I Ate at The BBQ Barn: A Strip Mall Surprise in Pennsylvania That Should Be on Everyone’s Dining Bucket List

I just spent a few days in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and one of the things that always impresses me about the area is how diverse it is. The city center, where I arrived by Amtrak, is a modern city packed with restaurants, markets, and museums. The Amish area of the county, where I headed on day one for food shopping and dining, features charming small towns and small businesses. Then on day two, I headed to the busy tourist area of the town for a concert at the American Music Theater, which is surrounded by chain restaurants and strip malls. Surprisingly, though, one of the best food experiences I had on this trip was in a generic-looking strip mall—obscured by a Target!

This hidden gem BBQ spot in Pennsylvania, located on a working Amish farm that gives tours, is a seasonal cart offering authentic Amish chicken and pork BBQ. I couldn't believe this taste of Amish country was located so close to one of America's biggest chains, and if it's open when you're in town, it's well worth a visit.

The Lincoln Highway stretch of Lancaster is one of the most unusual, because it's the place where the traditional and the modern collide. Not far from a historic covered bridge, you'll find this nondescript strip mall. On the right, you'll find businesses like a PetSmart and a Cici's Pizza.

To the left, you'll find a massive Target for all your shopping needs. And smack-dab in between them, you'll find the Amish Farm and House, a unique attraction that offers guided tours of the Amish lifestyle. This was actually the country's first commercial Amish attraction, and it's still a favorite with school groups and tourists. But its biggest secret is one many locals have never seen.

Follow the signs near the right side of Target, and you'll find yourself at the BBQ Barn. This seasonal outdoor restaurant has an access point inside the farm for tour guests, but it also has a window for those who just happen to wander by. The specialty here is Amish-style barbecue, with prices and portions that can't be beat.

My meal, which was just a little over $10, was massive. I got a barbecue pork sandwich—it was lean, tender, and slow-cooked in a sweet barbecue sauce. It came with a trio of barbecued potatoes cooked in foil, a drink, a roll, cole slaw, and a locally-made whoopee pie for a sweet finish. Other entrees include ribs, a half-chicken, a barbecue chicken sandwich, and a chicken leg meal ideal for kids and small appetites. It's one of the best hidden gems in Lancaster, but it's only open during the warm months every Thursday through Saturday.

Have you ever tasted the food at this hidden gem BBQ spot in Pennsylvania? If not, make sure to tell a friend about this article and take the hidden path past Target the next time you're in Lancaster! Make sure to check the website of the Amish BBQ Barn to see when this seasonal restaurant is open. If you're vacationing with kids, this BBQ spot is only minutes away from Dutch Wonderland, a charming vintage theme park. And if you're looking for a truly unforgettable place to stay, the Fulton Steamboat Inn will transport you to the vintage age of cruise ships in an unforgettable themed stay.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.