A welcoming North Scranton bar-and-grill with unusually creative comfort food, generous portions, strong smoked specialties, and generally excellent service, though parking and occasional consistency issues merit planning.
Market Street Bar & Grill delivers solid food quality anchored by standout smoked wings and barbecue, paired with notably attentive service that keeps diners returning. Consistency across visits is strong, though occasional preparation lapses and a neighborhood rather than destination setting prevent it from reaching the very top tier.
Market Street Bar & Grill feels like a neighborhood bar that decided ordinary pub food was not ambitious enough. Reviews describe a warm old-wood room, a lively but welcoming crowd, strong drinks, and servers who are usually quick and personable. One recurring impression is simple: arrive hungry, because the portions can be enormous. The cooking leans creative American comfort food rather than standard wings-and-beer fare. Smoked wings, barbecue, brisket, crab grilled cheese, fish and zucchini tacos, Asian salad, and house-made sweet-potato sides give the menu a broader, more playful range than the address might suggest. Most diners report fresh, flavorful food and good value, although a few critical reviews mention undercooked fish, an unappealing burger variation, or pricing that feels high for a corner bar. Families should find the setting workable: reviews mention burgers, a kids meal, wraps, sandwiches, and familiar fries, while gluten-free and vegan diners receive unusually positive attention. The unusual house-made potato sides are not universally kid-approved, so picky eaters may be happier with the more recognizable choices. Adults seeking a relaxed meal with a proper bar program will likely get the fullest experience.
Area vibe: Historic small-city downtown with mix of civic, retail, and entertainment uses.
Safety: Generally safe in daytime with active foot traffic; evenings quieter—exercise usual downtown caution at night.
What's nearby: Near City Hall, Lackawanna County courthouse, Steamtown National Historic Site, theatres and bars along Lackawanna Avenue.
Start with the smoked wings or brisket, then decide whether the distinctive sweet-potato sides are your style.
Come hungry and plan your parking, while keeping in mind that weekend visits may require advance planning and occasional preparation issues have been reported.
The room combines old-wood neighborhood-bar character with lively energy, a substantial drinks program, and a generally welcoming feel.