The Old-Fashioned Pennsylvania Restaurant Where French Onion Soup Steals The Show
In Lititz, Pennsylvania, some restaurants serve meals. Brickerville House Restaurant turns them into memories, and its French onion soup has earned a reputation that stops diners in their tracks.
Rich, savory broth bubbles under a blanket of melted cheese, carrying caramelized onions that are sweet, deep, and comforting in every spoonful.
Bowls arrive steaming, with the perfect balance of crispy topping and gooey indulgence that makes each bite feel like a small celebration.
Locals linger over the table, sharing stories and savoring flavors that have stood the test of time.
First-time visitors often leave plotting their return. This old-fashioned favorite brings warmth, nostalgia, and undeniable flavor to every visit.
You can taste it yourself at 2 E. 28th Division Hwy, Lititz, PA 17543, where the soup always steals the show.
A Building That’s Seen Centuries
Brickerville House Restaurant operates out of a structure dating back to the 1750s, which means the walls have witnessed nearly 270 years of Pennsylvania history.
Walking through the entrance feels like stepping into a time capsule where colonial charm meets modern comfort.
The original architecture remains intact, with exposed beams, vintage details, and an ambiance that whispers stories from generations past.
Each dining room offers a different vibe, so no two visits feel quite the same. Some spaces feature antique furnishings and rustic decor, while others lean into a cozier, tavern-style setting.
Guests love exploring the nooks and crannies, discovering hidden corners that add character to every meal.
This isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a piece of living history where you can enjoy a plate of chicken and waffles surrounded by centuries of charm.
French Onion Soup That Commands Attention
People drive from neighboring towns specifically for the French onion soup at Brickerville House.
It’s the kind of dish that earns its own reputation, with layers of caramelized onions swimming in a rich, savory broth and topped with melted cheese that stretches with every spoonful.
The flavors are bold, balanced, and deeply satisfying.
Reviewers mention it repeatedly, and for good reason. The soup arrives bubbling hot in a crock, with a golden cheese crust that crackles under your spoon.
It’s comfort in a bowl, perfect for chilly Pennsylvania evenings or whenever you need something that warms you from the inside out.
Even if you’re not a soup person, this one might change your mind. It’s become such a signature item that regulars often order it as an appetizer, an entree, or both.
No judgment here.
Breakfast That Brings People Back
Brickerville House opens at 7 AM on weekends and 8 AM on weekdays, and locals know to arrive early or prepare for a wait.
The breakfast menu is packed with creative twists on classic dishes, from cinnamon roll pancakes to a gyro omelet that sounds wild but tastes incredible.
Every plate comes out generous, hot, and ready to fuel your day.
The corned beef hash gets frequent shoutouts in reviews, as does the creamed chipped beef over toast.
One customer raved about the stewed tomato special, which features stewed tomatoes over eggs and home fries with flavors that stick with you long after the meal ends. Portions are hearty, so come hungry.
They also offer gluten-free bread, which is a thoughtful touch for guests with dietary restrictions.
Whether you’re craving something sweet, savory, or downright adventurous, breakfast here delivers every single time.
Coffee That Earns Top Honors
Multiple reviewers describe the coffee at Brickerville House as some of the best they’ve ever tasted.
The restaurant serves French press coffee, which delivers a richer, more robust flavor than your standard drip brew.
Each cup is freshly pressed, aromatic, and strong enough to wake up even the groggiest morning person.
Specialty lattes also shine here, with options like pumpkin, brown sugar, and seasonal flavors that rotate throughout the year.
One guest declared the coffee to be in their top five of all time, which is high praise in a world full of coffee snobs. The baristas clearly know their craft.
Even if you’re just passing through Lititz, it’s worth stopping in for a cup.
Pair it with a cinnamon roll pancake or a slice of chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting, and you’ve got yourself a morning worth remembering.
Legendary Chocolate Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting
Families have been ordering this cake for decades, and it’s become the stuff of local legend.
The chocolate cake is moist, rich, and layered with creamy peanut butter frosting that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory.
One reviewer mentioned taking their 90-year-old aunt to lunch and making sure to order the cake, calling it outstanding.
