A New Amish Restaurant Opens in Carlisle, PA: A Taste of Tradition
Carlisle, Pennsylvania—a historic town in Cumberland County known for its charming downtown and vibrant dining scene—has welcomed a new addition to its culinary landscape. An Amish restaurant, aptly named The Hearth Table, is now offering locals and visitors alike the chance to experience authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine in a warm and inviting setting. Located just minutes from the downtown square, this restaurant is quickly becoming a favorite destination for hearty meals and Amish-made goods.
The Story Behind The Hearth Table
Located at 35 N Hanover Street, Carlisle, PA 17013, The Hearth Table opened its doors in March 2025. Its website, thehearthtablecarlisle.com, provides information about its menu, hours, and upcoming events. Operated by members of the Amish community from nearby Lancaster County, the restaurant aims to share the rich culinary heritage of Amish cooking with Carlisle residents.
Jacob Stoltzfus, one of the restaurant’s founders, shared his vision: “We wanted to bring a taste of our traditions to Carlisle. The town’s appreciation for good food and community made it the perfect place for us.”
A Menu Rooted in Tradition
The menu at The Hearth Table showcases classic Amish dishes made with farm-fresh ingredients sourced from local farms. Here are some highlights:
Breakfast
- Amish Baked Oatmeal ($7.99): Sweetened with brown sugar and cinnamon, served with fresh fruit and milk.
- Creamed Chipped Beef Over Biscuits ($8.99): A hearty dish of creamy gravy served over homemade biscuits.
- Eggs & Scrapple Platter ($10.99): Farm-fresh eggs paired with crispy scrapple made from local pork.
Lunch & Dinner
- Chicken Pot Pie ($12.99): A Pennsylvania Dutch classic with homemade noodles and tender chicken in a rich broth.
- Slow-Roasted Pork & Mashed Potatoes ($14.99): Served with gravy and buttered corn on the side.
- Amish Meatloaf ($13.99): Topped with tangy glaze and paired with green beans and homemade rolls.
- Vegetable Beef Soup ($9.99): A hearty soup made with fresh vegetables and slow-cooked beef.
Desserts
- Shoofly Pie ($4.99 per slice): Sweet molasses-based pie that’s an Amish favorite.
- Apple Dumplings ($5.99): Baked apples wrapped in flaky pastry, served warm with vanilla ice cream.
- Peach Cobbler ($6.99): Made with fresh peaches from local orchards during summer months.
Local Businesses Supporting The Hearth Table
The opening of The Hearth Table has sparked collaborations with nearby businesses in Carlisle:
- Carlisle Farmers Market (📍 117 W High Street | 🌐 carlislefarmersmarket.com): Many of the restaurant’s ingredients come directly from vendors at this weekly market.
- One13 Social (📍 113 W High Street): This upscale casual restaurant sources baked goods like breads and pies from The Hearth Table.
- Miller’s Woodworks (📍 12 County Road 17): Crafted all of the tables and chairs used in the dining room.
Voices from Locals & Visitors
Residents have embraced The Hearth Table as a welcome addition to Carlisle’s dining scene. Mary Johnson 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 Carlisle are equally impressed by the authenticity of the experience. Mark Carter from Harrisburg remarked: “I’ve been to Lancaster before, but this restaurant feels more intimate—it’s like having a piece of Amish country right here in Carlisle.”
Challenges Faced by Owners
While The Hearth 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 credit card machines or online ordering options; payments are cash-only to preserve simplicity.
- Supply Chain Logistics: Transporting specialty items from rural farms to Carlisle requires careful planning to ensure freshness.
Despite these hurdles, Jacob Stoltzfus remains optimistic about their future in Carlisle.
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 Stoltzfus 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 The Hearth Table?
The Hearth Table offers more than just food—it provides an opportunity to connect with Amish culture through its recipes and handcrafted products. Whether you’re enjoying creamed chipped beef over biscuits or savoring apple dumplings for dessert, each visit feels like stepping into a simpler time.
As Mayor Sean Shultz noted: “This restaurant is a wonderful addition to our town—it celebrates tradition while adding something unique for residents and visitors alike.”
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