5 Must-Try Amish Restaurants in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Dutch Country beckons with its rolling hills, charming towns, and of course, delicious Amish cuisine. Here’s a guide to five restaurants that capture the essence of Amish cooking:
Katie’s Kitchen (Strasburg): This family-style restaurant offers generous portions of comfort food. Savor their famous fried chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, and melt-in-your-mouth shoofly pie. Don’t forget to arrive early, as they close after lunch!
The menu at Katie’s Kitchen is a symphony of flavors, showcasing the best of Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine with a modern twist. From hearty breakfasts to mouthwatering lunches and dinners, there’s something for everyone to savor.
Start your day with a classic Pennsylvania Dutch breakfast featuring scrapple, sausage, and eggs cooked to perfection. Or indulge in fluffy pancakes smothered in homemade maple syrup, a true taste of comfort.
For lunch, dive into a steaming bowl of chicken corn soup, a beloved regional specialty that warms the soul with every spoonful. Pair it with a freshly baked soft pretzel or a side of tangy apple coleslaw for the perfect midday meal.
As evening falls, Katie’s Kitchen transforms into a haven for dinner seekers craving hearty, home-cooked fare. From tender roast beef and mashed potatoes to crispy fried chicken and buttery noodles, each dish is crafted with care and served with a side of nostalgia.
Dienner’s Country Restaurant (Ronks): Experience a true Amish community meal at Dienner’s. Their cafeteria-style service allows you to pile your plate with hearty stews, roasted meats, and fresh vegetables. Their Amish desserts are legendary, so save room for a slice of their shoofly pie.
Dienner’s Country Restaurant believes in starting the day on a high note, and their breakfast menu reflects this philosophy. Picture-perfect stacks of fluffy pancakes drizzled with maple syrup, golden-brown French toast adorned with powdered sugar, and hearty omelets bursting with cheese, vegetables, and meats greet early risers.
For those seeking a taste of Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, Dienner’s serves up mouthwatering classics such as scrapple, a savory pork dish made from cornmeal and spices, and creamy sausage gravy ladled over freshly baked biscuits. Pair these delights with a piping hot cup of coffee, and you’re ready to conquer the day.
Lunchtime Favorites: From Soups to Sandwiches
As the day progresses, Dienner’s Country Restaurant continues to delight patrons with its selection of lunchtime favorites. Start your meal with a bowl of homemade chicken corn soup, a comforting blend of tender chicken, sweet corn, and savory broth that warms the soul with every spoonful.
For those craving something lighter, Dienner’s offers an array of crisp salads topped with fresh vegetables, cheeses, and homemade dressings. Or opt for a classic deli sandwich piled high with premium meats, cheeses, and condiments, served on freshly baked bread or a soft pretzel roll.
Dinner Delights: Hearty Fare for Every Palate
As evening falls, Dienner’s Country Restaurant transforms into a haven for those seeking hearty, home-cooked dinners that satisfy the soul. From tender roast beef and mashed potatoes smothered in gravy to crispy fried chicken with all the fixings, each dish is crafted with care and served with a side of nostalgia.
Vegetarian options abound as well, with hearty vegetable stir-fries, grilled portobello mushrooms, and garden-fresh salads showcasing the best of Lancaster County’s seasonal produce. And don’t forget to save room for dessert—Dienner’s homemade pies, cakes, and cobblers are the perfect sweet ending to any meal.
A Dining Experience Unlike Any Other
What truly sets Dienner’s Country Restaurant apart is its commitment to quality, hospitality, and tradition. Each dish is prepared with the freshest ingredients and served with a smile by friendly staff who treat every guest like family. The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere and rustic charm make it the perfect destination for a leisurely meal with loved ones or a quick bite on the go.
Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord (Bird-in-Hand): This Lancaster County staple offers a massive buffet spread. From succulent roast turkey and baked ham to creamy macaroni and cheese and delectable salads, there’s something for every palate. Be sure to try their famous shoofly pie for a sweet ending.
As you step through the doors, you’re greeted by the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread, sizzling meats, and savory sauces, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.
Smorgasbord Spectacular: A Bounty of Flavors
The centerpiece of Bird-in-Hand’s culinary offerings is its legendary smorgasbord, a veritable feast for the senses that showcases the best of Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. From hearty soups and salads to succulent roast meats and indulgent desserts, the smorgasbord offers something for every palate.
Start your culinary journey with a bowl of rich and creamy chicken corn soup, a beloved regional specialty that warms the soul with its comforting flavors. Then, explore the endless array of dishes on offer, from tender roast turkey and country ham to crispy fried chicken and buttery mashed potatoes.
