k, we'll admit it...we are
foodies. We love to cook, bake, shop for, and seek out great food whether it's at a
local farm stand, gourmet shop or restaurant. But mostly we like to eat. And
we love to go to great restaurants. Here's our choices for the best eating around
Lancaster County. These are not really restaurant reviews, but more a compilation of
our opinions on what dishes we like and a sampling of some items on the menus.
Restaurants are listed in alphabetical order. We'll be happy to talk about
any of them, make reservations for you and give you our "shortcuts" to finding
them. Check this page often as we are constantly on the lookout for good food in new
places.
Fine Dining
Accomac Inn
- The setting is spectacular...right on the shores of the Susquehanna River...the history
is romantic...General LaFayette once dined there....and the food, well, judging by
the number of awards they have received....it is no less than exquisite. Our
favorite table is fireside in the winter. Be sure to order the Bananas Foster -
tableside! In the summer months, enjoy the screened in patio and jazz on Friday and
Saturday nights. Open Sundays.
Belvedere Inn
- Whether for a drink, dinner or to listen to Jazz on Friday and Saturday nights, it's all
good.. We really like the Scallop with Pasta and Red Thai Curry Sauce with macadamia nuts,
and also the Veal Duo with the pumpkin polenta - yummy. Although we've only been there in
the winter months (can you tell we are innkeepers?), we hear that there is rooftop dining
in the warmer months. (As if we needed a reason to return!) This is a great destination
when in downtown Lancaster.
Birchrunville
Store Cafe -Small and in the middle of nowhere, you' ll feel like
you're in the French countryside...or maybe Italy. You can bring your own bottle of wine.
We liked the Mixed baby greens with roasted figs stuffed with pancetta and roquefort
appetizer, and any of their fish offerings. There are usually so many specials that you
have a hard time deciding! The 40 minute drive is but a mere detail. But make your
reservations early Saturdays fill months in advance.
Bube's Brewery
- This is a great place - from the Biergarten outside in the summer, to the Catacombs
restauarant housed in a cave 40 feet below street level, to the line-up of entertainment
in The Bottling Works. But our favorite is dining at Alois's where we've enjoyed
mutli-course gourmet offerings. The restaurant is steeped in history...so be sure to ask
for a tour of the building. They now brew their own beer and offer many special events,
including a ghost tour. A trip to Bube's for dinner is an event.
Carr's Restaurant
- One of the best restaurants in downtown Lancaster - the meals are always creative,
beautifully presented, and fun. We've hosted several special dinners here and particularly
like to be seated in the back room with the view of the wine cellar. They often feature
local cheeses, produce and meats and have a great wine selection - including 30 wines for
$30 (or less!). Lots to choose from on their "small dishes" offerings. Located
in downtown Lancaster across from Gallery Row, open on Sundays until 2.
Doneckers
- Incredible menu, presentation and service featuring seafood and game. Located in a
200-year old stone building in downtown Ephrata, about a 15 minute drive from the inn.
Closed on Wednesdays and Sundays. NOTE: Unfortunately there are rumors
that this restaurant may be closing and they are only taking reservations through June.
We are crossing our fingers that someone will come in and "save" the
whole Doneckers complex.
Fenz Restaurant
& Latenight - One of the newest restaurants in downtown
Lancaster, its contemporary decor matches the cuisine and is a nice contrast to the 19th
century factory that houses the restaurant. Plenty of choices here, but we recommend the
pickle fries and cucumber shooters. A few other appetizers, a bottle of wine, and we were
quite happy here.
Gibraltar
- Specializing in Mediterranian seafood,it's hard to make a choice here. No matter, you
just can't go wrong. While we are usually wine lovers, Jan just couldn't resist the
extensive martini menu. Located in downtown Lancaster near Franklin and Marshall,
this popular spot books early, so reserve ahead. Guests tell us that the patio is great
for viewing fireworks at the end of the ballgames at Clipper stadium -it's hard to tell if
they are celebrating the game or the food.
Green Hills Inn - Located in the country, you'll
pass through one of our favorite little towns, Alleghenyville. This restaurant is well
worth the drive. The front lobby is decorated with Zagat awards from over the years, and
there are three rooms to choose from, one with a wood-burning fireplace, a smaller meeting
room and the glass patio. They offer wonderful French food without the heavy sauces. Be
sure to save room for dessert as Jay makes all his own ice cream and sorbets. The chef's
menu is a great value, offering three courses for about $30. (610-777-9611)
Haydn Zugs
- This colonial restaurant offers classic American cuisine and an extensive wine list. The
bar area is cozy and a great place on a winter evening. You won't be able to resist a trip
to the restroom just to get a peek at the upstairs rooms.
The
Inn at St. Peter's Village - Elegant historic inn with intimate
dining room and lounge. We (ok, well, Jan) loves the escargot. In the summer you can sit
on the porch and listen to the stream. Beautiful compositions and tastes. Whatever you do,
don't miss dessert! About 30 minutes from the inn.
