The Carver's Reserve: Premier Fine Dining & Steakhouse in Hazleton, PA

Our first time last night at The Carver Reserve, 695 South Poplar St, was for a 5 p.m. reservation during their (pre?)grand opening. The restaurant is beautiful—stunning even. And the food was delicious! I had the wonderful Grilled salmon over smoked tomato cream, pickled fennel, and roasted carrots. It was a HUGE portion of salmon—perfectly seasoned and prepared (listed at $28 on the menu but, annoyingly, $29 on the bill). My wife had the very flavorful Pan-Seared European chicken breast with crispy au gratin potatoes and finished with a chicken demi-glace. Our server was friendly, efficient and professional, exactly what you expect at a fine-dining establishment. The couple at the next table raved about their food and drinks (and said the whiskey sours were exceptional). But I had two complaints: First, the restaurant was practically empty when we arrived, yet we were seated at a bench table with a split in the cushion (see photo) right where I’d be sitting. When I asked to be moved to a table with chairs, I was told, “We’re very sorry, but we’re fully booked for the opening.” A manager overheard the conversation and (somewhat disingenuously, I felt) offered “If it’s REALLY a problem,” he would “see what he could do.” Not wanting to be difficult, I said "I would try to make it work.” Sitting on that uncomfortable split bench for 80 minutes soured the mood considerably. Worse, by the time we finished dinner, the restaurant was still no more than 25% full. My discomfort, therefore, was completely unnecessary, and in retrospect, I regret not having insisted on a proper table or simply walking out the door if they couldn’t accommodate us. Second, we were mistakenly billed for two bottles of still Saratoga water when we only received one. Our server, to her credit, removed both from the bill. Would we return to The Carver Reserve? Absolutely! Probably not for a spur-of-the-moment “Where should we eat tonight?” but certainly for special occasions or when we have guests to impress from out of town. Carver is several steps above the likes of Top of the ’80s and Damenti’s and, I’d argue, is indisputably the new top restaurant in the area. There may be no better place to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or Valentine’s Day, so long as cost is not a primary concern. Hazleton now has a new superstar in fine dining, and we wish them much luck and success!

My husband had the Pork Osso Buco and said it was the best pork he’s ever had. It was absolutely on point the meat was so tender it fell right off the bone and was incredibly flavorful. I had the Pan-Seared Chicken and wow it was cooked to perfection and absolutely delicious! The staff was amazing.! Our server, Ashley and runner/busser Issac, both did an excellent job and provided fantastic service. The manager Eric treated us wonderfully, and the overall atmosphere was just as great. We also tried the sangria, which was spot-on. We’ll definitely be back!

Amazing amazing amazing! We had burrata appetizer which was perfectly prepared, the table bread was paired with olive oil that was to die for, followed by one of the best wagyu steaks I have ever had and a ribeye that was dressed with an impeccable truffle butter sauce. The corn brule was a unique take on a steak house side and is a must try at the reserve. We finished out meals with an espresso and the baked Alaskan - we learned it was prepared by a local desert shop owner who we absolutely adore and it lived up to our expectations. The service was top notch - Ashley, our server was knowledgeable, friendly, and immediately ready to provide thoughtful recommendations on wine pairings. You have to try this place when in the hazleton are!

This restaurant is an absolute show stopper! The attention to detail in decor to linens and and furnishings are well beyond what we expected! The breathtaking entry into the bar welcomes you to this top notch steak house. Walking past the wine rack has you feeling like a big city restaurant . Jeremy and Larry were our servers who had great knowledge of the menu as well as suggestions of pairings with the extensive wine list! Finally a restaurant in NEPA that understands a good vintage is offered outside a liter bottle from fine wine and spirits! The food was outstanding. High quality products with great presentation. This steakhouse menu has something for everyone! The steaks were delivered exactly as requested the choice of sides were plenty and the service was more than hospitable. The price for our choices and portions were in line with current market. These guys nailed it! What a great addition to our area! Keep up the good work!

We had a great dinner with friends celebrating an accomplishment - Carver's Reserve is the perfect spot for these types of special occasions. The atmosphere is warm and elegant, the food was excellent (loved the bacon starter, ossobuco, and corn brulee side)and the service makes every visit feel memorable. A true standout in the area for celebrating with great food and good company.

Must-visit. I ordered the Wagyu flat iron, and it was absolutely perfect—tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. What really impressed me was the price; for a Wagyu cut, it was surprisingly affordable and easily one of the best steaks I’ve ever had. A standout touch was the long hot Italian peppers on the menu. They had just the right amount of heat—not overwhelming, but enough to add a kick that complemented the steak beautifully. The decor strikes a great balance: comfortable yet upscale, with a slightly fancy vibe that makes the experience feel special without being stuffy. Finally, the service was spot-on—fast, attentive, and genuinely friendly. The staff made the whole experience feel relaxed and enjoyable. Overall, this place nails it on food, atmosphere, and service. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a top-tier steak experience without breaking the bank.

On Thursday, I had one of the best meals of my life at Carver's Reserve in Hazleton. This restaurant is exactly what Hazleton has needed for a long time—a high-end experience at a very reasonable price. Finally, we have a place where you can enjoy a delicious meal or relax at a beautifully designed bar, feeling completely safe and at ease. Walking in, you feel as if you've been transported to Las Vegas or Miami. The restaurant is stunning, with a spacious bar and elegant design throughout. Now, let’s talk about the food. The menu has a wide variety of options catering to every palate, from the finest cuts of steak to seafood, burgers, and chicken sandwiches—there's truly something for everyone. I ordered the tomahawk steak, and it was one of the best I’ve ever had—perfectly cooked with a flavor that was simply incredible. For dessert, I indulged in the peanut butter pie while my wife enjoyed the baked banana Alaska, and both were absolutely heavenly. The standout aspect of Carver's Reserve is the staff. They are warm and welcoming, making you feel right at home. Their attention to detail is remarkable, particularly from one of the managers, Eric, whose dedication to service is unparalleled and evident throughout the restaurant. Everything here is executed flawlessly, and they strive for nothing less than perfection. I wish this establishment all the best, and I highly encourage everyone to check it out if you're looking for a fantastic social spot with an unforgettable meal. I’d give it 10 stars!

I enjoy an incredible meal on night 2. From an amazing whiskey special cocktail to our wine and more. The salmon was perfect with an amazing glaze. We also had the pork saltimboca. I wish i had more room to try a dessert. I will be back. The atmosphere was perfect and a great staff. Definetly not one complaint