Vintage photograph of a family enjoying an outdoor meal in a wooded setting, possibly within Cook Forest State Park. A woman, dressed in a light-colored dress and apron, is cooking on a unique stone cooktop, with smoke rising from the fire. Her family, including children, are seated at a nearby picnic table, seemingly awaiting their meal. A man is attending to a basket, perhaps containing provisions. The scene evokes a sense of rustic charm and the joys of outdoor dining, reminiscent of a bygone era. This image captures the essence of a family getaway in a natural setting, similar to the experience offered at Gateway Lodge.

Food & Drink

We Are Wild Crafters

Enjoy casual, forest-to-table dining near Cook Forest State Park, Pennsylvania. Our talented kitchen team crafts scratch-made meals with fresh, seasonal, organic ingredients from local foragers and sustainable farms.
spot illustration of woman holding a basket of fresh vegetables

Wednesday through Friday nights, enjoy Wild Crafter’s Kitchen, our comforting, casual fare menu. On Saturdays, savor the “Taste of the Wilds” three-course preset dinner featuring seasonal, regionally-inspired dishes. Pair either evening with curated wines, craft beers, and occasional live music—perfect for romantic weekends, family adventures, and wellness getaways.

Casual Cafe-Style Dining

Wild Crafter’s Kitchen

WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, AND FRIDAY FROM 5–8 PM
At WildCrafter’s Kitchen, our farm to table philosophy guides every dish. In the heart of Cook Forest, Pennsylvania, we partner with local farms, seek out organic ingredients, and prepare nearly everything from scratch with intention and care. Many offerings are naturally gluten free, and we thoughtfully accommodate dietary needs so every guest can dine with ease.

DOWNLOAD WILD CRAFTER’S KITCHEN Menu

3-Course Dining Experience

Taste of the Wilds

SATURDAYS FROM 5–8 PM
Saturday evenings, we invite you to experience “Taste of the Wilds,” our thoughtfully curated three-course preset dinner. This seasonal menu changes throughout the year, reflecting the freshest ingredients available. Each course is crafted from scratch with an emphasis on high-quality sourcing and thoughtful preparation. Because of the nature of this dining experience, advance reservations are required. $75 per person, (tax and 18% service charge are additional)

DOWNLOAD tASTE OF THE WILDS MENU for Jun-Aug 2026

By the Glass & Bottle

Wine & Craft Beers

Offering over 235 curated wines, including Wine Spectator Top 100 selections, along with a rotating lineup of Pennsylvania craft beers. We proudly feature family-owned and sustainably minded producers.

DOWNLOAD WINE & CRAFT BEERS Menu

Please call us to reserve.

814.744.8017
  • Artisan cheese and fruit platter at Gateway Lodge, Cook Forest, PA, featuring Red Rock, Leonora, Prairie Breeze cheeses, seasonal fruits, Tait Farm preserves, Marcona almonds, toasted baguette, and rustic crackers.
  • Rustic bar with wormy maple table and wine barrel stools at Gateway Lodge, Cook Forest, PA.
  • Sommelier in Gateway Lodge's Wine Spectator Award-winning wine cellar in Cook Forest, Pennsylvania.
  • Organic chicken breast with forest mushrooms, tomatoes, and shallots in a cognac white wine reduction, served with redskin mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables at Gateway Lodge, Cook Forest State Park, PA.
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  • Cedar planked salmon with honey rosemary glaze and fresh apple vegetable salad at Gateway Lodge Cook Forest PA.
  • A top-down view of Gateway's Smash Burger, featuring a perfectly seared Clarion Farms ground beef patty topped with melted cheddar cheese, fresh lettuce, ripe tomato slices, crisp dill pickle spears, and thinly sliced red onion, all served on a toasted brioche bun. The meal is accompanied by a bowl of creamy potato soup and a glass of beer. This dish, from Wild Crafter's Kitchen at Gateway Lodge, showcases the use of local ingredients from the PA Wilds.
  • A close-up shot of a hand carefully pouring a golden-hued Sauternes wine from a clear glass bottle into an elegant stemmed glass. The label on the bottle is partially visible and indicates
  • A beautifully presented apple cranberry galette, showcasing slices of baked apples and vibrant red cranberries nestled in a rustic, golden-brown crust. The galette rests on parchment paper on a wooden surface. This homemade dessert, likely from Wild Crafter's Kitchen at Gateway Lodge, highlights the use of fresh, possibly organic and locally sourced ingredients from the PA Wilds region.
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  • An inviting interior view of the remodeled dining room at Gateway Lodge in Cook Forest State Park, Pennsylvania. The room features a blend of rustic and modern design elements, including repurposed wood accents, bark-lined walls, a copper-topped table, and stone floors. Large windows provide natural light and views of the surrounding scenery. The overall ambiance is warm and sophisticated, suggesting a unique dining experience.

