7 Pennsylvania Buffets Serving Endless Options Beyond the Basics
Pennsylvania knows how to do buffets right, offering way more than your typical salad bar and fried chicken setup. From authentic Pennsylvania Dutch specialties to international cuisines, these all-you-can-eat spots serve up incredible variety that goes far beyond basic buffet fare. Food lovers across the state flock to these restaurants for their impressive spreads and unique offerings. Get ready to discover some amazing buffet experiences that will leave you planning your next visit before you even finish your first plate.
1. Dienner’s Country Restaurant in Soudersburg
Family recipes passed down through generations make this Amish country gem absolutely special. Their buffet showcases traditional Pennsylvania Dutch cooking at its finest, featuring homemade shoofly pie, fresh bread baked daily, and seasonal vegetables grown locally.
What sets Dienner’s apart is their commitment to authentic preparation methods. Everything tastes like it came straight from grandma’s kitchen, because it basically did. The restaurant maintains old-world cooking techniques that create flavors you simply can’t find elsewhere.
Expect hearty portions of comfort food that reflect the area’s rich agricultural heritage and culinary traditions.
2. Miller’s Smorgasbord Restaurant in Ronks
Since 1929, Miller’s has been perfecting the art of Pennsylvania Dutch buffet dining. Their massive spread includes over 100 items, from traditional chicken and waffles to unique regional specialties like chow-chow and pickled beets.
The dessert station alone deserves its own visit, featuring dozens of homemade pies, cakes, and Pennsylvania Dutch sweets. Their famous whoopie pies and fresh fruit cobblers disappear quickly, so smart diners head there first.
Miller’s also accommodates modern dietary needs with vegetarian options, gluten-free selections, and clearly labeled ingredients for those with food allergies or restrictions.
3. Regal Buffet in Reading
International flavors take center stage at this diverse buffet that celebrates Reading’s multicultural community. Chinese stir-fries sit alongside Puerto Rican specialties, while American classics round out the impressive selection.
Fresh sushi prepared daily draws crowds, especially during dinner service when the selection expands dramatically. The hibachi grill station lets diners customize their meals with fresh vegetables and choice proteins cooked to order.
Weekend brunch brings even more variety, including made-to-order omelets, Belgian waffles, and an expanded seafood selection. The restaurant’s commitment to freshness means dishes are constantly replenished throughout service.
4. Yoder’s Restaurant & Buffet in New Holland
Authentic Amish hospitality shines through every aspect of Yoder’s dining experience. Their buffet features traditional favorites like chicken and dumplings, beef pot roast, and fresh-baked dinner rolls that practically melt in your mouth.
Seasonal menus highlight the best local ingredients, with spring asparagus, summer corn, and fall squash taking starring roles. The salad bar features fresh vegetables and homemade dressings that complement the hearty main dishes perfectly.
Don’t miss their famous sticky buns, baked fresh throughout the day. These sweet treats have earned a devoted following among locals and tourists who often take extras home.
5. Manor Buffet in Lancaster
Contemporary meets traditional at this Lancaster favorite that updates classic buffet dining for modern tastes. Their salad bar features organic greens, artisanal cheeses, and house-made vinaigrettes that elevate the typical buffet experience.
The hot food stations rotate specialties throughout the week, ensuring regular customers always find something new. Monday might feature Italian night with fresh pasta and homemade sauces, while Friday brings seafood specials including crab cakes and grilled salmon.
Manor Buffet also caters to health-conscious diners with clearly marked nutritional information, low-sodium options, and a dedicated section for lighter fare that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
6. Shady Maple Smorgasbord in East Earl
Legendary among buffet enthusiasts, Shady Maple serves up an absolutely mind-blowing spread that attracts visitors from across the country. Their weekend breakfast buffet alone features over 60 items, including made-to-order pancakes and fresh fruit stations.
The dinner buffet expands to include prime rib, fresh seafood, and an incredible dessert selection that takes up an entire room. Their famous peanut butter pie and fresh fruit pies are baked on-site daily by skilled pastry chefs.
Plan to spend several hours here, as the sheer variety makes quick decisions impossible. Most diners make multiple trips just to sample everything that catches their eye.
7. Great Karoo Marketplace Buffet in Pocono Manor
Adventure dining takes on new meaning at this unique African-inspired buffet nestled in the Pocono Mountains. Exotic game meats like venison and ostrich share space with familiar favorites, creating an unforgettable culinary journey.
The restaurant’s safari theme extends beyond decor to include educational information about each dish’s origins and preparation methods. Servers happily explain unfamiliar items and suggest combinations that highlight the unique flavors.
Their weekend brunch adds South African specialties like boerewors and milk tart to the already impressive selection. The mountain setting provides beautiful views that enhance the distinctive dining experience perfectly.
