A beloved local gem is about to get national recognition. The Lawrence Park Dinor, a staple in Erie since 1948, will be featured on an upcoming episode of America’s Best Restaurants (ABR) this July.

The ABR Roadshow will film on-site Friday, July 18 from 2 to 5 p.m., capturing the diner’s scratch-made comfort food and community spirit.

The episode will include a sit-down interview with owner Dawn Van Scoter, who’s operated the landmark eatery since 2001, introducing higher-quality ingredients, daily specials, and hosting events like car shows.

Recognized as the only diner in Pennsylvania on the National Register of Historic Places, the Lawrence Park Dinor charms visitors with its classic railcar design and top-ranked cuisine, currently holding the #1 spot on Tripadvisor out of over 400 Erie-area restaurants.

Popular menu items expected to be featured include their oversized pancakes, triple-decker sandwiches, signature Greek hot dog sauce, and the fan-favorite Greek Burger, made fresh daily and topped with ketchup, onions, and Greek sauce.

But Van Scoter says it’s not just about the food, it’s the people. “It's really the customers that own the diner. I just keep the lights on,” she said. True to that philosophy, there’s no television or public Wi-Fi, just good food and genuine conversation.

The episode will premiere on ABR’s social media channels and website later this year.