes into every part of the dining experience here. It is not just about the entrees; it is about the whole journey from the moment you sit down.
That warm bread basket is the kind of welcoming gesture that immediately tells you this meal is going to be something special.
French Onion Soup That Steals the Show
Some soups are forgettable fillers before the main course. The French onion soup at Gresham’s Chop House is not one of those soups.
One reviewer called it one of the best they had ever tasted, praising its rich, deeply savory broth, generous layer of melted cheese, and full-bodied flavor.
A bowl this good does not happen by accident. It takes slow-cooked caramelized onions, quality broth, and the right amount of gooey, browned cheese on top to pull off a French onion soup that genuinely impresses.
Gresham’s clearly nails all three.
Starting your meal with this classic is a smart move, especially on a cooler evening when the lake breeze drifts through the windows. Warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, this soup earns its place as one of the most talked-about starters on the entire menu at Gresham’s Chop House.
Desserts That Demand an Empty Stomach
Save room for dessert at Gresham’s Chop House because skipping it would be a genuine mistake. Reviewers have waxed poetic about the towering strawberry shortcake, describing it as one of the best desserts they have had anywhere, full stop.
The peanut butter chocolate pie has also earned serious fans among guests who stayed for the sweet finish. Rich, creamy, and satisfying without being overwhelming, it is the kind of dessert that makes you forget you were already full.
One couple wisely split an entree just so they would have room for something sweet at the end.
Dessert at a restaurant this good is not an afterthought; it is part of the whole experience. When the kitchen puts as much care into the last course as it does the first, you know you are dining somewhere that truly values the art of a memorable meal.
Full Bar With Cocktails, Wine, and More
A great meal deserves a great drink to go with it, and Gresham’s Chop House brings a solid full bar to the table. From classic cocktails and spirits to a well-priced wine list, there is plenty to sip on throughout the evening.
Guests have praised the bar area as a lively, social space where the music feels just right and the bartenders are consistently attentive and skilled. Whether you prefer a bold red wine alongside your steak or a refreshing cocktail on the outdoor pavilion, the drink menu has you covered.
One reviewer did mention they would love to see more mocktail and non-alcoholic beverage options for those who prefer not to drink alcohol, which is fair feedback worth noting. Still, the overall bar experience at Gresham’s adds another enjoyable dimension to a dining visit that already has so much going for it.
Family-Friendly Dining With Broad Appeal
Not every upscale restaurant makes families with kids feel genuinely welcome, but Gresham’s Chop House manages to pull it off with ease. Multiple reviewers specifically highlighted how family-friendly the environment is, noting that children are comfortable and the staff treats everyone with equal warmth.
The menu’s wide range of options means even the pickiest eaters in the group can find something appealing, from pasta dishes and salads to lighter appetizers and classic entrees. Booth seating in the dining room and well-spaced tables give families plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the meal without feeling cramped.
Bringing grandparents, toddlers, or teenagers to Gresham’s works because the atmosphere manages to feel both relaxed and special at the same time. That balance is surprisingly rare in lakefront dining, making Gresham’s a go-to choice for families looking to celebrate, reconnect, or simply enjoy a great meal together.
Smart Hours and Easy Reservations Tips
Planning ahead makes a big difference when visiting Gresham’s Chop House, especially on busy weekend nights. The restaurant opens at 4 PM Tuesday through Sunday and is closed on Mondays, with Friday and Saturday hours extending until 9:30 PM to accommodate evening diners.
Several reviewers noted waits of 45 minutes to an hour on peak nights, particularly Saturdays in summer. Arriving early or on a weeknight can save you that wait and still reward you with the same incredible food, views, and service.
Eating at the bar is also a solid option if the dining room is full, since the bartenders are consistently praised for being attentive and personable.
Ample free parking is available on the front lawn, which is a genuine convenience. You can reach the restaurant at 570-226-1500 or visit greshamschophouse.com to check for updates before heading out to Hawley.