Though The Office was mainly filmed in California, the writers took inspiration from many real-life places throughout Scranton, Pennsylvania, and the town’s businesses have embraced the claim to fame.
LessBegin your Scranton tour at the Steamtown Mall, which was the setting for several memorable scenes throughout the series, including the season 3 episode “Women’s Appreciation,” when Michael Scott takes the ladies of Dunder Mifflin on a shopping outing that features relationship discussions shared over a meal in the food court. While the mall today could benefit from a Kelly Kapoor-style makeover, it’s home to the Scranton welcome sign seen in the series opening credits.
Fans of The Office are sure to prioritize a meal at Cooper’s Seafood House, which was a favorite dining spot throughout the series. The restaurant’s building features a large lighthouse and rooftop octopus on the outside, and a full-sized pirate ship and theme rooms with whales, trains, and coral on the inside. In addition to the delightfully kitschy décor, the restaurant is consistently ranked one of the best in Pennsylvania.
Whether you love Dwight Schrute or love to hate him, be sure to check out the larger-than-life mural of his likeness in downtown Scranton. This selfie spot was never featured in the series itself, but it makes for a fitting homage to the show’s top salesman and beet farmer. Once you’re done admiring the portrait, step inside On&On, a unique marketplace featuring more than 50 artists and vendors selling vintage, handmade, and repurposed goods.
While you won’t find the Dunder Mifflin office building in Scranton, you will find the real-life paper company featured in the series’ opening credits. The Pennsylvania Paper & Supply Company tower is an iconic sight for any fan, and the footage of this locale used in The Office was shot by John Krasinski (who plays office heartthrob Jim Halpert) while hanging out of a Jeep sunroof.
Step inside Alfredo’s Café and you’ll find signs on the menus and branded merchandise reminding you that this is the home of “the good pizza” from The Office. Followers of the show know that this is the preferred pie of Dunder Mifflin employees, as opposed to the “bad pizza” served at the similarly named, but fictional, Pizza by Alfredo. The eatery is a crucial stop for any visitor, and true fans will especially enjoy their take on Andy Bernard’s favorite, the margherita pizza.
Of all the non-work-related locations referenced throughout The Office, Poor Richard’s Pub is perhaps the most prolific, appearing in nine episodes. While the show version of this watering hole appears to be a standalone bar, the real-life version is located within the local bowling alley. Step inside this 21+ establishment and you’ll find that the menu includes beer and signature drinks with names such as the “That’s What She Said,” a sweet vodka and peach schnapps concoction.
The Electric City Sign was originally built to commemorate Scranton’s status as one of the first U.S. cities to adopt electricity, earning the town its nickname. Hawkeyed viewers will recognize the illuminated sign from season 3 episode “The Merger,” where Andy and Karen make their move to the Scranton office and Michael performs his original ode to the Electric City. When planning your visit, be sure to arrive after nightfall to see the LED sign light up the downtown skyline.
When it comes time to settle in for the night, be sure to book a room at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel, which is referenced in the season 2 episode “The Client.” While the show’s characters never make it to the hotel, the building is a stunning place to wrap up your Dunder Mifflin tour. Set in what was once Scranton’s train station, the historic hotel boasts a French Renaissance style that includes marble columns and a Tiffany stained glass ceiling.