Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord
A long-standing landmark serving traditional Pennsylvania Dutch home cooking with a generous smorgasbord and à la carte options.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A long-standing landmark serving traditional Pennsylvania Dutch home cooking with a generous smorgasbord and à la carte options.
"A must-stop for authentic Pennsylvania Dutch comfort food with a huge selection of delicious, home-cooked dishes!"
Visit on Weekdays
For a quieter experience, visit during weekdays or mid-morning hours to avoid crowds.
Try Both Buffet & Menu
Consider trying both the buffet for variety and ordering off the menu for specific dishes.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Pennsylvania Dutch, American
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(717) 768-1500
Address
2760 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird in Hand, PA 17505, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Pennsylvania Dutch Smorgasbord
Indulge in a wide array of home-cooked Pennsylvania Dutch comfort food at this beloved landmark.
Unique Comfort Food Offerings
Savor unique dishes like ham balls and broasted chicken, alongside traditional favorites.
Family-Friendly Buffet Experience
Cater to all tastes with an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring roast beef, turkey, desserts, and a special kids' section.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit on Weekdays
For a quieter experience, visit during weekdays or mid-morning hours to avoid crowds.
Try Both Buffet & Menu
Consider trying both the buffet for variety and ordering off the menu for specific dishes.
Ask for Recommendations
Ask servers for recommendations or samples of unique items like ham balls before ordering.
Family Dining Strategy
Opt for the buffet to satisfy diverse preferences when dining with family or friends.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit on Weekdays
For a quieter experience, visit during weekdays or mid-morning hours to avoid crowds.
Try Both Buffet & Menu
Consider trying both the buffet for variety and ordering off the menu for specific dishes.
Ask for Recommendations
Ask servers for recommendations or samples of unique items like ham balls before ordering.
Family Dining Strategy
Opt for the buffet to satisfy diverse preferences when dining with family or friends.
Shop for Souvenirs
Browse the small store near checkout for locally made handcrafted items.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord offers a taste of Pennsylvania Dutch comfort food, with many praising the buffet's variety and home-style cooking. However, some diners have noted issues with food quality and consistency, particularly after recent renovations, and a few have expressed dissatisfaction with service and pricing practices.
"Be sure to check their Facebook page for a reopening date for dine in service as they continue renovations from last year’s Fire.
A must-stop for authentic Pennsylvania Dutch comfort food! The Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord offers a huge selection of delicious, home-cooked dishes on their buffet. Everything tastes fresh, and the staff are incredibly friendly. It's a wonderful place for a hearty meal with family or friends!"
B Benton
"The buffet food was great however we had an issue with them trying to seat us near a stairwell exit door ( how odd as we are not trash) that would put my Mother in-law (who flew in from Guatemala to go on vacation with us)in the aisle and in the direct path of anyone walking past to get to their table as well as all entering and exiting the area. I asked the young man who tried to place us there that this was unacceptable but he seemed to have dozens of excuses (none of them good) as to why he couldn't seat us at several empty booth and tables (some table were reserved for show goers but not all). Why am I treated like a second class citizen to the show goers as our money is green too just like there's. After walking back up to station area passing at least close to a dozen tables and booths that were available the woman hostess there seems to not mind to provide us with a booth as we waited shortly but then were seated.
Our waitress came by shortly and she was great. So they saved our evening thanks to their comprehension that our first placement was offensive unlike the young man who could care less where he "dumped" us and have a sorry "song and dance" that made us feel unwanted.
Food was excellent and what a great selection. Waitress was friendly and helpful as she smiled a lot. Place seemed clean and we enjoyed our meals.
If not for the first ridiculous seating attempt I would have given 5 stars.
Maybe train workers who deal closely with the customers to practice empathy in the future."
Scotty 2Hotty
"Always a Delight to go here, staff very pleasant, helpful with disabled people. Food is exceptional. Many different types of food. Price is very comparable to other restaurants. It is under construction at the time we went 7/19/25 so we went elsewhere. But we will be going back when we travel there again ! 😃"
Marsha Bergeron
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The restaurant specializes in authentic Pennsylvania Dutch home cooking, offered via an all-you-can-eat smorgasbord or à la carte.
Yes, the smorgasbord typically includes a special kids' section with family-friendly favorites.
Yes, Bird-in-Hand offers an all-you-can-eat smorgasbord for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
While not explicitly stated, visiting during weekdays or mid-morning can help avoid crowds, suggesting reservations might not be strictly necessary but could be beneficial during peak times.
Unique dishes mentioned include ham balls, broasted chicken, and traditional Pennsylvania Dutch desserts like shoofly pie.
Yes, there is an on-site store where you can find locally made handcrafted items.
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Top 10 Family-Friendly Amish Restaurants in Lancaster, PA
A longtime community favorite, the Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord is in the midst of a heartfelt comeback after suffering fire damage in January 2024. Known for its warm hospitality, Amish-themed self-serve buffets, and specialties like wet-bottom shoofly pies and classic whoopie pies, it has long been a go-to spot for travelers seeking an authentic Lancaster County experience. While the main buffet restaurant is being rebuilt (scheduled to reopen this summer), the on-site Bakery and Café remain open, offering a selection of delicious menu items.
Best Lancaster PA Farmers Markets
2710 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird in HandOpen: Wednesday – Saturday 9 am – 5:30 pm. The Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market is a favorite destination for locals, as well as out-of-town visitors. It features tons of delicious offerings, including fresh meats, cheese and produce, a wide variety of baked goods, chocolates and candies, bulk foods, spices, coffee and loose leaf tea, locally made chips and hard pretzels, hand-rolled soft pretzels, fresh-squeezed lemonade, apple cider, made-to-order subs, fried chicken and rows of homemade canned goods.
