With five little ones at home, Jeremy and I relish the opportunity to get out for a date night. There’s nothing like catching up over a leisurely meal of well-crafted, local food! We’re self-proclaimed foodies, and we rarely eat at the same place twice. Lancaster County boasts an abundance of delicious options for all tastes, stemming from its rich farming background and cultural diversity. Listed below are a few of our favorite spots to eat in Strasburg, the top restaurants to visit for traditional Pennsylvania Dutch foods, and a few local cafes and brunch options we recommend. There’s a lot of good food in our area, so this is by no means a comprehensive list! Stay tuned for our next dining post where we’ll highlight our top choices for ethnic cuisine and fine dining in the area.

Dining in Strasburg

Speckled Hen Coffee Shop & Kitchen
Speckled Hen features craft coffee, espresso, tea and a delicious array of breakfast, lunch and dinner options. They specialize in artisan foods that are fresh and simple. Try: the desserts (the lemon cheesecake is a rich treat!), the fair-trade coffee, and handcrafted lattes with house-made syrups

Strasburg Creamery
With over 140 rotating flavors made in house (and homemade waffle cones!!!), you won’t want to miss this local gem. Check out the adjoined gift and candy shoppe for unique souvenirs. Try: The rotating seasonal icecream flavors

Fireside Tavern
Enjoy cozy, tavern style dining with all the traditional pub favorites. Try: the burgers or crabcakes

  • Also located in Strasburg (most within walking distance of The Carriage House) – Strasburg Winery, Pizza City, Smokestack BBQ, Isaac’s Deli

Traditional Pennsylvania Dutch Cooking

To be honest, homestyle Pennsylvania Dutch cooking is not our thing. However, If you love a hearty family-style dinner topped off with homemade pie, check out nearby Millers Smorgasbord, Dienner’s Country Restaurant, or Good ‘N Plenty Restaurant. Perhaps the most “famous” of these family-style eateries is Shady Maple Smorgasbord. If you’re not from the area and you want to try scrapple, ham loaf, apple butter, or shoo-fly pie (and a host of other traditional Dutch foods), it’s a must-visit! With an all-you-can-eat buffet that’s over 200 feet long, you won’t leave hungry.

Cafes and Brunch Spots

Prince Street Cafe (Lancaster, PA)
Open 7 days a week, 6:30 am to 11 pm, Prince Street Cafe is one of the few cafes in Lancaster County with early morning and late night hours. And you’re in luck—their coffee is wonderful (from Passenger Coffee Roasters, which is located just around the corner) and their handcrafted soups, sandwiches and salads are delicious. Try: a scratch-made latte, nutella sandwich cookie, or cali egg wrap

Square One Cafe (Lancaster, PA)
Square One is an award-winning micro-roaster of specialty coffee based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. You won’t find much to eat here, but if you’re a coffee connoisseur, you’re in for a treat!

Goldie’s Bakery (Lancaster, PA)
Goldie’s serves Square One Coffee alongside their amazing, house-made baked goods and breakfast and lunch items. Buy something to go from their bakery on your way out! Try: The “bird nests” (shredded potato nests served with a variety of savory breakfast toppings).

Tomato Pie Cafe (Lititz, PA)
This urban style eatery in the “best small town in America” offers a fresh menu with both sweet and savory options. The owners take pride in seasonal specials and are committed to “flavor excellence”. A great stop for breakfast, dessert, or a sandwich with flair. Try: the tomato pie—just trust us

Slate Cafe (Lititz, PA)
Started by twin sisters with a passion for coffee and community, Slate is the perfect spot for a simple, healthy breakfast. Try: the seasonal scramble and a pastry

  • Other favorites include Zig’s Bakery & Cafe (Lititz–everything is made from scratch with the finest local ingredients), Cafe One Eight (Lancaster City–try the espresso milkshake!), On Orange (Lancaster City — a breakfast favorite), and the nearby Lampeter Cafe (Lampeter–homemade comfort foods at a great price point).

 

Let us know your favorite restaurant in Strasburg, a PA Dutch treat you can’t do without, or a local cafe you enjoy below!