There are many exemplary places to dine in throughout Pennsylvania.

It just so happens the most elite of them all is the Tamaqua Station Restaurant, according to a website which recently released a list of the 21 Best Places to Eat in Pennsylvania.The "Only In Your State" website recently came out with the 21 Best Places to Eat in Pennsylvania.At the very top of that list is the Tamaqua Station Restaurant, located at 18 N. Railroad St.The review stated the "Tamaqua Station Restaurant combines the ambience of a restored former railroad station with delicious food, wooing diners with such entrees as filet mignon, sesame scallops, and crabcakes."Melanie Ross, who along with her husband, John, owns the restaurant, said she was "shocked" to learn of the lofty praise that was bestowed upon the restaurant."I woke up on New Year's Day to my phone just going text message crazy with people congratulating me," Ross said."What a way to start the year."Ross said she attempted to reach out to express her thanks."It was all a surprise," she said. On Dec. 27, they featured our restaurant in an article. I don't know how they found us."Ross was quick to deflect the praise the distinction warrants."We don't personally take the credit. It's our talented staff and the community that supports us," she said. "It's not about my husband and I for the success; it's all about the team."The couple opened the restaurant in late April, Ross said."We have been well-received," she said. "Business is booming."Ross described the restaurant as "approachable, casual fine dining.""There is something on the menu for everyone, (from) burgers, wings, chicken fingers, right up to filet mignon and a rack of lamb," she said. "It's a restaurant you can design to your needs for that specific occasion."It turns out this isn't the couple's first foray into the restaurant business, as they formerly co-owned Madeline's Restaurant in Orwigsburg. The eatery closed following a fire in 2012."We have a following from Madeline's, and they (customers) are thankful that we reopened because they haven't found a restaurant to compare," she said."Locals will say how happy they are for a new restaurant to visit."Recently, Ross said guests from Switzerland visited the restaurant, and were extremely complimentary."It's really been overwhelming how wonderful the restaurant has been received," she said."We're part of a community, and we're happy to support the community that support us."Ross said the restaurant has 25 employees, and added that reservations are always recommended before stopping in."We opened this restaurant with intentions of becoming part of the local community," she said."We truly have a mindset to be an asset to Tamaqua. We're here to be part of the community and make it a better place."The Tamaqua Station Restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, with a Sunday brunch menu from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.For more information, call 570-668-3800, or follow them on Facebook.