Foodie’s Guide to Lancaster City: Dinner Edition

Do you live in Lancaster? Are you tired of going to the same restaurant every week? Or are you visiting from out of town, and you are looking for local recommendations? As a Lancaster native, I’ve got you covered! Whatever the occasion is, this Foodie’s Guide to Lancaster City: Dinner Edition will help you!

I Love Lancaster

Well, I never thought that I would still be living in Lancaster, PA. I always had big dreams to travel for work or move far away when I graduated college (and I almost did). Something about horse and buggies and the aroma of cow manure was not appealing as a teenager. However, God had bigger plans for me and my family. I am oh so glad I stayed! Lancaster has grown so much in the last ten years, it’s incredible. There are chefs, musicians, and celebrities flocking to the city because it’s THAT cool. The restaurant scene is so diverse and delicious that it was covered in the New York Times! Whether you are in town visiting or you reside in the area (like me), there is always a new restaurant to discover! The Foodie’s Guide to Lancaster City: Dinner Edition can help you do just that.

1. Zoetropolis Cinema Stillhouse 

112 North Water St, Lancaster, PA 17602

Looking for a fun night out with the family? Zoetropolis is both a restaurant and a movie theater! Tucked away in a cozy courtyard, the Zoetropolis Stillhouse features unique dishes and cocktails that have been crafted from a handful of local purveyors. The menu features many shared plates, which creates an exciting experience among family and friends. Cool points: they serve Lancaster Distilleries alcohol, which is made in-house! Looking for a restaurant on a Monday night? Each person gets a FREE movie ticket when dining in every Monday. Also, don’t forget to check out the music/events lineup on their website.

Recommendations: Seared Scallop Tostadas, Shrimp Sliders, Pulled Pork/Chicken Mole Tacos, Mac & Cheese, Hand Cut Fries (add cheese sauce), Deviled Eggs, Margherita Pizza, Seasonal Cocktails

2. Luca Italian Kitchen

436 West James St, Lancaster, Pa 17603

Luca is the PERFECT place for a special occasion or romantic evening. Known for their wood-burning kitchen, Luca infuses their menu with seasonal farming, which creates an unforgettable and ever-changing experience. They are known for their extensive Amaro collection, an Italian liqueur that is typically consumed after one’s meal. Small plates are the focus, as they encourage family-style sharing to enhance the dining experience. Pro tip: Don’t overlook the pizzas, as Luca is best known for these “Neapolitan-style” creations. Talk about an authentic Italian experience!

Recommendations: Scamorza, Norcia, Picante, Funghi, Pompeii Cocktail, Luca Affogato. Book a reservation at least a week in advance.

3. Lancaster Brewing Company

302 North Plum St, Lancaster, PA 17602

Known for their Milk Stout and other award winning beers, Lancaster Brewing Company is laid back and sophisticated at the same time. With TVs spanning the bar area, you can drink a beer and watch the game, or have a quiet meal in their separate dining area or outdoor patio. LBC prides themselves on a seasonal menu instilled with their homemade brews, fresh meats, and hand-cut fries. Their focus is high quality, natural ingredients, which is apparent in the quality and taste of their meals. Looking for a fun happy hour spot? They have food and drink deals every day of the week!

Recommendations: Milk Stout, Lemon Blueberry Shandy, Peanut Butter Ale mixed with Strawberry Wheat (PB&J), Sweet Potato Fries, LBC White Chili, Blackened Tenderloin Tip Tortiglioni, Crab Cakes, Pecan Crusted Salmon, Buffalo Cauliflower. Bar area seating is self-serve and full menu!

4. Decades Lancaster

438 North Queen St, Lancaster, PA 17603

Looking for a fun date night that includes entertainment and indulgence? Decades has everything you need for the perfect night out! Start the evening off at the bar with some unforgettable apps and craft cocktails. Then, hop over to the six-lane bowling alley, or throw it back by playing your favorite classic arcade games. Lastly, end the night with a unique dining experience as you connect with your mates over dinner and decadent desserts. Do not skip out on the crème brû·lée!

Recommendations: Soft Pretzel Bites, Skillet Cornbread, Tenderloin Tip Sandwich, Fried Cheese Bites

5. Horse Inn

540 E Fulton St, Lancaster, PA 17602

Covered in wagon wheels and equestrian décor, the Horse Inn is a Lancaster classic and must-visit during your stay. Being that the city is surrounded by farmlands, they provide a farm-to-table menu that does not disappoint. While their menu is seasonal and can be eclectic, they boast a cheeseburger that is the talk of the town. If you want a next-level dining experience, eat at one of their two bars and watch the magic unfold. Their award-winning bartenders put on a fantastic show as they mix up mesmerizing cocktails with house-made ingredients. Feeling a little risky and want to save some money? Ask for a “tub beer”. For $2 they hand you a random beer from the bottom of a bathtub. Past surprises have included PBR and Genesee. Lastly, don’t forget your quarters! You can play foosball while you wait for your table.

