Enjoy All-You-Can-Eat Amish Smorgasbords in Lancaster County

Sure, you can find buffet dining in just about any town across the country. But here in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, we’ve got something a little different. Around here, we call them smorgasbords — and they’re one of our signature experiences. You might hear them called “Amish buffets,” but whatever you call them, they’re packed with Pennsylvania Dutch flavors, hearty homemade cooking, and a whole lot of comfort. While you're staying at B.F. Hiestand House Bed and Breakfast, make some room on your itinerary — and your plate — for one (or more!) of these unforgettable smorgasbords.

What is a Smorgasbord? It’s more than just a buffet. A smorgasbord is a cultural experience — a long-standing tradition of feeding people generously and bringing them together. Originating in Sweden as a “sandwich table” for unexpected guests, today’s smorgasbords serve up a bounty of home-cooked food with a side of warm hospitality. In Lancaster County, that means hand-carved meats, buttered noodles, ham balls, mashed potatoes, stewed tomatoes, and all the fresh local veggies you can imagine — not to mention shoo-fly pie, whoopie pies, and apple crisp for dessert. Unlimited, of course.

Ready to dig in? Here are six must-visit smorgasbords and Amish buffets that will have you going back for seconds (and thirds).

1. Miller’s Smorgasbord | Ronks, PA
Established in 1929, Miller’s is the oldest smorgasbord in Lancaster County — and one of the most beloved. They do things the old-fashioned way: scratch-made dishes using fresh, local ingredients. The all-you-care-to-eat smorgasbord includes time-honored family recipes for award-winning fried chicken, chicken and waffles, pot pie, carved meats, shrimp, soups, salads, and a dessert bar that’s hard to walk away from. You can also opt for a lighter soup, salad, and bread smorgasbord if you're not quite up for the full feast. And don’t miss The Shoppes at Miller’s, filled with local goods and gifts.

2. Shady Maple Smorgasbord | East Earl, PA
Big appetite? You’ll need it at Shady Maple, the largest smorgasbord in the country. Since opening in 1985, it has become such a popular dining destination that many people plan entire trips just to eat here. The buffet line stretches over 200 feet and offers a jaw-dropping variety at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You’ll find everything from smoked brisket and potato pancakes to apple fritters and whoopie pies. The sprawling 1,200-seat dining room is only part of the experience — there’s also a massive gift shop and fresh food market right next door. Bonus: Eat free on your birthday with valid ID!

3. Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord | Bird-in-Hand, PA
Set to reopen in late summer 2025 after a rebuild, Bird-in-Hand is worth waiting for. This longtime favorite offers a true farm-to-table experience, with ingredients sourced from nearby Amish and Mennonite farms. (Their website even features a map of the local farms they work with, so you know exactly where your food is coming from.) You can go all in on the buffet or choose made-to-order dishes from the menu. Either way, you’ll taste the difference in every bite — from the soup and salad bar to the dessert buffet. When the doors reopen, expect the same comforting flavors and warm hospitality that have made this a staple since 1970.

4. Yoder’s Restaurant & Buffet | New Holland, PA
Located inside a massive country market, Yoder’s serves up casual comfort and authentic Amish-style fare. The buffet includes broasted chicken, Dutch potato filling, mashed potatoes, homemade soups, corn fritters, and a dessert bar. You can also order from the menu if you’re not feeling quite as ambitious — but where’s the fun in that? Yoder’s has been family-owned since the 1980s, and the recipes reflect generations of Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. They even offer a special Sunday brunch — a great weekend option as many Amish Country restaurants are closed Sundays.

5. Hershey Farm Restaurant | Strasburg, PA
Freshly reopened in July 2024 after a devastating fire, Hershey Farm Restaurant is back and better than ever. The bright, airy dining space features a grand smorgasbord and breakfast buffet loaded with Lancaster County favorites. The newly expanded buffet line is nearly twice the size of the original, offering even more variety than before. Grab a plate and enjoy scratch-made dishes and made-to-order grill items. After your meal, stroll the 23-acre property and check out the gift shop, general store, walking trail, farm animals, and more. Hershey Farm is the kind of place where you’ll want to linger long after the last bite.

6. Dienner’s Country Restaurant | Ronks, PA
If you're after authenticity, Dienner’s is your place. This low-key gem is a local favorite and feels more like visiting a friend’s house than a restaurant. The Dienner family, who grew up Amish, opened the restaurant in 1993 to share the comforting foods they’ve loved all their lives. The dishes are simple, hearty, and made from scratch using recipes passed down for generations. Think beef tips in gravy, rotisserie chicken, ham, buttered noodles, and Amish bread filling, plus a rotating selection of special entrees every night of the week. Come hungry and leave full — just like Grandma would want.

A visit to Lancaster County just isn’t complete without experiencing one of these smorgasbords. They’re more than just places to eat — they’re a reflection of the region’s history, culture, and tradition of hospitality. Go ahead and treat yourself as part of your getaway stay at B.F. Hiestand House. Pull up a chair, fill your plate, and taste the flavors that make this area so special.