Top 10 Essential Reasons to Visit
The Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord offers a wide selection of traditional Pennsylvania Dutch foods like broasted chicken, ham balls, chicken pot pie, pork and sauerkraut, chicken corn soup, egg noodles, pickled eggs, greens with warm bacon dressing and chow chow (pickled chopped vegetables served as a condiment) along with other favorites, and lots of farm-fresh vegetables. At the Bird-in-Hand Bakery & Cafe, you’ll find such traditional Pennsylvania Dutch desserts as whoopie pies and wet-bottom shoofly pie.
America's Oldest Farmers Market Building Is A Pennsylvania Hub Of Local Flavor, Crafts, And Diverse Food
The region is famous for its Dutch origins, and there are several classic restaurants, including the historic Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord in nearby Paradise (reopening in spring 2025) that cater to this rich history. Meanwhile, the Southern Market at 100 South Queen Street, which dates back to 1888, is a buzzing food hall that offers insight into the local food scene alongside casual events that include a trivia night and karaoke.
The 14 Best Amish Restaurants Near Lancaster PA
Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant and Smorgasbord is part of a larger complex in Bird-in-Hand that includes a conference center and the Bird-in-Hand Family Inn. This Amish restaurant in Lancaster is particularly konwn for its Amish-style buffet featuring home-cooked foods and lots of great desserts. This is a great restaurant for famiiles, as the buffet has a unique kids section with lots of kid favorites.
The Best All You Can Eat Buffets in Lancaster, PA
Bird-In-Hand Family Restaurant and Smorgasbord is a local landmark that serves authentic Pennsylvania Dutch food and many other types of dishes. Meals are prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. All-you-can-eat smorgasbords are available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and they include a variety of entrees, fresh vegetables, and desserts.
Kids Eat Free | Food | Lancaster County
Good food has been a tradition with the Smucker family since the great-grandparents first moved to Bird-in-Hand at the turn of the century. Each day on the menu and smorgasbord you’ll find a whole host of traditional Lancaster County recipes perfected by the family for three generations and a genuinely friendly staff ready to make you feel right at home.
Restaurants in Lancaster PA Amish Food at it's Best
Bird-in-Hand is another restaurant that used to only offer buffet style but now also offers menu-style dining. This restaurant is also known for its fresh farm-grown products and Amish cooking. They also have their bakery where all their baked goods for the restaurant are made as well as a bakeshop for you to take home some of your favorites.
Things to Do in Lancaster, PA
Grab a plate and fill it up with traditional Pennsylvania Dutch comfort food at Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord. The restaurant offers buffet-style dining, table service and takeout, so there’s options for everyone. Additionally, their scratch kitchen uses organic ingredients sourced from local farms to make all their dishes.
Best Pennsylvania Dutch Restaurants Near Lancaster, PA [Ranked by Locals]
Had lunch here today (off the menu not the buffet) and it was great. We shared the meatloaf sandwich and turkey club with fries and mac n cheese and everything was delicious. The prices were also very reasonable, the atmosphere was cozy and the server was fantastic and very nice. We would definitel...
Unique and Delicious Restaurants in Lancaster, PA
Bird-in-Hand is a tradition in Lancaster, offering traditional Dutch flavors and Amish fare that you'll absolutely love. It's owned by the Smucker family and carries on traditions from generations ago. They make their food from scratch and source fresh ingredients for their meals.
Best Soup Spots in Lancaster, PA
When you’re in the mood for the traditional PA Dutch chicken corn soup, head to Bird-in-Hand Restaurant for their scrumptious classic. It's a hug in a bowl with tender chicken, sweet corn, hard-boiled egg and noodles. Pair with other PA Dutch dishes for a stick-to-the-ribs meal.
13 Authentic Amish Restaurants Near Lancaster PA
We first went to the Bird-in-Hand Family restaurant on Old Philadelphia Pike after visiting the one-room schoolhouse at the Amish Farm. The food is so good here!. Most of the food they make from scratch using the freshest ingredients and you can definitely taste the difference.
Exploring with Kids: 36 Hours in Lancaster, PA
Look for a lunch or dinner “smorgasbord” at Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant with plenty of tasty options, like chicken pot pie and fried chicken, as well as a soup, salad and bread bar. There’s also an all-you-can-eat dessert bar with egg custard pie and red velvet cake.
Top 11 Things To Do In Bird In Hand, Pennsylvania - Updated 2025
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. Your mouth is watering, isn't it?. Come enjoy our French Toast Sundae for Ice Cream for Breakfast Day at Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant this Saturday, Feb. 6, 7-11 am.
Ultimate day trip to Amish Country, PA
Bird In Hand is the quaint name of our favorite town to explore on an Amish Country day trip because of the cultural experiences around the village. The countryside is idyllic, there’s authentic Amish theater, and a one room Amish schoolhouse!
Things To Do in Lancaster With Kids
Home cooking and food fresh from the surrounding farms, this all-you-can eat smorgasbord buffet will make your whole family deliriously happy. We’re talking food coma happy. Kids 12 and under will love the Noah’s Ark Kids’ Buffet.
Top 10 Cheapest Places To Live In Lancaster County, PA
Next up is Bird in Handwith a median home price of $407,992 and a median rent of $1,603. Learn more about the housing market in Bird in Hand. Median Home Price / Sqft
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