Recommendations: Horse Fries, Horse Inn Cheeseburger, $2 tub beers

6. Callaloo Trinidadian Kitchen

351 North Mulberry St, Lancaster, PA 17603

Transport yourself to the Caribbean by making a reservation at Callaloo. As a small, locally owned restaurant, your dining experience will be personal and memorable. Educate yourself on Trinidadian cuisine by reading the diagrams that are painted on the walls. One dish in particular, the Buss-Up-Shut, is a classic and cultural experience that uses dough instead of utensils. Sounds interesting, right? Don’t hesitate to ask your server for recommendations, as they will guide your taste buds on a flavorful journey. This is the type of food that you did not know you were missing.

Recommendations: Buss-Up-Shut with Curried Vegetables… Pro tip: pick a different dish than your friend and share! Call ahead for a reservation or you may not get a seat

7. Old San Juan Latin Cuisine + Rum Bar

25 West King St, Lancaster, PA 17603, Hager Arcade Building

Old San Juan is a hidden gem! Tucked away off West King Street, the restaurant offers authentic Latin cuisine and slammin’ rum cocktails. When you walk through the door, you’ll be transported to a Caribbean oasis filled with Latin music and island vibes. Begin with one of their tropical beverages and you’ll start the night off just right. Having trouble choosing your meal? Order a few large plates and share among the table. However, be careful! Their main entrees are large and you will have leftovers. Bonus: Swing by on Tuesday night for empanada night. It’s $1 for the empananda of the day!

Recommendations: Shrimp Creole with Sweet Plantains, Black Beans, and Cuban Rice, Beef Empanadas, and ANY of their tropical drinks.

8. The Pressroom Restaurant + Bar

26 West King St, Lancaster, PA 17603

Nestled inside the historic Steinman Hardware Building, The Pressroom provides a unique atmosphere for the modern restaurant go-er. Specializing in craft cocktails and cozy menu items, you will have an exclusive meal that features and supports a handful of local businesses. Check out their happy hour specials, including $1 oysters and champagne on tap! Also, check out the outside Park Bar in the warmer months. It’s a beautiful location to enjoy your meal.

Recommendations: Deviled Eggs, Mez Up the Night, Smashburger with Fries, Tiramisu

9. Annie Bailey’s Irish Public House

28-30 East King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602

If you’ve been to Lancaster before chances are you’ve been to Annie Bailey’s. If you haven’t, that has to change! Annie’s is a traditional Irish pub that brings the community together. A mix of American and Irish pub fare is on the menu, along with every kind of beverage you could imagine. Order a traditional Irish beer, or try out one of their signature cocktails. In the Summer, chill out on the back patio for happy hour with your friends. Whether you grab a Guinness or a bite to eat, you’ll leave this place feeling fully satisfied (in both your belly and your soul).

Recommendations: Crab Dip with Pita Bread, Cheesesteak Eggrolls, Soft Pretzel Rods, Irish Nachos, Shepherd’s Pie

10. 551 West

551 West King Street, Lancaster, PA 17603

You didn’t know you needed to check out 551 West. This recently renovated restaurant and bar is tucked away on the west side of the city. Head up to the top floor for a casual dining experience, or head out to the roof for some city views. There’s no doubt that you’ll want to order one of everything on the menu. Everything is made in-house and fresh daily (except for the mayo lol). Also, check out their website for the latest info on karaoke nights and live entertainment! Pro tip: Don’t leave without a piece of their decadent cheesecake. Ask your server for the flavors of the day!

Recommendations: 551 West Burger, Seafood Martini, Famous Fish Tacos, ANY cheesecakes

Dear Foodie Friends…

I hope that the Foodie’s Guide to Lancaster City: Dinner Edition will direct you to wonderful experiences with your family and friends, and that you will fall in love with Lancaster just as I have!

This post may contain affiliate links, though all items are 100% recommended and used by myself personally. This means that at no extra cost to you, minimal compensation may be earned from any items purchased while visiting this site. This is to provide the ability for me to maintain the blog at no extra cost to you! 

These restaurants in the Foodie’s Guide are in no particular order. New guides will be created as restaurants are experienced. Many restaurants require street parking. However, there are handfuls of garages within walking distance around the city. Also, street parking is free after 6pm Monday-Saturday, and free on Sundays. Download the ParkMobile app for easy parking! Recommendations are encouraged for sit down restaurants.