This Massive Buffet Arguably Has the Best Amish Breakfast in Pennsylvania

The Lancaster area has become one of my go-tos for regular travel, as I just can't get enough of the authentic Amish food on order around every corner. My favorite spot in the area has got to be Shady Maple Smorgasbord, a massive buffet that's become famous around the country for its bountiful Amish feasts. For lunch and dinner, there are hearty portions of meat like carved-to-order briskets and crispy fried chicken, alongside authentic sides like buttered noodles and BBQ lima beans, plus a huge dessert selection featuring favorites like Shoofly Pie.

But I've got to say, as much as I love the dinner spread, it's the best Amish breakfast in Pennsylvania that I make time for each and every time I'm here. Not only is this the largest breakfast buffet I've ever seen, but it's an incredibly affordable feast—all-inclusive for under $20—featuring some unique Amish treats that have become among my favorites and a fantastic rendition of my all-time top breakfast food. I was lucky enough to go again recently, and this buffet was just as memorable as ever.

Located in the tiny town of East Earl, Shady Maple is a massive complex that has become the heart of the local Amish community and a huge tourist destination. The property contains a large farmer's market-like supermarket; a Good's Store selling hardware, clothes, and more; and a massive buffet and gift shop in the central building.

The dinner at Shady Maple Smorgasbord is very famous, but the breakfast might be the best deal in town. For just over $15 on weekdays and under $20 on weekends, this truly all-inclusive meal has people lining up as soon as the clock hits 7:00 a.m. six days a week.

The spread here is truly massive. There are over half a dozen buffet tables featuring foods both familiar and unique. The breakfast meats table alone had four types of sausage, unusual meats like Amish pork pudding and New Jersey-favorite pork roll, and some of the crispest bacon I've ever seen on a buffet.

I always start with three items: Amish specialty scrapple, a unique sausage made with ground meat and cornmeal; the crispy cornmeal cake, a light treat that goes perfectly with hearty breakfast meats; and the massive slices of corned beef hash, crisped up to perfection.

The buffet also features eggs, at least four types of breakfast potatoes, French toast, sweet options like oatmeal bakes and waffles, and more—but if that's still not enough, the restaurant has four grill stations running at all times, offering custom-made omelets and pancakes.

Saving room for dessert may be a challenge, but it's worth it—this section features homemade whoopie pies and more, but the highlight is definitely the buffet table filled with more donuts than could fill a Dunkin'. From classic chocolate-glazed to Amish apple fritters, it's a sweet tooth's dream come true.

Have you experienced the best Amish breakfast in Pennsylvania? If not, tell a hungry friend about this article and try it for yourself! You can see all the delicious details, plus the rotating dinner specialties for each night, on the Shady Maple Smorgasbord website. While you're here, make sure to walk across the parking lot to Shady Maple Farm Market—this massive supermarket always leaves me wishing I had more space to bring things home! If you need a place to stay in the area so you can be here bright and early for breakfast, I always choose Country Squire Inn & Suites. This upgraded motor inn offers comfort and great amenities at a reasonable price.

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