It’s the kind of dessert that makes you want to skip the entree and go straight to the good stuff.
The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is classic, but the execution here elevates it to something truly special. Regulars know to save room, no matter how filling the meal.
If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just surviving a Tuesday, this cake is the way to do it. It’s comfort food in its purest, most delicious form.
Pennsylvania Dutch Comfort Food Done Right
Brickerville House honors its Pennsylvania Dutch roots with dishes like chicken and waffles served PA Dutch style, which means chicken in gravy poured over a fluffy waffle.
It’s a hearty, soul-warming meal that tastes like something your grandmother would make if she had a culinary degree. The flavors are authentic, familiar, and deeply satisfying.
Other menu items include fried eggplant, chicken corn soup, and seasonal specials that rotate based on what’s fresh and available.
The kitchen clearly respects traditional recipes while adding just enough creativity to keep things interesting.
One guest mentioned it tasted just like their mom used to make, which is the highest compliment you can give comfort food.
This isn’t fancy cuisine. It’s honest, well-prepared food that fills you up and makes you feel at home, no matter where you’re from.
A Bar Area That Surprises Guests
When you first walk through the double doors at Brickerville House, you’re greeted by a classy bar area that sets a sophisticated tone.
It’s not what most people expect from a family restaurant, but it works beautifully. The space features polished wood, dim lighting, and a welcoming vibe that makes you want to settle in for a drink or two.
The restaurant recently added a liquor license, so guests can now enjoy locally brewed beers, craft cocktails, and specialty drinks alongside their meals.
One reviewer mentioned sipping a blueberry whiskey sour with breakfast, which sounds like an excellent life choice. The bar area is perfect for date nights or unwinding after a long day.
Even if you’re there for breakfast or lunch, the bar adds an unexpected layer of charm. It’s versatile, stylish, and proof that Brickerville House knows how to keep things interesting.
Seasonal Specials That Keep Things Fresh
The menu at Brickerville House features rotating seasonal specials that showcase fresh ingredients and creative flavor combinations.
Past offerings have included mushroom ravioli, Asian glazed salmon over stir-fry vegetables, and a mountain smoke burger with thick blueberry jam on the side.
These specials give regulars a reason to keep coming back and trying something new.
The kitchen isn’t afraid to experiment, and it pays off. Guests rave about the creativity and quality of these limited-time dishes, which often become so popular they earn a permanent spot on the menu.
The specials also highlight the chef’s ability to balance tradition with innovation.
If you see a seasonal item that catches your eye, order it. These dishes don’t stick around forever, and you’ll want to taste what all the fuss is about before they disappear.
Service That Feels Like Family
The staff at Brickerville House consistently earns praise for being friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu.
Servers like Kelly and Julio get mentioned by name in reviews, which tells you they’re doing something right.
Even during busy weekend rushes, the team works hard to make sure every guest feels welcome and well cared for.
One reviewer noted that their waitress looked exhausted during a packed lunch shift but remained pleasant and attentive throughout the meal.
That kind of dedication doesn’t go unnoticed, and it’s part of what keeps people coming back.
The service strikes a balance between professional and personal, making you feel like a regular even on your first visit.
Sure, there’s an occasional off day, but overall, the hospitality here matches the quality of the food. It’s genuine, warm, and exactly what you want from a family restaurant.
Located at 2 E. 28th Division Hwy in Lititz
Brickerville House Restaurant sits at 2 E. 28th Division Hwy in Lititz, Pennsylvania, making it easy to find whether you’re a local or just passing through.
The location is convenient, with parking available both in front and behind the building. Don’t let a crowded front lot discourage you, because there’s usually space around back.
The restaurant is open seven days a week, with hours from 8 AM to 8 PM on most weekdays and slightly extended hours on weekends.
Sunday hours run from 7 AM to 7 PM, which gives you plenty of time to stop by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can call ahead at 717-625-2525 or check out their website at brickervillehouserestaurant.com.
Lititz itself is a charming town worth exploring, and Brickerville House makes for a perfect meal stop during your visit.
The restaurant is surrounded by shops selling handmade items and antiques, so plan to spend some time wandering the area.