Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Lititz Family Cupboard offers a quintessential dining experience for anyone seeking a taste of traditional Amish cooking. This family-style restaurant and buffet is a go-to spot, particularly for large groups and families exploring Lititz and the surrounding Lancaster County.
If you find yourself traveling through Amish country, encountering large family restaurants specializing in “Dutch-cooking” is almost inevitable. Similar to the Der Dutchmen establishments found across Ohio, Lititz Family Cupboard stands out as a spacious, independent eatery capable of accommodating even the largest parties. During a bustling Saturday morning visit, our group of 15 was seated without hesitation, highlighting the restaurant’s impressive capacity and family-friendly atmosphere. The sheer size and efficient service make it an ideal choice for those traveling with numerous people.
One of the undeniable highlights of any Amish-style restaurant is the presence of freshly baked donuts. At Lititz Family Cupboard, these delightful treats are often found both within the restaurant and in an adjacent bakery section. Renowned for their soft texture and generous frosting, these cream-filled donuts are rumored to achieve their decadent richness through the use of lard – a testament to traditional baking methods.
Prepare to be tempted by a wide array of breakfast buffet options. While capturing the full scope of a buffet experience in photos is challenging, with its bustling lines, steaming trays, and stacks of plates, rest assured that Lititz Family Cupboard offers a comprehensive spread. Expect all the breakfast standards you could desire, from fluffy pancakes and scrambled eggs to crispy bacon, savory sausage, and golden toast.
Adding a playful twist to a breakfast favorite, the buffet also features French toast sticks – a fun and convenient way to enjoy this classic dish.
Beyond the usual breakfast fare, Lititz Family Cupboard truly shines with its regional specialties. Dishes like comforting pan pudding, traditional cornmeal cakes, and creamy chipped beef offer a genuine taste of local Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. These unique items provide a flavorful glimpse into the area’s culinary heritage and are worth exploring for a more authentic experience.
Among the buffet’s many offerings, the nutty cinnamon rolls particularly captured our attention. This is where the consistent warmth of a buffet setting becomes a distinct advantage. The constant heat keeps these cinnamon rolls exceptionally soft and sticky, perfectly melding the flavors of cinnamon, sugar, and walnuts into a truly satisfying treat. The warmth enhances the gooeyness and flavor profile, making them a standout item.
For those seeking a truly regional culinary adventure, scrapple is a must-try when in eastern Pennsylvania. The buffet scrapple at Lititz Family Cupboard proved to be a pleasant surprise. It was expertly fried to a crisp exterior without becoming soggy, and boasted excellent seasoning. If scrapple is to be done well anywhere, it should certainly be in eastern Pennsylvania, and Lititz Family Cupboard delivers, buffet-style or not.
And yes, the coveted donuts make an appearance on the buffet line as well! For many, these donuts alone could justify the price of the buffet. Their irresistible sweetness and soft texture are a perfect ending to a hearty breakfast.
My first plate showcased a mix of breakfast basics alongside some of the regional specialties – cornmeal cakes and chipped beef gravy. This combination offered a balanced introduction to both familiar and local flavors.
Plate number two included French toast sticks, classic French toast, scrapple, and a cinnamon roll. This selection highlighted some of the buffet’s sweeter and more indulgent offerings.
While Lititz Family Cupboard may not drastically differentiate itself from other similar family restaurants in the area, it reliably fulfills its purpose by providing ample comfort food and efficient service. The servers were attentive and prompt, the buffet was consistently replenished, and the overall atmosphere was welcoming. Positioned in Lititz, recently recognized as Budget Travel’s “Coolest Small Town in America,” Lititz Family Cupboard provides an excellent and convenient starting point for a day of exploring this charming town and its surrounding attractions.
