This Amish Grocery Store In Pennsylvania Is Famous For Its Unforgettable Homemade Sandwiches
Some grocery stores in Pennsylvania are built for errands, and some are built for cravings that take over your whole day.
Stoltzfus Meats and Deli in Intercourse is the second kind, an Amish market stop where the homemade sandwiches have earned real fame for a reason.
Walk in and the place feels busy in the best way, the deli counter moving fast, the scent of fresh bread in the air, and that comforting, made-right-here energy that makes you start planning lunch before you even reach the case.
Sandwich greatness is all about the simple stuff done perfectly. Bread that tastes fresh, layers that feel generous, and flavors that stay balanced from the first bite to the last.
Stoltzfus has that dependable, no-fuss charm where the food speaks for itself, and it makes a stop in Intercourse feel like a little reward in the middle of your day.
Grab one to eat now, grab another “for later,” and suddenly you understand why people talk about this place like it is a tradition. The sandwich counter always wins my attention first.
One look at those stacks and my grocery list quietly turns into a lunch plan.
A Family Legacy That Started in 1954
Seven decades of sandwich-making expertise doesn’t happen by accident.
The Stoltzfus family’s roots reach back to 1954 with a simple mission: provide the community with the finest locally-reared meats and freshly baked goods.
That commitment hasn’t wavered even a little bit. Walking into this place feels like visiting your grandmother’s kitchen, if your grandmother happened to run the best deli in Pennsylvania.
The family still operates the business with the same values their grandparents established all those years ago.
Every sandwich they make carries forward traditions passed down through generations.
You can taste the difference when people actually care about what they’re serving. The recipes haven’t been rushed or modernized just to save a few minutes.
Instead, they’ve been perfected over time, with each generation adding their own touch while respecting what came before.
That’s why people drive an hour just to grab lunch here, and why regulars have been coming back for literally decades.
The Sandwich Counter Where Magic Happens
The sandwich counter at Stoltzfus sits right in the heart of the action, and watching the staff work is honestly mesmerizing.
They move with practiced efficiency, layering fresh-sliced meats and cheeses onto those incredible homemade buns without ever rushing the process.
I ordered a roast beef sandwich on my first visit and nearly fell over when they handed it to me. The thing weighed about two pounds and was stuffed so full that I could barely wrap my hands around it.
The meat came straight from their butcher counter, sliced thick and piled high, with crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes adding the perfect crunch.
Here’s what sets them apart: they don’t use pre-packaged anything.
The turkey gets roasted in-house, the bacon comes from their own smokehouse, and even the condiments taste fresher than what you’d find anywhere else.
One customer mentioned getting a sub with hardly any meat, but that seems like a rare miss in an otherwise stellar operation. Most days, you’re getting sandwiches that could easily feed two people.
Butcher Counter With Jaw-Dropping Selection
Step up to the butcher counter and prepare to be completely overwhelmed in the best possible way.
The selection stretches across massive refrigerated cases filled with every cut of meat you could possibly imagine, plus a few you probably didn’t know existed.
Fresh chicken sits alongside beautiful ribeyes, pork chops thick enough to satisfy any appetite, and ground beef that’s been prepared that very morning.
The butchers will cut anything to your exact specifications, whether you need it thick, thin, or somewhere in between.
They source everything locally whenever possible, supporting nearby farms and ensuring the freshest quality.
I grabbed some bratwurst on my last trip, and my husband declared it the best he’d ever tasted.
The sausages have no casing snap, which might sound weird, but it actually makes them incredibly tender and flavorful.
People regularly bring coolers just to stock up on frozen meats for their drive home.
The prices stay reasonable too, especially considering you’re getting quality that blows away anything from a regular grocery store.
Homemade Buns That Steal the Show
Let’s talk about these buns for a second, because they’re legitimately life-changing. Stoltzfus bakes their sandwich rolls fresh every single day, and you can tell the difference immediately when you take that first bite.
The exterior has this perfect slight crispness that gives way to the softest, fluffiest interior you’ve ever experienced.
They’re substantial enough to hold up under a mountain of meat and toppings without getting soggy, yet somehow still melt in your mouth.
One reviewer called them “heaven,” and honestly, that’s not even an exaggeration. Most delis just grab whatever bread is cheap and convenient, but not here.
The bakery section connects directly to the deli, so your sandwich gets assembled on a bun that might have come out of the oven just hours earlier.
That freshness elevates everything else between those two pieces of bread. I’ve watched people buy extra buns just to take home for their own sandwiches later.
Smart move, because once you’ve had these, regular store-bought rolls taste like cardboard in comparison.
The Cheese Selection That Goes On Forever
Cheese lovers absolutely lose their minds when they see the selection here. The deli counter features dozens of varieties, from sharp cheddar aged to perfection to creamy havarti that practically melts on your tongue.
They’ll slice any cheese to your preferred thickness, whether you want it shaved thin for sandwiches or cut thick for a cheese board.
The quality rivals specialty cheese shops in major cities, except here you’re paying way less and getting that authentic Amish touch.
Swiss, provolone, pepper jack, muenster – they’ve got all the classics plus some unique varieties you won’t find elsewhere.
I always grab some extra cheese to take home because it keeps well and tastes incredible on everything.
