Your dinner menu arrives inside an envelope, closed with a wax seal. That’s the first clue this meal plans to be dramatic.
Then the bread shows up shaped like a skull.
The welcome area glows with a fireplace and a cluster of burning candles. A line from Bram Stoker’s Dracula hangs nearby.
So does a neon sign of Robert Smith, the moody frontman of The Cure.
I love a restaurant that commits to a theme without blinking. This Pennsylvania spot clearly went all in, from the crimson dining room to the rolling dessert wheel.
I can’t imagine a better place for a spooky birthday or a date night with a little bite.
What caught my attention is how the gothic theme continues well beyond the decor. Even the menu and desserts become part of the experience, making an ordinary dinner feel like an elaborate evening performance.
Your Menu Arrives Like a Secret Letter From a Count
Most restaurants hand you a laminated card. The House Noir hands you a sealed letter instead.
Menus at this Pittston dining room come tucked inside envelopes closed with a wax seal. Breaking that seal feels a bit like opening an invitation to a castle dinner party.
It’s a small touch, but it sets the mood fast. Before you even read a single dish, you already know this place takes its theme seriously.
One fair warning is worth sharing. The print inside is pretty small, so your phone flashlight might come in handy.
Honestly, that adds to the fun. Squinting at a menu by candlelight feels right at home in a gothic setting.
The dish names lean dramatic too. Expect titles that sound like they belong in a vampire novel rather than a diner.
That playful naming makes ordering part of the show. You’ll probably spend a minute just reading names out loud to your table.
Keep the envelope if you like souvenirs. It makes a great keepsake from a birthday dinner or a spooky date night.
The whole idea works because it’s so simple. A piece of paper and a dab of wax turn a routine moment into a memorable little ritual.
Not bad for the very first minute of dinner. The rest of the evening keeps that same theatrical energy going.
A Fireplace, Candles, and a Famous Goth Icon Greet You First
Candlelight hits you before the hostess does. The entry area centers on a cozy fireplace surrounded by plenty of burning candles.
That warm flicker makes the space feel welcoming instead of creepy. Think haunted manor parlor, not haunted house attraction.
Look up and you’ll spot a quote from Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The line reads, I have crossed oceans of time to find you.
Romantic and a little eerie at the same time? That pretty much sums up the whole vibe here.
Music fans get a treat too. A neon sign shows Robert Smith, the wild-haired singer of The Cure.
It’s a clever nod for anyone who grew up with dark eyeliner and moody playlists. Even if you never owned a band shirt, the glow looks great in photos.
The House Noir uses this front space to set expectations right away. You know instantly that every corner got some thought.
Grab a quick picture by the fireplace before you’re seated. It’s easily one of the most photogenic spots in the building.
Small details like these make the entrance feel like a stage set. You aren’t just arriving for dinner, you’re stepping into a story.
And the story only gets darker and richer once you head inside the dining room.
The Dining Room Glows Crimson Like a Vampire’s Living Room
Red is the star color in this room. The House Noir wraps its dining space in a rich crimson mood that feels almost private.
Even with every table filled, the space keeps an intimate feel. It’s the kind of room where you naturally lower your voice a little.
Look down and you’ll notice the dark beveled flooring. It’s a detail most people wouldn’t expect a restaurant to care about.
That’s exactly the point, though. The design team clearly sweated the small stuff, from floors to lighting to table settings.
So what does gothic mean here? Think dramatic and elegant rather than cobwebs and plastic skeletons.
The effect lands somewhere between a Victorian parlor and a dark romance film. Fun, a little theatrical, and surprisingly cozy.
Dressing up isn’t required, but it fits the setting. Plenty of folks lean into dark, witchy outfits for the occasion.
You could show up in jeans and feel fine. Still, a black dress or a velvet jacket would match the walls beautifully.
This Pennsylvania restaurant proves a theme can feel classy instead of cheesy. Every piece of decor seems chosen to support the same mood.
Bring a friend who loves Halloween all year long. They might never want to leave that crimson glow.
Skull Bread Is Just the Opening Act for These Starters
Bread shaped like a skull? Yes, and it’s adorable in the spookiest possible way.
It’s a playful start that matches the room perfectly. Good luck not snapping a photo before tearing into it.
The appetizer list at The House Noir keeps the fun rolling. The Rich Man’s Dog is a fancy spin on the humble hot dog.
Le Cirque Noir is another starter with a name worth ordering just for the drama. It sounds like a dark carnival, and that feels intentional.
Duck tacos sit near the top of the must-try list. They come with crispy shells and a sweet and spicy sauce.
Tender duck in a taco might sound unusual. Trust the gothic kitchen on this one.
Then there are the funeral cakes, a name that perfectly suits the theme. They’re hearty enough that a light eater could almost treat them as a meal.
Sharing works well with these starters. Order a few, pass them around, and let everyone pick a favorite.
The beet pickled egg is another quirky choice to watch for. Its deep pink color looks right at home on a dark table.
