Unique and Delicious Restaurants in Lancaster, PA

In 2021, tourism to Lancaster, PA, skyrocketed to over 9 million visitors, up over 32% from 2020. This trend remained strong in 2022 and is expected to continue throughout 2023 and beyond. Old-fashioned villages, farmlands, and amusement parks are just among some of the reasons people visit Lancaster.

However, the Amish and Dutch cuisine are what keep people coming back for more. The unique restaurants in Lancaster, PA, are something you don't want to miss out on. So, you'll need to do your research to make sure you visit the top restaurants in Lancaster.

Don't worry; we have you covered. Keep reading this guide to learn about the best places to eat in Lancaster, PA!

Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord

Bird-in-Hand is a tradition in Lancaster, offering traditional Dutch flavors and Amish fare that you'll absolutely love. It's owned by the Smucker family and carries on traditions from generations ago.

They make their food from scratch and source fresh ingredients for their meals. Produce comes from local Mennonite and Amish farms, and the poultry and meat are from all local producers.

A visit here means you'll get food options that include authentic Dutch recipes like homemade baked ham balls.

But the food isn't all you'll get since Bird-in-Hand is an experience in itself. You can also purchase meal packages and tickets to the Bird-in-Hand stage to watch comedians and Broadway-style musicals.

Daily meal packages, wine tasting, farm tours, and a smorgasbord Amish-style buffet round off the entire experience.

Casey Jones Restaurant

Casey Jones Restaurant is located in the Red Caboose Motel and offers a unique dining experience you'll never forget. 

In 1969, founder Donald M. Denlinger started the motel and restaurant after bidding on old cabooses sold by the Pennsylvania railroad. Fast forward to now, the caboose units have become a unique destination for travelers and railroad enthusiasts alike.

At Casey Jones, you'll have a fun, casual dining experience inside vintage train cars. Farm-fresh omelets and flapjacks are just part of what you can find on the breakfast menu.

You'll also thoroughly enjoy the lunch and dinner menu. Homemade Lancaster meatloaf, pot roast, and cheddar jack chicken are some favorites to try.

Regardless of what you eat, you definitely won't leave hungry.

Shady Maple Smorgasbord

If you can't get enough of authentic Dutch cooking, then the Shady Maple Smorgasbord is perfect for you. 

Shady Maple began as a simple roadside produce stand in 1962. The stand got its name since it was positioned under large maple trees. In 1970, the first building opened as a farm market, mainly selling produce. From then on, the market grew rapidly, adding a bakery and a lunch counter.

Today, Shady Maple offers high-quality service and products and grows its own produce in Lancaster County. You can still visit the farm market for produce, meat, and other groceries. The bakery is going strong, serving up homemade treats like donuts, pies, and cakes.

You'll find extensive breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet options all week. Each night's dinner is something different, like prime rib and fried shrimp. The beef brisket and BBQ ribs are also popular choices that you're sure to love.

Miller's Smorgasbord

Miller's Smorgasbord is another fantastic option if you're looking for an Amish country buffet to fill you up.

Miller's has been around since 1929 and began when Anna Miller made her husband and other truckers chicken & waffles.

Today, Millers has expanded across the United States. You'll still find that meals are made from scratch, and they source ingredients like sweet corn and tomatoes locally.

There are various delicious menu options to try. First, you can have a traditional smorgasbord dinner. Soups, salads, and appetizers like Swedish meatballs are a great start.

Entrees include Anna Miller's chicken & waffles, carved roasted beef, and chicken pot pie.

Try the soup, salad, and bread smorgasbord if you want something lighter. You'll find seafood bisque, chicken corn soup, Caesar salad, and other homemade goods.

There is also a full beer, wine, and cocktail menu you can check out.

The Magic & Wonder Dinner Theater

Finally, if you want a unique dining experience, you can't beat the Magic & Wonder Dinner Theater. 

This magical place is one of Lancaster's best restaurants and theater experiences. Owner and Master Illusionist Brett Myers certainly knows how to put on a show. He's entertained thousands of people, and in 2021, he won The Merlin Award for Magicians who achieve high levels of skills.

What's more, the Magic & Wonder Dinner Theater also has a magical menu you can't miss.

You'll get to choose from a full menu of tasty options like creamy vegetable soup and roasted chicken. Homemade coleslaw and roasted red potatoes make for some excellent sides.

There are gluten-free and vegetarian options you can choose from. Kids definitely don't get overlooked here, and you'll find plenty of kid-friendly meals like chicken fingers. The best part is that your food is brought to you during the show, making for a fine dining experience.

How about some entertainment during dinner? Well, you'll certainly get that at Magic & Wonder. While you eat, you'll watch a comedy-variety magic show that consists of amazing circus acts, illusions, and of course, comedy.

There are a variety of shows you can attend, like the Magic & Wonder Mystery Show. This magic show features amazing circus acts and impressive illusions that will captivate you.

You also don't want to overlook the Jukebox Jive. This show takes you back in time to different eras like the 60s and 70s. You'll enjoy singing, dancing, disco, and much more.

Don't Miss Out On These Restaurants in Lancaster, PA

Now that you know more about the best restaurants in Lancaster, PA, you can begin planning your food experiences.

If you're looking for fun, magic, and delicious food, you'll need to join us at the Magic & Wonder Dinner Theater during your trip. We have a variety of dinner and show options you can choose from.

Don't forget to check out our holiday shows if you're visiting between October and December. Be sure to visit us online to book your dinner show experience in advance!