This Amish-Style Restaurant In Ohio Serves The State’s Best Buffet Without A Lot Of Noise
I pulled off OH-664 in Logan, Ohio, thinking I was making a quick buffet stop, and Olde Dutch promptly turned it into a full-on comfort-food quest with a calm soundtrack. If you want the kind of all-you-can-eat spread where you can actually hear your own thoughts, this is your place.
The first thing I noticed was the peaceful, unhurried vibe, like the dining room collectively agreed to keep things cozy and civilized. Then the buffet line delivered the classics, the rolls showed up like fluffy overachievers, and the pie table quietly dared me to make questionable life choices.
Olde Dutch proves a buffet can be generous without being chaotic. I left full, happy, and weirdly proud of my plate-stacking technique.
Finding Your Way to 12791 OH-664
Olde Dutch sits at 12791 OH-664 in Logan, Ohio, right off the main road where you can’t miss it. The location makes perfect sense when you’re exploring Hocking County or just passing through this part of Ohio on a weekend adventure.
I’ve driven past it dozens of times before finally stopping in, and now I kick myself for waiting so long.
The restaurant opens at 11 AM Monday through Friday, but on weekends they start serving breakfast at 8 AM. That early weekend start is clutch if you’re planning a full day of hiking or antiquing in the area.
The massive parking lot handles the crowds with ease, even during their busiest Saturday afternoon rush.
Being positioned right across from Weaver’s Market and near several antique shops makes Olde Dutch the perfect lunch stop. You can grab breakfast before heading into Hocking Hills, or refuel after a morning of treasure hunting.
The building itself has that welcoming country charm that promises good food before you even step inside.
Walking Through the Gift Shop Entrance
You don’t walk straight into the dining room at Olde Dutch. Instead, your journey begins through their charming gift shop filled with local crafts, home goods, and those little treasures you didn’t know you needed.
I always budget extra time for browsing because there’s genuinely interesting stuff here, not just typical tourist junk.
The gift shop setup reminds me of Cracker Barrel, but with more authentic local flavor. Handmade items sit alongside kitchen gadgets, seasonal decorations, and Ohio-themed souvenirs.
I’ve picked up Christmas presents here more than once because the selection beats anything at the mall.
This entrance strategy actually works brilliantly for managing the flow of customers. While you’re waiting for your table, you can shop instead of crowding around the hostess stand.
On your way out, you can grab that pie server or candle you spotted earlier. The shop creates a buffer zone that keeps the dining area feeling calm and spacious, even when the parking lot is packed full.
The Buffet That Keeps Everyone Happy
At $17.49 for adults, the Olde Dutch buffet delivers serious value for what you get. I’ve paid more at mediocre chain restaurants and left hungry, but here you’ll roll out satisfied.
The spread includes everything from fried chicken and roast beef to sides like sweet potato casserole, stuffing, and green bean casserole.
What impressed me most was how they keep everything fresh and hot. Staff members constantly monitor the buffet line, refilling dishes before they run empty.
Those famous rolls appear like magic, always warm and never sitting around getting hard. The fried chicken pieces are massive, with crispy breading that actually stays on the meat.
They separate the dessert bar from the main buffet line, which prevents traffic jams and gives everyone room to move. You’ll find hand sanitizer and gloves stationed right where you need them.
The setup feels thoughtful rather than chaotic. Unlike some buffets where you’re fighting crowds and dodging elbows, Olde Dutch maintains order even during peak hours.
That organizational touch makes all the difference in your dining experience.
Salad Bar and Soup Station Surprises
Before you hit the hot food, the salad bar deserves your attention. Fresh vegetables, multiple dressing options, and all the toppings you could want make it easy to build exactly what you’re craving.
I’m usually skeptical of buffet salad bars, but Olde Dutch keeps theirs looking crisp and appealing throughout service.
The soup station rotates different options, and I’ve tried their enchilada soup, potato soup, and beef stew on various visits. Each one tasted homemade rather than dumped from an industrial container.
The enchilada soup became my unexpected favorite with its creamy texture and just enough kick to keep things interesting.