John J. Jeffries
- Located in the restored Lancaster Arts Hotel in downtown Lancaster, this is a restaurant
like no other. Food is organic, from local farms and creatively prepared. They offer small
portions in addition to normal. Open on Sundays, patio seating available in the warmer
months.
Judy's On Cherry
- Located in a restored warehouse in downtown Reading, they serve an eclectic mix of
Mediterranean foods - all wonderful. We couldn't decide and ordered just about every
appetizer that they had - including their wonderful focaccia. Don't miss the Meze plate -
grape leaves, roasted red pepper hummus with Morrocan orange salad, feta and yogurt sauce.
Closed Sunday and Monday. About 25 minutes from the inn.
Lily's on Main
Only 15 minutes from the inn in downtown Ephrata. Lily's is in a fairly new high-rise
building but decorated in art-deco style. Nice bar area and great salads and appetizers.
Their signature dishes are raspberry chicken with brie and a gourmet meatloaf. We've had
several special multi-course dinners here. They now offer a chef's tasting menu - each
course is a surprise and delight. If you book early enough and have a group of 6 or 8, you
can dine in the downstairs Fountain Room - oolala - so much fun! .Be sure to try the
Screw Kappa Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. They will work with you if you require a gluten-free
menu and are open on Sundays. Great service.
The Log Cabin
- It's easy to see why this restaurant has long been a favorite of the locals. Once
a speakeasy in prohibition days, we love the artwork throughout. And the drive
through the covered bridge will certainly put you in a romantic mood even before you walk
in the door! The Log Cabin has always had great steaks, and Bruce loves the
horseradish-crusted salmon. I am always the one interested in the specials menu - so
if they have the crab and avocado salad with ponzu dressing, we highly recommend it. The
double lamb chops with blackberry-balsamic viniagrette and lemon-fig risotto was very
yummy too. They also use a lot of local produce, so we especially liked the salads and
dressings. The bar/lounge is very inviting and they have special wine-tasting
dinners. About 20 minutes from the inn. Open on Sundays.
Mazzi Restaurant
- A wonderful blend of Italian and French cuisine, in a beautifully restored historic
building, their menu gets better and better. They are Lancaster County's only AAA
4-Diamond restaurant. Our favorites are the appetizers with a bottle of wine. And
their tiramisu is to die for! While I usually don't care for music on websites, I must
admit that I love the music on theirs and have been known to grab a cat and dance around
my office just to rest my eyes from the computer! The bar is very intimate and a great
place for a dinner for two. They are open on Sundays and only about 20 minutes from the
inn.
Rosa
Rosa Ristorante - Located Downtown next to the new Lancaster Arts
Hotel, this beautiful restaurant with marble tops and wonderful outdoor seating offers
classic Italian dishes, live jazz on weekends, and a great selection of martinis at their
impressive bar. Enjoy!
Stoudts Black Angus
- Carole and Ed Stoudt have been in business for 44 years - and their experience shows.
The restaurant is known for their steaks, award-winning micro-brewed beer and artisan
breads. There’s a casual pub area and a Victorian dining area featuring curtained
booths. And Bruce is very fond of the pictures in the men's bathroom. It’s just
10 minutes from the inn. They offer year-round events and Sundays feature the antiques
market.
Casual Dining
Austin's
- This is our absolute favorite place to go for ribs. Even though
we aren't crazy about restaurant chains, and J. B. Dawsons has four restaurants in
Pennsylvania, once you've had their ribs, you'll keep going back for more. They also serve
other food, and we will occasionally be swayed to order something different (especially
Bruce), but the ribs are what will bring you back. Nice bar and good salad to go with the
ribs. They also have a gluton-free menu. Along with great ribs. Rumor has it that they'll
be opening a new restaurant in Park City in Lancaster, so they'll be much closer. We will
let you know if they live up to the standard set by the West Lawn location. Did I mention
that they have great ribs? Open Sundays. About 25 minutes from the inn.
Boehringers Drive-In - This drive-in restauarant has
been family owned and operated since 1936! Located in Adamstown next to a creek, it's the
perfect place to enjoy a great burger and fries on a summer day. Shaded picnic tables
provide the setting. It's no longer a drive-in; you simply place your order inside (the
place is run mostly by college kids) and then step back in line - and there is ALWAYS a
line! They somehow remember who you are without any ticket or number. No credit or debit
cards here,folks - only cash. I love their chocolate almond amaretto ice cream, my mom
prefers the lemon. Open Sundays.
