I Drove Pennsylvania’s Backroads To Try 10 Amish-Style Buffets And 4 Made The Trip Worth It
Pennsylvania’s backroads hide some unforgettable Amish-style buffets, so I set out on a trip filled with country charm and hearty comfort food.
Each stop offered warm hospitality, simple flavors, and generous portions that reminded me of home cooking at its best.
Some buffets were pleasant surprises, but a few truly stood out with dishes that made the journey feel special.
From fresh breads to slow cooked favorites, the experience captured the heart of rural Pennsylvania.
1. Shady Maple Smorgasbord — East Earl (Worth It)
Walking into Shady Maple feels like stepping into a food warehouse where carbs reign supreme.
Over 200 feet of buffet line greets you with everything from scrapple to shoofly pie, and the place seats 1,200 hungry souls at once.
Locals swear by the Friday seafood spread, and honestly, the homemade bread alone justifies the drive.
Breakfast here is legendary too, with made-to-order omelets and enough sausage gravy to feed a small village.
If you arrive on a Saturday morning, expect a wait, but trust me, it’s worth every minute spent eyeing the dessert table from afar.
2. Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord — Bird-in-Hand (Worth It)
Nestled in a town with possibly the best name ever, this spot delivers home-cooked goodness without pretense.
Their roast beef is tender enough to cut with a fork, and the buttered noodles are simple yet addictive.
You’ll find all the classics here, from chicken pot pie to sweet and sour cabbage, served in generous portions. What sets Bird-in-Hand apart is the warmth of the staff and the cozy farmhouse vibe.
Families flock here for Saturday lunch, and the apple dumplings alone have earned this place a permanent spot on my must-visit list.
3. Dienner’s Country Restaurant — Ronks
Dienner’s tries hard, but the food tastes more institutional cafeteria than homestyle Amish cooking.
The fried chicken was dry, the mac and cheese lacked flavor, and the vegetables seemed like they came straight from a can.
Even the desserts, usually a safe bet, were underwhelming and overly sweet without much depth. Service was friendly enough, and the prices were reasonable, but that doesn’t make up for bland food.
If you’re driving through Ronks, skip this one and head to Miller’s or Hershey Farm instead for a meal you’ll actually remember fondly.
4. Yoder’s Restaurant & Buffet — New Holland
Yoder’s feels like eating in a church basement, and not in a charming way. The buffet selection was sparse, with lukewarm dishes that had been sitting out too long.
Their meatloaf was dense and flavorless, and the gravy tasted like it came from a packet mixed with water.
Even the pies, which should be a slam dunk at any Amish buffet, were disappointingly average with soggy crusts.
The staff seemed disinterested, and the whole experience left me wishing I’d grabbed a sandwich at a gas station instead. Hard pass on this one.
5. Oregon Dairy Restaurant & Buffet — Lititz
Oregon Dairy has a cute name and a loyal local following, but the buffet didn’t live up to the hype for me. Everything tasted fine but forgettable, like someone was cooking by the numbers without any passion.
The fried chicken was greasy, the potatoes were gummy, and the vegetables were overcooked to mush.
Their ice cream, made on-site, was the only highlight worth mentioning. If you’re in Lititz, grab a cone to go, but skip the buffet and find a better meal elsewhere in this charming little town.
6. Hershey Farm Grand Smorgasbord — Ronks (Worth It)
Hershey Farm brings a touch of elegance to the buffet scene with its polished dining room and impressive variety.
Their carved roast turkey is juicy, the stuffing is herb-packed, and the green beans are cooked just right, not mushy like some other spots. Plus, their salad bar actually has fresh greens, a rarity among buffet joints.
Save room for dessert because the shoofly pie here is molasses heaven, and the soft-serve ice cream machine never runs out.
It’s a bit pricier than others, but the quality and atmosphere make it a standout worth every penny spent.
7. Dutch-Way Family Restaurant — Myerstown
Out in Myerstown, Dutch-Way offers a no-frills buffet that feels more tired than traditional. The food was edible but lacked the soul you expect from Amish cooking.
Their ham was salty, the baked goods were dry, and the overall selection felt limited compared to the bigger spots.
Prices were cheap, which might explain the lackluster quality. If you’re starving and nearby, it’ll do in a pinch, but don’t go out of your way. There are far better buffets worth the extra miles and dollars.
8. Heritage Family Restaurant — Allensville
Heritage Family Restaurant sits way off the beaten path in Allensville, and unfortunately, the food reflects that isolation. The buffet offerings were minimal, with dishes that tasted reheated rather than freshly made.
Their chicken was rubbery, the sides were bland, and the dessert selection was almost nonexistent. The dining room was quiet, almost eerily so, and the whole vibe felt dated.
Unless you’re already in Allensville with no other options, steer clear and save your appetite for one of the standout buffets closer to Lancaster County.
9. Oakhurst Grille & Event Center (Tea Room) — Somerset
Oakhurst tries to blend Amish-style buffet with upscale tea room vibes, and the result is confusing at best. The food felt neither authentically Amish nor particularly refined, landing awkwardly in the middle.
Their pot roast was tough, the salads were overdressed, and the tea room atmosphere clashed with the buffet setup. Prices were higher than expected for what you got, and the service was stiff and formal.
If you’re in Somerset craving Amish comfort food, you’re better off packing snacks or heading back toward Lancaster County for the real deal.
10. Miller’s Smorgasbord — Ronks (Worth It)
Miller’s has been feeding tourists and locals since 1929, and they’ve perfected the art of comfort food that sticks to your ribs.
Their fried chicken is crispy perfection, and the mashed potatoes taste like someone’s grandma made them with love and butter.
Don’t skip the pepper cabbage or the chow chow, classic Pennsylvania Dutch sides that add tang to every plate.
The dessert bar here rivals any bakery, with whoopie pies, fruit cobblers, and soft pretzels that vanish faster than you can say “second helping.” It’s cozy, authentic, and never feels rushed despite the crowds.