What separates this salad bar from others is the obvious care in presentation and freshness. Nothing looks wilted or picked over.
The variety isn’t overwhelming, but everything offered is quality rather than filler. You could honestly make a meal just from the salad bar and soups if you wanted something lighter.
For me, though, it’s the perfect starter before tackling the main buffet attractions.
Those Legendary Dinner Rolls
Everyone who reviews Olde Dutch mentions the rolls, and they’re absolutely right to do so. These aren’t your standard frozen dinner rolls heated up and tossed in a basket.
They’re huge, soft, perfectly golden, and arrive at the buffet warm enough that butter melts on contact.
I’ve watched people load up their plates with three or four rolls before even looking at the rest of the buffet. The texture hits that sweet spot between fluffy and substantial.
They’re not dry or crumbly like so many restaurant rolls. You could honestly make a meal of just these rolls with some butter and be perfectly content.
The kitchen keeps them coming throughout service, so you never have to settle for a cold one. On my last visit, I saw them refill the roll basket four times during our hour-long meal.
That consistency matters because nothing ruins a buffet experience faster than lukewarm bread. These rolls have achieved legendary status for good reason, and I’d drive to Logan just for them if I had to.
Dessert Bar with Homemade Pies
Your buffet price includes dessert, which means you get to sample from their impressive pie selection without paying extra. They offer cream pies, fruit pies, and seasonal specialties depending on when you visit.
I’ve tried the blackberry pie and several cream varieties, and they all taste genuinely homemade.
For an additional $1.99, they’ll add a scoop of ice cream on top of your pie slice. That’s the move right there.
The combination of warm pie and cold ice cream creates the perfect ending to your meal. The pies are served at room temperature rather than heated, which some people prefer and others don’t.
The dessert bar sits separate from the main buffet, giving you space to contemplate your choices without blocking traffic. You’ll find at least six different pie varieties on any given day.
I appreciate that dessert is included rather than being an upcharge like at some buffet restaurants. After filling up on chicken, rolls, and sides, having unlimited access to pie feels like the ultimate victory.
Just pace yourself on the main course so you have room for at least one slice.
Service That Feels Like Family
The service staff at Olde Dutch manages to be attentive without hovering. Your server keeps drinks refilled, clears plates quickly, and checks in at just the right intervals.
I’ve had different servers over multiple visits, and the consistency in friendliness and efficiency tells me this is part of their culture.
One reviewer specifically called out their server Kayleigh for her sunshine smile and welcoming attitude. Another mentioned Sam for being friendly and quick with plate removal.
On my visits, I’ve experienced that same warmth from every staff member. They seem to genuinely enjoy their jobs, which is rare in the restaurant industry.
Even when the dining room is packed on a Saturday afternoon, servers maintain their composure and keep things running smoothly. They know the menu, can answer questions about ingredients, and handle special requests without making you feel like a burden.
The whole operation feels well-managed from the hostess stand to your table. Good service can elevate an average meal, and at Olde Dutch, the excellent service pairs perfectly with the quality food to create something special.
The Peaceful Petting Zoo Next Door
After you finish your meal, walk next door to visit the petting zoo area where goats and other animals hang out. It’s a small operation, not a full farm experience, but it adds to the family-friendly atmosphere.
Kids especially love seeing the animals after lunch, and it gives everyone a chance to walk off some of that buffet.
The petting zoo connects to the ice cream shop in the same parking lot, and its hours generally line up with Adventure Golf and Treehouse Treats & Treasures, opening around midday and staying open through the afternoon and early evening. Several reviews mention watching the deer and goats from the restaurant’s window seats.
I’ve made it a point to request those window tables because the view adds something special to the meal.
This extra touch separates Olde Dutch from being just another buffet restaurant. The whole property creates an experience rather than just a meal.
You can shop in the gift store, eat until you’re stuffed, visit the animals, grab ice cream, and browse the antique store next door. It’s the perfect setup for a lazy Saturday afternoon in Ohio when you want to relax and enjoy simple pleasures without rushing anywhere.