Cafe Chocolate
- A great place to stop for lunch or a light dinner or just treats with the best glass of
hot chocolate on the planet. Be sure to pick up some truffles too! If you get to meet
Selina, you'll have a double treat - this lady knows her chocolate and is willing to share
her knowledge and love with all who will listen. Both the mulligatawny and chicken and
rice soups were great and we really liked the Cubano sandwich. They serve local and
organic foods and have some nice choices for vegans and vegetarians. The soups are all
gluten-free for those of you celiacs out there. About 25 minutes from the inn in downtown
Lititz
Canal
Street Pub - Set in a wonderful restored warehouse and next to The
Legacy Brewing Company, this restaurant specializes in great beer. We've tried just about
every kind of appetizer and particularly like the Apricot and Chevre Brochette, the White
Hummus, and the Greek Salad. Although we've been to several large dinners in their dining
room, for a nice dinner for two we prefer the smaller seating at the Wine bar. They've
been voted to have the best "Wings" in Berks County for three years in a row. So
the next time you find yourself in downtown Reading, this is a great stop for lunch or
dinner. About 25 minutes from the inn.
El Serrano
- A most impressive restaurant - you almost feel like you are in Peru (not that we would
know what that feels like) but you definitely know you are in for an exciting meal. We've
not yet been to Clementines - for the five-course special meal upstairs, but have enjoyed
everything we've eaten in their restuarant, from the Chiles Rellenos to the Mixto Limeno
(Tilapia with jumbo lump crabmeat and garlic herb sauce, but most especially the
margaritas! Open daily.
Iron
Hill Brewery - We've always liked this restaurant in West
Chester,and now there's one in downtown Lancaster - right across from Franklin and
Marshall. A fun, lively place with great salads, pizzas and appetizers, and, yes,
great beer. Modern with nice wood, lots of windows and open space. Open Sundays. About 25
minutes from the inn.
Johnny's
Bar and Steakhouse - Located behind a popular diner, (Silk City),
this New York style eatery is a fun place for drinks and munchies. Bruce really likes the
old movies that are playing on the tv's. Try the Santa Fe Chicken Salad, the Ahi Tuna
appetizer or any of their steaks. Open Sundays. About 15 minutes from the inn.
Lemon
Grass Thai Restaurant - There really is a Thai restaurant in
Lancaster County! And it's right across from Rockvale Square outlets on Route 30. Casual
but fun with a creative menu. Open every day and you can bring your own bottle of wine -
or whatever...be sure to have the chicken coconut soup and between the sheets appetizer -
crabmeat and shrimp intertwined between crispy golden sheets, and served with mellow plum
sauce. Yummy!
The Pub - Only 10 minutes away in New Holland,
there's a full-service bar with tv's to watch your favorite sports and good pub fare. We
like the fajitas and on Monday nights, they are on special for buy one/get one.
The Peanut Bar
- Casual, fun, noisy and good food - this is the place that first started the tradition of
throwing peanut shells on the floor - in 1935! You can get anything here - from great
Buffalo Wings to New York Jewish Corned Beef on Rye to Vegetarian Lasagna. There's a long
bar in the front room, lots of desserts and plenty of waiters with personality. Not to be
missed if you are anywhere near Reading! About 25 minutes from the Inn.
Shady Maple
Smorgasbord - The biggest buffet in Lancaster County. Reasonable
prices, good quality and plenty of food - a great way to see what you think of chow-chow,
shoo-fly pie, dried corn and other Pennsylvania Dutch specialties. There's something here
for everyone - from their seafood nights to prime rib. Just three miles from the inn.
Terre Hill Grill
- Just a few doors away, this family restaurant serves good food three meals a day. They
have great burgers and Amish-made pies. The owner is the Buccaneer Butcher from Central
Market in Lancaster. Open Sundays until 2:00 p.m.
The Udder Choice - Fun place to stop for burgers and
sandwhiches and, of course, ice cream. They have the greatest collection of antique ice
cream scoops that we've ever seen. Just on the other side of Ephrata - about 15 minutes
from the inn.
Union Barrel
Works - Housed in a restored historic building, this brewery has
great beer and food to match. The sampler of beers is the way to go if you aren't sure of
which to get - our favorites were the Wobbly Bob Dopplebock and Uncle Fester - these are
both rich, full-bodied with beautiful color - none of that watery light stuff. Although
we've only dined here twice, we can tell we'll be frequent visitors - everything we had
from the Olive Tapenade to the Crab and Alligator Jambalaya to the Grilled Portobello and
Pesto sandwich on homemade Focaccia was very good. We really like sweet potato fries -
served with maple syrup. The brewery is located in Reamstown, just 15 minutes from the inn
There are many other local restaurants and if you have a favorite that you think we
should include, please let us know!
We can also arrange for guests to have dinner with Amish friends of ours in their home.
Please give us at least one week advance notice.
Thanks to David Sakach - this website is the winner of the 2004 Professional
Association of Innkeepers International website design contest.
Website maintained by The Artist's Inn and Gallery, and, when we screw
it up, Dave Schell (a man of
infinite patience) comes to the rescue!
