No trip to Lancaster, PA, is complete without at least one taste of Amish Food, and there’s only one place that can claim to be the largest Smorgasbord in the country: The Shady Maple Smorgasbord. As you pull into Pennsylvania Amish Country, you’ll leave the noisy, messy, fast-paced world behind to a world that shares the road with horse-drawn buggies and where handmade goods still hold real value. The area is a refreshing blend of simplicity and charm, offering a break from the everyday grind. Amish food is the perfect representation of this authenticity and simplicity.
Whether you’re shopping for hand-stitched quilts, browsing outdoor farmers markets, or just taking in the scenic farmland views, Lancaster County is the perfect place to slow down and savor this unique part of the country. No visit to Amish country is complete without indulging in a hearty meal, and the Shady Maple Smorgasbord is an experience all its own. Famous for its expansive buffet filled with Pennsylvania Dutch favorites, like buttered noodles and shoofly pie, this iconic stop is a must for food lovers.
After you’ve had your fill, consider hopping on an Amish buggy tour, visiting a working Amish farm, or exploring the shops at Kitchen Kettle Village, where you can sample locally made jams, pickles, and baked goods while watching artisans at work. There’s an endless list of things to do in Lancaster, PA, and it’s not only about the Amish culture you’ll find here.
When it’s time to unwind, head just a short drive away to Ephrata and check in at the Historic Smithton Inn. This beautifully restored bed and breakfast in Lancaster County offers a thoughtful blend of old-world character and modern comfort, featuring stylish rooms, gourmet breakfasts, an on-site wine tasting room and bistro, and a generous dose of the welcoming hospitality you’d expect from Amish Country. Staying here gives you easy access to everything Lancaster County has to offer, while also providing a quiet and elevated home base that’s perfect for relaxing at the end of the day. Book your stay today!
Eat at the Shady Maple Smorgasbord
If you’re looking for a great meal that offers far more than what’s on your plate, and instead captures the spirit of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, don’t miss The Shady Maple Smorgasbord near our B&B. With seating for hundreds and a buffet that seems to stretch on forever (200+ feet!), the Shade Maple Smorgasbord is the largest Smorgasbord in PA. This Amish buffet offers a deep dive into the traditional dishes that define Amish-inspired cooking. From the moment you walk in, the scent of homemade breads, slow-roasted meats, and rich gravies tells you you’re in for something special.
The Shady Maple Smorgasbord isn’t your average buffet, though, filled with boring (and tasteless) products. This well-oiled machine offers a sincere focus on quality and authenticity, which is, at least in part, why it has remained such a major draw for diners across Pennsylvania’s Amish Country. Everything here is homemade and reflects the Amish community’s values of simplicity and abundance.
What to Know About the Shady Maple Buffet
The Shady Maple Smorgasbord menu is expansive, featuring time-honored favorites such as fried shrimp, smoked beef brisket, an extensive salad bar, homemade breads and rolls, soups, a variety of cheeses and meats to choose from, and freshly made vegetable side dishes. All of this is served alongside rotating daily specials and a genuinely over-the-top dessert bar. And while it’s easy to fill your plate with comfort foods, it’s also clear that everything is prepared with intention, from the slow-cooked meats to the delicate shoofly pie, a molasses-rich dessert that’s practically a rite of passage in this part of Pennsylvania.
The Shady Maple Buffet is open six days a week. Like most Amish restaurants in Lancaster County, it’s closed on Sundays. The doors open early at 7 am, and the last seating is at 7:30 pm. Before visiting the Shady Maple Smorgasbord, it’s important to remember the culture this restaurant represents. Please dress appropriately for the venue, which means no revealing clothing or exposed undergarments, and no clothing with offensive language or graphics.
Before you leave the buffet, don’t miss The Shady Maple Farm Market, even if you’re only there to browse. At the Shady Maple Market, you’ll find even more homemade treats from their bakery, but there are also countless other grocery items, alongside fresh meats, cheese, eggs, and produce. A large percentage of their produce during the growing season is sourced from farms within a 10-mile radius!
In many ways, Shady Maple is the perfect introduction to Amish food culture. It honors the region’s agricultural roots, celebrates seasonal ingredients, and invites diners to experience a sense of community through food. It’s not about frills or trends; it’s about generous portions, authentic recipes, and the kind of hospitality that keeps people coming back. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan, a meal at the Shady Maple Smorgasbord is a delicious way to connect with the traditions and flavors of Lancaster County.
Where to Stay Near Lancaster
When you’re looking for a place to rest and digest after a meal at The Shady Maple Smorgasbord, you’ll find an authentic Amish country getaway near Lancaster at our Bed and Breakfast in Ephrata. Established in 1763, this Lancaster County B&B provides guests with a unique opportunity to stay in a meticulously preserved piece of history, complete with original architecture and period furnishings. Each room is thoughtfully appointed with contemporary amenities, including reliable Wi-Fi, large Smart TVs, and eco-friendly toiletries, to ensure a comfortable and connected stay.
The inn’s location in Ephrata places guests in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Amish country, offering easy access to a variety of cultural and historical attractions. Visitors can explore the nearby Ephrata Cloister, a historic site that delves into the area’s rich heritage, or take a scenic drive through the rolling hills and farmlands that define the region. Our Innkeeper offers exceptionally warm hospitality and is always ready to provide personalized recommendations to enhance your Amish country experience.
Beyond its inviting accommodations and prime location, the Historic Smithton Inn offers additional amenities to enrich your stay. Guests can enjoy a complimentary farm-to-table breakfast each morning, featuring locally sourced ingredients that highlight the flavors of Lancaster County. The on-site wine bar, Weathered Vineyards, provides a cozy setting to unwind with a selection of local wines, dinner service on select nights, and live music on weekends. These thoughtful touches make the Historic Smithton Inn an ideal choice for those seeking a memorable and immersive Amish country retreat. Book your stay today!