A New Amish Restaurant Opens in Southern Pennsylvania: A Taste of Tradition Southern Pennsylvania has long been a destination for those seeking the charm and simplicity of Amish culture. Now, locals and visitors alike have a new reason to explore the region—a newly opened Amish restaurant near Chambersburg that promises authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Located just off Route 30, the restaurant is already drawing crowds eager to experience its hearty dishes, handcrafted desserts, and connection to Amish traditions.
The Story Behind the Restaurant
The new restaurant, named Homestead Table, opened its doors in March 2025. Owned and operated by members of the Amish community from nearby Franklin County, the restaurant aims to share their culinary heritage with the broader public.
Jacob Miller, one of the owners, explained: “We wanted to create a place where people could taste the food we grew up with—simple, wholesome meals made with care. Southern Pennsylvania felt like the right place to bring this idea to life.”
Located at 125 Homestead Lane, Chambersburg, PA, Homestead Table features a rustic dining room with handcrafted wooden tables and chairs made by local Amish artisans. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 8 PM.
A Menu Rooted in Tradition
The menu at Homestead Table showcases classic Amish dishes made using locally sourced ingredients. Here are some highlights:
Breakfast
- Creamed Chipped Beef Over Biscuits: A hearty start to the day with creamy gravy served over freshly baked biscuits.
- Amish Baked Oatmeal: Sweetened with brown sugar and cinnamon, served with fresh fruit and milk.
- Eggs & Scrapple Platter: Farm-fresh eggs paired with crispy scrapple made from local pork.
Lunch & Dinner
- Chicken Pot Pie: A Pennsylvania Dutch classic with homemade noodles and tender chicken in a rich broth.
- Slow-Roasted Pork & Mashed Potatoes: Served with gravy and buttered corn on the side.
- Amish Meatloaf: Topped with a tangy glaze and paired with green beans and homemade rolls.
- Vegetable Beef Soup: A hearty soup made with fresh vegetables and slow-cooked beef.
Desserts
- Shoofly Pie: A molasses-based pie that’s sweet and sticky—a true Amish favorite.
- Apple Dumplings: Baked apples wrapped in flaky pastry, served warm with vanilla ice cream.
- Peach Cobbler: Made with fresh peaches from local orchards during the summer months.
Local Businesses Supporting Homestead Table
The opening of Homestead Table has sparked collaborations with nearby businesses in Franklin County:
- Chambersburg Farmers Market (📍 Memorial Square | 🌐 chambersburgfarmersmarket.com): Many of the restaurant’s ingredients come directly from vendors at this weekly market.
- Franklin County Creamery (📍 45 Dairy Lane): Supplies fresh milk and cream for desserts like homemade ice cream and cobblers.
- Miller’s Woodworks (📍 12 County Road 17): Crafted all of the tables and chairs used in the restaurant’s dining room.
Voices from Locals & Visitors
Residents have embraced Homestead Table as a welcome addition to Chambersburg’s dining scene. Mary Johnson, a longtime resident, shared her thoughts: “It’s wonderful to have something so unique here. Their shoofly pie is incredible—I’ve never tasted anything fresher!”
Tourists visiting Southern Pennsylvania are equally impressed by the authenticity of the experience. Mark Carter from Baltimore remarked: “I’ve visited Lancaster before, but this restaurant feels more intimate—it’s like having a piece of Amish country right here in Chambersburg.”
Challenges Faced by Owners
While Homestead Table has been well-received overall, its owners have faced challenges adapting to modern business practices while maintaining their traditional values:
- Technology-Free Operations: The restaurant operates without computers or credit card machines, relying on cash payments only.
- Supply Chain Logistics: Transporting fresh ingredients from rural farms to Chambersburg requires careful planning to ensure quality.
Despite these hurdles, Jacob Miller remains optimistic about their future in Chambersburg.
Seasonal Events & Upcoming Plans
The restaurant plans to host seasonal events such as community dinners (May 15–17) and customer appreciation weekends (July 10–12). Visitors can also look forward to holiday-themed menus featuring dishes like turkey stuffing casserole and pumpkin pie later this year.
Jacob Miller shared his hopes for expansion: “We’re working on adding cooking classes where people can learn how to make dishes like shoofly pie or chicken pot pie—it’s about sharing our traditions with others.”
Why Visit Homestead Table?
Homestead Table offers more than just food—it provides an opportunity to connect with Amish culture through its recipes, craftsmanship, and hospitality. Whether you’re enjoying creamed chipped beef over biscuits or savoring apple dumplings for dessert, each bite tells a story of tradition passed down through generations.
As Mayor Walter Bietsch noted: “This restaurant is a wonderful addition to our city—it celebrates our heritage while adding something new for residents and visitors alike.”
Citations:
[1] https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/food/pennsylvania/amish-restaurants-pa
[2] https://keystonenewsroom.com/community/best-restaurants-in-pennsylvania-amish-country-according-to-yelp/
[3] https://amishdoor.com/lunch-dinner-menu/
[4] https://ahcountrymarket.com
[5] https://amishdoor.com/restaurant/
[6] https://theamishmarket.net
[7] http://www.katiesamishkitchen.com