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 some little family-owned restaurant. But mostly - we like to eat. And
we love to go to great restaurants. So we'll skip the chains that you've been to everywhere. 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, or rooftop dining in the warmer months, 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. You can explore almost all the rooms in this Victorian rowhouse...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. This is the restaurant to fall in love all over again. 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'll
have a hard time deciding! The 40 minute drive is but a mere detail. But make your
reservations early; Saturdays fill months in advance. They do not take credit cards. See our blog for more information.
The Black Horse Restaurant and Tavern - Chef Ian Newman has transformed the menu at The Black Horse - if you haven't been there recently, there's plenty of reasons to stop in. Much to our surprise many of the prices had been reduced. We really enjoyed the trio of soups and Caprese Duet (tomato carpaccio, basil paint, tomato marmalade and baby mozzarella and crostini). Bruce liked both versions of salmon and I tried the ostrich and veal paillard. They also have very reasonable "after work" specials in the tavern and a nice wine list. Open Sundays and only 10 minutes away in Adamstown.
Bube's Brewery
- What a fun and interesting 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. Located in Mt. Joy, about 40 minutes from the inn.
Carr's Restaurant
- One of the best restaurants in downtown Lancaster - the meals are always creative,
beautifully presented, and delicious. 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!). There's a lot to choose from on their "small dishes" offerings. Located
in downtown Lancaster across from Gallery Row, open on Sundays until 2.
Effie Ophelia - With only ten tables, and a no-reservation policy, it's a tough place to get in on a Saturday night. But it is so worth the trying. Our group loved the sweet potato gnocchi with sage cream and candied pecans and the roasted root vegetables with chevre gratin and spinach cream - the latter is featured on their website. We recommend the trout, chiles rellenos and lime and ginger roasted chicken. All selections are creative and presented beautifully. This is a BYO restaurant - which is rare in Lancaster and the corking fee is $5. The kitchen is open and is a little larger than a broom closet. Located about 30 minutes from the inn on Gallery Row in downtown Lancaster. Open Tuesday through Saturday. See our blog about this restaurant.
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. This menu is fun. There are 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. Open Monday through Saturday - about 25 minutes from the inn.
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 can't resist their
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 $35. (610-777-9611).
Gusto - Ralph (formerly of Mazzi's) is the chef so we were right when we thought this new restaurant would do well. We highly recommend reservations at this small downtown Lancaster restaurant. There's a nice mix on the menu and several specials - the Lamb with Spinach Noodles and Chicken with Truffle Cream Sauce were our favorites. They offer a nice selection of wines by the glass, are open for lunch and on Sundays.
Haydn Zugs
- This colonial restaurant offers classic American cuisine. They have an extensive wine list, and will remind you of being in Wililamsburg. We like the Armetale dinnerware - made locally in Lancaster County and Jan's pattern on her first set of dishes. 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. Beautifully restored and great architectural details in brick and recycled barn wood. The 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 and serving 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. We did the same thing on a second visit! 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. Great Chef's tasting menu. 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! They are familiar with gluten-free
dishes and are open on Sundays. Great service. Be sure to ask for our coupon for this restaurant.
Mazzi Restaurant
- Candlelight sets off a beautiful and romantic setting in a restored historic
building. Mazzi's is Lancaster Countys only AAA
4-Diamond restaurant. A very upscale menu with a selection of 150 wines to match. Love their "mazzi-cello" 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! The website is absolutely a feast for the eyes. The bar is very intimate and a great
place for dinner for two. Open on Sundays and most holidays and only about 20 minutes from the
inn.
Olde Greenfield Inn - This is a historic building with romantic setting - espeically if you are lucky enough to get into the wine cellar - where there's seating for only two tables. Classic food served, great wine tasting dinners, and jazz or piano music make this a most enjoyable restaurant. Be sure to ask us for our coupon.
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! They are open on Sundays.
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
Bistro on 10 - Located in the Waynebrook Inn in Honeybrook, this wonderfully restored hotel features a beautiful bar decorated with tin ceilings and rich wood accents. Spacious and inviting, I fell in love with the Victorian lamps over the bar. We enjoyed lunch in the Bistro - with sophisticated decor. The chicken and seafood gumbo was perfectly seasoned with a little kick and a sweet finish and so loaded with vegetables, chicken and crawfish that you could have eaten it with a fork. The wood fired pizza was served on a peel and was the perfect size for two. We recommend the Italian sausage and fontina. Open every day - about 25 minutes from the inn in Chester County.
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. Grab your flip-flops and hurry - they are only open in the summer. (717-484-4227) Good news - Boehringers is opening on March 20!
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. Be sure to ask for our coupon for this restaurant.
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.
Checkers Bistro - Casual and friendly, with a bar in the front, this downtown Lancaster restaurant is in an upscale neighborhood. We love thier small plate menu - if you order three or more, the tiered presentation is fun. We recommend the lobster and crab rolls, the chorizo nachos, the tuna carpaccio and any of their wonderfully creative pizzas. They have a nice selection of wines by the glass. Closed Sunday and Monday.
The Cove (Fishery & Grill) - Just about 20 minutes from the inn, this Lancaster restaurant has a great location - situated on the Conestoga River with a large deck that is magical in the summer and fall when they light the outdoor torches. The inside of The Cove is very welcoming too - with lots of brick and wood. As you would expect, some very nice seafood selections here - we like to graze on the shrimp and crab nachos, ahi tuna salad and crab sliders with drinks on the deck.
