Lunch in Lancaster PA, Historic Smithton Inn
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Lunch in Lancaster PA, Historic Smithton Inn

Lunch in Lancaster PA

July 17, 2019

Lancaster, PA is growing into a foodie paradise. Buzzfeed, the NY Times, and food-centric magazines everywhere are starting to pick up on the influx of amazing and diverse restaurants popping up all over Lancaster. With far-off cuisines from Indian Curry and French crepes, to mouthwatering burgers and fall off the bone BBQ, each restaurant has culminated its own unique flavor.

This Blog is all about Lunch in Lancaster PA

Curry: Himalayan Curry & Grill

Nepalese dish
From Himalayan Curry & Grill's Facebook Page

You may not expect to find the best curry in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, but lo and behold, Himalayan Curry & Grill in downtown Lancaster is it! This intimate restaurant serving up traditional Indian and Nepalese dishes is a local legend. At dinner, you can’t get in without a reservation, but at lunch, walk-ins are the way to go. You can still expect a bit of a wait due to the popularity of this restaurant, but it is worth it!

Must-Try Menu Items:

  • Mango Lassi: While you could wait until dessert to enjoy this sweet and rich drink, we recommend sipping on one throughout your meal. Creamy, sweetly tropical, and a perfect pairing to the spices and flavors of curry, each sip will take you to paradise. 
  • Lunch Buffet: If you haven’t been here before, then the daily lunch buffet is the way to go. Sample all of their best curries and dishes for only $11. Eat as much or as little as you like and figure out which dish is your favorite.

 

Crepes: Rachels’ Cafe & Creperie

Crepes
Source: Rachel's Facebook Page

Rachel’s cafe & creperie is a popular eaterie from dawn until dusk. Rachel’s has been in business since 2006, serving up some of the largest and most flavorful crepes you’ll ever taste. You can try one of their best-selling breakfast crepes, a savory signature crepe, one of their decadent dessert crepes, or create your own crepe masterpiece. 

Must-Try Menu Items:

  • Pecan Turtle Cheesecake: Their newest crepe definitely tops the chart in terms of sweet satisfactory bliss! Sweetened cream cheese, Nutella, graham cracker crumbs, and pecans are all wrapped in the delicate crepe and topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle. Just one bite might take you to heaven!
  • Thai Chicken Crepe: There is a cult following surrounding Rachel’s Thai Chicken Crepe. You hear people talking about it on the streets, the papers have mentioned it, and every ‘Thai Tuesday’ people flock to get one of the famous crepes. Grilled chicken, rice, red onions, scallions, and a peanut sauce you’ll want to lick off the plate.  

 

BBQ: Brewster’s Bar-B-Que

BBQ plate
Source: Brewster's BBQ Facebook Page

Barry Fair started his BBQ stand in 2005, after being upset that there was no good food at fairgrounds and shows. His food was an instant hit and has continued to grow over the last 14 years. He has a stand at Dutch Wonderland and Corn Cob Acres as well as a restaurant on the Ephrata/Lititz rails to trails. Stop by and sink into smokey BBQ bliss.

Must-Try Menu Items:

  • Ribs: Every BBQ restaurant claims that they have the best ribs in the world. Barry, the owner, doesn’t have to claim that his are the best, because his customers do the bragging for him. Slow-cooked, hickory smoked and slathered in their homemade simmering sauce. Is your mouth watering yet? 
  • Brewster’s Baked Beans: While all of their sides will trigger the “mmmm” noise from a mouth full of food, their famous baked beans are hands down the best side dish. Slow simmered with bacon and a touch of brown sugar make them just the right blend of sweet and savory.

 

Burgers, Etc: 551 West

burger
Dumpster Burger!

Sometimes a local pub is the BEST lunch option!  This great local hang out on King Street in Lancaster has craft beer, creative cocktails and really fresh food.  551 West earned a reputation for their creative burgers, but they have plenty of other options too!  Daytime dining is upstairs in the 551 Skybar.  We're certain that if you dine here, you're sure to leave happy and absolutely stuffed!!

Must-Try Menu Items:

  • Dumpster Burger: Only choose this if you're REALLY hungry!  This epic burger is topped with fried mac & cheese, chili, fried onions, bacon, mushrooms jalapenos and cheese sauce on pressed sourdough!
  • Jambalaya: This seafood entrée will have you thinking you've been transported to Louisiana!  Served on Penne Pasta, this dish includes blacked chicken breast, andouille sausage and shrimp with sautéed peppers & onions tossed in a red sauce and served with garlic bread.  .

 

Dining at any one of these magnificent restaurants will leave you satisfied and planning your next trip back. After sampling some of Lancaster’s best eateries, you may just contemplate moving here so you can dine on these wonderful gems every day. 

 

Visiting Lancaster County?

king bed Book a stay at the Historic Smithton Inn, a charming & modern bed and breakfast in Ephrata, PA.  This Historic Bed and Breakfast was built in 1763, yet has an On-Site Wine Bar (Weathered Vineyards Ephrata), Tesla Charging Station, and luxuriously appointed Guest Rooms & Suites.  Our location is ideal for exploring everything there is to see and do in Lancaster.  From theater and museums to Amish attractions, wineries and breweries, we LOVE helping our guests fall in love with Lancaster as much as we are!  Choose Your Room & Book your stay today!

This Blog is all about Lunch in Lancaster PA

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