Photography by Donovan Roberts Witmer
Tomato Pie’s namesake dish
DOWNTOWN
ANNIE BAILEY'S IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT: A little piece of Ireland in the heart of downtown Lancaster featuring traditional tastes and globally influenced fare in a cozy pub atmosphere.
THE BELVEDERE INN: A long-time Lancaster favorite for dining and nightlife amid opulent, whimsical décor; locals love the bartenders, grilled Caesar salads and nightly chef specials.
CARR'S RESTAURANT: Lancaster County’s bounty stars amid rotating local art at this pre-Fulton show hot spot, including a cozy basement bar and a new wine bar upstairs, Crush.
CHARACTER'S: Under new ownership, this comfortable gastropub serves casual apps, salads and sandwiches including menu staples as well as many new seasonally inspired dishes.
CHECKER'S BISTRO: Go for the duck tacos; go back for the consistently good service and daily seasonal specials.
CORK & CAP: Updated Lancaster County classics amid the rustic yet elegant setting of a former cork and cap factory featuring exposed brick and beams. Our pick for best seat in the house–the cozy bar booths.
MA(I)SON: A Gallery Row BYOB and urban cookery featuring French peasant style dishes in a casual atmosphere run by a charming husband and wife dynamic duo.
ON ORANGE: A recently re-opened local favorite for breakfast and lunch. Save room for at least one “Swede,” the famous Swedish pancake.
PENN SQUARE GRILLE: Local ingredients star in this hip hotel restaurant located within the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square. Choose a booth in the bar or the dining room for the ultimate cozy seat. And don’t miss the house cured bacon.
POUR: A wine bar and restaurant tucked in Lancaster’s Gallery Row with seasonal courtyard seating. Offering distinct draft beers, notable wines and an intriguing menu. Choose from wild game charcuterie, social plates like duck fat fries (get them) and elegant small plates.
THE PRESSROOM: Live jazz, high backed booths, wood fired pizzas and seasonal outdoor seating in Steinman Park make this a timeless tradition.
THE SHOPPES AT 301 NORTH QUEEN: Serving gourmet breakfast and lunch in a corner bistro setting on bustling 300 block of North Queen Street. Fresh croissants, soups and hot chocolate are among the specialities.
SUKOTHAI: A unique BYOB in Champion Forge Center serving Thai favorites like coconut soup, pad Thai, curries, mango sticky rice and more.
SURROUNDING SMALL TOWNS & COUNTRYSIDE
BULL'S HEAD PUBLIC HOUSE, LITITZ: A traditional British pub featuring 14 rotating beers on tap, over 70 unique bottles and 2 cask conditioned ales. Try the Scotch egg and other classics, plus American bar munchies.
CAFE CHOCOLATE, LITITZ: Serving chocolate for life and locally grown organic breakfast, lunch and dinner with global flavors. Be sure to try the Turbo, espresso and hot chocolate; it’s happiness in a mug.
GENERAL SUTTER INN, LITITZ: The town’s go-to for fine dining and a seasonal gathering spot outdoors.
JOSEPHINE'S, MARIETTA: Fine dining in a 1792 log cabin in the heart ofMarietta.
LILY'S ON MAIN, EPHRATA: Do dinner and a movie with the Ephrata Main Theatre and Lily’s upstairs, with its homage to Art Deco.
PRUDHOMME'S LOST CAJUN KITCHEN, COLUMBIA: Enjoy a taste of the south in this historic 1800s hotel turned family run restaurant.
STOUDT'S BREWERY & RESTAURANT, ADAMSTOWN: This brew pub amid an antiquing paradise makes Stoudt’s worth the trip for more reasons than one, including the Wonderful Good Market, where fresh artisan breads and cheeses are sold.
TOMATO PIE CAFE, LITITZ: This family run business’ signature dish, tomato pie, is a must try. Locals and visitors love this new addition to the Lititz dining scene at breakfast and lunch for its creative concoctions and classics, plus fresh baked desserts.
CAMERON ESTATE INN & RESTAURANT: A country drive to this romantic Mount Joy B&B offers a great experience for overnight guests or evening diners.
THE BURBS
ADDISU: Authentic Ethiopian off the beaten path just outside of the city, featuring several vegetarian dishes served with the country’s signature bread, injera, similar to a sourdough crepe. If you go, be sure to try the coffee for dessert.
BLUE ORCHID: An extension of long beloved Blue Pacific, Blue Orchid brings sushi and upscale Asian dining to Richmond Square.
BLUE PACIFIC: Manheim Township’s go-to for sushi nestled between Lititz and Oregon Pikes–a time tested favorite.
CIRO'S ITALIAN BISTRO: Locally owned. International flavors. Featuring traditional Italian antipasto, panini, pizzas and homemade gelato, Ciro’s quickly became a Richmond Square go-to.
JOE'S FAMOUS AMERICAN KITCHEN: Diner classics with a conscious foodie flare–from artisan bread and local cheeses to hand cut fries and humanely raised meats. Burgers, dogs, fancy grilled cheeses, shakes and cupcakes make up the comfort food filled menu at this retro Richmond Square haunt.
EL SERRANO: Authentic Peruvian cuisine and atmosphere make El Serrano and its family of restaurants crowd pleasingly popular for a unique dining experience. Try Culturas for tapas upstairs or Clementinas for private dining.
HAYDN ZUG'S: An East Petersburg tradition for fine dining and business lunches.
LOXLEY'S: Robin Hood’s tree top hang out. Seriously, you can eat in a tree house. Or dine inside in the woods. Either way, the legend continues when you pick from selected charities and a portion of your tab is donated.
MAZZI: Elegant European cuisine in the lovely Leola Inn and Village, where you can visit the spa and stay the night.
OLDE GREENFIELD INN: Known for its jazz, wine list (and cellar–snag a table down there if that’s your thing). Consistent classics make this a local favorite for business lunches, date night dinners and special events.
OLIVE AND JASMINE ASIAN BISTRO: Chinese, Thai, Japanese and sushi with an upscale twist. A Route 30 dining option worth taking.
RICE & NOODLES: Fresh, fast Vietnamese in a family friendly, family run atmosphere conveniently located on Lititz Pike.
www.riceandnoodlesrestaurant.com
STOCKYARD INN: Lancaster’s legendary steakhouse may have gotten its start in the 50s, but its character and charm live on with a nostalgic family run feeling and fabulous classic cuisine.
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Tapas at Culturas at El Serrano.
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Beer gurus love the selection at Bull’s Head Pub in Lititz, featuring over 70 unique bottles and 14 rotating taps, plus English and American pub fare.
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Seared ahi tuna at Gibraltar
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Cafe Chocolate’s signature Turbo and chocolate crepe.
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Fresh pea soup with crab at Ma(i)son
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Our favorite nosh at Fenz, pickle fries.
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Rice & Noodles’ fresh spring rolls.
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Annie Bailey’s Irish Pub & Restaurant.
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BLT flatbread with shrimp and house-cured bacon at Penn Square Grille