    Wild Crafter’s Kitchen Menu

    gathering plates

    Guacamole Deviled Eggs
    Three farm-fresh eggs from Carr Farms filled with creamy guacamole served on garden greens. (gluten-free) $10

    Sea Salt Fries with Truffle Aïoli
    Hand-cut fries seasoned with sea salt, served with a truffled garlic aïoli dip. (gluten-free) $8

    Artisan Cheese Board
    Selection of Red Rock, Leonora, and Prairie Breeze cheeses, accompanied by a seasonal array of fresh fruits, Tait Farm preserves, Marcona almonds, toasted baguette, and rustic crackers.
    Serves Two – $25 / Serves Four – $45 / Serves Eight – $75
    Gluten Free : Add $5

    Red Pepper & Walnut Muhammara
    Dip served with flatbread, carrot, and celery sticks. Infused with cumin, pomegranate molasses, scallions, and a kick of cayenne. (gluten-free) $12

    Grilled Oysters with Sriracha Lime Butter
    Six Blue Point oysters, harvested from the famed beds of Norwalk and Westport, Connecticut. (gluten-free) $20

    Vegetarian Chili
    Hearty chickpea based chili with onions, kidney and cannelini beans, garlic, tomatoes, and green peppers. Topped with sharp cheddar. (gluten-free) $8

    WildCrafter’s Bread Board
    Warm sourdough boule served with roasted garlic and herb butter, finished with a sprinkle of Maldon Sea Salt. $16

    FARM–TO–FOREST ENTRÉES

    Pierogies with Wild Boar Sausage
    Six house-made pierogies, crafted from russet potatoes and the finest gluten-free flour sourced from Italy. Each pierogi is topped with savory wild boar sausage and caramelized onions. (gluten-free) $25

    Gateway Smash Burger with French Fries
    Juicy 1⁄3 lb fresh ground beef patty from Clarion Farms, topped with crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, sharp cheddar cheese, dill pickle, and red onion, all nestled in a soft brioche bun. Served with fresh cut fries. $24

    Proteins and Greens Salad
    A generous portion of greens and garden veggies with your choice of dressing: crunchy mustard, apple cider vinaigrette, or buttermilk chive.

    Cedar Planked Faroe Islands Salmon Filet — $36

    8oz Garlic-Herb Marinated Clarion Farms Flat Iron Steak — $36

    Rosemary Lemon Marinated Chicken Breast — $36

    Keep it Vegan — $16

    Small Starter Salad: $8

    Porterhouse Steak Dinner
    Fire-grilled 20 oz. Porterhouse Angus Prime steak served with seasonal vegetables and a baked potato with butter. Dinner comes with a starter salad with your choice of dressing. (gluten-free) $65

    10” Hand Tossed Pizzas
    Stone-baked pizza made to order. The vegetable pizza is topped with mushrooms, spinach, red pepper, and red onion. The supreme pizza comes with beef pepperoni, red onion, green pepper, and black olives.

    Supreme Pizza — $20

    Vegetable Pizza — $20

    Pepperoni Pizza — $18

    Cheese Pizza — $15

    Gluten-Free Crust — Add 5

    scratch-made sweets

    Gateway’s Signature Chocolate Cake
    Rich chocolate frosted cake, crafted with Guittard fair-trade chocolate and dutch process cocoa for an unforgettable chocolate indulgence. $10

    Seasonal Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream
    In-season fruit cobbler baked beneath a golden buttery crust and served with ice cream. $10

    Pavlova with Seasonal Fruit and Whip Cream
    Crisp meringue topped with seasonal fruit. It can be made dairy free upon request. (gluten-free) $12

    Maple Bourbon Pecan Ball
    House made maple bourbon ice cream rolled in toasted pecans and topped with hot fudge and whip cream. (gluten-free) $10

    Taste of the Wilds

    STARTER

    Dressed Fresh Greens Salad with Cherries, Pistachios, and Goat Cheese

    ENTRÉE OPTIONS

    Cherry Wood-Grilled, Grass-fed Organic Ribeye with Red Wine Herb Butter served with Hasselback Potato and Seasonal Vegetables (gluten-free) OR Cracker-crusted, Wild-caught Canadian Walleye served with Hasselback Potato and Seasonal Vegetables OR Vegetarian Walnut Burger Lasagna layered with Spinach, Red Peppers, Forest Mushrooms, and Three Cheeses in a Basil Marinara Sauce

    DESSERT

    Triple-layer Strawberry Chiffon Cake with Whipped Cream, Organic Strawberries, and Strawberry Rhubarb Puree

    Vintage black and white photo of three musicians in top hats playing instruments (trumpet, drum labeled
    Vintage black and white photo of three musicians in top hats playing instruments (trumpet, drum labeled

     LIVE MUSIC WITH DINNER 

    Great Tunes

    Dining in our restaurant Thursday to Saturday? Enjoy the ambiance of live music performed by some of the region’s best.

    Music Schedule
    Mystical sunlight rays peaking through the towering trees onto a large moss-covered boulder in the ancient forest of Cook Forest State Park, Pennsylvania, highlighting the serene natural beauty and towering pines unique to the region.

    Share the Wonder with a Gateway Gift Certificate

    Purchase a Gateway gift certificate for someone special and give the gift of renewal. Farm-to-table dining, peaceful room and cabin stays, and awe-inspiring experiences in nature—making lifelong memories is easy here. Certificates can be used towards meal and lodging purchases and never expire.

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