Foodie’s Guide to Lancaster City: Lunch Edition

Do you live in Lancaster and need a place to grab some grub over your lunch break? Or are you visiting from out of town and you are looking for some local recommendations? As a Lancaster native, I’ve got you covered! Whatever the reason is, the Foodie’s Guide to Lancaster City: Lunch Edition can help!

Let’s Lunch!

If you are new here, you might have missed the other foodie guides that I’ve posted. Don’t sweat it! I’m glad you’re here now. 🙂 If you came back for more… welcome back friend! In 2019, I started off on a journey to round up the best of everything from breakfast to dessert. Well, 2020 got in the way of that, but we’re back! You loved The Foodie’s Guide to Lancaster City: Dinner Edition SO much, I decided to make one for lunch! There are so many incredible restaurants in Lancaster City, so keep your eyes peeled for more guides. Whether you are in town for the weekend or you live here and want to try a new place, check out The Foodie’s Guide to Lancaster City: Lunch Edition!

1. Blazin’ J’s

15 E. King St, Lancaster, PA

Looking for something that will light up your taste buds? Blazin’ J’s is Lancaster’s favorite spot for hot chicken! Just like Nashville, these juicy, breaded chicken sandwiches are fried to perfection then dunked in sizzling hot sauce! Get the hot honey for a little relief, or try the mild for an even calmer experience. Don’t leave without an order of their fresh cut fries! Whatever they are topped with is *chef’s kiss*. If a sandwich is a little too much for you (because they are THICC), they also serve chicken bites, chicken tenders, and a Baby J sandwich. Wash everything down and cool off your taste buds with a blue lemonade. You’ll be back, trust me!

Recommendations: MYO Chicken Sandwich (Hot Honey, Pepper Jack Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Pickles), side of Fresh Cut Fries, and Blue Lemonade

2. Cabalar Meat Co.

325 N Queen St, Lancaster, PA 17603

Cabalar Meat Co. is the neighborhood hot-spot you never knew you needed! This butcher shop and eatery has quickly become a staple in the Historic District. Both adults and kids can find something to rave about on the meat-filled menu. While they specialize in meats, there are several vegetarian options for our plant-loving friends! Feeling thirsty? Nestled in the back of the restaurant is a Mad Chef Craft Brewing pop-up, which pairs perfectly with a juicy burger fresh off the grill. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, including their milkshakes! Lastly, you must try their mac and cheese at least once. It will change your life! If you couldn’t tell, you won’t be leaving the place hungry.

Recommendations: Chicken Parm, BBQ Bacon Burger, Pulled Pork Mac, Chocolate Milkshake (all paired with a flight of beer!)

3. New Holland Coffee Co.

29 East King Street, Lancaster, Pa 17602

New Holland Coffee Co. is not just a coffee shop! However, they do make a mean caramel macchiato. The café is smack dab in the middle of the city and provides the calmest ambiance for your lunch break. New Holland Coffee Co. prides themselves on a being a gathering place where you can chat over a handcrafted beverage and a delicious meal. The café offers a wide variety of breakfast and lunch items. In a hurry? Head to their website and seamlessly order your meal to-go! You won’t regret making a pit stop to this location.

Recommendations: Roasted Goat Cheese and Tomato BLT on Rosemary Bread or Croissant

4. Oola Bowls

23 N Market St, Lancaster, PA 17602 in Central Market

For a sweeter lunch option, Oola Bowls bring a bit of the West Coast culture to downtown Lancaster. Located in Central Market, their bowls feature blended açai berries, which are harvested from trees in the rainforest. These tropical berries are packed with vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants, so you can feel good about what you are putting into your body. You can try one of their signature bowls, or mix it up and build your own! Instead of using açai as your base, they also offer the exotic Pitaya, or dragon fruit. Don’t skip out on Grandma’s Granola, it’s the best part! If you can’t make the trip downtown, they have a location in Manheim Township and Lititz as well. Pro tip: You can now order bulk ingredients to-go so you can assemble your own bowls at home!

Recommendations: Regular Oola Bowl, Grandma’s Granola to-go

5. Frisco’s Chicken

454 New Holland Ave, Lancaster, PA 17602

You MUST check out this family-owned, local gem. Frisco’s Chicken is the textbook definition of the “American Dream”. Restaurant owner Francisco “Frisco” came to the U.S. from Peru with a little bit of cash and transformed his dreams and passions into success. This authentic restaurant serves up Peruvian-style charcoal chicken that is out of this world! Pair your 1/4 or 1/2 chicken with mouth-watering sides, such as Yucca Fries, Fried Plantains, or Black Beans. Step out of your comfort zone and try a traditional Peruvian drink, the Chicha Morada. Also, don’t forget to snag a few of their homemade sauces. They are perfect for dipping both the chicken and fries in! Last but certainly not least, finish off your meal with a slice of their fresh Tres Leches Cake made by Frisco’s wife. It is heavenly!

