The Fort Cafe - Forty Fort, Pennsylvania

Ted C.

We’re back trying some NEPA hotspots after a long and exhausting holiday season. Our first stop is The Fort Cafe in Forty Fort. Don’t expect much in terms of atmosphere (the dining room is very dated) but Jeff’s menu will make you forget the setting. I had the Baked Gnocchi in a Bolognese Vodka Sauce that was, simply put, exceptional! My wife tried the Chicken Saltimbocca which was excellent, but we both felt that the chicken would have been even better if it was pan fried a just a bit more. Don’t forget your favorite bottle to enjoy BYOB!! The staff and service were first rate, and the prices were more than fair. And to top it off, the pizza and wings are not to be missed. Never just drive by this hidden gem, you won’t be disappointed!!

Maegan Z.

Absolutely incredible! Everything from the food to the service was amazing. We got the seafood fettuccine, chicken franchaise and hot honey garlic wings. We enjoyed everything. The atmosphere here is local and cozy. They have a bar area in the front and dining in the back. This place is BYOB but they do have some beer selections on tap and by the bottle. We didn’t see any specific parking so we street parked. The staff was very friendly and quick. Good food portions and they served us bread and salads. FYI we heard their menu changes frequently! We plan to try their pizza next.

You N. T. K. R. R.

You Need To Know? Reservations were for 5:30. Nice size bar crowd & plenty of TV for viewing. The booths they seat you at are very tight. Everything from the tables to the items on the tables seems cramped. Our food consisted of cheese steak Stromboli, suitcase pizza with sweet sauce, & mild chicken bites. The sauce on the bites had an excellent flavor to them, addicting flavor. The pizza was light & the sauce is definitely sweet to the taste. We enjoyed it! The cheese steak boli was flavorful. The meat, peppers, & cheese were seasoned well & filled the dough. Now You Know!

Joe R.

Excellent meal and service….as usual! Eggplant and long hot peppers were fantastic, risotto was perfect! Byob, 22 year old Barolo!😎

Darren S.

Let me say this up front: We went for pizza at the Fort Cafe in Forty Fort and left disappointed.

Not because the pizza was bad. Quite the contrary. The 8-cut, Old Forge-style pizza was very tasty, with a baked crust topped with a balanced amount of tangy sauce, chunks of tomato, and cheese. It certainly wasn’t because of the staff. Our server was extremely friendly and delightful, making us feel right at home within 10 seconds with her glowing, warm smile.

The reason for our dismay stems from the fact that we didn’t ignore our hankering for pizza and missed out on what appeared to be some amazing dishes.

We arrived fairly late on a Friday evening at around 7:40, and were perplexed that – although the restaurant closes at 9 p.m. – we may have missed being served a meal because we arrived after 7:15. Really? All we wanted was to sit, eat some pizza, and leave. However, we completely misjudged our expectations.

We were fortunate enough to get a table anyway, and after looking at the menu, realized that Fort Cafe is no mere pizza parlor with an attached bar. Selections such as chicken or veal saltimbocca, scallops, shrimp vodka, baked gnocchi, and other dishes looked exquisitely enticing. Combine that with some wine, and one has an enjoyable experience.

Chef Jeff Piazza, who was once the co-owner of fine dining restaurant Gelpiaz in Kingston (now Kevin’s) and the nearby Whitehouse Diner, is at the helm of this tiny, unassuming eatery. He brings with him years of experience, and I’m very much looking forward to returning. Our table afforded me the advantage of peeking into the kitchen, where I was able to see him toss food in a pan over large flames. After glancing at what was eventually being brought out to patrons, I was envious. The meals looked very appealing, and here I was slumming it with only pizza.

From what I’ve been told, since the menu consistently changes, checking Facebook for daily posts is recommended. Although the dining room is simple and small, with the tables being very closely arranged, one does not feel cramped. The small venue makes for a comfortable, friendly neighborhood vibe.

So check Facebook, make a reservation, and eat delicious pizza only if you must. But I feel I must warn you that you’ll likely miss out on a very splendid dining opportunity if you do.

Candice L.

We opted to eat at home for Valentine’s Day and the The Fort did NOT disappoint! We both enjoyed our dinners! The pasta was cooked PERFECTLY & so was the seafood in it! The Marsala was spot on. 😋
Thanks again!!!

Craig Y.

Fort Cafe has been a staple of Forty Fort as far back as I can remember. Limited table space so make a reservation.
Waitress was very welcoming and attentive. Only one beer on tap as the IPA was out.
Our group order dinner from the menu. Chicken Marcella, Haddock done in a Marcella sauce, and...
Then took home some pizza. Pizza was good, little spicy with plentyof cheese. (my taste the sauce was a little salty).

Joe G.

Wonderful quaint restaurant. Food portions are great had the clams as an appetizer. Main course s a double cut prime pork chop,cooked to perfection. This place is a must go to.