Culturas - Lancaster's first Tapas restaurant is located upstairs from El Serrano in Lancaster. This is my favorite way to eat - small servings of oh, so many wonderful dihes. Take a group and try a bite of everything! We highly recommend the Paquetitos de Cangrejo - little "packages" stuffed with crabmeat, leeks and cheese, or the Ceviche de Pollo - organic chicken and white onions in an aji amarillo sauce with fried yucca, or the Charcuteria - Gold Label Iberian Serrano Ham aged 20 months, served with Mahon, Manchego and a specialty cheese, Marcona almonds, dates and grapes. Come to think of it, we've tried just about everything but the sardine dish...Great atmosphere - intimate tables on the second floor overlooking the courtyard. 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 get the feeling that you're not in Lancaster (or Kansas?) anymore! At any rate, 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. For more news on this restaurant, see the posting under Culturas.
Fiorentino's Italian Restaurant - There are two locations - one by the airport in Lititz and the other downtown in Lancaster - that's the one we've been to several times. You'll feel like you are in Little Italy (either New York or Cleveland) or possibly a restaurant in northern New Jersey. The tables are close, the atmosphere is noisy and, if you like garlic, your feet won't hit the ground once you get within a whiff of the restaurant. Classic Italian menu with a few fresh surpises. Great bread, great gravy (sauce) and they even have a bar. Go here hungry! About 30 minutes from the inn. Open 7 days a week.
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 creative 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 intersting place for drinks and munchies. Bruce really likes the
old movies that are playing on the tv's, so if you have a movie nut, be sure you seat them facing you...if you wnt to have any conversation at dinner besides "shssh - this is the good part". Try the Santa Fe Chicken Salad, the Ahi Tuna
appetizer or any of their steaks. Open Sundays. About 15 minutes from the inn.
La Terra - Wow, New York has come to Lancaster and it's affordable and fun. This antipasta bar showcases a dizzying array of wonderful salads. Our favorites were braised fennel with sherry and cream, eggplant caponata with pine nuts and Wilbur chocolate and sweet and sour marinated pumpkin with pine nuts and golden raisins. Combine five salads with a choice of a protein or pasta salad and you have quite a meal - for $13. Breads and desserts are all made on the premises. The strawberry tart was wonderful and you are welcome to bring a bottle of wine. There's cheeses, desserts and high-end jams and olive oils for purchase as well. This restaurant is a must on your next trip. About 20 minutes from the inn, open for lunch but closed Sunday/Monday.
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. 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. The mango ice cream is very yummy too!
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. (717-354-2331)
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.
The Red Rose - It seemed we were forever searching for a new Greek restaurant since Carons closed in Green Hills. And the Red Rose was there all along - since 1927! Recently remodeled in warm colors and sporting a new bar, we delighted when Nick and Tina told us some of their stories of Greece and the oregano drying on the rooftops! We like all the appetizers but most especially the Greek dishes, all made by Nick or Tina. Greek Day is the last Friday of every month - so if by chance you don't see us on that Friday, you'll know where to find us. Located in downtown Lancaster, they are open for dinner every night but Monday and Sunday.
Savory Cafe and Catering - Located just ten minutes away in New Holland, this small and cheery cafe serves up a great menu of hot and cold sandwiches, salads and breakfast offerings. I really like the Greek Grilled Cheese - feta, cheddar, red onion and tomato grilled on bagel bread. But don't wait too long - they are only open until 3:30 Monday through Friday and until 2:00 on Saturdays. (717-354-5665).
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. The best part is that they never rush you - and you have your own table or booth.
Spyro Gyros - This tiny restaurant in downtown Lancaster offers authentic Greek food and lots of salads. Casual and fun with free wi-fi at the bar. We recommend the Meze Platter - it's enough for two with all your favorites - dynamite hummus, wheat pitas, stuffed grape leaves, good olives, Greek salad, lamb kabobs and spanikopita. Breakfast and lunch only - 397-3939.
Terre Hill Grill
- Just a few doors away from the inn, you can walk to this family restaurant that 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. Be sure to ask for our coupon for this restaurant.
The Tomcat Cafe - We discovered this quaint spot by accident and now go back on a regular basis. Creative food, generous portions, wonderful combinations, great music and BYOB makes this restaurant a winner - whether for lunch or dinner. We loved the sweet potato, carrot and cumin soup, the crab mac 'n cheese, Swimmin' Upstream, Blue Dog Tuna, and the Deep South Pork Loin. Closed on Mondays.
The Udder Choice - Fun place to stop for burgers and
sandwiches 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. (717-733-4300)
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. Everything we had
from the Olive Tapenade to the Crab and Alligator Jambalaya, the Trout and Wild Rice Soup, the Grilled Portobello and
Pesto sandwich on homemade Focaccia, Chicken Sandwiches, Burgers, was good. We especially like the sweet potato fries -
served with maple syrup. The brewery is located in Reamstown, just 15 minutes from the inn.
The Village Scoop & Cafe - Usually we tell guests about restaurants, but we learned of this cafe from our guests who stopped by for lunch before checking into the inn. I took their recommendation and liked it too - creative fun panini's and sandwiches in the charming Stoudtburg Village in Adamstown - only ten minutes away. Open Thursday through Monday.
Vinola's Restaurant and Bar - This casual spot offers a nice selection of American fare for lunch and dinner. We liked the special of the night - roasted chicken and shrimp in a trufle sauce over pasta, along with two items from their menu - the Beef and Bella (Sauteed beef tips with portabella mushrooms, garlic and green onions in a burgundy wine sauce over pasta) and the Nori Crusted Tuna with an oriental slaw and wasabi soy drizzle. Appetizes are also good for a late dinner. There is a large bar room with plenty of TV's and some pretty excited Eagles Fans when we were there. Only about 15 minutes from the inn in Leola, open on Sundays. (717-656-7001)
There are many other local restaurants - if you have a favorite that you think we
should include, please let us know!