Recommendations: 1/4 Chicken, Brussels Sprouts, Chicken Fried Rice, Yucca Fries, Fried Plantains, Tres Leches Cake, Chicha Morada, Cilantro, Aji

6. Silantra Asian Street Kitchen

101 East King St, Lancaster, PA 17602

Silantra is the epitome of healthy fast casual. First, choose from a “bing”, their house made scallion pancake, or a bowl. From there, the options are endless! With mix and match vegan or meat options, you can create a dish that satisfies your personal taste buds. Also, Silantra seeks out the best ingredients possible, using many local, organic, hormone-free, and non-GMO options. Don’t forget to top your final creation with a few of their signature sauces! Bonus: Silantra gives back! 1% of their monthly sales is donated to a local non-profit. You can find out more about how they support their community on the take-out menu. If you need a tasty dinner in a hurry, Silantra should be your go-to!

Recommendations: Shrimp and Portobello combo with coconut rice, broccoli, edamame, carrots, cucumbers, kimchi, spinach, cilantro, and yellow curry sauce

7. Cocina Mexican

112 N Water St, Lancaster, PA 17603

If someone asks me where they can get tasty tacos in Lanc, my first recommendation is always Cocina Mexicana! Cocina is an authentic Mexican restaurant that serves up some of the best food that money can buy. While many are partial to their tacos, they also make delicious guacamole, quesadillas, and other Mexican staples. If you are vegetarian or vegan, they offer a wide variety of plant-based options, including cactus! In the warmer months, grab some tacos and sit in their courtyard with a cold beer from 2nd Gear (Columbia Kettle Works). It’s the combo you never knew you needed!

Recommendations: Shrimp Taco, Fish Taco, Arabes Taco, Guacamole, Pico and Chips, Chicken Quesadilla, and sauces

8. Souvlaki Boys

1 W James St, Lancaster, PA 17603

Did you know you can get authentic Greek food here in Lancaster? Souvlaki Boys serves up Greek street food that will make your mouth water! Try a pita with the traditional Gryo meat, or go with the grilled chicken. They have a handful of signature pitas to choose from that are packed with their fave ingredients. Not feeling a pita? Stick with a Greek salad, or try one of their skewer meals. If you are a feta-lover like me, add an order of Greek Fries to your meal (you’ll thank me later). Last but not least, grab some Baklava for the road. It’s a traditional dessert that is to die for!

Recommendations: Athena (with extra tzatziki), Greek Fries, Baklava

9. Sprout (of Rice and Noodles Vietnamese Eatery)

58 N Prince Street Lancaster, PA 17603

Sprout is the downtown location for Lancaster’s favorite Vietnamese Eatery. Located right in the heart of the city, Sprout offers many traditional Vietnamese dishes. If you are feeling super hungry, add an order of the fresh shrimp spring rolls to your meal. Try a Banh Mi sandwich as your main entrée or a vermicelli salad bowl if you are looking for something a little lighter. Feeling a little under the weather? We are convinced that their Pho has magical healing powers (not really…but it always makes us feel better)! It’s also the perfect comfort food during the winter months.

Recommendations: Goi Cuon Tom Nuong (Shrimp Spring Rolls), Cha Gio (Fried Egg Rolls), Bun Tom Nuong (Shrimp Vermicelli Salad), Pho Bo

10. Himalayan Curry & Grill

22 E Orange St, Lancaster, PA 17602

If you enjoy Indian and Nepalese cuisine, you will love Himalayan Curry & Grill! Tucked away in the heart of Lancaster City, Himalayan is a local staple. Pre-pandemic they boasted an AYCE lunch buffet that was not comparable to anything else in the area. Hopefully some day that will return. However for now, if your go-to order is curry, Himalayan offers a generous lunch special. For less than $12, you get a large portion of your curry of choice, basmati rice, and fresh naan. If curry isn’t your thing, they boast an extensive, authentic menu that includes classics like tikka masala and vindaloo. Currently they are only offering take/curbside pickup, but their food is just as delish!

Recommendations: Chicken Curry lunch special with rice and naan ($9), Chicken Tikka Masala

Dear Friends…

I hope that the Foodie’s Guide to Lancaster City: Lunch Edition was super tempting and made you hungry! I hope this will guide you to wonderful dining experiences with your loved ones, 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 Foodie’s Guide to Lancaster City: Lunch Edition are in no particular order. New guides will be created as new 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.