You Haven’t Tried True Pennsylvania Comfort Food Until You’ve Been Here

Lancaster might be my favorite spot in Pennsylvania, as the heart of Amish Country is surprisingly accessible via train and is the perfect gateway to a foodie dream trip. But while many of the best spots are located in the small towns surrounding the city, one of my favorite places for comfort food in Pennsylvania is right by the train station — only a five-minute walk, making it the perfect spot for a quick meal right after I get off the train or before I hop back on for a return to New Jersey. It's called the Neptune diner, and it's more than just a lunch counter — it's a trip back in time.

Coming from the Garden State, I know diners. These old-school restaurants are known for extensive menus, affordable prices, and a charming, no-frills atmosphere that's perfect for people looking for a quick meal before the workday. The Neptune Diner takes that appeal and kicks it up one more notch, infusing the menu with a healthy dose of Amish charm and local specialties. If you want a taste of what awaits you in Lancaster as soon as you arrive, you won't do better than a meal at the Neptune Diner.

What This Spot Serves the Best Comfort Food in Pennsylvania

No two diners are identical, and that's what makes them great. Back where I come from in NJ, it's common for diners to have extensive Italian menus alongside the burgers and omelets. Here in Lancaster, it's an authentic Amish flavor that works into every page of the menu — and surprisingly, this diner does those specialties as well as any of the traditional restaurants out in the country.

What To Expect When You Visit

When you step inside, you'll be impressed by just how old-school this place feels. It's an authentic 1950s-style diner, complete with the Formica counter and rotating stools. The diner is very small, and it fills up quickly during breakfast, but that just adds to the vintage feel. It's kind of fun to get to know your neighbors at a spot like this.

Another way this diner is incredibly old-school? The prices! I was blown away by how affordable everything on the menu was. Dishes come in hearty portions, and it's easy to mix-and-match a few small dishes to get a good taste of the whole menu.

The Must-Try Dishes You Can't Miss at Neptune Diner

I decided to order off the sides menu, because I will never get tired of Amish breakfast meats. I was happy with everything I ordered — the Canadian bacon was perfectly fried and bursting with flavor, and the scrapple was so crispy on the outside it almost tasted like eating a meat cracker with a tender, mildly-spiced interior. I also added a plate of home fries, but barely made a dent in the huge tangle of crispy-fried potatoes. From a look around me, the indulgent pancakes were a very popular choice.

If you still have room after your meal, make sure to stop by the classic dessert cooler. The pies and cakes looked great, but the signature dessert here is the Amish apple dumpling. This baked pie-like dessert has a huge cult following in the area, and these looked big enough to share.

Have you dined at this laid-back diner serving the best comfort food in Pennsylvania before? If not, make sure to tell a friend about this article so you can indulge in its over-the-top specialties on your next visit! You can see the full menu on the Neptune Diner website, and the Neptune Diner Facebook page frequently posts updates on their latest specials. If this diner gives you the taste for Amish comfort food, make sure to head about a mile up the road to the famous Lancaster Central Market, where you can find dozens of stalls selling local specialties — or head to the small town of East Earl, where Shady Maple Farm Market offers a shopping experience unlike anything else in the state.

If you're going to be traveling through the Keystone State and are looking for more indulgent experiences, check out Only in Your State's list of the 12 bucket list restaurants in Pennsylvania everyone should try!