The Forksville Inn and Tavern in Forksville, Pennsylvania

If it's rustic country ambiance you want, The Forksville Inn and Tavern is the place for you. Interspersed with art and photos depicting the local area, the dining room walls are decorated with deer and moose heads, mounted fish and turkey, bear skins and heads, a coyote and a fox. If mounted animals don't bother you, it is an extremely relaxed atmosphere, jeans being perfectly acceptable, and live weekend entertainment is offered.

Originally called the Gardiner Inn and Motel, The Forksville Inn and Tavern was built in 1947 by father and son, Ralph and Harold Gardiner. Located on Route 87, a mile and a half from the town Forksville, it originally accommodated 40 guests. It now only rents out three rooms, its main business the rustic bar and large dining room.

On the first day of a two-week camping trip at World's End State Park, after driving all day, unloading the truck and setting up housekeeping in the cabin, we were ready to be pampered. A very pleasant young waitress took our drink orders, and read us the specials. The crab cakes had already caught my eye, however, and the waitress assured us we would not be disappointed. My husband decided that sounded good, as well. I ordered an appetizer of four shrimp stuffed with cheese and crab, which was so good my husband ate half of them and I had to tell the waitress to "bring more of this, immediately!"

He got the clam chowder, rich, hearty, tasty and loaded with clams. I chose the salad, which was crisp and fresh and just enough. The waitress didn't lie about our entrée choice, bringing us each two of the most delectably fried and seasoned crab cakes, actually made of crab and no filler. For our side dishes, I chose a double order of mixed vegetables, he chose mashed potatoes and peas with chicken gravy. He did suspect the potatoes were instant, but I tasted them and they were fine.

The Forksville Inn and Tavern offered a varied dessert menu of cakes and pies that looked as delicious as only homemade can, but by then we were full and passed on dessert, ending our meal with a cup of excellent coffee.

The menu at the Forksville Inn and Tavern offers a surprising mix of cuisine and local favorites. While our crab cakes could be called gourmet, their Sunday special is chicken and biscuits! The Forksville has something for everyone, the food is freshly prepared and very reasonably priced. The atmosphere is casual, the service pleasant and prompt. One word of advice: the bar is usually filled with local boys, so try to avoid looking or sounding like a city slicker.
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The Forksville Inn has no Website, but you can contact them at 570-924-3916, or email them at theinn@epix.net.