Don’t forget to save room for dessert—Bird-in-Hand’s smorgasbord is known for its delectable array of pies, cakes, and pastries, each lovingly crafted using time-honored recipes and the finest ingredients. Whether you’re craving a slice of homemade apple pie or a creamy scoop of hand-churned ice cream, the dessert selection is sure to satisfy even the sweetest tooth.
Beyond the Smorgasbord: A Diverse Menu Selection
In addition to its renowned smorgasbord, Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring an array of Amish-inspired dishes and modern American classics. From hearty breakfasts to savory sandwiches and hearty entrees, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Indulge in a plate of fluffy pancakes topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream, or savor the flavors of Lancaster County with a traditional PA Dutch breakfast featuring scrapple, sausage, and eggs cooked to perfection. For lunch or dinner, sink your teeth into a juicy burger served with all the fixings, or sample one of Bird-in-Hand’s signature sandwiches, like the classic Reuben or the hearty turkey club.
Hometown Kitchen (Quarryville): This cozy restaurant serves up Amish comfort food with a twist. Their menu features traditional dishes like chicken pot pie and roast beef alongside unexpected delights like chicken cordon bleu. Their homemade breads and desserts are not to be missed.
As you step through the doors of Hometown Kitchen, you’re greeted by the tantalizing aroma of sizzling bacon, freshly brewed coffee, and homemade baked goods. The cozy ambiance and friendly staff make you feel right at home, setting the stage for a dining experience that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Breakfast Bliss: Rise and Shine with Flavor
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and at Hometown Kitchen, it’s also the most delicious. From fluffy pancakes dripping with syrup to savory omelets bursting with cheese and veggies, the breakfast menu offers something for every craving.
One standout dish is the “Quarryville Skillet,” a hearty combination of crispy hash browns, scrambled eggs, cheese, and your choice of sausage or bacon, all served in a sizzling skillet. It’s the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploring Quarryville’s charming streets and scenic countryside.
Lunchtime Legends: Sandwiches, Soups, and Salads
When lunchtime rolls around, Hometown Kitchen serves up a mouthwatering array of sandwiches, soups, and salads that are sure to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites. Sink your teeth into a classic BLT stacked high with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce, or opt for the “Hometown Burger,” a juicy patty topped with all the fixings and served on a toasted bun.
For something lighter, try one of Hometown Kitchen’s fresh salads, like the “Harvest Salad” featuring mixed greens, dried cranberries, candied pecans, and crumbled feta cheese tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Pair it with a cup of homemade soup for the ultimate comfort food combo.
Dinner Delights: Comfort Classics with a Twist
As the sun sets over Quarryville, Hometown Kitchen transforms into a cozy haven for dinner seekers craving hearty, home-cooked fare. From tender pot roast and mashed potatoes to creamy macaroni and cheese loaded with bacon, each dish is crafted with care and served with a side of nostalgia.
One standout dish is the “Chicken and Waffles,” a playful twist on a southern classic featuring crispy fried chicken tenders served atop fluffy Belgian waffles and drizzled with maple syrup. It’s a sweet and savory sensation that’s sure to leave you craving more.
Sweet Endings: Desserts to Die For
No meal at Hometown Kitchen is complete without indulging in one of their irresistible desserts. From towering slices of homemade pie to decadent chocolate cake dripping with ganache, the dessert menu is a sugar lover’s dream come true.
Be sure to save room for the “Hometown Sundae,” a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry on top. It’s the perfect way to end your meal on a sweet note and satisfy your cravings for something sweet.
Shady Maple Smorgasbord (East Earl): My wife just loved this place! This sprawling buffet boasts over 400 items, making it an Amish culinary extravaganza. Indulge in carved-to-order prime rib, seafood, traditional Pennsylvania Dutch fare, and an astonishing array of desserts. Be prepared for a wait, especially during peak hours.
The restaurant is on the main floor and can serve 7000 people/day. The downstairs houses a gift shop as big as a Walmart!
The buffet features 8 different kinds of meat including brisket, ham, a hamburger bar, various sausages, prime rib and more. For $18 per person, we not only enjoyed the 200 foot buffet, but the $18 includes beverages and desserts! Beverages and desserts are always extra at Der Dutchman and every Amish buffet I have ever visited.
The beverages included about a dozen different soda-pop flavors, cappuccino, tea, coffee, slushies (that’s right- Slushies!) and the dessert area included many different pies, including gluten free pie, ice cream and even ice cream cake!
Bonus Tip: While exploring Amish Country, don’t forget to visit roadside stands and farm markets for fresh produce, homemade jams, and delectable Amish baked goods.