The staff knows their products inside and out, so don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations if you’re feeling adventurous. They once steered me toward a horseradish cheddar that I now crave constantly.
The cheese gets featured prominently in their sandwiches too, with generous portions that actually contribute flavor instead of just taking up space. It’s another example of how they refuse to cut corners on quality.
Smoked Meats That Pack Serious Flavor
The smokehouse meats at Stoltzfus deserve their own fan club. Seriously, the bacon alone could convert vegetarians back to the dark side with its perfect balance of smoke and savory goodness.
They smoke everything on-site using traditional methods that have been refined over decades.
The ring bologna gets mentioned constantly in reviews, and for good reason – it’s unlike anything you’ll find at a regular grocery store.
Thick, juicy, and packed with flavor that comes from real smoke rather than liquid additives. The smoked sausages make weeknight dinners feel special, and the ham tastes like something you’d serve at a holiday feast.
One customer specifically praised the bacon in her breakfast, and I completely understand why. It comes out crispy without being burnt, with meat that’s actually substantial rather than paper-thin.
You can buy the smoked meats pre-packaged or get them sliced fresh at the counter. Either way, you’re taking home something that’ll make your regular bacon feel inadequate.
The smokehouse flavor adds incredible depth to their sandwiches too, giving them that signature taste people drive hours to experience.
Bakery Section Full of Sweet Temptations
Save room for dessert, because the bakery section will test your willpower like nothing else. Rows of shoofly pies, whoopie pies bigger than your fist, and cookies that smell so good you’ll want to buy one of everything.
The shoofly pie represents classic Pennsylvania Dutch baking at its finest – molasses-rich, perfectly sweet, with that distinctive gooey bottom and crumbly top.
Whoopie pies come in multiple flavors, each one featuring cake-like cookies sandwiching creamy filling that’ll transport you straight to childhood.
The cookies range from chocolate chip loaded with chunks to snickerdoodles dusted with cinnamon sugar.
Everything gets baked fresh, often multiple times throughout the day to keep up with demand.
I grabbed some cookies as “gifts” on my last visit and ended up eating half of them before I got home. The prices stay incredibly reasonable too, especially considering the quality and size of the portions.
People mention the baked goods almost as often as the sandwiches in their reviews, which tells you everything you need to know.
Whether you’re ending your meal or just stopping by for a sweet treat, the bakery won’t disappoint.
The Market Section With Everything You Need
Beyond the deli and butcher counter, Stoltzfus operates a full market that stocks everything from canned goods to fresh produce.
The selection rivals much larger grocery stores, except everything feels more carefully curated and personal.
Bulk bins overflow with dried beans, grains, and snacks you can scoop into bags yourself. The spice selection includes both common varieties and specialty blends you won’t find elsewhere.
Jars of pickles line entire shelves, with customers raving about them in review after review. The horseradish gets special mentions too, apparently packing enough heat to clear your sinuses in the best way possible.
Fresh produce occupies one corner, with fruits and vegetables that actually look like they came from a garden rather than a factory.
Pre-packaged meals sit ready to grab for those nights when you don’t feel like cooking but still want something homemade and delicious.
The kombuchas, condiments, and specialty items round out an inventory that somehow manages to feel both comprehensive and thoughtfully selected.
You could honestly do your entire weekly shopping here and never miss the big chain stores.
Amos Place Restaurant for Sit-Down Meals
Connected directly to the market, Amos Place serves as the sit-down restaurant portion of Stoltzfus.
Order at the counter, grab a seat inside or on the outdoor patio, and wait for them to bring your food out piping hot.
The menu features breakfast bowls loaded with scrapple sticks and sausage, burgers on those heavenly homemade buns, and sandwiches that rival anything from the deli counter.
One reviewer came back four days straight during their vacation, which honestly seems completely reasonable once you’ve tasted the food.
The fish sandwich arrives on a fresh soft roll, fried perfectly with hot, crispy fries on the side. Prices stay reasonable, portions come generous, and the quality never wavers from excellent.
The atmosphere feels casual and welcoming, with a mix of tourists and locals filling the tables during peak hours. Self-serve drinks mean you can refill that lemonade or sweet tea as many times as you want.
Some folks wish they offered a meat sampler to try more varieties, which would honestly be brilliant.
Until then, you’ll just have to keep coming back to work your way through the menu one incredible meal at a time.
Location at 14 Center Street in Intercourse
Finding Stoltzfus couldn’t be easier, sitting right at 14 Center St in Intercourse, PA 17534.
The location puts you in the heart of Lancaster County’s Amish country, surrounded by other attractions worth exploring.
Across the street, you’ll spot the Old Candle Barn and Kitchen Kettle Village, making it easy to plan a full day of shopping and eating.
Plenty of parking means you won’t circle the lot forever looking for a spot, even on busy weekends.
The building itself looks unassuming from outside, but step through those doors and you’ll discover why people consider this a must-stop destination.
They’re open Monday through Saturday, with hours starting at 6 AM most days (7 AM on Saturday) and running until 6 PM. Closed on Sundays, respecting traditional Amish practices.
The phone number is 717-768-7287 if you want to call ahead with questions. Honestly though, just show up hungry and ready to be amazed.
Whether you’re a local doing weekly shopping or a tourist passing through, this place deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Bring a cooler if you’re traveling, because you’ll definitely want to take some of their incredible products home with you.