Menus here can change, so check what’s available when you visit. Either way, the first course rarely feels boring.
Steak and Elk Take Center Stage in This Gothic Steakhouse
Underneath all the velvet drama, this place runs as a steakhouse. Steak is the main event, and the kitchen treats it that way.
Watching plates of beef parade past your table is part of the show. Even vegetarians admit it’s fun to see them go by.
The NY strip is a popular pick at The House Noir. If you like your steak juicy, consider ordering it medium rare.
Feeling adventurous? The Gothic Mountain Elk might be calling your name.
Elk is leaner than beef with a deeper, richer flavor. It’s not something you see on many menus around northeastern Pennsylvania.
Burger fans aren’t left out either. The House Burger proves the kitchen can handle comfort food just as well as fancy cuts.
Now for the side that steals attention. The garlic mashed potatoes get a lot of love for their smooth, creamy texture.
Here’s a pro move worth trying. Get steak and potatoes on the same forkful for the full effect.
Sides are designed for sharing, so order a couple for the table. That way everyone gets a taste without fighting over the last bite.
Well, mostly without fighting. Those mashed potatoes might still cause a polite standoff.
Pasta Lovers Get Pillowy Gnocchi and Lobster-Packed Spaghetti
Gnocchi described as pillowy is hard to resist. The pesto gnocchi here comes in a creamy sauce with a kick of chili crunch.
That mix of herby, rich, and spicy keeps every bite interesting. It’s comfort food with a little attitude.
The lobster spaghetti is a showstopper in its own right. Lobster gets worked into every bite, paired with a creamy corn sauce.
Sweet corn and lobster make a classic match. Twirl it all together and you’ve got something special.
The bolognese is the hearty choice of the group. Don’t judge it by the plate, because portions can be generous enough for leftovers.
Taking home a box from a gothic steakhouse is a pretty fun bonus. Tomorrow’s lunch just got a lot more interesting.
The House Noir balances big steak energy with these cozy pasta options. It makes the menu friendly for groups with different cravings.
One person can go for elk while another twirls spaghetti. Nobody has to compromise on dinner.
No matter which pasta lands in front of you, expect it to be rich. A shared side salad can help balance things out nicely.
Plant-Based Diners and Sweet Tooths Get Their Own Spotlight
A vegan option at a gothic steakhouse? The Butcher’s Daughter is listed on the menu, giving plant-based guests an alternative to the restaurant’s signature steaks.
The kitchen has said it welcomes feedback on its vegan dish. That kind of openness is a good sign for anyone with dietary needs.
Sides offer even more options for meat-free eaters. The loaded baked yam is one of the most fun items on the menu.
It comes topped with marshmallows, like a holiday dessert crashing a fancy dinner. Sweet, rich, and a little silly in the best way.
The menu says sides serve two or three people. Still, you may want that yam all to yourself.
A fresh salad is also available for a lighter start. It’s a nice break before heavier plates hit the table.
It’s thoughtful that a meat-focused spot still makes room for other diners. Mixed groups can all feel included at the same table.
Ask about current plant-based choices before ordering. Menus can evolve, and the staff can point you toward the best fit.
Save Room, Because a Dessert Wheel Is Heading Your Way
Even dessert gets a theatrical twist here. The menu lists a creation called The Great Wheel, although availability can change, so it’s worth asking about it before ordering.
Seeing all the sweets lined up makes choosing harder. That’s a problem most of us are happy to have.
It’s another example of the theatrical touch at The House Noir. Even the final course gets its own entrance.
Chocolate lovers should keep an eye out for the rich chocolate dessert on the menu. It’s a dramatic finish for a dramatic meal.
Here’s a smart tip for your visit. Pace yourself during the starters and mains so dessert doesn’t feel impossible.
Splitting a sweet with your table is also a great plan. Everyone gets a taste, and nobody rolls out like the dessert cart.
Coffee makes a nice match with something chocolatey. Just mention it early so it arrives alongside your treat.
The wheel turns dessert into a little performance. It feels like the closing scene of a gothic play.
Plan Your Night Out Before the Candles Get Lit
Night owls, rejoice. The House Noir generally welcomes dinner guests from 4:30 p.m. until 11 p.m. on its regular operating nights.
Published schedules differ on Wednesday service, so check the restaurant’s latest hours before visiting. Sunday through Tuesday are generally listed as closed.
You’ll find it at 73 S Main St, Pittston, PA 18640. It sits right in the downtown stretch of this northeastern Pennsylvania city.
Parking is easy, which is always a relief. A public parking lot sits right across the street.
Reservations are a smart move, especially on weekends. Tables can book up fast once word spreads about a place like this.
No reservation? Don’t give up hope just yet.
The bar can be an option for walk-ins when tables are full. It’s a handy backup for a spontaneous spooky night.
Dress however you like, but dark outfits fit the mood. Velvet, lace, and black everything will blend right in.
With the details sorted, all that’s left is picking your crew. Gather your most dramatic friends and let the gothic evening begin.
