6 Best Restaurants in Lancaster, Pennsylvania Dutch Country

Lemon Street Market

$ Fodor's choice
A locally owned full-service grocery store with a focus on sustainable and health-minded products, Lemon Street Market is a great spot to pick up snacks and fruit to take back to your hotel, or drop by for a smoothie or coffee break. It's within walking distance of many downtown Lancaster hotels.

LUCA

$$$ Fodor's choice
A self-described "wood-burning Italian kitchen," LUCA serves up seasonally inspired pasta, Neapolitan-style pizza, and wood-roasted meats. Located in a residential neighborhood near the Franklin & Marshall campus, this sun-drenched space with roll-up garage doors is always busy, and for good reason—the food is consistently delicious and the dining room vibe is upbeat. Outdoor seating on the arbor-covered patio is open when weather permits. The carefully curated wine list includes natural, low-intervention wines and the amaro selection is second to none.

Annie Bailey's Irish Public House

$$

Located in a Victorian-era building in downtown Lancaster, Annie Bailey's is a traditional Irish pub, from the dark wooden bar and furnishings sourced in Ireland to classic menu staples like shepherd's pie and fish-and-chips. There are at least 10 rotating beers on tap and an impressive selection Irish whiskey. The owners have transformed the second floor into Conway Social Club, a speakeasy (you knock and wait for the green light to enter) serving craft cocktails and globally inspired small plates.

American Dinner $$ Brunch Family
28–30 E. King St., Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 17602, USA
717-393–4000
www.anniebaileys.com
Known For
  • bangers and mash
  • good selection of Irish beer
  • vegetarian options
  • Irish curry
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted

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John J. Jeffries

$$$$
Named after a bygone tobacco inspector, John J. Jeffries is the dining anchor of the hip Lancaster Arts Hotel, which occupies a former tobacco factory in downtown Lancaster. Not only do the chefs here source produce, dairy, and eggs from local farms, but they also own and operate a grass-fed cattle ranch, abattoir, and nose-to-tail butcher shop in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania; in 2019, the restaurant received an EAT Real certification for its commitment to responsible sourcing and animal welfare.
Modern American Dinner $$$$
300 Harrisburg Ave., Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 17603, USA
717-431–3307
www.johnjjeffries.com
Known For
  • dry-aged steak from Lil' Ponderosa ranch
  • artisanal cheese plate from local creameries
  • using lesser-known cuts of meat, like beef cheeks or venison leg steak

Lancaster Dispensing Co.

$

Locally known as Dipco, this welcoming pub next to Central Market is a fun haunt for a nosh and a pint, especially when there's live music on the weekends. Sandwiches, house-made chili, burritos, as well as nightly specials, are among the many menu options. The building, as is the case with so many in downtown Lancaster, is more than 100 years old.

American Lunch Dinner $
33–35 N. Market St., Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 17603, USA
717-299–4602
www.dispensingco.com
Known For
  • nachos platters
  • weekday happy hour
  • extensive selection of baked dips
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted

The Pressroom

$$$

Originally a hardware store from the mid-1700s, this Victorian building in the center of town is now home to a casual bistro. It's owned by the company that also owns the local newspaper (hence the name) and is outfitted with a classic mahogany bar, tall leather booths, and an exposed baking hearth. Salads, sandwiches, and burgers dominate the menu, with a rotating selection of seasonally inspired dishes featuring local produce and meat. The Park Bar in the adjoining brick courtyard is lovely for cocktails and light fare in warm months.